The Third Age ended thus in victory and hope; and yet grievous amoung the sorrows of that Age was the parting of Elrond and Arwen, for they were sundered by the Sea and by a doom beyond the end of the world. When the Great Ring was unmade and the Three were shorn of their power, then Elrond grew weary at last and forsook MIddle-Earth, never to return. But Arwen became as a mortal woman, and yet it was not her lot to die until all that she had gained was lost.

As Queen of Elves and Men she dwelt with Aragorn for six-score years in great glory and bliss; yet at last he flet the approach of old age and knew that the span of his life-days was drawing to an end, long though it had been. Then Aragorn said to Arwen: At last, Lady Evenstar, fairest in this world, and most beloved, my world is fading. Lo! we have gathered, and we have spend, and now the time of payment draws near.

Arwen knew well what he inteded, and long had foreseen it; nonetheless she was overborne by her grief. WOULD YOU THEN LORD, BEFORE YOUR TIME LEAVE YOUR PEOPLE THAT LIVE BY YOUR WORD? she said.

Not before my time, he answered. For if I will not go now, then I must soon go perforce. And Eldarion our son is a man full-ripe for kingship.