"My lord, Mithrandir approaches from the southern gate!"

Arwen looked up from the book she had been reading in her father's library at the shout of the sentry. Rare were the visits of Mithrandir these days, and just as she closed her book, she heard hoofbeats pound heavily into the courtyard below.

Laying the book aside, Arwen went to the window to see the wizard dismounting a silvery horse that could only be described as majestic. She watched in interest as Gandalf gently patted the horse's neck as he spoke soft words to the animal. Then without warning the horse turned and bolted from the courtyard.

"Mae govannen, Mithrandir," Elrond said as he entered the courtyard.

"Ah, Master Elrond, good! I have an urgent matter to discuss with you," Gandalf said.

Elrond placed a hand on the Maia's shoulder to direct him towards the house. "Come inside to the library where we can talk without being overheard."

Arwen heard the word 'library' on her father's lips, and she hurried to leave the room before he led his guest here. Arwen was not inclined to eavesdrop on a conversation about whatever urgent matter had brought Gandalf to Imladris.

As soon as she exited the library she saw her father and Gandalf approaching from the other end of the hallway, locked deeply into conversation but not so deeply that the wizard did not nod an acknowledgement of her as they passed her in the corridor. She nodded back, noting that there was an odd gleam in his eyes as he looked at her. But before she could ask Gandalf if anything was amiss, her father had already led him into the library.

Arwen continued on her way down the hall and had just turned the corner in the direction of her own chambers when she heard Gandalf's voice unmistakably say 'Aragorn'. Why in Elbereth's name would he mention her love's name? In that moment, Arwen halted in her tracks and turned to hurry back towards the library. She concentrated on both listening to the conversation as well as staying quiet enough so that Elrond wouldn't hear her lurking outside the door.

***

Mithrandir = The Grey Wanderer (Name given to Gandalf by the Elves)

Mae govannen = Well met! (Elvish greeting)