Chapter 2:

The next day was the first to come in a row of days filled with feasts and banquets held to the honor of the lucky couple. Arwen had grown particulary fond of Leara and treated her like the cousin she believed her to be. Aragorn was as forthcoming as possible, though he didn’t show up very often. This relieved Leara a little of the bad feeling about lying to him, a feeling she had never encountered before, although other missions had also required some sort of disguise and white lies.

Silistra had joined Leara as her companion. To the public, they were only a lady of noble heritage, cousin of the king, with her lady-in-waiting. Leara could not help but get the impression, that this time, Silistra had the urge to be especially watchful over her. She seldom left Leara alone, save with Arwen, whom she seemed to consider no threat to their mission.

Leara had desperately tried to avoid Gandalf and Elrond, but wherever she went, the wizard seemed to be. She saught for solitude in the gardens, but he was already there, watching every move of her, as if he was stalking a wounded deer. She was very well aware of the fact that he suspected something and was observing her to see his theories proven true. I will not do him the favour to make a mistake, she thought grimly. May the heavens guide me in this, I would not know how to face him, if he reveils me in public.

She peered around a bush of roses, looking out for her follower, when the sudden sound of a hoarse voice speaking out her name, made her swirl around. Before her stood an elf she had not seen before at this place. He was tall and tanned, like if he was spending most of his time outside. The wind played with his long brown hair and his crystal blue eyes sparkled challenging. When he was certain of Leara’s attention, he bowed to her courtly.

“My regards, my lady! I hope, I did not frighten you, as Lord Elrond did the other day.”

“You did not. I was just surprised. How do you know about this incident?”

“Elrond was not quite secretive about this. He has told each and every person about you. There were some who believed he was going mad. They even forgot that I am usually the mad one here.”

Leara narrowed his eyes. “Have we met before? I don’t think we have been introduced.”

“No, indeed, we have not, and I apologize for my crudish behaviour. I am called Timus. At your service, my lady.” He bowed again, laughing, and Leara was wondering if he was mocking her. “I could not help but notice that you seem a little lost here. May I show you around?”

“Thank you, Timus, but I think, this task be better carried out by the master of the house himself.” Leara turned around, just to see the one person she had tried to avoid meeting – Elrond. He offered her his hand, and without thinking, she took it. It felt warm and steady and she felt her hand squeezed tightly. Suddenly she had the urge to run off.

Timus lowered his head respectively to both of them. “Of course, as you wish. I didn’t want to interfere with your plans, my lord.”

“You didn’t, Timus. It’s just that I promised to Lady Leara earlier that I would give her a tour on my house, as soon as my obligations would allow it.” Elrond smiled at Leara, who tried not to look at his face. Instead she bowed to Timus.

“Thank you nevertheless, Sir Timus, for your kind offer. I am sure, we will have another opportunity to talk.”

“Oh, I am quite sure of that, Lee’hann[1].” Leara froze at the angelic vocabulary, casually interspersed into the conversation. Elrond didn’t seem to have noticed it. Timus turned towards him. “The time will come. Maybe I will have the honor to be seated next to this noble lady on tonight’s dinner?”

Elrond nodded politely. “We will see.”

Timus took Leara’s hand and bowed over it. “Goodbye, lady. I hope to find you in a good mood this evening.”

“I am sure of this.” She hesitated, then smiled at him. “I am looking forward to meeting you at the dinner.” I want to know what you know about me, she finished silently.

Elrond led her away, leaving Timus behind. Leara pretended not to see how the elf stared after her. This was going to be a lot more dangerous as she had thought.

“Tell me about you,” demanded Elrond. “Where have you been the last years and why have you not reclaimed your position as Aragorn’s cousin? I wonder, why I never heard of you before. I thought I knew the family line of his kin by heart and yet you have proven me wrong.”

“There is not much to tell about me, and I am sure it would be of no interest to you. I have led a rather unspectacular and dull life.”

“Nevertheless am I interested in hearing your story. You are the cousin of my future son-in-law. That brings us very close together. I was hoping that we now would have the time to get to know each other better. That is, if you don’t prefer to disappear like you did the last time we met.”

She stopped, looking at him seriously. They had just recently passed a group of elves, who were watching them with eager interest and Leara though her time had come to undo the harm she had done to Elrond’s reputation and destroy all doubts of her identity. She raised her voice a little bit to make sure they could hear her.

“I already wanted to talk to you about this… incident. In fact, it makes me feel very guilty not to have spoken to you earlier about this matter.” Elrond raised his eyebrows with interest. “I cannot tell you how sorry I am. I did not know what I was causing, when I walked into your council. You see, I wanted to meet Aragorn. I had never spoken to him before, and I feared that he would not believe me. And because I did not want to disturb the festivities here, I came cloaked with a cape gifted to me by a dwarf, Firòn, a friend of mine. It allows me to make myself invisible at will. I fear, I have not yet learned how to master it, for apparently you saw through my disguise.” She sighed, eyeing the elves, who pretended not to listen to their conversation,  from the corner of her eye. 

Elrond nodded. “I see. But why did none of my men see you?”

Leara shrugged her shoulders. “I cannot tell you why. All I know is, that the cloak did obviously not work as it was supposed to. To make the whole thing worse, I got completely lost in your house and accidently walked into your council. I should not have run away, when you saw through my disguise, but I was so surprised. Please, can you forgive me my foolish behaviour?”

She raised her face up to his own, for the first time looking him straight into the eye, and smiled. A brilliant, innocent smile, and Elrond could not help, but returning it. Mithrandir must be mistaken. She is nothing but a charming young woman. How could she possibly be a threat?

Leara noticed with content that the audience had silently disappeared, apparently spreading the news around, that Lord Elrond had not lost his senses. Good, she thought, that will solve this problem. One less to worry about.

“Do not worry about that, my lady. It’s all forgotten. I am glad that you are no ghost, but real. And that you brighten up this days of joy, when my beloved daughter is going to be joined with the man she loves. I hope you will give me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight?”

Leara laughed. “You are the second to ask me today. Remember, Timus was asking for the privilege to sit next to me.”

Elrond smirked. “I am sorry, but I don’t think that will be possible. Aragorn would be very sorry, if you would not be close to him. And I feel obliged to introduce you to the other guests.”

“That’s what I am? An obligation?” She looked at him. Her eyes are as green as the deep sea. Why is it that I lose my speech when they look at me this way?

 “Of course, not, my lady. Please forgive me my unfortunate coice of words. In fact, I would very much enjoy your company. To be honest, I am glad you are here for another reason, too. I am a little… concerned about Aragorn. I feel that I can talk to you about this. He is as close as a son to me, but you are his cousin. And you are of his kin. I think, perhaps he will confide in you.”

“That sounds serious. Why are you so concerned?”

“In the last few weeks, he has been so... absentminded. He wanders the woods all alone, often staying away for two days or more. He does no longer put his trust in me. I wonder what worries him so much, and why he feels that he cannot come to me.”

“I understand.”

Elrond’s face brightened. “But let us not speak of dark things on such a beautiful day. Walk with me and I will very much enjoy showing you around in my house.”

He led her through the garden gates and they descended the stairs, not knowing that the dashing blue eyes of Timus had watched them.

Night fell over Rivendell and candles were lit. The white marble shimmered in their warm light and every sound seemed to soften with the coming of the darkness. Even in the great dining hall, were all the guests had gathered to enjoy a rich meal, celebrating the first day of the wedding feast. The variety of meals had not yet been seen elsewhere. The table were laden with exquisite specialities of all free peoples of middle earth. Exotic aromas flavoured the air, rare grapes were poured and the most precious delicacies had been brought from afar.

On the head of the richly decorated table sat Elrond, clad in robes of deep blue and silver. On his head he wore his circlet of silver, accentuating his dark hair. On his left, Arwen was radiant with happiness. She wore a purple dress, which made her fair skin look like the finest porcelain. She was so beautiful, that Leara thought that she was indeed the Evenstar of her people, fairest of them all, as people called her.

Leara had been placed on Elrond’s right hand, with Aragorn on her right side, much to the disapproval of Timus. He openly stared at her from his position on the table and Leara wondered, if it had been of Elrond’s doing, that he had been placed so far from her. She felt not very comfortable, sitting so close to the Lord of Rivendell and to be exposed to the interested glances of both the guests and the members of Elrond’s household. The fact that she could not eat anything of the delicious dishes increased her feeling of not fitting into this place. She secretly passed the few pieces of meat she pushed around on her plate to the dogs under the table.

Elrond took Arwen’s hand and smiled. “I think, my dear daughter, it is now the perfect time to adress a few words to our guests.” She gave him a loving look and Elrond stood up. He cleared his throat, and everyone in the room fell silent, as if he had given them a command to do so.

“My friends, I thank you all for your coming to this happening. These are indeed joyful days, and I am happy to share them with you. My beloved daughter Arwen is to be joined with Aragorn, son of Arathorn. They both have been very fond of each other for a long time, and over the years, these tender bonds have developed into true love and compassion.” Arwen and Aragorn shared a loving glance and it once again clinched Leara’s heart that she was forced to lie to them.

“In seven days from now,” Elrond continued, “we will share with them the greatest moment in their lives, when they pledge their love for each other. We will be with Arwen and Aragorn, when they are bound to one another, forever, until the end of their days.” At this, Leara believed to cast a glimpse of a shadow, darkening Elrond’s face for a second. Then it was gone again.

“When I took the heir of Isildur into my caring, I never thought that one day, this would happen. That you two would be the ones to bring elves and men closer together. Aragorn,” the man nodded towards the elf. “Arwen”, she smiled at her father. “May your union be blessed as well as the union of our people.”

Aragorn stood up, moved, and stepped over to his future father-in-law. He bent down to kiss Elrond’s hand, but the elf shook his head. “Do not bow to me, Aragorn. I love you both and from now on, I will be happy to call the son of Arathorn my own son.”

He took Aragorn by the shoulders and smiled. They embraced, as the crowd cheered their well-wishes to the happy couple and the father of the bride. Elladan and Elrohir, Elrond’s twin sons, welcomed Aragorn as their brother and then the happy couple was urged to open the dance.

The music began to play, and soon everybody was either dancing or moving up to fill the empty chairs and in order to sit closer together. Timus used the chance to gain his place next to Leara.

“My lady,” he formally kissed her hand. “After all, we now get the chance of having a word together. I was hoping to be honored by being granted a place to your right, but it seems that Lord Elrond had other plans for us both.” Timus gave a nod towards Elrond, who narrowed his eyes at this. “I meant no disrespect, my Lord. Of course, I understand, that you wanted to give King Aragorn the chance of getting to know his cousin better.”

Leara felt the urge to change the subject. “Sir Timus,…” she began.

Timus laughed, “Just Timus,” he interrupted her. “I don’t think that anybody in this room would grant me a title.”

Elrond, ignoring Timus’ words, offered Leara sweet bread, a delicacy of Gondor. She refused.

“No, thank you. I do not care for sweets,” she explained.

“You are sweet enough, my lady,” Timus laughed.

“Aye, sweet, but rather impolite,” a dwarf interfered. “If you don’t mind me asking, Lady Leara, why do we not see you trying any of these specialities? Lord Elrond has shown great effort, bringing all these rare dishes to this feast, but you have eaten none of it.”

Leara did not know, what to answer. All the excuses she had used on earlier missions were forgotten. Helpless, her eyes scanned the room for Silistra, but she could not spot her white gown.

“Instead,” the dwarf continued, “you have given to the dogs what is worth to fit a king.”

“Gimli!” Elrond’s voice came sharp. “Who is the one to be impolite now? I will not allow any accusations or quarrels here in my house.”

Gimli, the dwarf, stared at Leara, who returned his glance in silence, her face motionless. “I am sorry, my lady,” he grumbled. “I meant no offense.”

Elrond nodded and raised from his chair. He turned towards Leara, who sat silent. “I believe, there are better dancers than myself, but would you consider a dance with me?”

Leara woke from her paralisys. “I’m sorry?”

“A dance. Would you give me the honor?” He offered his hand to her.

“Of course. Thank you.” She took his hand and he led her to the dance floor. There they joined the other dancing couples who willingly made room for the Lord of Imladris.

Gimli grinned at Timus. “Fooled again, friend, huh?” His dwarf companions burst out into laughter.

Timus shot a nasty glance at him and decided to pay no further attention to the dwarf. Instead, he rose and decided to look for the other one, Silistra. He had been robbed of the opportunity to talk to Leara, perhaps he could get a hand on the lady in white. When he passed the dance floor, he got his attention caught by an alarming sight. Gandalf stood there, his lips firmly pressed together and his eyes fixed on Leara, who was dancing with Elrond.

She moved with the same unearthly grace she had shown ever since her arrival in Rivendell. From time to time she looked at Elrond with a smile and Timus realized, that she had completely enchanted him, though she was not aware of this. Their hands never lost contact as they moved in perfect harmony and understanding.

 I can see, what disturbs Mithrandir, he thought. This will lead to no good. The wizard knows, what she is, or at least he suspects something.

In this moment, Gandalf looked up and his glance caught Timus’. He must never know, that I know it too. He gave the wizard a boyish grin and slendered away, trying to look otherwise occupied. Amused, he noticed, that people were so fascinated by the sight of Elrond and Leara, that they even forgot avoiding him. This was going to be interesting. Very interesting. He would wait and see. In a good mood he stepped out into the night. The sound of the music still followed him.

The moon shone brightly down, giving life to the trees and flowers that danced with the wind in time with the music. Timus walked slowly along the stone path, taking in the beauty of the land and keeping an eye out for the one he sought. Then out of the corner of his eyes he saw her. Standing under a willow tree, surrounded by moonlight was Silistra. Her brown hair fluttered around her shoulders, her long white gown swayed like a bell in the wind, as the moon beams illuminated her pale pink skin. Her hazel eyes were closed and her face completely relaxed, as if she had become one with nature and all was well with the earth. Timus approached her carefully, knowing better then to disturb the lady before him.

When he came with in a foot of her, her dark green eyes opened and her gentle eyebrow arched ever so slightly but the face remained motionless.

"Well met by moonlight, High Archangel Silistra!" Timus whispered as he bowed.

"Well met Timus. Please do not call me by my station while I am in mortal form. The earth has ears and the wind is it’s voice, it would not be wise to hear one’s secrets on a gentle spring breeze."

"Of course Lady, forgive me. Though I did wonder…"

"You wondered if I remembered you or not? Yes of course I remember. Was it not I who took you to the Heavenly plane?"

"I never really saw you after that, you were too busy. Will you not embrace me as you did then?"

Silistra stood like a statue and the sorrowful howl of a wolf was all the answer that Timus needed.

"I understand, Silistra. But neither the less I am glad you remembered me. Though I am slightly confused, why would the angel of death and a high archangel be here? Surly Leara can handle what ever is coming."

"You know I can’t tell you the reason why we’re here Timus. As for Leara lets just say, she has the habit of going were most angels fear to tread and if Angels could start to go grey with worry or stress, Leara would have turned every strand on my head silver by now!"

Timus laughed out loudly and stared at the angel before him. "I have almost forgotten how beautiful you angels are, thank you for your time Lady, my I have the honour of a dance later?"

"Maybe. Let us go back inside, The night is getting to dark for my liking and I dare not leave Leara on her own for too long, in case Gandalf tries anything."

Timus offered his hand to Silistra, which she took, and walked her back to the festival.

 

Elrond’s hand was firmly on Leara’s waist holding her close to him as he whirled her around on the dance floor. He stiffened slightly as Leara rested her head on his shoulder and then relaxed and took in the scent of her hair. Lavender. Her hair smelt of lavender, and he inhaled it deeply. He marvelled at Leara’s strength, hidden beneath the pale delicate skin, as she took his hand in a tight grasp as if she was afraid to fall out of his embrace.

Too soon the music stopped and Leara looked up at him. Elrond felt he could drown himself in the sea of her eyes, eyes that held such emotion and grace. Without saying a word he reclaimed her hand and started to lead her out into the garden, ignoring all the glances his people were giving him. Before they even got to the archway of the door, Gandalf moved into their path, this eyes fixed hard on Leara.

"Mithrandir? What is the meaning of this?" Elrond asked impatiently.

"I merely wish to ask the Lady some questions, Lord Elrond. Questions she has been avoiding to answer."

"And what questions are those my Lord?" asked Leara calmly as she looked for a way to escape.

"We know of your father being the bother of Arathorn, but what of your mother? Was she of noble birth?"

"I do not know. My mother died after I was born and my father never spoke of her!"

"What of siblings? Were you an only child? Where have you been all these years?"

"I…have no siblings lord, and for where I have been I can not tell you!"

Unseen by anyone, Silistra and Timus slowly entered the room staring at the scene in disbelief. There was Gandalf the white shouting questions and Leara the angel of death shouting answers back with the Lord of Rivendell by Leara’s side holding her hand. Timus covered his mouth with his hand trying very heard not to laugh. "Timus don’t you dare! You only make matters worse" warned Silistra.

"I see, but what of this cloak of invisibility you have, given to you by a dwarf? Tell me how did he come about it?"

"I don’t know, it was a gift from a friend, I didn’t ask about its origins."

"Leara seems to be doing very well on her own!" smiled Timus.

"It’s said god never gives you something that you can’t handle but with Leara I think he made an exception. The Wizard is becoming a serious pain, he can jeopardize the mission and I don’t like the way Elrond is always staying close to her, it must be stopped. Timus can you do me a small favour?"

"Of course my lady what is it?"

"Get Leara out of the hole she gotten herself in to and tell her to met me outside!" and with that Silistra vanished and Timus decided he was going to have his dance with Lady Leara now.

"But why has it taken so long for you to reveal yourself? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Gandalf was yelling as loudly as he could now, not caring who heard him.

"I…I…I…"

"EXCUSE ME!" shouted Timus as he rushed past Gandalf and snatched Leara’s hand out of Elrond’s "May I have this dance?"

"Timus I don’t think…" Elrond started

"Don’t worry my Lord I’ll dance with you later but first…" he pulled Leara in to him and started to turn her on to the dance floor. Elrond grey hawk eyes watched as Timus dipped the young woman in his arms and pulled her back up and started to whisper in her ear with a big smile on his face.

"Well, well, well young Lady, you certainly know how to cause a scene" smiled Timus as he whispered in to her ear.

"It’s not my fault. That white wizard is very persistent! My thanks for the timely rescue Timus, it’s quite appreciated" she whispered back.

"Think nothing of it, lady. Actually it was the Archangel Silistra how told me to do it!"

"Yes she is…what?! You know about…?"

"Of course, the dying or the mad are not the only one that can see you my dear sister!" He pulled away slightly and leaned over as if too kiss her when Elrond intervened.

"TIMUS!!" Elrond’s voice was full of fury and warning that Timus flinched slightly but kissed her cheek neither the less. "Your lady in waiting is out in the garden Lee’hann, go to her now and I will see you soon."

With that Timus left her and walked out of the room ignoring all the evil looks he got. Leara quickly brushed her hair out of her face and looked up only to come into eye contact with Elrond. The anger was still in his eyes but now they were covered with pity and shame as he started to make his way towards her. Not wanting to face anyone at the moment, Leara quickly ran past him and out into the gardens, leaving a bewildered and worried Elrond in her wake.

 

Silistra watched as the young angel ran as fast as she could towards her. She was still slightly fuming over Gandalf’s constant watch and his annoying questions and knew if she where in there, things may have gone wrong, badly wrong. But that had to wait, Leara had been here almost three days and still she had done nothing about her mission. Silistra would usually raise her arms up, as was always her manner, and allowed the dark angel to fall into her embrace but when Leara approached she turned slightly with her arms crossed.

“I’m not happy Leara! You were told to avoid him. He is dangerous.”

“I know Silistra, but when either I am around him or Elrond my mouth goes dry.”

“I don’t know why, you can usual lie through your teeth! You must forget about them and concentrate on your mission. Darkness is already rising and the light is beginning to fade and what are you doing? Dancing and getting into trouble!”

“I’m not looking for trouble!”

“No, it just finds you!” Silistra let out a frustrated sigh and put her hands on Leara’s shoulders. “I didn’t want to do this, but I see now I have no choice. I am ordering you to stay away from Elrond!”

“But Silistra I can’t! He’s the Lord of this place and I…”

“I know that! You are only to converse with him as long as decorum will allow, other than that you stay away!”

There was a long pause between the two angels, the wind howled and blew coldly but neither angel could feel its bitterness. Leara’s eyes were staring at the ground knowing full well the dark hazel eyes were watching her. Silistra was an Archangel, her mentor, guardian, and friend and she had asked her to stay away from the Lord of Rivendell.

“I can’t do it!” The words escaped her lips before she could stop them.

Silistra frowned and looked even harder at the younger angel.  “What?”

“I can’t do what you have asked me Silistra, I’m sorry!”

“And why can you not do as I have ordered?”

“I don’t know!” Leara ran her hand though her long hair and looked at Silistra. “You know, when the sun raises and sets, the heavenly cast gather together to listen to music of the sun?” 

“Yes, what of it?”

“When I stand in the light of the sun and hear its words, I feel it touch my soul, it warms me, makes me smile and then just now in Elrond’s arms I felt the same thing… only deeper and… I don’t know why but I don’t want to let it go!”

Silistra looked at the angel before her and shook her head sadly. She wished she had foreseen this. If she had, she would have asked the council to send someone else, but now there was no going back.

“Alright, Leara, stay close Elrond if that is your wish, but now get your invisible butt moving because there goes your mission!”

Leara turned and saw Aragorn walking towards the forest, dressed completely in black. Leara wrapped her cloak tightly around her and ran after Aragorn without making a sound. Silistra watched her and felt a sting sensation in her eyes. She looked up at the heavens and closed her eyes.

“God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, the strength to change those I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

 

A now invisible Leara followed Aragorn though the dark woods of Rivendell, her feet made no sound on the ground below her, though she doubted Aragorn would have heard over his constant mutterings. She followed him for over an hour before he stopped in a clearing.

“This is not going to work!” Aragorn muttered to himself. “I can not allow Arwen to give up her immortality for me. She deserves so much more, more than I can give her.”

Leara’s invisible eyes shone with pity and her forehead creased confusion as she watched Aragorn for hours as he tried to convince himself that he would confront Arwen about his feelings and then again arguing with himself about hurting her. Her heart started to weep quietly as it became clear that Aragorn was in deep despair and questioned his worth for Arwen.

He pulled out his dagger and placed it above his wrists and prepared to slice them. Leara almost revealed herself but Aragorn threw the dagger on the floor and proceeded to weep. Leara sat next to him laying a hand on his shoulder, placing a cover of comfort and dreams around the mortal and yet he did not sleep as the tears had made his eyes swollen and the pain in his heart knew no peace. When the sun slowly started to rise once more, Aragorn slowly made his way back to the house of Lord Elrond.  Leara followed close behind him, thinking of the pain Aragorn felt and what it meant.

Love was a powerful thing and extremely complicated as well as dangerous. Many people confuse love for Lust, crushes and desire and the effects are drastic. She watched Aragorn go to his room before retreating to her own. She was halfway upstairs when she heard raised voices coming from Elrond’s study.

“It’s our fault… we should have been here!”

“Our fault? Excuse me, but who was the one who wanted to stop at Bree?”

“Don’t you dare bring that in to this, you wanted to go as well as I did!”

Leara pushed the door slightly and peered in. It was Elrohir and Elladan, Elrond’s twin sons, both looked flustered and angry, with dark circles under they eyes were they had not slept all night.

“She would be here to celebrate our sister’s wedding, had we come home.” 

“And now she is dead and there is nothing you or I can do about it!”

Leara pushed the door slightly so she could see better, but the door creaked and both elves turned to stare at the door. Leara quickly pulled back and ran down the corridor, not sure wither or not Elrond’s sons had picked up his ability to see her when invisible. She stood outside her door and removed her cape. She let out a huge sigh and gave a weary smile. 

“Lady Leara?”

Leara turned to face Glorfindel, Elrond’s friend and adviser.

“Lord Glorfindel? Is there a problem?”

“Yes. It’s about Lord Elrond and Timus!”

“What of them? Are they alright?”

“Calm yourself, lady and let me speak! Perhaps we should go for a walk or enter your room for some privacies?”

“Huh? Oh! Come in, Glorfindel, please forgive my rudeness!” She smiled and opened the door of her room. The tall blond elf followed Leara in and sat down at the small table she had in there.  Like all the guest rooms in Rivendell, the rooms were large and spacey, with huge colourful patterns and designs on the walls. There was also a balcony with a view of the garden with the huge four posted bed covered with the finest of elvish silk. Glorfindel looked at the bed for a moment and then back at Leara.

“Your bed looks like it hasn’t been used!”

“I don’t need much sleep. Now what news do you wish to tell me?”

“I guess you have noticed that Timus is… rather odd for an elf.”

Leara laughed as she sat down next to Glorfindel. “Yes, he is rather odd”

“Be careful around him, Lady. He is mad! He disappeared years ago, we believed him to have died in an orc attack and then he came back when he discovered his wife was marrying another!”

“He was married?”

“Yes, Timus was once a great Lord and friend of Elrond and myself. His wife was a wonderful lady with hair of spun gold and eyes like stars.”

“Is his wife with him now?”

“His wife is dead Lady. She killed herself wanting to be with him in death, which drove Timus to his madness. He can be violent one moment and sorrowful the next. Also he claims he sees these things he calls angels!”

“ANGELS?”

“Yes, he claims he was with them when he was missing. He has calmed down over the years, had his title taken away, Elrond has tried everything he knows to help him, but without success.”

“I have heard Elrond is a great healer but no medicines or remedies can cure a broken heart.”

“Do you know how lucky you are to have such knowledge? And speaking of Elrond he is most upset with Timus and Gandalf!”

“Why?”

“Because of the way they treated you last night. He feels he should have stopped them and protect you from their rudeness. He’s also upset with the fact that you ran off before he could talk to you. He’s been up most of the night looking for you, to apologise, but you were nowhere to be found and he feared you had fled again!”

“I see… I thank you for bringing this to my attention, Lord Glorfindel. Can you tell me where Elrond is now?”

“He is in his private study, my lady, I will take you!”

Glorfindel led her through the more private and darker corridors of Elrond’s home. He stopped outside a small oak door and turned to Leara.

“He is in there, good luck and please do not run away again!”

Leara nodded and waited till Glorfindel was out of sight before she entered the room. Elrond sat in front of a small burning fire that was slowly dying out. His hair and robes in disarray, the grey mist of Elrond’s eyes swirled as he rubbed his chin with his forefinger, his sliver circlet in his free hand. Leara knew no fear and yet she found herself unable to move from the spot where she was standing. She cleared her throat loudly.

Elrond didn’t move from his place but spoke harshly. “Glorfindel, I want to arrange a search party and go and look of Lady Leara. The lands are not safe for a lady to be on her own and Arwen will be most upset if she is not found!”

“A search party is not needed my Lord, but your kind thoughts are most appreciated” smiled Leara. 

Elrond jumped out of his seat at the sound of her voice and faced her. His sharp eyes quickly looked over her body and he raised his hand to his heart as a great relief fell over his heart.

“Lady Leara, I must ask this of you. Next time you disappear, please tell someone where you are going, so I don’t spend another night worrying!”

“Forgive me, Lord Elrond, for my selfishness. I will tell you next time personally where I am bound to!”

Elrond gave her his rare smile, and to Leara it looked like beautiful. He slowly approached her and took her hand and kissed. 

“I do not wish to bring up painful memories Lady, but I must know… what did Timus say to upset you so that you would leave?”

“My Lord is mistaken. Timus was asked by my lady in waiting to tell me to meet her outside, that is all!”

“Then it must be the fact that he tried to kiss you or was it Gandalf’s harsh words that upset you!”

“Lord Elrond, I was not upset by either the attempted kiss or the harsh words. I wasn’t upset at all and left of the only reason to speak with Silistra.”

“Then you will stay a little longer in Rivendell?”

“If you desire me to stay, I will stay a little longer.”

“If I truly desired you to stay my lady, you would never leave!”

Both jumped at the statement and stared deeply in to each other’s eyes and then parted. Elrond turned to a mirror and quickly tried to make himself presentable and place his sliver circlet on his head.

“Forgive me my Lady, That statement should not have been said.”

“Elrond…”

Suddenly the door behind them burst open and in rushed Arwen almost in tears, her colourful robes blowing around her in her movements.

“Father, is it true? Lady Leara is…” suddenly Arwen noticed Leara and looked total confused. “…missing? I thought…”

“I went out last night, Lady Arwen, without telling anyone of my departure. My apologies if this has caused you grief.”

“No problem! I am glad you have returned unharmed. You feeling well?”

“Yes, I am never ill”

“Good!” Arwen walked over to her and took her hand and held it tightly. “Join me for breakfast and then we can fit you for your dress.”

“Dress?”

“The dress you’re wearing as my maid of honour, of course.”

If Leara could get any paler she would. She has never worn anything other than the clothes that she was given and they were all the same if not in different colours but even then they were only blue, black or white.

Before anything could be said Elrond and Arwen dragged her off to the dining room for breakfast.

 

The day of the wedding drew nearer and everyone was running around making the last changes to everything. Elrond sent his finest warriors including his sons to patrol the borders of Rivendell for orc activity, Arwen fussed over Leara and another elf maiden about their dresses and how to wear their hair. Noone really saw the groom, but if they did they would see how pale he was and thin. Aragorn kept himself in his room and refused to be seen by anyone. They said it was wedding nerves to Arwen and told her not to worry, but Leara knew the truth and the truth is always best in the open and not locked away behind a closed door.

The night before the wedding Arwen went to speak to Aragorn but found his room empty and his sword gone.

“Leara, Aragorn is gone!” cried Arwen as she fell in Leara’s arms.

“It’s alright Arwen. I think I know where he is… I’ll go and speak to him while you go to bed.”

“But he has taken his sword…you don’t think…”

“Don’t you worry about that! Aragorn loves you and he won’t leave you for the world. Let me speak to him alone!”

“Your words are true Leara, I will do as you ask but…” New tears began to fall and Leara took Arwen to bed.

 

Aragorn was on his knees in the clearing of the forest. His hands were steady, and his grip strong on the hilt of his sword. He whispered a prayer to Morwen, the dark angel to come and take his unworthy soul now, as he rose his sword high and brought it down with all his strength. He waited a moment for the pain and yet there was none and there was an eerie light. He opened his eyes and saw Leara standing above him with his sword in her hand.

“I don’t think this is a good idea Aragorn!” she whispered.

“Leara…I was…”

“I know what you were going to do Aragorn, I know that you have been come here convincing yourself that you were no good and didn’t deserve Arwen.”

“I don’t! I don’t deserve her love!”

“In loving we shall be loved, in comforting we shall be comforted and Arwen loves you and will comfort you as you have done so to her. If you run away from everything that scares you, you’re going to miss out on some great things in life. One of them being your marriage with Arwen!”

“Who are you?”

“You know who I am, you called me before I got here.”

“I called for Morwen, the dark angel.”

“That’s right. The Elves call me Morwen, daughter of darkness, and the dwarves call me the Bringer of Sleep, the Dark Woman. While you men call me The Black Lady! But my true name is Leara, Angel of Death, a child of god and a soul of righteousness. Few know that the Angels can also be guardians, and I was sent to help you, Aragorn, son of Arathorn.”

Aragorn started to cry and bowed over in to a ball in front of Leara.

“I love her Leara, I do. But she is so wonderful and kind, while I am nothing but a mere man…”

“A man who helped in destroying the one ring, I wouldn’t exactly call you mere, Aragorn?” 

“She is going to give up her immortality for me, angel, what can I do to show my love for her?”

“By putting away your fears and love her for the rest of your lives unless you wish me to do what you called me for?” she asked, lifting the sword.

“NO!” Arwen screamed as she ran into the clearing and flung herself between Aragorn and the sword. “Please, Morwen, I beseech you, spare him!”

“Arwen? What are you doing here?” Aragorn asked, forcing Arwen to look at him.

“After Leara put me to bed I remembered this place and how you always used to come here to clear your head. So I came as fast as I could and I saw Leara above you with the sword and I heard her telling you what she really was.”

“If you heard all that… Do you really think I would kill him?” Leara raised an eyebrow.

Arwen looked a little confused for a moment but then her face lighened as she realized the truth. “No.”

“The creator of this world loves you both and nothing makes him more happier than when two of his children join together. Never forget your love for one another and don’t forget that you are both loved and he is always there to help you!”

Arwen and Aragorn looked at Leara for a moment and smiled at her and then turned to each other.

“Arwen forgive me, I was so afraid I was…”

Arwen put a finger to Aragorn’s lips “No more words, Aragorn. Just kiss me and let all your fears be swept away.” 

Aragorn picked Arwen up and kissed her passionately. Only when they broke for air did they once again turn to Leara.

“Leara… angel… we can never thank you enough for what you have done! Are you staying? Of must you go?” asked Aragorn as Arwen wiped away her tears.

“I’m afraid I must stay, for my mission is not yet over here! And besides, I am the maid of honour, aren’t I?”

Arwen ran and hugged Leara tightly and smiled “Of course you are! Now our wedding is truly blessed with our own angel!”

 

“LEARA OPEN THIS DOOR NOW!” shouted Silistra as she banged on the locked door.

“NO!” came the angry voice on the other side.

“Leara you’re being foolish!” said Timus.

“GO AWAY YOU MAD ELF! NO ONE ASKED YOU!”

This argument had gone on for over an hour and both the archangel and elf were getting annoyed. Silistra had be “volunteered” by Leara to sing for the happy couple so she was already in bad books of the Archangel. Silistra was wearing a simple white dress with a golden cloak and a gold sash around her waist, while Timus was in long white and blue robes.

“Leara, what is the problem?”

“THIS DRESS MAKES ME LOOK HUGE! I’M NOT COMING OUT!”

“Is there a problem?” Silistra and Timus turned to Elrond who was coming down the corridor. He was wearing a silver tunic and a rich deep blue robe that went brilliantly with his eyes. The robe was sewn together with sliver thread that glistened when he moved.

“Lady Leara is refusing to come out, my Lord. She says the dress makes her look fat!” smiled Timus, pointing to the door.

“I expected such behaviour form the bride not the bridesmaid. Good thing I have this” Elrond pulls out a large key form his robe pocket and unlocked Leara’s door and went inside.

Leara stood in the centre of the room, wearing a long, sleeveless, dark blue dress, with small blue shoes to match. Her hair was pinned up high on her head and each strand had been twisted. Sitting at the base of her throat was a beautiful sliver cross, with a bright sapphire in the middle. Elrond’s breath got stuck in his throat and his mouth dropped ever so slightly, he was astonished by Leara’s beauty but she took it another way.

“See? I told you I look terrible!” She cried and covered her face with her hands.

“You look fine Leara, you are not used to wearing anything other than a skirt and shirt that’s all!” smoothed Silistra.

“Leara, you look a vision of loveliness” said Timus.

“Elrond, tell me the truth, this looks bad on me?” asked Leara.

Elrond walked over to her and kissed her hand “You look incredible, Lady Leara as if the Lady of the stars wrapped you in starlight.”

“There you see, even Elrond likes it. Now stop acting as if this was your wedding and get your butt down there!” said Silistra as she started to pull Leara to the door.

“I will walk you down Lady,” said Elrond as he offered his arm.

“No you don’t! You already got your daughter on your arm, it’s not fair if you have two. I will take Leara!” said Timus as he took Leara’s arm and wrapped it in his.

Elrond watched the three descend into the halls for the wedding and he could not shake off the feeling of jealousy he felt at the thought that Timus would walk Leara down the aisle.

 

Elves, dwarves, men and hobbits stood in rows on either side of the great hall. White ribbons were hung everywhere and rose petals were on the floor. Everyone was smiling and waiting in anticipation for the couple to appear. A sweet melody began to play as the maids of honour walked down the aisle with the best elf or a friend. Everyone was shocked beyond belief when they saw Timus walking down the aisle with Leara. 

Aragorn was already at the other end of the aisle and he quickly winked at Leara who winked back. Suddenly the wedding march was played and Elrond and Arwen began to walk down the aisle. Arwen was in a beautiful white dress that moved like a bell when she walked. A long vial covered her face yet one could still see the shining smile beneath it. When they got to the end, Elrond removed the vial and kissed Arwen’s forehead and walked behind the pulpit to begin the ceremony. 

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to celebrate the joining of Arwen Evenstar and Aragorn, king of Gondor. Before we begin, is there anyone here, who beliefs without a shadow of doubt in their minds why these two should not be together, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Everyone looked at each other and smiled, everyone knew that Elrond had placed an archer ready to kill anyone who dared answering that question. With a knowing Elrond continued.

The hot weather and the tight dress made it hard for Leara to concentrate, so she began to daydream. She dreamed herself as the bride and Timus was performing the wedding. Only when Timus told to kiss the bride did Leara see who the groom was… it was Elrond.

“With the power invested in me as Lord of Rivendell, I pronounce you man and wife!” said Elrond with a ture smile on his face. “You may now kiss your bride!”