Return to Valinor

Carantaliel left Frodo sleeping peacefully some hour or so before dawn. He stirred slightly when he felt her rise and she bent down to brush her lips against his ear to whisper tenderly, “Kaimo, Frodo .”

“Don’t leave me,” Frodo murmured sleepily.

“I am always with you, melethnín,” she assured him. “Go back to sleep…”

The Elven princess made her way back up to her own apartments and took a leisurely bath, thinking about all the events of the day before, both pleasant and disturbing. Her dream still unsettled her a great deal, but she told herself that Frodo was right. She had spent so many years in sorrow that it was difficult to trust the bliss. Still, Carantaliel had not told Frodo about her entire dream, for in it they had been painfully separated. She was determined that should not happen.

Finally ready to face the world again the she-elf dressed, putting on light breeches and tunic in case she would go with Frodo back to the glade to work.

Dawn was breaking as she headed to the stables to take Thaurrant for a ride in the cool of the morning. Enedvása was only just beginning to wake and Carantaliel hoped for a little more time to herself.

However, as she drew near the gardens her way was blocked by her stern-looking grandfather. “Good morning, Cara,” he greeted her neutrally.

“Good morning,” she checked her step only slightly. “I am going for a ride. Would you like to join me?”

“Not this morning,” he replied. “I want to have a conversation with you.”

“Oh, Elbereth!” Carantaliel thought to herself, but did not let her dismay show. “Certainly, my lord. Shall we sit?”

“If you wish,” said Elrond, “but what I have to say is brief.”

“Then, please… unburden yourself…”

Elrond crossed his arms, gazing down at his younger kinswoman. Carantaliel refused to be daunted by his scrutiny and he finally sighed and said, “Cara, I can see that all my advice will not dissuade you from loving Frodo.”

“No, it will not,” she lifted her head a little higher.

“Hear me out, please…” the elflord continued reasonably. “I am fond of Frodo, and it’s obvious that you are making one another happier than either of you have been in a long time. There is no arguing with that and it makes me glad to see you smile and laugh again.” She relaxed a little and started to smile, but he again continued, “However… I would ask you if this carrying on needs to be so obvious.”

“Carrying on? What are you talking about, my lord?” she asked.

“If you want to have secret trysts that’s your own affair, but must you hang about other people’s balconies in only your shift?”

Suddenly the absurdity of her hiding from Figwit the night before struck her funny and she laughed heartily. “Did I embarrass you, my lord? I am sorry…”

Carantaliel continued to giggle and Elrond could not help but crack a smile and laugh briefly. “No, I don’t suppose I was embarrassed, “ he replied then sobered, “but I can’t imagine Figwit would see the humor in it, my dear. It’s all well and good to have your fun, but not at the expense of another. You know Figwit values his reputation. He would not appreciate your making a fool of him, Cara.”

She sighed, seeing his point. “Of course, my lord, “ she replied. “That was never my intention. Though I wish he would mind his own affairs and stay out of mine. I don’t know what more I can say to him to make him realize that there is nothing he can say or do to win me….”

“CARA!?!?!” they both heard the sudden desperate cry and Carantaliel, recognizing Frodo’s voice, wheeled to see him on his terrace urgently stabbing a finger to the sky.


Frodo, too, had spent the morning in leisurely contemplation. His dream was fading, leaving him with only vague flashes of uncertainty. Donning his work clothes, he found his discarded shirt and sighed at the wine stain. The shirt was ruined, but the consequences were worth it, he suddenly thought brightly.

Again there was a knock at his door, and again it was Bilbo. Although the older hobbit looked much soberer as Frodo invited him in the room.

“Are you feeling all right, Bilbo?” he asked. “You look a little under the weather…”

Bilbo looked warily around the room and Frodo was amused by his kinsman’s curiosity.

“Is she here?” he finally asked. Frodo merely raised an eyebrow at him and Bilbo tried to stare him down for a moment, but the younger hobbit refused to buckle. “Thorin’s Beard, boy! You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that!”

Not really wanting to get into his relationship with Carantaliel with anyone, even his dearest kinsman, Frodo skirted the issue and asked, “So, have you come to read me your poem now?”

“Poem? What?” asked Bilbo, still somewhat distracted by what happened the night before in his cousin’s room. “Oh! That! Nevermind, nevermind… I read it over this morning and it still needs work. What are you up to today?”

“Back to the glade,” he replied and walked out on to the terrace. “There’s still a lot to do. You should come with me today. Look, you can almost see it from here…” he started to point in the direction of the hobbit hole when a dark speck in the sky drew his attention.

He watched it in consternation for a moment, for as it seemed to be getting closer to Enedvása it also was falling rapidly towards the shore. Suddenly Frodo realized what he was seeing and he blinked to make sure he was not dreaming again.

“Oh no…” he murmured and looked around helplessly. “It can’t be… Where’s Cara?”

Suddenly there she was, standing on the garden path speaking with Lord Elrond.

“CARA!?!?!” he cried out desperately.

Carantaliel and Elrond looked up at him and he gesticulated wildly at the plummeting spot in the sky. Frodo could see from her face that the she-elf understood instantly what it was and he turned to Bilbo who was watching him anxiously. “Bilbo, you must get Gandalf. Tell him to meet me on the shore…”

“The shore? Why the shore?”

“Because that’s where the eagle will fall! Hurry, Bilbo!”

Much to Bilbo’s great surprise, his cousin leapt from the terrace to the nearby mallorn tree and shimmied down its thick branches to hop lightly to the ground and take off towards the beach.

“That boy… there’s always a panic when he’s involved…” Bilbo shook his head and left in search of the wizard. “I thought this place was supposed to be carefree!”


For a moment Carantaliel was paralyzed. She saw the eagle falling to the shore and her fears immobilized her.

“Cara, what is going on?” asked Elrond sharply, which brought her back to her senses.

“It’s the eagle, herumin,” she answered. “It’s falling! We have no time to lose!”

Taking her hand, Elrond demanded, “Come… the shore is too far on foot. To the stables!”

Taking no time to bother with saddles and other tack, the two elves vaulted onto their mounts’ backs. Accustomed to their riders after many years of companionship, both the golden Thaurrant and Elrond’s gray Eärenya bore Carantaliel and the elflord effortlessly, tearing off towards the Sea at their slightest command.

Trusting that the princess would follow, Frodo ran towards the shore as he kept a close eye on the eagle. Soon a copse of trees obscured his view of the beach just as he saw the eagle’s massive body flail weakly and disappear behind them.

Redoubling his efforts, Frodo gasped for breath but trudged on and was soon rewarded with the sound of Carantaliel’s voice behind him calling, “Frodo, give me your hand!”

Still at a dead run, he seized her outstretched hand and Carantaliel drew him up behind her on the horse.

“He’s on the ground,” he gasped to her.

“Save your breath, Frodo,” she replied. “We are almost there!"


Gandalf was already on the beach with Bilbo when Carantaliel skidded Thaurrant to a stop in the wet sand. The wizard’s timely presence was explained by the sight of Shadowfax anxiously pacing at the edge of the water.

Frodo slid awkwardly off the back of the she-elf’s flaxen mount as Elrond also rode up to the scene. They were all horrified to see the eagle sprawled half in the water, half in the sand. Gandalf was stooping at the bird’s side, his hand lightly on the beast’s shoulder.

“Gandalf!” Frodo panted as he rushed to his friend. “Is he…?

“No, he’s still with us,” Gandalf answered. “This is Thorondil. I recognized him instantly. He’s one of Thorondor’s line, and what he is doing here in Valinor so far from his kin is a mystery.”

Calmly, Elrond joined them and commented, “His breathing is shallow. Have you found a wound? Has he spoken to you?”

“Not yet,” he replied. “We need to get him out of this water…”

“You will need more help than just those of us here, Gandalf,” said Bilbo practicably. “I shall go back to raise the palace.”

“I will take you back, Bilbo,” offered Carantaliel concealing her distress as best she could. She had slid silently to stand in Thaurrant’s shadow as she gazed bleakly upon the fallen eagle.

However, Frodo knew better and took a step towards her, “Cara…”

Silently she shook her head at him and took a deep breath to say to Bilbo, “Come, mellon nin. We must hurry.”

Frodo watched them for a long moment as Thaurrant galloped off with his lover and his kinsman toward the palace. After a time, Elrond put a comforting hand on the halfling’s shoulder and murmured, “Do not fear for her, Frodo. Cara will shake off her terror. She knows her duty.”

Looking up at the elf, Frodo replied, “You don’t understand, my lord. She has seen this. We both have…”

Elrond’s forehead furrowed deeply. “I would hear more of this, Frodo, when there is time. We must do what we can for Thorondil at the moment.”


Soon the beach was swarming with elves sent to help by Galadriel. The Lady of the Golden Wood accompanied them and was in close conversation with Gandalf and Elrond as they discussed how to deal with Thorondil’s removal from the shore.

Carantaliel also returned with the other elves and stood anxiously watching from the side, feeling helpless. Frodo was in the thick of it, as he was smaller and could get in places the taller elves could not. Despite her disquiet the princess could not help but feel pride for him.

Eventually, though, Frodo could do no more as they carried the massive eagle away from the water to a shelter erected in the lee of the cove. The hobbit stood apart and took a deep breath to get his bearings. He saw Carantaliel across the beach and her gaze beckoned him to her.

“Are you all right, melethnín?” he asked as he approached.

Skirting the question, the she-elf said softly, “Frodo, I must speak with you privately.”

“What’s wrong?” he drew her apart a ways.

Warily she looked up at the others and replied softly, “There is something I have to share with you. Come with me please…”

“Of course,” Frodo reassured her. “Where are we going?”

“Not here… please…”

He nodded, motioning her to lead on, and Carantaliel took him by the hand and guided him into the forest.

After a few minutes, Frodo was confused by where they were headed. It seemed she was taking him to the glade, but then Carantaliel suddenly veered in the opposite direction.

“Where are we going, Cara?” he asked again. “The glade is the other way…”

“We are not going to the glade,” was all she said.

As the princess’ distress was more palpable as they traveled deeper into the forest, Frodo did not press her for an explanation.

At last Carantaliel brought him to a clearing in the trees, although the sun did not reach the empty circle within the stands of slender beeches and sturdy oaks like it did in the glade. There was light, but it was quiet and subdued. Frodo gazed around the circle with wonder as he saw Elven statuary ringing the clearing as well. In the center was a small basin bubbling with a fountain.

“I know this place,” murmured Frodo with amazement. “I have seen it in a dream.” An anxious look crossed her face, but he was quick to reassure her, “No, not that dream. It was while you were gone. I dreamed you were here, offering me a drink from that fountain.”

Carantaliel looked at the fountain with bewilderment, “But that water is not drinkable. I have tried as long as I’ve been here to sweeten it, but it remains bitter and brackish. No one can explain its acrid taste.”

“It doesn’t matter now, Cara,” he said soothingly. “It was just a dream. There was nothing disturbing about it. In fact, it was quite pleasant…” he smiled thinking back on it. “Come now, tell me what is truly troubling you.”

“How can you be so calm?” she asked tearfully as she moved away from him. “If we shared this dream, you should know… you should have seen…”

Frodo followed her, confused by her distress. “Amin hiraetha, melethnín,” he murmured tenderly. The Elven princess buried her face in her hands, sobbing quietly. Concerned, he lightly touched her arm and asked, “Mani na ta, Cara ?”

His concern for her was deeply genuine and Carantaliel suddenly realized that as much as she had loved Tellonnion, he had never cared for her the way Frodo did. Pulling herself together, she wiped her eyes and spoke softly, “Laume, Frodo. Amin hiraetha .”

“Don’t be sorry. Tell me what has you so upset. Why are we here?”

Briefly Carantaliel tried to smile, “There are two reasons. First because I wanted to share this place with you, Frodo. This is my private sanctuary… or at least it used to be.”

“No more?” he asked.

“It gave me much comfort when I first came to Valinor, but it has been some time since I found any solace here. Even though I did not know Tellonnion’s fate for certain, he was lost to me nevertheless. I needed a place to mourn him.”

“So you created this spot for him?”

She nodded, “I once came here often, but it is a place of bitterness now. Some days I cannot even bear to see it.”

“What was your second reason for bringing me here, Cara?”

“Since his body was never recovered, I have very little of him to remind me of our time together. In fact nothing at all, save one thing…”

Smoothly she walked to one of the statues. Frodo had not noticed before that one was a near copy of the figure in Rivendell holding a tray upon which the Shards of Narsil once lay. This statue, too, held a sword. Yet, as Carantaliel lifted it reverently to show it to him, the hobbit saw that it was in perfect condition.

“This is Tarfinion? His famous sword?”

“It is,” she acknowledged. “The orcs would not touch it and left it where Tellonnion fell. My father rescued the sword and brought it to me.”

Frodo took the hilt of the sword and drew it several inches out of the scabbard. It sang brightly in response to his touch and the hobbit gasped appreciatively.

“It’s a beautiful weapon,” Frodo said, giving its exquisite craftsmanship another admiring glance before sliding it back into its protective sheath. As he stepped back slightly, he looked up at Carantaliel and asked, “Why did you want to show it to me?”

The she-elf had dried her tears and regained control over her emotions, but her sea-blue eyes were troubled and full of dread. “Because I very much fear you will need it.”

“I?” he asked, astonished. “I cannot wield that sword…”

“I think you may need to find a way, Frodo,” she told him. “I did not tell you everything about my dream. I thought perhaps you knew…”

Frodo shook his head slightly, “The dream has faded since this morning. I really only remember about the eagle. Why are you so afraid? I know Thorondil’s fall has us all unsettled, but surely nothing evil can harm us here in Valinor?” With sudden urgency he added, “Can it, Cara?”

“Yesterday I would not have thought so, Frodo,” Carantaliel replied. “Now I am not so sure. You see…” she started to tear up again, but managed to remain in control. “In my dream… in my dream we were parted, melethnín. I don’t know if I can bear the thought of it,” she whispered.

Though he was beginning to share her anxiety, Frodo said reasonably, “But we have been parted before, Cara. It was difficult, but we made it through, our feelings for one another even stronger than before…”

“I do not think it will be the same,” she insisted. “I sense great peril to us both.”

Grave consternation was written on the hobbit’s face as he asked, “What would you have me do? How can I ease your fears?”

“I do not know,” she shook her head helplessly. “I need reassurance that if I give my heart to you, Frodo, that you will always be with me. I cannot bear to lose another lifemate.”

“You are offering me your heart, Cara? Truly?” he was both astonished and gratified.

Carantaliel’s expression was almost hurt, “Do you not know how I feel about you then, Frodo?”

“I know how I feel about you, Cara,” he replied earnestly as he raised his hand subconsciously to his heart. “I did not dare to hope that my love for you would be returned in full measure. I am only a mere hobbit.”

“You are no mere anything, melethnín,” she suddenly smiled. “You have brought joy to my life when I thought I would never experience it again. It is I who am the poorer for fleeing in despair when I should have stayed to fight like your Éowyn.”

“There is bravery in tending to family. Celebrían needed you…”

Ruefully she answered, “You are generous to say it, and you have my heart whether we are together or no. Still, I know that if I lose you I will die of grief this time.”

Frodo still rested his hand on his chest and he felt the slight bulge of the white gemstone around his neck. Hesitating only a moment, he drew the delicate chain over his head and offered it to Carantaliel to wear. “There will be no need for that, cormamin, for no one is going to lose anyone. And if we should be parted, at least I will be with you in this.”

The Elven princess stared at the necklace with wonder, “How can you give me this, Frodo? It is a rare gift.”

“I think Queen Arwen would approve my offering it to you, melethnín. Your aunt gave this to me in place of the destroyed Ring. While I cherish it because of my affection for the giver, I find that since I came to Valinor I do not need it any longer.” He moved to draw it over her head and Carantaliel bowed slightly to accept it. “Aragorn told me before I left that even in his darkest moments, he felt Arwen was a part of him though they might be a world apart. I do not see why, if we pledge ourselves to one another, that it cannot be the same for us.”

As the starry gem settled lightly on her breast the Elven princess felt the weight of doom lifted from her slender shoulders. The promise of happiness filled her once again and she sighed lightly and said, “Frodo, your goodness and hope amaze me. After all that you’ve been through, how do you look forward with such trust in the future?”

“Do you not remember what I was like when I first came to Valinor, Cara?” he asked with a slight and knowing smile. “I have had my share of dark thoughts, but since I have come to love you those thoughts no longer rule me. Before we met, that necklace was my comfort, for Arwen told me when she gave it to me, ‘When the memory of the fear and the darkness troubles you, this will bring you aid.’ I would say the same to you, cormamin,” Frodo said as he placed his hand over the stone. “Estelio ammen, Cara… ”

Carantaliel clasped his hand over her heart and fervently promised, “I will!”

With a brief smile, Frodo stepped back and reverently took the sword Tarfinion from her to replace it on the statue’s shelf. “Let’s keep this here until it’s needed,” he said and then turned back to her to say, “And let’s hope that it’s not…” Soberly, the she-elf nodded. “Come, Cara,” he held out his hand to her. “We should leave this sorrowful place. We will be needed in Enedvása, and I think you and I should have a conversation with your family.”

No longer having any doubts, Carantaliel took Frodo’s hand and the lovers headed back towards the Palace by the Sea. The she-elf wondered what her family would say to them, but was confident that Frodo would neither be daunted nor defeated if there was any opposition.

She looked at the halfling next to her, not so small as she first remembered him, and knew that Varda’s prediction of her future held no terror for her despite the foreboding tenor of the message.


-end of Chapter Eleven-

“Kaimo, Frodo.” -- Sleep, Frodo
“Amin hiraetha, melethnín,” -- I'm sorry, my love
“Mani na ta, Cara ?” -- What is it, Cara
“Laume, Frodo. Amin hiraetha .” -- No, Frodo. I'm sorry.
“Estelio ammen, Cara… ” -- Trust us, Cara