Breaking Away-|| For the Moment ||_open_

[Arwen]

Wanting to feel the warm breeze and the sensations of a place Arwen once felt compelled to call home- had the Queen of Men returning. It was no longer her home- well not a place she called home any longer. She’d taken her risk and broken away from immortality and now she was simply mortal- but a Queen with a family behind her.

It had been a long journey- even if it was her, and her own infant daughter. She was escorted by two of Arnor’s finest- and they were all upon proud elvish steeds- built for endurance, speed and lightness of foot. They would travel for hours without stopping, and the horses seemed to chose the most accurate route- as if they knew where they were going.

Arwen’s daughter was but two years old now, and sitting in front of her mother- quiet with curiosity. It was time that her daughter visited a place of her ancestors and her family. It was time it became part of her daughter as well. Aragorn had become fairly busy with preparing Eldarion for the duties of a King, thus Arwen had taken the chance to busy her free time and make it something more. It would benefit her daughter in the days to come.

The horses walked slowly along the road leading down into Rivendell and the sight had Arwen’s eyes warm with tears- even if they did not flow down her cheeks. The place still reminded her of her family who were now over the seas… in a land that she could only dream of. But she had forfeited her immortality to be with a man she loved more than anything.

“Lady Arwen, do you wish for Alonso to ride ahead and alert the people of Rivendell upon our arrival?” One of her escorts rode up beside her and asked. Arwen kept her eyes ahead on the land. It held such a golden hue, the music of the surrounding lands… it was a valley of treasures. In the beautiful fall the leaves had speckled with gold, oranges and reds- making it appear as though it really was a treasure chest where the lid had already been open and now all you could do was watch its magnificence.

“No,” she shook her head, “Let us surprise them.”

“As you wish.”

The escort fell behind with the fellow escort and from down in Rivendell, people who glanced in the direction could see a loving mother pointing out certain features to her daughter who smiled with as much glee as the mother- as though they had been parted from this place to long. Where they were both under a spell mesmerized by the beauty that they had so long desired… in one way or another.

It had been a long time.

[Ellroher]

Ellroher had gone for a ride. He really didn't have much to do in Rivendell. He wife was the ruleing Queen and usally had things to do. So he used the time to take occational horse rides. His horse enjoyed the rides almost as much as he did. The Rivendell valley was beautifull to ride around and it always brought back memories of when he was an elfling. His twin sister, Elemmire had come with him today and, as usal, their ride had turned into a race. Ellroher had spent years living in Rohan, where you spent more time in the saddle of a horse than you did on your own two feet. He was an expert rider. And his horse was a fine breed. Only the King of Rohan had a better horse. But even then, he had fallen behinde his sister, who's horse had been born and raised in Rivendell and knew the path better than those who had made the path.

"I won, again." Elemmire said triumetly as Ellroher rode up beside her. Ellroher, who hated losing aruged. "Of cource you did. You cheated! You not only went before I said go, but you took a short cut and cut in frount of me!" Elemmire looked at her brother inosenctly. "Me?" Then she laughed out lould and said. "Your just a sore loser. Besides, I learned from the best." Ellroher had to laugh at that. He looked around the valley and knowtest three riders coming towards them. "Looks like we have some visiteres." he commented as he turned his horse towards them.

When they got closer, Ellroher reconized the rider holding a child. He dismounted his horse and bowed. "Well, well. To what do we own this unexpected visit from the Queen of Gondor?" Ellroher smiled broadly as he steped closer to the rider. "Aunty Arwen" He said like a young elfling. How many times had he yelled that through the halls of Rivendell when he was little. Elemmire came up beside him and exclaimed. "Oh, she's beautifull, Arwen. What's her name?"

[Arwen]

The sweet smell of ancient trees and the clear waters surrounding the realm of Rivendell were perhaps one of the fairest and satisfying things that Arda possessed. Lothlorien had been a place of great beauty, music- but it had never had such an amazing homely touch as Rivendell. Although it had been quite a time since Arwen had spent her time in either Rivendell or Lothlorien everything still remained tight in her memory. She was a very old woman- older the most left in Arda… even still her age did not show and she looked as young as her niece and nephew.

But if you looked closely into her eyes, or listened to her speak- her everything was bound by the wisdom of years and the dominance of time… almost. The young child in her arms would be her last- mortality in a way was forbidding her to have anymore. She knew now the perils of mortality- to have another child… as much a she would love to would be the last of her moments- which belonged to Aragorn… and she would never forfeit what she had promised him.

Her young daughter carried the same coloured hair, a light blue hue to her eyes- like her father… and she had all the elegance already of her ancestors- but still she was at the age where she was uncontrollable and curious. Only reticence kept her from breaking into her informal ways. But her eyes were keen with this new atmosphere… everything was new- and for the moment that was enough to consume a young child.

It was not long before the horses pricked their ears forward, and then a few moments longer did their riders catch on to what they heard. Breaking out from the forest that edged the winding path into Rivendell were two riders. They were elves- easily. But their appearances were much more modest and familiar. As they came closer, each person bar the escorts and the infant knew one another.

"Well, well. To what do we own this unexpected visit from the Queen of Gondor?"

The young male rider swept of his horse and sunk into a bow. "Aunty Arwen" It was not belong before his female companion broke in and inquired about her daughter, Oh, she's beautifull, Arwen. What's her name?" who was sitting in Arwen’s arms… attempting to sink back and in her mother… away from the strangers.

Arwen smiled, “It is good to see the both of you again,” she smiled, “Both of you have changed since we last had the pleasure of being in one another’s company. I thought now might be a pleasant time to introduce you to your cousin, Elaina- she is but two this spring.”

Arwen slowly slid off her mount, and then reached up for her daughter, and placed her against her hip. When the child tried to hide beneath her arm Arwen turned to her niece and nephew with a smile, “She is quite shy… but I assure you, once she comes to know you- she will be chaos,” she said in humour

[Ellroher]

Ellroher laughed out lould. "She will be chaos? My sweet, sweet, aunty Arwen. Have you forgoten?" He laughed again. "Have you forgoten about the chaos we caused?" He said as he pointed to his sister. "Or the chaos that our father and uncle caused?" He laughed, long and marry. "Poor little Elaina. There is nothing that she could do that we haven't already goten in trouble for."

Elemmire rolled her eyes at her brother steped closer to the little girl hiding in her mother's arms. She smiled, speaking softly in elven as she held out a small sweet. "Elaina, if you show me your pretty face, I'll give you a peice of candy to eat."

Ellroher had stoped laughing and said, "You have riden long and far. Let us proceed to Rivendell. Were we sit down and ketch up on all that has happened." He smiled and added. "I know Alatariel will be very happy to see you again aunty." Ellroher had always called Arwen 'Aunty'. Ever since he was an elfling he had called her that. When he got older, he still called her 'aunty'. It was just something he always had, and always would call her. Climbing back onto his horse, Ellroher started down the trail towards Rivendell.

[Arwen]

Arwen smiled at how warmly her niece and nephew greeted their new cousin. Elaina would be quite introvert until he felt comfortable with them. Her young daughter would be a handful- she’d be pretty and skilled… like all of her other siblings. She’d have so many expectations upon her… an in a way there was slight pity in Arwen’s heart- for she had known the power of expectations and she had nearly… very easily fallen into that trap.

"She will be chaos? My sweet, sweet, aunty Arwen. Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten about the chaos we caused? Or the chaos that our father and uncle caused? Poor little Elaina. There is nothing that she could do that we haven't already gotten in trouble for."

Arwen laughed casually, “Yes, I do quite remember the mischief my brothers got up to- and then the both of you following in their footsteps quite easily. You were all to adventurous for me-,” she sighed and looked at Elaina who still hid in her arms, “… but believe me- she is quite a handful when she wants to be, and I am quite sure she’ll match all of you when she gets to an adventurous age. Do not forget that she has ranger in her- as well as the same blood lines as your father and uncle.”

She slightly positioned herself towards Elenmmire as she approached, so that Elaina was an inch closer to her cousin. Elaina peeked out and then quickly hid under the arm again, and not even Arwen’s gentle stroking of her curls were enough to get Elaina to come out of hiding.

"Elaina, if you show me your pretty face, I'll give you a piece of candy to eat."

For a moment longer the little Princess hid beneath Arwen’s arm considering the idea. Then she slowly peeked one eye out and moved no further. Arwen’s smile broke out again- her daughter was very much as shy as she would be rebellious in the years to come.

"You have ridden long and far. Let us proceed to Rivendell. Were we sit down and catch up on all that has happened. I know Alatariel will be very happy to see you again aunty."

Arwen nodded- it had been a long journey. It was always a long journey now. The smallest of travels would sometimes make her sleep for a day over. That was mortality for her. It was an odd sensation, “Yes. That sounds like a pleasant idea. I have missed Alatariel’s companionship- it will be good to be once again in her humble presence. You all must visit us in Arnor soon.”

She slowly turned around and pulled Elaina from her grip and placed her up on the saddle of Arwen‘s mount- breaking away Elaina’s cover. Elaina was used to sitting in the saddle by herself and was quick to position herself easily. For a moment her pretty little face was exposed- her rosy cheeks broke out- her bright blue eyes standing out and how lovely brown tendrils dancing in the slight breeze. Arwen then mounted behind her, and gathered the rein- her horse already taking a step forward and following Ellroher’s.

[Ellroher]

Ellroher rode ahead wile his sister rode closer to her aunt. Elemmire talked about Rivendell, although there wasn't a whole lot to talk about. The elves had not been doing much except living. There were no new children in the and hardly anyone travled to Rivendell to visit. Altought Rivendell was still beauteful beyon discription and was always full of music, it just wasn't the same as it had been. Elemmire sighed, "Sometimes Arwen, I don't know why I'm still here. Why haven't I left Middle-Earth to see Grandfather and Grandmother. Ellroher says that he belives that the elves still have some part left to play before we leave Middle-Earth. But he has no idea what that part is." She sighed again then looked at Elaina sitting in frount of her mother and smiled. "Or maybe I stay becuase I wish to see little Elaina not shy away from her cousin."

[Arwen]

The world of Rivendell had not changed. It was as it always had been- and that made it special. There was always a deep connection there… a deep sense of it being home. Arwen had dwelled in Rivendell for so long- that it was a second home to her- but for awhile it had been painful returning- because it was a constant reminder of the family that she would never see again. Her mother… her father.

But she had her own family now. They had blossomed and grown into strong and beautiful people- and she had Aragorn… whom she loved so dearly that she had given her mortality away. Arwen listened to her niece carry on about Rivendell and what had happened of late- which wasn’t much. But she had always loved her niece, gently communicating and filling her in. It helped the communication levels- helped them all feel connected in one way or another.

"Sometimes Arwen, I don't know why I'm still here. Why haven't I left Middle-Earth to see Grandfather and Grandmother. Ellroher says that he believes that the elves still have some part left to play before we leave Middle-Earth. But he has no idea what that part is…Or maybe I stay because I wish to see little Elaina not shy away from her cousin."

Arwen nodded, she would counsel her niece and nephew whenever they were in need of her advice or simply the assurance of their existence and presence on Arda. Elaina bounded in the seat finally- looking a little more excited with the change. But she never looked at Elemmire… just straight ahead. When her cousin said her name she took a quick glance, stuck her tongue out and hid beneath her mother’s arm.

Arwen laughed, “Elaina must learn her manners as well. Do not fear Elemmire, Elaina will grow close to you and your brother in no time. Meeting new people is always scaring and intimidating. Now, Elemmire you are immortal- you have years and years to live. Embrace Arda and its beauty while you can- for when you go to Valinor you’ll never come back again.”

She took a deep breath, remembering when she had ignored her chance to go to Valinor because she had been in love. She was still in love.. And no matter how beautiful Valinor was said to be… she was happy here, “You will see your grandparents in due time. Right now your path has you lined up for something else. Everyone that exists has a part to play, no matter what race. But do not try to rush time- you’ll find that you will regret it. You’ll find the reason for being here soon, have hope my dear.”

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

Alatáriël sat at her desk in her study, which was once Elrond's former study, her chin resting in her hand and an open book in front of her. Upon the pages were Elvish text, written by her own hand. All writings of Imladris came to an end after Elrond's departure. However, Alatáriël had discovered a book among Elrond's things in the study. It was blank, nothing written in it. She took the book and began to write in it. Although it mainly recorded the Fourth Ages events of Imladris, it was also ended up becoming a personal journal. Her thoughts and views of everything that went on around her. The old days. The future of her home and the few folk that still dwelled in it.

She grieved. The decay of the land was slow, for her strength alone kept it from doing so. It tired her, so she rested. She wondered how much more she could handle. She was not Elrond. Dark thoughts would sometimes linger in Alatáriël's mind, and she understood it not. Failure was always one of her greatest fears, for much weighed on her shoulders over time. Failure was never an option.

Alatáriël turned a page and picked up her quill and dipped it into the inkwell. Ellroher appeared at the door, asking if she wished to ride with him. Without looking up, Alatáriël turned down his offer, claiming that she was busy when truthfully, she really wasn't. She took the quill and began to write on the blank page before her. She wondered if even Elrond had to clear his own thoughts sometimes.
Putting the quill down, Alatáriël turned and gazed out the window. She could still hear the sounds of the falls, a sound she had always loved. She thought back to the times where she would stand near the falls and feel the mist against her face.

Alatáriël did not know how long her attention was focused outside. She assumed a while now. She heard the sound of hooves approaching. She husband and sister-in-law had returned from their ride. But, there were more than two horses. Two others, perhaps three were with them. Just then, one of her guards came in. "My Lady, visitors approach the city." Visitors? No one ever to visit anymore. She wondered who it could be. She thanked the guard and waved him off. She picked up her book and returned it to it's hiding place. Alatáriël then picked up her cloak and wrapped it around herself. Winter was near and she felt the cold in the air as she stepped outside. She waited only a few minutes when she saw Ellroher and Elemmire ride around the bend, and too her surprise, she saw another familiar face.
"Lady Arwen!" Alatáriël greeted cheerfully and walked down the steps to meet her. "This is certainly a surprise, I hope your journey was well, how fair thee?" she asked.

[Arwen]

It was no longer her home- well not a place she called home any longer. Wanting to feel the warmth and sensations of a long time sanctuary, Arwen had found her way back to Rivendell. Arwen’s daughter was but two years old, and sitting in front of her mother- quiet with curiosity. This place still reminded her of the closest parts of her family who were now… in a land that she could only dream of.

The horses walked easily, with a long stride along the winding path leading to the main parlour of Rivendell and the sight had Arwen’s eyes warm with tears- even if they did not flow down her cheeks. Here was her people of old, her rested remnants of her past.

The escort still followed behind, yet they were not as cautious as they had been earlier. Ellroher had ridden ahead to alert Rivendell of Arwen’s arrival- where only Elemmire had lingered close by, to watch her young cousin whom wouldn’t even look at her for a mere second. Yes, the young princess was quite shy. But that would soon disappear- and she’d be a terror.

The sweet smell of ancient trees and the clear waters surrounding the realm of Rivendell were always a joy to the memory- rekindling memories… thoughts- all the things that had been lost along with Rivendell when Arwen had taken on mortality. She was a very old woman now- older the most left in Arda… even still, her age did was not keen to show and her appearance was as young as her niece and nephew. But if one looked closely into her eyes, or listened to her speak- everything was bound by the wisdom of years and the dominance of time.

Just around the bend, the horses came to a pleasant stop- in front of them a mob of gathered elves ready to greet them. One stood out the most, and it was Ellroher’s wife… and the Guardian of Rivendell- Alaterial.

"Lady Arwen! "This is certainly a surprise, I hope your journey was well, how fair thee?"

The elf moved down the steps as she spoke, and Arwen slowly dismounted, “Suliad,” she smiled, elvish still easy to take off the tongue, “Surprises are always good,” she smilled warmly, “The journey was long… I fear time is caching up with me- I’m not a young as I used to be… and travelling is getting harder and harder for me. However, I am well… and yourself?”

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

"I am well myself, my lady," Alatáriël replied. "I am glad to see that you are." She then noticed the small bundle in Arwen's arms, her face tucked in the nook of her mother's arm, as if though trying to hide. "Oh, and is this the new little princess?" Alatáriël said happily and clapped her hands together, excited to see an elfling again. Elf children no longer existed in Middle-earth and seeing one was a joyous thing. She and her husband had spoken of children, but never came to a decision and probably will not. Alatáriël wasn't sure if she could bring a child into a fading world.
"Ellroher, it's just what you looked like when I first met you," Alatáriël said laughing, still enjoying a simple tease every now and then over the fact that she was over 1500 years older.

The journey was long… I fear time is caching up with me- I'm not a young as I used to be… and traveling is getting harder and harder for me.

Alatáriël could see the age in Arwen's eyes and she knew it was catching up to her. She was actually older then Arwen, but her eyes said otherwise, after all, she was now mortal. "The mortality catching up with you, my lady, it surely must be hard to bear, come inside, I see that you are tired from your journey." She lead Arwen inside and sent for one of the handmaidens to bring tea. Alatáriël then lead Arwen down a hall and into a the sitting room when she offered the Queen a seat then pulled up and chair of her own and sat down.

"My lady Arwen, I must speak truthfully, I am not as well as I claim to be," Alatáriël confessed. "I am weary. Imladris is no wonder what it use to be but I try hard to keep it that way, but I am not Elrond. He bore a ring a power, he helped preserve the land here. I do not have the power he had, my own spiritual strength alone keeps the trees from the dying and the land alive. It makes much out of me."
Alatáriël paused when the handmaiden walked into the room, carrying a tray. She set it down on a nearby table and poured a cup for Arwen first, then one for Alatáriël. Then tipped her head to both ruling ladies and left the room.
Alatáriël took a sip of her tea before continuing. "I feel as if though I am a mortal who needs rest after a what they think is a hard days work. The Elves often come to me for help. 'My lady, this tree weeps, can you not help it?' I do not know how much more I can take. It has not been that many a year since Elrond had left. I understand their concern and I do not want to see the land die before my eyes either but I am not as powerful as they may think." Alatáriël looked down at her tea cup, the light shining from the window reflected in the liquid. "I will fade away and die here, I am sure of that."

"I know not of what Ellroher is thinking," Alatáriël said. "I do know he senses I am not well, but I do not say anything I know he will worry and will probably blame himself over the matter. He tries so hard to make sure I am happy and the last thing I wish to do is make it look like he is failing. I am aware saying nothing does not help the matter but I never know what to say."
Alatáriël set her tea cup down on the table. "Over the years, I've been able to give comforting words to those who needed it, now I feel as if though that wisdom is waning and I am the one who needs it."

[Ellroher]

Ellroher smiled as he dismounted and saw his wife come down the steps to greet the visitors. Alatariel had become... distant lately. She spent most of her time alone, trying to think of ways to keep Rivendell alive. "Perhaps the visit of my aunt will give her the answers she's looking for." He whispered to his horse. Steping closer to the group he over heard Alatariel comment and laughed. "I don't think I looked like a girl went I was little. Uncle Ellandan told me I looked like high elven prince when I was born." He smiled at Alatariel's tease. This is indeed what she need now. He thought to himself.

"If you ladies will excuse me, I must see to my horse. I'll join you all when I'm done." He looked at his aunt again and smiled, "It's really good to see you again aunty." Ellroher gave him wife a quick kiss and then led his horse away. As he unsaddled his horse and rubed him down, Ellroher began to think. "Alatariel needs this, everyone looks to her for answers and advice but she has no one to ask herself. Aunty knows as much about Rivendell and anyone, she'll be able to give Alatariel some comforting words." He frounded for a moment and whispered, "Since I am unable to comfort her." Ellroher sighed and shook his head. He would always be there for Alatariel. He loved her more than anythink else. Even if he couldn't help her, he would always be there for her when she needed him. Sighing again, he left the stables to join his wife and aunt.