Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: Sleep Well Sweet Prince (#3969)
Author: LadyRoisin
Chapters: 2

Archive: Tolkien
Category: Lord of the Rings
Description: While attending the funeral of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, Aragorn is faced with pieces of his own past that he must come to terms with. Please review and don't just rate!!
Published: 09 Dec 2008
Updated: 09 Dec 2008
Warnings: character death;angst
Type: Angst
Characters: Aragorn;Eldarion;Arwen;Elphir;OCs


Chapter 1 - Chapter 1

Title: Sleep Well Sweet Prince

Rating: PG-13

Author Lady Roisin

Summary: The royal family attends the funeral of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. While there, Aragorn faces ghosts from the past.

Warnings: Character Death, some potentially disturbing imagery for sensitive readers, angst. Story is un-beta’d.



Sleep Well Sweet prince

Dol Amroth – 34 F.A.

Already the first winds of winter entered the city from the bay. The crowds stood back from the streets to allow the royal party passage. Eldarion ride alongside his mother as they made their way to the castle of the princes. It was a somber occasion that brought the royal family to the coastal city in Southern Gondor. Today a great man and hero, as well as a long time friend, would be laid to rest.

Many of Dol Amroth’s citizens were garbed in the dark colors of mourning, and yet their eyes watched King Elessar and his family pass through their streets. It was the first time in many years since the King was their honored guest. Many who looked on now had never seen Elessar’s Queen or the Crown Prince. Even in the many pairs of eyes hope mingled with sadness. Imrahil’s loss was felt by all within this land. He was a just and wise Prince. Yet they felt hope in knowing Belfalas had such powerful allies who now joined them.

Arwen kept her eyes fixed forward, knowing if she were to look into the eyes of those who turned her way she would weep. She could feel their grief, and it stirred premonitions within her that she did not wish to face just yet. Instead she lifted a silent prayer to Elbereth on their behalf.

Aragorn allowed his eyes to fall upon the citizens that lined the streets. He knew and shared their grief, for Imrahil became a dear friend over the years. He was one of the great heroes of The War of The Ring, and for that alone, Gondor would always be grateful. Imrahil served as one of his chief commanders, along with The Steward, and Aragorn was grateful for Imrahil’s wisdom and guidance on more than one occasion. It was through Imrahil’s assistance that allies were made in Harad, and Corsairs no longer plagued Southern Gondor’s shores.

At last the royal party arrived at their destination and they were greeted by Imrahil’s sons. Even in the most somber of occasions, the sons of Dol Amroth did not withhold their hospitality. Aragorn, as well as his Queen and son, were escorted to a large receiving room within the castle. A most welcome fire burned within the hearth and the three were seated in comfortable chairs.

A young maiden entered the room and curtsied to the royal family. Arwen smiled upon recognizing her son’s betrothed. She stood from her seat to embrace the girl. It was over a year since they last saw her. The Midsummer’s feast was a drastic contrast to the dark formality of this day.

“I am so glad you have come.”

Aeariel held back the tears that burned underneath her eyes. She was determined to keep her composure even though she was screaming on the inside. Her grandfather was dear to her, and his loss weighed heavily upon Aeariel’s heart. Eldarion stood from his chair and moved to enfold Aeariel and his mother both in his own arms. Aragorn stood from his seat as well, but his approach was more solemn and measured. He placed one hand upon his Queen’s back, and the other upon his son’s, and it was in that manner he joined the moment. But one look in his eyes would prove the King offered the same sentiments as Arwen and Eldarion.

Aeariel could not help but allow herself a small smile amidst the outpouring of support that was offered to her and her family. At last she understood what it was Imrahil told her before he left this world. But her grief was still to near to speak his words and her epiphany aloud.

“Where are my manners?” Aeariel laughed softly. “You are honored guests in my father’s home.”

She turned to a nearby table where a servant had placed down a tray. Elphir’s daughter went about the task of preparing tea for the guests. The hospitable scent of the beverage filled the room and eased the minds of those present. Elphir entered the room then to welcome his guests as Aeariel served them the fragrant tea and food that was laid out for them. Arwen flashed the maiden a look of approval as Aeariel poured the tea into the queen’s cup. The Queen turned her attention to the conversation Aragorn was having with Elphir.

Eldarion smiled when his betrothed turned to him. His thoughts often fell upon her during the journey from Minas Tirith to Dol Amroth. It was nearly a month and a half since Aeariel’s last letter reached him, and in it she spoke of Imrahil’s fading, and how she feared to leave her grandfather’s side. It seemed strange at first how written correspondence could bring two people closer. But in their case it had done just that.

Eldarion knew a great deal weighed upon his binding with another. His bride would have to be a strong woman who could handle his long periods away from home, as well as the burdens that came with being wife of a future king. His bride would also have to be patient and wise in guiding their children, especially Eldarion’s own heir. The Crown Prince was learning firsthand how heavy the burdens of his father’s people could be, and not just any lovely maid of gentle birth was suited for a future at Eldarion’s side. But Aeariel was more than just a beautiful face. She was wise for age and kind. Through their correspondence, Eldarion realized she would one day make a noble Queen.

Two years ago negotiations began between Imrahil’s heir and King Elessar, and it was through Arwen’s advice that Eldarion and Aeariel exchange letters. The Queen’s advice proved wise and the two grew close. Both Eldarion and Aeariel were more than happy with the pairing, and so the betrothal was made public. Eldarion could remember the night he proposed to the Lady of Dol Amroth. He winced as he also remembered the sprained ankle gained by falling from the trellis. The pain was far lessened by the fact that both he and his lady carried it as a fond memory. Eldarion could remember how beautiful Aeariel was that night with her unbound hair and happy smile. That same joyful smile was on his beloved’s face when he last saw her at the Midsummer’s celebrations.

Yet Eldarion’s future bride did have the same radiance surrounding her that she did at Midsummer’s. Instead of her airy white gown, Aeariel wore one made of heavy dark purple velvet. It had a high collar that reached to her chin, and tight inner sleeves also concealed Aeariel’s arms from sight. Her chestnut brown curls were pulled back into a loose chignon, and a gold circlet held her dark veil in place. It was an often observed tradition in Southern Gondor for a bride to veil her hair from the time her betrothal was made public up until the day of her wedding. She wore a dark, opaque veil on this day, much to the Prince’s disappointment. But Eldarion remembered how Aeariel’s hair was unbound when he last saw her. Yellow flowers took the place of the gold circlet she wore now, and there was joy in her gray green eyes instead of sadness.

Aeariel longed to speak with her fiancé, but duty would delay their conversation for now. When Eldarion reached out for her hand Aeariel gave his a gentle squeeze, reassuring him that they would talk soon, before she moved on to attend to the guests that just arrived.

---------------------

Days passed since the arrival of the royal family in Dol Amroth. Many came and went to the castle, and Alphros seemed lost in a haze of a constant flow of visitors. He greeted many of them along with his younger sister, just as their father bid. Much of Dol Amroth came to bid farewell to their beloved leader.

The King and Queen of Rohan arrived a week later, and both siblings felt a bit grateful for the distraction provided by Eomer and Lothíriel’s coming. Aeariel had never met her aunt or uncle before, and so much of her free time was spent getting to know them. It was late in the evening when thoughts of Eldarion crossed Aeariel’s mind. She tossed and turned in bed for over an hour before she finally tossed aside the covers and placed her feet upon the floor. She didn’t know if Eldarion would be awake at this hour, but it was worth a try.

Aeariel put a robe over her thin nightgown and slipped from her room as silently as she could. The halls weren’t hard to navigate, even in the dark. She could walk them blindfolded if she had to. Thankfully she was able to find out which guest chambers Eldarion slept within. Aeariel lifted her hand and knocked gently upon the door. She hoped Eldarion would be awake, and that no one would see her in this hallway at this hour. She really wasn’t supposed to be alone with her fiancé. It wasn’t exactly forbidden, but neither was it entirely proper to visit him alone at such a late hour.

Aeariel waited for a few moments after knocking, and when there wasn’t any answer she decided he was probably asleep. She had just turned and taken a step away from the door when it opened and Eldarion peered out into the hall.

“Are you alright?” He asked blearily before rubbing a hand across his face.

Aeariel faced the open door and moved back to stand in front of Eldarion. “I’m sorry if I woke you. I just wanted to see you.”

Eldarion studied the tired expression on Aeariel’s face that matched his own. He stuck his head out into the hallway and looked from right to left before motioning Aeariel to come inside the room.

“You shouldn’t be out here dressed like that, and with bare feet none the less! Come in before you freeze.”

Aeariel allowed Eldarion to show her into his chambers and guide her to take a seat upon the couch that sat near the fireside. By now the flames were reduced to glowing embers, but they still provided some shadowy illumination in the room. Eldarion walked to the bed and removed one of the blankets before wrapping it carefully around his betrothed. Aeariel watched him as he bent to try and bring some life back to the dying fire.

“Were you not able to sleep?” Aeariel’s voice was barely above a whisper; as if she was afraid someone besides Eldarion would hear her. Her eyes flicked to the door that joined the room next door to the one she was within. She hoped that the King and Queen were sound asleep past that door.

“Don’t worry they’re asleep. I heard my father snoring just before you knocked on my door.” Eldarion reassured her after following Aeariel’s gaze. A small smirk came to the maiden’s face. She couldn’t imagine such a noble man snoring in his sleep. But then again, her brother snored, so maybe all men did it when they slept so soundly.

“To answer your question, no I wasn’t asleep.” Eldarion placed a small piece of kindling upon the fire. “You look very tired. You need your rest, meleth nín, especially after being such a gracious hostess to us all.”

“I couldn’t sleep either.” Aeariel said flatly and pulled the blanket closer. Eldarion frowned. He knew Aeariel well enough at this point to know she wasn’t one to complain, yet he could see the exhaustion in her eyes. He didn’t even have to say it aloud for Aeariel to agree that she hadn’t taken any time for herself to deal with her own grief.

“I’ve barely seen you since you’ve arrived with your parents. I’ve looked forward to seeing you again ever since we parted after Midsummer’s. But I know Grandfather would want me to help Ada, as well as the rest of the family. It’s been a constant stream of faces and things that I must do. And now that the funeral rites are tomorrow, I have this moment of silence, and I don’t know what to do with it.” Aeariel reached out for Eldarion’s hand and met his eyes with her own.

“I just knew I would not sleep until I saw you.”

Eldarion gave Aeariel a small smile before he leaned forward to place a tender kiss upon her brow. “I’ve missed you, but you really do need your sleep.”

Aeariel frowned.”Do you wish me to go?”

Eldarion shook his head. “No, that’s not it at all. I know you have a great deal resting upon your shoulders right now, and I don’t wish to see you fall ill from lack of care and sleep.”

He stood back onto his feet and held out his hand to help Aeariel rise as well. “I have something that may help.” He motioned for Aeariel to sit down on the edge of the bed before he went searching for something within a cabinet. Eldarion produced a small flask and a glass. Aeariel watched him as he poured a tiny bit of the liquid from the flask into the glass.

“Drink this. It will help you sleep as well as help you regain your strength.”

Aeariel took the glass Eldarion handed to her. At first she thought it was wine or cordial. But an investigative sniff proved it had a much lighter and sweeter scent.

“What is it?” Aeariel peered over the glass inquisitively.

“It’s an herbal remedy my father made. It’s helped me on more than one occasion.”

Aeariel nodded and drank down the contents of the glass before handing it back to Eldarion. He motioned for her to lie down on the mattress. Aeariel hesitated. “But this is your bed. Where will you sleep?”

Eldarion reached for the covers” There is a perfectly comfortable couch in this room, and I will sleep on it tonight. Don’t worry about me, just rest.”

Aeariel yawned and removed her robe before laying it over the back of the bedside chair. She lay back onto the cool sheets and they along with the soft pillows felt incredibly inviting right about then. Eldarion pulled the covers over her before walking over to the couch and lying down upon it to seek out sleep also.

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The sky overhead was as gray and solemn as the procession that walked from the castle and out into the main streets of the city. Eldarion walked with his parents and the King and Queen of Rohan. Ahead of them walked Imrahil’s sons and their children. The procession was led by the open casket bearing Imrahil’s body. Aeariel kept her eyes locked forwards, avoiding the casket. She couldn’t bear to look.

The streets were lined with onlookers who wished to pay their respects to their late leader. Many of them held votives lit by a candle within, and a few others tossed white flowers into the path of the procession. The processional went out of the city and down the promontory towards the shore. It was there that the final rites would be given, eulogies would be given by a few, and then their Prince would be sent out to sea.

Eldarion turned his eyes towards Aeariel. She stood next to the Queen of Rohan; her face was obscured by a dark veil. Aragorn’s son noticed Aeariel’s body shaking. Whether it was from the cold or withheld emotions Eldarion did not know. He wished with all his heart he could go to her.

Meanwhile, Aeariel was completely unaware of the fact that Eldarion watched her. Her eyes were closed, trying to shut out the sights of the funerary rites. If only she could shut out the sounds as well. Aeariel wanted nothing more than to run, to flee as far away as possible from this place. It was all too real, too painful. She jumped slightly when she felt a hand take hers. Aeariel opened her eyes look into Lothíriel’s face. She could see the faint traces of tears upon the woman’s cheeks. Lothíriel gave her niece a worried glance as she tried to rub the warmth back into Aeariel’s ice cold hands. Aeariel closed her eyes as she bowed her head. It was unfair that others could weep and she could not.

The hours passed and Aeariel’s body now felt as frozen as her heart. She opened her eyes when Lothíriel’s hand rested upon her arm. Aeariel could see her father and brothers looking back at her. Imrahil’s casket had been placed upon a barge covered with flowers and other momentous. It was her turn to say her final goodbyes. Aeariel released a ragged breath as her heart began to beat faster. It was the moment she dreaded. Her feet felt like they were weighed down with stones as she walked towards the barge.

Aeariel felt many pairs of eyes upon her, to many for her comfort. The urge to flee was great as she stepped onto the barge. She wished she could turn around and yell at the others to go away. But Aeariel would do no such thing even though she wished she could. Her hands began to shake even more as she looked upon her grandfather’s body. Tears welled up in Aeariel’s eyes before she could stop them. She knew it wasn’t proper to show her emotions in public, and so she tried as hard as she could to take in one deep breath after the other to calm down.

Imrahil’s face was so peaceful. It looked as if he merely slept. But Aeariel knew better. She sat by his side as he took his last breath. The maiden bent to pick up one of the flowers upon the barge and stepped forward to place it upon Imrahil’s hands. She tried to think of what she wished to say, how she wanted to word her final farewell. But the words would not come. Aeariel took a few more deep breathes before she whispered the only words she could think of to say.

“Please forgive me, I don’t know how to say goodbye.”

Aeariel stepped backwards hastily, nearly tripping over the hem of her gown. She wanted nothing more than to hide from the crowd around her. Aragorn watched as Eldarion stepped forward. His first instinct was to stop his son from breaking protocol, and to urge him not to interfere. But when his eyes caught sight of the way Aeariel shook from the effort of withholding her emotions, he also longed to run to her side. Memories of others who were lost along the journey of life came to the King’s mind, so many were taken far too early. Aragorn watched Aeariel turn her face away from the crowd. He remembered a time years ago when he saw her turn her face away from others as she shook from the weight of the emotions that threatened to break free. No! He could not remember that now! He couldn’t remember how he failed this household, how he failed her. But try as he might, Aragorn could not force the memories away. He bowed his head so none could see the silent tears that fell from his eyes.


Chapter 2 - Chapter 2

Title: Sleep Well Sweet Prince

Rating: PG-13

Author: Lady Roisin

Beta: None, any errors are unintentional, but my own

Summary: The royal family attends the funeral of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. While there, Aragorn faces ghosts from the past.

Warnings: References to a character death, some potentially disturbing imagery for sensitive readers, angst.

Disclaimer: All characters and places belong to Tolkien. No money was or will be made off of this story, and it was written purely for entertainment. The scene in which Eldarion recounts the memory of spilling cream on Imrahil is borrowed from Linda Hoyland’s lovely story “The First Feast”. The scene is borrowed with permission, and I highly recommend you read “The First Feast” if you haven’t because it’s a wonderful story. Thank you again, Linda!





Sleep Well Sweet Prince - Part 2

The feast after Elphir’s coronation was a stark contrast to the recent one held in Imrahil’s honor. Yet a somber energy still lingered in the richly decorated hall. Not even Prince Elphir managed a smile. Aragorn watched the Lord of Belfalas raise his glass for yet another long winded toast. But Aragorn’s mind was not upon the words that were spoken. Instead he brooded over the ritual of the celebration.

Why was it that Kings never lived to see their sons follow in their footsteps? Yet Aragorn knew why. Coronations were never meant to be joyful occasions, at least not for the one who wore the crown. It was just another event to remind them all of their mortality, and that even the greatest of men came to dust in the end.

Once the toast ended and Aragorn could make a polite temporary departure, he rose from the table.

“I will be back” The King murmured to his Queen as she looked up at him curiously. Aragorn moved stealthily from the room before others would notice. The wind outside was cold enough to cause even the most robust of souls shiver. Aragorn was about to take out his pipe when he noticed a figure seated upon the steps that led out into the gardens. He took a few steps forward before Aragorn recognized Aeariel’s features.

The King stopped still in his tracks as the memories returned. The images were still clear. Aragorn could still see the noblewoman’s face. Her ashen skin was taught against the bones of her face and hands. Most of the time her eyes were closed, but Aragorn could still see that hollow glassy stare in her green eyes. The pain and hopelessness forever locked in her gaze.

Not a single healer could save Elphir’s wife. Not even the healing hands of Envinyatar could halt her journey past the circles of the world. He had been her last hope, and he failed her. The memories shifted and a young child stood beside her mother’s bed. Tear’s clung to the girl’s lashes even though her father bid her not to shed a single one for her mother’s sake. The girl wiped them away hurriedly only to have new ones take the place of the ones brushed away by the back of a sleeve.

“Is it because I haven’t been good enough? Naneth, please don’t go! I swear I’ll try harder!” The girl spoke amidst choked sobs. She reached out to desperately grasp her mother’s hand. Her voice was strangled amidst the hiccups and sobs.

“I love you Naneth, and I promise if you stay I’ll work really hard at loving you even more and I’ll never ever be bad again, I swear.”

The girl began to cry harder as her father started to pull her away from the side of the bed. She clung to her mother’s hand and begged to be allowed to stay. Aragorn could see the fear in the child’s eyes. She was too young to understand death, yet she was old enough to know once she left the room she would never see her beloved mother again. Aragorn watched horrified as Elphir began to gently pry his daughter’s fingers from the dying woman’s hands. He yearned to say something, to protest. Why hadn’t he? It was true, he was not the child’s father, and he had no business telling Elphir how to handle his daughter. Yet Aragorn regretted that he had not spoken up. Had he been that afraid of causing political strife with allies? Oh what a fool he had been!

Instead Aragorn had done nothing as he watched Elphir carry his sobbing daughter from the room as she cried out for her mother. It was true that Elphir later regretted his actions as a distance was forever placed between him and his only daughter. Elphir had acted out of his own grief and despair, but the mistake was never fully mended or undone.

Elphir had sent Aragorn from the room also in a grief driven rage. It was then that the King saw the girl cradled on her grandfather’s lap as she wept bitterly into his chest. Imrahil held the child close as he murmured comfort to her. It was a side of the stern war hero that Aragorn had never seen until then. It was well known that Aeariel was special to the late Prince of Dol Amroth. She was the only one besides Lothíriel who could soft the austere features of the elderly lord. It was obvious to many that Aeariel was closer to Imrahil than she was to her own father. And after her mother passed, he was just about the only one she had to really turn to. There was no doubt that this loss had been an especially difficult one for her.

Aragorn turned his gaze back to Aeariel. The King sighed as he felt a slight nudge. He looked about, but no one else was around. Where had it come from? Aragorn turned his eyes back to Aeariel. He had failed her in the past. But maybe he was brought to this moment as a second chance to try and set things right. As Aragorn came closer, he noticed Aeariel shivering in the cold. She did not have a cloak or shawl to even help shield against the elements. Not even the heaviest velvet gown was enough to protect one from the elements. The King removed his mantle and carefully placed it over the maiden’s shoulders. It was made more for ceremony than protection from the cold. At least it carried the warmth from his body upon it and was better than nothing.

Aeariel startled as she felt the weight of the fabric rest upon her. She looked up to see the King looking down at her with a concerned smile.

“You should not linger out here, my lady. You will catch cold.”

“I don’t really care. At least then I can be allowed to linger in my chambers away from the others.” Aeariel whispered bitterly. Aragorn frowned as he sat down next to his future daughter in law. He winced slightly at how cold the stone was.

“Well, I would care if you fell ill. It would not be fair, especially when you have been such a gracious hostess to us all.”

Aragorn frowned as he looked at Aeariel’s face. He could tell by the puffy skin underneath her eyes that she had been crying. It would not do for a proper lady to cry in public, especially among such important guests. After becoming King and being married for a number of years, Aragorn began to gain a new understanding of the opposite sex. He was surrounded by women more so than he had ever been before in his life.

In the past he had known women through those in poetry and stories, along with those he had encountered along his many long journeys into the world. But now that he was among them on a daily basis, he began to see a broader picture. The lives of noblewomen were not always kind. They did not have the same freedoms as those who inhabited the villages and country homesteads. Gondor seemed especially strict when it came to the protocol for its women of gentle birth. It was true, Aragorn still didn’t really fully understand yet, and he wasn’t sure if he ever would. But at times like this, one should be free to grieve, no matter who they were. It seemed terribly unfair that one so young should have to carry such burdens in total silence and with a stoic face.

Aragorn wasn’t quite sure how to open up a conversation with Aeariel. Instead he reached out for her hands. They felt like blocks of ice and so he went about the task of rubbing warmth back into them.

“There really is no need to fuss over me, your majesty. I shall be alright.” Aeariel said blankly. Aragorn looked up to see in time to see the tears forming underneath the maiden’s eyelids before she turned her face away.

“You are to be a member of my household soon. It is only natural for me to show concern.” Aragorn remarked kindly. “Besides, I could not in good conscience let you go through this alone and still consider myself a true friend to your grandfather.”

Aeariel nodded slowly as she bowed her head. “I only wish I knew how to let him go. But I cannot. I could not even say a proper goodbye at the funeral.”

Aragorn nodded slowly. “I think most feel the same as you when faced with loss. It doesn’t always ease the pain. But at least you can know you are not alone.”

There was a long silence between the two before Aeariel spoke up. “I wish he could be present for the wedding. I wish I could have seen the pride in his eyes. After Naneth passed, I often felt like he was the only one who understood me at all, at least until Eldarion came into my life.”

Aragorn reached out to take one of Aeariel’s hands. “Your grandfather will be there. So long as you carry the memories of him, a part of him will always be near you.” The King looked down at his feet as he released a heavy sigh.

“I am sorry that I wasn’t able to save your mother.”

Aeariel turned her head so that she looked at Aragorn. His statement caught her off guard. He was the King, and Kings didn’t have to apologize for anything. At least that was the myth she believed. It was very obvious she had much to learn about the man who was about to become her father in law.

“It wasn’t your fault. She had been sick for as long as I could remember.”

Aragorn turned sad eyes towards the maiden. As he looked into her face, he realized why he was so affected by her mother’s untimely death. He had never fully reconciled his own mother’s passing. They shared the same pain, the same loss. Aeariel met the King’s eyes, and recognized the understanding carried within them. She knew parts of Aragorn’s story through Eldarion. In that moment, Aeariel realized she could extend trust to more than just her grandfather and Eldarion. Her heart was touched by the compassion in Aragorn’s eyes. It broke past the wall Aeariel held up for so many years against so many. The tears fell from her eyes now that there free to flow the way they needed to.

The King smiled sadly as he held his arms out to his son’s fiancé. Aeariel needed no further encouragement as she dropped her head to the King’s shoulder and allowed the floodgates to open. Once Aeariel allowed the tears to run their course, she released a heavy sigh and murmured sheepish thanks.

“When I was younger, I swore my mother was still around, even though I couldn’t see her. It was almost as if I could sense her presence.” Aeariel turned to meet Aragorn’s eyes once more. “Do you think that makes me crazy?”

Aragorn shook his head and gave Aeariel a small smile. “Not in the least, my lady. There were times when I was in the lonelier, darker places of the world that I sensed my own mother’s presence by my side. I don’t think they are really as far away as we fear. The pain never fully heals, at least not in this life. But I do often find comfort in knowing our loved ones have found their peace, and that a part of them is always near. No, I don’t really believe that we are parted from them for too terribly long. But I am sure if they could speak to us now, they would want us to live, truly live with the time we have.”

The King stood from his seat upon the steps before he offered a hand to help Aeariel rise. “And speaking of living, it really is too cold for you to be out here without an adequate cloak. It would not do at all for you to catch your death from cold!”

At last Aeariel did not protest. Instead she offered a small smile. Yes, maybe things would be alright after all. And the King spoke wisely. Both Imrahil and her mother would want her to live. And even though there had always been a distance between Aeariel and her father, she knew he needed her upon this day. At last Aeariel began to understand her grandfather’s words. No, it wasn’t too late, and today was as good as any day to try and start fresh.

---------------------------

Just as Aragorn predicted, Aeariel did fall ill. It was nothing more than a simple cold, but Aeariel felt awful. The only good thing about it was Eldarion insisted on tending to her needs. Aeariel laid back against the pillows after Eldarion fluffed them to his satisfaction. The Prince carefully tucked the covers around his beloved, making certain she was warm enough. He disappeared from her bedside just long enough to tend to the fire.

“There, that is better. Is there anything else you would desire to have?” Eldarion asked as he returned to his seat beside Aeariel’s bed. The maiden smiled and shook her head.

“You’ve tended to just about every need I could require, my love. Now come, keep me company for just a little while longer.”

The two sat in silence for a long while, each lost in their own thoughts. At last Aeariel reached out to take Eldarion’s hand as she smiled.

“I am glad you are here with me.”

Eldarion returned the smile as he grasped his betrothed’s hand. “I would not wish to be anywhere else.”

Aeariel looked down at their hands as her thoughts turned to her grandfather just as they had so many times over the past weeks. “He was so proud when he learned of the betrothal.”

The Prince laughed as he shook his head. “It’s amazing how things have changed. I’ll never forget the first formal feast I was allowed to attend. I’ll never forget to look on his face when I accidently spilled the cream from the dessert all over the front of your grandfather’s tunic.”

Aeariel’s eyes went wide. “You didn’t!”

“I’m afraid it’s true. I was still very young, and despite my mother’s instructions to ask for another utensil should I drop one, I bent to fetch the fallen spoon and knocked over the entire dessert in the process. I thought for sure it would cause a war, or cause something horrible to happen.”

Aeariel couldn’t help but laugh. She could almost see the look on Imrahil’s face. “Oh my goodness, I hope he wasn’t too hard on you. I know he could be stern at formal gatherings.”

Eldarion shook his head with a smile. “All was well in the end, and the incident forgotten. Well, it was forgotten by everyone but me!”

“Oh, you think that is terrible! I should tell you about the time I had come to my grandfather’s office to show him my embroidery. I had placed the hoop down onto a chair without thinking that Grandfather would sit down upon it! I never heard him yelp in such a manner before. From then on I took care never to leave an embroidery hoop with pins upon a chair again!”

Eldarion winced as he nodded. “That is good to know, meleth nín!”

Aeariel shook her head. “Grandfather gave me this kitten we called Snowflower. She was a pretty creature with a gray coat and white spots, hence her name. She went everywhere with me the first two years of her life. Even though Grandfather advised me not to bring Snowflower along for a state feast, I snuck the kitten along. Everything went well at first. I fed Snowflower scraps of food I did not care for, and no one was none the wiser. But then I made the mistake of dripping some ice water upon Snowflower’s head. She leapt from my lap and sprinted across the long table in a mad frenzy! Goblets were knocked over while food was splattered all over the table cloth and everyone’s fine garb!”

Eldarion howled out in laughter. Both of them laughed until their sides hurt and tears streamed from their eyes.

“Oh goodness, if our children take after us, I have a feeling they’ll keep the entire palace staff on their toes!” Eldarion commented as he wiped the tears from his eyes. The two smiled at eachother for a long moment. The thoughts of their life together were on both their minds. It wouldn’t be much longer now. Aeariel reached and clasped Eldarion’s hand in her own.

“I don’t think I could have gotten through all of this without you here.”

Eldarion smiled gently as he brought the back of Aeariel’s palm to his lips. “It may be the first, but it won’t be the last we shall go through times like this. But it helps to remember the brighter days. It is my hope that we shall have many in store for us.”

Aeariel could not find the words to respond properly to her fiancé’s declaration. Instead she sat up to embrace him. Little by little she was beginning to understand Imrahil’s words about learning to truly live life, and not just walk through it without joy or color. Aeariel lived her whole life in a strict proper state. Imrahil had helped to shape the young woman she was. But it was Eldarion who breathed life into her being, and made her more than just another stoic noble woman. Now Aeariel understood why Imrahil had such faith in Elessar’s son. They were made for eachother, and there was no doubts left about that now.

As hard as it was to say goodbye, Aeariel realized she didn’t have to know how. All she had to do was allow herself to live and allow her life to serve as a legacy to her grandfather’s memory.
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