Aredhel's POV

Rain pours down the glass doors of my new chambers. Thunder rumbles distantly, echoing through the emptiness of these walls. It is late into the night and the darkness is suffocating.

I sit with my body pressed against the doors, resting my hot, tear streaked face against the cool glass. I snuggle deeper into the thick, luxuriously soft blanket wrapped around my nightgown-clad body.

Tonight, it was a dream of Papa that woke me up in a fit of choking sobs. Even though it was hours ago, his face is still fresh on my mind, like it has been seared into my brain by hot iron.

Papa enters the house with a grin on his face, ready to tell us something most amusing, but when his eyes land upon Naneth holding me close and stroking my hair as I cry, the smile disappears instantly.

"Whatever happened?" he questions, obviously alarmed.

Naneth sighs over the sound of my sobs. "The ellith in town have been teasing her, darling. I told her it is because Respen has set his eyes on her and they are jealous, but she will not believe it. She insists that Eru has cursed her by making her strange. That is what the ellith said anyway."

Papa sits down beside me on the couch, wrapping his arm around my shaking shoulders. Naneth leaves the room to give us some privacy.

"My darling Aredhel," he whispers, embracing me tightly. He smells earthy, like the sweet-smelling trees of the forest, and I snuggle into his chest, finding comfort in his strong arms that could chase even the greatest of sorrows away.

"May I tell you a story?" he asks softly.

I nod instantly. Papa's stories never disappointed, and I would never be too old to listen to them and learn from them.

"Once there was a small colt. He was tinier than the other horses, and he possessed a timid spirit and the kindest heart that could ever exist. He was pure white, his coat shiny and healthy. The elves in the village favored this colt. They said he would grow to be stronger and faster and better than any other horse they had ever seen."

I sniffle, making him pause for a moment before continuing.

"Well, the other horses did not like him very much. Do you know why?"

"Because the elves favored him." I guess, waiting for him to continue.

"You are correct. The other horses all wished to be the fastest and the strongest and the best. They wanted to be favored by the elves. They longed to have their manes brushed and braided by the elflings and have compliments pouring from the mouths of everyone who laid eyes upon them."

"'The small colt did not care about any of these things. He did not think there was anything special inside of him. He did not want praise or favoritism. He simply wanted friends. He wanted the other horses to like him- to accept him- but they did not. They hated him. They cursed him."

"'One day, when they were all stretching their legs in the pastures, the other horses decided to put a plan they had formed into action. They chased the defenseless colt, and they trampled him like dirt beneath their hooves. They broke his front legs and left him there to suffer."

"'The colt cried out for his mother, but he was found by the stable hands. They cursed their luck, ashamed of the fate of the horse they thought would bring them great fortune. Not bothering to help him, they decided to kill him. Put him out of his misery, they claimed!"

"But a stranger appeared and fought for the horse. He saw the potential in his frightened eyes. He paid an enormous amount of coins for the broken colt, and he set to work healing him. He used elven magic, and the horse's bones sealed and his torn skin and muscles stitched back together in seconds. The stranger smiled and helped the small horse to stand. He stared at the elf in awe, wondering why he would ever help a broken, small creature such as him."

"'As if the horse had spoken, the ellon smiled kindly. 'You, little one, were worth fighting for. There is a strong spirit inside of you, one of kindness and determination. I saw it in your eyes. You will grow to be the best horse I have ever owned, not because of your strength or looks. You will be the best because of your heart.'"

"The colt could not understand it. Someone wanted to befriend him not because of his beautiful white coat or how fast he could run. This ellon liked him because of his heart. How silly a thing! But his heart warmed inside of him. Someone accepted him and wanted him."

"Because of his heart?" I question Papa.

"Yes. The others could not see his heart. They only saw that he was beautiful and strong, and it ate them alive with jealousy."

I am silent for a moment, contemplating. "You think the elleth in town are jealous of me? I do not understand why. They are far more beautiful than I could ever be. They have suitors and many friends. I just have you and Naneth and Elas," I mumble miserably.

"They fancy Respen, yet he overlooks them. His eyes stray to you, and they do not like that, Aredhel," he explains patiently.

"That is silly! I do not fancy Respen at all."

"But the handsome young elf fancies you, and that is enough to make them behave cruelly. They do not see your heart. They just see your beauty and the favor Respen holds for you."

"Am I really so strange, Papa?" I ask him with tears in my eyes.

"Not at all. You are beautiful and kind, Aredhel. You are strong. You are worth more than all of the gold in Erebor, and someday some lucky ellon will come along and see you as just that. You will find worthy friends when the time is right, and you will forget this pain."

A smile blossoms on my face. "Are you sure?"

"I have never been more sure of anything, Ar. I love you very much," he says lowly, searching my eyes.

I throw my arms around his neck. "I love you, Papa."

Fresh tears dance down my cheeks as I watch the lighting flash in the distance. The longing to hug him again is too much to bear. It is a hideous ache in my chest, tearing at me until I feel like an empty shell.

Papa always believed in me. He always told me I was beautiful and strong. I never believed him. I still do not. I do not feel strong now, when I cannot go a day without crying. I do not feel strong when I have thoughts of running a blade through my chest and joining my family in the place where they have journeyed.

The door to my chambers opens with a faint click, and I turn. Lighting flashes, illuminating Elladan's figure as he closes the door and searches for me. His gaze finds me lying against the glass doors.

He scoops me into his arms, carrying me to the bed without a word. He lays me down, pulling back the covers and sliding in beside me. He pulls me to his warm body, wrapping his arm around me.

We lie there silently for a moment, listening to our breathing and the distant thunder rumbling.

"Do you wish to speak of it?" he asks me quietly.

"Not yet," I reply, my voice small.

He waits a moment before speaking. "I am sorry I did not come sooner. I was sleeping deeply and did not feel you until now," he says guiltily.

I shake my head. "Do not feel bad. You should not have to come in here at all. I feel terrible for keeping you up every night."

"I want to be here with you." He runs his fingers through my hair, and his breath fans across my skin. I believe him.

"Thank you, 'Dan," I whisper gratefully.

Thunder shakes the room, and I flinch. Elladan tightens his arm around me, moving so that my head is rested against the inside of his other arm instead of the pillow. I breathe in his scent, so alike to that of my father- the scent of earth, trees, and grass and a masculine note that belongs solely to him.

"Papa," I whisper into the darkness after lying there for who knows how long, "I dreamt of Papa. It was too real- a memory that I had long forgotten."

"What did he say?" he asks as he gently pushes a strand of hair away from my wet face.

"That I am strong and beautiful," I whisper, and my voice cracks, dropping to a mere breath, "That he loves me."

"You are strong and beautiful," Elladan replies. His voice is thick with emotion. "Your papa would be so proud of you- of how well you are doing."

"It hurts, 'Dan, like nothing I have ever felt before. My chest hurts. I wish... I wish I would have died that day," I admit as I begin to cry again.

He crushes me to him, and his own sorrow travels down our bond. "Do not say that, Ar. Do not wish for that. I need you here with me," he whispers passionately, clinging to me as if I will disappear.

I cry, hiding my face against his chest. "I want to stay here with you. I want to face the rest of our lives together, 'Dan. I want to love you and marry you, but it hurts."

He is crying now, as well. His fingers form a fist in my hair, gently holding me against him. "You can, Aredhel. My home and my heart are open to you forever. I want to marry you, too. I can bring you happiness. I know I can. I have seen it. I have heard it from your own lips."

My body trembles violently against him. "I know. I know," I choke out, grasping his silk nightshirt so tightly my fingers ache.

We are silent for a long time, our tears speaking for us. But then Elladan's lips part, "You have changed my life. You have made it happier. You have given me a reason to live and laugh and love. Do you not see that? You have changed me for the better in the few weeks that you have been here."

"Oh, 'Dan," I sniff, wrapping my arm around his waist. "I do not know why I think that sometimes- about dying. I do not want to die. I am so thankful that I have found you and your family. You mean everything to me now."

"You are my whole world now, Ar," he says seriously, and I realize that my heart belongs to him completely.

I fall asleep in his arms not long after, and I am gifted with the best sleep I have ever gotten because, for the first time, he does not leave my side the whole night.

_________

Arwen sings enchantingly as we paint together. We sit side by side, easels standing tall in front of us. Arwen illustrates a golden meadow, with sunlight beaming down from the heavens and flowers of every color imaginable blooming in every space possible. It is joyful, yet somehow there is a sadness to it- almost melancholic. Like a memory of something that has been lost.

My own canvas is a mixture of black and purple and blue, replicating the midnight sky. Lighting strikes the ground below, illuminating everything in its path with silver light that is the same color of Elladan's eyes. A girl stands far away from the scene, crimson curls flying in the harsh wind, yet somehow she is standing strong and tall- unafraid of the silver storm that surrounds her.

Arwen's song comes to an end, and she turns to me with a dainty smile. "I love your painting, Aredhel. I thought you said you were not good at art?"

"I never thought I was very good," I admit, staring at the painting thoughtfully, "But maybe this turned out well because I am doing it from the heart this time."

"I believe so," she agrees.

We go back to painting and are silent for a while before she opens her lips again. "Elladan seemed down when I spoke with him this morning," she comments softly.

My hand freezes in surprise. I meet her clear blue eyes. Arwen never presses me about anything. She merely presents an opportunity for discussion and then allows me to make the decision of continuing or shutting it down.

I tuck a few wisps of hair behind my pointed ear, and as I shift in my seat, my long chunky braid brushes the bare skin of my back. My gown dips far down my back, but the front covers my chest completely and ties around my neck. The sleeves hang daintily across my upper arms, the shoulders left bare. The material is the prettiest shade of pink I have ever laid eyes upon.

"It is my fault," I murmur after a beat of silence. My hand goes back to painting. "Elladan has been coming to my chambers every night for the past few weeks. He feels me awaken through our bond. He knows the sorrow that afflicts me, and he comes to me to soothe it. He is the only thing that will ever be able to calm me down in those moments of panic."

Arwen's expression falls as she listens intently. "Aredhel... I had no idea," she whispers, staring at me as if I am not quite the person she thought me to be.

My shoulders stiffen as I straighten up. "I am fine. Elladan helps me. Last night, though... well, I said something that hurt him. I should have never shared such thoughts, but I was hurting," I say quietly.

"Did you argue?"

"Not at all!" I reply, instantly easing her worries, "I told him that I wish I had died that day, alongside my family."

Her eyes water as she looks at me. "Oh, Aredhel, please do not wish for such things," she cries, standing and floating over to me in a river of yellow silk. She embraces me warmly, and I return the gesture.

"Elladan loves you, so," she says passionately as she pulls away to meet my gaze. "We all do. We would be lost without your presence here. Elladan would be rotting away inside his chambers with the responsibilities and duties of being a lord crushing him like a bug. You have changed him so much. I wish you could see that."

"Thank you, truly," I reply with a quivering lip.

"Now I understand why he was not acting like himself," she says, standing and sitting back down upon her stool with furrowed brows.

"Where is he?" I ask her as I stick my paint brush into a cup of water, swirling it around and watching as the water turns cloudy.

"Training. He always spars with Glorfindel when he is upset. It helps him to vent. He does not go easy on my brother."

"Maybe I should go and talk to him," I mutter, rubbing my temples as a headache begins to form.

Arwen shakes her head, and her dark, luscious hair shifts and moves like the silk of her dress. "Not right now. Let him vent. He will come and find you soon enough, and then you can talk."

I trust her judgement; after all, she has known him the longest. "Alright."

She goes back to painting and singing, and I inspect her work from where I sit beside her. A nagging question I have had for quite sometime now slides onto my tongue, and I am blurting it out before I can stop it. "Arwen, have you found your mate?"

She goes rigid, as if I have just thrown a bucket of water over her head. Her singing and painting ceases. She does not look at me. She continues to stare at the painting in front of her, her gaze wandering over every detail as if she can somehow hop right into it and relive the memory.

"Forgive me. I should not be so forward," I apologize quickly, turning back to my own painting with flaming cheeks.

She sighs ever-so-slightly. "No, it is quite alright. I was merely surprised," she replies kindly, "I knew you would catch on eventually. I have seen the question in your eyes sometimes when I slip up and say too much. You are quite observant."

I remain silent, waiting.

She runs her fingers through her long, ink-colored hair and begins to tell the story. "I have met my mate, to answer your question. His name is Aragorn- well, to my family he is Estel. He is everything I have ever dreamt of. He is kind and gentle, yet fierce and strong when he needs to be. He ponders things deeply before ever taking action. He does not say anything unless he means it from the very depths of his soul. He loves me, and I love him," she whispers. She glances at me, but her eyes are far away.

"Where is he then? If he is your mate, how do you stand to be apart? Elladan and I cannot go a day without seeing each other," I remark with a faint laugh.

"He- well his past is difficult to explain, but he is a ranger of the North. Ada took him in when he was young and raised him here. He loved him as a son. I was living in Loríen at the time. I met him for the first time here in Imladris many years ago when I arrived home. He came across me in the forest, and he called out to me, thinking that I was Luthíen from the great stories. He told me I was the most beautiful creature he had ever beheld. It sounds like a shallow compliment that any male would give, but he meant it. His eyes were sincere. He knew I was his mate, even though he was so young at the time. We reunited while I was in Lothloríen recently, and I pledged myself to him."

"What?" I ask her sharply, and my eyes widen in shock. I remember Ada talking about Rangers. Mortals.

She gazes at me with sad eyes, and it feels like a knife to my heart. "Please understand, Ar. You are the only one who I believe will understand. You would do the same for Elladan, would you not?"

"That is different!" I exclaim stupidly, but my heart is racing and my mind is a mess.

"Is it?" she questions patiently.

I inhale deeply, closing my eyes for a moment before speaking. "Arwen, I have only known you a few weeks, but you are like a sister to me. If you were to give up your life for this man..."

"I would be the happiest I have ever been," she replies, searching my eyes seriously. "He brings me the greatest joy I have ever felt. He loves me Aredhel, truly. We fell in love quickly, as if it were as natural as breathing. He did not wish for me to give up my immortal life, but I pledged myself to him my last night in Loríen," she explains, and a tear drips down her smooth cheek.

Her name is but a whisper upon my lips, "Arwen."

"I want him. I want to marry him. I want to give him my everything, just as he has given me his. I would rather spend one lifetime with him filled with love and happiness, than live on forever in regret and sorrow. You of all people should understand this," she pleads.

I think of Elladan then. I see his grinning face in my mind's eye. I feel his lips brushing mine. I hear his laugh and his deep voice that shakes me to the core. I remember the warmth of his body lying next to mine last night, holding me as if he could make everything right again. I see him holding Vesryn, laughing and smiling with him as if he is with his own son. I feel his leather armor beneath my fingertips as I pulled it off of him and the scar on his hip that I want to trace with my fingers more than anything.

I nod slowly, my throat thick with suppressed tears. Her words echo in my mind.

I understand.

"I would do it," I breathe, "I would do it for Elladan. If it meant getting to experience life with him, getting to love him and marry him, I would do it without a second thought."

Her teary face breaks into a beautiful grin. "I knew you would understand, Aredhel."

"But thinking of you- of you dying," I choke, covering my face with my hands, "I cannot bear it."

Her small hand rests against my shoulder. "It is a sacrifice I am willing to make. It is all my own decision, you see. It is not like your family, who did not get to decide their fate," she explains, "This is what I want. I do not fear death. I want Aragorn. I love him."

"But I have come to love you, Arwen. I cannot imagine life without you!"

"It would be many years before having to face that reality. Aragorn is quite young for a Dúnedain."

"It is your decision in the end," I tell her softly, meeting her gaze, "But your family's hearts will be broken. Mine will be, as well. Think this through thoroughly."

She nods solemnly, pulling away to gaze at her painting. "I will."

Later in the day, I find Elladan in the practice fields, sparring with Glorfindel. My mate's body truly is magnificent. His muscles flex with every movement he makes. His riding leggings hang low on those hips, and I think of that scar of his. I bite my lip, banishing such thoughts.

I sink onto the grass, watching them closely. Glorfindel is certainly a sight to behold, yet my body does not react to him the way it does to Elladan. His golden hair flies around him as he darts around my mate, blades clashing quicker than my eyes can follow. Elladan's black hair is a stark contrast to his opponent's. 'Tis almost like night and day fighting each other. Darkness and light.

It seems darkness is where my heart lies now, in more ways than one. Darkness is my grief, my pain, but it is also my love, Elladan. He is like a majestic raven with that ink-colored hair that I long to twist my fingers into. He is all I think about now and all I dream about once I am safely tucked into his warm body. My mind, heart, and soul is consumed by him now.

Glorfindel unarms him, landing a kick to his chest and sending him to the ground. "You cannot let anything distract you, Elladan," Glorfindel scolds him, jerking his chin in my direction, "Not even your mate."

Elladan wraps his arms around his legs as he remains sitting, breathing hard, and those gorgeous greys shift to me with a small, tired grin. "I can hardly help it."

The golden warrior scoffs, but he cannot hide his amusement. "You really cannot, can you?" he agrees.

I tip my head in the direction of a group of ellith who pretend to be walking the foot trails together. "You have gathered quite an audience."

Glorfindel tips his head back and laughs. "I stopped caring about such things centuries ago when I met my mate. Things have not changed," he explains before nodding to the grey-eyed lord sitting across from him, "Elladan has never cared."

Elladan stands, moving to sit beside me, and I try to ignore the strange warmth in my lower stomach as his sweaty body sits so close to me. "They mean nothing, Ar," he tells me with honest eyes, and I could kiss him. I could kiss him right here in front of Glorfindel and feel no shame.

"I know."

"So, when do I get to train you, Aredhel?"

I look up at Glorfindel to see him grinning, as if he cannot think of anything more entertaining to do than to kick my butt. "I do not remember agreeing to anything," I mention with a shrug.

His grin deepens. "I am asking you now. When do I get to train you?"

Elladan is stiff beside me, and I move imperceptibly, placing my fingers over his. "I do not know if I wish to be trained. I am no good with a sword," I tell him honestly.

"No one is good when they first begin. That is why we train," he says wisely. "Stand up."

Warmth spreads across my cheeks. "Oh, no. No, no, no, no," I stutter out quickly, shaking my head.

"Come, Aredhel. Get up. I will not take 'no' for an answer," he says, using that "commander of vast armies" tone with me.

"You must take 'no' as an answer, because that is all I am giving you," I reply, and Elladan laughs.

I glare at him, wondering why he has not possessively yelled at Glorfindel yet, but his eyes are soft as they look at me.

"Aredhel, fear will get you nowhere. Stand up. I want to teach you to defend yourself," the golden warrior persists.

"Ar," Elladan says quietly, tightening his fingers around mine, "I was wrong when I protested this. You should learn to defend yourself. You can do it."

"'Dan," I say in surprise, lips parting.

He nods, giving me an encouraging smile. "Go on. Glorfindel is a much better teacher than I. He has been doing this for ages."

I stand hesitantly, eyeing Glorfindel as he grins at me. "You do not need Elladan's permission," he says teasingly.

"I know, but I respect his feelings as his mate," I reply, trying to calm my racing heart.

Glorfindel's eyes shift to Elladan for a moment before nodding. "Let me get a smaller sword for you," he says, jogging to a rack that holds blades of all different kinds. He pulls out several, inspecting them thoroughly before choosing.

He approaches me with a small sword, nothing special. It is definitely just used for practice, for it does not nearly compare to the majesty of the blades I have seen Elladan wear.

"Here," he says, handing it to me, "How does it feel?"

I shift awkwardly. "Like a sword."

He laughs loudly along with Elladan, and I blush.

"What? What did I say?"

"He is asking if it is light enough," Elladan explains patiently. "It is not too heavy, is it?"

"Oh, I guess not," I mumble, pushing my hair behind my ear.

Elladan stands, and he strides over to me, pulling my hair up and tying it with an extra piece of leather he had around his wrist. His hands rest on my shoulders for a moment. "Relax. You will do well."

I nod, not trusting my voice as I meet Glorfindel's intimidating gaze.

Elladan moves back to his spot on the grass.

Glorfindel teaches me the basics quickly, giving me too many corrections to remember. "Watch me, Aredhel. I am your opponent," he instructs as we move in a slow dance, our blades clashing. "You cannot think so hard about your own movements. You have to watch me. You have to react instinctively if you want to stay alive."

"I am trying," I grunt as his blade comes down on me out of nowhere, and I catch the full brunt of his force. My arms shake as I use all of my strength to push it back.

"Good, good," he says, seemingly impressed with my surprising strength.

"Move your feet, Ar," Elladan tells me softly, and I correct my mistake.

"You know," I breathe deeply, twirling out of the way as his sword comes down where I was just standing, "It is hard to do this in a dress."

"We will get you some training gear," Elladan says, and I hear the amusement in his voice.

"I have to admit that it is quite refreshing to fight a lovely elleth all dolled up in her pretty gown," Glorfindel says with a chuckle, "Fighting dogs all day is tiresome."

I laugh loudly as Elladan argues. "You are just as much of a dog as any of the rest of us."

Glorfindel barks out a command to me when I look at Elladan. "Pay attention! Do not look at him!"

I roll my eyes. "I do not enjoy being yelled at, Glorfindel. I am not one of your sweaty dogs to be called to attention," I tell him with a small smirk.

He looks shocked for a moment before laughing merrily. He opens his mouth to reply, but is cut off by another voice.

"You are teaching Aredhel to fight?"

"What does it look like, Elrohir?" Glorfindel asks with a smirk.

Elrohir appears in my line of vision, watching my every move. "It looks like Aredhel is doing better than the new recruits."

This causes them all to laugh, and I cannot help but smile proudly.

Glorfindel lets us take a break, and I look over to Elrohir with smile. "Thank you, 'Ro."

He raises his eyebrows. "Ah, so you are finally using my nickname? I am honored."

I grin at him.

"You know, you look as lovely as a princess in that gown, Ar," he says with shining eyes and his signature smirk.

"I am no princess, but thank you."

"If you had been bound to Legolas instead of my dimwitted brother, you would be," he suggests, and his smirk only grows as his brother glares up at him.

"Legolas?" I question him, "What are you going on about?"

Glorfindel laughs. "Prince Legolas. He is a very good friend of ours. His father is King Thranduil of the Greenwood," he explains.

"Well, I am sure he is not half as charming as Elladan," I say, raising my eyebrows at Elrohir.

He laughs loudly. "Oh, you think these ellith here are bad about stalking my brother and I? You should see the ellith in the Greenwood. They would murder each other if it meant getting closer to Legolas. He is all blonde hair and blue eyes and gentle spirit. Your heart would turn to mush around him," he says matter-of-factly. "All the females do."

"She is my mate, so why are we discussing such a thing?" Elladan asks as he leans back onto his hands, looking disgruntled.

"He would not affect me at all," I say with a shrug, but Glorfindel and Elrohir laugh as if they are enjoying some inside joke.

Elladan continues to scowl.

"We shall see, Aredhel," Elrohir comments with a smirk, "Legolas will be joining us for the Summer Solstice. Be sure to wear your finest gown like all of the other ladies."

I roll my eyes. "I will be wearing my finest gown, but not for the prince. I will be dressing up for Elladan. He is the only one I care to impress," I reply, straightening to my full height.

Elrohir smirks at his brother. "You have her under your spell."

Elladan's grey eyes swallow me with affection. "Nay, she has me under hers."

My heart flutters in my chest, and I smile at him.

"Come now, back to work," Glorfindel calls, and I look at him in horror.

"I am still catching my breath!" I retort.

Elrohir smirks, "Elladan took her breath away, Glorfindel. Did you not know?"

They share a laugh at my expense.

"I do not think I like the sword," I decide, still breathing hard, and I shake my arms a bit, hoping they will stop trembling soon. "I would rather learn how to use a bow."

Glorfindel grins at my pathetic excuse to stop training as if he has heard the same thing for centuries from other poor souls that he has tortured on this field. "You will learn to use both, and you will use them well. I will not accept anything but the best from you, Aredhel," he says seriously.

I sigh dramatically. "So you want me to become a great warrior? What if I become greater than you?" I ask teasingly.

The twins laugh, but Glorfindel's eyes are intense with emotion as they look into mine. "That would bring me nothing but pleasure."

I am caught off guard by his serious admission.

Elrohir scoffs. "You would not know what to do with yourself if someone bested you, Glorfindel."

He glances at 'Ro with an amused smile. "Just because you cannot beat me, does not mean that I don't want you to. You just have to get better," he says simply, and Elrohir rolls his eyes.

I laugh softly. "I do not know why we are even discussing this. I can barely swing this thing around. My whole body is trembling," I say, laughing all over again, and they laugh as well.

Elladan's eyebrows furrow with worry. "Maybe you should take it easy, Ar. Your wounds are still not completely healed."

I shake my head. "I am not shaking from the wounds, Elladan. I am out of shape, and I have no muscles whatsoever," I admit, and Elrohir cackles with laughter.

Glorfindel's eyes rake over my form, and I see worry in them for a split second. "Elladan is right. I was not thinking about your wounds. You must take it easy and heal. Then I will train you, and I will not go easy on you."

Elrohir gapes at him. "You are letting her off so easily? If someone shot an arrow through my head you would still make me practice!"

I burst into laughter at the insane notion, and even Glorfindel laughs as he shoves Elrohir's shoulder lightheartedly.

"Your fighting would still be just the same," he replies with a smirk, "You already fight like someone shot you in the head."

Elrohir's eyes narrow at the Golden Warrior. "And you fight like someone shoved a stick up your a-"

"Ada!"

I turn to see Vesryn racing across the practice fields on his tiny legs, his toy sword clutched tightly to his chest. "Ada! Are you teaching Ar to fight?"

Elladan and I share a laugh, not having to wonder what Elrohir was about to say.

Glorfindel scoops his son into his arms, and Vesryn swings his legs back and forth excitedly as he looks between us all. "We are finished for the day, but yes, I am teaching Aredhel."

Vesryn grins at me. "Ar, you are gonna be a warrior like Ada!"

I laugh tiredly, leaning in to kiss his cheek, and he giggles. "I do not know about that," I reply with a smile.

"It is time for your nap, Vesryn," Glorfindel says, and his son whines. "Have you been studying with Erestor today? He mentioned that you have been avoiding him."

Vesryn's eyes widen, looking too innocent. "Erestor and I have been reading together."

Elrohir cracks up. "Vesryn do not lie to your Ada! You have been in my father's study, swinging that sword around and breaking things."

Glorfindel gives his son a very serious look, and Vesryn begins to whine.

Elladan takes my hand, whispering close to my ear, "Come, let us get cleaned up."

The two of us make our way back to the house as Vesryn cries, and as we pass the group of elleth, I glance at them, unable to keep from smiling as they stare me down. Elladan tightens his grip on my hand, and I look at him to see his loving gaze rested upon me. He walks ever closer to me, making me grin.

"You are breaking many hearts today, my lord," I say lowly to him as we reach the house.

"I only care for one," he replies easily, lifting my hand to his lips.

I search his beautiful eyes, wanting nothing more than to be in his arms again. "Thank you for staying with me last night," I murmur as we stroll through the twisting hallways together. "I will never be able to properly thank you for caring for me as you do."

"I will always be here for you, Aredhel, until you send me away," he states seriously, opening the door to my chambers.

He follows me inside, shutting the door softly. I gaze at him over my shoulder as a small laugh escapes my lips. "Send you away? That will never happen," I reply. I open my wardrobe, staring at the rainbow of colors in front of me.

Elladan steps up behind me, resting his hands upon my waist lovingly.

I lean into his touch, feeling the warmth of his body against my back. "Which dress should I wear? I cannot choose. They are all so beautiful," I ponder.

"You look lovely in green," he hums against my ear, wrapping his arms fully around my waist.

"Then I shall wear the green one," I decide, turning my head to look at him, and he runs his fingers over my cheekbone, his eyes crinkling as he smiles.

He releases me reluctantly, and I pull the dress out, running my fingers over it in admiration. "I will never get used to wearing such lovely clothes. Nana would have loved this. Green was her favorite color; it is mine, as well," I divulge with a small smile.

Elladan sinks onto my mattress, waiting patiently for me to change. "Naneth puts in dress orders for you almost everyday," he says with a chuckle.

"She is too kind. I have so many to choose from already. I really do not need anymore," I tell him seriously as I step behind my changing screen.

"Try telling her that," he says with a laugh, and I giggle.

I fall silent for a moment as I struggle to unlace my dress, and my heart sinks in my chest as I suddenly remember the letter I wrote to my uncle. I slide my dress down my body carefully, wondering when the reply will come.

"Elladan," I begin unsurely, "I am afraid of getting a letter from my uncle."

"Why are you afraid?" he asks patiently.

I step into my fresh gown with furrowed eyebrows. "He has always been quite protective of me. For me to be alone in Imladris with no guardian- it will surely drive him to insanity."

"Do not worry about that. Ada and Naneth will ease any worries he may have. They are your guardians now," he assures me.

"I do not know," I mumble, buttoning up my gown. "You do not know him as I do. Nothing will ease his worries."

"What do you believe he will do then?" he asks curiously, and I round the screen, meeting his gaze.

I inhale quietly, biting my lip for a moment. "He will beg me to travel to Loríen. I know he will."

Elladan's dark brows furrow. "It is dangerous to travel these days. He would not ask such a thing of you, just to see you in the flesh. You told him you were fine here. He will understand."

"Elladan, he will not ask me to just visit," I say quietly, crossing my arms to try and protect myself from the pain in my chest.

He stands from the bed slowly, analyzing my expression carefully. "You believe he will ask you to stay," he states.

I breathe deeply, nodding. "He will not ask. He will demand it," I whisper worriedly. "I cannot go there, Elladan. I cannot live in that place. I cannot be parted from you."

He steps close to me, taking my face in his hands gently. "Aredhel, you are worrying about something that has not come to pass. If he does demand such a thing, you are not obligated to go. You are grown. You make your own decisions. You already have begun building a life here with my family. You are safe and well cared for. If you make these things known to him, it will ease his mind. I know it will. That is all anyone wants for the person that they love."

I search his eyes, finding comfort in them. "You are right. I am worrying too much," I sigh, placing my hands over his. "I need just one night where I will not wake up crying. I need sleep so that I can think clearly. Maybe then I would not be quite so emotional."

"Do you wish for me to stay with you tonight?" he asks sweetly.

I shake my head. "No. You need rest as well. You have come to me every night without fail. I cannot continue to do this."

"You are not troubling me," he assures me. "I want your mind to be at ease. I do not wish for you to suffer."

"But you are suffering because of me. Arwen told me you were upset this morning- that, that is why you were sparring with Glorfindel. I know what I said last night worried you, but you do not need to worry about me. I am fine," I tell him, but my voice breaks on the last word, knowing that my words are a lie. I am not fine.

"Ar," he whispers with furrowed brows and stormy eyes.

I swallow thickly. "I will be fine tonight. No matter what dreams or memories plague me, I will get through it. I must be strong."

He shakes his head. "Stop pushing me away," he murmurs, moving his hands to my shoulders. "I want to help you. I want to be here for you. You are not fine, Aredhel. You have told me so before."

"I just want to be free from this pain," I tell him, blinking hard.

"I know," he says, sounding choked up, "I want you to be, as well. You will be soon. Until then, let me help you in any way that I can."

I nod, and he pulls me into a warm embrace. I cling to him, resting my head against his chest.

"I will take you to see your home. You need closure," he whispers into the silence of my chambers.

I close my eyes tightly. "I am scared."

"I will be there by your side the whole time."

"It will hurt," I whisper as tears build up in my eyes, and my throat stings as I try to suppress them.

"It will," he agrees as his fingers play with the ends of my hair, "but you will feel so much better after. You will not heal completely until you come to terms with what happened. I know because I have been through it myself."

"Okay," I reply after a long while. "I want to see my home. I need to."

He tightens his hold on me, chasing my worries away momentarily. "We will get through this together."

I smile softly wondering what I ever did to deserve such a male as Elladan.