Arien Silverleaf Four hundred years ago, in Rivendell, a pair of twins was born to Eranel, one of the Vanyar line, and her husband Elefhas, a Teleri, one of the few who chose the path to Aman. It was said that Elefhas was a relative of the mighty Beleg. There was a boy, Deluhathol, and a girl, Loranien, who eventually came to be known as Arien Silverleaf. Much happiness and rejoicing there was in the family at the arrival of the twins, and yet, their joy was short-lived. When the twins were still elflings, the family embarked on a journey to Lorien to visit an aunt. While the trip had been smooth, as they reached the outskirts of the Golden Wood to rest their tired steeds, their fortune turned ill when they were attacked by dozens of orcs. Elefhas fought nobly but died defending his family, and Eranel was murdered. Loranien and Deluhathol were separated in the struggle. The orcs had taken Loranien captive, and though she fought them and called for her brother, she could not find him. She was bound in rope and carried for many leagues, and it was weeks before she managed to escape, weeping many tears, believing that all three members of her family were dead. Burdened by her hunger, fatigue, and grief, and losing all sense of navigation, the elfling ran aimlessly until she fell, striking her head upon some rock or boulder, and losing consciousness. She would have perished if not for an elvish couple who had found her in the early morning, lying in the sunlight, silent and still, her dark hair matted with blood. Though the couple loved children, they did not have any of their own, and they brought Loranien back to the Valley of Imladris, where the elfling was healed. When she regained consciousness they asked her for her name, but Loranien had no recollection of who she was, nor what ill fortune had befallen her. Somehow in the dimness of her mind, she recognized Rivendell, and was content to remain there with her newly adopted parents. She proved to be a pleasant-mannered elf, and loved the sunlight, ever drawn to its warmth and beauty. And so she was named Arienedhel, elf of sunlight. No one ever realized that she was one of Eranel and Elefhas' twin children, for Deluhathol, who had escaped during the fight with the orcs, had gone on to Lothlorien, where he had told his aunt that his family had died, and the news had traveled to Rivendell long before Arienedhel had been found. And thus, Arienedhel grew and thrived in the beautiful valley where she acquired an interest for art, poetry, music (both singing as well as playing the violin), as well as the sciences. She loved not only the sun, and the stars, but nature as a whole. She became skilled in archery as well as dagger-throwing. When she reached 300 years of age, her adopted elven parents-whom she considered her own-left Rivendell for the West, for they could no longer resist the call of the sea. She was somewhat grieved over their departure, but found solace in traveling. She wandered and journeyed through Lothlorien and Fangorn, seeking adventure as well as the magic and beauty of Yavanna's work. Through her journey she gave herself the name of Rían Míranor before finally settling on Arien Silverleaf. She was adopted by a hobbit (Ladymoon) and an elf (Elendil Elessar) and found some more structure in her new family. At the age of 400, she found a home away from home there at Lelie I Tauretirnova. There she overcame her sadness and found happiness again. Among friendship, she also found love, for she began to feel a growing affection for an elf she had met there, Amrun. Yet she did not voice her true feelings, for she was not sure that he cared for her in the same way, and did not want to risk ruining the good friendship they had. Instead, to the surprise of her friends, she eventually married another elf. Their marriage did not last, and when the groom did not appear at the wedding reception (for he had vanished very shortly after their marriage without a word), Arien renounced her vows to him, considering them to be broken. It was then that Amrun surprised Arien by voicing that he had loved her, asking for her hand in marriage. It was with teary eyes and a happy heart that she accepted, glad that Fate had given her a second chance. Surrounded by a loving husband, caring friends, and a growing family, Arien had thought that Fate had given her the best she could have. However, another stroke of good fortune was still in store. One day in Imladris she met a stranger, an elf who turned out to be her twin brother, Deluhathol, who had been away on a self-imposed exile. Joyful was their reunion. Arien Silverleaf now lives in the Silverleaf Palace in Imladris surrounded by friends, a growing family, and a horde of pets including a wolf, two cats, two puppies, and several horses, among others. She and Amrun are the proud parents of Ellitarë, Beren Camlost, Tanequil, and Turien Mallos. When she is not away in the Valley or visiting in other places like Lothlorien, she can sometimes be found writing poetry or drawing, working on a science experiment in the laboratory, singing in the observatory beneath Varda's stars, or frolicking in the palace gardens. She likes to think of her home as a refuge for the weary, or those in need of friendship or understanding. Her doors are always open and she is always ready to offer a friendly smile. Back to the top Return to the front page of the book