Elrohir's PoV

She was rather strange.

I think of this as I watch the golden haired maiden who goes by the name of 'Laralen' walk quietly beside Lyraesel. She kept her hood up, casting a dark shadow over her face and rarely glanced up except when she is addressed or we are about to stop. She was quite different the night before, when we had eaten but not any less quiet.

Although she was kind of timid and shy, she was not one to back out of a fight and would rarely be in a petty little argument with Elladan or one of the other elves we have in our company. I rarely talked to her for the only chances I get to talk to her was when I was tending to her wounds. Which was actually already healed, to my surprise. Still, something lingers about her. Something that seems to wrap itself like a second skin.

I was rather wary of her when first I saw her. Crawling in the woods. It was an odd find, to say the least. Something I had not expected to be in the woods in the dead of night. Then my suspicions grew to curiousities as Lyraesel explained to me of what she had seen. The girl had countless of scars on her back, from the blades of her shoulders down the curve of her spine to the small of her back. I had asked Lyraesel to describe them to me and she insisted that I just see it for myself but I could not. It was highly improper and Elladan would never let me hear the end of it. What would father even think? Of course, he would not think it unwise for that is what most healers do. Me and my brother rode our horses, side by side, at the rear end of our group. Some of the men were with us, also on their horses. Elladan had tried to offer his horse to the two ladies accompanying us but it seems that Laralen was quite unskilled in horse riding, although she seemed to have a way with animals like most elves do. With that, Lyraesel declined the offer as well and preferred to walk with the golden haired maiden.

"If you are going to continue staring at her like that she is surely bound to notice you," Elladan speaks beside me with a tinge of playful sarcasm and I turn to him, way too quickly, to find an amused smirk on his face but his eyes were trained on the group marching before us.

"Everyone seems to have noticed you and your peculiar behavior." He lets out a chuckle, shaking his head slightly. "Has my little brother finally taken a fancy of someone?" He teases and my face becomes rigid as I glare at him but found no words to contradict his observation. Even I myself, have questioned what I have felt upon seeing her.

There was a loud horn and Laralen jumped as she held fast on to Lyraesel. Her eyes darting about.

"She seems quite easily frightened," Elladan adds as he reigns his horse to go forward. I watch as Lyraesel gives Laralen a reassuring pat on the arm before Elladan joins them, getting off his horse. A stone arch was before us, with a pathway that lead inside. Elladan seems to have explained it to Laralen as his hands gesture towards the path and I notice how Laralen nodded her head and her shoulders relaxed but not before glancing behind her and giving me a small smile, in which I returned instinctively. Elladan notices the exchange and could not stop the grin from his face to broaden as he motioned for the women to go inside the path first.

When everyone was through, but my brother and me, he mounted his horse. The grin was still there as we rode through the narrow path.

"Do not even start to speak," I warn him and laughter was all I heard when at last we came to a clearing, and there stood the house of Elrond. Bathed with light, that seemed to make the whole house glitter in gold. The echoing sounds of the waterfalls filled my heart with much comfort.

We were finally home.

---

We unmounted our horses in front of the stairs that lead to the great open arches of the house that I have grown up in. A young elf, clad in a purple robe with a small silver circlet on his head steps out to greet us. Descending the stairs with a blank stoic expression. His eyes fall on Laralen and his facade wavers a little before he turns to me and my brother.

"Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir," he bows although I notice the slight twitch on the corner of his lips. "Your father will be delighted to hear of your arrival."

Then Elladan steps forward and I roll my eyes as he clasps a hand on the elf's shoulder.

"I am pretty sure my father has known of our arrival days before," he says and a smile forms on his lips as the elf seemed to prepare himself for what was about to come. " What matters now, is are you delighted to see us again, Lindir?"

"Not in the slightest," Lindir counters and the three of us burst out laughing.

"I could say the same about you, Lindir." I march towards him as he seemed to turn to me with a crossed expression, "but I do admit that I have missed your undeniable ability to find danger in everything!"

"I am just trying to be pre-cautious," he sighs, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Mhm," Elladan comments as we are joined by another elf. Striding down the stairs behind Lindir.

"Ada," Elladan smiles at him as the both of us ascend the stairs and place a soft kiss on our fathers knuckles.

"You have returned, my sons," he says cheerily although his eyes scan the company with us and eventually lands on Laralen, " and you have brought back many things and a stranger." He raises an eyebrow at Elladan and I find my cheeks were burning slightly as Elladan turned to me with a sly smile.

"Elrohir's," he states and corrects himself, " I mean, if he ever gets to pucker up enough courage."

"Oh do shut up," I counter as he pats me slightly on the shoulder and proceeds to head up the stairs. My father seemed to have not heard what he said as his eyes kept perfect view of the new addition to our company.

"Ada?" I ask and he is pulled away from his thoughts, turning to me with a warm smile before speaking to Lindir in our native tongue.

"Prepare a meal for our guests," he orders, "and rooms as well." Lindir nods his head and ascends the stairs to do as he was bid, leaving me and my father in front of the company of men and elves.

"You may enter," he gestures to them, " welcome to Rivendell, may your stay be comfortable and satisfying."

On that note, everyone started to ascend the stairs, talking amongst themselves. They had already been here before, except for Laralen who had not moved from where she stood. Lyraesel was with her, refusing to leave.

"Ada," I began, beckoning Lyraesel to come up. Laralen follows quietly behind her, her eyes bright and filled with wonder as they travel across the house and the mountains that border it. When at last her eyes stop to stare at the sinking sun in the horizon, and her eyes glittered like emerald gems that dwarves would likely die for.

Lyraesel stops before us with a bow, "My Lord Elrond," she says as Laralen bows quietly behind her. My father kept his eyes on Laralen, like something about her seemed to have woken up a thought in his head.

"I thank you for welcoming me to such a beautiful place, sir," Laralen speaks behind her as Lyraesel steps aside so that Laralen could be seen. She had her head down, her hair like a golden spring, flowing downwards.

"Look at me, child," My father instructs and her head slowly goes up and I am still surprised at how it always seemed that her eyes become more captivating every single time I looked at it. We were quiet for a moment before I notice my father looking at me with a curious smile, it was then I realized he was waiting for me to introduce her.

"I- uh," I stuttered, not really knowing what to say, "Ada, this is Laralen."

My hand motions towards her and she looks at me before her eyes quickly dart away.

"Laralen," my father repeats, his eyes studying her for a moment.

"We found her, five days ago in the woods near the path that lead to the gates of Moria."

"She has suffered injuries, but it seems they have all healed now," I continue to which my father replies with a curious look, " she was traveling with Lady Turwaithiel, she says. When they were met by Prince Legolas-"

I stopped for a moment, realizing how odd and long her tale actually was. She had not said much, only a few key points as to why she was in the forest the night we found her.

"She has a younger brother," I glance at her for confirmation in which she gives me with a small nod, " by the name of Bleon. The boy is traveling with them. Have they by any chance come here?"

My father thinks for a moment and shakes his head. But I did notice his surprised expression on the mention of Turwaithiel's name and of prince Legolas.

"Ah, so they have met along their journeys after all," he comments but mostly to himself.

"Unfortunately," his expression turns slightly grim, " they are not here."

I see the light fade in Laralen's eyes before she nods solemnly on the news.

"Do not worry, my child." My father reassures her, " if she is with Legolas, as you say, no harm shall befall her or your brother."

Laralen gives him nothing but a small smile but I knew she believed him.

"From what Elrohir has told me, it seems like quite a tale," he says cheerily before he begins to ascend the stairs. I follow shortly behind him as the two maidens walk behind me. My father glances over his shoulder, a smile on his lips, " a tale I would wish to hear if you are willing to tell it."

I could feel her hesitate behind me and the silence grew a length before she spoke.

"Of course, sir."

Sir. I stifled a chuckle. The way she spoke was quite different from the people I have met.

"Wonderful," my father exclaims, clasping his hands together.

"Join us for supper, Laralen," he then turns to her with a trusting smile as Lyraesel seemed to have been surprised at the bold invitation. I, too, was taken aback at my fathers sudden remark. Laralen could not do anything but nod.

"Lyraesel, would you assist her preparation for supper?" He asked the elven maid with us who was quick to give a nod. Lyraesel was one of the healers and elven maids my father had trusted with me and my brother's care since we were little. She knew our family well and had come with us on our perilous journey's simply because she did not allow us to be far from her sight, even though we had already grown up.

"It will be my pleasure, my lord." She bows again before turning to Laralen, giving her a look from head to toe, " come now, dear. We best get started. If you will excuse us," she gives a soft bow to me and my father before she was off, Laralen looks at me with slight worry before walking hesitantly after Lyraesel. I give her, what I would like to think of, a reassuring smile before she was off.

"Elrohir will escort you to the dining hall later," my father calls and I felt like I was slapped, rather playfully, on the face. Laralen gives nothing but a quick glance before turning to a corner and disappearing from our sight. My father then turns to me, "well, best you prepare as well."

He turns around to leave me standing in the hall, staring after him. Something about the look he has and the way he was acting told me he knew something, or was thinking of something. I then start walking to my chambers. I really did long for a bath.

--

I knock on the heavy oak doors before me. Tapping my foot on the floor impatiently when Elladan opens the door for me. He steps to the side as I step into our father's study. The room was dark, save for the soft flickering lights of the lamps that hung on the wall and the fire in the hearth. The windows were open, to reveal a silver moon hanging above a sea that seemed to have no end. Where the waterfalls connect and join towards unknown shores.

My father stands near the open arch, gazing at the scenery before him and I noticed too, another person in the room. Andriél, a lore master of Rivendell. One of the best and currently in courtship with my brother.

"Andriél," I bow, " it is good to see you again. How are you fairing with the eager students?" I ask and she smiles kindly at me before she draws out a tired sigh.

"Well, it has been quite difficult to find someone with enough Fëa to do the arts, but they are hard working," she smiles before my father turns towards us.

"Elrohir, you are finally here," he states, walking towards his desk, " now we can begin the discussion."

"Discussion of what, Ada?"

I had no idea what reason he had on summoning me and now I am at a total lost, seeing Elladan and Andriél here as well.

"About your golden princess, dear brother," Elladan teases and Andriél gives him a soft shove on the shoulders.

"Do not tease him," she scolds and Elladan gives her a pout and I have to turn away for it was rather uncomfortable to be a witness of such... Intimacy.

"She is not a princess," I retort, giving him the best scowl I could muster, " and she is not mine. Will you stop."

He chuckles at my reaction and I walk towards our father, as he continues to study something of interest on his desk.

"What about her?" I ask and at last we all wait for my father to speak. His dark eyes flick upwards towards me before he takes a book from his desk.

"She is very peculiar," he begins, his fingers searching for something in the book. "Her face, hair color and even her eyes remind me of our kindred that was lost long ago."

"Our kindred?" Elladan asks and Andriél watches all of us with her own thoughts.

"Ah, yes-" he replies, " she is not an elf... Or does not look like one."

"Your meaning?"

"His meaning," Andriél speaks out, "is that the girl is more than meets the eye."

A long silence befell on us as our thoughts seemed to be stitching different pictures.

"Do you remember of the 'golden ones'?" Our father asks, the book still in his hands.

"About the elves that had a peculiar habit of mining for gems?" Elladan asks, " Aye, a legend Lyraesel has told us many times as children."

"A legend," our father repeats under his breath as his eyes read something in the passages of the open book in his hand.

"Their land fell into shadow, and they were never seen again. Songs have been sung of the beauty of their land, houses made of gems they say. Glittering and flickering under the light, a rainbow of wonder." Elladan recalled, with a furrow of his brows.

"The people, my son." Our father says, his eyes still trained on the book. I remain quiet but my thoughts remain loud. I remember the tale well, of the golden elves.

"Hairs like golden rivers, they had," I began to say, " voices like rushing water of a river going home, skin as fair as starlight under heavy dark skies."

"Eyes like gems under the mountains, that dwarves dug and mold," Elladan continues and we both give our father confused looks, Andriél does not look confused at all.

"Have you never noticed anything odd about her during your travels?" She asked, crossing her hands over her chest and leaning on the ledge of the open arch. She seemed to know of something for a shadow of a smile plays on her lips.

"Well, she is very quiet most times and I have often seen her wide awake," Elladan offers with a thoughtful expression, "wide awake when she should be asleep like most humans."

Then all was quiet before my father turns to me with one eyebrow arched upwards. I stand in silence for a moment knowing I must confess of what I know about her through observation alone.

"She sings a lot, but mostly hums to herself," I begin and notice my fathers eyebrows go higher. He knows you are hiding something, you fool.

I let out a deep sigh, feeling bad on what I am about to confess and slightly embarrassed.

"She is very observant, keen sight and all," I say, remembering how she managed to walk in the darkness of the forest without even a lamp to aid her.

"Ah yes!" Elladan exclaims like he had just remembered something, " she can tell us apart!"

I was surprised by this, I had not known that. I mean, she had never mistaken me for my brother but I thought it was because of careful thought.

"She could?" Our father laughs, finally closing the book and putting it back down.

"Oh yes," Elladan nods before falling into a deep thought again.

"Her injuries healed quickly," I began again, " too quick if I may say so. The poison travelled really slow, it was like something inside her was fighting it off."

"She talks in her sleep," I ramble on, "mostly she just mutters to herself but there are nights when she tosses and turns and breaks a cold sweat, screaming and moaning about getting away..." I stop, realizing I was rambling too much and find myself having the attention of three curious elves.

"You watch her when she sleeps?" Elladan asks before bursting into laughter and I felt heat rise up my cheeks.

"I was seeing to her condition," I mutter and Andriél gives my brother another playful smack on the shoulder.

"Have you noticed something else? Her very aura perhaps?" Andriél presses, stepping closer to me with a curious smile.

"Well," I think of how there seemed to be an intangible thing around Laralen, like a soft silver skin, that could easily be called as trick of the light. "There is something that clings to her, a sort of second skin. I did not really understand it at first but I do know it is there."

"You are correct," Andriél gives me a nod and I stare at her, unable to say anything for a moment.

"She has a protection spell over her," she explains, "one that is not known or common in our land. It works as a second skin, to hide her from what, I am not quite sure."

"You knew of this, I reckon?" Elladan addresses our father who gives a short nod.

"I noticed it the moment I saw her," he admits as a soft knock comes from the door.

"Supper is ready, my lord," a voice calls from behind.

"Ah, yes. Supper," our father mumbles before walking towards the doors and opening it. He steps outside and we file behind him.

"What does it mean, Ada?" I asked as we walked the narrow halls of our home.

"It means, that girl is no ordinary child, at least not from observation alone. Perhaps after dinner she could shed more light on her own mystery," he smiles, " do you not have somewhere you need to be, son? Supper is ready." There was a hint of tease in his voice before I stop and watch him go. Elladan gives me a smirk before walking after our father as Andriél gives me sympathetic smile and a shrug.

"Her fëa is quite strong," she whispers and then she was off, following Elladan. I watch as he slowly reaches out for her hand and their arms snake around each others. I stared after them with thoughts that threaten to drown me.

---

I stand outside the room, waiting for Laralen to step out. I pulled on the long collar of the tunic I had on. Touching the brooch that held the cloth around my neck. I started pacing, just to try and shake of the nervousness I was feeling. I had always been nervous, fidgety even. Lindir and my brother never stopped tormenting me for it. Although Lindir was quite the paranoid, he could easily hide behind a facade. Something I found extremely hard to do. Me and Elladan may be twins, and people could rarely tell us apart but if they stayed in one room with the both of us, they can easily differentiate us by the way we moved.

I had never been a speaker. Elladan was usually the one who spoke, especially with ladies. I just never really cared much. I pace from one side of the door to the other, pulling on everything I could. My sleeves, the bottom of my tunic, the sleeves again and even the circlet on my head.

The door slowly creaked open and I spin around to see Laralen stepping out- pushed out, and for a moment I had forgotten how to speak.

--

Authors note: So... How's everyone doing? Haha This chapter is sort of an opening to Laralen's past and all that so stay tuned! I'll be posting another chapter after this and we shall get to know Laralen better and get back to our prince. XD

Elrohir is adorable. *sighs*

Thank you all of you! For voting and reading and commenting. :3

I love you.

xo