Elrohir stood on the high lookout walls of Thranduil's kingdom and observed the forest before him quietly, its sickness now evident. It was indeed a sorrowful sight.

At his side a bright eyed and alert hawk rested his wings for a moment, whilst contentedly shredding a morsel of raw meat between his claws. In the ellon's hand he held a note and a small fabric pouch, a message sent on the wing of Meldirion, his friend and messenger of choice. Elrohir gently played with the string of the pouch and gave his feathered friend a knowing smile when he heard the familiar advance of his twin.

"You certainly create quite the scandal brother," Elrohir smirked and turned to eye his brother with a suspicious look, "A hasty marriage to the daughter of the Elven King, do you have a death wish?"

Elladan chuckled and came to stand beside his brother and his pet, stretching out one finger to stroke the silky feathers of the hawk. Meldirion hissed and screeched and made to bite the offending elf.

"Ai! Elrohir that bird despises me!" Elladan accused.

"No he does not hate you, he thinks you are trying to take his meal, personally I would bite you too if you tried," Elrohir responded sarcastically and tossed another morsel of meat to Meldirion who expertly snatched his reward.

Elladan pulled a face and leaned on the stone walls heavily, sighing absently and letting his mind wander back to recent events. His twin watched him quietly for a moment quite enjoying his brother's self-inflicted turmoil, but soon decided it was best to put him out of his misery;

"Meldirion brought you this," Elrohir pushed the paper note into his brother's hand along with the fabric pouch, "A note from Adar."

"I was not expecting word from Ada?" Elladan accepted the objects and gave his twin a confused look.

"Tis a good thing then that are dearest Ada is gifted with foresight, he certainly needs it when it comes to you!" Elrohir laughed and gestured to Elladan to open up the paper, and he obliged.

Elladan read his Adar's familiar script and could not help the ridiculous grin that was now plastered across his face. The expression even made Elrohir smile in response, as he watched Elladan tug open the fabric pouch to reveal two ornate rings.

The message on the parchment read simply this;

'Marry her Elladan, it has already been decided, the Valar have blessed it...And you also have my blessing, take these rings, they belonged to you Naneth, she was saving them for a time such as this. The next time I see you I wish to have gained a daughter.'

Elladan appraised the two rings in his possession; they were stunning and crafted with such fine workmanship. They were forged of mithril and the numerous, tiny, gems encased inside the intricate and delicately woven metal twinkle like living stars, even in the daylight they shone and could easily catch attention. His Adar had obviously had the larger ring reworked and expanded for his son, but you could hardly notice the difference.

"They are kind of suiting are they not?" Elrohir commented and then chuckled at the baffled look on his twins face, so elaborated on his musings; "They are like stars, you and Ellenya are named after the stars, do you think Nana had her hand in this?"

This statement elicited a wide and loving smile from Elladan; "Maybe she did Elrohir, maybe both our Naneth's did?"

"Just a comforting thought," Elrohir smiled then lightly punched his brother on the arm, "but look at you, you eventually did it, after all this time you tamed the she dragon!"

Elladan swung his hand and whacked his brother on the back of the head, "She dragon, really?"

"I mean it in the most endearing way I assure you, she is after all my she dragon and as her protective future brother, I will kick you all over Arda if you mess this up!" Elrohir replied with a smirk and crossed his arms across his chest, "I cannot believe it took you so long, it was getting to the point that I was going to steal her away if you did not!"

"I will choose to ignore that comment Elrohir," Elladan muttered and continued to examine the rings in his hand, imagining Ellenya wearing such a precious jewel, he was happy in the knowledge she would approve of this ring. It was suitably beautiful and rich looking, fit for a queen. The idea his Naneth thought of this day before it happened filled him with hope and comfort. He was not surprised by his Adar's note; he had spoken in length and great depth with him numerous times about his love for Ellenya. All his Ada had ever did was frustratingly smile and remind his impatient son that all good things come to those who wait. Now his Ada was letting him know it was time and that was courage enough, he would win Thranduil over and make this right.

"I need to find the King and sort this out Elrohir, will you do me a favour in the meantime?" Elladan asked suddenly.

"I am not talking to Thranduil for you brother, that is your battle!" Elrohir quickly retorted with an impish grin.

"No I do not mean-" Elladan started and then sighed when he registered the humour in his brothers eyes, "The two little girls that Ellenya believes are dead, do you remember?"

"Yes, from the village? She cared for them?" Elrohir crossed his arms across his chest and arched an eyebrow, wondering what this request was going to be.

"Yes, Elrohir I just do not believe they are dead, it is possible there were survivors. Do you feel up to some tracking, it should not take too long?" Elladan asked, giving his twin a convincing look.

"Well there was some evidence of scattering, but Elladan these were no more than infants, it is not exactly a promising start," Elrohir reasoned.

"At least try, for Ellenya, it grieves her, please?" Elladan tried again.

Elrohir's attempt to remain unnerved by his twin brother's pleading faltered, especially when he brought Ellenya into the equation; "Oh alright, but I think it is folly!"

"Thank you brother, it means so much," Elladan replied and embraced Elrohir warmly, "I will follow you after I speak with Thranduil."

"You will do know such thing, Ellenya will have my head if I bring you back in less than perfect condition, consider it a wedding gift!" Elrohir ordered, honestly the ellon did not have the heart to have Elladan spend any unnecessary time away from his love, particularly since there was no guarantee on how long they had together.

"You are too kind brother," Elladan answered sarcastically, "now wish me luck, I cannot imagine this will be the easiest conversation I have ever had! I just hope I can gain an audience with his majesty, without him demanding my head."

"Oh I doubt that will be a problem," Elrohir replied sheepishly and gently turned a bemused looking Elladan around, just in time to register an amused looking Thranduil waiting patiently in the shadows of a sentry post.

"Do not fret young lord, I have passed no decrees for beheadings recently," Thranduil spoke with a dead pan expression, "though I can make exceptions, you wish for a private audience with me?"

Elladan nodded slowly and turned to give Elrohir a slightly panicked look, his twin just patted his shoulder and replied airly; "It seems we are too alike for own good brother, even his Majesty has trouble telling us apart," with that Elrohir bowed deeply and took his leave but not before whispering; "You can thank me later," on his exit.

The King and the young lord watched Elrohir lop off with his pet hawk quickly taking to the air to follow him. For a few minutes the two remained in complete silence, Thranduil appearing for the first time to Elladan, as pensive and unsure of himself.

"Your Majesty if I could have a moment of your time to explain this to you and try and make amends, I would be so very grateful," Elladan eventually spoke, deciding enough was enough he could not just sit in silence and wait for the King to speak, he had to take decisive action and not appear incompetent in front of Thranduil. But to his surprise the elven King frowned and raised his hand to silence him;

"It is Thranduil, Elladan, just Thranduil and we can speak plainly here," The King started and then smiled at the shocked expression on the youngster's face, "You know I am not as unreasonable as many would make you believe, and from what I have just observed I think maybe I owe you an apology. I admittedly have a temper, but then if you know my daughter as you claim to, you are probably used to that trait."

This broke the awkward tension and Elladan could not help but laugh loudly, it was true he was regularly on the receiving end of Ellenya's temper.

"Thranduil, I did not mean to disrespect you, I truly did not believe Ellenya would accept my proposal so quickly, but I will not deny I am thrilled she did. My only regret is bringing you any shame or hurt from my behaviour."

"Oh child I would only be a hypocrite if I made you apologise for that, admittedly I needed a little reminding of this myself," Thranduil gave Elladan a genuine smile and gestured for him to walk with him; "Come, I want to know how it is you came to love my daughter and explain to me how I was so completely unaware of all this?"

"Ah well that is a long story," Elladan answered timidly, abit thrown off by Thranduil's calm and understanding attitude.

"If you are going to be part of my family Elladan then you will need to get over this aversion of talking to me," Thranduil answered evenly, but registered the hopeful look beginning to enter the young lord's eyes.

The King was still not overly keen on the idea, but after a few quiet moments of remembering his beloved wife. He came to the conclusion Lairiel would have embraced Elladan completely, the happiness of her children was always paramount to her, that and she would have devoured him for being so hypocritical and bitter. So Thranduil was going to attempt to get to know this ellon and at least make peace with the idea, whether he was fond of it or not.

"I remember the first time I met her," Elladan eventually began, still feeling uneasy about being so open with Thranduil. "I was visiting my Grandparents with Naneth and my siblings. Ellenya was living in Lothlorien at the time. She was young, just shy of her one hundredth year, and she stuck out like a sore thumb." Elladan chuckled absently at his first memory of Ellenya, "She did not dress like the Galadrim, in fact she was not even wearing a gown, and instead she was clad in dark greens and browns, dressed like a warrior and not at all like a Princess! But she was confident and maybe even a little arrogant."

Thranduil smiled knowingly and inside remained a little smug, Ellenya had always remained true to her heritage and her upbringing, she was of the woodland people and even in the midst of the enlightened eldar elves she had clung to her culture and her pride. "Yes that does sound like my daughter," the King replied and gestured for Elladan to continue;

"I think I loved her from then, I think maybe it was because she was so unimpressed by me. Ellenya did not care who I was or who my parents were. I remember that evening she exclaimed that to ride on the coat tails of your parent's glory was immature and dull. That you should be known as an individual in your own right, make your own greatness, that you should not be known only by your parents name but that your reputation should proceed you. She was magnetic and crass, nor did she care if she offended anyone, she was not timid or demure in my company, as I was used to with ladies of the court. In short I was in awe and from that moment on I did everything in my power to win her affections and her friendship, which was in no way an easy task."

Elladan finished his description of Ellenya and waited waryily for Thranduil to respond, to see if he agreed or liked what he heard. Instead Thranduil remained impassive and simply asked; "So I can presume you did eventually win her affections?"

"It was the hardest and most painful years of my existence!" Elladan laughed in response to the question, "I was besotted with Ellenya, and it only grew stronger the closer we became. She was a skilled fighter both in battle and on a political and tactical level, I could barely keep with her but it brought us closer in the end! But there were more reasons."

"Such as?" Thranduil pushed and watched the ellon blush and struggle over the words to use.

"Your daughter is a beauty beyond compare; she is striking both in body and in spirit. Please do not mistake me for lusting after her, that is not the case, it is just I do not see anyone else apart from her. I cannot describe it, I believed for a long time that Ellenya would never return the feelings I had for her, and so I tried to ignore them. I tried to look elsewhere, but every ellith I met I compared to her and none could match, so I resolved that if I could not have Ellenya I would remain alone."

The two elves walked along in silence for some time, Elladan lost in thought, and Thranduil contemplating the youngsters responses. The King had to admit Elladan was sincere and to his astonishment he felt sorry for the young one, obviously his daughter had not been easy on him. He could only surmise it was Ellenya's fear of becoming attached to anyone that led her to be so isolated and hard to reach, but this ellon had persevered when Thranduil was certain no other would have bothered, and that in itself spoke volumes.

"At last we have reached an understanding Elladan," Thranduil spoke breaking the silence, "I too know what it is like to know there is no other but the one chosen for you. Lairiel was my life, she gave me a reason to exist, a family to love and protect. Because of her I am who I am today, without her I would have been half of myself. Sometimes I feel that part of me fading, but then my children fill that void for me and that is what sustains me. Ellenya is much like me, she is like you say, fierce and independent, but she loves deeply and immediately. When she returned from Lothlorien a few decades ago with your assistance, I noted a slight change in her, when you left she was morose like she missed something. I see now it was you, and you are here but a day and she has completely changed. She smiled for the first time in weeks; I heard her laugh and that is not something I hear often."

"What are you saying?" Elladan just about managed to find his voice, not daring to think for one moment the King was about to grant him the one thing he wanted the most.

Thranduil gave an exasperated sigh and then smiled sadly at the younger elf, "I am saying that you have my blessing to take Ellenya as your wife, as soon as either of you wish. I accept this as the will of the Valar and I accept you as a son into my house."

"You cannot comprehend what this means to me! I am truly honoured." Elladan gasped, he had expected to argue with Thranduil and harsh words to be spoken, but to his relief and shock it took no other force but complete honesty.

"The honour is mine Elladan, you are a fine ellon, worthy to be called my kin," Thranduil attempted to sound genuine, it was true the youngster had earned his respect, but it went against most of his deeply set prejudices to have a child of both the Noldor and the Vanyar welcomed into his strictly Sindar family. "But I worry about the time allotted to you and my daughter, the days are dark and it will be a miracle if you both survive this war," Thranduil added with concern and watched Elladan's face fall.

"By both of us you mean me?" Elladan inquired, Thranduil simply nodded once, "It is something we are both willing to leave to destiny, if the Valar have seen fit to bring us together then we must trust they will reunite us either in this life or the next."

"The grief will destroy her Elladan," Thranduil warned, "If this war turns ill, I will not hesitate to send her westward, I will not see her fade she does not deserve that."

"And I would want her to go West, I would send her now if I thought she would go, but that is not Ellenya and I will never force her," Elladan replied earnestly, meeting the King's gaze with his own worried expression.

"You are wise young lord," Thranduil commented with a smile, "Come I have an answer to give my daughter."

xXx

Ellenya sat cross-legged upon her bed, staring out into her sleeping garden. So many emotions coursed through her at once, it was hard to pinpoint which was the strongest and how exactly she felt.

First there was sadness; the two little girls she had grown fond of were now dead and she grieved their passing. However Ellenya had become accustomed to death and thus she considered their fate just another scar on her already battered heart, serving as a bitter reminder of what happens when she allowed someone to freely enter her heart.

The grief came at odds with the overwhelming joy she had in her spirit, she loved another, something entirely new and life-changing was happening to her. Though her heart had been subjected to so much pain in this life, she felt it begin to heal and she knew it was because of Elladan. She had learnt to endure in life, to remain and be steady, but she had lost the joy in living and with Elladan she was beginning to feel what happiness was like again. Ellenya felt warm and loved, even now in her room away from Elladan, she could feel his calming and caring fae settle her and work its healing magic on her own spirit.

She felt a great deal of other emotions too; she missed Legolas, she worried deeply about him and wished more than anything that he could be here to share in her happiness. He had always teased her about Elladan, he would have been so smug about being right. She was also filled with dread and fear, the darkness was creeping in on her home and her people, she was no fool they were all running out of time and with that time went any hope of finding a solution to their problems.

In the immediate moment, however, Ellenya was aware that she was extremely anxious and more than a little giddy. She had agreed to be Elladan's wife, and she wrestled with the wisdom of that decision. Yes it was hasty and out of the blue and maybe she was not thinking, but she wanted too and the thought of not being able to brought her crushing sadness.

Ellenya wanted to enjoy what fleeting time was left in this world with him, but if her Adar did not give his blessing then she did not have the heart or the energy to defy him. He had his reasons and they were sound, she would not argue with him but that did mean that she would be able to forgive him.

A gentle tap at her door filled Ellenya with a familiar dread; she knew it was her Ada before he entered. Slowly and somberly as she could Ellenya rose from her bed and turned to face her fate, though what expected to see was not what was before her.

Her Adar stood in her room, his expression one of sadness and his eyes held an almost apologetic look. To his side and step behind him stood Elladan, who's eyes were dancing with a secret yet to be told and an easy smile stretched across his fair face. Ellenya watched the two of them warily, completely thrown off by how easily they appeared to stand in each other's company.

"You have my blessing," Thranduil whispered his voice barely audible, giving his daughter the best smile he could muster under the circumstances. He watched as Ellenya's eyes widened in disbelief and how she looked immediately to Elladan for confirmation, he could feel the separation happening already. His little one did not lean on him anymore for comfort or support, she looked to another and Thranduil with a heavy heart began to loosen the protective ties of the bond he shared with Ellenya, assuring her it was alright, that she could go to Elladan now. Which Ellenya did without hesitation, in a few strides she was in Elladan's arms and the two were laughing and whispering promises to one another.

After a few moments of enjoying the relief of being with Elladan, Ellenya disentangled herself from him and turned to her Adar with a deliriously happy smile; "Thank you Ada, I do not know what to say."

"Just promise me that when this war ends and we are living in peace, a proper wedding celebration can occur and I can publically gloat to Celeborn about successfully making a wood elf out of his Grandson?" Thranduil replied, a mischievous look lighting his features for an instant, making all three of them laugh at the mere thought. "But aside from that, it is customary to have rings of engagement, and since this is all abit rushed I presume neither of you are prepared?"

The brief silence assured Thranduil that he was indeed right and the King toyed with a leather cord around his neck. It was a long cord that he kept hidden under his garments so that it was close to his heart. With a gentle tug he broke the cord from around his neck and eased it from his collar. Quickly and quietly he undid the knots to retrieve two rings, not as grand as the set Elladan planned as their wedding bands, but just as beautiful. Thranduil outstretched his palm and gestured to Elladan and Ellenya to take them;

"This is only a loan and I will want them back," Thranduil ordered sternly, but his expression softened when Elladan with shaking hands slipped the simple gold band, of twined leaves, onto Ellenya's finger; "That is your Naneth's wedding band, I know she would have approved of this union, and the other is my Adar's coronation ring," Thranduil pointed out, as Ellenya dutifully slipped the heavy silver band, set with emeralds, upon Elladan's finger.

Ellenya stared in wonderment at the simple band around her finger for a moment before throwing her arms around her Adar, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes; "I love you Ada, do you know that?" she whispered into his ear. It took a moment for Thranduil to realise what had just occurred, but instinctively he wrapped his daughter up in a warm embrace; "I know my little star, just as I love you," he whispered back and gently rocked Ellenya soothingly.

Elladan watched the heart-warming scene for a few moments before deciding the King and his daughter needed some time to themselves, plus the ellon had another mission to attend to. The sun was setting and Elrohir would return soon with news of any survivors from the raid. So he quickly made his apologies, assuring Ellenya he would speak with her soon and disappeared into the labyrinth that was the King's halls.

Thranduil waited a few moments, before attempting to start a conversation with his daughter; he was just content to enjoy the long overdue cuddle;

"I do believe the last time you indulged in a cuddle with your Ada you only came up to my waist, and it was usually a ways and means of getting what you wanted?" Thranduil chuckled pulling away to regard his watery eyed daughter.

"Ada, do not tease, can I not just have a hug from you without a sarcastic comment!" Ellenya moaned playfully, stepping back to scowl at her Adar.

"I just speak from experience," Thranduil reminded and wrapped his arm around Ellenya guiding her to a settle and easing them both down to sit. Ellenya absently curled her legs up onto the settle and leant into her Adar's chest, like she done as a child, likewise Thranduil moved the woollen blankets so that they draped over Ellenya's legs to keep her warm. They sat like this for a few moments feeling content and happy in each other's presence. Ellenya realising that this could be one of the last times she might have the opportunity to be close with Adar, the thought creating a bittersweet twinge to the atmosphere.

"I am sorry Ada," Ellenya began at last and twisted so she could look at her Adar properly, "for frightening you, for being reckless and for putting you in this situation with Elladan and I, I did not mean to bring you any hurt or shame."

"Hush Ellenya, that is all gone and past tonight. You are here safe and well and I cannot ask for more," Thranduil soothed, "I will admit I did not think when I woke this morning that I would have gained a son by nightfall, but stranger things have happened!"

Ellenya laughed softly, "I did not think I would be betrothed either, but what is the point in waiting, I nearly died yesterday, seems ridiculous to wait, If you consider my luck."

"Ellenya!" Thranduil warned, "No more talk of death, you do not know what fate has planned."

"I know that it will not be in our favour Ada," Ellenya answered bitterly, "I have seen it, there is nothing we can do, not unless I can figure out what these frustratingly cryptic dreams mean!"

"What dreams?" Thranduil asked, at last Ellenya would confide in him and he could get to the bottom of her strange behaviour.

Ellenya debated opening up to her Adar about her dreams, in which her Nana featured heavily, but she was running out of excuses not to share this with him. So Ellenya began to talk, she told everything in great detail. She explained the necklace and the strange connection with her brother; she spoke her concerns about Saruman's involvement. Ellenya even described the dream in which she had seen Elladan dead, she cried a lot over this one. Thranduil listened intently and did not speak while Ellenya described her dreams and her feelings, it was becoming clear she had wished he had stopped Legolas from leaving for fear he was the answer to their problems.

In her eyes if Legolas had remained they would be safer, her brother would have found a way to protect them, and maybe this was true. However Thranduil knew his son, and had known Legolas needed to take the quest to Mordor, this was his calling. The connection between his son and Lairiel's amber stone was a mystery still, but Thranduil decided it was best to tell Ellenya if the real fate of her Naneth's necklace and what it meant. This resulted in more tears, as they both relived her death and Ellenya grasped the level of her Naneth's sacrifice at last.

At some point in the long discussion words had ceased to be spoken, all avenues had been explored and Father and Daughter were reconciled. Ellenya had eventually drifted into a quiet slumber, whilst Thranduil mulled through all that had been discussed, he himself not being able to connect the dots are truly figure out what Ellenya's dreams meant. It was in this contemplative state that Elladan found Thranduil on his return. Daylight was beginning to break through the clouds and another day was soon to start, Thranduil smiled wearily at the approaching ellon, and rose slowly from the settle being careful not to jostle Ellenya;

"Any news of the human girls?" Thranduil whispered, his voice sounding incredibly loud in the quietness of early dawn. Elladan simply nodded and smiled hopefully at the King, Thranduil sighed in relief; "Then I will let you share the news with her," and with said the King took his leave.

Elladan held in his hand a note from Elrohir, sent to him by Meldirion and with it bore good news at last. The ellon knelt down beside Ellenya's head, taking a moment to admire the depths of her blue eyes as she walked in her dreams. To Elladan, Ellenya was heart achingly beautiful, so regal and fair without a single flaw. The smoothness of her porcelain skin and the softness of her platinum locks were too inviting and Elladan could not help himself from reaching out and gently stroking away the loose strands from her face.

The sensation startled Ellenya and she blinked waking suddenly from her dreams, it took her a moment to register anything other than Elladan's lips softly brushing hers, coaxing her to wake up. She lazily lifted her hand and brought it to his face letting her own fingers trace the symmetry of his features. The physical beauty of Elrond and Celebrian's children was legendary, Arwen being held up as the pinnacle of elven beauty and she often overshadowed her brothers. However the twins were equally as striking, but to Ellenya there was more to Elladan than his handsome features, what made him attractive to her was his nature and the beauty in his spirit. He had always had the uncanny ability to settle her, one look from his grey eyes and she felt calm and secure, that was what she loved most about him.

"You will have to stop this Elladan, I will expect this now every morning," Ellenya mumbled and rolled unto her belly to get a better look at her future husband, his grey eyes bringing with them a wave of love and contentment that warmed Ellenya's spirit.

"I have something to tell you," Elladan whispered and took one of her hands in his, "Murieann and Yseult live Ellenya."

"What?" Ellenya gasped and she sat upright starring in disbelief at Elladan, "but how?"

"They fled into the woods with what is left of their kin, I had Elrohir track them down he found them on the road to Dale. He is assisting them to reach their destination safely." Elladan reported, a hopeful smile lighting his features. "Look they sent you this," Elladan gently pushed a folded piece of parchment into Ellenya's hands which she quickly unfolded.

On the paper was an indiscernible scribble, which Ellenya recognised as Yseult's drawing and beside in Murieann had neatly wrote;

'Ellenya we are safe with Edel, she is a friend and will look after us. The nice elf man is taking us to Dale where we will be safe, he told us you are going to be married and that you miss us and thought we were dead. Well we are not and we love you, do not cry we will see you soon. Yseult and I wish we could see how pretty you will look when you get married, will you bring your husband to see us in Dale? Yseult thinks you will bring your baby because you will have baby now you are married but I told her that was silly it takes a long time to get a baby! I hope we get to see you soon. We miss Papa but I know he will not come back, I am sad but I do not show Yseult I tell her Papa has to go somewhere far away to get better. Do not be sad for us Edel is very nice, you would like her she was the bakers wife, she had nobody now, she says we are going to be a new family. I hope so.'

Murieann and Yseult

Ellenya was crying by the time she had finished the letter, great tears of relief and joy. The girls had survived and were with the baker's wife, a pleasant middle aged woman, who had not been blessed with any children of her own. Edel had often cared for the girls when their Father could not; it was relief that they had her at least. Slowly her sobs turned into giggles as Ellenya reread the letter and shook her head at the boldness of the two little rascals.

"What is it?" Elladan could not help but laugh at Ellenya's comical expression.

"Yseult thinks that when I visit I will bring a baby because I will be married," Ellenya spluttered out between laughs and sobs.

Elladan chuckled and wrapped his arms around Ellenya before muttering into her ear; "It may be a little soon for that, but you just never know!"

"No!" Ellenya laughed and pushed the elf away from her playfully, "No babies, no elflings, none of that."

"I am teasing you Ellenya, love, I would never dream of bringing a child into this world, I just hope that it is not too much of disappointment for Yseult!" Elladan assured and kissed Ellenya on the cheek adoringly.

"She will forgive me in time," Ellenya answered happily catching Elladan's hand and squeezing tightly, "I do not deserve you Elladan, thank you for this, for everything!"

"Thank Elrohir, I just made the suggestion," Elladan replied, relieved to finally see a light return to Ellenya's eyes. "Are you happy though, would you prefer to go to Dale to see them for yourself? We can go straight away."

"No Elladan you have done enough, it is not safe for any of us to be travelling now. The girls are safer if I do not try and visit them at the moment, I would only lure an attack on them. Elrohir risked much to do this; I will find a way to repay him! If by some miracle times improve, I will visit them, with you of course. Yes I am so happy, you have been here only a few days and have made everything better!" Ellenya practically sang, the joy evident in her smile as she wrapped her arms around Elladan and slipped unto the ground beside him, snuggling into his chest.

"Well that is what I do! I make everything perfect, it is gift!" Elladan gloated playfully and waved his arms flamboyantly above his head, grinning when Ellenya arched an eyebrow and smirked in response.

"How egotistical!" Ellenya sniggered.

"Well I learned from the best!" Elladan defended, ignoring Ellenya's shrieks of defiance as he lifted her off the ground and threw her over his shoulder, making his way out of her chambers and quickly making along the deserted hallways.

"What are you doing? Put me down this is absurd!" Ellenya commanded in-between breathlessly laughter, as she twisted and squirmed, kicking her feet and flailing her arms to no avail. "Where are you taking me? I command you answer me at once Elladan!"

"That is Lord Elladan of Imladris to you Princess! In a few moments all will be answered," Elladan answered breezily and continued his stroll through the King's halls, smiling smugly as Ellenya wriggled in his arms, making all kinds of weightless threats. After a few moments of ascending many steps and coming to an average looking door, he eventually dropped a disgruntled looking Ellenya to her feet.

"You better have a decent explanation for running me through my home, in the most unladylike manner imaginable?" Ellenya warned crossing her arms over her chest and leveling Elladan with a challenging glare.

"Oh be quiet Ellenya and do not pretend that you did not enjoy it! Now close your eyes and turn around?" Elladan brushed off Ellenya's concerns and gestured for her to do as he said. With an exasperated sigh she eventually obliged him.

"This better be good Elladan, I have a very hasty wedding to plan," Ellenya grumbled under her breath and sighed when Elladan slapped his hand over her eyes, obviously not trusting her.

"You talk too much Ellenya," Elladan teased, his face lighting up at her insinuation over their marriage. Once satisfied that Ellenya was suitably blind he pushed open the heavy door and chuckled when Ellenya shivered against the frigid air that blew into the small room. The icy blast making her skin prickle but in turn piquing her interests, she tried to place herself but was frustrated at the deprivation of her sight and pulled impatiently at Elladan's hand.

"I want you to see this," Elladan murmured in her ear, his voice suddenly serious and husky, the sensation sending a thrill through Ellenya, as he removed his hand from her eyes.

The blinding light was all Ellenya could comprehend for a moment, but soon she ascertained she standing on one of the highest look out points of her home, at the far end of the great walls that surrounded her Adar's Kingdom. The view was sensational from here, one could see in all directions as far as the eye could see. However this was not what caused her to be momentarily silent, for before her a brilliant sunrise lit up the morning sky, it's colours phenomenal and breath-taking. Ellenya quietly wondered how long it had been since she had seen such a sunrise, or how long it had been since she had stopped to enjoy the beauty of her home and her world.

"Does that sight not fill you with hope?" Elladan asked quietly, wrapping his arms around Ellenya and feeling her head bob in response. "Look at how the light of the sun casts away all the darkness, even Mirkwood does not look so sickly bathed in this light."

"It is beautiful," Ellenya commented feeling tears prick her eyes, Elladan was right, in the golden light her home did not look so corrupt. It was like the light of the sunrise cast an enchantment over the sickly woods and for a moment they seemed restored to their former glory.

"I believe that whatever created something as beautiful as the morning sunrise, surely is greater than any evil or darkness in this world," Elladan continued to whisper gripping Ellenya closer to him, "Whatever comes Ellenya never lose sight of the light, it is what keeps the darkness at bay! We will survive this, your people will survive this and things will be as they should be, you will see."

"You give me hope Elladan," Ellenya murmured, leaning into him and smiling contentedly, "My only regret is that I did not give you my heart sooner."

"Time means nothing to us Ellenya, we have eternity, no more regrets," Elladan soothed and kissed the crown of her head.

"You are right," Ellenya smiled up to the bright sky, absorbing the memory of this day, locking it away into her heart. She knew that in the days to come she would rely on this memory to get her through, this was why Elladan and given her this and she felt her heart swell, he truly did love her.

The couple stood like this for a long time, until the sun had risen in the sky and its brilliance long forgotten. The two communed silently with one another, enjoying their new found closeness. Their stolen moment of peace cementing their commitment to one another, there really was nothing left now for them but to be unified by the law of marriage.

"It is a beautiful day to be married, do you not think?" Elladan asked hopefully.

"Yes, I think it is," Ellenya replied, a smile pulling at the corner of her lips.