Alex sat in his Malibu villa, scrolling through robe designs. He settled on an elven design, a simple black robe embroidered with golden threads. With a thought, the robe materialized, draping over his tall 7'5" frame.
He looked at the mirror, admiring his profile. His immature appearance was now more balanced and handsome, his blue eyes bright and clear. His golden-brown hair, with traces of silver strands, now reached his shoulders.
[Girls will probably bump into poles when you walk on the streets in this attire.] voiced Lily in his mind.
Alex chuckled and listened to the voices around the world.
Shaking his head, he ignored the uproar about the Graysons' disappearance. Alex froze time in his reality and disappeared.
In Middle Earth, the White Council convened in Rivendell, their discussion centered on the Necromancer of Dol Guldur. Alex's sudden arrival drew all attention to him.
Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf, and Saruman immediately turned their attention to the powerful aura emanating from him.
Elrond stepped forward, his voice calm yet curious. "To what honor do we owe this presence, great Maiar?"
Before Alex could reply, Galadriel's voice resonated in Alex's mind, calm yet probing. [You are no Maiar. What are you?]
She smiled serenely, but Alex saw the flicker in her eyes.
Alex smiled back, his blue eyes gleaming as he approached, his towering figure imposing yet graceful. His gaze locked with Galadriel's as he gently exerted his energy, a subtle reminder not to probe further. "I've come for Arwen," he said simply, his voice calm yet resonant. "The White Council can continue their discussion."
Elrond inclined his head in acknowledgment, but Alex's next words made the council pause. "And oh," he added nonchalantly, "the Necromancer in Dol Guldur is Sauron. Don't waste your breath arguing with the white-haired old man."
Saruman's face twitched, but Alex was already walking away, his robe flowing elegantly as he followed the path toward Rivendell, where he sensed Arwen's presence.
Arwen spotted Alex approaching from a distance, her breath catching as recognition dawned. She ran to him, her silvery robes fluttering behind her. "Alex!"
He caught her in an embrace, his expression softening. "I told you I'd come back."
"I thought you wouldn't," Arwen said, her voice trembling with joy.
Alex smiled. "I had things to take care of, but I couldn't stay away forever."
They walked together through Rivendell's tranquil paths, the soft glow of lanterns and the sound of cascading waterfalls surrounding them. Alex stopped and extended his hand to her.
"Come with me," he said.
Arwen hesitated, her eyes searching his. "Where are we going?"
"To a place unlike anything you've seen," Alex replied.
With a small nod, she placed her hand in his. A golden light enveloped them, and in an instant, they stood in a lush expanse of rolling hills and misty skies — the Moors.
Arwen's eyes widened as she took in the sight. Strange yet beautiful plants surrounded them, glowing faintly in the dim light. The air felt alive with magic.
"Welcome to the Moors," Alex said, gesturing at the landscape.
From the distance, a figure approached, flapping her massive wings as she landed. Maleficent emerged, her sharp features softening as she saw Alex.
"You brought a guest," Maleficent said, her lips curling into a faint smile.
"This is Arwen," Alex introduced. "Arwen, this is Maleficent. She rules over the Moors."
Arwen inclined her head respectfully. "Your land is beautiful."
Maleficent nodded, her tone gracious. "Thank you. Any friend of Alex is welcome here."
A joyful giggle broke the moment as a small figure darted toward them. Eira, her snowy wings fluttering and her crystal antlers glowing faintly, flew into Alex's arms.
"Eira," Alex greeted, his tone affectionate.
The child giggled, her golden eyes bright with delight as she clung to Alex. Maleficent approached and gently took Eira into her arms.
"She grows livelier each day," Maleficent said with a motherly smile.
Arwen watched the scene, a soft expression on her face. "She's lovely."
"She's a treasure," Maleficent replied, her pride evident.
Alex and Arwen toured the Moors, with Maleficent occasionally joining them. They marveled at the creatures, some cute in appearance and others majestic. Fey children flitted around, their laughter filling the air as they played.
Eira often hovered nearby, her curiosity drawing her toward Arwen. Despite her shyness, Eira eventually reached out to Arwen, giggling as she floated into her arms.
"She likes you," Alex observed, watching Arwen interact with Eira.
Arwen smiled, holding the small child gently. "She's enchanting."
Eira floated nearby as they toured the place, occasionally babbling incomprehensible words to the other children. As Alex turned to speak to Arwen, the child flew closer, her tiny hands reaching for him.
"Papa," Eira babbled suddenly, her golden eyes locking onto Alex's.
Alex smiled and held the little one.
Alex turned to Maleficent, who offered him a knowing smile. "She has chosen her words carefully," Maleficent said. "You did create her, after all."
While interacting with Eira, Alex told Arwen the story of how he arrived in this world and how he created Eira.
Arwen listened, her eyes soft with understanding. "In a sense, you are her father."
Alex reached out, gently brushing Eira's snowy hair. "I suppose."
The stars glittered overhead as Alex and Arwen returned to Rivendell.
"This is for you," he said as he gave her the enchanted flower from the Moors.
Arwen held it close, her voice quiet. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
They sat together under the stars, sharing stories. Alex told her of his adventures, the worlds he had seen, and the people he had met along the way. She listened intently, her eyes never leaving his.
"You've seen so much," Arwen said. "Yet you chose to come back here."
"I had to," Alex said, his tone sincere. "Because you're here. Ever since I left, I've always remembered you."
Arwen's cheeks flushed as she looked away, but Alex gently turned her face back to him.
Handing her a ring with a bright golden gem embedded in it, he said, "I offer this to you. This is my token of love that severs your ties to the harmony of the Ainulindalë. If you accept this, your beauty, creativity, and immortality now belong to me. This is the agreement I discussed with Ilúvatar."
"Are you willing to do this for me?" she smiled gently, tears in her eyes, and extended her hands, imagining the cost he might have paid to Ilúvatar. "Ever since you left, I've been thinking of you, your memories in Rivendell that remain."
"You mean a lot to me, Arwen," he said, as he slowly slid the ring onto her finger, the cool metal warming to her skin.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded away. The ring settled into place, and with it, a quiet promise that needed no words.
"And you to me," Arwen replied softly.
Their lips met in a tender kiss, sealing the bond between them under the vast, star-filled sky.
For what felt like hours, but could have been mere moments, they simply sat together, savoring the quiet comfort of each other's presence.
When it was time to leave, Alex stood, helping Arwen to her feet. "I can't stay, but I'll visit again. You are needed here, and the ring will protect you," he promised.
Arwen nodded, her hand tightening briefly in his. "You have my love. I will wait for you until we meet again."
With a final smile, Alex vanished in a flash of golden light, leaving behind the flower and the ring as a reminder of his promise.