The Garden of Dreams

Title: The Garden of Dreams

Author: Lady Roisin

Rating: PG/K+

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

Summary: A morning ride goes terribly wrong and Aragorn’s daughter is injured. But amidst the trouble, something else goes right. This is the story about the riding accident Elarinya tells Elboron about in Chapter 5 of “Changes” that caused her fear of horses.

Warnings: Character Injury, some angst. Some might consider this slightly AU because it involves Lorien and Olorin. It says that after Gandalf completed his task and left Middle earth, he never returned. But I think it’s a pity to never hear from such a wonderful character ever again, so I sought a way to include him in one of my Fourth Age stories without breaking canon. Olorin often dwelled in Lorien, the home of Irmo, the Vala of dreams. So I don’t think the situations in this story are entirely out of question. I have written it in a way that the reader may interpret Elarinya’s encounter as either real or a dream.

Disclaimer: The characters and places belong to Tolkien. No financial gain was made off of this story.



The Garden of Dreams



Elarinya urged her horse a bit faster, eager to show her father how much she had learned. It was the perfect morning for a ride, even if guards did have to tag along. Aragorn called out for his daughter to slow down. The terrain wasn’t as free obstacles as the open fields. Large rocks stood near the road. And their escort was lagging even more

“We should turn around soon. It would not do for me to be late to my meeting with the council, and for you to be late for lessons.” Aragorn called out as Roheryn caught up with Elarinya’s pony.

The Princess groaned. “Oh Ada, it’s too nice to go back just yet. Arien wants to run for a little bit.”

The King sighed. He didn’t really feel like going back just yet either. But nor would he ignore duty either, and he would set a good example for his young daughter. It was true, it was a lovely morning, and Aragorn had not had much time to spend with Elarinya lately, which he felt more than a bit guilty for.

“Very well, we’ll practice galloping for a little bit on our way back. We’ve gone quite far this morning. There will be other chances to go on our morning rides, I promise, sell nín.”

Elarinya’s frown upturned. “I’ll race you back!” The Princess’ pony bolted off into a run before Aragorn had a chance to agree. The King called out for his daughter to slow down. She was still within his sight when he noticed her horse rear up onto its hind legs. Elarinya cried out in surprise as she tried to get her horse back under control. Aragorn watched in horror as his daughter’s hold upon the reigns slipped. The King raced to Elarinya side. But it was too late. The horse reared again, tossing Elarinya from its back. Aragorn’s cry of horror echoed through the field as Elarinya’s body flew through the air momentarily before it landed like a discarded rag doll upon the rocks.

Aragorn jumped down from his horse, before breaking into a sprint to the place where Elarinya landed. The guards that accompanied them also came to a stop. The King could barely contain his panic as he knelt down next to Elarinya’s motionless form. From the waist down, her body was twisted in a most unnatural way.

“Go back to the city and fetch help!” Aragorn commanded sharply. Two of the guards rode off swiftly as Aragorn turned his attention back to his child. She was so still, too still, and a horrible dread began to fill Aragorn’s heart. He removed his cloak before balling it up into a makeshift pillow. The King placed the garment underneath Elarinya’s head and allowed his brow to drop until it touched hers. Aragorn’s hand rested on the side of his daughter’s face as his mind tried to reach hers.

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Elarinya blinked as she toppled roughly onto the ground. She looked up to see her surroundings, but they were entirely different. The Princess looked around for her horse, and could not see it. Had Arien run off? She called out for her father.

“Ada? Ada, where are you?” Elarinya called out as she stumbled down the pathway. Where were the rocks? Where was the long grass? Not even the guards seemed to be around. Elarinya looked around to find herself in a place she did not recognize. What happened? Where was she? The Princess ran along the path as tears began to fill her eyes. She called out for her father, but she could not see him. Elarinya looked back over her shoulder. For a moment she thought she heard Aragorn’s voice, calling out her name.

Elarinya screamed out fervently for her father, hoping he could hear her. Where could he possibly be? Suddenly Elarinya was afraid. If he sounded so far away, was he about to leave? Elarinya ran until she came to a gate. She could hear Aragorn’s voice beyond the gate, and she desperately wanted to reach him. But for as hard as Elarinya tried to push the gate open, it would not budge. Aragorn’s voice grew further and further away by the moment, until Elarinya could no longer hear it.

“Ada, don’t leave me here!” Elarinya screamed out. The Princess beat her fists upon the gate as hot tears spilled down her face. She began to sob hysterically as the situation seemed entirely hopeless. Her father was gone. Had he even heard her at all? How could he leave her here, all alone?

“Good gracious, who is making such a racket?”

Elarinya heard the unfamiliar voice and covered her face as she felt her body drop to the ground. She could feel eyes upon her as the owner of the voice drew closer.

“My dear child, whatever is the matter?”

Elarinya dared to peek through the space between her fingers to see a pair of benevolent bright eyes looking at her. Elarinya removed the hands enough to see a tall elderly man kneeling near her. As she looked upon him, the more Elarinya realized he didn’t appear as old as she first thought. He seemed to be neither old nor young. But how was such possible? He had long, pristine white hair, and a beard of the same shade. His eyes were like none Elarinya had ever seen. As she looked into them, Elarinya began to calm. Who was this man? Or was he a man at all?

“What is your name, child?”

Elarinya looked about before she wiped her tears with the back of her sleeve. Her parents had always advised her not to speak to strangers, especially if she should find herself alone. But something about the man’s eyes gave her a sense of trust. Somehow she knew he would not harm her in any way.

“My name is Elarinya, sir. I was trying to find my father. Please, can you help me find him?”

The man reached out to gently help Elarinya back onto her feet. This Elarinya was not a child he was familiar with. At least he could not recognize her as one of the Elvish children he had seen in the Gardens of Lorien. At first glance, she seemed Elvish, but a closer look hinted that she was not like the others who came to visit. He kept a hold of the child’s hand so that he could lead her towards the fountain. Many often gathered there, and it was likely her father would already be there, waiting for her.

“What is your name?” Elarinya asked as she looked up at the fair being that walked beside her. She was now in awe of him, for she had never seen another like him before. There was something magical and powerful about this being. Elarinya almost didn’t dare to believe he was real. But the hand she held was very real.

“I am known by many names, child. But you may call me Olorin.”

Elarinya blinked. “I think I have heard of that name before, but I am not sure. I’ve come across so many names in my lessons.”

The two reached the fountain and Elarinya’s eyes widened in awe. It was more beautiful than anything she had ever seen before. There were flowers she had never witnessed until now. The blossoms were white with pale golden tips. Each one seemed to carry a glow within it somehow. Elarinya was so fascinated with the flowers upon the water that she failed to notice Olorin’s perplexed expression. Much to his dismay, not another soul seemed to be around, which was most unusual for this time of day.

“What is your father’s name, young one?”

“Lord Elessar Telcontar. Please sir, we were riding together and I was thrown from my horse. But now I cannot find my horse, or my father. This place doesn’t even look the same.” Elarinya’s attention was finally pulled from the mysterious flowers as her thoughts touched once more upon her father, and panic returned.

Olorin’s eyes went wide. It couldn’t be. Yet there was no lie within the child’s eyes. He could scarcely believe it. Here he was, looking upon the child of a friend he had not forgotten, nor would he forget. Aragorn had a daughter. But why was she here?

Suddenly the answers were given within his mind. He could see Aragorn kneeling over a young girl’s broken body, pleading with her to return to him. Now it all made sense. But she could not stay here. No, this was not how it was meant to be. How could one so young be taken from her family now? Within his mind, Olorin petitioned The Valar to allow Elarinya another chance. The images once more passed through Olorin’s mind, more visions of pain and sorrow for the child who stood beside him. Yet amidst the trials, he saw many lives that were saved by her hands, so many which would not be saved if she were to leave this world now.

“Olorin, sir, I don’t know how I came to be here, but I would like to find my father again. Please help me?”

The Maiar looked down at the child with a sad smile. “Indeed, it is not your time to leave him yet. But The Lord and Lady say you must be the one to choose.” He knelt down so that he was at eye level with the girl. “It will not be easy should you choose to return to your home. I fear there will be many difficult years ahead for you, with many trials and troubles.”

Tears filled Elarinya’s eyes once more. “I do not care. I want to go home. I need to be home. Naneth and Ada will be very upset if I do not come home. I could not bear to disappoint them so!”

Olorin nodded slowly. “So be it.” He reached out and clasped both of Elarinya’s hands in his own.

“I shall show you the way back to your home, for I know the way.”

Elarinya frowned slightly as she nodded. She was eager to be home, but in that moment she felt sad to leave. It felt as if she was saying goodbye to a long time friend she had never known until now.

“Olorin, must we leave right now?” The Princess asked ruefully. “This place is so beautiful!”

The Maiar smiled sadly. “No, but soon. Before we go, might I ask one thing of you?”

Elarinya nodded eagerly “Of course.”

Olorin sat down on the edge of the fountain and motioned for Elarinya to take a seat next to him. “It has been a long time since I said farewell to my dear friend, your father. It would please me to hear of him and of your family.”

The Princess was all too eager to tell the Maiar of her family. The girl spoke with great pride when she talked about her parents, especially her father. She told him of the things Aragorn achieved as a king. Elarinya spoke happily about her older brother, Eldarion, and what a brave and kind man he was. She told Olorin how she wished to become a healer, like her father, and how Aragorn was helping her to achieve that goal.

Once she had finished, Olorin told Elarinya a couple brief stories about his adventures with Strider, Ranger of The North. The young Princess laughed at certain parts, while listening with great intent to the others. Her father had not told her these stories, at least not yet. It was fascinating to hear stories told from Olorin’s perspective.

The Maiar smiled as their conversation drew to a close. No doubt Aragorn would greatly miss such a gentle spirited child. Olorin looked up to the sky. Elarinya followed his gaze, but she could not see anything. She could clearly hear the sound of songbirds in the nearby trees. Even their melody brought a greater sense of peace. Only the touch of Olorin’s hand upon her shoulder broke the spell wrought by this place.

“It is time for us to go, child. They have deemed that we should not tarry any longer.”

Elarinya took Olorin’s hands as they both stood. “Will I ever see you again?”

The Maiar looked down at Elarinya with a sad smile, yet hope was in his bright, ethereal eyes. “I shall always hope so, one way or another. You must remember that there is always hope.”

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Elarinya’s eyes sprang open as awareness came back to her. Every nerve within her body carried the message of pain, everything hurt. The Princess could not help but cry out in agony. Aragorn’s voice could be heard nearby, attempting to sooth her. Tears of relief filled the King’s eyes. They believed she was dead. The odds were against her after such a fall.

Elarinya met her father’s eyes as the pain brought tears to her own. “Ada….”

Aragorn turned before holding a glass to his daughter’s lips. “Rest, sell nín. It shall be alright. Thank the Valar you still with us!”

The tonic took effect before Elarinya had a chance to gather response. The pain was forgotten as she drifted into a deep state of sleep so the healers could attend to her injuries.

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The weeks passed and Elarinya was still kept within the Houses of Healing. The worst of the concussion had passed while Elarinya still healed from a broken hip, as well as a broken right leg. It was terribly frustrating being unable to move about. Being confined to a bed was not something any child of ten enjoyed, much less this particular child.

Arwen spent much of her time with her daughter, reading to her as well as bringing other things to entertain the young Princess. Usually Elarinya would become bored with lessons as they dragged on. But lately they were a welcome change.

Aragorn was currently seated at Elarinya’s side, telling her stories about his days as a Ranger.

“I know it is not easy being confined as you are. But there was a time when I too had to share your fate for awhile.” The King’s voice held a bit of humor as he tried to cheer his daughter up.

Elarinya looked up with a slight knowing smile. “I know, you broke your leg after falling through a hole, even after Gandalf warned you it might be there. Elladan and Elrohir had to nearly carry you all the way back to Imladris.”

Aragorn’s eyes went wide with surprise. “I never told you about that. Or I do not believe I ever have.”

“I didn’t hear it from you. Olorin told me.” Elarinya said with a smile after shaking her head, causing her blonde braids to toss over her shoulders.

The King could not have looked more confused if he had tried. He had mentioned Gandalf before in his stories. But Aragorn was almost positive he had not mentioned this particular story. He knew the twins had not told it to her, and so that left just one possibility. The only problem was that possibility was impossible. Or was it?

Gandalf had long ago left Middle earth. There was no way Elarinya could have encountered him here in Gondor. But Aragorn’s mind went back to that horrible morning. He could still see Elarinya’s body flying helplessly through the air before landing roughly upon the ground. That same horrible scene still played in slow motion. Aragorn remembered how he had tried with all his might to revive his daughter, only to discover she would not wake. There was not a pulse, no sign of life for a long while. Then suddenly she was returned to them.

“Tell me more of this Olorin you speak of.” Aragorn questioned.

Elarinya told her tale of what happened from her perspective after she was thrown from the horse. She told her father every detail she could remember of the meeting with the one known as Olorin, and how he was like no other she had seen before. Aragorn reveled in Elarinya’s description of the fair one, taking heart that his long time friend was still tangible and real, even after his task was completed. Could it really be that the Maiar had helped Elarinya find her way back home?

Once the Princess had tired, Aragorn departed. The King was lost in thought as he wandered towards the courtyard where the White Tree stood. The memories of Gandalf were still near. Aragorn could not count how many times he wished he could still seek the Wizard’s council, especially in these days. Could Elarinya’s story really be true? Was it real, or was it only a dream? Aragorn wasn’t sure which he would rather believe. He didn’t like to think that his precious daughter was that close to being taken away from him for good. But Aragorn could not deny the fact that it brought him great hope that an old friend may have intervened on her behalf.

The King turned his face westward. He knew there were so many powers and beings at work within this world that he could not even begin to fully comprehend. But this time some of it hit close to home. To think their lives hung in such a delicate balance. But it was just another reason to treasure life all the more. Aragorn wasn’t sure what to believe about Elarinya’s tale. He knew she had spoken honestly, but there was so much to comprehend about what she said.

Aragorn looked at towards the western horizon as he focused his sight as far as he could see. Even though he would never know for sure what had taken place, he knew that someone, somewhere, had looked out for his daughter’s well being. Aragorn smiled as he murmured his thanks for the gift he was allowed to keep. He didn’t know for sure if a certain Maiar had heard him, but Aragorn was willing to believe that somehow he knew.