The Well-Spring

Morning song began slowly and softly as the warm rays streamed through the open windows reaching across the room beckoning the tiny frame to awaken and join nature's celebration of the new day. Eowyn rose from the soft armchair where she had kept vigil as her daughter lay silently. As she approached the east-facing bed she could see the soft rise and fall of Arwen's chest. Leaning over she placed her right hand upon the delicate brown. Every nerve registering burning heat. As Eowyn began to lower herself to sit upon the bed she felt the strong protective hand of Aragon rest upon her shoulder. Eowyn and Aragon gazed upon their eldest daughter, who struggled silently against death. Eowyn looked up at Aragon as concern swept across his face.

"She is burning up," Eowyn whispered to Aragorn, "she is too young."

"I know," Aragorn solemnly responded.

"How long do you think this will go on?" Tears began to flow freely as her head rested upon Aragorn’s hand.

"She could open her eyes at any moment, or she may ...." Aragorn's voice trailed off.

Gazing over her left shoulder, Arwen turned toward the open door to her room. The muffled voices of her parents stirred a strong connection, a longing for their companionship. Although she was curious; she did not walk toward the voices. Another force pulled her from familiar voices towards the unknown. Turning away from the door, she continued through the marble arches onto the veranda overlooking the fragrant orchard that stretched far beyond the palace walls. The marble slabs were cool against her feet. A gentle breeze flowed across and through the leaves of the trees gathering up pink and white blossoms that drifted gently to the ground. Small drifts formed at the edge of the path that disappeared into the distance.

Arwen stepped slowing down the cool marble steps spiraling toward the velvety grass of the orchard. Stopping she stood silent for some time gazing across the tops of the trees. She was so still that with a quick glance in her direction; any observer would believe she was etched from marble to accent the beautifully polished marble slabs.

A warm breeze swept through the orchard and up the steps to where Arwen stood. The breeze lifted her long strawberry blond hair and strands brushed across her porcelain skin. She continued to watch the sea of green with deep longing.

Sebastian brushed up against her right leg and then circled around her legs still pressing into her as his long tail playfully flitted about in the long folds of her skirt. Arwen looked down and was greeted by a quick meow and a continuous low purr.

Arwen answered: "It's such a beautiful day - would you like to take a walk through the orchard?" There was no need for a reply; Sebastian leaned back on his hind paws - raising the front paws - looking up at Arwen. In moments he sprung in the air floating down to the green grass of the orchard with Arwen following swiftly but gracefully.

The pleasant fragrance of the blossoms mingled with freshly crushed grass was soothing and the breeze carried gentle bursts of lavender from a nearby field. The sparrows chirped from their nests as Arwen walked by and hummingbirds buzzed by quickly - pausing for a second in greeting and then sped off in search of more nectar. Life seemed to be bursting out in all its spectacular spring tradition. The sights and sounds are a reminder of the continuous circle of life and the renewal of spring.

Arwen continued through the orchard following the path she had taken so many times before. She could hear the bubbling waters of the river that bordered her Kingdom.

Arwen loved the familiar and this orchard was familiar. She felt safe here and she smiled as she recollected times past and the hours she whiled away. As she continued her journey the sun crept slowly high into the sky and its heat warmed her skin. She was glad for the light frock she chose to wear. The random shade of the apple trees became the desired respite and eventually the heat pierced through the dense boughs. The heat was so intense that little beads of perspiration dotted Arwen's forehead and her cheeks burned bright red.

Sebastian wandered into the thickest and darkest parts of the orchard to escape the blazing Sun. Soon that was no relief.

Arwen began to wonder why it was so hot and why it was becoming increasingly difficult to breathe. She considered resting beneath a tree and then remembered the river. She cut through the trees eastward toward the river finding it in a short time. She raised her skirt above her knees and stepped into the cool winter thaw. Sebastian at the river's edge lapped up cool water; pausing only for a moment to purr contentedly up at Arwen.

Arwen found a boulder and sat for a while taking in the cool refreshing river. And she thought. And then she wondered.

It seemed as though it was just a moment. Judging by the position of the sun it must have been hours. Arwen stood up determined to finish her walk through the orchard. It was still warm and the breeze had died down. She found her path and continued north. She had always taken this path and was determined to reach the end. As she walked she suddenly realized that there was no sweet fragrance of apple blossoms or lavender and the ground felt dry. She looked about and found the trees laden with ripe deep red apples and the grass had turned brown and it felt like straw beneath her bare feet.

How could this be? She had not spent a season by the river. She had only left her room for this walk only a few hours ago. A chill ran down her spine. Was this fear? "I have never been afraid in my own orchard," she said aloud. Startled by the singular sound of her own voice fear began to rise up through her spine.

The chill in her spine radiated to her arms and her legs. She held her arms close to her body. The sky grew dark and then tiny drops sprinkled down upon her face when she looked upward. The sky was dark gray with patches of white. The chill in the air grew steadily colder and Arwen shivered. The rain became icy and it stung her fair skin. Confused, Arwen looked around to see that the orchard was barren. Not one leaf or bud - just black branches and trunks wet from the rain.

Snow began to swirl around her like a wild dervish. The finger-tipped branches of the apple trees stretched out to catch her hair, now drenched from the snow. The dark red strands against her skin looked like blood streaming down her face.

The wind howled through the orchard like the pained cries of a wolf lapping up the cracked brown abandoned leaves that covered the orchard floor. The long folds of Arwen's skirt clung tightly to her damp legs almost restraining her and preventing her from moving forward. She pushed; determined to reach her destination.

Logically she knew this was absurd - why fight against the elements because of will. Any right-thinking person would have turned back to seek refuge and shelter from the storm. She must be crazy; she thought to herself. That could explain her determination to press forward and finish her journey.

Arwen struggled through the snow drifts and could see that she was near the opposite side of the orchard. it seemed that the sky was lighter ahead. With each step closer her spirits began to lighten. She saw Sebastian at the other end prancing across the path.

Three more steps and she would be at the end. Two steps - the air moved warmly across her face and arms. One step - lavender and apple blossoms filled the stale crisp air with renewing and soothing fragrances.

Arwen's bare feet felt the cool soft grass below and the breeze rippled the tall grass in the field before her. Sebastian disappeared stocking the butterflies that fluttered above the tips of the grass spears.

Arwen stood silently; breathing softly and enjoying the surroundings; only unconsciously she knew this field did not belong here. The peacefulness and serenity of this place calmed her senses. She knew she was where she should be.

Overcome with exhaustion; Arwen lay down facing upward and watched the cotton-like clouds sail by. This place soothed every part of her being. The gentle breeze flowing through the grass ebbed and flowed rhythmically in time with her steady breathing. The sun warmed her from the inside out and the flow of its energy filled her at the core and then over-flowed and spread through her body leaving from her fingers and toes. She felt revitalized and full of power. She felt peace. She was content. Nothing could be better than this respite from the storm. "This must be heaven..." the last thought before she drifted off to sleep.

"The fever has passed," the physician stated directly to Eowyn. "She needs to rest; her body is exhausted. She is as strong as iron though and this fiery furnace she just passed through would temper any steal into a fine sword."

"Thank you," Eowyn softly spoke; continuing to look upon her eldest child. Aragorn stood beside her, his hand upon her shoulder. His reassurance along with the words of the physician was all she needed to keep hope for the life of her firstborn.

"She looks so peaceful," Eowyn said - trying to reassure herself. Still gazing down at her daughter she observed a tiny smile across Arwen's lips.

"We should send word to the rest of the family that Arwen has passed through the worst," Aragorn stated. "Would you like me to take care of this?"

"Yes, and I will tend to the rest of the children and ready them for bed. I think we can all sleep tonight." Eowyn stood; wrapping her fingers around her daughter's hand - slightly squeezing to let her daughter know that she was there.

Link to Chapter 2