The Arrival of Eldarion and Alyssa

[Eldarion]

As the elves of Lorien and southern Mirkwood, left their homes, either to go to the undying lands of the west, or to go south to settle elsewhere. Eldarion and Alyssa had now come to Fangorn forest, after their journey from Lorien which had been emptied of elves. It was not far from Lorien to Fangorn, cause now the forest whom for years had been small, had now spread further and now it reached the borders of Lorien and Mirkwood, as well much of Isengard and Dunland on the other side of the mountain.

With a large parade of men and elves from Lorien, Eldarion and Alyssa traveled in the front, on two white horses which had been given them by the elves. But in front of them, went to banner carriers, one of the human kind caring the tree of Gondor, the other a elf whom carried the tree of Lorien. And behind Alyssa and Eldarion, went wagons of elves and belongings, as well men whom followed Eldarion.

As they came into the deep forest of Fangorn, they could hear roaring and noises of the trees that lived. It could be no others then the remaining ents whom lived there, but those did not scare those whom now traveled, cause much was these familiar with them, and knew what to expect.

"Fangorn Forest we now have entered, it surely seems that the trees has found rest elsewhere in the world. The forest has grown much larger, then the time of my father." Eldarion spoke to Alyssa, whom rode beside him and with a smile, he looked at her.

[Alyssa]

As they arrived in Fangorn forest, Alyssa slowed her horse down, She took down her hood and looked around as the party moved on, She as well could hear the deep grumbles of the forests, The ents knew of both their families so they were protected.

Alyssa smiled as Eldarion spoke, she listened until he had finished then opened her mouth to reply, her voice was kept low but loud enough for most Members of the party to hear.
"Your father, is a great man Eldarion, He's done so much for this earth and everyone in it. He was born to protect theres no doubt about that. This forest is beautiful, It makes me happy that the Ents have regained courage to be abled guardians of the forest now"

A gentle but cold wind travelling through the forest, Alyssa pulled her cloak tighter around her, The remaining natural light was all but spent, The party were to rely on the 20 or so lamps that the guards and the elves had with them. The floor of the forest was shadowed by the forest roof, Some men talked between themselves as did the elves and Alyssa continued to talk to Eldarion. "How long before we must stop my lord?"

[Eldarion]

When Alyssa slowed down and lot the others behind them pass on, so did Eldarion restrain his horse as he listened to the words she spoke. It made him smile, but as she asked how long they would need to go before any rest could be given them, he replied with gentle words."Not long now, soon we will come to a clear opening near the foot of the mountains, there we may rest, cause it is also the home of Treebeard and I am sure, he will grant us some place to stay for the night."

After he said so, many of those whom heard those words began to speak to themselves and others near them, as excited they became to meet the Ents whom lived there. Carefully Eldarion approached Alyssa while they both sat on their horses still, and gentle did he lean to kiss her lips, as he at the same time touched her cheek. Gladly the horses was calm, and so she got the opportunity to feel his kiss.

"You will be a great wife, my love. Cause not only do you have my heart, but you also have the hearts of your people, whom adore you and look up to you. I am glad we can take this trip together, even my thoughts lingers on my father whom lies in Minas Tirith of sickness which has taken hold of him. At least, I got you still." Eldarion whispered as near they stood, not letting the others know of the terrible sickness of Aragorn, which could start trouble among the people whom they traveled with.

[Alyssa]

Now in the middle of the large party, They moved at a steady pace, Alyssa was listening to Eldarion again.

"I only ask because I think about the Men, Elves do not need sleep as much as Men do, you know this I believe..They will become tired soon...It will be nice to see Treebeard again, I went to see him with Mother when I was very small and I feel, with all thats been happening today, That I myself could take some rest...How about you? Are you feeling alright?"

Soon after Alyssa felt his kiss upon her lips, a smile soon followed and with the help of the horses being so close together, they were able to hold hands gently. The forest around them was quiet but the Members of the party were not so quiet, they spoke in a suitable tone.

Alyssa blushed slightly as Eldarion spoke to her, she knew what he was saying was true, her blush soon faded as he mentioned Aragorn, a look of concern came over her as she asked in a whisper, "What's the matter with your father Eldarion? What sickness? You can tell me when we set up camp?"

[Eldarion]

"Hm yes, I will tell you, but first we should set camp as you suggest, it should be good for all of us I believe." Eldarion said with a slight smile, as he came to reMember his father. It troubled him, but he tried to stay strong, for Alyssa and the people whom followed them. Without any more words, Eldarion gave the signal to the others for them to advance further, before he himself began to ride along side Alyssa. Many thoughts about his father came to him, and he became troubled, thought still he and the others had to keep on moving.

As the night soon fell upon them, they arrived the clearing in the forest, whom was the home of Treebeard. There they all stopped as Treebeard himself, came to grant them welcome. It was a large clearing, but with branches whom stretched over it all, and in the middle of it was a fountain where water sprouted out and ran down into the river Entwash further down into the deep forest. Here was the place, where Merry and Pippin had rested after their captivity by the Uruk Hai.

"Bor-ar-rum, greeetings...young friends of old...Welcome, to my home. Please, come and stay...I heard you aaaall have been traveling faaaar..from the forest, Lothlorien..I...hear." Treebeard spoke with a deep and trembling voice, which went slow into the ears of men, but which amazed them all.

"Greetings Treebeard, surely we have traveled far and we are thankful, that we are allowed to stay in your home. We shall only linger the night, tomorrow morning we will go on further south." Eldarion replied with gratitude, thankful that Treebeard allowed them. Cause some days earlier, they had spoken and Treebeard and told Eldarion he was welcome, if he ever was to return.

"I seee...come on in then, here you aaall may rest, cause no danger will you find here...But tell me, young prince...are the elves leaving?...I haave heard Lorien is being abandoned, is that soo?"

"It is Treebeard, many of the Elves whom has left Lothlorien, and also Mirkwood, have now gone over the mountains to the undying lands of the west. Those whom come with me, are those whom choose to remain with my love and wife to be, Alyssa. I believe you two have met before, at least such she has told me." Eldarion replied and smiled, but as they spoke with each other, those whom had followed began to enter the clearing and settled for the night. It was many whom wished to sleep, and it did not take long before they found them self a place to stay.

"O...what a shame, those elves were good toward us Ents..."Treebeard said and stopped thinking, then reMembered. "Alyssa...ah, yesss..I reMember that name...You are the daughter of Syene, the woman whom used to come and visit me years ago.."

[Alyssa]

Dismounting from her horse by the help of an elven guard, Alyssa walked gently to the side of Eldarion, there she looked up towards Treebeard and kept quiet while he and Eldarion exchanged words.

As her name was mentioned she took down her hood to reveal her face and she smiled brightly towards Treebeard, how lovely it was to see him again, He hadn't changed since the day her mother brought her to Fangorn in the days of peace.
She bowed her head respectfully as Treebeard talked to her.

"Treebeard, my brave old friend. It has been many a year since we have been together. What has been said is true, Myself, Eldarion and our party were the last to leave the wonderful tree city. No elf can find peace there, its time has ended and most have passed over the sea to Valinor, Including my Mother. You have done an excellent job at keeping the forest alive and well, It reminds me of the days I used to visit, in the days of peace."

She waited for Treebeards response and looked across at Eldarion with a smile, Then she looked across at those setting up camp, It was very kind of Treebeard to allow them to stay here for the night. The Men were setting up tents and beds, making small fires and preparing food, The elves were helping to unload the wagons and horses.

[Eldarion]

As Alyssa dismounted her horse and went on foot, over to Eldarion, he himself was still on the horse speaking to Treebeard. But as the word of his beloved Alyssa came forth, she herself took her hood of and remained Treebeard. It seemed he remembered now, but still his slow mind was often forgetting things. All around them, the people had began to settle and it was soon time for Alyssa and Eldarion to do so as well. Cause sleep did they both need, as a long journey they all had in front of them.

"O..I have not done much, princess Alyssa...what I did, was only to push the young treees further. It waaaas neeed for them to grow elsewhere, cause small...this forest haave become..." Treebeard responded and gave a slight smile, but his eyes followed what happened around, as all others went to set camp in the clearing of his home. "Hmm..I will now leave you all alone...cause I...myself will wander further, here youu may rest..but, be careful....drink of the fountain, and you will grow in hiiight..

With that said, Treebeard turned and went out of the clearing into the deep dark forest which surrounded them. And now both Alyssa and Eldarion stood alone, as all other around them were setting camp. Gentle Eldarion dismounted his horse without help, but quickly did he face Alyssa whom stood next to him and a great beauty he saw. The ring Nenya which shined on her finger, made her presence even clearer then before, but still she was as beautiful as she always had been. "Hm, strange this fountain. It seems now that we are left for ourself, guarded by the trees themselves. We should be safe her." Eldarion said with a smile, taking her hand in his as he looked deep into her eyes.

[Alyssa]

Alyssa bowed her head to Treebeard with a smile, She bid him a good night and asked him to take care, She watched as Treebeard left the glade, slowly but at a pace, she smiled after him and gave a little laugh. "I admire Treebeard as much as the next tree, The Ent's surely are a curious race."

Alyssa heard Eldarion drop to his feet and she turned slowly to face him, looking up at his face with a slight smile, the gentle breeze slid through her blonde hair, her eyes brighter than the stars even in the darkness, her skin showing no signs of weariness. She heard what Eldarion said and replied to him.
"I need not drink the water.." She grinned to herself and began walking towards the tent that was made up for them by both the Elves and the Men.

On her way an elven guard spoke with her in Elvish tongue, soon after she had crouched down by one of the men by the fire and spoke softly to him, then she rose and made her way to the tent, turning swiftly in Eldarion's direction as if to Beckon him.

[Eldarion]

Eldarion smiled in return of what Alyssa said, but watched her as they both headed for the tent that was prepared for them. As well did he watch, as an elven guard came to her and spoke in the elvish tongue. Eldarion knew the language, cause often had he spoken it, not only with his parents, but also others whom he had met. Still, he kept on walking as they spoke and as she went to speak with the men near the fire which was lighted, he told her to come over and such she did.

As they both headed for the tent which was set for them, they entered both gracefully and full of joy. It would be good for them both to sleep for the night which had fallen upon them all. With a look of love and a smile, he watched Alyssa standing beside him, gentle taking her hand in his as they went in to look. All around things had been settled for them, a bed, a place to sit, as well food and water for them to drink and eat. It all was lovely. The bed itself was not as comforting as the bed in Gondor, but made best possible for them to rest on fur, as such was also the ground beneth their feets.

"Our servants surely have made this tent good for us, it will be nice for us to rest here, don't you think?" Eldarion spoke on to Alyssa, wondering what she thought about it all. Hopefully she enjoyed it, as he too did.

[Alyssa]

Alyssa lowered her head as she stepped inside the tent, she placed a medium sized white sack near the bed of furs, lowering her hood she brushed her cloak behind her and let her hair be free of the small white band she had tied it up with.

Untying the silk rope around her neck, her cloak slid from her shoulders and into her arms then she laid the cloak down on top of her white sack, slipping her shoes off gently she sat upon the bed of furs and rubbed her neck, She watched as Eldarion brought things into the tent to keep them safe for the night and some guards helped him.

"We picked the best guards, They will help with whatever we need. And I think the set up is just fine, suitable for a one night stay..I believe we will sleep well tonight...We will wake just as refreshed as this morning, as will the guards and the remaining elves"

[Eldarion]

"Indeed, we surely will find rest here. Not only will the guards protect us, but also the forest. I believe this will be a night to remember, for all of us." Eldarion replied as he brought the things inside the tent, along with the guards. After it was done, he bid the guards farewell as they would stand outside to watch over them and the people. With them gone, Eldarion turned his attention back to Alyssa whom now sat on the bed, relaxing after the long journey. Her cloak had already been taken off, as well her shoes, and now Eldarion did the same. His long blue cloak which he had carried, he now took off, along with his shoes that he had on.

When it was done, he went to sit down next to where Alyssa sat and with a look of obsession and with great admire, he watched his beloved whom sat so nicely beside him. She was beautiful and he felt lucky, no longer would he need to feel alone as long he had her. But as he sat there, the thoughts of his father came back rushing to him. The sickness troubled Eldarion and he was afraid of what would come, if his father died, then it meant Eldarion would need to continue the rule in his stead. He was not sure if he would manage to take up the throne, even all his life he had been trained to it.

Hopefully with Alyssa he would manage, but afraid Eldarion was, if Alyssa would run away when the destiny of ruling as King and Queen would come to pass. With the look Eldarion now had on Alyssa, he slowly turned to look down on the floor, thinking what would come. A slight sigh he lot out, but did not want to trouble his beloved.

[Alyssa]

Alyssa could not help but smile to Eldarion as he looked at her, this was her life now, there was no turning back, she could not go and sit in the shell that was now Lothlorien. Her destiny and future lay in Gondor.

A moment passed and Alyssa noticed that Eldarion's smile had left him, His thoughts were elsewhere, She could see it in his eyes before he had turned away to look at the floor, hearing his sigh Alyssa decided to ease her concern and speak.

"Eldarion, Something troubles you, I see it in your eyes..What is it?" She knelt up gently now tucking her feet under her, closer than she was before as her concern for him grew a little more, her hands were rested on her lap as she spoke, a few strands of her hair blowing in the light wind that managed to get into the tent, her skin like pearls against the light of the lamps.

[Eldarion]

"Hm..well, it is...it is my father. A terrible sickness have now taken hold of him, his age is not as it used to be. He has grown old, and now he rests in the house of healing, at Minas Tirith with my mother. Both my father and mother traveled from their new home in Arnor, to visit me in Gondor, but on the journey my father became sick and now he trying to rest, with the help from others. I am afraid his time is soon over, none knows how long he has left, he has now aged 210 years, it is a long time for a normal human, but for a Dunedain it is as expected." Eldarion said with a sad voice, but tried to remain strong for his beloved.

After that was said, he turned to look at Alyssa once more and a slight smile was seen on his face, but gentle did his hand move to take her hand in his. And with hope for future, he believed they together could manage it all, even times of difficulty. Not only was her mother leaving, but perhaps also Eldarions father. It was a sad start of a great journey, but such was their destiny and such would they begin their life together.

Outside their tent, the people had began to fall asleep and the talks between them had began to be lowered into small whisperings. Throughout the camp, the wind could be heard as it went across them and the leaf followed from the trees. It was a nice place to stay, but it was only for one night, before they all would begin to move on.

With the comfort of Alyssa, Eldarion tried to restrain his tears and sadness. She was always there for him, as he always would be there for her. But he hoped, she would not leave him, cause then he would not know more to do. "I fear, if my father dies now...it will mean that I must become king, and if you marry me, you will be my queen and the queen of all others. Would you risk that? would you wish to stay with me, no matter what?" Eldarion asked curiously, swelling the tears he tried to restrain.

[Alyssa]

Wiping his tears away gently she gave a faint smile, she leaned forward, allowing her head to rest against his in comfort, she held his hand tightly with both her hands. Her voice was soft as she spoke.

"Nîn Meleth...Your fathers body maybe weak but his spirit remains strong, as does his heart. I too also fear for him, His time, just like my Mother's may be ending..My heart goes to the Queen, I feel saddened for both her and you my Prince." Her eyes met his, his eyes still remainded glassy from his past tears, her face saddened, how she disliked when her beloved was upset. She lifted his chin gently "Think not of what is to come, Think of the past, of what your father has done for this world. Only time will tell what will happen to his fate.

She kissed his forehead softly and looked at him once more.
"I will become your Queen Eldarion, I vow to stay by your side until the end of my days. I have no where to run to, I cannot return to Lorien now. The only place I could go would be Valinor, Because without you, I have no life. I would fade into the background of this world, I would live in the forests until my heart gave out. I will not leave you.

[Eldarion]

With the comfort words from Alyssa, Eldarion could not help but to smile again. She made him happy and she made his tears go away, close they both now sat and with her body near his, he felt the warm presence of having her close. "I am glad, Alyssa, you make my life better and without you, I would not know what to do. I also, vow to stay by your side until the end of my days. Cause I love you, and such I always will." He said as he looked upon her, seeing her beauty shine like light that gave warmth and love to everyone that stood near her.

"I will try, to think of better things then the illness of my father. At least, now we both got to think about this long journey and the people whom are with us." Eldarion continued, but leaned closer to his beloved, slowly moving to kiss her lips softly, as he wished to show his love and affection for her. She truly was a great woman, and Eldarion admired her more then anything. To her, he would give his life, as well to his people.

As Eldarion gave Alyssa a kiss, his hand moved to touch her cheek as to draw her near. It was a kiss of passion and love, and it felt as if nothing around them truly existed. The love which Eldarion had for Alyssa, was stronger then anything else, and as long she stayed with him, he forgot all the sadness that went in his mind. Now it was time to concentrate on the presence, and to remember all the good things he had.