___________

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." -Ephesians 4:2

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Annalee

I flip the page of my book, eyeing Legolas and Faraine speaking animatedly in the corner. Faraine's face is glowing with beauty in the low light of the library, and Legolas cannot keep his eyes off of her. In return, Faraine steals wistful glances of him when he is not looking, and, uncharacteristically, a rosy blush clings to her skin like the dew of an early morning.

"Are you spying?" Tadion grins with an exaggerated whisper, plopping down beside me on the fluffy couch. He was being left out of the conversation between Almarëa and the twins, so he decided to pester me instead.

"Of course not," I whisper, flipping another page and refusing to lose my concentration.

I glance at him as he eyes me knowingly. "You did not even look down at your book before flipping the page."

"You are suddenly observant," I remark with very slight sarcasm, and I smile involuntarily as Legolas and my sister burst into laughter over something he said.

"I am always observant."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, you would know that if you were observant."

I shift my gaze to him quickly. "I am!" I cry indignantly.

He smirks. "'Tis so easy to get you flustered."

I glower at him, but the expression soon transforms into a smile. "I cannot be angry with you, even though you are quite annoying."

I flip another page.

"'Tis my specialty," he replies easily, taking the book from me.

"Tadion! Give it back!" I whisper ferociously, "That is my cover."

"You are a terrible spy," he states bluntly, as if it is the saddest news he has ever had to share, and he tosses the book onto the table in front of us.

I sigh, crossing my arms and leaning my head back, staring at the ceiling.

"What, are you ignoring me now?" Tadion questions, laughing delightedly.

I do not reply, continuing to stare at the richly colored wood of the ceiling.

"What has Tadion done now?" Legolas questions, and I look up to see Faraine and him walking toward us.

Faraine has her fingers interwoven in front of her, carefully avoiding touching Legolas's hand, and the latter's eyes are bright and open, laugh lines crinkling around them as he smiles.

"Annalee was spying on you, and I did the noble thing and put an end to it," Tadion replies, sending a wicked grin my way.

"I was reading," I explain, glaring at him for a moment before meeting Legolas's eyes with smile. "You know, you are going to be my favorite brother."

"I would hope so. Tadion is far too annoying to be a pleasing companion," Legolas says with a laugh, sitting down in a chair to my left, and Faraine takes the seat beside him.

"You little-"

Tadion is cut off by the door opening, and in strides Thranduil, his sharp eyes missing nothing as he glances at Legolas and my sister. He then turns to Tadion with amused eyes. "Please, do not finish that sentence, ion nin (my son)."

"Yes, Ada," he replies with a smirk.

"Elladan, Elrohir," he states, and the two turn to look at him expectantly, "I have come to inform you that your father has arrived and wishes to see you both... and Almarëa, of course."

They stand, excitement coming to their eyes, and Elladan takes Almarëa's hand. He gazes into her eyes for a split second, such overwhelming love shining in them, and then they follow after Elrohir, the action happening so quickly, I doubt anyone else noticed. It occurs to me, after they have left the room, that they must be able to communicate silently through their bond. My sister once told me such a thing is normal, but I never gave it a second thought.

Their love is so obvious, almost palpable. When in the same room, it radiates from them like a great, beaming light and makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside. That is the way I wish for Arahaelon and I to be someday, but I do not think it will ever be that way for us. All because of me.

I am pulled from my thoughts by the sound of chatter, and I look up to see that Tadion is telling Faraine about something embarrassing Legolas did a few days ago. My gaze travels to Thranduil, who has taken a seat across from the couch I am sitting on, and his gaze is rested upon me. His expression is slightly saddened, as if he somehow knows what I was thinking of and feels sorry for me. I look down at my lap, blushing slightly in embarrassment and guilt because I am not worthy of his son and will not bring him the happiness he deserves so much.

"Annalee, may I speak to you in private?"

I look up, surprised, and all I can do is nod.

The king of Mirkwood stands gracefully, gliding from the sitting area to a secluded spot on the far right side of the library, and I follow him hesitantly, the others' eyes following us curiously.

He sits down in a velvet covered chair, and I take the one across from him, only a small table separating us. He orders a servant, who was standing dutifully to the side after shelving books, to bring us some tea, and the young girl scurries from the room.

His gaze is once again on me, boring into me with such wisdom and knowledge, yet his eyes are closed off, calculating and analytic.

"Your wedding... is tomorrow," he says, dragging out the sentence as he absentmindedly runs a slender finger over the arm chair, flicking away the thick dust with a slight frown, and I immediately feel bad for whoever is in charge of cleaning the library.

"Yes, my lord," I say quietly, unsure of how to reply.

"And you have doubts?" he questions softly, taking on a fatherly tone that shocks me.

"I- um," I stutter, not wishing to spill my thoughts to him. He is kind, but he is still so very intimidating.

A very small smile pulls at his lips, but it vanishes so quickly, I cannot tell if it was just my imagination. "'Tis alright. You can tell me anything you wish. I will not tell my son-," he vows, meeting my gaze once again, and then the small smile is back-his attempt at comforting me, "-and I will not tell my wife, either. I simply wish to know you better and help you."

"Help me?" I question him, thoroughly confused now.

"I would be a fool to not know that something is bothering you. I saw the way you gazed after my daughter and Elrond's son. I am not blind," he states simply, staring at me with a raised brow that pressures me to tell him everything.

"Well, I... I am just worried," I tell him, searching for the words to explain this torment I have been feeling inside, "I do not feel worthy of Arahaelon. He is so sure of his love for me, yet I-I-"

"-You are not sure of your own love?"

I nod meekly.

"Is that all you are worried about?" he asks patiently, not seeming upset with me in the slightest.

"I know that I care for Arahaelon... deeply-," I stop talking, heat crawling up my neck. I do not really know how to explain it to him.

"You are the only elleth worthy of my son," he says after a moment with a fond smile. "The fact that you do not realize this is why."

I smile softly, meeting his kind eyes. "Thank you," I reply genuinely, "Your approval makes me feel much better."

"I am glad of it. I would not let my eldest son and heir marry just anyone," he says, his deep voice rumbling in his chest, and the amused smirk on his lips tells me that anyone Arahaelon could have fallen for would have passed his test of approval.

The servant girl reappears, balancing a large tray of tea and biscuits on her small hands. "As you requested, my king," she says with a curtsey, setting the tray down, and she leaves the room.

"'Twill be strange to no longer be addressed as king," Thranduil says, raising an eyebrow at me, "One or two?"

"Two, please," I reply, watching as the sugarcubes plop into the deliciously steaming tea. "And I imagine so! 'Tis already strange for me to think of you as Thranduil. There is something in your manner of commanding the attention of an entire room that suggests you must be something more than just Thranduil. I guess 'my lord' will suffice?"

He laughs- he heartily laughs! I am surprised by the deep sound, and I stare at him in shock, a grin on my lips. "Thranduil, will do, my child," he replies, his eyes crinkling in amusement as he continues to chuckle.

I sip from my tea as he watches me with an uncharacteristic carefree smile, and his eyes are soft, their blue depths shining with pleasure.

"You know," he ponders, "I figure another wedding will be coming soon after yours."

I am unable to hide my smile. "I think so, too," I reply, glancing at the far end of the library to see Legolas and Faraine sitting side by side, Tadion obviously teasing them.

"I think they make a good match, do you think?" he says sipping from his own cup of tea.

"Yes, Faraine is so smitten with him," I reply happily, my gaze lingering on the couple, "I have never seen her act so shy around anyone. I am the shy one, so she is the one I always hid behind as a child. It seems dear Legolas is changing that for now."

"They have a similar temperament," Thranduil says, looking as if he will say more, but the door opens.

My heart soars as Arahaelon steps into the room, his grassy colored eyes sweeping the couches in confusion. I watch as he asks Tadion something, and he points in our direction with a smirk. Arahaelon's gaze meets mine, and my soul hums in response to the flickering of his emotions inside of me. His soul is like a flame, soothing me at bitter-sweet times like these and engulfing me during the times he cannot take his eyes off of me.

A dashing smile graces his lips as he strides toward us, and I am barely aware of the low sound of Thranduil's chuckling, nor do I care that he is laughing at me. All I can concentrate on is Arahaelon and his snowy hair that I want to run my fingers through and the way his eyes make me feel at home.

"Annalee," he utters gently as he takes the seat beside me, his smile now unrestrained and radiant. He takes my hand, kissing my knuckles chastely, as if our almost-kiss never happened, and I feel warmth building up inside of my chest, spreading to every part of my body.

"Where have you been?" I question him, now content to have him by my side.

"Lord Elrond has a fondness for long discussions," he answers with an amused smirk, and his father laughs.

"Speaking of Elrond, I should rejoin him now that you are here," Thranduil says, standing regally, "There will be a feast tonight, and I expect both of you to be there. I know your wedding is tomorrow, but this is a welcoming celebration for all of our guests who have traveled here. And everyone is most anxious to see you, Annalee."

I nod, not trusting my voice.

He gives me a tiny, comforting smile. "I will see you both tonight then." He sweeps from the room as if he was never there, and I find myself smiling.

Arahaelon raises his eyebrow at me. "What is so funny?"

"Nothing. Your ada is amusing, is all," I reply, watching as he raises my hand to his lips once again, kissing my fingers affectionately.

"What did he say to you?"

"Much."

His eyes sparkle with laughter as he appraises me. "Ah, so you are being secretive."

I nod, laughing lightly. "Yes I am."

He stares at me for a moment, that passionate look in his eyes that he got right before he tried to kiss me the other day, but he just kisses my knuckles once more, eyes blazing with emotion. "I cannot wait to marry you," he murmurs, bringing color to my cheeks.

I search his eyes, smiling so hard my cheeks ache. "And I cannot wait to be your wife."

The words are barely a breath, but the overwhelming truth in them takes me by surprise. I have been so afraid of the future, that I have overlooked just how excited I am to marry him. Being by his side everyday for the rest of eternity is the greatest blessing I could ever be given. Arahaelon makes me happy, and he makes me feel beautiful and loved. I know that no matter what other people think about me, Ar will always be by my side to tell me just how much he loves me.

His smile slowly grows, his gorgeous, viridescent eyes holding so much happiness that my breath is taken from me. He turns my hand, brushing his lips against the delicate skin of my wrist.

"Annalee? Are you two hiding?"

I look up to see Faraine sashaying toward us, and she winks at me with a joyful grin. Legolas follows behind her with an amused smile of his own, and he smirks at me when our eyes meet. I raise my eyebrow at him.

"Yes, I am afraid I stole her from you," Arahaelon says releasing my hand with a mischievous look sent my way, "You can hardly blame me."

Faraine laughs and then fixes me with an excited smile. "You can finally try on your wedding dress, 'Lee!"

My eyes widen in surprise. "When can I see it?" I ask her, leaning forward slightly.

"I thought I would take you to try it on now, since you will have to get dressed for the feast tonight anyway," she says with small shrug.

"Arahaelon looks like he is dying to see it," Tadion points out with a loud laugh, and Legolas joins in.

I turn to see Ar looking slightly embarrassed, and he refuses to meet my gaze.

I grin, butterflies forming in my stomach. I wonder if I will live up to his expectations in my dress? Imagining those eyes on me as I walk down the aisle tomorrow causes my heart to thunder in my chest. "Of course he is," I defend him, "And so am I. Itylra has kept it a secret so well."

"Well, let us go!" Faraine exclaims, "I cannot wait to see you in it."

I turn to Arahaelon, frowning slightly. We barely had five minutes together, and I do not wish to leave him.

He smiles softly, leaning in to kiss my temple. "Go on," he says, releasing my hand, and I smile.

"I will see you tonight at the dance," I tell him. "Wear protective shoes."

Tadion, Legolas, and Arahaelon laugh, and I wave farewell to them before following my sister to the door.

_______

Faraine and I sat in the workroom for a few hours talking and playing with Nym while Itylra and Alma did last minute alterations for a few ellith who came to the shop to pick up their dresses for the feast. I sat in anticipation the entire time, sneaking glances toward the closet door and wishing I could somehow see through it.

"Alright, are you ready for the reveal?" Itylra sings as she races into the room excitedly, looking much like Nym as she does so, and she locks the elfling out of the room. Alma follows after her with a smile, seeming much more at ease with us now that she has been working here for a few weeks.

"More than ready," I reply, standing happily.

She opens the door, and my jaw drops open as she begins to pull it out... and continues... and continues. I stare with huge eyes as she walks across the room, pulling the wedding gown gently, and material continues to spill out of the small closet. When the dress finally springs free, she is standing by the window at the far side of the room.

"'Tis huge!" I exclaim, placing my hand over my mouth in shock as I begin to laugh with overwhelming awe and joy. "And beautiful! It is absolutely stunning!"

Her smile is as bright as the most beautiful star in the sky as she turns to me. "Well, let us see you in it, then."

Faraine unties my dress with nimble fingers, and I cannot keep the grin off of my face as I step out of it and search for the entrance to my exquisite wedding gown. It is a struggle to get into it without stepping all over the dozens of layers of material, but we eventually get it pulled up my legs and hips. Itylra holds the arm holes open as I slip my arms into the smooth lace sleeves, and Faraine begins pulling at the ties and tightening the dress as much as she possibly can.

"Oh my," I breathe, touching the airy material of the skirts in wonder.

Itylra steers me to the mirror, tears forming in her eyes. "You will be the most beautiful queen in history," she says, and Faraine covers her mouth with her hands, eyes becoming misty.

The dress is huge and poofy, and there is a slight rosy pink tint to it. Sewed into the layers and layers of tulle are small pieces of fabric that perfectly replicate flower petals, and I turn to look behind me, gasping at just how long the train is. It fills up the entire room!

"Oh, Itylra, it is truly exquisite! I could never have dreamt up anything nearly this lovely! But how in Middle Earth are you going to deliver this dress to the palace without making a scene?" I ask her, laughing delightedly.

"We will find a way to get it to the palace without dirtying it," she says, winking slyly, "But what would a royal wedding be without making a scene?"

Faraine laughs, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Annalee, you are simply glowing with beauty. Papa will surely cry when he sees you! Look at me! I am a mess!"

My eyes sting as I look at her perfect honey hair and her loving aquamarine eyes. I will miss sharing long nights with her, sitting up in my bed and chatting and laughing the hours away. Of course, she will be at the palace visiting Legolas, I am sure, but I will miss being at home.

Home. I had not even thought of that! I feel my smile drop suddenly. I will be leaving my home- my sanctuary of peace and contentment. No longer will I feel the spirit of my mother surrounding me, and no longer will I be immersed in those happy childhood memories. Papa will be left all alone since Faraine is always at the shop or with Legolas now. Things will be so different. Am I fully prepared for that?

"Annalee, whatever is the matter?" Faraine questions, reaching out to touch my arm.

"I-," a tear falls down my cheek as I blink, and I cannot speak.

"Do you not like the dress?" Itylra asks, clearly distressed.

I shake my head quickly. "No, no, I love it! I just- how am I ever going to leave home?" I sigh, tears flowing freely now, "Papa will be all alone, and I cannot just leave the place where I have been so happy."

"Oh, 'Lee," Itylra says, smiling comfortingly, "'Twill all be fine. It is perfectly natural to get homesick. I know I was for my first few weeks of marriage. You shan't worry about a thing! Faraine will take care of your father, and you can visit him as often as you like."

I nod miserably, wiping my eyes. "You are right, but I will miss this life terribly. I will have to move into the palace! What a notion!"

Faraine laughs, swimming through the skirts of my dress to embrace me tightly. "Everything will be perfectly fine. I will make sure Papa is not left to his own devices, and we will come and visit you as often as possible. This is your fate, Annalee. This is the life you are meant to live. Trust in Arahaelon. It would hurt him deeply to see you like this."

"Yes, this is your wedding. You are meant to be happy. Now, cheer up, and allow me to get you out of this gown and into your dress for the feast," Itylra says in a motherly tone, undoing the ties as Faraine waltzes to the closet and pulls out a shimmering emerald dress.

"You made another gown? How?" I question Itylra in astonishment.

"Oh, Alma here is sharp as a whip and even quicker with a needle. She has been sewing this gown since the moment we learned of the feast a fortnight ago."

"I knew nothing of a feast until this morning," I say, raising my eyebrows.

Itylra smirks. "We had a special source ask for a gown to be made for you, and it was announced to the people."

"Who?" I question confusedly. "Surely not Arahaelon!"

"Queen Alarya. She said you needed something that made you look queenly, and Alma has certainly done just that."

I look at the young girl, who shifts uncomfortably at all the praise being lavished upon her.

"Here," Faraine says and helps me into it quickly, and I gasp, touching it lovingly.

The sleeves float to the ground beautifully, and the skirts billow out from my waist, the whole dress covered completely in shimmering emerald gems. Every time I move, the light hits every one of the gems in the most dazzling, elegant way.

"Alma, you are so talented! I have never seen anything like this," I tell her honestly, completely blown away by her skill.

"The dress was made with you in mind, my lady," she says with a shy smile, blushing from all of the attention.

"Thank you so much!" I exclaim, crossing the room to crush her in a hug, and she tenses for a moment before returning the embrace.

"It was nothing, really," she says with a small laugh.

"Nana! Ar's here!" Nym suddenly shouts through the door. "Can he come inside?"

Itylra quickly places my wedding dress back inside the closet before she crosses the room to open the door. Arahaelon steps inside, and my heart picks up speed in my chest. He is already dressed for the feast, wearing dark, earthy green robes (which I assume his naneth arranged to match my dress) and silvery pants. I stare at him, taking in the sight of his silky white hair and his circlet made of branches and twigs.

"I was hoping I would get to see Annalee in her wedding dress," he says with a faint smirk, and Itylra rolls her eyes.

"Why am I not surprised? You two can hardly be separated," she says with a laugh, taking me by the arm and steering me toward him. "Now, go entertain your husband-to-be while we dress."

Arahaelon takes my hand in his large, warm one, and I swallow thickly, not meeting his gaze as he leads me from the room. He leads me to sit by the window, and only now do I realise that he is holding a bouquet of brightly colored orange lilies. "For you, Lirimaer (Lovely one)," he murmurs softly, and an embarrassed, yet pleased smile slowly pulls at my lips.

"Thank you, Ar," I reply, fighting to keep from blushing, but when he grins handsomely, I know that I have lost.

"You look divine," he divulges, trailing his gaze slowly over me, as if drinking the sight in, and I let out a shaky laugh.

"And you are filled with compliments this evening. What has gotten into you?" I ask him amusedly, trying to ignore the fierce fluttering of my heart as he continues to gaze at me affectionately.

"I have been unable to stop thinking of our wedding tomorrow. Looking at you now, I cannot believe you will be my wife. I hardly deserve you," he says, smiling, "You look just like a queen- my queen."

He pulls a box from under the chair and opens it, revealing a delicate, yet breathtaking circlet. He lifts it, allowing me to see it in all of its splendor. It is intricately designed, all the small, branch-like pieces interweaving with one another, and a small silver jewel hangs in the center.

"This is for me?" I question him in wonder, reaching up to run my fingers over it gently.

He laughs, the beautiful sound causing me to look up at him. He places the circlet on my head slowly, and I close my eyes and try to memorize the feeling of the crown clinging to my skin and the small jewel dancing between my brows.

"Yes, this is to show that you will be my bride," he says quietly, the low sound of his voice sending chills down my spine, and I can feel that he is close to me now, his breath caressing my skin.

"It feels so strange to wear it," I whisper, completely wrapped up in our own little world and wishing this moment would never end.

"You are so beautiful," he mumbles, and his fingers trace my skin, running across my cheeks, my jaw, my lips.

"Ouch!"

I jump in fright, eyes flying open to see Nym lying on the floor and grasping his ankle. His face screws up in pain, and fat tears begin to torrent down his chubby cheeks.

"Nym!" I gasp, standing and running to him with my skirts clutched in trembling hands, and Arahaelon follows me. I pry his little hands away from his foot to inspect his ankle, and I sigh in relief to see that there are no obvious signs of damage. "My goodness, what did you do?"

Arahaelon's hands replace mine on Nym's foot, and I am all too aware of his arm brushing mine and the way he smells fresh and clean, like the oils and soaps that royals and wealthy elves use.

"I was walking on my tip toes, and I twisted my ankle," he laments, crying desperately now, and my heart aches to see him so distraught.

"He is fine," Arahaelon tells me over the sound of Nym's sobbing, "He will forget about the pain in a few moments, I am sure."

I nod, reaching over to scoop the elfling into my arms, and I pull him into my lap, rocking him slightly. "Shh, you will be alright, Nym," I coo, brushing my fingers through his thick curls, and his cries quieten slightly.

"It hurts, 'Lee! It hurts!" he wails, clutching his ankle, and my eyebrows furrow sadly.

He rests his head on my chest, sagging against me, and the more I comfort him, the quieter he becomes until he is no longer crying.

"There, all better," I tell him with a smile after a few moments have passed with him only hiccuping, and he peeps up at me with a tiny grin.

The door to the workroom opens, and the others exit, all stunning in their dresses. Itylra's expression morphs with alarm when she sees Nym's red-rimmed eyes. "What happened?"

"He fell, but he is perfectly fine now," I explain.

She sighs in relief, bending down to scoop her child into her arms. "Oh, good. I was so worried!"

Arahaelon stands and then gives me a hand, pulling me up beside him, and he continues to hold it. "Shall we go, then?"

When we reach the palace, Arahaelon leads us to a small sitting room that lies near the ballroom in which the feast and dancing will take place- save for Alma, Itylra and Nym, who go straight to the ballroom. An unfamiliar, dark-haired ellon stands beside Thranduil, and his aura seems to fill up the entire room. His stormy gray eyes shift to observe us as we approach, and when his eyes meet mine, a knowing smile alights his face as if he can read every single thought that crosses my mind.

"Elrond, this is Annalee, whom we have told you so much about," Thranduil says, pride swimming in his eyes as he appraises Arahaelon and I, and I curtsey in response, raising my head to meet the gaze of the Lord of Rivendell.

"Mae govannen (Well met), Lady Annalee," he says kindly, and his voice is impossibly low, rumbling in the deep pits of his chest.

"'Tis an honor to meet you, my lord," I reply, giving him my most convincing smile to hide the fact that I am shaking with anxiety.

Thranduil goes on to introduce my sister, and Lossie floats over to me. "Annalee, come and meet Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien. She is most anxious to meet you," she says excitedly, and I am stunned for a moment by her beauty. Her snow-white hair falls down her shoulders and back in soft curls, and her silver dress clings to her small frame and flows around her legs silkily. Her green-blue eyes are open and welcoming, dancing with content and joy.

I nod shakily, and she intertwines her arm with mine, pulling me from my safe place by Arahaelon's side. I throw a glance back at him, hoping he can feel my panic, and he sends a flood of calm through our bond that washes me in warmth.

Lossenel stops, and I turn to see the most beautiful elleth I have ever laid eyes upon analyzing me carefully. Her sapphire dress pools around her feet like liquid gems, and her sky blue eyes pierce me like a thousand knives. A heaviness sinks into my mind, and I remember the stories my papa used to tell of how she could read minds. I picture a door closing in my mind, and the heaviness disappears. She smiles at me as if I have passed some sort of test, yet I feel bare, as if she has seen my entire life in a matter of seconds before I managed to block her out.

"Annalee, this is Lady Galadriel," Lossie introduces, and the angel of a woman inclines her head in greeting, her flaxen hair flowing around her like silk.

"I have heard much of you, Annalee. Word of you spread throughout Lorien after a few of my messengers returned with the news of your betrothal. My people have been awaiting the time when they could finally lay eyes on you," she says, her voice soft, yet powerful, as if commanding the attention of an entire army.

I swallow thickly. "I hope to not disappoint."

Alarya laughs delightedly, crossing the small space between us to kiss my forehead. "You will do just fine, my dear. I have complete faith in you."

"Thank you," I reply with a small smile. The words are kind, but they do little to ease the raw panic that is beginning to build up inside of me at the thought of so many people hoping to catch a glimpse of me.

"Ah, that is my husband in the corner conversing with Tadion and Legolas," Lady Galadriel comments with a fond look in her eyes, and she turns to me, "Celeborn will wish to meet you whenever the time arises."

"It would be an honor," I reply, gazing at the tall elf-lord in the corner who speaks calmly with Tadion.

Alarya and Galadriel begin conversing quietly, laughing lightly from time to time, and I watch curiously as Lord Elrond smiles affectionately at Almarëa as she speaks to him. Elladan's eyes remain glued to her, staring at her as if she holds his entire world. The love in his eyes is so tangible and raw, it gives me chills to witness. It reminds me of the way Arahaelon looks at me sometimes, those times when I can barely breathe as his impassioned eyes caress me.

A knock at the door startles me, and we all turn to see a young dark-haired elf enter the room. He bows. "My king, we are ready for your entrance."

Thranduil inclines his head regally. "Thank you, Aymon. We are ready now, as well."

Alarya reaches his side and takes his arm, and everyone begins to couple up to enter the ballroom. A warm hand is placed low on my back, and a smile immediately forms on my lips as Arahaelon's breath fans across my neck. "Are you alright?"

I turn to look at him, swimming in the deep pools of greenery that are his eyes. "Not at all, but I have you with me. That, at least, is a comfort," I whisper, taking his arm.

He chuckles lowly, scanning our surroundings as everyone moves about to take their places in line. "I will not leave you," he vows, turning his gaze back to mine and smiling handsomely.

The doors connecting the sitting room to the ballroom open, and my heart soars in my chest, pounding violently against my ribcage. Thranduil, Alarya, and the visiting royals exit first, the rest of us following closely behind. Arahaelon and I are last, and without him leading me, I do not think my feet would have moved. The roar of hundreds, if not a thousand, elves clapping fills my ears as we all enter the gigantic ballroom, and for a moment my fear is replaced by awe. The room is filled with a sea of elves dressed in all the colors of a rainbow, all dressed as extravagantly as the ballroom itself. The ballroom is massive, the walls covered in silver drapes and decorations of exquisite beauty. Long tables line half of the room, overflowing with the most delicious-looking foods I have ever seen.

We follow Thranduil and Alarya to the head table in the room, having to walk through spaces created in the crowds, and my anxiety comes back full force when I notice all the stares. My gaze connects with others everytime I turn my head, and I can feel my hands shaking. I notice dozens of elves whispering to each other as Arahaelon and I pass, and I attempt to ignore them by focusing on Almarëa and Elladan who are walking in front of us.

When we reach the table, Arahaelon pulls out a chair for me, and I sit with a wave of a relief crashing over me. He takes the seat beside me, grasping my hand underneath the table and squeezing it securely in his. "See, you did perfectly," he states lowly in my ear, and I nod, unable to reply.

Thranduil remains standing, addressing the crowd in a long speech I can barely pay attention to. He welcomes our guests, thanks everyone for coming, and lastly, he congratulates Arahaelon and I on our wedding that will take place tomorrow. The room erupts into applause and shouts of joy. Arahaelon gives me the most adoring smile that causes me to blush slightly, and Tadion leads the laughter that rings about our table and the room.

And the feast begins as Thranduil sits. Arahaelon speaks to me of random things, trying to calm me down enough to eat as he places piles of food on the plate in front of me. No matter how nervous I am, he gets me to laugh, and I start to feel more comfortable after a while. I spear a piece of chicken with my fork, chewing on it thoughtfully. "This is delicious!" I exclaim, looking to Ar with wide eyes, and he laughs.

Legolas turns to me from where he sits to my left. "Are you enjoying yourself, yet?" he questions with a grin.

"Yes," I reply honestly, "Though I almost passed out walking over here."

He chuckles merrily. "I assume by all the stares and smiles you were receiving, you did great."

"Thank you, Legolas."

The meal passes quickly, without much to talk about, and music begins to weave through the crowd. I turn at the screeching of chairs against the floor to see elves standing to dance. Legolas takes Faraine by the hand, and she flushes slightly, nodding and following him out onto the floor. Elladan and Almarëa stand, along with Elrohir who ventures off to find himself a partner.

"Will you dance with me?"

Arahaelon grins handsomely- that gorgeous look on his face reserved only for me.

I glance at the gracefully twirling couples, scrunching up my nose. "Must I?"

He laughs gaily, taking my hand and pulling me up. "'Twill be great practice for tomorrow when we have to dance alone."

"Ar! Why do you insist on reminding me?" I chastise him, but he only smiles.

He leads me into the crowd of dancing elves, taking my waist with one hand and pulling me close to him. Warmth emanates from his body onto my skin, and my heart flutters in my chest.

"Am I doing okay?" I question him anxiously after a moment of stumbling around with him, my dress luckily covering my amature steps.

"Of course," he replies with an easy smile, and I cannot help but feel jealous of the way he dances so perfectly and confidently.

I lower my eyes from his as a thought suddenly occurs to me. "You must have danced with many ellith in your lifetime," I comment quietly, allowing him to twirl me and then pull me back to his strong body. I note secretly that he holds me much closer than the surrounding ellyn hold their partners. "Ellith who could dance a lot better than I can."

His lips quirk, and his eyes stare into mine with laughter. "I have, indeed," he replies simply, purposefully trying to make me jealous. "But your dancing is far superior."

I laugh at his words. "You are so-"
"-why do you ask such things? Are you jealous?" he interrupts me, his smirk proving that he knows exactly how I feel.

"Of course I am," I reply honestly, and he pulls me closer to him, "I have never danced with an ellon before, and I have barely even spoken to one until I met you. Yet you have been here, dancing the nights away with dozens of ellith."

"Have you not thought that, if any of these elves had caught my attention she would be here in my arms tonight, not you?" he answers sagely.

My cheeks burn at the sincerity of his words. "You are right. Forgive me," I answer quietly, eyeing the ellith dancing around us, "They are all just so dainty and beautiful. 'Tis hard not to feel bad about myself."

Arahaelon laughs as if this is the funniest statement he has ever heard. "Come, I want to speak to you in private."

He takes my hand as the song ends and leads me through the crowd of elves as another song begins. Through our bond, I can feel his happiness and his desire to be alone, and my stomach fills with nerves, yet excitement, too. As he pulls me through the door and into the sitting room we were in earlier, I make eye contact with Tadion from across the room for a moment. A slow smirk spreads across his lips, and then the door shuts behind me.

Arahaelon takes both of my hands, leading me to a chaise in the corner of the room. "Now, tell me what you are thinking about the wedding," he says lowly, gazing at me with utter seriousness.

"You already know how I feel, Ar," I tell him with a smile. "Nervous. Scared."

His eyes crinkle in amusement. "You are not having any second thoughts?"

I shake my head, searching his eyes to see if he is really afraid of such a thing. "Not at all. I mean, I have certain worries, I guess, but that is normal. I wish to be your wife, and that outweighs all concerns."

"What concerns?"

"Leaving home, leaving Papa," I answer, dropping my gaze, "I will have a new life here with you."

"And you do not want that," he concludes, eyes saddening slightly.

I stand, frustrated with myself for hurting him. "No, no! I do!" I exclaim, pacing across the middle of the room. "I just- I do not know how to explain. I want to be your wife. 'Twill just take time getting used to this life of feasts and dances and barely any privacy. I will miss my old life of solitude, but not because of you."

He stands, approaching me slowly. "I understand."

"No, you do not," I reply, turning to face him miserably. "I am a mess. I am hurting you; I know I am. I do not wish to make you sad. I want you to be happy more than anything in Middle Earth, but I do not know how to."

Arahaelon observes me for a moment before doing the last thing I expect him to. He kisses me.

The strangest thing is, I allow him to. I allow him to run his fingers through my hair, to kiss me desperately, but slowly and passionately, as if we will never do so again. And I cling to him in response, kissing him back with a passion that equals his and catches me by surprise. He pulls me against him completely, allowing me to bask in the warmth of his tall body and to feel his muscles through the thin material of his tunic and robes. His lips caress mine with the gentleness of spring melting away the last bits of winter, yet our souls are fire, burning and flickering and growing rapidly. Suddenly, nothing makes sense anymore. I forget how nervous I am about our wedding. I forget that there is a feast and dancing and hundreds of elves enjoying the merriment of the evening just through the door, and I honestly do not care. All I care about is here and now- Arahaelon and his touch and the way he molds against me perfectly.

"Ar," I breathe between the kisses he lavishes upon my lips. "Arahaelon."

He slows, kissing me one last time and holding me there for several long moments before allowing our lips to part. "Forgive me," he sighs, breathing heavily against my skin as he rests his head on my shoulder.

I touch his hair, running my fingers down it and onto his back, completely in awe of this wondrous new feeling. "I-I never imagined...," I trail off, my mind now turned to mush, and I can only concentrate on the way he plays with the ends of my hair.

"I love you," he whispers, his voice echoing in my mind like a dream, "I love you."

I breathe shakily, my heart hurting as he says those words. I search for something- anything- to say that will not hurt him, but nothing comes to me.

"I will not kiss you again," he promises, pulling away from me slightly to meet my gaze.

I nod, not knowing what to say. Part of me wishes to flee from the room, the other longing to be kissed by him again and to hear him whisper that he loves me over and over and over. "I- I am not upset," I say, my voice barely a whisper as he searches my eyes.

He smiles softly, touching my cheek with such care and love. "I know."

Those two words comfort me more than anything, and I suddenly remember our bond. He knows what I am feeling. The relief I feel upon not having to explain myself is beyond expression. I do not even know how I am feeling. My mind keeps replaying the images of his captivating eyes and his touch, and I know that if I do not part from him soon, I will go insane.

I clear my throat, blushing violently. "You most certainly cannot kiss me like that tomorrow," I say, my voice sounding strange and airy.

He laughs boyishly. "No, definitely not," he agrees, his arms still wrapped around me, and his eyes stare into mine so intensely, as if he is reading my mind.

We are silent for a moment, unable to look away from each other.

"Tomorrow you will be my wife," he breathes, and butterflies form in my stomach.

"And you will be my husband," I reply, laughing quietly.

He buries his face in the crook of my neck, tightening his arms around my waist. "You make me feel things I have never even dreamed of."

"Ar, what if it takes me a long time to understand how I truly feel about you?" I question him lowly.

He pulls back to look at me. "Then I will just have to wait a long time to kiss you again," he says with a faint smirk.

I laugh, praying that he cannot feel through our bond how much I wish he would kiss me again. Though every part of me longs for his touch, my heart reminds me that I cannot fall in love with him- not yet.

And sometimes I fear, not ever.

_________

A/N: I hear wedding bellssss! Haha! I can't wait to write it! Sorry that this is so terribly long. I had a lot of info. to jam in here. I hope y'all enjoy! I will try to update soon, but I graduate next week so no promises! Thanks for being so patient and lovely! God bless :)

Love,

Josie