Aredhel

My eyes open slowly, revealing a room that is bathed in soft, ethereal light. I breathe deeply, feeling a sharp pain in my side that nearly knocks the breath out of me. I lie very still, waiting for the pain to pass, and I squeeze my eyes shut tightly. After a few moments, I can breathe again, and my eyes flutter open.

I turn my head slightly, panting as I take in the sight of the room around me. I am lying in a very large, plush bed with sheets that are the purest of white in color. A golden headboard looms above me, carved with such breathtaking beauty to replicate vines twisting together. It is real, beautiful gold, not the cheap paint my mother and father used to decorate the old trunk of toys in my bedroom before I was born.

Glass lines the far end of the room instead of a solid wall, leading to some sort of balcony. The glass doors are open, allowing me to hear the rich sounds of nature with my sharp, elven hearing. Birds sing their innocent melodies to all who listen, and the wind blows through the trees, causing their leaves to shiver upon the branches. The forest beyond is the most magnificent sight I have ever beheld, even more beautiful than Loríen- dare I admit it. The trees are a rich green, contrasting sharply with the gray mountainside and the crystalline, blue waters of rushing waterfalls. The sound of the waterfalls hitting their magical pools sends a powerful feeling of peace throughout my veins. The sight is heavenly, bringing tears to my eyes with its natural splendor.

A hand carved nightstand sits beside the bed, holding a large pitcher of water and an empty drinking glass. My throat burns with need, but I know that I cannot get up in this state. Instead of attempting to move, I allow my gaze to trail over the night stand's incredible artwork. A garden scene is hand carved into the wood, with flowers and vines and birds accented with gold details. An elven woman kneels in the center, her dress pooled around her, and her hands are cupped in front of her, holding a small wren. Her hair is golden, as if created from the sun.

I absentmindedly run my palms over the silky blankets that lie over me, noticing for the first time that I have been clothed in an ivory nightgown. The material is as soft as the bedding I lie upon. It is clearly made from the highest quality fabric, and it is short, falling just above my knees and allowing me to not feel quite so hot and uncomfortable as I would in a full-length nightgown.

I turn my head to the right, and my heart skips a beat in surprise. A familiar elf sits in a chair close to my bed, his face peaceful in sleep. His long, ink-black hair falls around his face and shoulders- still slightly damp from a bath. His dark lashes are a sharp contrast to his porcelain skin. His pink lips are small and pouted in sleep.

I take in every detail of him that I can while he lies there unaware. I know the second those eyes fall upon me, I will be a blushing mess and unable to look at him.

He wears a silver tunic made of silk, with black trousers and light weight boots. His deep, sapphire robes are left unbuttoned as they hang around his shoulders. The top of his tunic is left unlaced as well, the small v shape showing off a bit of his chest. Even with all of these layers on, I can tell that he is well-muscled, yet lean. He is truly a sight to behold.

My affectionate gaze travels to the silver circlet resting above his thick, untamed brows. Is my mate a prince?

I close my eyes. A strange, yet familiar feeling of warmth flickers in my chest as I lie in bed, trying to understand what has happened. A memory resurfaces of gray eyes and a tender touch, bringing forth those passionate feelings I felt when he looked at me. I can almost feel his dark hair brush against my cheek again, the way it did as he lifted me from the forest floor. I feel his touch on my neck once again. Somehow, deep within my heart, I know he is my mate. I can feel his presence inside of me, so warm and comforting. His soul hums within mine.

Mate. The word sends a pleasurable tingle down my spine. This handsome ellon is my soulmate. I have always dreamt of meeting him- of what he would look like and how he would act. I prayed every night growing up that Eru would send me someone kind. That is the quality I wished for the most. Remembering the way he fought for my family and I and the way he looked so deeply into my eyes, so reassuring and warm, makes me smile for a moment.

These thoughts of the handsome stranger bring forth memories that I never wish to relive. I suddenly remember the look on Papa's face, lying dead upon the grass. I remember Elas's trusting gaze watching me as I left him behind. I remember Naneth's smile that dreadful morning.

The whole, terrible event comes flooding back to me, and I cannot hold back the tears that begin to flow. Ada, Naneth, Elas, my unborn sibling... they are all gone. It was not a dream. My mind replays the deaths of my father and brother, and I can almost hear Papa telling me that Naneth is dead.

They are all gone. Our house is gone. My entire life is gone just like that. How can it be possible? Just that morning, we were happy and smiling and planning a trip to Lothloríen.

Loríen. Oh, how will I ever be able to tell my aunt and uncle? How will I ever be able to face them, knowing that I have failed them all?

A sob escapes my throat as thick tears roll down my cheeks. The pain in my chest is unbearable, worse than any wound I sustained. It aches with grief and longing- longing for things to be different. I want my family back and my life back. I want to embrace them all one more time and never have to worry about losing them again. I want to chase Elas through the forest again. I want to dance with Papa in the candlelight as it flickers across the walls of our home, all the while stepping on his feet and laughing with him as we did when I was growing up. I want Naneth to read to me in her quiet, melodic voice. I want to hear every emotion in her voice as she speaks and see the stories play out in my mind as they always did when she read to me. I want it all back. I need them all back.

How will I ever live on without them?

The sound of my cry instantly wakes my savior, and he appears by my bed, looking alarmed and so very tired.

"What is wrong?" he asks worriedly, dark eyebrows furrowed, and I can barely hear the sound of his impossibly beautiful voice over my loud crying.

He takes a seat on the bed beside me, reaching out as if to touch me but then thinking better of it. "My lady, I must know if you are in pain," he says slowly as he assesses me with those beautiful grey eyes that are filled with so much worry. "I have medicine that will take it away. I am a healer."

I look at him, meeting his gaze and hoping that it will somehow show him the depth of my despair. I simply shake my head, and his expression softens with sympathy.

"'Tis alright to cry. You have endured more than anyone ever should," he speaks lowly, suddenly sounding angry as though he wishes he could change what happened. "Can you tell me your name?"

I breathe deeply before replying. "Aredhel," I say weakly. "Aredhel is my name."

He smiles warmly, the action only a mere twitch of his lips, but his emotions trickle through our bond. He is pleased to hear my voice and my name.

"Aredhel- a lovely name with much history behind it," he remarks thoughtfully, and only now do I realize how quiet his voice is, as if he is not one to usually be the center of attention, but more of an onlooker like myself.

I pause for a moment before shyly whispering, "I remember you. You saved me from death. You killed the orcs."

"My twin brother Elrohir helped slay them," he says humbly. "I brought you back to my father, and he banished the poison from your body and closed your wounds. You should heal quickly thanks to him."

"You said you were a healer?"

He smiles slightly, shaking his head. "I will never compare to my father, but, yes, I am a healer. Your wounds were far beyond my skill."

I place my hand over my stomach absentmindedly, breathing deeply through the throbbing pain. I glance at him to see that he is watching me quietly, looking for any signs of illness. "What is your name?"

"I am Elladan," he explains softly, searching my eyes for a reaction to his words, "son of Elrond."

"Lord Elrond?" I question in astonishment. "Lord Elrond healed me?"

"He did," he replies, trying to hide his amusement, but I can feel it through our bond.

"It is such an honor," I breathe, eyes wide, "I have heard so many stories of him and his incredible skill of healing. To think that he thought me worthy..."

"Worthy?" Elladan asks sharply, "Anyone in need of healing is worthy in the sight of my father."

I stare at him for a moment, sensing the tension in him. He does not like hearing me call myself unworthy. "Forgive me. I meant no offense. I simply am shocked that someone I have only ever heard stories of saved me from death."

He nods. "I understand," he mutters, pausing for a long moment, "People tend to think of my father as some sort of king. They believe our titles mean something- that we are important. We are simply elves opening our home to those that wish to live in peace and harmony. We wish to serve others with our skills of Healing. Our home is open to those who love the beauty of it as much as we do. We are not above nor better than anyone else, yet people believe this notion to be so. I have never quite understood it."

My eyes trail over his handsome features, caressing the strong line of his jaw. He looks so determined in this moment, like an elf who has only ever wanted to be treated normally. My heart softens with pity for him as he speaks so passionately.

"Leaders are always put upon pedestals. They are made out to be better than everyone else- more important. It is because they are loved by their people," I tell him weakly, running the back of my hand over my sweaty forehead. "Your people love you. They praise you and treat you differently because they have respect for what you and your family do. You are unfailingly kind. You heal those in need. You open your beautiful home to others to enjoy its natural splendor. That is why they treat you so."

He observes me silently for a long moment, looking at me in a way that has butterflies fluttering inside of me. He looks at me in a way no other ever has.

"I have never thought of it that way," he murmurs, gaze trailing over every feature of mine as if he is trying to memorize it.

I close my eyes tiredly for a moment. "I am forever indebted to you," I whisper, "You tried to save my family from the orcs."

I open my eyes to look at him, and his face is full of shame. "We were unable to save them, and it haunts me. I cannot forget it," he says slowly, and he looks away from me as his voice breaks with unshed tears.

"Do not think that way, please," I beg of him. "They were already gone. I failed them. I could have saved them had I been stronger and wiser, but I am neither of those things. I fought with Papa- side by side- and he died because of me. Elas died because of me. If I had been stronger, we could have defeated the creatures."

By the end of my rant, tears pour down my cheeks. My throat is raw and hoarse as I speak through the tears. Elladan looks at me with such heartbreak upon his face, and it nearly breaks me. My mate stares at me, feeling my pain as his own and blaming himself for everything.

He takes my hand hesitantly as I cry. He runs his thumb over the back of it. "I know you are hurting now, that you are blaming yourself. But it is not your fault. Nothing can change the past. You were very brave to help when you had no training in combat. Do you not see it? You did something so many others in your position would have been too scared to do. Your family would be proud of you. I know it."

I look into his emotional grey eyes, and more tears trail down my cheeks. "Thank you, my lord."

"Elladan," he replies, squeezing my hand.

The way he gazes into my eyes makes my face turn warm, and I find myself airily replying, "Elladan."

We stare at one another for a long moment, our bond flickering warmly inside of us. His eyes are such a magnificent grey and filled with such raw emotion and feeling. Looking into his eyes is like looking into his soul. It takes my breath away.

"How are you feeling?" he asks me tenderly, gaze flitting to my stomach. "Are you in pain?"

I nod tiredly, attempting to push myself up, but I groan in pain, falling back into the pillows.

"Careful. Your wounds are closed, but they could open very easily," He scolds me in his quiet tone, reaching out to take my arms and help me to sit up.

I hold my breath, having never before been this close to an ellon. His face is near mine as he fluffs up the pillows before helping me lie back against them. Our eyes meet again, this time more intimately than the last. I notice the way he swallows thickly before leaning away from me.

"I will bring you something to eat," he says, standing from the bed swiftly.

"I am not hungry," I murmur, breathing deeply as my wounds throb from exertion.

Again, that small smile appears for a brief second. "You must eat to regain strength."

"I might vomit," I admit.

He raises a brow. "I will only allow you to not eat if you actually vomit. Until then," he drawls, opening the door to my room and sending me a barely-there cheeky grin, "You will be eating some of the best food you will ever taste."

He disappears from the room, and I sigh, unable to stop smiling. My heart still races in my chest, even though he is long gone for the moment. He is simply so handsome and kind.

Left alone, I sigh deeply. I slowly push the blankets down my body in order to better see my wounds. Moving feels dreadful, but I am determined to see what the orcs did to me. I pull up the white nightgown that I am clothed in. A bandage is wrapped tightly around my right thigh, hiding what I know to be horrible claw marks. An even thicker bandage is wrapped around my stomach, hiding the huge stab wound. My left arm is wrapped as well, from where a sword caught me by surprise. My neck remains unbandaged, but the skin is tight where the wound has been closed.

I lean back into the pillows with a small groan of pain, waiting for my food to arrive as I ponder what I am going to do now.

I have no home, no parents. My aunt and uncle are the only other close relatives I have, but I could never impose on them by asking to live with them. Plus, this new bond that I seem to share with this ellon- Elladan was his name- ties me here to Imladris. If he truly is my soulmate, then I simply could not leave him. But the memories here are suffocating, and I wonder if I will ever be able to go a day without being reminded of my family and the horrible fate that they each met.

How can I live on feeling this way? The pain inside of me is too great to be ignored. I wish more than anything that I could pass on and join them, but I know they would not want me to think this way. Papa and Naneth would tell me to find love and happiness, to live on in light and joy and remember the good memories I have of them. Elas would tell me to not cry. He hated it when I cried over him.

Once, Elas got lost in the forest, and we could not find him for many hours. I was the one that stumbled upon him as the sun was sinking beneath the trees, and I could not stop the sobs that escaped me. He had fallen asleep beneath the shade of a tall tree after playing in the creek. I hugged him so tightly, I wonder now how his little body did not break under the force. I sobbed and sobbed as he squirmed in my arms, shouting at me to let him go. When I finally pulled back to look at him, his face was red from embarrassment, and he had tears running down his own cheeks. "I did not mean to make you cry, Ar! Please forgive me!" he sobbed, looking so distraught.

Remembering his dark curls and big blue eyes brings fresh tears to my eyes, and once again I can hardly breathe. "Elas," I whisper softly, closing my eyes and picturing him here with me, sitting on the bed beside me, "Elas, I love you very much."

My hands clutch the fabric of my nightgown between my breasts, hoping to somehow ease the pain. My throat tightens painfully. "Naneth, Papa, I love you both as well. I am sorry," my voice breaks as I cry, "I am so very sorry. I tried. I tried my hardest."

The door opens once again, and I look with tearful eyes to see a young ellon enter with a tray of food. He takes one look at me in my pitiful state, and his eyes darken with pity and anger. My heartbeat speeds up in my chest as he approaches. He looks exactly like Elladan, with his raven colored hair and grey eyes, but something is different about him. I do not feel that strange warmth pooling inside of my chest and stomach. I do not feel a mysterious force pulling me to him. But his features, so identical to his twin's, still send my pulse skittering.

"Lady Aredhel, forgive me for intruding," he speaks, bowing his head slightly after placing the food on the table beside my bed. "I am Elrohir, son of Elrond. My brother allowed me to deliver your food to you while he speaks with our father. I wanted to check on you."

"Elrohir," I repeat, wiping at my eyes miserably as I try to pull myself together. "It is nice to meet you. Forgive me for crying. I simply cannot stop," I explain. My voice is a mere whisper by the end of the sentence.

He shakes his head, sitting down on the very edge of the bed. "You need not apologize for anything. It is I who should apologize," he says quickly, and the sincerity in his eyes makes me feel a bit better. "My brother and I were not able to save your family. We were not able to keep you from harm. You lie here now because we did not reach you in time. Knowing this is like a knife in my chest. The guilt is more than I can bear."

His passionate voice and the barely concealed tears in his eyes takes me by surprise. How could a stranger ever feel so strongly for my well being? I am stunned into silence for a moment as he tries to compose himself.

"You look so small and frightened now, like an injured deer," he says quietly, mumbling his next words, "Elladan should not have to see you like this. It kills him."

I stare at him for a moment longer before speaking. "I thank you for your kind words, but you need not apologize. You and your brother saved me, and the thought that you tried to save my family means more to me than you could ever imagine. There was no saving them, though. It hurts so badly to say that, but there is no way you could have possibly saved them. I do not blame either of you. I blame myself."

His stormy eyes swim with emotions as he appraises me. "You blame yourself? Whatever for?"

"I was not strong enough to save them." My voice breaks, and I cover my face with my hands as I cry.

His rests his hand on my shoulder comfortingly. "You were very brave. You fought with all of your heart and all of your strength. That is what makes you a great warrior. You failed no one."

He stays there by my side until my cries turn to sniffles. "Thank you, my lord," I whisper, meeting his gaze.

He gives me a small smile. "Elrohir."

I laugh lightly, remembering how his brother reacted the same way to the title. "Forgive me. Elrohir. Thank you, Elrohir."

"Now, you must eat something," he says, turning to pick up the tray, and he places it across my legs, being mindful of the claw marks that he cannot see beneath the bedcovers.

I look at the vibrant colors of the food decorating the plates, but I cannot bring myself to eat. "I have no appetite at the moment," I tell him.

"Please try," he almost begs.

"I told your brother that I would vomit."

"You are eating until you actually vomit. Only then will I allow you to deny food."

"You sound just like him," I murmur, sighing deeply as I reach for the silver spoon.

Elrohir laughs lightly, watching me as I eat.

I move slowly due to my limbs being weak and my wounds hurting, but I manage to eat a few bites of soup. "Elrohir, did your father heal me all by himself? I was poisoned, was I not?" I ask him slowly. "How did I survive that?"

He shakes his head. "My father has many healers that work under him, including Elladan. They all helped to heal you, but Ada's powers are what saved you in the end. He drew out the poison."

"Elladan told me that he was a healer. He was very humble about it," I mention before realizing that talking too much about Elladan will give away how I feel. I look down at my plate, trying to act disinterested.

"Yes. 'Tis a subject he is most passionate about. He has a very kind heart and wishes to help anyone in anyway that he can," he replies, and the slight mischief in his tone of voice makes me glance up at him. His eyes shine with teasing light, and I try not to blush.

"Oh."

"Why do you ask?" he questions with a small smirk, reaching toward my plate and stealing a biscuit that I pushed aside.

"I am simply curious. I have only just met the two of you, and I wonder if he is very much like you," I defend.

"Elladan is a quiet soul. He speaks only when he has something worth saying. He despises small talk. He notices things about people that you and I could never even imagine noticing ourselves. He pays attention to everything. That is what makes him wiser than me. I act on emotions and impulse. He thinks before taking action. We are alike in many ways, yet different in so many others," he explains thoughtfully, chewing silently as he watches me eat. Such a mother hen.

I raise my eyebrow at him, not commenting on his theft. "Did he stay here with me the whole time I was out?" I ask, burning with curiosity.

His eyes soften with sadness. "Yes. Ada tried to remove him from the room, but he refused to leave your side until you were awake. A few hours ago, Naneth convinced him to bathe," he confides, suddenly smirking again, "All she had to do was ask him if he really wanted to be covered in dirt and blood when you laid eyes on him for the first time. The fool was out the door as if the room had caught fire."

A laugh spills from my lips, and I quickly grab my stomach, grimacing in pain. "Eru! Do not make me laugh," I grumble, still grinning a bit. "And do not make fun of him. No one wants to look like a muddy pig when first meeting someone."

He laughs boyishly. "He is my brother. It is my duty to embarrass him as often as possible."

We stare at each other for a moment, grinning fondly as we think of him. I look down at my food, shaking my head slightly. "I cannot believe he would stay here with me. We are strangers."

"He is the one who found you. It is natural that he cares for you and wishes to see you get better quickly," he replies evasively, shrugging, but from his earlier teasing and his now tense body language, I can tell that he knows about the bond.

"I owe my life to you both," I whisper, pushing my spoon through my soup slowly. "How can I ever repay you?"

He smiles. "Repay us by regaining your strength and good health. All of us wish to see you truly happy again within the next few weeks."

I shake my head. "I have never felt so accepted or at home around strangers before, but you have a way of making me instantly trust you. 'Tis so strange. And the fact that you care so much for me, without even knowing me, is astounding."

He shrugs. "We believe that everything happens for a reason. It was no coincidence that Elladan and I happened to be out riding at the very moment your family was being attacked. It was no coincidence that you have come into our lives. That is why we care so much for you. We saw you broken and dying, Aredhel. There is no possible way that we could not care for you after seeing such a thing," he replies, lacing every word with such emotion that I cannot help but believe him. "Ada and Naneth have always had kind hearts. They would take in anyone and help them in anyway that they can. They taught myself and my siblings to be giving as well. We would never turn a blind eye to those that are suffering."

We are both quiet for a moment, and somehow, through the grief that clings to me like a second skin, I feel a flicker of friendship coming to life between us. Elrohir is so comfortable talking to a stranger- something that I have never felt before since I tend to be quite shy sometimes. He speaks effortlessly and shows every single emotion that he is experiencing. He holds nothing back. He pours his heart out for anyone to see.

I find it so comforting to be in his presence- to hear him explain things so logically. He and his family genuinely care about me, and the thought brings me a bit of hope in this hour of darkness. Everything happens for a reason. I have always believed that as well, but now that my family is dead, it is hard for me to understand what possible reason there could be for innocent lives being brutally taken. How can any good come from such a situation? Why did it have to be them? Naneth was pregnant with my little brother or sister, and they never got a chance to live. Their life was taken before it even truly began. How can it be so?

"I know it will take time for you to adjust to life here," Elrohir says softly, breaking me from my thoughts, and our gazes meet, "But I hope that you will find true happiness with us. Our home is now yours, and my family, along with our people, welcome you with open arms. I do not know why you lived near the borders of Imladris nor how much you know about us, but I hope that you will settle in nicely."

My eyes water as I search his stormy gaze. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart. From what I have already seen of your character, I believe that I will love it here. And as for why we did not live in town, the answer is simple. My father and mother built that house after marrying. They wanted their own little paradise, a place where they could simply live and love in peace. I am so thankful for my childhood and for growing up in the forest with a huge imagination to keep me company. I would not change it if I could."

He smiles handsomely. "That sounds wonderful. I-"

He is cut off by the sound of a knock, and we both turn to see a young elleth at the door. She bows respectfully. "Lord Elrohir, your father requests your presence in his study. I will help Lady Aredhel to bathe and dress. He says that you need not worry for her."

Elrohir looks back to me with poorly concealed disappointment in his eyes. "Ada wishes for you to recount all that happened yesterday, when you are ready to do so. Take your time."

I shake my head. "I will never get over their deaths. No matter how much time passes, it will never be any easier to talk about it. Prolonging the inevitable will do nothing but make it harder for me. Once I am dressed, I will explain what happened."

He looks at me uncertainly for a long moment before nodding and standing from the bed. "Then I will see you in a little while. Thank you for speaking with me," he says as he walks to the door.

"Oh, Elrohir," I call, and I watch as he turns to look at me, waiting for me to speak. "Will Elladan come?"

A slow smile spreads across his lips as he takes in the sight of me blushing. "I will ask."

"Thank you," I breathe, nodding awkwardly.

________

I am left to sit in a chair by the glass wall in my room that overlooks Rivendell's natural splendor. My body is sore and aching from the bath, and my wounds hurt when I so much as breathe.

Ara, the servant who helped me bathe, was exceptionally kind. She was as gentle as possible, yet somehow she managed to get every last speck of blood and dirt from my from skin and hair that the healers did not wash off of me. She clothed me in a flowy, lavender colored gown that is made from the highest quality fabric I have ever felt in my life. The gown is slightly big on me, something that Ara fretted over, but just being able to wear something so nice was enough for me. I thanked her again and again, but she insisted that Lady Celebrían was already having dresses made just for me so that I would not have to wear gowns too large ever again. It seemed so insignificant to me, since I have never owned much of anything that was nice. The majority of my dresses were hand-me-downs from my mother.

Now I sit and wait anxiously for Lord Elrond and his family to arrive. My hands shake with nervousness, afraid that I will break down crying and not be able to speak, but another part of me is nervous for an entirely different reason. I have already played out in my mind what it will be like to see Elladan again, and unfortunately, I have been severely awkward and shy in every single scenario that I came up with.

I wonder just how handsome he will look to me now. The brief moment we shared this morning was wonderful, but I was still in shock from waking up in a new place and reliving all of the horrors I have witnessed. Now, the bond- our bond- inside of me stirs and hums like a living creature. It is warm and pulsating, waiting for the moment when our souls will finally come closer. If I concentrate hard enough, I can feel brief snippets of his emotions. His anger is the strongest- his self-loathing not far behind it. He hates himself for not reaching me in time. Yet his happiness to have me here breaks through those emotions every once in awhile. Feeling those happy emotions is like basking in the warmth of the sun on a perfect spring day. 'Tis enough to drive away my sorrow for a few moments.

I turn slightly when I hear the door open, and I swallow thickly to try and mask my nerves. An older ellon and elleth enter first, approaching me with friendly smiles.

"Lady Aredhel," the dark haired elf greets me in a startlingly deep voice, "It is a pleasure to meet you and to see you feeling better. I am Elrond, and this is my wife Celebrían."

The lady's blush colored gown moves around her legs as smoothly as water as she approaches me, and she takes my hands in hers. "I am so happy to meet you," she says in the softest, daintiest voice. Her eyes shine with sincerity and pleasure.

I incline my head formally, unable to stand and curtsey. "It is an honor to be in your presence," I reply shyly, and I then meet Lord Elrond's powerful gaze, "Thank you for everything, my lord. For opening your home to me, for healing me from certain death, for feeding me, and for lending me this fine gown. I am undeserving of it all. I know not how to thank you properly for being so kind to me." My eyes shine with tears as I search his grey eyes, so similar to my mate's.

His own eyes turn misty, but he blinks to try and hide it. "You need not thank me. My home and all of its abundances are open to you. I am glad that my sons found you in time," he replies humbly, and his gaze shifts to the door.

I turn to see Elladan and Elrohir standing at the door, waiting to be acknowledged. "Elladan," I breathe a little too happily, and my cheeks warm up when his brother smirks, "Elrohir. It is good to see you both."

Elrohir walks confidently into the room, but turns when he realizes his brother is not following. Our gazes shift to Elladan, who stands frozen in the doorway, staring at me in a way that makes my insides turn to mush.

"Aredhel," he says so softly. Those powerful eyes take in every inch of me as he sees me- for the first time- properly bathed and clothed in a gown that shows off my shoulders and prominent collarbones. Ara took special attention to my crimson curls, styling them prettily on top of my head with the bottom portion left to cascade down my neck and back. She even tucked tiny, white flowers into my hair, and it reminded me of something my childhood self would have dreamt of- pretty gowns and flower crowns.

"Why don't we sit?" Lady Celebrían offers quickly, saving her son from embarrassment. I turn to see she and her husband sharing an amused look, and I glance down at my hands, awkwardly twisting my fingers together.

Elrohir drags his chair close to mine, and he grins when my eyes meet his. "Maybe you should try greeting me first next time instead of showing such favoritism," he teasingly scolds.

Elladan pulls up a chair beside his twin, and seeing them side by side makes my jaw drop. "You are too similar," I gasp, looking between them, "It is quite disturbing."

Lord Elrond and his wife laugh at my words and expression, and Elrohir looks offended. "I look disturbing?"

Elladan chuckles quietly. "You are surprised?"

Elrohir glances at him. "I do not know what you find so funny. You look just like me."

Another voice echoes around the room. "You two fighting already?"

A tall, very handsome ellon comes striding into the room. He is every bit of a warrior from his toned body to his leather armor. His hair is as golden as sunlight and falls down his back like liquid gold. His presence screams power, like some sort of king, but his startling blue eyes are full of friendliness as they meet mine for a moment. He inclines his head formally before turning his attention back to the twins.

"Oh, shove it, Glorfindel," Elrohir grumbles, "You treat us as elflings."

"You act like one," the Golden Warrior fires back, taking a seat beside the Lord and Lady.

Another ellon enters the room and silently takes a seat beside Lord Elrond. He is tall, with chesnut hair and dark blue eyes. He studies me as if he is reading a book, but his small smile seems friendly enough.

"Aredhel, this is my advisor, Erestor, and Glorfindel, one of Rivendell's many councillors," Lord Elrond explains, gesturing to the brown haired male first, and they incline their heads in greeting.

"It is nice to meet you both," I reply quietly, shyness already creeping into my voice.

"And you already know my sons," he says lowly, and if I am not mistaken, his tone carries a hint of amusement. He shares a look with his wife, and her lips twitch ever-so-slightly before she focuses her attention on me.

"Aredhel, are you sure you are ready to talk about this so soon?" Lady Celebrían asks gently, and I shift my gaze to her.

"I am. Nothing can change the past. Nothing can bring my family back to me," I tell her, fighting the tears that spring to my eyes, "But any information I can give you may save the lives of others."

She stares at me for a long moment before nodding.

Lord Elrond inclines his head to me, "Then you may speak. Tell us everything that you remember."

I breathe in shakily, closing my eyes for a moment. "There was no warning. I left my parents in the house to go out and find my little brother Elas. He was nothing but an elfling and had a habit for running off and getting into mischief," I explain, letting out a soft laugh as I fondly remember his antics, "I found him far from the house. We laughed and talked for a time. Papa wished for me to bring him home so that we could travel to town. As we were walking back to our home, I heard Naneth scream."

My eyes fall closed again as my voice shakes. "When we reached the clearing where our home was, I saw orcs for the very first time in my life. Papa was fighting them off. There were not very many, but he was still sorely outnumbered. I hid Elas behind a tree and told him to stay there and to not look. It took a moment to convince him, but he finally agreed. I do not know what came over me, for I have never even held a sword before in my entire life, but I ran to help Papa."

I look down at my hands as I wring them together. "I took his extra sword from his hip and tried my best to fight. I have the wounds to prove how terrible I am with the weapon, but Papa did his best to protect me. I asked him where Naneth was," I explain, choking on my next words, "He told me that she and my unborn sibling were dead. I assume she was attacked inside of our house, for I never saw her. The orcs burned our home to the ground."

I look up to see that Lady Celebrían is crying silently, and the others' expressions are somber.

"That gave me the determination to truly fight. I was able to kill a few orcs, with much difficulty, but their leader was too strong. He murdered my father in front of me, and he enjoyed every minute of it. Another orc found my brother hiding in the trees. The leader held my head in place so that I was forced to watch him kill Elas," I say, and I am unable to speak for a few minutes as I am overcome with tears. I remember his frightened eyes so clearly- eyes that had gazed at me with unadulterated trust his entire life. I failed him. I failed him.

"You do not have to go on," Elladan says, sliding his chair closer to mine, and he reaches for my hand.

I suck in a deep breath. "The leader stabbed me and left me for dead with the poison running through my veins. That is when Elrohir and Elladan showed up. They are the reason I am here now," I finish, wiping at my eyes. "I do not know why they attacked. I do not have any other information. They simply murdered my family like the animals that they are."

"And you and 'Dan killed them?" Glorfindel speaks up, directing his question to Elrohir.

"Yes, we killed them all."

"And it was a very small group of orcs?" Erestor asks me with furrowed brows, looking perplexed.

"Yes."

"Uruk hai, as well," Elladan mentions. "The leader who stabbed Aredhel was."

Silence falls over the room for a few moments.

"It does not seem like the attack was organized," Elrohir says through clenched teeth, "Just orcs destroying and killing. That is what they do best."

"The Guard killed a large number of them yesterday morning that were trying to cross our borders. Perhaps this small group managed to escape and decided to take revenge upon our people," Glorfindel says thoughtfully.

Erestor nods. "I was thinking the same way. There is no other explanation. Orcs are not known to travel in such small numbers."

Lord Elrond watches me as they speak, looking quite troubled. "It is no secret that orcs have been trying to invade our lands for quite sometime now. What worries me is that this time they managed to cross our borders and take the lives of innocent people. This is not acceptable."

The others nod in agreement.

"I want our border patrol doubled. Every decision made must first come to me for approval," Lord Elrond tells them, running his hand down his face tiredly. "We will fix this."

"Thank you for speaking with us, Aredhel. You have been much help to us," Erestor says as he stands. "I am very sorry about your family. I hope that you will find happiness here with us."

"I hope so as well," Glorfindel states, "Thank you for your time."

"Thank you," I whisper, inclining my head to them both.

Erestor smiles sadly and then leaves the room, Glorfindel not far behind him.

Lady Celebrían approaches me, wrapping her arms around me gently. "You are so very brave. My heart weeps for you as if you are my own child, though we only just met. You can speak to me anytime you feel overwhelmed. You are apart of our family now, whether you like it or not, and we look out for each other," she says as she pulls away, and she gives me a very serious look.

I laugh slightly through my tears. "Thank you very much, my lady. 'Tis an honor to be apart of your family."

Lord Elrond meets my gaze, allowing me to see the grief in his wise, silver eyes. "You must know how much respect we have for you. To have never lifted a sword nor laid eyes on an orc before yesterday and to fight anyway is the very definition of bravery. You have the spirit of a warrior."

"I am not brave. I was terrified," I reply. A tear slips down my cheek, and he crouches down in front of me, brushing it away.

He smiles sadly. "Yet you fought anyway. Bravery is not the absence of fear. Bravery is being terrified, yet taking up your sword anyway. Do you understand?"

His words bring a burst of pride to my chest, for I had never thought of it that way. Was I truly brave? Was Papa proud when I unsheathed the blade from his own waist?

Lord Elrond, seeing me lost in depressing thoughts, pats my hand gently. "How do you feel? Are your wounds hurting badly?"

I nod, not even bothering to lie. "Very much so. The bath was not soothing at all."

He unwinds the bandage on my arm and inspects the large cut that is closed due to his healing abilities but still an angry red color, before wrapping it back up. "I will give you something for the pain. I want you to rest today. Nothing heals faster than sleep. Tomorrow I will apply a special salve to your wounds that will fight infection and help hasten the healing process," he explains in his naturally calming voice. "Your wounds are closed, but with too much exertion, they could reopen. You must take it easy."

"Thank you for everything," I say, attempting a wobbly smile. "You do not know how grateful I am for all of you."

He stands. "You need not thank us. A family looks out for one another," he replies, giving me a subtle wink as his lips turn up at their corners.

I ponder his words as I watch him and his wife leave. Whatever could he mean by that?

I turn to Elrohir to see that he is smirking slightly.

I shift awkwardly under his gaze. "What?"

"It is nothing," he says, shifting his eyes to Elladan for a moment, "Sister."

Elladan's gaze rests upon me, seeming to see past my smile and straight into my depressed soul.

Elrohir looks back to me. "May I call you that- sister?" he teases.

I sigh, unable to hide my smile. "You may."

"What about Elladan?" he asks with a grin, and he laughs at our expressions.

"No."

"Why not?" he asks me.

"Elladan is not childish, like you. He will call me Aredhel," I reply simply.

"Or melleth (love)," Elrohir throws out with a boyish laugh.

My cheeks turn warm, but Elladan ignores him. He stands, offering me a hand. "You need rest. You have endured much," he says to me gently.

I give him both of my hands, and he helps me to stand slowly. I shut my eyes tightly, crying out in pain. Elrohir takes my arm, placing his hand on my upper back to help. Once standing, I find myself panting from the exertion. I meet Elladan's gaze with tears in my eyes. "I cannot walk. Not again."

Elladan places one arm underneath my legs and one on my upper back, lifting me. He carries me to my bed, laying me down gently. He looks at me with sad eyes as he pulls the blankets over me. Elrohir stands over his shoulder, looking upset to see me hurting and his brother hurting because of our bond.

"Thank you," I whisper tiredly, closing my eyes as a wave of nausea hits me.

"I will get you something for the pain," Elladan murmurs, and he turns, steering Elrohir to the door.

I turn my head to the side, gazing out of the balcony's glass doors. The waterfalls rush down the side of the mountains, forming clouds of mist at the bottom. Tears fall down my face as I wish so dearly that Elas could be watching them with me- and Nana and Papa. I would give anything to have them with me.

But now my life is here in Imladris with my mate and his family. It is scary- not knowing anyone and being injured. But I know my family is with me, always. They will never truly be gone if I keep them in my heart, and that is what I intend on doing. I will be strong. Papa would tell me to be strong. I will keep living for them, for the lives and hopes and dreams that were taken from them. I will cherish our memories together, and hopefully one day, it will not hurt so much to think of them.

A lone tear dances down my pale skin, staining the silk pillowcase with my sorrow.

I will be strong, somehow.