#this week is clearly an isildur week for me

[luzriels]

Isildur and Estrid in Season 2 of Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

[catyo90]

Starstruck: Elendil x GN!Reader

Anonymous Request: Short Drabble

SOME SPOILERS FOR THE SILMARILLION. SO IF YOU DONT WANT TO KNOW THE CANON OF SOME THINGS. YOUVE BEEN WARNED

The stars were high in the sky as they danced around the moon as you looked over the horizon seeing the sun setting over the waves making the waves look like shattered glass as they crashed along side of the ship. The ocean made you feel at home the most, you’d spent a lot of your time on the beach as a child. Despite having a great love and desire for the ocean, there was always a small hint of fear of the deep and because of that, you were a little afraid having been at sea for so long.

It had been weeks since the faithful set sail for middle earth. You were part of Elendils crew and had somehow been separated from Isildur and Anarion ships during a horrible storm that caused the ships to go in opposite directions. Now with Numenor gone Elendil decided it was best to make straight for the lands otherwise the others would run out of food and fresh water before they arrived. 

The last you saw of your home was the great wave taking the island back into the sea as flames of Sauron's temple to his master Melkor extinguished into nothing but mud and ash. As the screams of those who stayed behind echoed on the waves reaching no help. You recalled the sight of the Queen Regent being taken by the sea as her cry to Valar fell silent. You closed your eyes in pain from the memory of seeing her fall into the depths below. The weeks before the ships left you begged her to flee with you, but she would not. She was a Numenorian, she would not leave her home no matter how much it had defiled.

 Now you had no home and only the hope of you and your family would reach the northern shows of middle earth where Elendil had confided in you that the people would rebuild. However the days had now stretched into weeks as no land had come into sight. In truth you felt it was not to be for the ships to reach the land.

“Surprised to see you up so late Y/n”

You turned around with your journal and quill in one arm as you looked at him as he looked over your shoulder to see you writing the accounts of the days before.

“It is best not to dwell on the past.” He said as he stepped forward leaning over the railing looking outward across the sea rubbing his hands together. You saw his worry for his sons. You closed the journal and placed it down on the deck bringing yourself to stand next to him placing a gentle hand on his shoulder causing him to look at you for a moment before smiling a half hearted smile as he placed a hand over your own.

“They are strong and stubborn boys Elendil, I believe they are safe. It is us that I worry more every day. No birds for days and no sight of land either. Perhaps it would be better to make a floating city on the ocean itself.”

Elendil chuckled to himself for a moment as he sighed. You smiled only for a moment hearing him chuckle. It had been so long since you heard him laugh or at least so himself in any sort of relaxed manner. 

“I would not blame you, you know, if you decided to simply leave to find your sons in the south.”

Elendil looked at you with a slightly hurt look.

“You think I would abandon them in search of my own?”

“Not abandon. Just...at least find something to give you hope. After all no one would blame if you did. Any parent would understand.”

“My sons can handle their own, they have each other and their families. Its time I focused on helping those who need me more.”

He stopped for a moment as he looked down at you. You couldn’t help but admire the silver hue of his eyes. They were not common in many Numenorians but only in those who had more blood of Elros in their families. Even his name meant both ‘lover of stars’ and ‘elf friend’, clearly truth in both ways to him. You had always admired him not just a a captain of the guard but also just as he was.

“Your not wrong, as long as I have known you and your sons, they somehow always managed to get into and out of trouble seemingly okay.”

Elendil smiled and noticed you were rubbing your hands against your arms shivering at the cold ocean air. He walked over to the side of the ship and grabbed a small fur cloak and walked over from behind placing it on your shoulders and clasping the pins to your guard uniform. You smiled at the gesture as you clung to the cloak a little tighter. You saw him offer his arm out for you to take.

“You need all the warmth you can get.”

You feel your cheeks flushing slightly at this, but you take hold of his arm and just hold on step a little closer to him. You stay close to his side, clutching his arm with yours wrapped around his back.

You looked up and noticed the stars appearing out of the sky more and more. The sight of constellations you had never seen before made you smile. Elendil looked up and leaned over to you and pointed up just a bit to the side.

“That one is Telumendil.”

You saw it was quite beautiful with five small stars connected to one very bright star, you looked at Elendil and smirked.

“Telumendil huh? I have a sneaky suspicion that means something close to your own name.”

“Well your not wrong, it means ‘Lover of the Heavens’

You smiled to yourself as you saw the last of the suns light recede away and the moon started to show more clearly. 

“Such a beautiful sight.” He said looking out onto the ocean. You snuck a glance out of the corner of your eye to look up at him and smiled to yourself as you thought that he was actually what made the night even more beautiful. 

-

After an hour you felt yourself starting to feel a bit drowsy as you wiped your eyes trying to keep them open. Elendil had noticed you yawn and gestured for you to go downstairs to retire for the night.

“Oh no, I’ll be alright. I still have so much writings to record. Besides someone needs to keep a look out.”

“Y/n, your chilled and clearly need rest. I’ll have one of the others to join me to finish up for you.”

You hated when he was right, you trying to recount everything for the records and history of those who would come after. You felt it was your only way to keep those who had died back in Numenor from being forgotten. You leaned down and grabbed the journal you had earlier and nodded to him in agreement. You were starting to feel your exhaustion coming along quicker than you expected as you grasped the side of the railing. Suddenly you felt two arms around you, one at your shoulders and one under your legs lifting you into a bridal style. You couldn’t help but gasp at the gesture as you turned your gaze up to him with a small blush on your cheeks, secretly you were thankful the night was hiding it.

“There’s no need for that Elendil. I’ll be alright to get to my room on my own.”

“It’s alright Y/n, besides you’ve been up for three days straight. Better safe than sorry.”

You simply nodded in agreement as you walked both of you down the stairs. You felt so warm being held by him in such a way. You could smell the scent of sea salt on him but also a hint of pine which made you sigh a bit making your whole body become more and more relaxed. Even in your groggy state though you had sensed that you both at reached the side of the far back room as you felt him sliding the door away. Elendil saw the room was filled with unfinished scrolls and books open with notes written in the margin. Even some of the candles you had lit earlier still dripped some wax onto the small desk you usually would be found at. The bed to the far right was perhaps the only thing not covered in work.

“Hard at work I see?”

You lightly tapped at his chest but you were too tired to even come up with a remark. In truth you had wished you knew he would ever see your room, if you had you would have cleaned it up. You felt him walk over to the side of the bed lowering you down into the soft sheets as he look the journal from your hand and placed it on the nearby nightstand and the quill back in the inkwell. Elendil turned to face you to see that your breathing was slower and a bit steadier knowing that soon you really would be asleep for the night. He sighed at the sight of your sleeping form. He looked down at your feet and gently took off the boots you wore and placed them down by the side of the bed and unpinned the heavy cloak from your back and draped it over your lower body knowing it would keep you warmer that way.

“Get some rest Y/n”

He said as he stood up and was about to blow the nearby candle out but was stopped by you gently taking a hold of his hand that was at his side.

“Elendil...How have you kept your faith?”

He sat down on the edge of the bed and gave you a slightly puzzled look.

“During the great wave?”

You shook your head.

“No I mean now...Our home is now nothing but ruin, Your sons are so far away from you and the people are looking to you everyday for guidance. How...how have you not lost faith?”

He was silent for a moment before he spoke looking down at you.

“Tar-Miriel told me once that the faithful must suffer many losses as a test. I thought years ago I had lost my son when we first ventured to Middle Earth. I thought right then and there that my faith had failed me. But when he returned. I understood what she meant when she said that. Even her last words to you were of complete faith that our home would survive.”

He looked down at you and smiled to himself at the sight before him. Your hair was pressed into the pillow with your arms across your torso loosely as the sleep in your eyes could not hide the beauty of your own. It was always his eyes that captivated him every time he saw you. He enjoyed your company far more than many and felt a way around you that he had not felt in a long time. He took his hand to lay on top of yours and smiled to you.

“I have you Y/n...Not many are lucky enough to have someone like you with them.”

You gave a weak smiled as you felt your body relax more and more into the bed. You squeezed his hand in yours and spoke once more before you truly were taken by sleep.

“You always....will.”

Elendil smiled to himself as he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to your forehead taking a moment to himself as he carefully moved his hand from yours and took a gentle grasp on the blankets to the side and covered you. He sat off the bed and stood up to walk over the desk and snuffed out the rest of the candles as he walked over to the doorway and looked over at your sleeping form once more before gently closing the door.

-

You felt your body gently being nudged as you opened your eyes to see Elendil’s silver ones meeting yours. 

“Y/n... We’ve landed”

Your eyes went wide as you quickly stood up from the bed walking past him forgetting about your shoes as you walked up the stairs and saw the ship had indeed anchored to see deep woods stretched over the mountains to see the others walking off the ship as the families wept with joy knowing they had arrived safety. You turned to Elendil and couldn’t help but smile at him as you walked you off the ship. You smiled as you felt the sand underneath your feet as birds flew above you whistling as the warmth from the sun made your skin feel warm even against the cold sea breeze. You turned around to Elendil smiling at the fact that after reaching shore after an extremely harrowing past few days/weeks. Suddenly you saw him step onshore and collapse to his knees on the sand, utterly exhausted. 

You kneeled next to him and saw him bring a hand to his eyes and you saw him weeping. You took your arms around his neck and held him close. You knew what he was feeling, everything that had happened and the stress of it all had hit him. You gently spoke his name and as you rubbed small circles on his back. After a few moments, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as you saw him slowly compose himself. You stood back from him and offered a hand. 

“I’m here with you...” He looked at your hand and took it to as you helped him stand. You smiled as you held his hand  a bit tighter as you leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek causing him to look down at you. He was given no time to process what had just happened before you walked off to help the others. All he could do was smile at the realization that he had a chance to be with you.

[elrondsscribe]

10, 11, 12, 13?

(Do forgive me if all these are Rings of Power answers! RoP by far gave me the biggest feelings of anything I consumed this year.)

Biggest fandom disappointment of the year!

Oh Lord …

Well since you asked, I’m gonna whine about it one more time, and that’s the way that the RoP fandom has continued the long tradition within the greater Tolkien fandom of trashing Celeborn.

And like. I don’t want to make this about shipping, but the Haladriel side of the fandom (which is a sizable chunk of it) really is a no go zone for me for this reason. Like again, I have nothing against Haladriel in theory, but the way that it re-popularized a decades-old tradition of seething resentment toward Celeborn for daring to exist as her canonical spouse … all I can say is ‘thanks, I hate it.’

Biggest squee moments of the year!

Literally every weekly release of Rings of Power had at least one moment that made me squeal out loud, even in the early weeks when I was being a dedicated hater! The one I remember most clearly was when I saw this wide-eyed cutie pop up on screen and heard the name Isildur?? Girl I was on the floor screaming.

Favorite main character of the year!

Favorite main character, okay. I think actually I would have to give that honor to Queen Regent Míriel!

Favorite villain of the year

I haven’t talked about him at all, but I love Adar a lot. I love what he’s doing in RoP thematically, and I love him for his own deeply irresistible self. Counterintuitively, this is why I’m pretty excited about what’s next for Adar — like, I loved Joseph Mawle and I’m gonna miss him, but I’m also excited to see what Sam Hazeldine is gonna bring to the table!

[wildwren]

okay i will try to make my thoughts a little more cogent because as you can imagine this question is deeply important to me and will consume most waking thoughts of mine for the next week (ROP put Arondir's life on CLIFF HANGER???? TO PUNISH ME???? JAIL FOR ROP!! JAIL FOR ONE THOUSAND YEARS!!! jk jk the episode was amazing)

okay so some folks on twitter have been doing some analysis and reminding me that one of the first lines arondir uttered in the show was "most wounds of our bodies heal of their own accord." @aadmelioraa also reminded me that arondir re-opened this conversation this season, when he explained to isildur that he thought bronwyn would heal in part because his own body is different than hers was. in general, his entire arc with bronwyn has been centered around healing and loss and is so central to who he is as a character. it makes sense for those references to come back around into his own healing.

there's also a lot of thematic stuff this episode with his fight with adar, galadriel urging him not to throw his life away in revenge, and the line about never making war in anger. in general, i do think arondir's arc this season has been about healing his own hatred of adar, and this feels more like one piece of that arc than the end of it.

there were also some very intentional choices in the scene. the size and scope of the wound is very (purposefully?) unclear and the length of adar's massive sword is NOT bloodied when the camera pulls out, suggesting he did not put his entire sword through arondir. i don't think the production team would have overlooked bloodying adar's sword if that was the scope of the wound. the last shot we see of arondir is him crawling on the ground, actively still fighting, not lying prone.

finally, we've seen it very clearly established that nenya can heal elves from mortal wounds. we haven't seen camnir again since that episode which makes me think he wasn't really the point of it, and that it may have more payoff coming (for arondir!)

then we can get into the meta of how BAD VIBES it would be for them to kill him off. while i don't think we can be totally confident in their judgement with regard to violence against characters of color, i do think killing arondir like this would be a very big blow to any goal of valuing their characters of color in a way that would make me both very upset and very confused. that's not to say that i'm correct on this, but. those are my thoughts.

Arondir will survive, right?

[the-great-middle-earth-read]

FotR Book Two: Chapter Two - The Council of Elrond

Gandalf leads Bilbo and Frodo to the council with Sam following unnoticed. At the council there is a great meeting of people - dwarves from Erebor, elves from Mirkwood and the Havens as well as the Rivendell elves, a man from Gondor as well as Gandalf and the hobbits. Each group speaks of the dangers they have noticed - Erebor has been threatened by Black Riders to give up information on hobbits, the elves of Mirkwood lost Gollum and Boromir speaks of a dream he and his brother have had. It is decided the ring must be destroyed, after lots of arguing, and Frodo volunteers after Bilbo’s offer is refused. Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas and Sam all decide to go with him.

Chapter Notes

I love how the opening of the council skips over a lot of information that the narrator decides isn’t important and only tunes in when Gloin begins explaining the troubles at Erebor. It gives the impression that this moment stood out in Frodo’s mind - it’s one of Bilbo’s dwarves talking about a place that has only existed in stories for Frodo before and now here they are coming true.

I find it rather odd that the people of Gondor had no idea that Isildur took the ring. Did the wise who clearly do know the story just assume that Gondor knew? Or did Gondor let that part of history be forgotten? There's something disquieting about the fact that this information that means so much about Gondors history was lost. I also wprry when Boromir says "That is tidings indeed." Note that he does not say good or bad tidings.

On Boromir and Faramirs dreams. I'm not sure how they had them, let alone both of them having the same dream. It reminds me of Frodo and his dreams. May e it was the proximity of Mordor that affected their dreams?

So, Boromirs attitude. I think the movie downplays this during the council. Yes he shows some desire to take the ring but he appears to agree with the council at the end. In book however it is clear that he is already being affected. He doesn't agree to go with Frodo during this chapter which might suggest he thinks about how he might still get the ring to Gondor.

Aragorn and Bilbo's friendship is severely underrated. Aragorn helps Bilbo with his poetry and Bilbo writes some about Aragorn which he then uses to defend his friend at the council. I just love the thiught of these two huddled away discussing poetry together.

I would also love to read about Gandalf and Aragorn's search for Gollum. It would probably be pretty grim but its clear that these two work well together and I wish we could have seen a bit of it.

I love how Legols listens to all this talk about Gollum and waits until Aragorn says how lucky they are that gollum is locked up before revealing that actually, Gollum has escaped from the elves. He had to wait for the right moment. How the elves actually lost Gollum is an interesting one I think, and it reminds me a lot of Bilbo. "Through over-kindness" Legolas says when asked how they lost him. Just like Bilbo, they took pity on Gollum. Unfortunately for them, Gollum doesn't care about kindness and instead used it to his advantage.

Gandalf mentions that he spoke to the Gaffer who mentioned something about the changes the new owners of Bag End were implementing. "Changes for the worst" he said to Gandalf who took it as petty complaints and gave it no further thought as he was concerned about Frodo. While Gandalf brushes it off, it is interesting to see that only a week or so after Frodo has left, changes are already occuring in Hobbiton.

For someone who doesn't leave his homeland Tom Bombadil is certainly known to quite a few folk. Farmer Maggot and Gandalf know him, of course, but so does Elrond and the dwarves and northern men also have names for him.

Glorfindel is really shown to be a decisive person towards the end of this chapter. He speaks up and is constantly coming up with ideas, even as Elrond is at a loss of what to do - or at least doesn't want to put into words what has to be done until he is forced to. I kind of wish we had gotten to see more of Glorfindel.

Bilbo's decision to take the ring to mordo is heartbreaking. He hides the real horror of it behind wordplay and his usual hobbitsh jokes but even he admits that his story won't end happily. And yet, he is still willing to take on that burden.

[stilloutofmyvulcanmind]

Light From The Shadow Part 3

Fandom: The Lord of the Rings

Pairing:  Aragorn /Reader

Characters: Reader, Aragorn, Gandalf, Elrond

Word Count: 1785

Warning: Talk of death and torture

Author’s Note: Heyyyyy anyone remember this? It’s been a hot two years minute, right? But I was re-reading the first two parts, and it inspired me, so here it is, part 3 at long last! I hope there are people out there who are still interested, and if you want to see the rest, let me know!

Cath up here: Part 1 Part 2

The sound of footsteps was familiar to you by now. It was easy to tell who was approaching your cell, and even what their intentions were. Usually, it was soldiers bringing meals and seething insults. Occasionally it was Mithrandir, trying to prise words of your past from you. The Elf Lord Elrond had visited once, but he had done nothing other than stare at you with intensity for several hours. It was none of them who approached now. No, the footsteps belonged to Isildur’s Heir, Aragorn. He had appeared often enough over the last few weeks, sitting outside your cell and regaling you of tales of this ‘Y/N’ he still seemed to believe you were. The things he said meant nothing, the lands, and people he described calling forth no memories or thoughts of emotion. They were strangers to your mind, and despite your constant reaffirmations of that, Aragorn refused to give in or even stop.

He came into view in front of you, wearing a simple green tunic and brown slacks, looking nothing like the King he now was, except for the sword that hung from his belt. That was something he did not usually have. He stopped, looking down to where you sat on your thin bed. “What is your name?”

It was the same question he always asked, still clinging to the hope you would suddenly start believing you were someone you weren’t. “My name is Asgareth, as it always has been, and always will be.”

Aragorn sighed, standing in silence as he watched you for a few moments longer. “It is clear now that my words are of no use here. Whatever is preventing you from remembering the person you truly are is stronger than any tale of times gone by,” he said, taking the key he held in his hand and using it to unlock the cell door. 

Your eyes travelled back to his blade as he stepped inside, wondering if he was finally going to kill you and end this tedium. But then he knelt down in front of you and swiftly released the shackle that sat around your ankle. The action took by such surprise that you found no chance to attack before he stood back in front of you, grasping the chain that bound your wrists together.

“What are you doing?” You asked, watching him closely. “If this is to be some drawn-out execution, do not bother. Kill me now and end this hell.”

“No. I have not yet given up on you, Y/N. Words alone cannot bring you back, so perhaps something physical will. Come.” Tugging on the chain, Aragorn pulled you forward, leaving you with no choice other than to follow him. 

Your steps echoed quietly off the stone as he led you past the other cells and upon out of the dungeon. You did not fail to miss the looks you received from the guards that lined the halls, or the way their fingers twitched on the hilt of their blades. Each and every one would rather slay you on sight than see you walk along the halls they’d fought to protect. You kept your head up high, meeting the gaze of every man who dated meet yours. They all looked away first. 

It was out onto an open training space Aragorn brought you. High over the city with only one door. You smiled. Despite his honeyed words, it was clear Aragorn did not trust you. There were no other soldiers in the area, but Mithrandir and Elrond stood to one side, watching you both. 

They neither approached or spoke as Aragorn led you to a table in the center of the room. On it lay three weapons. A dagger, a blade, and a bow. Finely crafted, they were both unknown to you yet somehow familiar, as though you’d once seen them long ago. 

“These once belonged to you,” Aragorn said. “We recovered them from Angmar after your disappearance, and I made sure to always keep them well in your memory.”

Aragorn was watching you, clearly waiting to see if you had some sort of reaction. “These cannot be mine. I have only ever fought with a blade.”

“You are one of the best bowmen I have ever seen. Your skill matched that of the elves.”

You looked back at the bow, long and sleek with a perfect curve. The wood was dark and obviously well cared for. Something deep inside you itched to touch it. “You are mistaken. I have never touched a bow.”

“Then try it now.” Aragorn moved swiftly and you found the shackles around your wrists falling free. 

“Aragorn!” Elrond was immediately moving forwards but halted when Aragorn raised a hand. 

“She will not harm me, my lord. I know it.”

Neither Elrond nor Mithrandir seemed convinced, and you could see they were prepared to move swiftly should you make the slightest wrong move. It was tempting. You eyed the hilt of the blade. Perhaps you could end Aragorn’s life before they retaliated. You would die, yes, but it would be worth it. 

You reached for it. 

Instead, your hand closed around the bow. 

It was a light but sturdy weight in your hand as you ran the fingers of the other over the wood. You knew you had never picked up a bow before, but why did it feel so right? Like greeting an old friend? 

“Try,” Aragorn said again, offering you an arrow as he pointed towards a target at the end of the room. 

He was handing you his death on a platter. Even with no experience, you could use the bow to kill him at such a close range. It would be easy. Possibly the easiest death you’d ever earned. 

You found yourself sliding the arrow into place on instinct, the bow singing as you released it towards the target. The arrow struck the middle. 

Next to you, Aragorn smiled. “I knew there was a part of you trapped inside somewhere. I should have thought of this sooner.”

The bow clattered as you dropped it to the ground, taking a step back from it. “I do not know what magic this is, but I will not fall for it! I am Asgareth! And I serve the true Lord Sauron! As I always have and always will! Your cheap tricks will not convince me otherwise!" 

"Y/N-" 

"No!” You dived for the sword, but Aragorn was quicker. He grabbed you, his hold on you secure as he brought you to your knees. 

“Remember!" 

"Never!” You fought him, but he won out and you found yourself shackled once more. “Kill me!" 

"I will not." 

Aragorn took the chain back into his hands and led you silently back to your cell. He stood inside it with you still, simply watching. He looked sad you noticed. Why did some deep part of you twist at that revelation? 

"I had not planned on revealing this to you yet. I feared it might be too much to learn in your current state, but I see now that I have no other choice. If this does not bring you back to me, then nothing shall.” Aragorn reached under his shirt and pulled a silver chain over his head. Hanging in the middle was a ring with an emerald stone set in the centre. Aragorn removed it and held it up for you to see better. “Do you know it?" 

"No.”

He sighed. “It belonged to my Mother. A gift from my Father when they became betrothed. I in turn presented it to you when you agreed to marry me.”

Marry? No. You could never have been betrothed to this…this ranger. It was impossible. “You are saying-" 

"We loved one another.”

You shook your head. “Now I know that you trick me for there is no path I would ever walk that could possibly lead to me loving the likes of you.”

Aragorn had the strength of will not to flinch, but you saw the pain in his eyes at your words. “You know not what you say.” He stepped closer, taking your hand in his and refusing to let go when you jerked back. “Wear it. Remember,” he whispered, slipping the ring onto your finger. It was a perfect fit. “Remember.”

Then he was gone and the cell door locked once more. 

“I cannot,” you said. 

“You must. You must, my love.”

He left you then, and you slid to the floor, back pressed against the cold wall. You stared down at the green gem gleaming up at you, the weight of it on your finger feeling both foreign and disturbingly familiar. What he said was impossible. It had to be. Marriage? Love? They were things not designed for you. Your only purpose was to serve. Your only goal to win battles. What Aragorn suggested was so much more. More than what you were. More than you deserved.

Your head hurt. A splitting pain seared across your forehead. The candlelight was too bright. The echo of footsteps and the incessant drip of water too loud. Scrunching your eyes closed, you placed your hands over your ears to drown it all out. 

The pain got worse. 

It was too much. 

Images flashed behind your eyes. 

Fighting a man so much larger than yourself with a wooden sword. You knocked his from his hand and he cheered, picking you up and swinging you through the air. You were laughing. 

The same man, but now a woman joined him. They smiled as they handed you a small bow. 

Meeting a young man with kind eyes and a handsome face. He smiled at you when your arrow split through his own. 

Travelling with him. You crossed mountains and great plains and forests together. Fought back to back. Tended to each other’s wounds. 

Sitting on a high hill under the stars. The way he looked at you made your heart flutter. He asked you a question. You laughed and said yes. He presented you with the most beautiful ring you’d ever seen, the emerald glittering in the moonlight. 

A long journey to a dark land. Fear filling the air. An attack. Screams. 

A cell. 

Dark. Alone. Pain. 

A figure. 

Your Lord. 

No. 

Not your lord. Monster. Evil. Enemy.

You screamed as the pain in your head worsened, fingers tangling in your hair and pulling. You screamed and screamed unable to stop. More memories. More pain. 

“Y/N!" 

Someone took you in their arms, strong and secure. Safe. You prised your eyes open, looking up at his face through blurred vision. It had been so many years. Too long. Your betrothed. Your love. 

"Aragorn.”

[rainydaymiddleearthimagines]

Destiny Calling: Chapter 4

"I cannot believe—" "ow" "How you didn't tell them once— " "Arwen, there is a head under there." You winced as your sister roughly brushed your hair "How could you not mention you were an elf!? Or at least removed the cloak!? I'm sure Aragorn did!" She said. "He did! I just... Felt out of place. I responded to seeing four strangers by pulling up my hood, out of plain awkwardness I never removed it" you admitted. "Did you at least speak elvish in front of them?" Arwen asked. "Yes." You said. "Well that's good, they won't be completely oblivious to every aspect of you." She sighed. "Arwen, when you are on the road trying to not die, formalities tend to be absent." You said. "Clearly." She sighed, setting the brush down. "Your dress is on your bed." She sighed. "Why can't I just wear-" "Do not start with me. Remember I helped you get here." She halted. "You sound less and less like a sister and more like a mother." You sighed.

You looked at the dress, it's blue being soft and nearly matching what your sister usually wore. You grimaced but put it on, putting on your silver crown before walking out. "I didn't have to fight you. Thank the gods." Arwen said. You rolled your eyes. "They're out in the courtyard, go and greet them." She said. One night had passed since the incident, you feeling incredibly anxious. You were sure the trees must've tired of your constant asking of "are they okay? Tell me they're alive". You decided to leave nature alone this morning, rather than pester it again.

Aragorn felt slight relief when he saw your horse. Sam seemed very anxious about Frodo, pacing a lot as Merry and Pippin seemed more... Vocal about their anxieties. Aragorn had to sit through hours of  "BUT ARE YOU SURE Y/N IS EVEN TRUSTWORTHY!?" From Merry. Pippin didn't seem to distrust you as much though. Aragorn suspected that you had spoken to Pippin at one point. You actually did go off with him to find herbs for a nasty cut that Merry got after he tripped. It was plausible that Pippin got to know you in that small amount of time.

Aragorn sighed as Merry was ranting over "Who goes on a journey for almost a week, and doesn't remove their hood the entire time!?"Pippin looked at Aragorn and then sighed. "Merry, there isn't anything to worry about with her. She left with Frodo because she was trying to save him, not because she had a plan to kill him." Pippin defended. Merry looked over. "Well— Woah." Merry paused as Arwen walked over. "Your friend is fine. He's alive. Asleep, but still alive." She said softly. "Where is he!?" Sam asked. "I will take you to him. A...Strider, Y/n is fine as well, I found her before she could be seriously hurt." Arwen said. "Where—" You walked out, seeing Aragorn. Sam and Merry gaped, seeing you without your cloak. "She...Was an elf?" Sam gaped as you hugged Aragorn.

"I never removed my cloak because it was awkward to do so by the point I knew all of you." You said. Sam locked onto the silver crown upon your head. "Princess..." He muttered. "I told you that you should have mentioned your status." Arwen muttered. "You're a princess!?" Merry gaped. "Well... What is royal status, really?" You said nervously, earning a snort from Aragorn. "Don't get me started on you." Arwen huffed. He straightened up and you sighed. "I didn't actually intend on hiding my identity Sam. I just—" "She felt incredibly awkward around us. She put up a cold front but she's actually nice." Pippin explained to Merry. You smiled. "Precisely." You nodded. "Just what did you two talk about while getting herbs?" Aragorn asked you.

"You." Arwen said, tapping his shoulder. "Me?" Aragorn asked. "Father wants you at that meeting. Clothes are already set out—" "Oh no." He breathed. "Do not make a scene like Y/n. I swear you two are becoming more and more like each other every passing day." Arwen muttered. "Where's Gandalf?" You asked. "Room next to Frodo's." She said. "I'll take Sam then. Show Merry and Pippin where the food is." you said.

You walked with Sam. "I didn't mean to conceal my identity mister Samwise... I am sorry." You apologized. "I'm sorry I didn't trust you or Strider. And it's alright to just call me Sam" He said, walking with a small frown. You sighed, opening the door to Frodo's room. "Make yourself comfortable mister Sam. If you need anything, ask a healer to point the way." You said. He nodded and you left, walking into Gandalf's room. He was smoking out of a pipe next to the window. "Saruman betrayed us." you said, closing the door behind you. "Indeed." Gandalf nodded. "What do we do?" You asked. "We attend the meeting. We hear what everyone has to say. We come up with a plan and we destroy that ring." He said. You nodded and sighed, messing with your dress's skirt. "Does he know of your plan?" He asked, referring to Aragorn's ignorance to your plan to leave with the group to destroy the ring. "No... He doesn't." You admitted. "What if he's in the group?" Gandalf asked. You swallowed hard. "Who all is going to be there at this meeting?" You asked. "Other elves, men and the dwarves." He said. "Men? Men from where?" you asked. "Gondor." Was all Gandalf said before you felt this shock go through you.

Foresight. Of course on the mention of Gondor. You had this vision of ten people, all faces blurry except two. Yours and a man from Gondor. Your vision seemed to shift and it was of you fighting in battle, the man dead in front of you. You stumbled forward, Gandalf catching you. "One of the men in the fellowship... He's destined for death." you whispered. "Who?" Gandalf asked. "His face was blurry... I couldn't tell you." You breathed. You sat down on the edge of the bed. "Someone in that fellowship is destined to die, whoever he is, is a man. Not an elf or a dwarf. It was a man." you said. "Do you need water?" Gandalf asked, noticing your pale face. You nodded and he picked up a silver pitcher, pouring you water into a glass. He handed it to you and you drank. "Breathe my dear girl, breathe." He said. You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose. "Do you think it was—" "No... no. I distinctly recall lighter hair than his." You said. "If you meet him tomorrow, will you recognize him?" Gandalf asked. "Probably." You nodded. "Try to soothe your nerves. Find Aragorn, he always seemed to calm you down." Gandalf said. You nodded, standing up. "Do you think Frodo will wake soon?" You asked. "Yes... I suspect within a few hours." He said. You nodded before walking to the door. "Gandalf?" You asked. He looked over. "I'm glad you're alive." You said. He smiled. "I'm glad you kept them safe." He said before you left.

You walked to your room, making sure your bag was still packed. You sighed sitting on the edge of your bed, putting your face in your hands before you heard the door open. You looked over to see Aragorn. "Gandalf said you seemed shaken up over something." He said. You sighed. "Men from Gondor are coming." You said. Aragorn rose a brow, sitting next to you. "I see...Well everyone has been calling me 'Strider' since—" "I had a vision... One of them is destined to die." You said. Aragorn looked at you, surprised by your prophetic words. "That's been happening more often. Visions..." He noticed. You nodded. "There is a change coming. Something big. And some sort of higher power clearly wants me aware." You said. He looked at you and then looked down to see your bag. "Haven't unpacked yet?" He asked. You seemed to tense up, which of course he noticed.

"Y/n, what are you not telling me?" He asked. Damn it. You could do a lot of things. Lying to Aragorn? Not one of them."...When the fellowship is formed, no matter who is escorting it, I am leaving with them." You said. He frowned. "Y/n, are you insane?" He asked. "My father failed." You said. Aragorn sighed. "There were two people there that day and my father did nothing. Instead he let Isildur walk away." You said. "What makes you think it will be different?" He asked. "Because I want to have a future with you. If we fail, the world will fall into the hands of a sadistic monster." You said. Aragorn looked at you. "Y/n... You've brought up our future a lot as of late, is there a particular reason why?" Aragorn asked. You sighed and shook your head. "I keep having this feeling... Something is going to change. Something is shifting. And now Gandalf is saying there's a possibility of a new age about to be ushered in." You said. "What is the age of?" He asked. "The Age of Men." You answered. "...I see.." he said. You sighed. 

"This foresight... It was supposed to be a gift but right now at this particular moment it's more of a burden than anything." You murmured. Aragorn pressed a kiss to the side of your head. "Y/n, I ask that you at least try to spend some of these days in Rivendell as peaceful as you can. You need the rest." He said. You smiled softly at him, holding his hands. "I always find peace when you're present." You said. You absolutely adored the man sitting next to you, and judging by the love in his eyes he was completely in love with you too. Aragorn seemed to look at your hands. "If you leave with that group... I will leave with them too." he said. You frowned. "Aragorn I can't ask that of you—" "You're not asking me to do anything. I'm volunteering." He said softly. You sighed. "Aragorn... What if I lose you?" You asked. "And what if I lose you?" he asked. You sighed again. "I'm not stopping you am I?" You asked. "No." He admitted.

You shook your head. "I can't stop you from making your own choices..." You said. "Can we get something to eat now? We've survived off of lembas bread for so long, I'm beginning to forget what other foods taste like." He asked making you laugh. You nodded. You walked out of your room before you saw Sam running past you. "What's going on?" you asked. "Frodo's awake!" Sam said. Aragorn walked in, standing next to you. Frodo looked over at you with  slight surprise. "Elf- you're an elf?" He asked. You nodded. "I apologize for not saying anything before." you said. "It's fine... Really- you...You saved my life." He said. You smiled softly. "Actually my father did most of the work." you said. "Your father?" he asked. "Lord Elrond." Gandalf said. You heard footsteps and turned to see your father. "Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins." Elrond said. Frodo sat up, looking at him. "May we speak?" He asked. Frodo slowly stood up, walking out with Elrond.

"Come on. I believe food was mentioned." you whispered. "Right." Aragorn nodded. "Sam, have you eaten?" You asked. "...no." He said. "Come on then. Rest for a bit." You said softly. He looked at Frodo's bed and then you before nodding. "I don't know my way around... Do you mind?" He asked. "I'm happy to be your guide mister Samwise." you said with a joking salute. He smiled as you walked. "So are you really a princess?" He asked making Aragorn chuckle. He walked with the two of you. "That's what the coronation was for." you said. "You have to be coronated to be a princess?" Sam asked. "Oh yes. It's quite long. And very, very boring." Aragorn said making you laugh. "That sums it up perfectly." You said chuckling. "You were at the coronation?" Sam asked Aragorn. "Yes. As I recall he started taking bets on which guard I was going to make laugh first." You said with a grin. "Did he win?" Sam asked. "Indeed I did." Aragorn said making you laugh.

You all ate, Sam relaxing for a little bit before it was clear he got in his own mind. Would they be able to make it home? Would he be able to keep Frodo safe? How bad was this going to be? Was this truly over?  Well, Sam was freaking out now as he packed his bag the following morning, trying to remember what he might be forgetting. Lord knows Merry or Pippin wouldn't know. "No...What have  I forgotten?" He asked himself, unaware that Frodo was watching. "Packed already?" Frodo asked, making Sam jump. "No harm in being prepared." Sam said, turning back to his bag. "I thought you wanted to see the elves, Sam." Frodo said. Sam looked down. " I did. It's just..." Sam sighed. "We did what Gandalf wanted, didn't we? We got the Ring this far, to Rivendell...and I thought... seeing as how you're on the mend, we'd be off soon. Off home." He said. "We did what we set off to do..." Frodo agreed, looking at the ring in his palm. "The ring will be safe in Rivendell... I am ready to go home." Frodo said.

You sighed, leaning against the column waiting for the potential fellowship members. "You seem nervous." Aragorn said, his hands on your waist as he spoke in your ear. "Having a fellowship that is potentially saving the world, has a tendency to do that." You muttered. You were trying not to think about your previous vision. A white steed rode in with a familiar face making you gasp. "Oh here we go." Aragorn muttered before you sprinted off. You rushed down, hugging the traveler's next. The elf laughed. "Y/n! What's it been, forty years?" Legolas asked. "That's rubbish, I've written to you!" you said. He chuckled before looking over. "Ar—" "SHH!" you both halted. You both nodded to the hobbits walking around. "Strider!" Legolas corrected. You nodded and Strider shook his hand as another rider rode in. You looked over seeing the man on horseback. The face might've been blurry but the light brown hair definitely matched the vision. You locked onto him, heart pounding as you looked at him. He dismounted and looked over, raising a brow. "Do I know you?" The man asked. You shook your head. "Strider I have to... Go speak with father." you  muttered. He noticed that look in your eyes before you left. He was definitely the one you had a vision of.

Aragorn spoke with Legolas watching the man with his sword. He noticed the man's clothes, seeing the horse he rode in on. He was definitely from Gondor. If he was sent to protect the ring, he definitely was of some sort of higher status. "Please feel free to explore while your here." Arwen said to him before walking over. "Legolas, old friend! It's been a long time!" She said hugging him. "Arwen, who is that man?" Aragorn asked. "Boromir. Son of Denethor II." She answered. His eyes wandered back over. He knew exactly who he was now.

The Stewart Prince to Gondor.

[mag-lore]

We're almost done with season one!! I'm really excited for this to be over so I can stop watching it every week!

Episode 7 was not good at all, but not quite as bad as ep 5 (maybe that's because Celebrimbor and Gil-galad aren't in it)

Things that happened and my thoughts -

- most pressingly, rop acknowledged Celeborn's existence! But he's dead?? Now, I don't think he's really dead, I think Galadriel will find him in a later season. But then that begs the question of where is he and what is he doing?? From what little the show tells us, I think that he went missing after the war of wrath (which he didn't fight in by the way) and Galadriel just thinks he's dead. I'm not saying elves never go missing, we have Maglor, Daeron, and Nimrodel, but I wonder why Celeborn has been added to that list. I wouldn't be surprised if they essentially make Celeborn in Maglor's place, since they can't use Maglor. Wandering the seashore because of some regret and then he'll be found or something. But who knows. Maybe he's Adar or something. Wherever they decide to take this, it's weird

- Everyone survived the eruption of mt doom somehow. Well not everyone, nameless characters died, but all the named ones are okay. I'm not going to sit here and just say how that's scientifically impossible, because this is a fantasy show after all, but it just seems weird how the volcano didn't effect everyone in a similar way. For instance, Míriel is blind now, but none of the other characters have vision problems. I just don't really understand how they're distributing wounds here. If volcanic ash blinded one person, wouldn't everyone else near her become blind too??

- Elendil thinks Isildur is dead and he's now mad as Galadriel because he thinks it's her fault (which it isn't, but I also don't like Galadriel here, so go off Elendil). Isildur is clearly not dead, but I'm guessing he's going to be left in Middle Earth when the Numenorians go home and that will be a thing in the next season

- Mithril actually heals the elves. It works, they showed us. I hate it. I hate it a lot.

- Durin and Durin Sr. got into a big argument over... Durin wanting to help Elrond I think? Something that really bothers me about this show is how they're trying to make the elves and dwarves distrust one another, when they have no reason too. Now of course, in the actual lore groups of elves and dwarves hate each other. But the key word here is groups. The Sindar and the dwarves don't get along, because of what happened in Doriath. But the Noldor and the dwarves get along just fine, and they have for thousands of years. RoP trying to artificially add conflict between two peoples when there is no reason behind it. I just really don't like this, it shows such a lack of understanding of anything Tolkien wrote. They just glanced at LotR and thought "oh! Legolas and Gimli's people don't get along at first, so all elves and all dwarves hate each other!" I understand they don't have the rights to tell us why the Sindar don't get on with the dwarves, but they don't need to. There aren't any Sindarin elves in the show. But they could have at least done a bit of research and realized that the dwarves of Khazad-Dum and the Noldor don't have anything against each other.

- I didn't like the imagery of the Meteor Man healing the tree. I get it, it's just a random apple tree, but healing trees is a big thing in the lore and I just don't like how they've taking that concept and changed it up so much.

That's about all I have to say. I'm honestly just tied of watching and thinking about this show. I really don't like it and a lot of things they've done make me really upset. I am genuinely curious to see Sauron, hopefully he actually makes an appearance in the finale. And hopefully he has appropriate hair.

okay, I did it. I watched episode one. It's bad, it's so so bad. I have so much to say. But I'm going to wait until I've seen episode two to fully rant about this.

[rainydaymiddleearthimagines]

The Arrangement pt 5

“Please. Stay alive.” It sounded so distant “Please.”

The echoes of your words hung in the air as a bare whisper, barely audible as it graced his ears. He couldn’t even tell if that was your voice or not. He was clearly laying on some sort of grass from what he felt. The sky was misty, almost like some sort of hazy memory as he leaned up. There was a small reflection pool in his line of vision. Next to it was a figure. It was clearly a woman, he just couldn't make out who. As he got up he expected pain, but nothing afflicted him. Painless. Was he dead?

He walked over to the fountain, the woman turning. “Arwen?” He asked. She looked over. “You’re here.” She said, almost sounding disappointed. “should I not be?” He asked. “Not if you wish to continue living.” She said. He frowned. “Am I dead?” He asked. “No. Not yet. But if you’re here, you are typically supposed to choose if you wish to live or cross over.” She said. “Typically? Is there no choice for me?” He asked. She looked at him, a very serious look on her face. “Not as long as I am here greeting you at death’s door.” She said. “Why stop me from death?” He asked. “My father did not raise you to die and leave my sister heartbroken.” She said. He blinked. “Your father has not--” “You still have the mind of man Aragorn, I do not expect you to remember.” She said. “...What?” He asked. “We did raise you Aragorn. Make no mistake. We knew exactly who you were after spending two weeks with you.” She said. “I have no idea what you’re speaking about.” He admitted. 

She reached into the pool, tapping the water so that it rippled. It was a memory that surfaced, one of a very young Aragorn. He was sitting in Elrond’s lap with a book. Aragorn blinked. “...Why do I not remember this?” He asked. “You were two. I’d be surprised if you did remember.” She said. “Where was Y/n?” He asked. “The Undying lands. They’re a peaceful place, I don’t think I have to explain why she didn’t exactly like the area.” She said. Aragorn nodded, knowing damn well if you spent at least 2,000 years there, you most likely became very bored or reckless over time. “She didn’t return until you were gone. You grew up Aragorn, and with age, time passes. My father raised you. We all did. You learned your skills from my brothers, you learned everything to do with our languages from me. But it was safer for us for you to forget who we were. Safer for our kingdom when a heir of Isildur came of age.” She said. He frowned. “You forced me to forget.” He said. “My father did. To keep Y/n safe. He knew how reckless and insane she could get, someone who had a tendency to go off and find adventure, regardless of danger was not the best idea, not when she had no idea how to even begin to rule a kingdom.” She explained. 

“So you sent me to Gondor?” He asked. “Yes.” she said. “I... Wait, when did Y/n come home?” He asked. “Six months before you met her.” Arwen said. “did you know who I was then?” He asked. “You had aged quite a bit so not at first. I had my suspicions though. Then I saw the way you wielded a sword. Similar to Elladan. Then I watched you from afar when you were hunting. You did so like Elrohir.” She said. “So you did not use foresight at all to know my identity.” He realized. “No. We did not. We told you who you were when you were twenty. We sent you to Gondor in hopes of your claiming of the throne but you decided you didn’t want it. While I admired your carefulness, father was less than thrilled. Then when you wanted to go off on your own, father couldn’t stop you but he couldn’t allow the location of Rivendell to be fully revealed so he--” “Forced me to forget.” He repeated. “...Yes.” she said. 

Hearing all of this made Aragorn’s head spin even if he was dying now. “I’m surprised you never questioned the blanks in your memories.” Arwen said. “I... always assumed I was blocking out something that I didn’t want to remember.” He admitted. “Aragorn. I can fill in the blanks later but right now my sister needs you.” She said, more urgent than the last time she brought this up. “Is something happening to her?” He asked, concern clearly creeping onto his face. “She is dying Aragorn. She needs you there.” Arwen said. “She wasn’t struck in battle, how is she dying!?”  He asked. “Elves can die of a broken heart.” She said, looking at him. “wouldn’t she be reborn?” He asked. “Do you really wish to die now?” Arwen asked, clearly avoiding the answer. “Arwen, would she not be reborn?” He asked. Arwen went silent and he frowned. “Arwen...” He asked. “...That is not my burden to share.” She said. “She is no longer immortal, yes or no?” He asked. “Yes.” Arwen said. 

Granted Aragorn, at least in the moment, was in a different plain, he felt his heart pound. “why would she make that choice?” He asked. “that is not--” “Arwen, please.” He said. She sighed. “She felt it to be... unfair. To so many who were not blessed with our long lives.” Arwen said. “Is that the only reason she gave?” He asked. “She has another reason. But that reason is something she would have to feel comfortable coming to you about it.” She said. He nodded, looking down. “You have yet to answer me. Do you wish to die, or do you want to live?” 

Silence fell over him and Arwen gave him a questioning look.

The sun was slowly rising, the rays of light hitting your face. Aragorn was still unconscious and had been for four days now. You slowly opened your eyes to see Aragorn still as a rock. You closed your eyes and sighed, Legolas looking at you from a chair next to the window. “You’re awake.” He noticed. “yes.” You mumbled, brushing the strands away from Aragorn’s face. You closed your eyes, silently praying that he’d wake up soon. “He’ll need a medic to change his bandages soon.” You muttered. “Would you like me to go get one?” Legolas asked. “No... No I’ll go.” You muttered. As you got up to leave though, a hand grabbed your wrist and you froze. “Aragorn!?” You gasped. “What does a dying man have to do for some water?” He asked, Legolas gaping. “You-you’re alive!” you gasped. “It’s going to take a lot more than two arrows to kill me Y/n, I promise you that.” he said with a chuckle. You looked at him, concern filling your gaze. “I’m sorry I worried you Y/n.” He said. You shook your head. “I should’ve reacted quicker. I should’ve made you go with me--” “You were worried about your family, I understand that. Y/n, you owe me no apology.” He halted. “I failed you--” “There’s a lot of things you’ve done Y/n, but failing me is not one of them.” He said. 

Arwen walked in and sighed with relief. Aragorn was unsure if the odd dream state he was in was a shared memory between him and Arwen. However something about her gaze was telling him that there was a good chance it was. “I need to speak with your father.” He said to you. “I’ll go get him--” “No. I need to get up.” He said. “You need rest.” You said. “I’ve been in bed resting for what feels like years. I am done resting.” He said, leaning. He got up, leaning against you. “Oldie.” you muttered, earning a chuckle from him. “Says the woman who’s thousands of years old.” He said, slowly walking on his own. He winced, the wound in his leg clearly affecting him. “Aragorn, maybe you need a cane?” Legolas suggested. “Or my friend.” He said. Without hesitation, you walked over, escorting him to your father. 

Elrond was walking with Elladan, speaking with him when Elladan stopped, gaping at what was in front of him. “What is it-- Aragorn!?” Elrond gaped. Relief washed over him and he walked over, bringing surprise to you as your father hugged him. Elrond pulled away and Aragorn’s gaze went to Elladan. “Come here old friend.” He said, Elladan hugging him. You rose a brow. “You know my brother?” You asked. “I know both of your brothers.” Aragorn said. “You remember?” Elrond asked. “While I may not understand your reasoning for making me forget, I understand your need for Y/n’s safety.” Aragorn assured. “Am I missing something here?” You asked. “... I suppose you do need an explanation.” Elrond said. “I’ll tell her. After I get something to drink.” He said. “And food. You need food.” You said. He chuckled, looking over at you with adoration in his eyes. “You don’t even have all the answers and your still insistent to take care of me, hmm?” Aragorn asked. You felt your cheeks flush and you assisted him once more in walking. 

You walked to the hall of fire, sitting at the table. “Y/n-” “wait a moment.” You halted, pouring him water. “I think you deserve to know-” “I’ll see if I can get something to eat.” You said. You turned to leave but Aragorn gripped your hand, looking into your eyes. “Y/n, wait.” He said. You swallowed, looking into his eyes. “Why do you wish to halt answers?” He asked. “Will this change us? Our friendship? Is it bad? Aragorn I’m terrified.” you said, voice daring to crack under the pressure of the secrets. “No. It is not bad. It’s odd, but nothing worrying.” He assured. You sighed, closing your eyes. “I’m being ridiculous.” You muttered. “Your anxieties are reasonable mime melin (my dear).” He said. You blinked. 

“What did you just call me?” You asked. “Mime melin” he repeated, looking in your eyes. You swallowed, debating on asking about the nature of his words, whether they were endearing or romantic. You figured yourself to be reading too much into this but his fingers drew to your face, brushing back your hair. Your breath halted and he looked into your eyes. “What is it that... You wished to speak about?” you asked. He cleared his throat, a servant putting food next to him. “right. I know about your sacrifice.” he said. You rose a brow. “My ‘sacrifice?” you asked. “You chose to give up your immortality.” he said. You swallowed, avoiding his eyes. “Do you know why?” You asked. “I know one reason why.” He said. You looked up. “How do you know this?” you asked. “I seemed to receive a lot of answers as I was potentially dying.” He said. “You felt that it was unfair for you to have a lifelong advantage when so many did not have one.” He said, sipping on his water. “That was one reason.” you muttered. “Might I hear your other reason?” He asked. 

You retreated, looking down. “Do you feel uncomfortable with sharing your reasons?” he asked. You debated, truly wrestling with your emotions on whether or not you should voice your feelings. You nodded though, ultimately sealing your lips on the matter for the time being. “Then we will discuss this when you’re comfortable.” He assured, his hands clasped around yours. You nodded slowly. Something was different with him. Something had changed. He was more gentle with you. More affectionate. But why?

Truth be told, Aragorn’s time in the Fade was not spent idly. Arwen had spoken with him on various subjects, all of them having one common theme. You. You weren’t exactly intended to be the subject on most of his answers either. You were the natural answer to a lot of the questions. 

“If you did take the throne, who could you see taking the throne with you?” Arwen would ask. “Y/n.” He would respond, so quickly it nearly sounded rehearsed. “If you died who would you actually want to see in the Fade?” Again, his answer was “Y/n.” You were his constant. Around the fourth or fifth time, it slowly dawned on him that he loved you. Truly, deeply loved you. He was frozen when he figured this out. When he felt it. His heart swelled with this overbearing emotion, swaying his ultimate opinion to stay. Aragorn survived because you kept his heart beating. You kept him alive, you kept his mind from choosing the option to die. You were his reason, and you had no idea that you were what made him pull through despite the odds. 

You swallowed, looking at him, heart pounding before a servant put food in front him and you. “I...” You breathed before pulling your hands away. “I’m glad you’ve survived.” you said. He nodded, looking down with a slight blush on his face after he realized his forwardness. You swallowed, looking at your plate in silence. 

Legolas stood in the doorway with Arwen, watching you two from afar. “I think they’re finally realizing their feelings.” He said. “It only took Aragorn almost dying for him to realize he loved her.” She muttered. “Did you meet him in the Fade?” He asked. “yes.” She nodded. Legolas nodded, turning his vision back to you and Aragorn. “Do you think they’ll admit their feelings soon?” He asked. She shrugged. “It’s hard to say.” She said. “At least we know it’ll happen.” He sighed. “Perhaps it will happen soon.” Arwen muttered. “With how stupid they are to love... Are you sure?” Legolas asked. 

She looked at you who was staring intensely at soup to hide your blush. 

“...No.”