Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, Eldarion
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.
Eldarion sat cross-legged on the hearthrug, his dark head bowed over his task.
“What are you drawing, ion nîn?” Aragorn enquired.
“The White Tree and the symbols our friends use,” said the boy.
Aragorn inspected the picture of a White Tree, a horse and a coiled serpent.
“The coiled serpent?” he questioned.
“Why not? Ambassador Tahir and his family are our friends,” Eldarion replied.
Aragorn smiled, recalling the days when he had faced the serpent banner across a battlefield. Now Middle-earth had changed and for the better; the serpent was no longer poised to strike, but curled peacefully in slumber.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11.6
Wrought with Love
May the stars light his path!
Arwen carefully selected more gems to adorn her work.
May Elbereth protect him!
She skilfully stitched the emblems of Elendil.
May the Valar keep him from harm!
Her love would carry this banner into his greatest battle soon, and with every stitch she embroidered was a prayer for his victory and a blessing to protect him. For long years Arwen had waited and wrought this banner. If hopes and prayers and dreams were warriors, Aragorn would surely have an army vaster than grains of sand upon the shore. By love’s power he would triumph.
24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6 24-26