The Garden of Fate

The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm orange glow over the lands of Himring. The sky stretched wide above, painted with hues of gold and purple as the evening drew near. The wind whispered gently through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and earth, as if the land itself was welcoming me into its embrace.

After my journey from the Avari realm and through the lands of the Sons of Fëanor, I had finally arrived at Himring. The Noldor elves here were familiar, and the fortress had a sense of calm that had eluded me in recent months. It felt almost like the home I had left behind, the realm of my ancestors, yet so different in its own ways. It was here, within these stone walls and vast lands, that I would be united with Aistalë once more.

Maedhros had welcomed me without hesitation. His eyes had flickered with a glimmer of understanding when I had mentioned my intentions—to seek out his daughter, Aistalë, and win her heart. After all, Aistalë and I had shared a bond in the time we spent together in the Avari realm. Her beauty, grace, and strength of character had drawn me to her in ways that I could hardly explain. I wanted her to know that my intentions were true.

Maedhros, ever so thoughtful and wise, had told me that Aistalë had spoken of me fondly since her departure. I felt a swell of joy at the news. It had been many years since we had parted, and yet, she had thought of me. He smiled knowingly at me as he shared this, and it was as though I had gained a small victory even before seeing her again.

"She's in the gardens," Maedhros had said, and Maglor—his ever-loyal brother—offered to guide me there.

Now, I stood before the great hall of Himring, the grandeur of its stone walls around me. The faint sounds of the evening drifted in from the gardens beyond. I had been on a long journey, but it was worth every mile to see her again. I had ridden my horse, Lauriënénar, through the lands, his golden mane shimmering in the sun's fading light, and now, with each step I took, my heart beat louder in anticipation.

Maglor led me through the garden paths, his quiet demeanor a contrast to the turmoil I felt inside. The scent of jasmine and wildflowers filled the air, and the rustling of leaves created a gentle symphony. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we came to a clearing. I saw her before I heard her—the soft curve of her figure beneath a tree, her copper-red hair falling over her shoulders like a cascade of fire.

Aistalë.

She lay on the grass, her eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought. I hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight of her—her long frame and the way the light seemed to play across her features. There was no mistaking her beauty. Even in repose, she radiated grace and strength. I had come a long way to see her, and now that she was so close, I was uncertain of what to say.

But before I could gather my thoughts, Maglor stepped forward, his voice gentle. "Aistalë, your visitor has arrived."

She stirred, her eyes flickering open to meet my gaze. For a moment, neither of us spoke. It was as though the entire world had stopped, and in that moment, only the two of us existed. My heart raced, and I could see the same recognition in her eyes.

"Arinyanénar," she said softly, her voice like the melody of a distant song. "I wasn't sure if I would see you again."

I smiled, stepping forward, my pulse quickening. "Aistalë, I've thought of little else but this moment since I left the Avari realm." I knelt beside her, my gaze never leaving hers. "I came because I want to speak to you—to court you, if you will have me."

She was quiet for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly as though contemplating my words. The soft breeze shifted the strands of her copper hair, and in that moment, I was struck by how much she had changed. Her maturity was evident now, but the spark of warmth I had remembered was still there.

"Why?" she asked, her voice hesitant yet curious. "Why come so far for me?"

I opened my mouth, but the words escaped me for a moment. "I came because you have always been in my heart," I finally said, my voice firm with truth. "The time we spent together in the Avari realm was more than just a passing friendship. I want to know you more, Aistalë. I want you to know me."

Her eyes softened, but she remained silent for a long moment, as though weighing my words. Then, she spoke again. "I never expected this... not from you, Arinyanénar."

I frowned, my chest tight. "What do you mean?"

She sat up slowly, her movements graceful. "I had always thought of you as a friend, but now... now I see you differently." Her eyes searched mine, as if looking for something deeper, something that perhaps even I hadn't yet discovered about myself.

Before I could respond, Maedhros' voice echoed from behind us. "It seems you two have much to discuss," he said with a chuckle, his tone light and knowing. "I will leave you to it."

With a soft smile, Maedhros left us in the quiet of the garden, the peaceful sounds of nature surrounding us once more. But even with the world around us so calm, I couldn't help the storm brewing inside me. I had come here with such certainty, and now, I was unsure of everything.

Aistalë stood and brushed the grass off her gown, her eyes still on me. "Arinyanénar," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know what I want... but I know that you are someone who is important to me, and that matters more than anything."

Her words were a balm to the wound I hadn't even realized was there. My heart swelled with hope, yet I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. I took her hand gently, looking into her eyes with sincerity. "Aistalë," I said softly, "we have time. There is no need to rush. I would simply like to be with you and learn who you are, as you have learned who I am."

She smiled then, the corners of her lips curling up ever so slightly. "Perhaps... perhaps there is time for that."

We stood there for a long while, no longer speaking, but simply existing together in the garden as the world continued around us. The night sky stretched above, and for the first time in many years, I felt at peace.