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{He is drawn to the forest with the same intensity some crave drink or food. Underneath the trees, he is at peace and his senses are alert. Behind him, a short distance away Ehtyarion is grazing, his large white ears swiveling this way and that to catch the sounds of the forest.

Aragorn glances at the unicorn, smiling to himself before he goes back to fletching some arrows. His hands are deft and practiced as he works and he rises when one arrow is done. Picking up his bow - something he carved and fitted himself - he nocks the arrow and takes careful aim at a soft target. Said target is composed of moss and leaves that he has nailed to a tree.

The arrow flies true and hits the mark. Ehtyarion makes an indignant sound and Aragorn speaks softly as he retrieves the arrow:}

Av-'osto, Ehtyarion, av-'osto. {"Don't be afraid, Ehtyarion, don't be afraid." He chuckles as the unicorn tosses his mane imperiously.}

Goheno nin, hîr vuin. {"Forgive me, my lord." Stowing the arrow in his bushel, he places a hand over his heart and bows. With a quick, graceful trot, Ehtyarion closes the space between them and nudges his velvet soft muzzle against Aragorn's cheek. The man strokes his fingers through the unicorn's mane, eyes soft.}

As the chill grows, our companions become dearer to us. {His attention shifts to the Locket.} Surround yourself with laughter and warmth no matter the obstacles. Even if death should separate us, the bonds we forge will not dissipate.

{Gathering his bow and fletching materials, he stows them away on the unicorn's back. He has fashioned a special saddle for the proud creature - something light, durable and soft. Once everything is secured, he swings himself easily into the saddle, Locket in hand.}

There is much to see; much to enjoy. {Positioning the Locket just so - away from him and towards the trees - he urges Ehtyarion into a quick trot. The beauty of the forest is easy to see - emerald greens, browns, reds and even golds pass in front of the screen. Aragorn lets the view speak for itself before closing the Locket with a click.}

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I will return to you before sunset. {It's a solemn promise.} I wish to see the lands cleared of malicious specters.

[A solemn promise she appreciates.] Are there many of the beasts left?

I sense far less and Ehtyarion has not shied. {A good sign.} I do not fear them, but I do fear you encountering one.

Good. I have no intention to venture far until it is cleared, there is no need to fear. [Her voice is soft and gentle. She does intend to do some exploring of her own once things calm, but not anytime soon.]

Le fael, melamin. {He takes a deep breath and turns Ehtyarion's head, eager to return to her.}

{Private to Arwen}

Maedhros has contacted me.

[Brows knit slightly at the announcement, more out of curiosity than concern.]

Oh? And all is well I hope.

He is kind and too burdened by guilt. I understand why you care for him and I wish he could witness the life we will lead once the Ring is destroyed.

[It warms her heart to hear that from him, gaze dropping for a moment before returning to the locket.] As do I. Both he and Maglor carry such a heavy burden and I fear that there is nothing I can do to ease it.

[Share with them all the good that came from their actions, how much it had shaped her into who she is today. While there had been a lot of pain and torment, there had been glimmers of hope as well. Elrond had been a wonderful father, they'd had a hand in that - a fact she couldn't lose sight of.]

{He can't lose sight of that either. Elrond has been a father figure for him as well, after all, and he respects the Elf with all his heart.}

There is much you do, Arwen. He sees the child he reared so long ago in your features. In you, he sees happier days.

There are many others who would say they are beyond redemption. [Would tell her to steer clear, a warning she has heeded where Celegorm is concerned...]

You will not hear me say such words. {Not presently, at least.} Celegorm is another matter.

[Another reason for her to love him. She gives a sigh at the mention of Celegorm, a small nod of her head in agreement.]

I have no intention of passing much if any time with him. [No, he was different for many reasons. There was no familial bond that she could rely on. It was better to keep her distance.]

King Thranduil told me of one of his terrible deeds. I cannot forget it nor can I find it in my heart to forgive him.

{Though Celegorm has given him a wide berth thus far.}

If he were to repeat that act with you, I fear I would kill him.

[Her voice catches in her throat, having to take a moment before managing to utter the four simple words.]

What did he do?

He tortured Legolas. {Brutally.} I gave my word that I would not tell Legolas I knew, but you deserve to know.

He tor- No... No. [She doesn't ask for the details, doesn't need them. The simple sentence more than enough to bring forth a shine to her eyes.]

How long ago?

Before we arrived. {He doesn't know an exact date nor does it particularly matter.} I have kept my temper and my distance because I was asked. Yet I have never stopped my vigilance.

[Her expression softens a bit with his words, knowing they rang true. Celegorm was not one that she intended to pass much if any time with, more so now with this information. With a dip of her head, she gives a little sigh, knowing there is no other assistance she can offer other than support.]

He is lucky to have a friend such as you. Please stay safe... I will see you soon, melamin.

It is you that is most on my mind. {His rage would be terrible if Celegorm attacked Arwen - and he wouldn't be alone.} I am never far from you.

And you on mine. Hurry back. [She presses a kiss to her fingers before laying them against the locket. They linger there for a moment before withdrawing them and closing it.]

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