21 | A Star follows the Darkness

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Arwen Undómiel | The Evenstar

Location: Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan, Middle Earth, Arda

Time: April 2981 T.A

How does one make a choice such as this? To leave everything and everyone she loved and to choose the hardest path. It was never something Arwen Undómiel ever had to do. Even after choosing to join the Fellowship, this was far from that as well. Because unlike this, her choice to join to destroy the Ring had been in her mind since seeing the possible future.

But this?

The future was all but a blur.

Since her brother's arrival with the Dunedain, she kept the secret to herself with only Elladan, Elrohir and Gandalf knowing it. And the longer since then, the guilt had grown so much that it began to make her feel sick to the stomach. It felt like she was carrying so much, and yet it weighed physically nothing. Sleepless nights, tossing and turning in her temporary cot, caused her to grow more paranoid until Tazhin finally noticed.

That was one thing that made it harder was that there was nothing to hide when it came to the Gondorian healer.

However, Arwen simply brushed it off and assured her friend that it was just because she was worried about her parents and the rest of her family. Which was no lie. It had been months since she saw them and all she could hope was that they were alright. Even if she knew that her father must be drowning in immense fear that the only thing stopping him would be constantly working. As for her mother, there was a feeling within her that she had made a choice. Her mother's presence felt awfully far, though not too faint as if she was back on Earth.

That confused her a lot, but she could assure herself and her brothers that their mother was still somewhere in Arda...just rather far from them. How so? They weren't sure.

Arwen only trusted her instincts for the sake of her own heart, secretly mentally preparing herself as the days passed and the particular night would overlook in a mere blink of an eye. Though despite it being quick it felt as if it was years until it arrived.

How her brother's sight was getting more accurate baffled her, but even Elrohir wasn't sure how he was able to get such things right. She and Elrohir have always been adept at their father's natural traits, though only Arwen ever saw it due to her training with Lady Galadriel. But as their time with their mother grew after her reincarnation, it seemed as if her brother had somehow improved immensely.

Probably to do with finally learning how to harness their abilities more than ever before, Elrohir's sight was surprisingly more specific than hers.

Not that she would ever feel jealous of it, though Arwen felt quite proud as well that her brother was getting better since they last saw one another.

Even Elladan had improved, though mostly in his aspect of magic. His ability to conjure weapons and to imitate their own elven ones with eldritch magic was a sight to behold. Moments Arwen would spar against him in their last moments before her departure; she would be in awe at his powers that she would tend to drift off and end up on the floor too many times.

She would miss them so much.

Not just them, though, but everyone here whom she had grown to care for and love. The Fellowship and the people of Gondor and Rohan whom she got to understand and know so much about.

When evening fell and Meduseld fell into silence – that was when the moment came.

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Arwen meditated, her eyes closed and posture composed until a shattering disturbance shook her out of unconsciousness.

With her eyes snapping open, she breathed out and raced out of the room, neglecting those who were sleeping with her. Arwen hurried down the corridor, forgetting about her state of appearance as she knew that this was more important. What was more important was the fact that someone was in danger.

She wasn't the only one who felt the crackling waves that were invisible to everyone else. As soon as she was at the door, Elladan and Elrohir were already sprinting at the same direction. They still wore their outdoor robes, their faces drawn with concern as she grabbed the golden door ring and opened it.

As she entered, Arwen resisted the rushing force which was radiating all over the room.

There in the rows of cots was Pippin – writhing with a spherical object in his hands.

Merry was already awake, trying to wake Gandalf up but to no avail.

Arwen could sense the clear fear in the hobbit's face, whilst all he could do was watch his friend in agony. She was already towards Pippin, reaching with her magic to shove the Palantir out of his hands until a voice echoed into her mind.

'Stop.'

Her breath hitched as she soon turned her head.

Standing beside her, Gandalf halted her before he rushed towards Pippin's side and pried the Palantir off his hands. It gently rolled off, smothered by a cot as Pippin's cries turned into whimpers.

The radiating force diminished immediately, but that didn't stop the racing pace of Arwen's heart as she rushed towards Pippin's side. She hushed him, soothing his head as she brought her other hand to warm his own.

Despite the hissing and the sense of burning in his mind, Pippin's hands were freezing cold.

She looked up; her mouth open to ask the Ithron why he stopped her.

Gandalf merely looked down, a mix of anger and fear in his gaze, as he responded, 'He would have easily caught you than the previous attempt, Arwen Undómiel.'

Her heart skipped a beat as she breathed out, though her attention then quickly returned to Pippin who was now shivering. As Gandalf kneeled, he clasped his hands around the hobbit's after Arwen removed hers.

"Gandalf...Gandalf..."

The Ithron's eyes softened, calmly speaking to him, "What did you see?"

Arwen could sense his pain and horror and she already felt the guilt rising.

It rose more as he began to describe it. The White Tree...burning...

She gulped, trying to stop herself from breaking, though the moment she met Aragorn's eyes from across the room – Arwen wished then she hadn't sensed this at all.

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Pippin managed to fall asleep soon after, thanks to Elrohir and Aragorn who gave the young hobbit a draught to calm his slumber. However, it would seem that word about it began to spread around those who knew of the seeing stone.

Boromir for one was amongst them. He had been incredibly worried about Pippin as soon as he heard about what happened, rushing to visit the still-recovering hobbit after she bumped into him on her way to break her fast. She couldn't help but smile gladdened that Boromir had not pushed himself too far away from the hobbits. She knew that his guilt was still there, but gladly not eating away from him from a couple of months ago.

But alongside Boromir, he informed them that he knew of another Palantir. Minas Tirith also held one and that now uncertain of the city's state: they weren't sure how much Sauron truly knew about them.

That was why as morning broke and the hours were counting down: Arwen needed to confront the last person she had to go to.

She found him just outside the healing halls, assuming then that he must have finished his work and would mainly head to where Boromir and the rest of the Gondorian leaders would be. Luckily as she headed down the hallway, his head lifted from looking at his hands and found his gaze softening at her sight.

But once she met him, Arwen took all her might not to show the immense tightness and guilt within her. How he hadn't noticed her shaking hands and tense shoulder confounded her but nevertheless, she mentally took one last breath and sauntered towards him.

With a composed voice, Arwen said to him, "Aragorn, I must speak with you."

His face quickly fell into concern, leaning his head down. She felt his hand softly place upon her's, and she tried all she could not to send a sense of panic and worry to him.

Though as she stared up at him, her mouth wavered and every confidence she prepared herself crumbled before her.

She couldn't do this; she would break her love's heart because of this.

But she had to. She needed to.

Repeating his words, Aragorn whispered down to her, "Arwen, what is the matter?"

"Soon, someone will come. Trust them please." She pleaded, her hands tightening upon her grasp in his. "I know there will be those who will think it is all but an illusion. A trickery...but help will come. I know it."

She didn't realise that her breath was quickening before Aragorn began to rub the back of her palms, keeping his gaze on her. It helped enough, allowing her to see him slightly agree with a curt nod.

But a moment later, Aragorn murmured, "But there is something more. Arwen..." As he opened his mouth, her instinct was to bring her hands upon his shoulders and pressed her lips upon his.

Too many emotions flooded her, and she felt her eyes prickle with tears. This very man would always be the very reason she stayed, the very one who showed her how much this world meant to them and why she did this. For them and for everyone that deserved this world.

As he melted upon her embrace, she leaned back to take a breath and brought her forehead upon his.

'I do not understand, meleth nin.' He whispered into her mind.

Arwen's voice broke as she whispered back, "I love you." She murmured to him, "Do not hate me for what could possibly happen."

A flicker of fear flashed before Aragorn's mind, as he quietly spoke, "I don't understand?" He pleaded, "Please."

"Just don't hate them. Trust them. Trust me." As she leaned back, looking straight into him, Arwen echoed, "For us."

She didn't need a response, only to see Aragorn merely hold her in his arm. All whilst inside: she was sensing the very bond between them stretch and wane slightly.

Arwen could only hope she would not lose him.

And if she did...she wasn't sure if she would ever live with the memory of it.

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It was midnight when Arwen chose the time to leave. With the help of her brothers and Gandalf, they kept Aragorn and Legolas busy. Thankfully Tauriel and Kili were busy with Gimli creating some weapons (apparently there were never enough arrows) whilst the hobbits were asleep. As for Boromir and Tazhin, she knew that her new friends were busy either arguing with one another or with their duties.

She wanted desperately to say goodbye, but she knew they wouldn't understand her. She needed to do this alone. Just as her mother chose to leave them to help Thorin Oakenshield and the dwarves back in Dale.

'This is beyond what happened in Dale,' she told herself as she adjusted her pack upon her shoulder and brought her hood up. 'You're going into the enemy's lands. An enemy who knows you more than you know them.'

As she snuck down to the stables, with a constant eye and mind for anyone around her, Arwen noticed the horse which she had grown to know well since Snowbourn. In the end, they had agreed on the name Gilroc which was rather fitting with the star-like patch upon his neck. As she sent a mental greeting to her equestrian friend, Arwen felt another human presence behind her.

She didn't need to turn around to already know, as her stomach dropped slightly and she peeked over her shoulder.

Standing before her was Tazhin.

Her face was blank, but she didn't hide the fact that her eyes were piercing with concern back at her. "You thought you'd leave without anyone noticing your disappearance," Tazhin began.

Perhaps she should have estimated the last person who would have known. And especially her, Arwen knew the Gondorian Healer would have known before now.

"What are you talking about—"

"I overheard you. You and the ranger," Tazhin tilted her head slightly, but as Arwen grew more defensive, she must have sensed her panic and sighed. She continued, "Whilst he may seem rather confused at what you said, I clearly know that you're leaving. It's that what your brothers are here for? Yes?"

Arwen inhaled sharply.

Guess her conversation with Aragorn wasn't as subtle. Did she hear them from outside the healing halls? For a human, she must have very good hearing.

Though back at the subject, there wasn't much to lie about now. Tazhin knew what she was about to do and maybe it felt more relieving.

"I wish it wasn't this way. But I have to," Arwen quietly said, trying to see reason with the healer.

Instead, Tazhin stared at her with what seemed to be a mix of confusion, anger, and fear. She didn't understand why, as confirmed as she looked at her up and down before she replied, "I'm not sure why you need to leave, though I'm very certain it would have to do with whatever magic you possess." Tazhin warned, "It's dangerous out there."

"And why I cannot allow any more of my friends and family to suffer." Arwen breathed in, imploring back, "If I do not go, I will be risking you all."

From the dim light outside, she spotted her lips twitch in the corner. "You might need a hand."

Arwen paused before she widened her eyes. No, she was not going to allow her friend to risk herself because of her. This was exactly why she was leaving, not because of them but because she didn't want to hurt them. It took her so much persuasion from her brothers to not follow her; but now...

"I cannot. You are a dear friend, Tazhin," Arwen told her.

Yet the healer before her merely smiled, "But that is what friends do, do they not?" Tazhin jutted her head and gestured to her, "Unless you elf kind have weird friendships."

She wasn't sure how to respond after that and instead felt herself chuckle slightly.

When Arwen looked back at Tazhin, her eyes softened and realised she was not lying. Tazhin was willing to come with her despite knowing nothing about what she was about to do.

"Thank you," Arwen smiled only to turn a small smile in return before they began to equip their horses for their journey.

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It wasn't long until they arrived at one of the gates, taking their horses quietly amongst the back alleyways of Edoras before they would wander about the Gondorian campsite. Thank her mother's neat spell, though not fully making them invisible but allowing those around them unaware of their presence enough.

However, as they were about to reach the gates, with the spell about to drain off in time – they then heard a crunch.

Arwen immediately darted her eyes to the direction of the sound, only to lower her glowing hand as she found him standing there.

How Boromir even noticed them...

Perhaps she wasn't as good at stealth as she thought.

When he approached them, she noticed that he was still dressed in his travelling clothes. His sword at his side whilst he wore a cloak over his leather armour. His arm was out of his sling, though knowing of course that it would never fully heal back.

With a stern expression, he questioned, "Where are you two going?"

As Arwen opened her mouth, Tazhin interjected politely, "Just on a walk, Lord Boromir."

Boromir eyed them as he responded plainly, "A walk does not involve an entire pack, a sword, and cloaks. And two horses." When he reached their gaze, she saw his eyes widen slightly as he stated, "You're going east. Through Gondor."

Arwen replied honestly, "Yes."

"Then I will be going with you."

For a second, she and Tazhin looked at each other in disbelief.

"What about your people?" Arwen found herself frowning back, commenting, "Boromir you are their leader."

Tazhin hissed, reaching up to Boromir as she spoke in fury, "Arwen is right, you cannot just abandon them!"

The Gondorian Captain scoffed as he glared down at the healer, "As if I can even wield a sword!" He looked between Tazhin and Arwen as he said painfully, "I almost got killed hadn't you saved me!"

"Leading an army doesn't need you to have your head straight at an enemy, my lord!" Tazhin argued.

"I could say the same to you, you are leaving as well!" He said between his teeth, keeping his voice as low as possible.

However, Tazhin didn't back down and continued to argue in retaliation, "I am not the son of a Steward!"

In honesty, this was what Arwen was expecting between these two, if or if not Boromir would come with them. Those two practically got along like a tree on fire and the only thing Arwen could react back was to sigh in frustration.

Though as the two were completely at each other, she felt another presence appear just around one of the tents. She peered across the shadows, sensing the person's fëa get closer, before she shushed the two and said, "Someone's here."

Stumbling out from the shadows was a small figure, their curly hair bouncing on top of their head as they held what seemed to be a makeshift satchel over their shoulder.

When she glanced down, Arwen couldn't help but audibly call out to them, "Pippin?"

"I'm coming with you."

A voice behind quickly interrupted, "No. We are not—"

"Boromir." Arwen sent him a silent look, making the Gondorian Captain thin his lips into a grim disagreement.

On the other hand, she looked back to their hobbit friend, his face filled with guilt as he spoke, "He knows, and it's my fault."

Arwen shook her head. No, it was hardly Pippin's fault even if he was too curious for his own good. He hadn't known about what Palantiri were and thus didn't know the consequences of handling such a magical object.

Assuring him, Arwen softened her voice as she replied, "Oh mellon...you do not—"

But Pippin merely shook his head, closing his eyes as he said, "But I...you know what I saw." When he opened his eyes, she was met with a prickling feeling in her chest as she saw his pained expression, "You knew."

"Yes..." She bit her lip, kneeling down to him as she added, "If you believe this is what you believe is right, you shall come with us."

Boromir protested, "Arwen—"

Peering up to him, Arwen answered firmly, "Pippin knows what I have seen. It is best we stick together and stay as far as we can from the others. Divert his eyes from them."

A hefty huff left Boromir's mouth. She knew in his mind that he wasn't pleased at all of this. He wanted Pippin to stay here, where it was safe and away from danger. And ever since what happened since, Boromir still felt that guilt biting him back from the dust.

"My uncle and cousin will join with them...But my brother. I cannot fight, I cannot stand beside my soldiers. So the least I may do is try and save my brother and his rangers," As Arwen stood back up, she heard Boromir speak: "If you would have me as well and whatever strength or knowledge I have. And I shall do what I must to protect you, young Pippin."

Glancing at the hobbit, there was a slight part in which she wondered if this was truly the right thing to do. Pippin was so young, filled with such innocence and wonder that his fear was not of death but of the darkness instead. But truly inside him was bravery, the sweet kind which she once had as a child.

As for Boromir, even if she knew it but she felt ultimately relieved that he was joining them. He knew the lands better than them and it would be much better to have someone from Gondor and have travelled around Gondor to know the way.

If only the man she spoke of believed in his own strength. Even after recovery, Boromir still held the air of self doubt.

As they got another horse, allowing Pippin to ride with her, she was stopped by the Gondorian Captain just at the gate.

When he looked at her, he spoke, "If I am to be a burden, then you must promise that you will leave me."

Arwen gave him a look as she replied, "Boromir. Do not speak of that."

"I am saying the truth." He stared, nothing but truth in his words despite her protest. "I...If it is the choice between me and the youngling, I will do anything to keep Pippin safe."

It was there she just could not help it anymore but bring her hand upon his shoulder, the same one which he spoke of. Arwen looked at him; "You are not a burden, Boromir." There, a smile rested upon her lips as she added, "What I will have is a friend."

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A/N: And so the plot diverges for Arwen, Boromir, Pippin and Tazhin. Oh, you're gonna love what I have in store for them. :)))

Just a short chapter this week. I'm really on the ball with writing at the moment so I'm really making the most of it. I might treat you guys with another update on the weekend, if I remember that is (again, soz).

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Edited: 23/02/2023