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Seek God first. -Matthew 6:33

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Taenya

I groan in frustration as I toss over in my bed tiredly, my sheets tangled around my legs. Sleep refuses to be my friend tonight, and a migraine has begun to form in the back of my head. At first, not being able to sleep was a blessing because my mind tumbled with thoughts of 'Dan's sweet smile and his mischievous eyes that make my heart flutter, but now, several hours later, I just desperately want sleep.

Realizing that I will not get my wish anytime soon, I sit up and toss my legs over the side of my bed, slowly letting my barefeet hit the cool floor. I cross my room quietly, grabbing the silken red robe that was given to me along with my brand new clothes by Lady Celebrian. I slip it over my shoulders, sighing in content at the brilliant feeling of the smooth fabric. I walk over to the glass double doors to the right of my room, hesitantly pushing them open. I step out onto the balcony for the very first time, shivering slightly and pulling my robe tighter around me as a cool breeze caresses the exposed skin of my legs. I frown, wishing that my nightgown was long instead of the dainty, mid-thigh length dress that it is. To be fair, it is a nice lavender color and the material is silky and soft like that of my robe, but the length makes me a bit uncomfortable. Usually only married women own such nightgowns.

I look up at the stars, smiling as I think of when 'Dan took me to the gardens many nights ago. I was secretly hoping he would kiss me that night, but his stories and the warm feelings in my heart were enough to satisfy me forever. He is just so incredibly handsome and sweet, and I find myself wondering how someone as perfect as he is could possibly care for me. I know in my heart that he is my soul mate, just as Gweyr said a few weeks ago, but I find myself afraid of what these feelings for him will bring. I have never known what it is like to be so dependent on one person- for all of my feelings to be tied to them.

"Taenya?"

I jump slightly in surprise at the whispered voice. I quickly walk to the edge of the balcony, placing my hands on the cool rail and gazing down into the night. My heart picks up speed in my chest when I see 'Dan standing below the balcony in his night clothes, his hair unbound and his eyes tired.

"'Dan, what are you doing down there at this time of night?" I question him, my voice quiet.

He grins. "I could ask you the same thing," he replies simply, approaching the side of the balcony. He begins to climb up the intricately designed structure, grasping at every nook and cranny to hoist himself up.

"Do be careful," I whisper sarcastically, placing my cheek in my hand as I lean against the railing to watch him.

"Yes, Naneth," he responds, and I cover my mouth to smother the sound of my loud laugh.

He finally reaches the top of the balcony, and he stops in front of me, grasping the railing on either side of me. His gaze searches mine, tiredness causing his eyes to droop slightly.

"'Dan, would you please get onto this balcony and stop hanging there? You are scaring me," I tell him, taking a few steps back.

He swings up onto the balcony safely, approaching me slowly. "Are you alright?" he questions, catching me off guard.

"Yes," I answer as he stops in front of me, "I could not sleep."

"Nor could I," he replies, reaching up to touch a strand of my hair absentmindedly, "I saw you standing up here as I was passing by, and I was worried that something was wrong. You looked sad."

"On the contrary, I am quite happy," I tell him, feeling shy at his closeness, "What are you doing out here this late?"

He smiles, looking a bit embarrassed. "I went to the gardens like I told you I do sometimes. I was not able to sleep, so I thought I would go and look at the stars."

"I was just admiring them," I admit, gazing up at the sky for a moment before meeting his beautiful silver eyes, "I was thinking of you."

I bite my lip, wondering why I allowed that to slip out. I look down bashfully, feeling stupid for blurting that out.

"I was thinking of you, too," he replies, his voice low and honest, "You are always on my mind."

I blush. "I was remembering what you said about the stars. I liked that story of yours very much. 'Tis funny that you were actually out there in the gardens as I was thinking of it," I say.

Elladan stares at me for long moments, a small smile on his face. He then looks around us before meeting my gaze mirthfully. "It does not seem as if we will be interrupted this time if you will allow me to finally kiss you," he says softly.

"Elrohir has an uncanny ability of popping up randomly," I whisper with a laugh as 'Dan wraps his arms around my waist snugly, "If he shows up this time, I am fleeing to somewhere far away, and I am taking you with me."

He laughs, his eyes bright in the dim light of the lanterns hung on either side of the balcony. "I will go with you willingly, my lady," he whispers lowly, his nose brushing against mine, "Anywhere."

I allow my eyelids to flutter closed, trying to push away my nerves and fear as his warm breath caresses my skin. My body is pressed flush against his, and I am certain that he can feel my heart racing in my chest. One of my shaking hands rests on his warm chest, the other grasping the material of his tunic at his ribcage as his lips brush against mine. The kiss is fleeting and short, but his lips press against mine with more pressure the second time. My muscles seem to melt at his touch, feelings I have never before experienced rushing to the surface quickly. Warmth spreads throughout the inside of my stomach, a sudden and intense longing building up inside of me within the depths of my soul. One of Elladan's hands leaves my waist, cupping the back of my neck and pulling my face closer to his as his lips meet mine a third time. His thumb brushes my cheek slightly from where it rests in front of my ear. 'Dan's lips are incredibly soft and warm, moving against mine ever-so-slowly as we both learn the breathtaking art of kissing.

My skin feels tingly and hot, and I am barely able to feel grateful for the cool air through my jumbled thoughts. All I can think of is his feather-light, gentlemanly touch which is addicting in the most deliciously foreign way. Our lips part slightly, both of us breathing in the cool night air deeply and shakily. I keep my eyes shut for a moment, afraid that if I open them this will be a dream, and I inhale nervously as his lips barely brush mine.

"Taenya," he whispers huskily, chills shooting across my skin, "Nin lithiach (You enchant me)."

I open my eyes, immediately drowning in the silver depths of his intense, smoldering gaze. I reach up, letting my fingers stroke the soft skin of his jaw tenderly. "I have never felt this way before," I tell him quietly.

He smiles sweetly. "Nor I," he breathes out, "May I... may I kiss you again?"

I nod and blush softly, closing my eyes again as he leans forward, kissing my mouth gently. I wrap my arms around his neck slowly, pulling him closer to me, and he obliges, kissing me deeply. His fingers travel to the nape of my neck, tangling in my hair, and I sigh contentedly.

The sound of crickets fills my ears, and the peaceful night feels so much better as I am wrapped in 'Dan's arms. He is so gentle with his touch and his kisses that my knees feel weak, and my head feels light. His musky, woodsy scent fills my senses as his lips gently move against my own, and I find myself wishing that this moment could last forever.

But he pulls away from me after long moments, a breathy laugh escaping his lips as he looks down at me with shining eyes. "I think it would be best if I do not kiss you again tonight," he says lowly, brushing his finger across my cheek tenderly.

I nod, embarrassed of my wide smile that is causing my cheeks to ache. "I think it would be for the best," I say shyly. I back out of his hold, intertwining my fingers with his, and I lead him to the glass doors of my room. "I drew another picture. Come with me, and I will show it to you."

I step into my room, 'Dan following me hesitantly, and I release his hand, walking over to my nightstand and lighting the candle that sits upon it. I walk across my room, lighting the candles that populate it, and when I am finished, I grab my sketchbook from under my bed. I glance up to see Elladan watching me, and I pat the spot next to me. He crosses my room, sitting down beside me with quite a bit of room between us, and I raise my eyebrow at him.

"Falenas would kill me if he knew that I was in here," he explains quietly.

I laugh softly, opening up my book and flipping through the pages carefully. "He would be angry," I agree, "But we are not doing anything wrong, so he would have no business getting upset."

"I did just kiss you, so he would pin that against me," 'Dan says, chuckling softly, and I feel my cheeks become warm at his words. 'Tis strange to talk about our kiss so nonchalantly.

"Well, he does not know," I say with a laugh, looking up at 'Dan amusedly.

I finally get to the page that has my latest drawing on it, and I hand him the sketch book, watching closely for his reaction. It is a picture of 'Dan holding Ryia in his arms, smiling down at her with a fatherly look in his eyes. I drew it from memory a few hours before bedtime, thinking of how he was playing with the girl today. All of Elladan's family plus Gweyr, Falenas, Ryia, Glorfindel, and I spent the day in the gardens since it was warm and bright. Elrohir and Elladan tried their hardest to make Ryia laugh by throwing her up in the air or making silly faces at her. It was cute watching him interact with the small girl, and it made me think of how great of a father he will be one day.

'Dan smiles widely as he runs his finger over the page, his eyes crinkling merrily. "I love this, Taenya," he says, glancing up at me, "You draw so well, and you depict emotions perfectly. I had a wonderful time today in the gardens, and I have become quite attached to Ryia, even though she has only been here for a few days."

"I am glad you like it," I say with a big smile, elated by his praise, "And yes, Ryia is so adorable. She is like the little sister I have always longed for."

"You will make a great mother someday. Ryia adores you," 'Dan says, handing the book back to me with a handsome grin.

I bite the inside of my cheek gently, trying not to blush. "I hope so. I have always wanted many children," I say, sliding the book back under my bed, "You will make a great father. You were so cute when playing with Ryia today."

I laugh at his playful scowl. "Cute? I do not know whether to be offended or honored by your observation," he says with a low chuckle.

I yawn tiredly, finally starting to feel sleepy. "You should be honored, for I was giving you a compliment," I say, rubbing my eyes.

'Dan laughs softly. "You need to get some rest, Taenya," he says, standing from my bed.

"No, do not leave!" I exclaim, hopping out of bed, "I am not tired!"

I contradict my statement by losing my balance, and he catches me as I trip. His

soft laughter fills my room. "Taenya, you need to sleep. I will come and find you tomorrow," he says, his voice stern, yet caring and amused.

I frown slightly, sighing. "I wish you could stay. I love talking with you."

'Dan brushes a curl out of my face, smiling down at me. "And I love talking with you, but you need rest. It would be improper for me to stay here," he replies.

"Kiss me," I say suddenly, staring up into his silvery gray eyes.

His eyes widen, surprised at my sudden blurted out demand. My mind is thick with sleepiness, and I tend to become more blunt when I am tired. He laughs awkwardly. "Taenya, I think I should leave. You are very tired and not thinking straight," he says, slipping my robe off of my shoulders and leading me to my bed.

He pulls back the covers, gently pushing me to lay down. I grudgingly oblige, lying down on my side as he pulls the blankets over my body. He bends down, kissing my forehead softly as he runs his fingers over my tangled hair, and I close my heavy lidded eyes. "Until tomorrow, my dear Taenya," he whispers to me, "Elei velui (Sweet dreams)."

I hear him close the glass doors leading to my balcony, and when I open my eyes a few moments later, he is gone as if he was just a beautiful dream. But the warmth that still lingers on my lips from our kisses and the faint smell of smoke from where he blew out the candles tells me that I was not dreaming.

I reach up, touching my lips, and I smile before closing my eyes and drifting off into colorful dreams of Elladan.

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A/N: TAENYA AND 'DAN SITTIN' IN A TREE K-I-S-S-I-N-G ;) Hope this was satisfying! I know it's short, but I had a random burst of inspiration to finally write their real first kiss. Please comment! I love reading y'all's comments so much! Love y'all, and God bless!

Love,

Josie