The Tale of Anwyn, Part Three: Of Anwyn and Arwen

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So the Fellowship of the Ring departed from Rivendell, and with them went the hearts of the Lady Arwen and the Lady Anwyn. The light in both of their hearts diminished as well; but Anwyn's eyes still shone with light from a source within her, an inner peace that she had found after her last night with Legolas. Meanwhile, the light of Arwen was damaged, restrained by her despair.2

And Lord Elrond saw the change in his daughter, and feared for her life-- for though Elves are immortal, they can perish in grief. He sent for Anwyn immediately, and bade her help return the light to his daughter's face. And Anwyn's reply was this: "She will never be completely herself until the last war is over, my lord. Her fate is tied to Aragorn's, and without him, her light will never be as strong. But I will try to give her hope and have her see that she should not grieve for those who are not yet dead." Being satisfied with this answer, Elrond sent her to speak with Arwen.3

Arwen Undomiel, however, was not ready to be given hope-- her eyes had grown dark and her face pale, and she had taken to sitting alone in the gardens. Yet Anwyn had vowed to Elrond that she would do everything in her power to save her, and so she stayed with Arwen, ever talking with her, listening to her, and providing her the friendship she needed. Slowly, the light began to creep back into Arwen's spirit, and with the consolation and aid of Anwyn, she returned to being the graceful and lovely Evenstar of her people once again. And Anwyn and Arwen, in their loneliness, formed a bond of friendship that became stronger than the walls of Khazad-dűm. They wandered Rivendell together in youthful exuberance until Anwyn was acquainted with every stream and glen in Rivendell, and they were both happier than they had ever been.4

And the Elves saw Arwen and Anwyn walking the lands together, and wondered at who the companion of the Evenstar was. One night, in the House of Elrond, Anwyn sang a song she had written about the stars, and those that did not know who she was could hardly believe that she was of the race of Men. There were those in Rivendell who marvelled at the likeness of the Lady Anwyn to one of their own kind. It was said that the light of Elbereth was in her eyes, her face, and her voice, and the Elves took to calling her Silmarwen, the "starlit lady." Some Elves even hailed her as the spirit of Elbereth herself, come to dwell among the people of Arda. Three Elves-- Neurion, Maldor, and Veryan-- wrote a song about Arwen and Anwyn, comparing them to Lúthien Tinúviel and Elbereth Gilthoniel, and sang it for them at a grand banquet in the House of Elrond.5

At first, Anwyn was overwhelmed; she had received praise for her beauty and words before, but never from Elves, and never like this. She had days where she would stay in her abode, watching the waterfall and the graces of the seasons, writing prose and song until she ran out of parchment. Then she would sit and think. And there were times she wondered if she just shouldn't go back home to Thandor, but Elrond had offered her refuge, and Arwen proved to be a wonderful companion. No, she loved the land of Imladris too much to leave it now. It had become her home. Moreover, Legolas had promised he would return, and Anwyn believed in that promise with all of her heart. So she stayed, singing and writing and wandering.6

In the meantime, word had reached Lórien of Anwyn Silmarwen of Imladris, daughter of Men, Lady of the Starlight. Queen Galadriel, being curious, sent messengers to Rivendell with a request that they bring Anwyn to the Golden Wood so that she might see and speak with this lady. Elrond decreed that Anwyn's escorts to Lórien would be Itarildë, a handmaiden, and Meldarion and Eruantien, two respected guards and soldiers of Imladris. They set off for Lórien, leaving the beauty and solace of Rivendell behind.7