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Do not be anxious about anything. -Philippians 4:6

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Annalee

Within a few days, Arwen and I have become very close, and Eldarion has a spot as deep in my heart as Nym does. Eldarion is tiny little boy with dark wisps of hair and wide ocean blue eyes that always seem to be fascinated by everything around him. He is always happy, his giggles and shrieks of delight filling the palace with warmth, and now that I know him, I cannot imagine life without him.

Arwen is easy to talk to. She is a fantastic listener, and anytime I am in her presence, I find myself giving away too much of my personal thoughts. She always has the perfect answer to every problem and the perfect words to soothe and comfort. In a way, she reminds me a lot of Faraine.

"Annalee, will you hand me that spool of thread? The white, please," she asks softly, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Oh, yes," I reply quickly, reaching for the thread and handing it to her, and she smiles in thanks.

I watch as she goes back to embroidering Eldarion's name on a tiny blanket she created, and I am in awe over her skills with a needle. The blanket is silver and made of silk. In the middle is an embroidered image of the White Tree of Gondor, and the detail is incredible.

"How are you and Arahaelon doing?" Arwen asks, her tone as calm as ever. "With your marriage, I mean. Aragorn has told me that you married under unusual circumstances."

I shift, looking down at the handkerchief that I am embroidering. "Well, I met Arahaelon when Nym accidentally shot him with a toy arrow. After that day, he kept coming to see me at the shop, and after an invitation to the palace, things began to grow more serious. We both knew within our very first time meeting each other that we shared a bond, though, I would not speak of it out of shyness. Not long after, Thranduil announced that he was giving up his throne, and Arahaelon asked me to marry him since Mirkwood needs a queen. I-I have never told him that I love him, but he has told me how he feels on many occasions."

Arwen watches me calculatingly, seeming to see straight into my mind. She smiles, kindness swirling in her pretty eyes. "Do you love him?" she asks simply, a question no one has really had the courage to ask me.

I stare at her for a moment, that feeling of comfort washing over me in her presence. Being with her is almost like being with my mother, and the thought has me speaking before I can even think about what I am saying. "Yes, I love him very much."

I blush as I realize what I have said, and her smile grows, amusement evident in her expression. She goes back to her task, knowing I am embarrassed. "I think you should tell him," she suggests quietly, eyebrows furrowing as she concentrates on her stitching.

"No," I answer immediately, nervous at the thought. "It... it is complicated."

She is silent for a moment before gently prodding. "How? Annalee, admitting you love someone takes a lot of courage. You are putting your heart on the line for them to take or to leave. He has already taken the risk for you. He loves you so deeply, and he waits patiently for you to tell him how you feel. You just told me with complete surety that you love him. Tell him, mellon nin (my friend), you will not regret doing such a thing."

I do not answer for a long time as tears well in my eyes. "It is more complex than that for me. I am still hurting all these years later from my mother's death. It is not natural for an elf to die. We are immortal beings, meant to live on and on as the earth does, but she was taken from me. I loved her so very much, I looked up to her, and I wanted to be just like her. Not having her here, well, it is a wound I am afraid I will never heal from. If I were to tell Arahaelon how I felt, he would want us to bond completely. We would be tied together from this day forward in spirit, heart, and body. If he were to leave me, just as my mother did... I could not bare it, Arwen. The pain would be unimaginable. I would fade."

Arwen's arm wraps around my shoulders, and I look up to see her sitting beside me, eyes pained. "I know how it is to lose a mother, and I know how it feels to worry for the man you love. Aragorn is human. He will die, and there is no question about it. This took a long time to cope with, and sometimes I still think about it. When he is sick, I worry terribly," she admits quietly, squeezing my arm with the gentleness of a mother, "When he joined the Fellowship of the Ring, I thought that he would not return to me, but Eru brought us together, Annalee. I have given up immortality because his love means more to me than time. Aragorn is my light, and when he fades, I will fade with him. That is the way of the world for men. But you are an elf, and Arahaelon is, too. Your mother's fate was terrible, but that does not mean everyone will be taken from you. Do you understand? Living in fear will keep you from great things. Tell Arahaelon you love him. Do not worry about anything else. Just tell him."

I nod, my heart hurting for her and Aragorn. All this time I have wallowed in self pity, yet there are people in this world, like Arwen and her husband, who have it much worse. Arwen gave up her life for her love, so I must find the courage to overcome my fear and my pain.

"Thank you. You are right. I must tell him," I trail off, sighing slightly, "I will do so when I feel the time is right. The day you arrived, I almost did it, Arwen. I was so close to telling him, but Tadion showed up and ruined it."

She laughs melodically, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "Tadion ruins lots of good moments, so I think you are correct. Whenever you are alone and your heart is screaming the words, let them spill from your lips. I know you can do it, and you will find true happiness when you do. My, think of Arahaelon's reaction!"

I unwillingly remember our heated kiss and the way I pleaded with him to kiss me again, and I blush deeply. Arwen pretends to not notice as she stands and walks back to her seat, and I am thankful for her kindness.

"I should be going. I have left my sister and Legolas alone with Tadion, and nothing good can come from that," I say with a small laugh, and she smiles.

"Will you watch over Eldarion? I believe he is with them, and with his Ada being in a meeting with Arahaelon, there is no telling what sort of mischief he will get himself into. I am almost finished with his blanket."

"Of course," I reply with a grin, excited to spend time with the child.

I find them all at the practice fields, watching as Tadion teaches Eldarion and Nym to shoot a toy arrow. Elladan and Almarëa sit a bit further from the rest of the group, chatting happily and sharing sweet kisses from time to time. Legolas and Faraine are seated in the grass, playing a game of chess, and the former allows my sister to gain the advantage.

Everyone looks over as I approach, and Elrohir smiles. "How are you enjoying spending time with my sister?"

I smile in return as I stop beside him, looking out at Tadion and the children as he instructs them. "Arwen is one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. I feel blessed to call her my friend," I reply honestly, looking up and meeting his silvery gaze.

"Arwen turned out a lot better than 'Dan and I," he responds with a mirthful look in his eyes, "She has always been very wise, like Naneth."

I expect him to seem sad, but his smile does not drop at the mention of his mother. Instead, he looks to be lost in happy memories, and I am fascinated by his personality. "You and Elladan are very wise, also. You take after your father very much," I tell him, and then I smirk slightly, "Though, I think I will stick to speaking with Arwen about the topic of love. It might be a little more than awkward talking with you and your brother about the ways of a female's heart."

He laughs loudly, tipping his head back, and his dark hair flashes in the sunlight like the feathers of a raven. "I believe you are right. I know little of the ways of a female, but Elladan seems to be doing well," he says, nodding in the direction of his brother and Almarëa, who are laughing about something.

I stare at Elrohir for a moment, not missing the pain in his eyes. "Have you ever been in love before?"

His eyes dart to mine in surprise. "Did Arahaelon tell you?"

I shake my head with wide eyes. "Oh, no, I was just curious. You do not have to tell me," I add quickly, hoping I did not offend him.

His lips quirk into a sad smile, and he crosses his arms. "Well, you are like a sister to me, so I guess you ought to know," he says, gazing out at the two little boys shooting at targets, "When I was younger, Ada and Naneth brought Elladan and I to Lothlorien for a visit. I was young and foolish then, and I did not know a single thing about bonds or love. There was this elleth, Lura. She was gorgeous, with big brown eyes and chestnut hair- the kind of female every ellon dreams of. In Lorien, there is a night every year where everyone journeys into the forest and dances under the stars and the giant Mallorn trees. 'Tis the Festival of Autumn, and it is one of the most glorious sights you could ever see. The tree leaves are pure gold and the sky is filled with thousands of stars. Naturally, Lura looked absolutely stunning in the moonlight, and I was desperately infatuated with her. She danced with me when I finally mustered up the courage to ask her, and we talked long into the night, sitting under one of the Mallorn trees together."

'"Weeks later, the night before I was to depart, I kissed her," he continues, eyes glassy, and his chest heaves a shuddering sigh that breaks my heart, "We left the next morning, and we were not able to visit again for many long years. The next time I saw Lura, she was married."

"Married?" I question sharply, shocked by the tale. "Why would she marry someone else when she was in love with you?"

Elrohir smiles at my burst of anger. "We did not share a bond, Annalee. It was not love," he replies easily, and I stare at him. "She had found the one who was created for her, and she married him, naturally. She did nothing wrong."

"But- but what about you?" I stutter out, completely upset. "How could she- I mean, why did she not write to you or something?"

"Not everyone has a love as pure as yours, Annalee. Many elves are left heartbroken when they realize that the love they feel for another is not a bond. Lura and I were practically elflings," he mutters, "I did not realize how foolish it was to fall for her."

"I-I am sorry, Elrohir," I say quietly, frowning, "You are an incredible person, and you deserve to find an elleth who is perfect for you."

He smiles, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Thank you. I am sorry for sharing such a story. I guess I am bitter, but I do have hope for the future. Do not think on it. 'Tis the past, and we all must move on."

I nod. "You are right."
"'Lee! Come and watch me shoot!" Nym calls, gesturing frantically for me, and I laugh.

I walk over to him, glancing back at Elrohir to see him sinking down onto the grass with my sister and Legolas. I catch a glimpse of Lossenel as she walks down a nearby stone pathway with a brown haired elleth, and I notice the way she gazes at Elrohir. A smile pulls at my lips, and I look away quickly.

Eldarion grins as I stop behind them all, and he tugs on my dress.

"Hello, little one," I greet brightly, lifting him into my arms. He is a quiet boy, much less rambunctious than Nym, but he has his moments.

He giggles, smiling at me shyly.

"Watch, 'Lee!" Nym exclaims, fighting for my attention, and I look in amazement as his arrow sails through the air, hitting the target right in the center and bouncing off.

"Nym, that is incredible!" I say in astonishment, glancing to Tadion who stands to the side proudly, "Did you teach him?"

He nods. "He is a fast learner. I cannot wait until he is older and can shoot real arrows. He is going to be a brilliant warrior someday, just like his father."

"Tadion, I think I might want lessons," I admit with a laugh, eyeing the target with longing. "I have always wanted a bow."

He laughs, clapping his hands in victory. "I knew you would come around eventually. I will gladly teach you, but I think we should wait until after the hunt."

"Hunt? What hunt?" I ask him curiously, and he bites his lip.

"Arahaelon has not told you?" he asks.

I shake my head. "No, he has not."

"Oh," he pauses, shifting, "Well, the king leads the hunt, and we are usually gone for a fortnight, sometimes longer. We-"

"A fortnight?" I ask in disbelief. "I will be left alone for a fortnight?"

Tadion smirks. "Surely you can cope with an empty bed for that long?"

"Oh, Tadion, you know it is more than that!" I exclaim with reddening cheeks. "I will be ruling alone, and I have no idea what I am doing."

He places a hand over my mouth. "Calm down, Annalee. The queen is not expected to suddenly take on the king's responsibilities. You will carry on normally. You will have Naneth here if you need her, which I highly doubt you will."

I sigh in relief, but strangely the idea of Arahaelon leaving makes my chest ache.

Eldarion plays with my hair, watching me carefully with his wise gaze. His head suddenly turns, and he grins at something behind me. "Ada! Ada!" he shrieks gleefully, and he squirms in my arms. I set him down, turning to watch as he runs in the direction of Aragorn and Arahaelon, who are just arriving on the practice fields.

My heart picks up speed in my chest at the sight of my husband, and I can feel his need to be near me and his desire to hold me close through our bond. When his gaze meets mine, his love and adoration for me hums through my soul like the sweetest of songs.

Aragorn catches his tiny son and swings him around, laughing. Eldarion laughs loudly as Aragorn kisses his cheeks, holding him close to his chest protectively. I smile unconsciously, wishing more than anything that I had a child of my own to hold close and to love unconditionally. The desire hits me like ice water, and my heart aches in my chest. I turn away from the adorable sight of father and son quickly, willing away my sudden emotions.

"Annalee," Arahaelon calls, and my heart skips at the sound.

I turn to him as he stops by my side. He leans down to kiss my temple, and I allow him to pull me to his side, holding me tightly.

"Arahaelon, watch me shoot!" Nym calls, and Ar turns to look at the elfling.

Once again, his arrow hits the center of the target, and Arahaelon is impressed. He scoops Nym up in his arms, telling him how great the shot was, and Nym is beaming. I study Arahaelon as he holds the child with so much love shining in his eyes, and I smile widely.

Arahaelon looks over at me, surely feeling everything through our bond, and I duck my head so that my hair covers my face.

"Arwen absolutely adores you, I hope you know that," Aragorn says to me, chuckling deeply. "She has definitely found a close friend in you."

"Thank you for such kind words. Arwen is a beautiful soul. I feel like we have known each other forever," I explain, reaching out to stroke Eldarion's cheek as he blinks up at me innocently.

Aragorn smiles at me knowingly, lowering his voice. "Soon, you will have your own children running around," he says, raising an eyebrow, and I blush.

"What are you two whispering about?" Arahaelon asks with a laugh, and my cheeks begin to burn hotly.

Aragorn chuckles deeply, patting my cheek. "Nothing, nothing."

"Ar, Annalee wishes to learn to shoot," Tadion says with a smirk, glancing at me.

Arahaelon smiles. "I would be happy to teach you, I-"

"-let me rephrase. Annalee wishes for me to be her instructor," Tadion gloats with an arched brow, and he crosses his arms with a smirk.

Ar's eyebrows furrow, but he masks his disappointment well. "That is fine. Tadion is an excellent warrior," he replies, looking down at me for a moment.

Tadion's smirk drops at his brother's lack of arguing. "You are okay with that?"

Arahaelon nods calmly. "Of course."

Tadion narrows his eyes, but he is not able to say anything else because Alarya appears through the trees, smiling.

"Supper is ready, everyone!" she calls cheerily, motioning us over, "Come along, come along."

_____

When I enter our chambers later that night after spending the rest of the day with Faraine and Legolas, who are now happily courting, I find Arahaelon asleep. My lips twitch into a smile at the sight, having never seen him sleeping in the few weeks we have been married. Ar always falls asleep after me, and he wakes up long before I do in order to start his day of duties.

I tiptoe over to my dresser, pulling out my nightgown, and I do not bother to step into the washroom to change. I let my dress fall down my body, and I slowly pull my nightgown over my head, fixing the straps as they attempt to slide off of my shoulders. I lazily kick my dress to the side, and then I approach the bed quietly.

With the silence of a deer, I crawl onto our giant bed, slipping under the covers. I glance at Arahaelon, whose beautiful features are illuminated by the starlight and the full moon outside of our glass doors, and my body craves his warmth. I slowly scoot toward him, until my body is pressed against his, and I sigh inaudibly in relief. I never knew he was such a heavy sleeper!

He is lying on his back, his silvery hair sprawled across our pillows, and his handsome face is peaceful as he dreams. Lying on my side, I prop my elbow on the bed beside his shoulder, and I rest my head in my hand, gazing down at him. I place my other hand on his chest gently, blushing a bit at my actions. He looks like an angel lying here beside me, and my soul aches for him in ways I cannot begin to describe.

Arwen's words from this morning come flooding back into my mind, and the mere thought of telling him how I feel has me tense and anxious. A sudden, brilliant idea pops into my mind, and I smile a little. Maybe if I tell him while he is asleep, 'twill be easier to admit to him someday soon.

I open my mouth, prepared to whisper the words "I love you" very quickly, but they stick in my throat as I look at him. His skin reflects the moonlight, his lips are round and perfect, bringing fresh memories of our kiss to mind. I remember how it felt to be kissed so passionately by my husband-I remember how his skin felt against mine. It was like nothing I have ever felt before, and I have wanted more, much more, ever since. His touch was riddled with underlying meaning. Every caress said that he wanted to know and cherish every part of me. Every kiss told me how precious I am to him. His lips whispered, "I love you."

Looking at him now, my eyes pool with tears of longing and love. I reach out to caress his face gently. My fingers barely brush his porcelain skin, and the words I have been keeping inside since the first moment I laid eyes on him come bubbling to my lips. "You are the most important thing in my life, Arahaelon," I whisper in the faintest of ways, and he does not stir. "I have allowed fear to control my heart all this time, and I am so tired of it. Even now, I am afraid. I tell you how I feel whilst you are sleeping, blissfully unaware, instead of telling you when you can hear me."

I run my fingers across his lips so tenderly, finding the courage I need in the sound of his sweet breathing. "Ever since that day when Nym's arrow brought you to me, I have known. I knew when I looked into your eyes that I loved you. Bonds are so strange that way. And everyday since then, the feeling has become stronger and stronger. I look at you, and my heart races in my chest. When you kiss me, I feel at home. You are everything to me, Arahaelon, and I wish you knew. I wish I could tell you, properly. I love you. I love you."

I move, laying my head on his chest, and the sound of the crickets outside is all I hear. My heart is beating so quickly in my chest after my confession, almost as if he was awake and listening to me. I frown sadly as I realize that I am shaking, and my heart sinks in my chest. I am never going to be able to tell him. Even knowing that he did not hear, I am still freaking out.

He stirs under me, and I lift my head, watching as his eyelids flutter like butterfly wings before opening and drowning me in green. "Annalee?" he questions tiredly, rubbing his eyes, and my lips split into a wide grin unconsciously.

"I am sorry for waking you, sleepy," I whisper, laughing softly.

He smiles, looking oh-so-handsome when he is tired, and I long to kiss him. "This is the first time I have fallen asleep before you," he says with a small chuckle, moving so that he is lying on his side, and he opens his arms for me.

I immediately move closer to him, and he envelopes me in the warmth of his strong arms. "Faraine and I can barely be parted when we start talking," I say, giggling quietly, "Poor Legolas. I am quite sure we bored him to death."

Arahaelon chuckles again, kissing my head. "If he feels for Faraine the way I feel about you, then he could listen to her talk about anything and be perfectly content."

I nestle closer to him, our legs tangling together.

"Ar, Tadion told me about the hunt," I mumble after a moment of silence.

He runs his fingers through my hair, frowning. "I was going to tell you, but every time I started to, you were in such a good mood. I did not wish to make you sad."

"You will really be gone a fortnight?" I question him quietly, playing with the buttons on his night shirt absentmindedly.

He searches my gaze, feeling my sadness through our bond. He leans forward, surprising me with a sweet kiss. I melt against him, holding on to his shoulders, and his hand travels to my back. When our lips part, he comforts me, "I will be back before you know it. Plus, we are not leaving right away. The departure date has not been set."

"There is no way that you can stay with me?" I ask him forlornly, brushing a strand of his silky hair from his face.

He sighs, looking conflicted, and I feel bad for begging. "Everyone expects the king to be there. 'Tis tradition," he says, his expression pained.

I look down. "You must go, then," I reply, meeting his gaze again, "But I will miss you terribly."

He smiles slightly, and his eyes gleam with mischief. He leans closer. "I like hearing you say that," he admits, his voice deep and alluring.

A shy smile forms on my lips as my heartbeat picks up speed in my chest. "Will you miss me?"

One of his hands comes to rest on the back of my neck, pulling me closer, and I exhale shakily.

"I will think of you every moment that we are apart," he whispers, our noses touching, "You consume me, Annalee. Every night I will dream of you, of your smile and your voice."

I lean forward, connecting our lips eagerly. I delight in this moment, trying to commit every touch and feeling to memory since we have not kissed since that time in the gardens a few days ago. Being kissed by Arahaelon is like discovering a whole new world. He is gentle with me, yet the underlying desire and passion in his actions sparks a fire inside of me.

He pulls back after a moment, breathing heavily, and he rests his forehead against mine. His eyes are shining with love and happiness as he lightly pecks my lips once more, and I smile.

"Do you really wish for Tadion to teach you to shoot?"

I am surprised by his very random question, and when I spot the small bit of sadness and jealousy in his eyes, I feel guilty. "He has been mentioning training a lot lately, and I really want to learn, Ar. I do not want you to be upset," I explain gently, kissing him once more, "I still want you to teach me sword fighting."

He laughs beautifully. "Do you really wish to learn, or do you simply want more excuses to kiss me?"

I blush, burying my face in his chest in embarrassment. "Both, I guess."

His chest rumbles with laughter as he forces me to look at him. "You do not need any excuses, 'Lee," he says, smirking ever-so-slightly, "You can kiss me anytime."

I run my fingers across his strong jaw, smiling bashfully. "I know," I reply simply, and then I add, "I wish for you to give me shooting lessons, also. I am perfectly aware that you will use every opportunity to touch me, just like you did the other day."

He looks at me in surprise, his mouth opening and closing. He then narrows his eyes. "Fine. I was using excuses, also. I cannot help it, though. You are irresistible, especially when wearing my clothes."

"I will make sure to steal more of your tunics, then. I love torturing you," I say jokingly, and he rolls his eyes.

"I believe it."

I move closer, gasping slightly in pain as I roll onto my hair. "Ouch," I mumble, laughing through the pain, "This always happens."

I pull on my hair, lifting my upper body and freeing it with a relieved sigh.

"Do you want me to braid it?" Arahaelon asks, and my eyes widen.

My shock goes away when I see that he is smirking, and I decide that I very much want to win this game that he is playing. I lie down on my back, looking up at him since he has his head propped on his hand, and I search his eyes.

"Yes," I reply softly, not believing I have the courage to do what I am about to say, "I want you to braid my hair, Ar."

His expression changes immediately, going from confident to completely at a loss of what to do. "I- well- you will have to sit up... so that I can braid it," he says, and I try so hard to keep from laughing at him.

With a serious face, I force out the words. "You know what I mean, Arahaelon," I state, allowing my gaze to travel over his perfect facial features. "Do not make me say it."

His eyes seem to darken as he looks at me, and I almost regret my decision. Before I can protest and admit that I was joking, Arahaelon is kissing me, his hands on either side of my head. I weaken under him as his lips mold exquisitely against mine, and all of my protestations flee from my mind. I have craved his touch and his kiss since our "incident" in the gardens, so I accept his eagerness with butterflies in my stomach. Something about being in our room, in our bed, changes the tone of the kiss, and it feels completely different than the day in the gardens. Arahaelon is fervent, his lips moving against mine slowly, enticingly, and I am completely his, kissing him back with equal passion.

His kisses quickly move to neck, and his hands explore my bare legs, something he has never done before. I can barely breathe as he touches me, whispering my name like a plea, and my whole body is on fire. The strange thing is, I want it to stop, yet I want more of him, all at the same time. I cannot think clearly at all. The only thing I can focus on is my husband and the raw, burning passion roaring through our bond.

One of his hands travels underneath my upper back, lifting me up slightly as his lips travel across my shoulder. I can feel my heart thudding violently in my chest, and I am trembling slightly from nerves and from all of the emotions consuming me. His nose moves the strap of my nightgown until it falls from my shoulder, and he pauses for a moment, his breath fanning across my skin.

My voice is gone. I cannot bring myself to move or to speak. I never knew one person could make me feel so much at one time, and I never knew anything in Middle Earth could feel like this. My skin is burning with heat, but for once, it is not from embarrassment.

Ar's lips move down from my shoulder, trailing heated kisses lower and lower across my chest, and I finally find my voice. "Arahaelon," I breathe, "We should stop."

He pulls back to look at me, slightly dazed and confused. "You do not want to?" he asks, looking extremely embarrassed. "Forgive me. I thought that is what you were asking me."

He lies down beside me, running his hand over his face, and I am frozen in place, blushing terribly.

"I am sorry," I find myself saying, looking over at him, "I only meant to win our game of teasing. I-I obviously cannot resist you."

He surprises me by laughing, and he rolls onto his side, pulling me against him. "You are going to be the death of me."

I cannot keep from smiling as I gaze into his loving eyes, happy that he is not angry with me. I laugh airly. "You are going to be the death of me. I could barely think or breathe," I trail off shyly.

"Nor I," he replies faintly, appraising me with a small smile.

_________________

A/N: Eeekkk, they are too cute. So there is a hunt coming up, Annalee is wanting to tell Ar that she loves him, and Lossie may have feelings for Elrohir. Wow, what could happen? ;)

Love y'all so, so much! God Bless! <3

Love,

Josie :)