Gifts of Love ~ A Lord of the Rings Fan Fiction Story
Gifts of Love
Rating ~ General
Setting ~ Minas Tirith
Characters ~ Aragorn, Arwen, Eldarion, OC Twin Princesses Gilrean and Celebrian
Set Up ~ Arwen teaches her daughter how to sew
Standard Disclaimer ~ This is a work of fiction based on J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books. All the characters, with the exception of any original characters, are the property of the Tolkien Estate. I just feel lucky and privledged I get to play with all of them in the same sandbox. Sigh...Aragorn...Give me back my shovel and pail...Aragorn!!! ;o)
~~**~~**~~**~~
As she watched her daughter Celebrian rummage through her sewing basket, Arwen could not help but smile. She had done the same thing with her own mother’s sewing basket when she was a young elfling. Realizing what she had just thought, Arwen remembered how those afternoons at the feet of her mother, The Lady Celebrian and her daughter’s namesake, were the beginnings of her own love of stitchery.
Gathering up her skirts, Arwen lowered herself out of her chair and down beside her daughter. “Celebrian, have you found anything in my basket that you like? Any pretty threads?”
The little girl smiled up at her Naneth. “Yes Nana. These should make a pretty design for Ada’s tunic.” The little girl often looked through her Naneth’s basket for the threads and colours that would help stitch the designs her beautiful Naneth created on the various pieces of clothing made for The Royal Family and their friends. To be given a gift of The Queen’s stitchery, was indeed a special present.
Looking at the gold, blue and light blue threads in her daughter’s hand, Arwen reached over to pick up a smaller hoop than she used for her own stitching. At the same time, she also picked up a needle, piece of chalk and a piece of plain white linen. Smiling at her little girl, The Queen asked, “I agree pen neth. Those would make a pretty design for your Ada’s tunic, but I have another idea in mind for those threads.”
Settling herself on the floor so Celebrian was slighly in front of her, Arwen asked her daughter, “Instead of me stitching those threads into a design for your Ada, would you care to stitch them into a design? I think those would make a very pretty border for a handkerchief for your Ada.”
Celebrian gave her Naneth a look of delight. She had been wanting to learn how to stitch, but wasn’t sure her Naneth thought she was old enough to learn. Looking up, the little girl replied, “Really Nana? Are you sure?” The little Princess’ face fell suddenly. “But...I have never stitched before. I want to make something nice for Ada. What if I ruin it before I even start Nana?” There were tears in Celebrian’s eyes threatening to spill out at the thought of her not being able to make a gift her Ada would like.
Arwen swept her daughter in a hug. “Oh pen neth nin...Do not worry. I am here and I will help you learn. Do not fear, your Ada will like whatever you give him. A gift of love, from your heart, will always be the most important gift you may give. Do not forget that ell nin.” Seeing her daughter’s face brighten, the Queen smiled down at her, “Now tithen mil nin, allow me to show you how to start a stitching project.”
Taking her little girl’s hands in hers, Arwen showed Celebrian how to draw an outline on the fabric and then decide what colours went where. After showing her how to do a few basic stitches on a scrap piece of fabric, Arwen felt confident enough to leave her daughter to her stitching. The Queen rose and sat back down in her chair behind her own stitching frame.
Looking down, it was all the Queen could do to keep in the giggle. There was her little girl, working carefully on stitching along the lines on the fabric and with the tip of her tongue peeking out. Seeing Celebrian was making fine progress on her own, Arwen took up her own needle and thread to finish stitching the final star of the seven stars of Gondor on the front of the tunic she was making Aragorn.
Later that night...
It had been a lovely evening. For once, there were no formal dinners to attend or receptions to host. For the first time in a very long time, The Royal Family of Gondor was able to spend time just being a family. By themselves.
Aragorn smiled as he headed down the hallway towards the twins chambers. He had Gilrean in his arms, as she had fallen asleep in her father’s lap listening to his story about Merry and Pippin during the time of the Fellowship. Celebrian was right behind Aragorn, but the King had noticed his daughter had been oddly quiet during the evening. Cel usually chattered like a little bird, but not tonight.
Entering the girls chambers, Aragorn carefully lowered one of his little Princesses down on her bed. Tucking her teddy bear under her arm and then tucking the covers around her, he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Sweet dreams pen neth.” Turning to Celebrian, Aragorn held out his arms, “Would you like a story before bed Cel?” Seeing the younger of the two girls fidgeting nervously, Aragorn grew worried. Something odd was going on and he was going to find out just what it was.
“Are you well Celebrian? You have been strangely quiet this evening. What is wrong?” The King was very puzzled. His little girl was usually so outgoing and cheerful. At the moment, she looked like she was about to burst into tears.
Taking a deep breath, Celebrian looked her Ada in the eye. “Do not be mad at me Ada. I tried my best. Honestly I did. Naneth said it is good work, but...” Sighing and hanging her head down, Celebrian walked towards her bed and pulled something from out underneath her pillow. “Naneth told me you will like this, but it is not perfect and there are some mistakes and...I tried Ada....and...” Before Aragorn knew what was happening, his little girl launched herself at him sobbing.
He did not know what was happening, but Aragorn gathered Celebrian into his arms, picked her up and headed for the rocking chair by the fireplace. “Shhh....Hush....Hush pen neth. You will waken Gilrean. Hush now. It is all right pen neth.” Rubbing her back, Aragorn started rocking. After a few minutes, his little girl calmed down enough to be able to talk. Lifting her face so he could look her in the eye, the King asked, “Now...What is troubling you tithen mil nin?”
Sniffling, Celebrian looked at her Ada, “Naneth taught me how to sew this afternoon. It is a gift for you, but...but...It is not as pretty or lovely as Naneth’s presents are. I will understand if you do not like it Ada.” Trembling, the little Princess pulled out the handkerchief from under her hands and gave it to her father.
“What is this? It looks like a handkerchief...” Aragorn’s voice trailed off as he saw the border on the edge of the handkerchief. “Oh Cel....Did you do this?” The King unfolded the fabric so he could get a better look at the pattern. All around the square was a pattern of dark and light blue flowers on a twisting golden vine. “Celebrian...This is lovely pen neth. You did this all by yourself?”
The little girl looked up at her Ada in confusion. “But Ada...It is the first time I have sewn something and it is not as nice as Naneth does, nor as pretty. And...” Suddenly, Celebrian was quieted by her father placing his finger on her lips and being swept up into a hug.
Aragorn drew back and looked down at Celebrian with a look of pride. He understood perfectly now. The little one had been nervous about giving him this precious gift.
The King smiled down at his daughter, “Oh, ell nin. Have you any idea how long your Naneth has been sewing? For many, many, long years. It takes time to learn to design and then sew the designs your Naneth stitches. However, even your Naneth needed to learn the basics. Do you think her first piece of stitching was something as complicated as this tunic or the Standard of the King? No, pen neth nin, it was not. It was a handkerchief she stitched for her own Ada.”
Celebrian looked up in amazement. Aragorn’s smile deepened, “That is right Cel. It was a piece much like this one. Only, it had stars on the border. I have seen the handkerchief your Naneth made for your Daeradar on many occasions. Your uncles told me it was one of the first things they saw him pack for his journey across the Sea to Elvenhome.”
Seeing his little girl relax for the first time that evening, Aragorn asked Cel, “Whatever you, or Eldarion or Gilraen give me, I will treasure. I will treasure this more than the gifts you have given me in the past. Do you know why pen neth nin?” Celebrian shook her head. “I will treasure this more than anything given to me by you before, because this is a gift from your heart. Any gift from the heart is a gift to be treasured beyond measure. I will cherish this. Just as I cherish the small rabbit Eldarion carved for me last Yule.”
Celebrian sighed, “Naneth told me you would say that to me.” Looking down at the handkerchief in her Ada’s hands, the little girl remembered something else her Naneth had told her that afternoon. “Naneth also said I was a very quick student. She said it took her forever to learn how to stitch her chain stitches all the same size, but it only took me an hour to figure out.” Finally smiling, she said to her father, “It does look nice, does it not Ada?”
Seeing Celebrian finally understand her gift for him really was as lovely as he told her it was, Aragorn nodded. “More than nice pen neth. Much more than nice.” Leaning down to kiss Celebrian on the top of her head, Aragorn said to her, “Hannon le ell nin. Now...Tell me tithen mil nin, what stitches did your Naneth teach you to make me this beautiful handkerchief? I believe I see a straight stitch and a satin stitch, but I am not certain.”
Snuggling into her father’s lap, Celebrian helped her father spread the handkerchief across their combined laps. Suddenly remembering something, the little Princess looked up at her father, “How do you know the name of the stitches Ada?” To her knowledge, men did not do stitchery. It was only a women’s craft.
Aragorn chuckled softly as not to waken Gilrean, “I know how to stitch for two reasons Celebrian. One, all Rangers, and healers for that matter, need to know how to do basic stitches. To help mend our clothing or a bad gash or cut. Two, I have spent quite a bit of time over the years watching your Naneth turn a blank piece of fabric into a wonderful creation by using just her needle and threads. So, over the years...I have learned a few things about stitchery.” Grinning now, Aragorn asked, “I believe this small flower here is a combination of satin and chain stitch, is it not?”
Giggling now, Celebrian picked up the edge of the one side of the handkerchief and started to explain to her father exactly how she had made the border. Along with some help from Naneth of course. Arwen was just about to enter the twins chamber when she saw Aragorn and Celebrian leaning over the piece in their laps. Smiling at the sight of the two of them, The Queen stopped just outside the doorway.
Remembering a moment in time when another little girl gave her very first piece of stitchery as a gift to her Ada, Arwen could not help but feel the tears come. Wiping them away with the back of her hand, Arwen smiled one more time at the sight of their little girl in her husband’s lap. Turning, the Queen left the doorway of her girls chambers and headed towards her own.
Many Years Later...
They could not have asked for a more perfect day. The Citadel was literally alive with people running here and there. In little under an hour, The Princess Celebrian was to wed Lord Elboron, Heir to The Steward and Princedom of Ithilien. To say the Father of the Bride was nervous, was a huge understatement. Aragorn had reason to be. Not only was he about to give away the first of his and Arwen’s daughters in marriage, but he was also going to be performing the ceremony.
The King was about to turn to continue pacing in front of his daughter’s chambers when Arwen opened the door. Trying not laugh at her beloved’s nervousness, she gave him a brilliant smile. “Estel...Celebrian would like a word with you in private before the ceremony.” Walking over to her husband, she kissed him on the cheek. “I need to go and find Eowyn. I believe the Mother of the Groom is having as hard a time of it as the Father of the Bride.” Squeezing Aragorn’s shoulder, the Queen walked down the hallway.
“Ada? Ada, are you there?” Celebrian’s voice called out into the hallway. Trying to pull himself together, Aragorn walked across the hall and in through the doors to Celebrian’s chambers. What he saw inside took his breath away. Smiling at him, the Princess turned slowly around for her father to get a good look at her dress. “What do you think Ada? I think we did a lovely job. Do you not agree?”
Tears were shimmering in Aragorn’s eyes as he took in the sight of his daughter. On Celebrian’s head was the Elven Crown her Mother wore on the day of his Coronation and their wedding. The Princess’ gown was a combination of Elven and Gondorian styles. What truly made the gown special was not the fact Celebrian would be wed while wearing it, but the fact everyone in the family had, at the very least, stitched one decorative stitch on the gown. Aragorn himself had stitched the White Tree and Stars design Arwen had created for the border around the neck of the dress.
“You look stunning tithen mil nin.” Coming over, he took his daughter’s hand, brought it up and kissed it. “I have only seen one other bride as beautiful as you Celebrian and that was your Naneth.” The tears that had been threatening to spill, finally did and were falling freely down Aragorn’s face. Reaching into the pocket of his tunic, he brought out a handkerchief to wipe them away with.
Celebrian gasped in surprise. “Ada...Is that...” Taking the handkerchief from her father’s hand, the Princess saw it was indeed what she thought it was. “I remember the day I made you this. I am amazed you still have it Ada. The very first piece of stitchery I ever attempted.” Smiling over the memory, she let her fingers softly trail over the stitches. “It seems so long ago I made this.” Looking down at her gown, Cel started to laugh, “Look where it took me? From simple little stitches, to some of the patterns on my gown.”
Gently, she folded the handkerchief and handed it back to her father. Giving a look filled with love, Aragorn told her, “Remember I told you I would cherish this as the gift of love it was? Every time I use it, I see the stitching and think of you Celebrian. I love you very much tithen mil nin. Today, I am giving you as a gift of love to Elboron and together, the two of you will start stitching your own tapestry. I only pray and hope you will be as happy as your Naneth and I have been.” He was about to say more, but before he could, Celebrian rushed into Aragorn’s arms.
“Hannon le Ada. I love you very much as well.” As she drew back from the hug, the Princess looked her father in the eye for a few moments. Anything else that needed said, was said during that period of time.
Suddenly, a knock was heard and Eldarion entered his sister’s chambers. Smiling at his father and sister, he told them, “Ada, it is time for the ceremony.” Looking at his baby sister, the Crown Prince gave her an approving smile. “You look beautiful Cel. Remember, we have an agreement. The third dance tonight is ours.” Grinning now and giving his father a slight bow, Eldarion turned and left Celebrian’s chambers.
The King turned to his daughter, “Are you ready?” He offered her his hand. Smiling at her father, the Princess took it and squeezed at the same time. As they headed for the doors to the hallway, King Elessar reached into the pocket of his tunic for the handkerchief Celebrian had made him so many years ago. He was not sure if it was his gift of foresight or instinct, but he was certain of one thing. A gift of love from long ago, would be needed before this day of gifts of love was ended.
The End
Translation of Elvish to English
tithen mil nin ~ my little love
pen neth ~ little one
pen neth nin ~ my little one
Daeradar ~ Grandfather
Ada ~ Daddy
Naneth ~ Mother
Nana ~ Mommy
Hannon le ~ Thank you
ell nin ~ my daughter
Rating ~ General
Setting ~ Minas Tirith
Characters ~ Aragorn, Arwen, Eldarion, OC Twin Princesses Gilrean and Celebrian
Set Up ~ Arwen teaches her daughter how to sew
Standard Disclaimer ~ This is a work of fiction based on J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books. All the characters, with the exception of any original characters, are the property of the Tolkien Estate. I just feel lucky and privledged I get to play with all of them in the same sandbox. Sigh...Aragorn...Give me back my shovel and pail...Aragorn!!! ;o)
~~**~~**~~**~~
As she watched her daughter Celebrian rummage through her sewing basket, Arwen could not help but smile. She had done the same thing with her own mother’s sewing basket when she was a young elfling. Realizing what she had just thought, Arwen remembered how those afternoons at the feet of her mother, The Lady Celebrian and her daughter’s namesake, were the beginnings of her own love of stitchery.
Gathering up her skirts, Arwen lowered herself out of her chair and down beside her daughter. “Celebrian, have you found anything in my basket that you like? Any pretty threads?”
The little girl smiled up at her Naneth. “Yes Nana. These should make a pretty design for Ada’s tunic.” The little girl often looked through her Naneth’s basket for the threads and colours that would help stitch the designs her beautiful Naneth created on the various pieces of clothing made for The Royal Family and their friends. To be given a gift of The Queen’s stitchery, was indeed a special present.
Looking at the gold, blue and light blue threads in her daughter’s hand, Arwen reached over to pick up a smaller hoop than she used for her own stitching. At the same time, she also picked up a needle, piece of chalk and a piece of plain white linen. Smiling at her little girl, The Queen asked, “I agree pen neth. Those would make a pretty design for your Ada’s tunic, but I have another idea in mind for those threads.”
Settling herself on the floor so Celebrian was slighly in front of her, Arwen asked her daughter, “Instead of me stitching those threads into a design for your Ada, would you care to stitch them into a design? I think those would make a very pretty border for a handkerchief for your Ada.”
Celebrian gave her Naneth a look of delight. She had been wanting to learn how to stitch, but wasn’t sure her Naneth thought she was old enough to learn. Looking up, the little girl replied, “Really Nana? Are you sure?” The little Princess’ face fell suddenly. “But...I have never stitched before. I want to make something nice for Ada. What if I ruin it before I even start Nana?” There were tears in Celebrian’s eyes threatening to spill out at the thought of her not being able to make a gift her Ada would like.
Arwen swept her daughter in a hug. “Oh pen neth nin...Do not worry. I am here and I will help you learn. Do not fear, your Ada will like whatever you give him. A gift of love, from your heart, will always be the most important gift you may give. Do not forget that ell nin.” Seeing her daughter’s face brighten, the Queen smiled down at her, “Now tithen mil nin, allow me to show you how to start a stitching project.”
Taking her little girl’s hands in hers, Arwen showed Celebrian how to draw an outline on the fabric and then decide what colours went where. After showing her how to do a few basic stitches on a scrap piece of fabric, Arwen felt confident enough to leave her daughter to her stitching. The Queen rose and sat back down in her chair behind her own stitching frame.
Looking down, it was all the Queen could do to keep in the giggle. There was her little girl, working carefully on stitching along the lines on the fabric and with the tip of her tongue peeking out. Seeing Celebrian was making fine progress on her own, Arwen took up her own needle and thread to finish stitching the final star of the seven stars of Gondor on the front of the tunic she was making Aragorn.
Later that night...
It had been a lovely evening. For once, there were no formal dinners to attend or receptions to host. For the first time in a very long time, The Royal Family of Gondor was able to spend time just being a family. By themselves.
Aragorn smiled as he headed down the hallway towards the twins chambers. He had Gilrean in his arms, as she had fallen asleep in her father’s lap listening to his story about Merry and Pippin during the time of the Fellowship. Celebrian was right behind Aragorn, but the King had noticed his daughter had been oddly quiet during the evening. Cel usually chattered like a little bird, but not tonight.
Entering the girls chambers, Aragorn carefully lowered one of his little Princesses down on her bed. Tucking her teddy bear under her arm and then tucking the covers around her, he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Sweet dreams pen neth.” Turning to Celebrian, Aragorn held out his arms, “Would you like a story before bed Cel?” Seeing the younger of the two girls fidgeting nervously, Aragorn grew worried. Something odd was going on and he was going to find out just what it was.
“Are you well Celebrian? You have been strangely quiet this evening. What is wrong?” The King was very puzzled. His little girl was usually so outgoing and cheerful. At the moment, she looked like she was about to burst into tears.
Taking a deep breath, Celebrian looked her Ada in the eye. “Do not be mad at me Ada. I tried my best. Honestly I did. Naneth said it is good work, but...” Sighing and hanging her head down, Celebrian walked towards her bed and pulled something from out underneath her pillow. “Naneth told me you will like this, but it is not perfect and there are some mistakes and...I tried Ada....and...” Before Aragorn knew what was happening, his little girl launched herself at him sobbing.
He did not know what was happening, but Aragorn gathered Celebrian into his arms, picked her up and headed for the rocking chair by the fireplace. “Shhh....Hush....Hush pen neth. You will waken Gilrean. Hush now. It is all right pen neth.” Rubbing her back, Aragorn started rocking. After a few minutes, his little girl calmed down enough to be able to talk. Lifting her face so he could look her in the eye, the King asked, “Now...What is troubling you tithen mil nin?”
Sniffling, Celebrian looked at her Ada, “Naneth taught me how to sew this afternoon. It is a gift for you, but...but...It is not as pretty or lovely as Naneth’s presents are. I will understand if you do not like it Ada.” Trembling, the little Princess pulled out the handkerchief from under her hands and gave it to her father.
“What is this? It looks like a handkerchief...” Aragorn’s voice trailed off as he saw the border on the edge of the handkerchief. “Oh Cel....Did you do this?” The King unfolded the fabric so he could get a better look at the pattern. All around the square was a pattern of dark and light blue flowers on a twisting golden vine. “Celebrian...This is lovely pen neth. You did this all by yourself?”
The little girl looked up at her Ada in confusion. “But Ada...It is the first time I have sewn something and it is not as nice as Naneth does, nor as pretty. And...” Suddenly, Celebrian was quieted by her father placing his finger on her lips and being swept up into a hug.
Aragorn drew back and looked down at Celebrian with a look of pride. He understood perfectly now. The little one had been nervous about giving him this precious gift.
The King smiled down at his daughter, “Oh, ell nin. Have you any idea how long your Naneth has been sewing? For many, many, long years. It takes time to learn to design and then sew the designs your Naneth stitches. However, even your Naneth needed to learn the basics. Do you think her first piece of stitching was something as complicated as this tunic or the Standard of the King? No, pen neth nin, it was not. It was a handkerchief she stitched for her own Ada.”
Celebrian looked up in amazement. Aragorn’s smile deepened, “That is right Cel. It was a piece much like this one. Only, it had stars on the border. I have seen the handkerchief your Naneth made for your Daeradar on many occasions. Your uncles told me it was one of the first things they saw him pack for his journey across the Sea to Elvenhome.”
Seeing his little girl relax for the first time that evening, Aragorn asked Cel, “Whatever you, or Eldarion or Gilraen give me, I will treasure. I will treasure this more than the gifts you have given me in the past. Do you know why pen neth nin?” Celebrian shook her head. “I will treasure this more than anything given to me by you before, because this is a gift from your heart. Any gift from the heart is a gift to be treasured beyond measure. I will cherish this. Just as I cherish the small rabbit Eldarion carved for me last Yule.”
Celebrian sighed, “Naneth told me you would say that to me.” Looking down at the handkerchief in her Ada’s hands, the little girl remembered something else her Naneth had told her that afternoon. “Naneth also said I was a very quick student. She said it took her forever to learn how to stitch her chain stitches all the same size, but it only took me an hour to figure out.” Finally smiling, she said to her father, “It does look nice, does it not Ada?”
Seeing Celebrian finally understand her gift for him really was as lovely as he told her it was, Aragorn nodded. “More than nice pen neth. Much more than nice.” Leaning down to kiss Celebrian on the top of her head, Aragorn said to her, “Hannon le ell nin. Now...Tell me tithen mil nin, what stitches did your Naneth teach you to make me this beautiful handkerchief? I believe I see a straight stitch and a satin stitch, but I am not certain.”
Snuggling into her father’s lap, Celebrian helped her father spread the handkerchief across their combined laps. Suddenly remembering something, the little Princess looked up at her father, “How do you know the name of the stitches Ada?” To her knowledge, men did not do stitchery. It was only a women’s craft.
Aragorn chuckled softly as not to waken Gilrean, “I know how to stitch for two reasons Celebrian. One, all Rangers, and healers for that matter, need to know how to do basic stitches. To help mend our clothing or a bad gash or cut. Two, I have spent quite a bit of time over the years watching your Naneth turn a blank piece of fabric into a wonderful creation by using just her needle and threads. So, over the years...I have learned a few things about stitchery.” Grinning now, Aragorn asked, “I believe this small flower here is a combination of satin and chain stitch, is it not?”
Giggling now, Celebrian picked up the edge of the one side of the handkerchief and started to explain to her father exactly how she had made the border. Along with some help from Naneth of course. Arwen was just about to enter the twins chamber when she saw Aragorn and Celebrian leaning over the piece in their laps. Smiling at the sight of the two of them, The Queen stopped just outside the doorway.
Remembering a moment in time when another little girl gave her very first piece of stitchery as a gift to her Ada, Arwen could not help but feel the tears come. Wiping them away with the back of her hand, Arwen smiled one more time at the sight of their little girl in her husband’s lap. Turning, the Queen left the doorway of her girls chambers and headed towards her own.
Many Years Later...
They could not have asked for a more perfect day. The Citadel was literally alive with people running here and there. In little under an hour, The Princess Celebrian was to wed Lord Elboron, Heir to The Steward and Princedom of Ithilien. To say the Father of the Bride was nervous, was a huge understatement. Aragorn had reason to be. Not only was he about to give away the first of his and Arwen’s daughters in marriage, but he was also going to be performing the ceremony.
The King was about to turn to continue pacing in front of his daughter’s chambers when Arwen opened the door. Trying not laugh at her beloved’s nervousness, she gave him a brilliant smile. “Estel...Celebrian would like a word with you in private before the ceremony.” Walking over to her husband, she kissed him on the cheek. “I need to go and find Eowyn. I believe the Mother of the Groom is having as hard a time of it as the Father of the Bride.” Squeezing Aragorn’s shoulder, the Queen walked down the hallway.
“Ada? Ada, are you there?” Celebrian’s voice called out into the hallway. Trying to pull himself together, Aragorn walked across the hall and in through the doors to Celebrian’s chambers. What he saw inside took his breath away. Smiling at him, the Princess turned slowly around for her father to get a good look at her dress. “What do you think Ada? I think we did a lovely job. Do you not agree?”
Tears were shimmering in Aragorn’s eyes as he took in the sight of his daughter. On Celebrian’s head was the Elven Crown her Mother wore on the day of his Coronation and their wedding. The Princess’ gown was a combination of Elven and Gondorian styles. What truly made the gown special was not the fact Celebrian would be wed while wearing it, but the fact everyone in the family had, at the very least, stitched one decorative stitch on the gown. Aragorn himself had stitched the White Tree and Stars design Arwen had created for the border around the neck of the dress.
“You look stunning tithen mil nin.” Coming over, he took his daughter’s hand, brought it up and kissed it. “I have only seen one other bride as beautiful as you Celebrian and that was your Naneth.” The tears that had been threatening to spill, finally did and were falling freely down Aragorn’s face. Reaching into the pocket of his tunic, he brought out a handkerchief to wipe them away with.
Celebrian gasped in surprise. “Ada...Is that...” Taking the handkerchief from her father’s hand, the Princess saw it was indeed what she thought it was. “I remember the day I made you this. I am amazed you still have it Ada. The very first piece of stitchery I ever attempted.” Smiling over the memory, she let her fingers softly trail over the stitches. “It seems so long ago I made this.” Looking down at her gown, Cel started to laugh, “Look where it took me? From simple little stitches, to some of the patterns on my gown.”
Gently, she folded the handkerchief and handed it back to her father. Giving a look filled with love, Aragorn told her, “Remember I told you I would cherish this as the gift of love it was? Every time I use it, I see the stitching and think of you Celebrian. I love you very much tithen mil nin. Today, I am giving you as a gift of love to Elboron and together, the two of you will start stitching your own tapestry. I only pray and hope you will be as happy as your Naneth and I have been.” He was about to say more, but before he could, Celebrian rushed into Aragorn’s arms.
“Hannon le Ada. I love you very much as well.” As she drew back from the hug, the Princess looked her father in the eye for a few moments. Anything else that needed said, was said during that period of time.
Suddenly, a knock was heard and Eldarion entered his sister’s chambers. Smiling at his father and sister, he told them, “Ada, it is time for the ceremony.” Looking at his baby sister, the Crown Prince gave her an approving smile. “You look beautiful Cel. Remember, we have an agreement. The third dance tonight is ours.” Grinning now and giving his father a slight bow, Eldarion turned and left Celebrian’s chambers.
The King turned to his daughter, “Are you ready?” He offered her his hand. Smiling at her father, the Princess took it and squeezed at the same time. As they headed for the doors to the hallway, King Elessar reached into the pocket of his tunic for the handkerchief Celebrian had made him so many years ago. He was not sure if it was his gift of foresight or instinct, but he was certain of one thing. A gift of love from long ago, would be needed before this day of gifts of love was ended.
The End
Translation of Elvish to English
tithen mil nin ~ my little love
pen neth ~ little one
pen neth nin ~ my little one
Daeradar ~ Grandfather
Ada ~ Daddy
Naneth ~ Mother
Nana ~ Mommy
Hannon le ~ Thank you
ell nin ~ my daughter