Author's note:

Thank you for checking out this story! Firstly, I want to emphasize that I plan for the main character, Luthien, to be a strong female lead. Though she will have romances, there will not be endless crying or pining over men. Next, you should know that this story may be a little slow to start. You will not meet adult Luthien for many chapters. I want to set up the characters' background carefully, so that you understand what motivates and moves them.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I have writing it.

-E

Elrond lovingly gazed at the newborn elfling in his arms. Turning around, he proudly paraded the infant to the gathered guests. The distinguished attendees smiled at the joyous occasion: the introduction of the newest member of the family. The baby was born several weeks ago, its arrival was quite unexpected. Elrond and Celebrian had believed the days of elflings were behind them. And yet, with the recent lull in hostilities gifted by Isildur's defeat of Sauron, the couple had newfound time to spend to themselves.

"He is smitten…" whispered Celebrian to the baby's grandparents.

"Darling daughter, I do believe your husband has been a father three times over already" came the floating reply from the always glamorous lady Galadriel.

"He did not have the time to enjoy the twins or Arwen when they were young, the war…" Celebrian trailed off. "He loves them of course. But this little elfling, has surely captured his heart entirely. He has been in the nursery at all hours, tending to her every whim" she finished.

"How are the children?" Celeborn, the proud grandfather chimed in.

"Very well, the twins are where maturity is within reach, finally. Arwn has just become of age, she is more graceful and fierce every day" came Celebrian's answer.

"Luthien, a beautiful name." lady Galadriel remarked. A name meaning beauty and light, befitting of a child blessed by elvenkind.

The elfling exuded purity and beauty, her light shone brightly as the joy she brought to her parents. Her birth, signaled to her people a new age of peace and prosperity. The eminent guests at her formal introduction reflected her royal lineage. King Thranduil, his wife and their young prince Legolas from the mirkwood realm had journeyed to Rivendell for the occasion. It was rumored that the two elven houses saw a natural benefit for the prince of mirkwood and the new princess to be well acquainted. The grandparents, the venerable Lady Galadriel and wise Lord Celeborn had come as well. Finally, as a goodwill gesture in this new time of peace, representatives of the royal household of Gondor and Rohan were in attendance.

A glittering reception was held shortly afterward. The wine, music and chatter flowed easily in the soft breeze and starry sky. Lady Arwen wandered the periphery of the reception having become bored with the adult conversations. Quite unexpectedly, she came upon a young man, barely out of adolescence, who was sitting pensively on a large boulder. Having seen the representative of the steward of Gondor, the reminder of his destiny weighed heavily upon him. He turned around, slightly startled when she encroached, having heard the soft rustle of her steps.

"Lady Arwen, my apologies, I thought I was alone and lost in my own thoughts" Aragorn said politely.

"You know I am not 'lady' to you Aragorn. Do not act as though we are strangers, you have been in Rivendell most of your life. I'm the one intruding Aragorn. What was occupying your thoughts?" Arwen inquired.

Aragorn rubbed his forehead forcefully, strain evident on his face. "I have been in Rivendell, but never settled. Such is the life of a ranger, always moving, always running."

"You run from your destiny Aragorn. And your destiny is greatness. It is to be king. You are always welcome here, you must know that by now" Arwen said gently. Underlying her compassion, a steely resolve.

"Things are not as simple as when we were children Arwen. I have…duties. Duties I do not want, duties I do not think I can fulfill." Aragorn confessed hesitantly.

"I know you will be a great king" Arwen confidently declared.

"Please Arwen, you must let this go. It is but a fantasy" Aragorn began.

"It is not a fantasy to me, love is not a fantasy" Arwen insisted.

"You do not love me, you cannot love me" Aragorn attempted to finish, yet again cut off by Arwen.

"I choose to love you. You do not think you deserve it. I know you do. You must go now – leading the rangers is part of your destiny. It is a rite of passage your forefathers have left for you. I will be waiting for you when you return." Arwen declared softly, as she laid a hand reassuringly on his shoulder.

"I cannot ask you to wait for me." Aragorn tried to reason, grasping her hand with his.

"You do not need to." Arwen ended their brief, stolen moment with a long gaze. She smiled as Aragorn knelt and kissed her hand, a signal of his enduring affection. And then, their fleeting encounter was over. Her parents did not approve of this liaison, she knew. They thought it was a childish crush, but she knew it was different. It was enduring. Aragorn needed to find his path, her parents needed time to understand the depth of their affections, she would wait.

The lord and lady of Lothlorien had brought with them a small contingent of guards, to bolster security for their journey and the event in Rivendell. The recent peace was hard won. The orcs had not disappeared, and the very distant thought that Sauron may yet become resurgent was ever present in Lady Galadriel's prescient thoughts. At present, the soldiers circled the reception in shifts. They were professional warriors, undistracted by the revelry. Their hawk-eyes scanning the distance for any threat, hands on their swords and arrows, ready to react.

The Galadhrim were led by their new Marchwarden, Haldir. He did not come to this position happily. The death of his father, the previous marchwarden, in battle during the war had led to his promotion. Soldiering was in his blood. His father, his brothers, all wardens in the Galadhrim. Haldir was the elder of three sons, followed by Orophin and Rumil. Though the elder, he is the youngest captain to serve in the guards. Duty to his people above all else, Haldir quickly became decorated.

Very little escapes Haldir's piercing gaze, so the encounter between Arwen and Aragorn did not either. No discernible change in his facial expression occurred, his duty was to protect his people. An elven princess' love life was not his concern. He dared not contradict Lady Galadriel when she told him his service would soon be to one he would love. However, he just could not see how that would come to pass. His love was for his people.

"Elrond love, I wish to visit Lothlorien. It's been so long. I will take the children. We shall return with my parents." Celebrian enlightened Elrond at the end of the night.

Knowing Celebrian was not asking for permission but rather informing him of her plans, Elrond simply nodded. "I shall follow you in a fortnight, when I can get away."