Vesryn sits by my side in the afternoon sun as we braid flower crowns together. Every few moments he looks up at Ayla, who sits across from us looking dainty and sweet in her blush colored dress. Once again her dress is ruffled, and the sleeves are just thin ribbons loosely tied over her upper arms. Her dark hair falls down her back in loose waves with a few pearl pins holding small braids in place at the back of her head.

My little warrior watches her in silent suspicion, clearly wanting to go over and sit with her but also not completely sure of her just yet. He lifts his flower crown up for me to see.

"That is beautiful, Vesryn. You are doing such a good job," I encourage him, and he smiles with those chubby cheeks of his.

"You have to wear it!" he exclaims, standing to his full height. He places it atop my loose curls, stroking my hair into place.

He comes around to face me properly, and he laughs delightedly. "You look pretty!"

I laugh, as well. "Thank you. May I put my flower crown in your hair?"

He nods, beaming as I set the hoop of yellow flowers atop his golden hair. I gasp as I look at him.

"Oh how dashing you look! Just like a prince," I tell him with a giggle, and Ayla laughs as well.

He puffs his chest out proudly, reminding me of a bird. He suddenly approaches Ayla, reaching out for her flower crown expectantly. She hands it to him, and he places it carefully upon her head. He steps back and shrieks delightedly again. "You look pretty!"

She and I laugh at his reaction, and she pushes his hair behind his ear affectionately. "Thank you, Vesryn. You are so charming."

I laugh, glancing to the side to see Glorfindel approaching us. "Vesryn, you are such a lady's man. You told me I was pretty and then turned around and told Ayla the same thing. You cannot run around telling all ladies that they are pretty," I tease him, and he turns to me with crossed arms and a cheeky grin.

Glorfindel sinks onto the grass beside me, our shoulders touching, and he looks at our flower crowns with a smile that crinkles his eyes. He reaches up, touching mine delicately. "Ves, did you make this? You did well."

Vesryn steps closer, grinning proudly at his father. "Yes! Doesn't she look pretty, Ada?"

Glorfindel's brilliantly blue eyes meet mine, softening noticeably. "Lady Aredhel always looks beautiful," he says, his voice rumbling in his chest. "The flower crown looks very pretty on her."

My cheeks grow warm as I look away from him. "Your son has been flattering us all afternoon. I guess he gets that from his father," I whisper the last part to Ayla, which makes her laugh, and Glorfindel chuckles.

"I only give compliments when I truly mean them."

Vesryn, ignoring us all, sits down in Ayla's lap, and I laugh. "It appears I have been replaced," I mention lightheartedly.

Ayla laughs as she meets my gaze. "I guess he finally warmed up to me. I was starting to get worried with all of the suspicious stares he has given me today."

Glorfindel and I laugh at her words.

"It does not take him long to warm up to anyone. Once he does, you will never be left alone," his father says, and I nod.

"Ayla, this is Vesryn's father Glorfindel," I introduce, looking to the Golden Warrior beside me, "And Glorfindel, this is Ayla. The one I told you about."

His eyes turn mischievous as he looks at her. "Ah, this is the elleth who made Elrohir speechless. I must say such a thing is nearly impossible to do," he teases, and her cheeks turn pink with embarrassment.

I slap him on the arm. "Do not embarrass her. Tease Elrohir. He was the one ogling her."

She shakes her head. "I am sure he was just being shy."

Glorfindel and I share a smirk.

"Ayla, I will be quite frank with you. Elrohir is not shy, nor is he ever rendered speechless in the presence of anyone. He fancies you. It is quite obvious," I tell her softly.

She looks up at me through her dark lashes. "How can you be sure?" she asks quietly.

"His brother is my mate. I know him too well," I say with an amused chuckle.

Glorfindel agrees. "I have known him since he was born. He fancies you. It is obvious," he looks down at me and shakes his head as if that is the worst news he has ever had to share. "Poor girl."

I laugh loudly at his behavior, hitting his arm once more. "Do not say such things! You will scare her away, and 'Ro will be so very sad."

Ayla fixes the flowers that lie upon Vesryn's head. "I have only spoken with him once. I do not know why it is such a big deal," she says with a soft smile.

I shrug, giving Glorfindel a look that tells him to keep his mouth shut, and he smirks in response. "We are just happy for him. It is too fun to tease him, when all he has ever done since my arrival is tease me endlessly."

"Where is he today anyway? And Lord Elladan?" she asks curiously, and I do not miss the way she throws Elladan's name in there to sound less concerned about her mate. The thought makes me smile wider.

"Elladan is in the Healing Wing. We had some elves get injured on patrol this morning. Elrohir was one of them," Glorfindel says, and even I am surprised at the news. No one told me Elrohir was injured! "It is nothing serious, just a scratch."

I narrow my eyes at him. "Your idea of a scratch is the equivalent of Elrohir getting a leg cut off," I mutter, and he laughs loudly, tilting his head back as he does.

"Your sweet words warm my heart, Aredhel."

Ayla looks worried when I glance at her, and I immediately feel bad. "I am only joking. If Glorfindel says it is nothing to be worried about, then I believe him. I think Elrohir would be delighted if you went to see him, though. He loves any of the chocolate pastries from the kitchen. Maybe if you brought him some it would cheer him up. I know he is probably beating himself up right now for getting injured... or Elladan is doing it for him."

Glorfindel chuckles at my words as Ayla thinks on my offer. Vesryn's eyes blink heavily considering he missed his naptime today.

Ayla meets my gaze determinedly. "I will do it," she says quietly. "I do not like the idea of him being injured."

I watch as she stands, leading Vesryn over to us. "Good. He will like that," I encourage her. "You might have to do the talking at first, but he will warm up quickly. Elrohir does not stay silent for long."

She laughs, giving me a grateful smile. "Thank you for the information. I will see you later. It was nice to meet you Glorfindel," she says, sinking into a quick curtsey.

He inclines his head formally. "It was a pleasure to make your aquaintance. Be sure to kiss Elrohir's wound to make it better," he says with a wink, and she shakes her head, laughing as she walks away.

He turns to see me looking at him with a raised brow. "Must you tease her, so?" I ask, but I am unable to hide my amusement.

He shrugs. "I was trying to make her less nervous about going to see him."

I level him with my serious stare. "How bad is the wound? What happened?"

He sighs, running his hand over his jaw wearily. "He was not fighting his best today. I do not know what was on his mind, but he was distracted. He made several mistakes that could have gotten him seriously injured, but luckily I had his back. An orc blade caught him on the shoulder. The wound is deep but nothing life threatening. He will be in a lot of pain until it heals."

"The blade was not poisoned, was it?" I ask quickly.

He shakes his head. "Fortunately, no," he says, and when he notices my worried expression, he is quick to reassure me. "Elrohir has sustained much, much worse injuries in his life. This is nothing but a scratch for him. Elladan has been chewing him out all morning, though. Like I said, the mistakes he was making today were those an elfling would make. 'Dan has been worried sick about him."

I run my fingers through Vesryn's hair, being mindful of the flowers. "I was wondering why Elladan has blocked me from feeling his emotions," I mumble thoughtfully.

Glorfindel places his hand on my shoulder. "That is why. He does not wish for you to worry."

I stay silent for a long while, looking out at the beautiful weeping trees, trimmed hedges, and colorful flowers that surround us. Of course Elladan does not want me to worry.

"What is on your mind?" Glorfindel asks quietly. "I know that expression of yours. You are worrying over something."

I meet his gaze with a small smile. "You know me too well," I sigh, pushing a strand of hair off of my shoulder. "My aunt and uncle will arrive soon with the Lord and Lady of Lothloríen. They wish for me to travel home with them when the solstice is over. When I first wrote to them, Elladan and I were still getting to know one another, and I was unsure of where we stood in our relationship. They know nothing of him. They believe it is improper for an unwed elleth to be on her own. They also believe that Imladris will always be a place of sadness for me- that it is not healthy for me to be surrounded with memories of my family." I look down as I say those last words, hoping secretly that, that will not be the case.

Glorfindel watches me carefully as I speak, taking in every detail of my expression. "Is that what you want?" he asks softly. "Do you think Imladris will make you unhappy?"

I breathe deeply as I ponder his words. Vesryn snuggles closer to me, pressing his cheek against my chest sleepily. "No. I have found happiness here," I reply quietly, placing a kiss to Vesryn's head. "It is hard being surrounded by the memories. The pain sometimes makes me feel as if I am drowning, but it will be that way no matter where I go. I wish to stay here with my friends and my family."

He nods in acceptance, not giving any indication as to what is going on in that mind of his. "Then you will stay. No one can force you to leave if that is not what you want."

"My uncle is very protective of me. I do not think the bond Elladan and I share will be enough to sway him. He does not want me here without guardianship," I explain.

Glorfindel looks away from me then, finally understanding what I am trying to say. He gazes at the waterfalls in the distance. "You are wondering why Elladan has not proposed to you," he guesses.

I stay silent as the doubt bubbles up within me. My eyes turn misty against my will, and I try to stop it. I try to tell myself that I am being silly. Elladan does not owe me a betrothal yet. We could get married decades from now if he wanted. Yet it hurts to not know what he is thinking. It hurts to know that I might have to leave him for a while until he decides.

Glorfindel looks at me when I do not reply, and his eyes soften when he notices the tears in mine. "Aredhel," he sighs, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me to him tightly. My head rests in the crook of his neck, and his touch brings me comfort. "Do not cry. Elladan loves you; he would be a fool not to. I am sure he is waiting for the right moment to ask you for your hand. He thinks very deeply about things, you know. I bet he wants to ask you at the perfect time and at a place that you will find romantic. You should not doubt his love. I have known him his whole life. He loves you more than you will ever understand."

I nod, still unable to speak as I hold back my tears. I know this. I know that he loves me. I feel it everytime he thinks of me and sends his emotions down our bond. I feel it in every touch and kiss we share. I see it in his eyes when they look into mine so intensely.

Glorfindel holds me loyally. I breathe in his masculine scent as I close my eyes. His hand rubs my arm comfortingly, and his head rests against mine. My stomach is warm with happy feelings as he holds me close and as Vesryn rests peacefully in my arms. I love them deeply.

"Thank you, Glorfindel," I whisper after a long while. He simply tightens his hold on me.

A thought comes to me, and I grin. "Will you ask me for a dance at the Solstice?" I ask him, and he hums quietly.

"Do you wish for me to?" he counters, not allowing me to get my answer easily.

"Yes," I say honestly.

"Then I shall ask you for a dance," he promises. "You will be the most beautiful elleth in the room."

I laugh at that, pulling back to look up at him, and he is smiling fondly. "That is not true, and you know it. I will be more beautiful than Arwen or her mother? Lady Galadriel? Ayla?" I question him.

"Yes, you will be," he replies, and his eyes reflect the honesty in his words.

I search his eyes, waiting for him to laugh. When he does not, I reply, "Well then, I will be sure not to let them know you said that."

"What color dress did you choose?" he asks randomly as he caresses one of the white flowers in my hair.

"It is a dress that the seamstress aquired from the Greenwood. It was meant to be for the queen before she passed away," I tell him distractedly as his fingers touch my crimson hair as if it is made of gold, and his eyes follow his touch intently. "It is champagne colored, with flowers and vines embroidered on it. It is like nothing I have seen before."

His eyes finally meet mine, and the intensity of them takes my breath away for a moment. His fingers just barely brush my cheek, as if he is afraid of truly touching me. "You will be enchanting that night," he says quietly. "Will Ara pin flowers in your hair?"

I search his eyes. "I do not know."

"Ask her to," he replies, letting his hand fall from my face. "I like it when you have flowers in your hair. You always look so dainty and innocent."

"And what color robes will you be wearing?" I ask him.

He smiles secretly as he looks deeply in my emerald eyes. "Green. It is my favorite color."

"It is mine as well," I reply with a soft laugh. "You will look dashing in that color. You will have ellith asking for a dance all night. I might not even get to speak with you."

He chuckles. "I will make sure to save a dance for you, here amongst the flowers since you will be covered in them that night," he promises.

I cannot help but grin. "Alright. I will hold you to it."

"Do not forget about me when you are being passed from one set of arms to another all night," he warns, raising his blonde brows at me.

I laugh again, shaking my head. "Why does every keep insisting that I will be asked to dance?"

"Because the rest of us are not oblivious to your beauty and your charm," he states with a smile.

He takes Vesryn from my arms, lifting the child like he weighs no more than a feather. He reaches out a hand, helping me to stand, and I brush off my dress skirts.

"It is time for this little one's nap. Thank you for watching him today," he says to me, and I brush off his thanks.

"Vesryn is never any trouble," I reply with a smile. "I will see you later then."

He waves as he sets off to put his son to bed, and I watch him go with a fond smile.

I stand, making my way down the cobblestone pathways that lead to a small waterfall. It is close enough to the house to not make Elladan worry when he comes looking for me, yet it is peaceful and quiet enough for me to relax by.

I sit on the edge of the waterfall that lies beside the House of Elrond. My bare legs swish back and forth in the water, and I lean back on my hands, admiring the mountains ahead of me and the way the water rushes down the sides.

The wind dances across my skin and plays with my unbound hair. I did not let Ara touch it this morning. I did not feel up to sitting there and allowing her to tug my hair this way and that. Plus, I remembered the way Elladan's eyes looked when he told me how beautiful I was with unbound hair. The memory sends butterflies into my stomach.

Soft footsteps approach, and I turn to see Lord Elrond taking the empty space beside me. He rolls up his trousers to his knees and slips his legs into the water, leaning back on his hands contentedly as he looks out over the picturesque view of his homeland. He is silent for a long moment, seemingly content with just being by my side. The sunlight hits his gold circlet in certain areas, making it appear even more beautiful upon his head of ink-colored hair. His plum robes trail behind him on the grass, carelessly falling down his shoulders as if he wishes to shed them more than anything. 

"You looked like you could use some company," he murmurs as he finally gazes at me with those wise, grey eyes. He gives me a small, friendly smile, and I cannot help but return it with one of my own.

"I think it is quite dangerous for one to be left alone with their thoughts for too long. Thank you for coming to see me," I reply.

He hums in response as if he agrees with my statement. "Your aunt and uncle will arrive soon, I hear?" he questions me. Somehow, I feel as if he knows every single worry and doubt that plagues my mind.

I nod. 

"And you are worried that they will take you back to Lorien with them when the celebrations are over," he says. The question sounds more like a statement.

I drop my gaze to my hands as I wring them absentmindedly. "Lady Celebrían told you?"

He chuckles deeply. "My wife is always worried over you. She tells me everything."

I smile slightly at that. "Uncle does not think I should stay here where I will be reminded of the tragedy everywhere I go. He does not believe it is proper for me to live here unwed and without guardianship."

Lord Elrond ponders this for a long while as he gazes at the white water rushing down the mountainside. "He loves you very much, it seems, and wishes only for your happiness and safety- just as a father would," he begins softly. "When he arrives and sees the glimmer of joy in your eyes as you look at my son, I believe he will change his mind."

"That is what I am afraid of the most," I divulge, and he looks to me patiently. "Uncle is very protective of me. When I was very young, not much more than an elfling, we visited Lorien often. Haldir, now a marchwarden of Lothlorien, fancied me all those years ago- at least, that is what my family said. He followed me everywhere. He was very quiet, only speaking when I acknowledged him. His round brown eyes always watched me carefully wherever I went. Uncle, naturally, did not like Haldir very much. One day, Uncle saw Haldir try to kiss my hand the way that we always saw older elves do. My uncle snatched him up and scolded him quite harshly. It was enough to make poor Haldir cry. His parents were angry when they heard about it, and they informed the Lord and Lady of Lorien about it. When Uncle was brought forward to explain himself, Lady Galadriel laughed. She laughed!"

Lord Elrond laughs with me. 

"And thus my uncle did not receive punishment other than advice from the Lady. She told him that a sweet soul will always attract admirers, and that he should get used to it."

"I want to laugh at your poor uncle's expense, but unfortunately I do understand how it feels to watch your sweet elfling grow into a beautiful woman. It is not easy watching ellyn pursue your little girl, especially when you know that they do not have the best of intentions," Lord Elrond says with a smile in my direction. "But my son loves you. One would have to be a fool to not see it. His intentions toward you are pure. Your uncle may not ever be completely trusting of him, but he will see these things in my son. He will not take away your happiness."

My smile is bright as I look at my feet swishing in the water. "I hope you are right, my lord. Elladan is more than I could ever deserve. I want my aunt and uncle to see that. I want them to see the elf that I see when I look at him. If they did, they would never have to worry about me again."

"It is a guardian's duty to worry for their charge," Lord Elrond says in his rumbling voice. "And that worry is even greater when they are your family. I believe you are anxious for nothing. Your family will see the love you and my son share, and they will not be able to take that away by making you leave."

I nod with a hopeful smile. "You are wiser than I could ever hope to be, and I trust your intuition," I tell him honestly.

He laughs lightly again. "I have lived many centuries, yet there is always more to learn with each passing day. The day you believe you know everything is the day that you lose all wisdom," he says humbly.

"My lord," I address him after a moment, "Is Elrohir alright? Glorfindel told me what happened, but I worry that he did not tell me the whole truth."

His gaze darkens at the thought of his injured son. "He will be fine, but his road to recovery will be painful. The blade cut through muscles that are very important in the shoulder. Once healed, he will have to build up the strength in them again. It will be like starting over. Luckily it was not his dominant arm, so he will not have any trouble with lifting a sword or writing."

I let out a relieved breath. "I am so thankful it was not his dominant arm. Poor Elrohir. I hate to know that he is hurting so badly," I murmur sadly.

Lord Elrond chuckles as if remembering something funny. "Ah, he has sustained much worse injuries in the past, but he would not let you believe it with the way he was acting. When the pretty, young brunette came to visit him today, he acted as if he was going to lose his whole arm to the injury. The girl even spoon-fed him his soup. He was as content as a dog getting his belly scratched."

I laugh loudly at the story, picturing Elrohir making his injuries out to be much worse than they are. "Poor Ayla! She is unknowingly being taken advantage of," I say, laughing again. "Elrohir is so mischievous."

Lord Elrond nods in agreement. "He and Elladan were so naughty as elflings. They were always scheming and getting themselves into trouble, yet their cuteness made it hard to be angry with them for long."

"The way Elladan acts now, I never would have known that he was a mischievous elfling. Elrohir on the other hand..." I giggle.

Lord Elrond smiles broadly, clearly enjoying our chat. "Elrohir still has that cheekiness in him. Luckily, he does not use it to pull pranks anymore. He merely speaks his mind more than an ellon of his status should."

"You never would have known he was mouthy the day he met Ayla for the first time. He was speechless, Lord Elrond," I divulge with wide, surprised eyes, "Elrohir! Speechless!"

He laughs again. His grey eyes crinkle with mirth as he takes in my expression. "I am pleased to know that someone has the power to make him stop talking for awhile. His naneth and I have been trying for centuries."

I grin at that joke. "Ayla must possess some sort of magic that we have no knowledge of. It is the only explanation."

We both turn suddenly when a servant calls his name from the direction of the house. 

Lord Elrond sighs deeply, pulling his legs from the water and rolling his trousers back down to his ankles. He leans in, kissing my head in a fatherly way before standing. "Thank you for the wonderful conversation. I hate to leave you here alone, but I have no choice."

"Thank you for your sharing your advice. I am grateful to you, my lord," I tell him truthfully.

"I will send Elladan away from his brother's side. He has been working hard today and needs a rest," he says with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. "I will see you later, then."

I watch him go. My heart is light with joy after our conversation. He so easily pushed my worries about Uncle to the back of my mind and lifted my mood.

Not long after he left, Elladan comes strolling down the pathway in just a tunic and trousers. He sits by my side, looking at me with a smile, but his eyes are tired and lacking their usual cheeriness. 

"I missed you," he says lowly as he leans in to kiss my head. 

I rest my head on his shoulder, snuggling close to him. "I missed you, too."

"Ada says he sat with you for a while?"

I smile. "He did. We had a great conversation. Your father is so sweet. I enjoy his company greatly," I admit.

Elladan tightens his arm around me. "I am glad. He loves you like a daughter."

"I love him, as well."

We sit in silence for a moment, just enjoying the nature surrounding us. Elladan sags against me tiredly, and his breathing slows as if falling asleep. 

"'Dan, you need a nap."

"I am fine," he protests weakly, causing me to giggle. 

"Come now. Let us go to your chambers. You need to rest," I scold him. I try to pull away, but he holds me tightly.

"Aredhel, I am fine. I promise. I simply want to hold you," he replies.

I do not push him further. Instead, I melt further into his touch and close my eyes. We sit there for a long time, just holding one another. The clouds waltz through the brilliantly blue sky, and tiny fish of all different colors dart around our legs. Elladan's raven-colored hair brushes against my skin.

"This is true peace," he says after a long while. "Sitting here in the place I love most with the elleth I love more than anything in all of Arda."

I look up at him, reaching to caress his face tenderly. "I feel the same. I love you, Elladan," I reply quietly as I gaze into his tired, grey eyes.

He leans in, pressing his lips against mine softly. The kiss is not passionate or lustful- it is pure love and affection that makes my toes curl underneath the surface of the cool water. My heart soars in my chest, so happy to be basking in his love.

When our lips part, he smiles beautifully. "Elrohir warned me that his injury will not stop him from his duty of keeping an eye on us," he says with a laugh, and he taps his temple, mimicking his twin. "I made sure to give him a powerful sleeping draught."

"Elladan!" I exclaim with a laugh. "I told your father that I could hardly believe you were mischievous as an elfling. Now I am not so sure."

He simply grins, leaning in to kiss me once more. I melt into his touch, allowing him to kiss me properly. As he pulls me into his arms, I remember his words. He is right. This is true peace. When I am in his arms, everything is right in the world. When his lips are kissing mine, my soul is lighter and not burdened with heavy thoughts or worries.

We stay by the water until the sun begins to sink behind the tall trees of Imladris. Hand in hand, we make our way back to the house- to our house.

Elladan is my peace, I realize as we walk together. I look up at him, admiring his profile. His eyes meet mine, and I smile secretly at him.

Yes, Elladan is my peace.

__________

A/N: hope y'all are enjoying! Stay safe out there. xxx