"I am fine, please stop fussing," Ellenya protested from beneath a pile of quilts and plump pillows. The woodland's chief medic, Lady Torwen, and a group of hand maidens bustled about the Princess ensuring she was swaddled tighter than a new born infant.

"Yes of course you are ma'am but that was a nasty fall and you need your rest!" Torwen responded, pushing strands of hazelnut locks off her face, the phenomenal level of heat radiating from the roaring fire causing the elleth to perspire and look unusually dishevelled.

Ellenya sighed in defeat as her blankets were bundled tighter around her, making the slightest movement an arduous task. According to Lady Torwen's examination she was fine, a few bumps, and minor cuts but no further damage, except for an uncomfortable headache and scratchy throat. This did not however mean she could return to her familiar comforts, the over anxious healer had insisted she spend the night in the healing rooms, for observation purposes only. So here she was in her own private room, which was so hot she reckoned the flames of Orodruin could be cooler!

"There now," Torwen soothed, as she plumped a few more pillows behind Ellenya's back, "try and get some rest now Princess, I shall send someone with some soup shortly."

The pleasant elleth dutifully checked Ellenya's forehead one last time, before ushering everyone out of the room. Ellenya managed a parting grimace and husky thank you to the healer as she left, whilst trying to free her arms enough to wiggle into a more comfortable position. After several minutes of strategic wriggling and squirming Ellenya had successful freed her upper half and flailed her legs until most of the blankets were kicked to the ground.

"It is so warm!" Ellenya moaned to herself, and absently fanned a small cushion in her attempt to cool down. She stared around the room trying to ascertain if the windows opened, and possibly if she could make her escape through them, but alas they were small windows that would only creak open enough to allow a draft. Although Ellenya was in no position to argue and with a determined look swung her legs out of bed, but just as she did the door knocked loudly and, she watched in alarm as the handle turned. It would be one of two people, Torwen, who would force back into her cocoon, or her Adar who just might be a little annoyed. She swallowed and winced, preparing for the worst.

The door creaked open a little, and Ellenya frowned when two nearly identical sets of grey eyes peered through the gap;

"Is it safe to come in, you are dressed this time?" Elrohir asked cautiously

"Elrohir!" Elladan exclaimed angrily.

"What? I am just being polite, you just do not barge into Ladies quarters, it is considered improper in some places!" Elrohir's innocent tone verged on sarcasm.

"You told him!" Ellenya squeaked from her bed as she clambered back under the covers, her voice not nearly as menacing as she had intended, to her annoyance she sounded more like an enraged mouse than a powerful noble.

"Oh he told me everything," Elrohir chuckled as he pushed through the door tray in hand and proudly presented it under Ellenya's nose. Elladan followed nervously behind him, his eyes growing ever more concerned at the sight of Ellenya looking so small and fragile in her quilted fortress.

"I made you soup!" Elrohir explained, as he settled the tray onto Ellenya's lap. The elleth stared cautiously at the interesting liquid, it smelled appetising enough, but it looked vile.

"We, Elrohir, we made soup!" Elladan corrected sourly from the foot of the bed.

"Okay we made the soup!" Elrohir admitted then rolled his eyes and winked at Ellenya, "Elladan stirred it occasionally."

"Oh blast it all Elrohir, you know very well-" Elladan stopped mid-way and glared angrily as his brother and Ellenya stifled their giggles, "fine! Believe him over me!" he growled and sat down on the edge of the bed, huffing slightly.

"I am not that hungry," Ellenya lied, as she pushed the tray away, "but thank you that was very thoughtful of you both."

"You will not even try it?" Elrohir did not even try to hide his dismay and attempted to win Ellenya over with wide eyes filled with hurt.

"Oh Elrohir stop that!" Ellenya scolded, "It won't work, I am not even hungry," and just on cue Ellenya heard her gut protest, which elicited a knowing grin from Elrohir.

"You lie!" Elrohir accused and leapt up, pointing his finger dramatically at the Princess, then laughing loudly as she blushed scarlet and clutched her stomach. "You just do not want to eat the food we made, how terrible is that brother?"

Elladan nodded in agreement and then chucked as Ellenya scowled at him, "Tis almost unforgivable," he added.

"You two are monsters," Ellenya groaned as she dipped a spoon into the liquid and winced, truly it was not her favourite food she was not fond of lumpy mixtures, this only made Elrohir laugh harder, so in defiance the elleth dropped the spoon and folded her arms; "If you are going to laugh at me, I will not even try it!"

"Ellenya if you do not eat it, I will force feed you myself," Elladan answered and picked up the discarded spoon, "besides it is good for you, and we didn't really make it we just helped the cook."

"I knew it!" Ellenya exclaimed, "you two could not cook for yourselves if your lives depended on it!"

"Correction!" Elrohir retorted, "we fend very well for ourselves, we spend months in the wild surviving off the land."

"A hearty stash of Lembas bread does not count as surviving off the land Elrohir," Ellenya reminded him and then giggled at his infuriated expression as he stalked off and positioned himself grumpily on a settle by the fire.

"Stop bruising my brother's pride Ellenya," Elladan warned playfully, "I will suffer the consequences; he will want to prove he can hunt and cook for himself now and I do not fancy having to eat his attempts! Now come eat!"

Ellenya smirked and batted his hand away, but in doing so caused the spoon to topple from his hand and splatter the ellon's face with the thick liquid. His startled look made Ellenya roar with laughter, which abruptly stopped when a mischievous glint lit his eyes, and with a whirl of movement Elladan dipped both thumbs in the bowl and launched at Ellenya's face.

"No, you pig, Stop it, you are disgusting," Ellenya howled and tried to cover her face with her hands, laughing breathlessly as she tried to parry his attack. But her squirming was useless; Elladan victoriously smudged both her cheeks and her nose with the soup mixture. Even Elrohir watched with mild amusement, debating internally whether he should leave the pair to their play fight.

"Ugh it is vile, it is on my hand, get it off my hand!" Ellenya wailed and waved her right arm in the air. Elladan still laughing uproariously at Ellenya's pitiful pleas grabbed her hand in his;

"Oh stop it Ellenya, you are so dramatic it is just soup," he answered and without thinking brought her hand to his lips and kissed away the liquid, effectively ending Ellenya's playful laughter.

Elrohir sensing his presence was all but forgotten about, stood up from his seat and made for the exit, "I think I have overstayed my welcome, so I will just be on my way. Elladan I will speak to you later and Ellenya I hope you're feeling better soon, but obviously neither of you are listening so I am talking to myself," Elrohir muttered as he exited the room.

It was true neither of them were listening, instead an awkward silence filled the room, whilst Ellenya blushed furiously, her mouth agape as she tried to find words to diffuse the oddly intimate situation;

"It was just a kiss on the hand Ellenya," Elladan lied more to himself than her, "though I am sorry if it alarmed you. I promise I will exercise better self-control in the future, I understand it is just wishful thinking on my part."

With a small smile, the ellon placed her hand back on her lap, slowly beginning to accept defeat. Ellenya was not going to return his feelings, whether it was because they did not exist, or that the emotions were too difficult for her, he would never know.

"Elladan I-I..um..well I-uh," Ellenya tried to make coherent words form, but instead she stammered and fidgeted with her sleeves uselessly. She did not know what she was going to say, she did not know what she felt, all she knew was that she could not bear to see the hurt in his eyes and know it was there because of her. She cared for him greatly, and there was certainly more than just platonic affection at play in their relationship, but Ellenya's mind was completely distracted. She grieved for the two children she had come to like, she mourned her brother's absence, and above all she feared for her people's survival.

Adding love to the equation would only raise the stakes, if she cleaved herself to this elf she would be fated to suffer the same separation she had watched her Adar suffer all these years. For it was only a matter of time before Elladan would go to war, whether that be for his people or in a greater battle, like her brother it was his destiny and his calling. It was this thought that caused her pain, at this present time it was only a dull throb, but if Ellenya gave him her heart and he perished, it would destroy her and she knew she could not afford to crumble, she had to remain for her Adar's sake and for her peoples. It was a sacrifice she was willing to make, she would trade a few fleeting moments of happiness for the survival of her people, and deep down Ellenya knew Elladan could make her happy, but the odds were too great and so much was already stacked against them.

So with a heavy heart, Ellenya stretched forward and placed one hand on Elladan's cheek and placed her lips on the other, leaving a gentle kiss there; "Thank you for understanding," she whispered in his ear, before pulling away. She diverted her eyes, not wanting to feel anymore guilt than she already did; she was lying to herself and to him but it was for the best.

Realizing his selfish hurt was causing Ellenya sadness, Elladan brushed off his melancholy mood and tilted Ellenya's chin so she was looking at him and with a smile added; "Maybe in another time, a different season perhaps?" which elicited the desired flawless and genuine smile from the elleth, and she nodded for him, this would be enough for Elladan.

Their peaceful moment was soon to be shattered, through the door Ellenya could decipher the familiar irritated voice of her Adar and she instinctively shrunk back in the bed. Elladan turned nervously to watch as the door handle turned, sitting precariously close to his beautiful and only daughter would certainly not win him any favour, but he had no time to move and so remained motionless with bated breath.

Thranduil entered the room in much the same way he entered any room, with a commanding air and with the kind of flawless grace that was trademark of the elder elves. The fact the elven king was still robed and crowned only added to his immense presence. Thranduil never spoke first and on many accounts was considered a quiet and contemplative elf, though he did not have to utter a word. His icy stare was enough to shatter glass as it fell on one of Elrond's sons, and in response Elladan abruptly stood to his feet and bowed deeply, attempting to verbalise a greeting. However the King raised his hand, closed his eyes and turned his head away from the younger ellon, the King was in no mood for pleasantries;

"Elladan son of Elrond do not attempt to salvage the situation with charm, I come here on business with my second born," Thranduil spoke coolly and then let his splintering gaze land on Ellenya, who boldly rolled her eyes and sighed. The King's jaw clenched as he observed his daughter's disrespectful attitude.

"Your Majesty if I may interject on Ellenya's behalf," Elladan started but was only met with a vacant expression from the King and so he felt his voice falter, "She fought bravely, if it was not for her quick thinking and admirable abilities many lives may have been lost."

"Are you still here child? Did you not hear me clearly? I am here to speak with daughter, this does not concern you." Thranduil spoke evenly without a hint of emotion.

"Adar!" Ellenya balked, "Elladan is a Lord among elves he deserves your respect, at least show common decency to the elf that saved your daughter's life!"

Thranduil flinched at the end of Ellenya's sentence and begrudgingly turned to look upon the worried looking ellon. He noted how the raven haired elf watched his daughter's every move, how his body leaned, even from a distance, towards her, and considered how defensive his voice had been. A scowl began to form on Thranduil's features and although he could not be angry toward the ellon, he had a fleeting idea of banishing him from coming within fifty yards of his beloved child. What worried him more was his precious daughter was openly defending him, Ellenya never entertained Ellyn and now here she was defending some troublesome outsider, he did not like this at all;

"You have my thanks young lord, but I will speak with you and your brother in due course, now please if you will," Thranduil answered evenly while gesturing to the exit.

Elladan gave Ellenya a concerned look, he knew the King was not going to be lenient on her but Ellenya gave him a breezy smile of assurance and nodded to the exit. Elladan bowed again but not before registering the livid look on the King's face and he swallowed hard, the jig was up his intentions had been unearthed. Valuing his life Elladan hastily exited the room, Ellenya's temper was one thing but her Adar's was not something he wished to evoke upon himself!

Thranduil waited until he had heard the ellon's footsteps disappear and then continued to wait a further few moments while he attempted to control his temper. All the while Ellenya ignored his presence and absently pushed a thick looking soup around a bowl in front of her;

"What kind of idiocy drives an elleth to throw herself off a cliff?" Thranduil began, his voice suddenly tense.

Ellenya sat back on her bed and folded her arms, "Actually I fell from the top of the roaring falls, it was Elladan that jumped from a cliff, and it was not idiocy! I was merely attempting to save our guard from a gruesome warg attack, frankly you should be thanking me!"

"Thanking you?" Thranduil felt his temper break and he lifted his hand to his head, unable to banish the thoughts of what could have easily been a fatal situation; "Ellenya have you no thought for your own life, this is absurd I am not even going to argue with you! You will stay here for the night under Torwen's watchful eye and if she is happy you are well in the morning, we will discuss your punishment!"

"Punishment?" Ellenya asked in disbelief, "Why am I being punished, for defending our people and our land, for serving my King?"

"Ellenya do not even go down this path with me," Thranduil sighed in exasperation, "You know full well what you are being punished for. Your little stunt could have cost you your life; you are not your brother Ellenya that is not your duty. You are first and foremost the Princess of this realm, a symbol of hope and a caring figure for her people. Not a reckless and disobedient child!"

"Disobedient? Is that what irritates you Adar, my disobedience?" Ellenya challenged and angrily slapped her hands on the bed in frustration; "I do not fit into a box, I am not the loving and meek daughter you imagined for your Kingdom?"

"Ellenya," Thranduil growled in warning, "how dare you insinuate that!"

"Well I apologise, I am sorry that I cannot be as obedient and loyal as Legolas! As I see it my obedience in that battle could have cost many lives, but maybe that is what you want?" Ellenya seethed, she watched as her Adar turned white with anger but she did not care, she was burning with pent up grief she meant to hurt with her words; "Obedience to the point of death that is what you crave. You would have me sit in a throne room and watch our world burn down around us, adhering to tradition and duty; the same idealistic duty that sent Legolas to his death!"

She felt the sting of her Adar's hand across her cheek, it was not painful, but it cut deeper than any words could and she felt angry tears spring from her eyes. She clutched her face in shock and glared daggers at her Adar, who looked like all the life had been drained from him.

"Never speak of Legolas' sacrifice as acts of obedience to me, my son chose this path of his own will and he has my entire support. Is this what you think of me, my daughter, a tyrant? I have given everything for this Kingdom and you, my child, speak like you know what sacrifice is! Tell me Ellenya what purpose would your death serve your people?"

Thranduil was visibly trembling, he had not meant to strike Ellenya but he had seen red and could not gain control of his temper. He regretted it completely and all he wished to do now was to wrap up his daughter in his arms and apologise for his outburst. However he was still irate over her actions and her sharp words, she had no call to be so bitter. He watched realisation hit Ellenya, he could see she could not argue with his logic, and he fervently hoped she would realise the deep repercussions her behaviour had on everyone, not least her own Adar!

"Ellenya," Thranduil attempted in a soothing voice, stretching his hand out to his daughter, the distraught look in her eyes was breaking his heart, "Forgive me, it was in fear that I lifted my hand to you. Fear that I could lose you, my sweet child, my beautiful little star, I love you more than my own life. If I cannot protect you, if I cannot keep you safe, then I have failed my duty as your Adar."

The King paused for moment trying to search his daughter's eyes, but she remained distant and refused to look at him. Kneeling down beside her he attempted to grasp her hand, but she flinched and pulled it away, he tried to connect their spirits but she shut him out with a barricade of hurt and anger. With a sorrowful gaze and with his heart slowly sinking into his stomach, he waited for Ellenya to reply.

"Just leave me!" Ellenya eventually snapped, and glared stonily at her Father, "Maybe you have already failed me! You were never very good at keeping me safe!"

Thranduil stood quickly to his feet, physically reeling from her verbal assault. He had the violent urge to put a fist through something, Ellenya was testing every last ounce of his patience, hitting him where she knew it would hurt. However she was his daughter, she was grieving and he had only hurt her further. Though her biting words cut deeper than any sword he would not be drawn into her bitter exchange. Thranduil sighed and slowly shook his head; he despaired for he could not mend their relationship, nor could he find a way to reach Ellenya. She was determined to ignore him, since Legolas' departure she had barely spoken more than a few words to him. He still waited for her to confide in him about the dreams she had been having, for he knew she did not sleep well. He himself paced the floors at night in deep concern, often drifting past his daughter's chambers absently checking in on her, as he had most of her life, and it had not gone unnoticed by him that Ellenya went weeks without resting;

"Ellenya, I will not speak with you now, you are not yourself,"Thranduil finally broke the tense silence, "I understand you are hurting and I apologise for making things worse, but I will not have you speak to me in this way. I will leave and we will speak tomorrow, when we are both calm."

Ellenya watched her Adar leave her room, his cool tone not enough to disguise the fact that he was rattled by her earlier words. Once the door clicked shut, the elleth shrunk back in bed and felt the tears start to flow freely. She was a horrible daughter; she was stunned at her own callous words and regretted every single one of them, but her temper and pride withheld her from trying to make peace with her Adar. So drained by her inner turmoil, she buried her face in a mountain of pillows and cried painful tears, until all her grief was shed and she surrendered to an uneasy slumber.

xXx

Thranduil had barely made it to his own study before he felt tears twinge at the corner of his eye, and so quickly began shuffling papers and moving books about his desk to distract himself. His eyes scanned the various papers; the reports that only brought ill tidings, the maps that showed how much land had been claimed by evil, the lists of wounded guards and civilians. Every pile got larger by the day, every time he opened his eyes or stepped outside he was faced with new threats and concerns. The King was stretched to his very limits; he felt his power wane within himself, his spirit growing weak from the overpowering presence of evil. Thranduil was losing this battle, he knew it and the enemy knew it. His son who was one of the very few formidable warriors they had was leagues away fighting another losing battle, and now his daughter hated him. With a frustrated cry, the King lifted a pile of parchment and books and tossed it against the wall, before turning to rip a worn map into bits and lastly gripping the edges of his desk and toppling it.

The frantic bangs, and disturbing cries emanating from the King's study had not gone unnoticed. Lord Arystor was always in earshot of the King these days, on this occasion he came bearing further ill news of a disastrous attack on another patrol. The elf stood outside the study door looking distressed and very pale, clutching the new report to his chest, debating if it was safe to enter or not. After one last deafening thud, which Arystor deciphered as the desk being repositioned, he dared to enter more for panic of the King's mental state.

The advisor stood in the doorway and observed his King; the elf he had proudly served for many years was undoubtedly at breaking point. Thranduil's eyes were wild and untameable, his face was contorted into a mixture of grief and sheer despair, as he hunched over the mess that had been his meticulously organised study. After a few moments of awkward gawping on Arystors part, Thranduil straightened up and removed his crown, setting it on a shelf and ran his hands through his hair, pausing to rub his temples. Arystor watched as the King covered his face with his hands and attempted to gain control of himself, it had been many a long year since the advisor had seen the King so openly distraught.

"Arystor, what is it?" Thranduil's question came as a muffled sound from behind his covered face.

"Nothing that cannot wait a few moments," Arystor replied softly and guided the King to a chair, motioning for him to sit, Thranduil obliged.

"Sire, I will not ask what troubles you for I am no fool, but may I be as bold as to guess that the meeting with your daughter did not go well?"

"No Arystor it did not," Thranduil responded with an exasperated sigh.

The advisor simply nodded and began lifting up books and papers, he knew well he would not get any further details; Thranduil was particularly rigid on personal family matters. So he did his best to give the King a moment to regain composure all the while re-organising the study. Thranduil slowly worked through his temper, clearing his mind and began to think logically again.

"Arystor, what are you here for?" The King asked, becoming aware that his long suffering friend was not here on a social visit. He watched as the other elf faltered on setting a book on his desk and deliberately took a deep breath.

"Sire there has been another attack, ten badly wounded, two fatalities," Arystor answered quietly, diverting his eyes.

"Another ambush? Where these young elves?" Thranduil asked the questions is an even tone, but the look of anguish was evident in his eyes.

"Yes it was an ambush Sire, and I am afraid that yes it was a training patrol, the fatalities were both young elves no more than youths," The advisor spoke sadly and handed the King the report.

Thranduil leafed through the report and was quickly up on his feet, angry at himself for letting his personal frustrations deflect from the serious news at hand;

"I shall go speak with Tauriel and visit these young warriors. I shall also need to speak with Torwen, she is already overwhelmed with work. We may need to look at factoring in civilians to assist with the injured, if numbers continue to rise like this?"

Arystor bowed in response and began to follow the King, as he stormed from the study. In one swift moment Thranduil had gained control of his emotions and was back at the helm of the situation at hand, however Arystor was concerned. The Woodland Realm was lucky to be blessed with such a King, but how long could Thranduil maintain his control? They needed assistance, but there was none to be found. The Galadhrim had only enough strength to withstand assault from their own land, and what aid could be retrieved from men was minimal. When open war from Dol Guldor would be waged, and it was no longer a question of if, the elves would not have the ability to repel it, to do so a small miracle would need to happen. Something in which Thranduil and Arystor both prayed for every waking second, all they had left was hope and it was slowly fading from them.

xXx

Ellenya woke herself with a loud scream from her own lips, as she thrashed about the bed. Gripping her chest she sat bolt upright and tried to familiarise herself with her surroundings. The roaring fire was now glittering embers, which meant the room was somewhat darker than it had been. Throwing herself out of bed she began to pace the floor, re-living her nightmare in her mind's eye. It had been similar, almost identical to the recurring dreams of her Naneth, the burning forest, the connection with her brother and the amber stone. In this particularly dream she had seen Legolas hold the necklace in his hands, in the old forest with the Onodrim, where she had seen Saruman's white hand branded into the bark of the dying trees.

If this had of been all of the dream Ellenya could have coped well, but it was not. Her dream had descended into something darker, she stood in an unfamiliar battlefield, a war had been waged and the dead lay around her. She did not recognise them as they were not all elves, they were mostly men, though it broke her heart nonetheless maybe more so considering how short the lives of men were, and the faces before her seemed so young. As she moved with astonishment and confusion through the dead around her she spied familiar colours, colours of Imladris. Ellenya broke into a run racing to the tattered and bloodied looking fabric of the banner, sliding to a halt she pulled the material aside and recoiled from the sight.

Elladan was perfectly still he could even have been sleeping, if it was not for the numerous blackened arrows protruding from his chest and torso. Ellenya felt cold and desolate, the pain she felt was very real and she heard the resounding 'no, any other but him,' echo in her mind. If this was a vision of his future then she did not want to be a part of this world any longer, closing her eyes she heard the loud scream rip through her lungs and shatter her dream into a million pieces.

Standing in front of the dying fire Ellenya tried vainly to tell herself it was a dream, Elladan was here in her home safe, but she suddenly had an overpowering desire to seek him out just to be sure he was indeed safe and sound. So without thinking the Princess hastily left her temporary chambers, barefoot and in nothing but her nightgown and green robe. She had been so blind, all she wanted to do was stop him from leaving and keep him safe with her.

xXx

Elladan stalked along the corridors of the labyrinth like stores, intent on doing something productive with his time and in an attempt to not think about Ellenya. Mercifully the medic Torwen was in need of assistance after an influx of injured guards, another ambush. He and his brother had quickly signed up for duties and now Elladan was scurrying back and forth with linens, gauze and medicinal herbs, his knowledge in this area a great help to the healers of the realm.

Eventually the ellon, laden with goods, stumbled into a main corridor that connected the healing rooms with the vast stores. In the dim light of the long hallway the elf's exceptional eyesight seen the movement of another elf, quickly followed by the sound of light and hurried footsteps. It did not take long for Elladan to grasp who it was, the starlight filtering through the archways of the corridor lighting up Ellenya's features, turning her blond locks silver and her illuminating her pale skin so it looked like ivory. The elf dropped the goods in his arms when he registered the frantic look on her face and hurried towards her.

"Ellenya what is it, why are you out of bed?" he asked in concern, Ellenya breathed hard and pointed towards the halls she had come from.

"I came to find you...but there was chaos...they said there was another ambush, Elladan I thought you were involved!" Ellenya was not sure why she was sobbing, but for a split second when she entered the main hall and seen the chaos he was the first one she thought of, terrified her dream had indeed been a vision.

"No I am fine, it is alright," the ellon soothed and instinctively reached forward to comfort the elleth but stopped trying to be respectful of her wishes. "See," he held out his arms and gestured to himself instead, "No war wounds, well none of recent anyway."

"Ada?! Elladan where is Ada? And what happened?" Ellenya asked suddenly aware that it was a high possibility her Adar could have been involved in whatever had just unfolded, and her chest tightened as the memories of their last meeting came flooding back.

"The King is in discussions with the guard after another ambush, he is as safe and well as I am, Ellenya what is wrong?" He answered the frantic princess cautiously, and watched as her breathing calmed and she gained composure.

"That is a relief," Ellenya muttered rubbing her forehead, her eyes faraway for a moment, "I just thought for a moment after my dreams..."

"What dreams? Ellenya you are not making any sense, do you have a fever? Will I fetch one of the healer's?" Elladan offered, unsure of what was the best course of action to take. His Adar was a healer, he had seen cases of fever making patients hallucinate before, but Ellenya seemed quite in control of herself.

Ellenya crossed her arms around her chest tightly and took settling breaths, before turning away from Elladan to look out through the one of the intricately carved archways. She picked through her words carefully, her dream had awoken a desire in her, the moment she had seen him on that battlefield Ellenya had regretted not facing up to her feelings for him, it did not matter now if she lost Elladan she would be destroyed either way.

"Why do you love me?" Ellenya whispered finally.

"Pardon?" The shock in Elladan's voice was evident, he was not quite prepared for this discussion.

"Why me Elladan? You could have any elleth you so desired, certainly one who does not come with so much bitterness," Ellenya asked as she turned to face him.

"Ellenya where has this come from?" The ellon answered softly, he was not used to Ellenya being so frank with her emotions, nor was he certain which direction this conversation was going. It did not help Ellenya's hypnotizing and weighted stare left him speechless and a bit dazed, as usual.

"You were ready to lay your life down for me, and I never so much as thanked you. I know you love me I see it in your eyes and even when I denied you, that love never left them, why? I am a hateful elleth, I am bitter and distrustful. I do not tolerate others and I am crippled with the scars of my past, no-one should love me, so why do you?" Ellenya's eyes glistened and she felt her heart race with the anxiety of waiting for Elladan to reply.

"Because you are truly none of those things, you are loving and giving almost to a fault Ellenya. You were ready to die for your people and you fight with everything you are for the things and people you love," Elladan heard himself answer her and knew all his words were just going to tumble out now, there was no point in hiding anything anymore! "You have showed such compassion and love to my family and I, when Naneth left you understood when I talked about the grief, you made allowances and you defended my reckless, angry rampages. We all have scars, and we all have failings but I do not see this bitter and crippled elleth you talk of. I see a vibrant and strong willed Princess, who's smile is so bright it could light up an entire room and I live to see that smile, I often wish I was the reason for it. I cannot tell you all the reasons why I love you Ellenya, but I just do, so please do not speak anymore of this, if you do not feel the same way it only hurts me."

Elladan felt his shoulders sag, as he bent down to lift the items he had earlier dropped. He could not continue this discussion, Ellenya had made her intentions clear earlier in the night and he already felt his heart ache, he loved her to the point of madness, he was willing to die for her and yet it did not seem to be enough.

"Elladan?" Ellenya asked softly, tears sliding down her cheeks as the elf she knew she loved hurt for no reason other than her own stupidity. She heard Elladan sigh as he straightened up to look at her with those grey eyes, which did not look on her with pity or out of duty, but with understanding and love.

"Ellenya please-" Elladan started but was abruptly stopped when Ellenya raised her hand.

"I had a dream I lost you, you died in battle and it destroyed me because I realised I loved you and I did not want to live in a world where you did not," Ellenya sobbed out the words and tried vainly to catch the tears with her sleeves, in her mind she should have been more graceful and demure about this. He deserved better than this, he was so much better at this than she was; "Elladan you are the reason I smile, and I want to love you but I do not know how without hurting us both. What if I die? What if you die?"

"Then I will take my chances," Elladan spoke firmly, breaking through Ellenya's worried rambling, "I would rather seize what time is given us than let you slip through my grasp one more time."

He strode towards her, closing the gap between them and pulling her close. His strong hand wrapping around her neck gripping a fist full of her hair, and the other melding into the small of her back. Ellenya automatically stiffened from the shock of the embrace but one look into his eyes settled her slightly, as Elladan gently let his forehead touch hers.

"Let me in Ellenya, let me love you," He whispered sensing Ellenya's fear and uncertainty. Her usually icy eyes melted for a moment and appeared like deep blue pools, something he had not seen before and they drew him in completely.

There was very little room for thought as Elladan's lips met Ellenya's with a crushing force, it was overwhelming and intoxicating and Ellenya freely gave herself over to him, in that instant she handed Elladan her heart. When he could bear to pull away, he was practically singing, Ellenya loved him he felt it in her kiss and in the depths of her eyes, yet he knew it was no easy thing for her do. He slowly stroked away the loose locks of stray blond hair from her face and met her loving gaze with his.

"I love you," Ellenya whispered and happily accepted another kiss from Elladan, only this time it was softer and more soothing. It felt freeing to say it, she loved him and she was not afraid to show it, feeling a genuine smile spread across her face, she looked upon Elladan with adoring eyes in this moment her anxieties for their future did not matter. He absently laced his fingers with hers, and Ellenya marveled at the strength and warmth of his hands, she was used to being strong, unyielding and detached that is how one survived in her homeland, but for once in her long life she felt completely secure and protected, just with his simple gesture. She let him pull her closer to him and purposefully place her arms around him, whilst he did the same to her;

"It is called a hug Ellenya It is something lovers do to be close," Elladan whispered impishly into Ellenya's ear as he rested his head against hers, "you may get used to it, for I know how much you detest physical contact but I do not intend on letting you go very often." And with that he snuggled into Ellenya's neck making her giggle and to his delight she locked her arms around him tighter.

"I can make an exception for you, just promise me you will not leave me," she smiled and sighed happily, as she came to rest comfortably in his arms, like they were made just for her.

"I promise you I will not leave you, we will find a way to survive this war." Elladan soothed, as he kissed the top of Ellenya's head and held her in his arms, feeling utterly content, at last he could be with the soul he was meant to love.