9 |
Bright in the Morning |
(Prompt: Sunlight) |
She moves slowly around her chambers, selecting, packing – for I shall be leaving Imladris, whatever the end – trying not to think, not to wonder... In a sudden shaft of sunlight dust-motes dance and sparkle: Arwen gasps as the waking-dream takes her, hearing the clash and din of battle, seeing Crown and Stars dazzling in the sun as the great standard sings in the wind; and then – They won the day; but Halbarad is dead. Joy and grief settle together, inextricable, over her heart. She is still a long moment, remembering, grateful; then turns, and goes in search of her father. |
"...and behold! upon the foremost ship a great standard broke, and the wind displayed it as she turned towards the Harlond. There flowered a White Tree, and that was for Gondor; but Seven Stars were about it, and a high crown above it, the signs of Elendil that no lord had borne for years beyond count. And the stars flamed in the sunlight, for they were wrought of gems by Arwen daughter of Elrond; and the crown was bright in the morning, for it was wrought of mithril and gold." The Return of the King, LoTR Book 5, Ch 6, The Battle of the Pelennor Fields. |