Centuries passed. Lady Celebrían and Lord Elrond were graced with a daughter whose beauty rivaled all Elvendom. They named her Arwen Undómiel, the Evenstar, and she was loved by all. Elladan and Elrohir grew into fine young elves. They were leaders like their Adar, possessing that quality that made others accept their command and seek their guidance. Lord Erestor had tutored them in history, and from him they also learned the art of diplomacy and statesmanship.
Lord Glorfindel taught them strategy and battle skill, and if they were not the strongest warriors, they were among the most intelligent, earning their rank among the protectors of Imladris with their fierce pride, cunning swordplay and proven ability. Peace had reigned over Middle-earth for a long time, but an ill wind began to blow that would soon strike terror in the hearts of all free peoples.
Erestor and Lindir's love for one another prospered and grew, and they settled into that routine that married couples find is comforting and rewarding. They were a perfect compliment to each other, yet complete opposites. Lindir was fair of skin and hair and possessed a cheerful and light-hearted outlook on life. Erestor was dark, exotic, with long dark locks that framed a stern and often unsmiling face. He held his own in the council chambers and his high intelligence and quick wit gained him much respect among his peers. But with Lindir, his gentle nature was revealed, for he treated his husband with loving kindness and tender care.
The day came when Celebrían and Arwen traveled to Lothlórien to visit with the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. It had been long since the wife of Lord Elrond had seen her parents and she and Arwen were in high spirits as they left. Letters were exchanged regularly between Imladris' lord and the women of his family, and it was decided that Arwen would stay the winter with her grandparents and Elrohir and Elladan would travel to the golden realm at the turn of the season to escort their Nana home.
The twins spent an eventful two months in Caras Galadhon. There were parties and tournaments that tested their skill in archery and swordplay, and they mingled and reminisced with old friends. The good times passed all too soon and it was a crisp winter's day when the small party headed by the twins left to escort Celebrían home.
They made good time and after a week had reached the foot of the Misty Mountains. Elladan and Elrohir left the main party to scout the paths ahead. No one was prepared for the tragedy that would so change their lives. While her sons sought a safe path on the road ahead, Celebrían and the small escort that remained were attacked by a marauding band of orcs. When Elladan and Elrohir returned, the damage had already been done. Most of the males were dead and Celebrían suffered such hurt that she never recovered, sailing West soon afterwards to the Undying Lands.
The peace that had graced the Elven realms was shattered as all mourned the gentle lady that had stood at the side of her lord for so long. The passing years did naught to restore it, as darkness crept over the land and evil reared its ugly head. For over time, that which had been lost was found, and small creatures called halflings would hold the future of Middle-earth in their hands.
Elladan and Elrohir went wild in their grief. They became obsessed with destroying the creatures that hurt their naneth. Elladan's anger was mostly on the surface, violent and sudden. But Elrohir's went deeper; this was not his first great loss. He had never forgot the old friend of his youth, and this second, even greater loss almost drove him over the edge. As before, time lessened the pain, but from that moment on he rarely smiled and preferred solitude to the company of friends.
A human child was brought to Imladris that was destined for greatness. Only Lord Elrond and a few others knew of his lineage, Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur, who in the future would wear the crown of men. He stayed but a short while in the eyes of elves, leaving to join the Rangers of the north. But he was destined to return.
Erestor and Lindir, on the happiest day of their life, had exchanged their silver rings for ones of gold. And in the ensuing centuries, they were happy. But the hint of darkness that the winds had brought grew and soon all of Middle-earth fell under its spell.
All know the story, how the One Ring was found and Sauron, the evil Maiar sought it. A Fellowship was formed to take the ring back to its source and destroy it. And in the end, good overcame evil, for a hafling named Frodo fulfilled his quest. And the time of the elves ended and the age of men began.
