all of them are waking up...oy

[lightofthestar]

My lady,

I would find it ever a kindness if you could perchance bestow your intentions. While I find little desire to venture forth from my kith and kin, as well as...others, if it be needful, so shall I acquiesce.

Although, I pray you, please, allow me to fulfill whatever duties you have in store for me so that I might return to those for whom I care and love, I desire not to be parted overlong.

Respectfully,

Undómiel~

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[lightofthestar]

[ Such a calloused touch, but one of which Arwen would never tire. For it was true, sincere and much belovèd. Her fingers turned in his soft grasp, brushing their naught but the tips along his rough jaw, yet a smile curved her lips, she leaning in to bestow a kiss to his forehead. ]

And yet you will be, my love. The very world speaks thus your name, all is but waiting for you to stride forth and claim your birthright. And you will be great.

[ But her impish smile returned, coupled with a mischievous smile deep in blue eyes. ] Although far too readily do I admit to keeping you as only my dearest Estel, for I have been bereft of you far too long.

[therangerking]

[ He cannot help but close his eyes at the kiss, feeling her chill sink against his skin, like cool breeze that refreshes him with just one touch.

The White Tree blooms, and the people of Gondor cheer his name. The armies follow him, and he wears their sigil on his chest. Yet- yet he is still a fool, for it is only with her words can he believe that the signs have not be misread. Boromir sinks the roots into his heart, but it is for Arwen that it blooms. ]

I will have you in Gondor, milady, seated next to be as my Queen. [ He curves his fingers against her smooth cheek. ]

Before this quest I would have scoffed at the idea, for I thought the throne of Gondor deserves you not, and I deserve it less. [ A beat, and he turns away, just a little. ] 'Tis but the folly of a Man.

[lightofthestar]

[ She leaned into his hand, eyes drifting closed with a small moue of contentment, they opening once more with his reticence. ]

Yet 'tis your heart which guides you, and always has. There is no folly in trusting in it.

[ The elfmaid reached out and, fingers 'neath his chin, turned him back to face her, leaning her head against his, offering peace and comfort. ]

To the ends of all the earth would I follow you, my belovèd, to stand by your side come what may. The past is not ours to bemourn, but rather the future to create.

[ Arwen gently stroked his cheek. ]

With you, I embrace it, unreservedly.

[therangerking]

[ He remembers his dreams of her. Even as the currents of the Anduin beats against his body and he breathes in more water than air, he had thought of her, and she has given him will and strength. Aragorn still knows not why she thinks of worthy of her, just as he knows not why Tinuviel had fallen for Beren, but the fact remains, and he is endlessly glad for it. ]

'Tis a short future. [ He can't help the words even as he leans into her touch. ] Men think a century more to live is long when one has almost live a century already, yet a century is not long enough for the mallorns to bloom.

[ He does not say: We will have to watch those around us grow old and die. He does not say: We will have to watch them fade and fall prey to diseases and weaknesses, making them shades of themselves.

He thinks she knows this truth better than he. She has watched him age while she remains unchanged, after all. ]

'Tis a cruel Gift.

[lightofthestar]

[ She knew. Long indeed had she contemplated the choice, long had she sat in silent tears that such must be so. But her choice had been made; she could not leave this Man. She loved him, and that in itself was simple enough. ]

Yet a future worth the living, love. [ A tender kiss to a rough cheek, and her smile reflected in her eyes as she held him close. ] And with you I treasure every single moment; a day with you is greater than a thousand years without.

[ Then a touch of steel entered her voice: ] And do not forlorn your heritage. You are of the Númenor, and more than worthy to claim that title. [ She loved him; she believed in him, but she wasn't about to let him dwell in misery forever. ]

[therangerking]

[ No, he will not dwell. It's partly due to her belief in him, partly because he has truly come into his own. He has fought alongside Men three times now: with Boromir, at Helm's Deep, at Pelennor Fields. He had walked the Dimholt Road with Anduril, Narsil Reforged, by his side, and the Dead had claimed him to be their King, and killed at his orders. Gondor's white tree hung around his frame, not comfortable, but not ill-fitting either.

He strokes against his her cheek. ]

Aye. [ Very softly. ] I know that now, for the Dimholt Road is cleared, and the skies of the East brightened with the sun. The Enemy's Lidless Eye no longer looks upon Gondor.

There is no more Isildur's Bane to be feared.

[ He reaches for her hand, and kisses against the knuckles again. ]

I have only one regret left: that I did not fighter harder and quicker, so you did not have to suffer under Sauron's evil.

[lightofthestar]

[ Arwen placed her fingers over his lips, stilling them. Shaking her head once, the elfmaid replaced her fingers with her lips, forgiveness in her gentle kiss. ]

Do not regret. It was my choice. I knew the cost 'ere I made it. And all darkness is behind us; our time has come. You and I will make our own path, our own way.

Give despair not another thought; let us simply rejoice in each other.

[therangerking]

[ He closes his eyes, leaning against her, forehead to forehead, breathing in her every exhale. Then slowly, he tips his head downwards and brushes his lips against her, and then leans in to deepen the kiss. ]

Aye.

[ Softly, barely audible enough for Elven ears to hear. Then he lifts his head and trails the kiss towards her temples, his fingers finding hers once more. ]

There are no more obstacles between us now.