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"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3: 5-6
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Arahaelon

Annalee.

Annalee.

Her name is a constant sound, whispering in my mind like the wind through the forest. I can still hear her voice shyly whispering the name, and my heart longs for her presence. I knew the moment I stumbled across her in the forest last night that she is my soulmate. I do not quite know how to explain it, but I just knew. It was like I had known her my entire life, when, in reality, I did not know anything about her. It was the strangest feeling in the world, watching her as she sat, her white dress pooled around her like a bath of moonlight as she watched the fireflies. I thought her to be an apparition or a mere figment of my imagination as the starlight pooled over her silky skin and weaved through her crimson hair.. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen, and I knew in that moment that my heart would always be hers.

Was this a curse of the elves? It felt torturous last night, to lie there in bed and think about her, knowing that she was not thinking of me in return. I never realized the full extent that bonds ran in the soul until now. Annalee was like a beautiful oak tree, and my feelings for her were the roots tangling and growing in my soul.

And then, by fate, as I was walking in town today and trying to get away from my brothers and the twins, I was hit in the shoulder with a toy arrow. Little did I know that arrow would lead me straight to her. To Annalee.

"Arahaelon!"

I snap out of my thoughts, turning to Legolas as he looks at me strangely. I can tell that he knows something happened, but luckily, my other siblings are too busy watching Tadion and Elrohir have an eating contest to notice.

"Forgive me," I say lowly, giving Legolas my most convincing smile, "I was lost in thought."

"As you have been all afternoon. Did something happen?" His eyes are analytic, trying to see past the facade I have built throughout the long years of my life. Legolas may be much younger than I am, but he has always been able to read me better than any of my other siblings. I have never understood how.

"I am fine. The night guard is simply taking its toll on me. It has been years since I have been on night duty," I lie easily, stealing a grape from his plate and chewing it quickly.

"Mhmn." He narrows his eyes at me, completely unconvinced.

Feeling someone's gaze on me, I turn to see my mother watching me curiously. I stare back at her, my eyes revealing nothing, but it is impossible to fool her. She raises her eyebrow at me.

"Arahaelon, will you pass me the strawberries?" Almarëa asks, and I am grateful for the distraction.

"Of course." I grab the plate, casually stealing one for myself before handing it to her, and she laughs.

"Thank you, brother," she says, smiling at me. Her eyes are filled with happiness, and her child-like spirit puts me at ease. Almarëa is the youngest of us, but there is a deep wisdom that lies within her, despite her age. When I look at her, I still see that tiny elfling with dirt smudged on her cheeks and laughter in her eyes that she used to be, and I cannot help but remain protective of her. That is why I always keep a close eye on Elladan, who sits beside her with a barely suppressed grin on his face as he stares at her adoringly.

My gaze travels to Tadion and Elrohir as they practically inhale strawberry pie, and judging by the number of empty dishes beside each of them, it seems Tadion is in the lead.

"I give up!" Elrohir groans, pushing away from the table and sinking down into his chair. He lays a hand on his stomach, and he looks to be a faint shade of green.

Tadion howls in victory, almost choking on the pie in his mouth, and Legolas erupts into laughter, along with the others at the table.

"Must you always act like elflings? I thought I raised you better than that, Tadion," Naneth says, shaking her head, but the smile on her face gives her away. "And, Elrohir, your father would be very upset if he knew of the mischief you and Elladan have gotten yourselves into during your stay."

"Elrond is used to it, I am sure," Ada says slowly, his face stoic, but his eyes shine with amusement.

"Everyone knows they are just overgrown elflings," Lossenel remarks, rolling her eyes, and her bell-like laugh rings about the room.

"Well, I am going to turn in early," I say, pushing back from the table and standing, "I am tired from night watch."

No one questions me, even though everyone knows that elves do not tire so quickly. This phrase is much used in my family- a sign that we wish to be alone for awhile. They all wish me goodnight, mostly still focused on Tadion and Elrohir.

When I reach my room, I quickly change into my night clothes consisting of a silk, green button up and matching bottoms. I open the doors leading to my balcony, stopping for a moment as the cool breeze hits my skin. I close my eyes, allowing my thoughts to slow down to a mere trickle through my mind. I find it hard to calm the new, raw emotions I have acquired in the past day, and I briefly wonder if this is how love is. Is it a constant struggle of passion and self-doubt?

I step out onto the balcony, resting against the railing and allowing myself to think of her. The memory of her sitting in the forest haunts me, and my heart clenches in my chest as I remember her brilliant green eyes and the way they crinkle at the corners when she smiles or laughs. The way she looked at Nym showed so much unadulterated love that it left me speechless. I, of course, knew that Nym was not her own because of the bond I felt with her, but she was so gentle and loving with him, I could not help but wonder.

Annalee did not even know who I was when I met her today, and it felt... refreshing. She does not know my name and as long as she does not, I can be whoever I wish. I can be myself, truly and completely. No title has to keep me bound like heavy shackles or weigh me down like an anchor tied to my foot. To her, I was just a normal ellon in town, and this fact just adds to the growing list of things I love about her. But I know I must tell her who I am when I next see her.

A knock sounds at the door, snapping me from my daze, and the door opens. I do not need to turn to know who it is.

"Naneth."

I hear her sigh, frustrated that I always know when it is her.

"One day I shall sneak up on you," she vows, and I hear her soft footfalls as she approaches me.

She stops beside me at the balcony railing, placing her small hands on the cool metal.

"You will never be able to do that, and you know it," I tell her, smiling amusedly.

She smiles at me distractedly, but it vanishes soon after. She is quiet for a moment, shifting slightly. I watch from the corner of my eye as opens her mouth to speak but then shuts it.

"You wish to ask me what is wrong, do you not?" I ask her knowingly, remembering the look she gave me at dinner. She can see right through me, always knowing when something has upset me. This time is no exception. From the teasing way she had looked at me, I know she suspects an elleth.

"I can hide nothing from you," she says, sighing once again.

"On the contrary, 'tis I who cannot hide anything from you. I can easily hide my thoughts and feelings from others, but you and Legolas can read me like a book. I never understand how," I reply.

"I am your mother. Of course you can hide nothing from me. Legolas is just observant, like you are. You were his role model growing up, and you still are, if I am not mistaken. He wanted to be just like you," she says, a fond smile pulling at her lips, "You have always been able to detect a single bit of untruth in a person since you were an elfling. You see tiny details that everyone else misses. That much is obvious in you, and I am sure Legolas decided long ago to be the same way."

Silence falls around us for a moment, and I watch her expression, seeing the possible words and questions whirling through her mind like a storm.

"Arahaelon... I have never before seen you so distracted, which is why I am concerned."

"Concerned or suspicious?" I ask her, and she quirks her lips, a mischievous fire burning in her emerald eyes and reminding me so much of Ada.

"One day you will learn that those two terms often coincide when you are a parent," she says, tucking her silky blonde hair behind her pointed ear. "But I am perfectly serious, ion nin (my son). What is on your mind?"

I am quiet for a long time, watching the elves below as they return home for the night, their laughter and voices floating up to me on the wind. I debate whether or not to tell her, feeling surprisingly embarrassed by my new feelings. I value my privacy, only sharing my deep thoughts and feelings with the ones I highly love. When I speak on matters of the heart, it is a sign of my trust- something I do not give so easily.

I clear my throat, finally turning to look at her. "Tell me about bonds," I say slowly, my voice low as I analyze her features carefully.

A slow smirk tugs at the corner of her lips, and I know that she had assumed correctly at supper. "A curious request," she says happily and laughs at my grumpy expression, "But I shall oblige. What do you wish to know?"

"How do you know if sh- they are the right one?" I correct myself, uncomfortable with such a deep conversation, but curious to know the answer to my question.

"You just feel it, Ar," she responds simply, touching my chest where my heart is, "In here. 'Tis like waking up from a very long sleep. I knew right away when I met your father that I wished to marry him. I did not know a single thing about him, except that he was Crown Prince."

"But it seems so impossible. How do you fall in love with someone you do not know?" I ask her quietly.

"Because it is the way of the elves. We feel things more than any other race in Middle Earth. Our souls are open and loving. Eru has blessed us with such a gift. Mortals may go their entire lives never knowing who their other half is."

I nod slightly but do not respond, completely overwhelmed with her words. So, it truly is a bond that is forming in my soul. Annalee is my soulmate. The thought excites me more than I ever could have imagined, but doubt still lingers in the back of my mind. Does the other person always feel the same way?

"You have felt your bond." She states it with such surety, a twinkle of merriment in her wise, green eyes. The moonlight casts its ethereal glow over her golden hair, lighting up her already bright features. She watches me with a soft and loving gaze, a smile upon her lips.

"I have," I respond faintly, the words barely audible.

"Who is she?" she asks gently, and I can tell she is trying to get me to open up to her. She approaches her questions with the boldness of a queen and the gentleness of a mother.

"Her name is Annalee. I met her today in Woodhurst," I explain vaguely, deciding not to tell that I had first seen her last night in the forest and was unable to keep my eyes off of her.

"Annalee. What a pretty name," she replies, her smile widening, "And what do you think of her?"

I sigh inaudibly, looking away as Annalee's beautiful face appears before my eyes again, and I see her blushing, barely able to look me in the eyes. My heart warms in my chest. "She is the most beautiful elleth I have ever beheld. And she is different, Naneth. I do not know how to explain. She is just so innocent and pure, and she is so very shy. She is like no one I have ever met before, and I cannot stop thinking of her. I feel crazy."

"Yes, it does feel rather odd to suddenly feel such intense emotions for someone out of the blue," she agrees, nodding once, "But that passes quickly because it is natural."

"Ada will never approve," I state simply after a moment of staring at the stars twinkling in the sky.

Her eyes widen in surprise, staring at me in shock. "Why would you say such a thing? Your father can be stubborn, yes, but he wants what is best for you and your siblings."

"Precisely. He wants what is best for us, but what does that mean? Does that mean his idea of what is best or ours?"

She looks away from me, knowing that I am right. "Why do you think he would disapprove?"

"She is a commoner. She works in the seamstress shop in town."

"But if she shares a bond with you, Thranduil would not have a problem. He and I only wish for the happiness of each of our children," she says genuinely, looking at me with concern.

"'I am Crown Prince. I have different rules than my siblings, Naneth. I have to make more sacrifices and fulfill my duties. I am not free to make my own choices. This was my curse from birth. I must make choices that are best for my kingdom."

Her face saddens, watching me as if she is seeing me for the first time. "Arahaelon, you have always put too much weight upon your shoulders. You have always been more mature and wise than your siblings. But listen to me, you must make decisions for your own heart sometimes. This is a time when you need to do that. You are not king."

"For now. You know Ada is wanting to give up the crown soon. The only thing holding him back is the fact that I remain unmarried. Do not think I have not noticed the way he drops hints everyday. Just a few days ago, he suggested I travel to Lothlorien for "business." He told me Lady Galadriel wished for me to meet several elves who have been learning the art of healing under her instruction, and they just so happen to be ellith."

She shakes her head, a laugh escaping her lips. "He is only trying to help you, Ar. He is not attempting to force you to marry in any way."

I swallow thickly, finding it hard to be as nonchalant as she is. My entire life I have known that someday I would have to become king. I spent my childhood preparing myself and becoming more selfless, wise, and careful. I do not easily trust others. I do whatever is needed to keep my family, my kingdom, and my people safe. That is a noble king, and I have prepared my entire life to be just that when the time comes. My head and my heart are too complicated to explain to others, even my own mother. But I would do anything for Annalee, even defy my father, the king.

"Naneth, what do I do?" I ask her weakly, "My heart is like a tangled web. She has enraptured me, but what if Annalee does not feel anything for me?"

"Bonds are two-sided, my child. These thoughts of self-doubt are normal but completely unnecessary. What you feel now, she is feeling, too," she says, placing her hand on my arm, "Spend your energy on getting to know her, Arahaelon, and do not worry about your father or the future. Everything will work out for the best. If you wish it, I can speak to Thranduil. He is already suspicious of your behavior, too."

"Is it that obvious?" I grumble.

She grins. "A blind man would know that you are in love, ion nin (my son)," she says, kissing my cheek and turning to leave me to my thoughts, "And that is a beautiful thing."

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A/N: hope y'all enjoy! :) Much love and God bless!

Love,

Josie