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"Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." -Isaiah 57:2

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Arahaelon

That night, Annalee is sleeping deeply in my arms, and I am running my fingers over her shoulder and arm absentmindedly, just like every night. I am startled when she suddenly moves, her face scrunching up in fear, and her mouth opens, a blood-curling scream ripping through the still night air.

"Annalee!" I exclaim in fright, shaking her, but she does not wake.

I watch, terrified, as she thrashes around, tears streaming down her cheeks. I continue to shake her roughly, calling her name, but to no avail. Her screams continue to echo throughout the room, and it draws the attention of everyone in the Family Wing.

The door to our chambers bursts open, and in rushes my parents dressed in their night robes, followed by Lord Elrond and my siblings moments later. By now, Annalee is sobbing, completely petrified by whatever she is seeing in her dreams, and my heart feels as if it is being ripped from my chest by sharp claws.

"What is-," Lord Elrond begins with wide eyes before understanding flashes across his features, "She is asleep. Help me hold her down."

I place my hands on her shoulders, surprised by the tears that fall onto her skin, and it takes me a moment to realize that they are my own. Tadion and my father help me hold her, but she continues to thrash against our grip and scream at unseen demons.

Lord Elrond places his hands over her forehead between her brows and begins to mumble in elvish, yet I pay no attention to what he is doing. My heart is racing faster than it ever has, and I pray over and over again that she will be alright.

Annalee very slowly begins to still, and my eyes wander around the room, landing on Lossenel. My sister's hair looks to be spun of pure moonlight as it tangles around her ashen face, and not once does her gaze leave my wife. She stares at her with wide eyes, her expression of horror matching that of Naneth's, and I look away quickly, not finding any comfort in their reactions.

Legolas meets my gaze from where he sits at Annalee's feet, and though we do not speak, I know that he is telling me everything will be alright. To his left, Tadion watches Annalee with pure fear in his round blue eyes.

I hear her beautiful sigh as Lord Elrond finishes speaking, and my eyes dart over to her in hope. Her eyelids flutter open slowly, and I immediately scoop her up into my arms, holding her to my chest as everyone collectively heaves a sigh of relief.

"Ar, you are okay," she breathes in surprise as tears continue to stream down her cheeks. "But you- the orcs! They were after you all! You were attacked, Ar! I watched you die!"

Her voice is filled with raw terror. Whatever happened in her nightmare, she believed it to be real, and her body trembles violently in my arms.

"I am fine. I am perfectly fine," I whisper to her as she looks me over, touching my stomach as if she expects a wound to be there.

Lord Elrond sinks down onto the edge of the bed, his face solemn.

"What happened to her, Elrond?" Ada asks lowly, his eyebrows furrowed.

Everyone looks at him in anticipation.

"Foresight," he states flatly, and he turns to me with a look of warning in those intense grey eyes, "She was given a glimpse into the future."

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The next morning when I wake, Annalee is clinging to me. Her arm is wrapped around my waist tightly, and she is pressed against me completely. I smile tiredly, running my fingers through her hair, and she looks up at me with sad eyes.

"Good morning," I greet, trying to be cheerful, but on the inside, I am just as sad to leave as Annalee is to see me go.

I plant a quick kiss on her lips.

"Good morning," she replies glumly.

"Come now, 'Lee, try to be happy today," I say softly, tracing her cheek with my thumb, "I will be back soon. Nothing will happen. Just as Lord Elrond said, the future is not certain."

"I know," she sighs quietly, "But sometimes it is, Arahaelon. I have never had a vision before, and I feel that I was given the warning for a reason."

"I do not like for you to be upset," I reply, furrowing my eyebrows. "I will come back to you perfectly fine, you will see. Now that you have had the vision, everyone will be watching out for me. Maybe that is why you had it. If you did not warn us, maybe then the vision would come true."

She thinks for a moment before smiling slightly. "That makes sense," she says, and then she sighs, "I already miss you, and you have not left."

"Being away from you for even a moment is torture for me," I admit with a groan, pulling her closer.

"I love you," she says, gazing at me with those stunning emerald eyes, and she smiles shyly after speaking.

I lean forward, giving her the kiss I know she is wanting, and she responds immediately. Her hands move to tangle in my hair, and I hold her to myself tightly. Her lips are sweet and inviting, luring me further and further into her spell.

"I love you," I whisper as our lips part, and she smiles so beautifully.

"I lied awake late into the night, regretting that I did not take your offer of bonding completely," she admits, and her cheeks turn rosy.

I am unable to hide my smile. "You promised me the night of my return, and that deal is good enough for me," I respond, kissing her once again, "You will not back out?"

Her eyes reflect nothing but love and honesty as she replies, "Of course not. I promised, and I am ready to finally be yours."

My heart races at her words. Never in my life did I think it would be possible to love someone as much as I love Annalee, and to know that she feels the same is indescribable. She leans against me, kissing me again, and I give in to her. She buries her fingers deeper into my hair, wrapping her leg around my hip, and a small shudder runs through me.

Our lips part just for a moment, and she whispers, "Tell me you love me, Ar. I want to hear you say it again."

Smiling, I reply. "I love you, more than the night sky loves the stars."

Her dreamy expression makes me kiss her again, and I know that I will not be parting from her anytime soon.

___

A little while later, Annalee and I make our way to breakfast, hand-in-hand. She is a vision in white, just like the first time I ever laid eyes on her, and her skin is flushed prettily. Thanks to Lossenel who was very worried from last night's incident and came to check on her this morning, Annalee's hair is braided and falling over her left shoulder with jewels and pearls strung in the intricate weaving.

"Whenever we have a baby, do you think it will have your looks or mine?" she asks randomly, and I chuckle. "We have had the conversation many times, but I am genuinely curious."

"I honestly believe our child will look mostly like you. Curly hair like a hobbit's," I reply, and she beams at me.

"What names do you like? I think a name like Feyrith or Laeniel would be perfect for an elleth," she says thoughtfully, "I am rather bad at male names."

"I have always had a soft spot for the name Wren," I reply, feeling a bit self conscious at the idea of her not liking it. "I realize that it is not an elvish name, but I like the shortness of it. Like Nym, it is simple and sweet. Plus, as an elfling I had a fascination with birds, and wrens were my favorite."

She gazes at me in fascination. "I love that, Arahaelon! I have always adored Nym's name, and I guess I am a bit inclined towards choosing names that are not common," she says excitedly before her face scrunches up with adoration, "Aw, our own little baby Wren. I can just imagine holding him in my arms."

Her raw emotion deeply touches my heart, and I lean in to kiss her cheek chastely. "When I return," I state simply, and she blushes a bit.

"Am I allowed to beg you to stay again?" she asks lowly, looking up at me through her thick lashes.

"No because I might actually oblige this time."

Faraine and Legolas appear around the corner, hand-in-hand, and when she sees Annalee, she attacks her in a fierce embrace. "Legolas told me what happened," she breathes, pulling back to check her for any visible injuries, and when she is satisfied, she turns on me, "Arahaelon, you must be careful! I am so worried for you."

I incline my head in thanks. "I intend on returning, and I will have an innumerable amount of elves watching over me. There is no need to worry," I reply easily, but Faraine sees through the facade, unlike Annalee. She does not comment on the unease she knows that I feel inside, and I thank her silently for not causing her sister any more worry.

"Of course, you know best," she says with a small curtsey of respect.

Legolas analyzes Annalee closely. "You gave us all a fright last night. 'Tis a blessing to see you happy and well. I was very worried," he replies lowly, dark eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Annalee leans forward, pecking his cheek innocently. "Thank you so very much, Legolas. I am so sorry to have cause you all so much worry. I-I do not understand my vision, but I am hopeful that everything will go smoothly."

I wrap my arm around her shoulders, wishing I could take every ounce of worry from her heart and replace it with the love I feel for her. "Shall we go to breakfast then?"

When we enter the dining room, all eyes fall on Annalee as I escort her to our seats beside my parents who share a long look.

"Good morning," Annalee says cheerfully, gazing at our family and Lord Elrond's fondly.

The tension dissipates immediately, and everyone replies with smiles, clearly relieved to see her doing just fine.

Almarëa rests her left hand over Annalee's, an uncharacteristically shy smile adorning her face. I notice the ring immediately, and my gaze meets Elladan's. He smiles widely, eyes shining, and I nod once, a smile just barely forming at the edge of my lips. Of course I approve of Elladan, but as a brother, I cannot show my approval completely. Even though I have known the twins since they were born, I would not hesitate to use violence if one was to hurt a sister of mine.

"My, that is a beautiful ring!" Annalee gushes, smiling so genuinely, "I am so happy for you, Almarëa. Oh, and Elladan, too, of course!"

Everyone laughs, and Elladan inclines his head in thanks, chuckling softly as he brings his glass to his lips.

Lord Elrond is practically glowing with pride and approval as his gaze sweeps between his soon-to-be daughter and his son. "'Tis about time. I wondered for a while if Elladan would ever find the courage," he teases in his usual deep tone of voice that seems to rumble within his chest.

Elladan sends his father a withering glare as laughter rings about the room, and my sister stares at her betrothed like he is the only one in the room.

I glance at Naneth, concerned by her lack of teasing and conversation, only to see that she is quite pale and sullen. She does not touch a single piece of food that lies temptingly on her plate, and her hair is uncharacteristically left down without a single braid or jewel. To top it off, she wears a dress of charcoal grey; whereas, she is usually drowning in bright colors that radiate positivity and cheerfulness.

I can only deduce that her behaviour must be linked to Annalee's vision, for there is no other reason for worry.

I glance at Ada, noticing that he, as well, seems different, yet he tries very hard to hide it with smiles that do not reach his icy eyes.

"They are worried for you, just as I am," Annalee whispers in my ear, and I nod.

"I will speak with them after breakfast. Would you join the others with whatever they are doing?" I ask her softly, and she nods.

"Annalee," Arwen calls in her gentle voice, and my wife looks up with a smile, "Would you like to accompany me to the gardens after breakfast? Eldarion will be joining us."

Annalee's eyes light up, and she agrees instantly. "I would love to."

I turn to my father, who meets my gaze. "May I speak with you and Naneth when we are finished here?"

He analyzes me for a moment before nodding once. "Of course."

When breakfast ends and everyone is exiting the room, I kiss Annalee before watching her leave with Arwen and the child.

"Come," Ada says to me, and I follow he and Naneth out of the dining room. He leads us to his study, and I take a seat in front of his desk, waiting for both of them to be seated as well.

"Arahaelon, I will be quick to the point. I do not think it is wise for you to go on the hunt," Naneth says, sounding tired and stressed.

"As king, I must be there. You know this, both of you," I reply simply, moving my gaze between them.

Ada watches me closely, narrowing his eyes. "Your life is in danger, if Annalee's vision is correct. I would do anything to keep you safe, ion nin (my son), even if it means breaking tradition."

"Yes, Annalee has never had visions before, so surely this means something," Naneth adds, reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose.

"Alarya is correct, Arahaelon. We must be wise about this."

"Annalee has been afraid for me since the moment she learned of the hunt," I explain, "She has been worried about me leaving and about being left alone. Surely the vision was triggered by her anxiety. I am not worried for my life."

Ada and Naneth share a look, obviously speaking to one another through their bond. Ada then looks at me. "You are not fooling anyone, Arahaelon. I know you feel uneasy about this. I, however, cannot keep you from going, but I think you are making a foolish decision that could cost you your life."

I incline my head. "As king, I cannot back out of situations because I am scared. After all, how many hunts have I been on in my lifetime? I will be perfectly fine."

Naneth frowns. "You have been bitten by one of the giant spiders in the forest, Arahaelon, and once, you came back with a broken ankle. Your history of injuries does not make me feel any better about this. Are you sure you will not stay?"

"I must go," I respond with surety. "If Annalee's vision is as she told it, then my life will save many others if it comes true."

Ada gazes at me sharply. "The life of the king is worth more than-"

"-No," I state, "My life is no more valuable than those of my people. If something happens, which I do not believe anything will, I would be at peace knowing that my life allowed many others to return home to their families."

"And what of Annalee?" Naneth all but shrieks, losing her composure, "You would leave your wife to fade? That is exactly what will happen if you die, Arahaelon. She will slowly die as well, painfully."

I wince at the thought, looking down sorrowfully. An invisible knife tears through my heart, and I clutch my chest, attempting to banish the thoughts of Annalee lying cold and slowly wasting away.

"I will come back to her. Annalee is my reason for existing. I would never purposefully hurt her," I say, completely torn. If I go, I will be saving many other lives by sacrificing mine, as I did in the vision, but I will be destroying the only elleth I have ever loved. How am I to choose between the ones I love most, my people and my wife?

Ada sighs softly. "Arahaelon is right, though I hate to say it. He is the king, and his people come first. I can only pray that Annalee's vision is wrong, for her sake and for everyone else's."

Naneth stands, leaving the room without a word, and Ada's eyes finally start to water with only me as a witness. "You have to understand how it feels as a parent to hear your child speak so easily of tossing his life away," he whispers, staring out of the window. "I could not bear it if something were to happen to you, Arahaelon. You are my son, and I love you more than I could ever describe. I raised you and watched you grow from a tiny baby to the king that sits before me. I have watched you fall in love with Annalee."

I appraise him, surprised to see the tears in his eyes. "Ada, I will return."

"You cannot promise such things."

I purse my lips. "I will be careful," I say instead, "And I will have you and the rest of the family by my side. I would trust any one of you with my life."

He nods. "I will not take my eyes off of you for one moment."

I stand, walking to the door, but I hesitate as I touch the doorknob. "Ada?"

"Yes?" he replies curiously.

"I love you, too," I state without turning to look at him, "I am certain that I will return. After all, I have another promise to keep upon my arrival, and not even death can keep me from fulfilling it."

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A/N: Sorry for the wait! Yesterday was my birthday (I'M 19 YAYY), and we are also planning to have a party Saturday. So, yeah, I've been busy. I hope this makes up for it!! And oh, Lord, Annalee is having visions! What could it mean? Will Arahaelon actually die? No one seems too confident in his fighting skills. :/ We shall see, we shall see.

Much love, and God bless!