Turwaithiel's PoV

We rode quietly to Lothloríen, passing by the misty mountains. It seemed that Legolas did not like to take the path through Moria. It was a long journey, with me making sure that Bleon was alright and Legolas would not outdo himself. Winter was already here in its full force as we trudged through the snowy plains. We got caught in a blizzard that we had to stop for the horse could only take so much.

We stopped in what appeared to be a cave of some sort, big enough for three people to fit and a horse. I was growing worried for the boy and the fact that the snow showed no signs of letting up. I knew from Legolas' look that he shared the same concern and I was actually glad that Bleon had been nothing but an obedient boy. Yes, he was quiet and it was kind of difficult to really know what the boy felt but he did little things to help ease our burdens. He would start the fires, and feed the horse and keep it company. Without the horse, I would not have an idea how to keep the boy warm. I could only imagine the possibilities and that would include huddling up together with Legolas. Something I could not even try to do in a million years. I feel my cheeks burn at the thought. We had little to no conversations during our three days travel and he seemed pretty busy with his thoughts so I did not mind. I instead focused on anything but him. Which I can say, was pretty difficult seeing as he would not do anything without my consent. Which was pretty odd. It was like he was afraid of doing something I would not agree on.

I felt small arms on my shoulder and turned around to see Bleon's dark green eyes watching me. He seemed to be saying something and I hide the frustration I felt upon not understanding. How did Laralen even manage this? I felt the early pinprick of tears in my eyes at the thought of her. What has become of her now? What could have they possibly done to her? I never stopped praying that she was saved by some miracle. That she was alive somewhere and worrying about Bleon. It was a much better thought than thinking she was somewhere unreachable. She deserved nothing but a good life and I could not shake the thought that things would have been different if I had not met them. I pull Bleon into a hug, not really knowing what to do. I seemed to be correct on my presumption as he cuddled closer to me, his head resting just below my chin. He was pretty small for a boy his age. His hair had also gotten long. I wipe his dark curls away from his eyes as we sat near the fire. The horse seemed to not want to be left out as it moved towards us and rested just a few spaces away. I started to sing Elvish songs that my nursemaid used to sing to me. Bleon reacted well to them and I wondered if Laralen knew some Elvish songs. I sang until the only thing I could hear and feel was his steady breathing and the crackling fire. Even the horse seemed to have fallen asleep. I carry Bleon with ease as I moved him closer to the horse and drape a blanket over him. I stood and watched him for a moment before turning to the silhouette of the elf that stood near the entrance of the small cave. He had been awfully quiet and had been staring out at the wild snowstorm outside. I take one of the extra cloaks we had and brought it over to him.

He seemed surprised at first but eventually took it from me and wrapped it around himself. I hesitated before sitting beside him. I was dying for a bath and a change of clothes but I just could not find myself washing up in a stream knowing he was close. Not that we had any time to stop and take baths. I felt totally dirty in my torn clothes. I probably looked like I was dragged out of a trolls cave. Meanwhile, he seemed to have just gotten out of a bath. I unbraid my hair quietly beside him, running my fingers through the dirt and mud glazed strands. It was rough and tangled as my fingers pulled and brushed. I had not noticed him turning to face me as I battle with the untamable mane on my head.

"I would have never imagined I would actually see you in such a state," his voice surprised me as I turn to him, my hands still in my hair. I would have never wanted you to see me in such a state, I thought as I let out a sigh. Giving up on my hair entirely. He had a smile on his face which relieved me of my nervousness and I eventually returned the smile.

"Well, at least I can say you have totally seen me at my worst," I reply with the same light tone. I feel him shift beside me as he lets out a small chuckle. I averted my gaze, not wanting to see that look on his face. I knew that look well. The way he would tilt his head slightly away from me, his eyes narrowing a little and a smile on his lips. To tell me that I had just said something amusing. I tell myself do not but I do turn and look at him anyway and there he was, with that stupid look.

"What?" I ask, trying not to sound as nervous as I felt. It was a bad idea to sit beside him. I turn discreetly to glance at Bleon who was cuddled up to the horse. What do I do? What do I do?

"Nothing," he says and then there was silence around us. I stared at the snow outside and saw that it was almost dying out. We would have to move again. When the silence got unbearable I stood up as his hands immediately shot up to hold mine. I felt my breath get caught in my throat as his warm hands clasped mine. I waited a moment, trying to remain still.

"I am glad I got to see you at your worst," he began as his hands firmly gripped me in place. I waited for him to continue, feeling my heart constrict at the sound of his voice. Why did he sound so sad? There was a faint chuckle before he let go of me. I walked slowly away but caught the rest of his sentence and I fought the urge to cry.

"I am actually just glad I got to see you again,"

I walked towards Bleon. This was just too much. I sat next to the little boy, running a hand through his curly hair. I was beginning to think leaving Rivendell was a bad idea. I turned to watch his faint silhouette as he sat, unmoving, on the same spot where I left him. There were so many things I wanted to say. So many things he was probably dying to ask, but we both did not know how to begin. What a mess this has become. My fingers find the necklace that hang on my neck. It sort of became a habit now, whenever I was in deep thought. I smiled, faintly, remembering the times before everything went down hill. Why did it hurt so much?

--

We journeyed again when the snow stopped. Bleon was on the horse as I took the lead and Legolas was in the rear. The awkward air around us was made worse because of the conversation last night. I was not sure if it was me or him, deciding not to talk to the other. Maybe it was both of us. When it was midday, we stopped to eat. Bleon fed the horse, and started the fire as I prepared what we would need. Legolas stood on watch and determined how many days were left before we reached the other side and then it would be an easy journey from there. I was sorting out our supplies when something round and icy cold hit me on my back, making me flinch. I turned to find Bleon standing near the horse, eyes wide before a huge grin spread across his face as he ducked behind the horse to evade my attack. I laughed, despite it all as I gathered snow into the palm of my hands. I walked carefully over to him before I hear him squeal and run to another side. I throw and hit him on the shoulder. He falls over, laughing and I was worried I might have thrown too hard when he quickly stood up with a ball of snow in his hands and a mischievous look on his face. He throws and I duck, making the snow hit Legolas instead. Me and Bleon froze as Legolas seemed to turn towards us with a look of bewilderment. His eyes land on me, crouched low on the snowy ground with snow in my palms and then to Bleon who was sitting down. He raised an eyebrow but his expression was that of anger.

He bent low and I stand straight. I almost did not miss his attack as he quickly spun around, throwing snow in my direction. I let out a squeal as I jumped head first down the snow. There was an eruption of laughter from Bleon and soon enough we started to play, me and Bleon teaming up to beat the elven prince.

After an hour or so we found ourselves panting around a camfire. I wiped remnants of snow from Bleon's face and he ran off to feed his curiousities.

"He's strong," Legolas commented as we both watched Bleon. I give a soft nod and smile as I watched him play with more snow. Then Legolas hands shot up and I froze as his hands touched my face, wiping a piece of melting snow there. Then his hands were in my hair, trying to remove the melting snow there too.

"They would just melt off, you know." I try to sound cheery but my stomach was practically flipping over.

"I know," he offered me a small smile that does not really reach his eyes which I have noticed were losing its vibrance. I had done that to him. I look away too quickly and notice his smile disappear from the corner of my eyes. I am sorry. He looks at me for a moment before he finally stands up and walks away.

I am so sorry.

-----

Laralen's PoV

He was always there.

Whenever I woke up, with a burning fever he would be hovering over me with concern. I had no name to give to the stranger that seemed to never leave my side. He would be there when I woke after a nightmare. Once, I felt him hold my hand and it was the first time, in a long time, that I did not feel trapped.

He was there again when I drifted to and from sleep. I found comfort in his dark eyes. I found comfort in his voice. He would talk, even though I hardly understood. He kept talking in a language that Turwaithiel would use when she was frustrated and Bleon was near. I smiled at the thought and heard the stranger move. I tried to open my eyes, to keep myself awake but I couldn't. I was exhausted. I often thought if this was how it felt like to die.

I would dream of ghosts. Of their sneering faces. Their cold laughter. Then he would be there, his blue eyes piercing. His red hair flaming. He was smiling. Smiling down on me. It was a good dream, then it changed. His smile was different. I was trapped. I was screaming but no one came for me. No one was able to stop him.

I open my eyes, aware of the ear piercing cream that filled the silent world around me. It was then I realized the screams were coming from me. Arms held me down and I screamed louder. It was unbearably hot and yet I felt my body shivering and drenched with cold sweat.

"Let me go!" I scream, my vision was blurry as figures of heads and hands hover above me. I struggle but my body was too weak and suddenly I fell limp, tired with a burning throat. Then he was there. There was two of him. I blinked and realized they were not the same person, although they looked alike.

"Leave her," he said as his twin stood behind him. My arms clutch on the fabric that was wrapped around me as I stared at the both of them. The others had scurried off. There was a sound of tents flapping and I realized I was in one. My head was pounding as I struggled to keep my eyes open. He shared a look with his twin before his twin left. I knew it was him. The one who I would often wake up to. The one who would speak to me. I knew because his eyes were darker, his face softer. We stayed staring at each other for a long moment before he breaks his gaze. He walked over to the foot of the bed as his thoughts seemed to drag him down before his eyes meet mine again. There was something so unreal about him.

"How are you feeling?" He asked and I glanced around the tent, like I was afraid of something before meeting his gaze. I struggled to push myself up and he seemed to whirl around quickly to face away from me. My skin burned as I realized why he did so. I barely had anything on but a thin chemise. I pull on the covers quickly, my brain trying to work out where my clothes could possibly be. Then a thought hit me. Did he?...  Just then we were both startled to see someone enter the tent. She was a tall woman. Whose hair was neatly kept out of her face. She wore a simple brown dress. Even though she looked about a few years older than me, I knew she was far older. She had a warm smile on her face before she turned towards the elf man with me. Her smile turned into a scowl as he watched her with a mix of surprise and nervousness.

"What are you doing here?" She placed her hands on the side of her hips as she glared at him. He seemed to be flustered and muttered something before quickly leaving the tent. I did not know if what I felt was relief or fear as soon as he left me alone. The elf maiden then turned to me before going out, only to come back in with a basin of water.

"Let us get you cleaned up," she motions for me to sit up and I do so,without letting go of the blanket. She placed the basin of water beside my cot and pulled out a cloth from the bag that was strapped around her waist. I watched her movements, transfixed by the grace and gentleness she seemed to possess. She turned to me with a smile before waving her hands on the blanket, signaling me to take it off. I shake my head slowly. If she were to help me bathe, she would see the horrid scars on my back. Not even Bleon knows of it. She seemed to notice my distress as she slowly dipped the cloth in the water and left it there to soak.

"You can barely move, my dear," she comments as she looked at me with concern, " just let me help you."

I shake my head again as she let out a tired sigh.

"I can do it myself," I say and she smiled again before taking the cloth and twisting it.

"I know my dear, but not right now," she gestured for me to take the blanket off again, " I have been instructed by Lord Elrohir to aid you. He does not want you doing any straineous activities. Now, please."

She gestures to the blanket again but I was busy thinking of his name. Elrohir? Was that the name of the elf that saved me?

"If you are wondering who he is, it was the elf lord that was here awhile ago." She explained and grabbed on to my arm. I was not given the chance to object as she started wiping the dirt stains on my skin. I take the cloth from her, watching her with pleading eyes.

"I can do it myself," I repeat, firmly this time and she seemed to look at me with a warmth I was never accustomed to. She then sat beside me and smoothed out her skirts.

"If you are worried about me seeing the scars on your back," she began and I stared at her feeling like my whole world had just dropped, " well, I can assure you I have already seen them. Your wound was deep as the arrow seemed to go right through you, Lord Elrohir tried his best but eventually he had to flip you over. I was the only one with him as he tended to your wounds. You see, he does not like crowds or people when he is healing. He stopped short when we took off your outer clothings," she smiled to herself as I struggled to take a hold on my pride and dignity, another man had seen me bare? I swallowed a lump in my throat.

"He is quite a gentleman, you know. Both of the twins are and so when I began to pull on your chemise he seemed reluctant to stay and asked me if I could do the job of cleaning the wound. Of course, I said yes and he left as I cleaned your wound before covering you up once more so he may heal you. I was a bit surprised when I saw the scars on your back," I cringed, knowing fully well how horrible it must look, " what I could not understand why was what kind of horrible person would do such a thing to a child." Her voice shook and I was surprised by the concern there, " I could not keep it from Lord Elrohir for he would eventually find out if he were to heal you. So I told him and he told me not to tell a single soul for it felt like we had invaded your privacy. I am sorry if it feels that way, we meant to harm." She turned to me then and I felt her soft arms on the blades of my shoulder. I was unable to speak but allowed her to clean me up as best as she could and to change the bandages of my wounds, commenting on how fast it was healing for a human.

"You know, I would like to think Lord Elrohir has taken a fancy on you," she was brushing my hair as I sat straight on the stool. She had made me wear a dress. The only thing she could find, she said. I was too quiet but she knew I was listening for she continued talking, " he never left your side the moment that he found you. He said that you were troubled, that there was something that haunted you, so he made sure you were safe. That you will not die." I could hear her smiling behind me as she finished with my hair. I wanted to tell this kind elven maid that I was thankful for their kindness but I could not stay but when she turned me around to face her and her face lit up, I just couldn't. Besides, I hardly think she was in charge of my freedom. I let out a defeated breath. I would have to thank Lord Elrohir as well. I felt her hands on my chin as she pulled my head up gently to meet her eyes.

"Do not frown, my dear" she says, " you will soon be in the house of Lord Elrond, where everything is touched by the light even during the night." I watched her for a moment as she continued to study me, " I would not blame the young elven lord, for you certainly do have a captivating face." She giggled at her own comment and I found myself blushing like mad as she pulled me with her out the tent.

It was evening. I watched as the stars hang above with the distant moon and thought of Bleon. I was sure he was safe. He was with Turwaithiel and Legolas. He was safe. I just needed to find him. How long was I out? We stopped walking then as my head was filled with small chatters before it died down as I stopped to look at the gathering of elves by a fire place. Lord Elrohir was not there. I frowned. His twin stood up and gestured to the elven maid to sit and eat.

"Lyraesel, join us for supper." The elven maid bows and give me a look before going up to the camp fire and sitting beside one of the elves. I stood awkwardly for a moment before Lord Elrohir's twin beckoned me forward.

"Step into the light, child," he instructs and I do, giving him a small bow of my own.

"Good evening, uh-" I glanced up nervously, hoping that he would provide me a name and Lyraesel gives me an odd look.

"Elladan," he replies with a strange look of his own. Where was Lord Elrohir? It seems that he is the only person I want to talk to as of the moment. Someone who knew my secrets.

"Are you, perhaps, looking for my brother?" Lord Elladan inquires and I nod my head dumbly. He seemed to be amused by this before turning to the other elves, " it seems she could tell us apart." There was a chorus of laughter that sounded close to music before Lyraesel gives me a smile upon seeing my confused expression.

"It is not so often someone could tell them apart," she offers and someone tosses her a bag that jingled as she caught it, " I bet them that you could." She said triumphantly before she glanced over to Lord Elladan who lets out a sigh before tossing her another bag, he then turned to me with a crooked grin.

"I was waiting for you to call me Elrohir," he gives me a wink before turning to join the others back in the campfire. I remain where I stood as someone handed me what appeared to be food and water, good enough for two.

"You will find him if you go straight through there," he points to a direction that was undeniably dark. I swallowed, but refused to show any fear, " he likes to be alone when he thinks, will you be kind enough to bring him food as well? Since I believe you would like to speak with him?" I give Lord Elladan a nod before stepping into the path that was as dark as night. I took tentative steps before I heard what sounded like someone pacing and muttering to himself. Then I saw him, he was by a river of some sort. Pacing and muttering as I stood just where the shadows of the trees stopped. I felt the rush in my veins as my heart seemed to pound in my chest. What was I thinking? I had the uncanny fear of being alone with a man. Be he human or elf, or dwarf. I just never liked the thought of being alone with one after what happened. His head snapped up in my direction and I jumped back, afraid that I might have interrupted or disturbed him. He continues to look at me before my gaze drops and I find an ounce of courage.

"Food," I state as I hold out the food to him. He just stands there for a moment, watching me and I had to wonder if this was a normal thing for elves to do. He gave me a small bow before taking a step towards me and taking his supper. He then turned around as I stood still. Come on, Lara. He saved your life.

"Thank you," I squeaked and cursed myself mentally for it as he turned around, his gray eyes trying to understand me.

"For saving my life," I explain nervously, clutching on to the food that was given to me. I look down on my feet, " and for-" I suck in a breath, "- for healing my wounds."

There was a long silence before I eventually glanced up to find a faint smile on his lips that somehow made my heart drop to my stomach and fly back up again. I blinked rapidly.

"It is far from healed," he explains, " my father would still need to have a look at that."

His father?

"Do not worry, he is very skilled." He reassures me but it is not his fathers skills that concerned me, "we are a days ride away from Imladris."

Imladris.

"You can properly rest there," he gives me a nod but it was mostly for something he thought of. Then I remembered why I needed to speak with him.

"I cannot stay," I explain, " I am missing my friends and my younger brother. I must look for them."

He seemed to be in deep thought for a moment before turning to me, "Who are you looking for?"

I hesitated to tell him but they were of the same kin, perhaps they know of them?

"Turwaithiel and Prince Legolas, as well as my younger brother Bleon who is with them," I say and there was recognition in his features.

"Lady Turwaithiel and Legolas!" He exclaims, " I do know them, in fact Lady Turwaithiel grew up in Rivendell. My father practically raised her. I am pretty sure my father can answer more of your questions."

It was oddly uplifting, the way he spoke. So light and full of life. He seemed really excited to go home and I could not help but smile at him. Remembering now how Turwaithiel spoke to me about Lord Elrond. I was about to turn away when Lord Elrohir stopped me.

"My lady, I beg your pardon, but I still do not know your name," he calls and I meet his eyes once again which where somehow glowing faintly, giving me more reasons to believe that elves really are a different kind.

"Laralen," I replied and then there was that awkward silence again before he stepped forward and I was suddenly aware of his scent.

"Laralen," he repeats, " would you care to eat with me?"

I was caught off guard by his question but somehow, I felt more safe here than anywhere else so I agreed.

I ended up eating in silence as he told me stories of Rivendell. I was actually kind of glad for his company, even though I stayed as far as I could from him without really staying that far that he would notice. He also did not mention anything of my wounds or asked me questions which I was grateful for. Maybe I could actually find Bleon without having to talk about anything of my dark past.

Lord Elrohir's voice was comfort enough, to actually make me stop worrying too much. Rivendelle, or as the elves call it, Imladris, seemed like a beautiful place and I was just lucky for this miracle.

--

Authors note: So, how was this long chapter? Haha I do know that there isn't much about Elrond's twins so I sort of just gave them a personality of my own. Elladan being the confident one and Elrohir the younger (bullied by his brother xD) the more soft twin. It wasn't really mentioned who the older one is but hey, its fan fiction! Haha

I hope you like it. :)

Vote? Comment? Maybe some... Ideas? Haha

xo