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If we are faithless, He remains faithful. - 2 Timothy 2:13

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Taenya

"How are you liking my home?" Arwen asks kindly, her eyes gazing at me beneath her thick, dark eyelashes. The wind is light and soothing, caressing my skin as we sit idly in the garden. 'Dan was summoned to some sort of meeting with his father this morning, and he still has not returned. Arwen invited me to spend the morning with her after breakfast, and we decided to venture to the gardens. She sits on a stone bench across from me, her fingers quick and nimble as she embroiders a rose onto a handkerchief-a gift to her naneth. Her hair falls down past her shoulders to her hips in soft-looking, large waves, and the most exquisite sky blue dress I have ever seen adorns her small figure, making her appear to be a queen. A silver circlet twists around her head like vines, ending in the center of her forehead with a blue, teardrop styled gem dangling from it.

"I love it," I reply genuinely, absentmindedly stroking the spine of the book I am reading, "Your family is so very kind and loving. I feel welcomed here."

She smiles widely, her eyes shining. "Ada and Naneth were speaking of you this morning," she says matter-of-factly, and my eyes widen slightly, "They both like you very much. Naneth said you were perfect for Elladan. I have to agree with her. The pair of you are so adorable! It sends warmth into my heart to see my brother so happy."

I look down at the book in my hands, a bashful yet pleased smile pulling at my lips. "You all say that I make 'Dan happy. Has he really changed noticeably?" I ask her, genuinely curious.

She laughs, nodding excitedly, and she stops sewing, intent to divulge all of the information she possesses. "My brother has never taken an interest in any elleth; whereas, Elrohir has had several infatuations throughout the years, but he never really courted any of them. When 'Dan started disappearing into the forest and coming back in high spirits, Naneth and I immediately became suspicious of his odd behavior. Naneth guessed that he must have become fond of an elleth, and here you are as the proof of that suspicion," she says with a small giggle.

"I can barely believe that he cares for me," I say, my voice soft and far away as I look up at the brilliantly blue sky, "He is like no other ellon I have ever met."

Arwen smiles knowingly, going back to sewing. "My brother is like the mother hen of the family. He is always checking on us and asking how we are. He is a great listener, too, always putting others before himself. He will make a wonderful, devoted husband."

I blush, my gaze snapping back to her in surprise. "Husband?" I question, thinking on the possibility.

Her grin widens. "Have you never thought about it?" she asks amusedly, "Surely 'Dan will want to marry you someday."

"I cannot imagine being married to him. That would mean living here and having so many people know who I am. I am already getting unwanted attention from some of the elves here. Elrohir told me that he heard servants speaking of me. 'Tis quite embarrassing to be known as Elladan's 'mystery elleth,'" I say with a laugh.

"You will get used to it the longer you are around. People talk, and you cannot help that. Just be yourself and do not allow anyone to come between you and 'Dan," Arwen says, and then a smirk comes to her lips, "'Ro told us all what happened yesterday."

"Oh, you mean when he almost caused my skull to crack open?" I joke, and she laughs loudly, her shoulders shaking slightly.

"Naneth laughed so hard, tears came to her eyes. She thought it was adorable," Arwen says, her eyes shining with laughter.

I shift uncomfortably. "It was immensely embarrassing, and 'Dan was awkward around me all afternoon."

"'Tis only because he was embarrassed. He told me."

"What did he say exactly?" I ask her, leaning forward in anticipation.

"I do not think I am allowed to tell you that," she says teasingly, "'Dan would string me from the nearest tree!"

I laugh at her. "Well, I guess I am sort of thankful for Elrohir's interruption because I have never kissed anyone before, and I did not really know what I was doing. It was sort of frightening, in a good way."

Arwen throws her head back this time as she laughs, her eyes closing in merriment, and her hair shifts around her like a waterfall of ink. "Oh, Taenya! You and my brother are so funny!" she says, and I grin, enjoying her company very much, "'Dan said exactly the same thing last night when we were talking!"

"He did?" I question, feeling a surprising burst of pride blossom in my chest. He was just as lost and afraid as I was! 'Tis a reassuring thought, but I know the next time he tries to kiss me, I will be just as nervous.

"He did. I promise," she says, tucking her hair behind her ear as she levels her gaze on me once again, "May I tell you something?"

"Of course," I reply, sobering quickly at her sudden seriousness.

"I doubt my brother has told you, but I... I have a special person, too," she says, stabbing the needle through the handkerchief in a way that makes me worried.
"Who is he?"

"Well, he grew up here in Rivendell. We named him Estel, and my parents brought him under their care when he was a small boy. He is a ranger now, off wandering the wild, but he sends me letters often and visits whenever he can. My father does not approve of our love for one another, but he does not interfere. It hurts me deeply that Ada will not support us."

"Why does your father not agree with your choosing?" I ask her, worried for her and her lover.

Her blue eyes gaze into mine sadly. "He is mortal."

I blink, thinking I heard her wrong for a moment. "M-mortal?" I question in surprise.

She nods, looking back down at her embroidery. "Yes, he is human. We both know the consequences of such a relationship, but I love him with all of my heart. I will not allow something we cannot change to get in the way of our happiness."

"I am happy for you," I say seriously, "I am happy that you would not let others tear you from him. He is very lucky, and he must be someone very special to have caught your eye."

Arwen's eyes flash back up to mine, as if surprised by my reaction and acceptance. "You do not think me strange?"

I shake my head, furrowing my eyebrows. "Not at all. If he is your soulmate, then nothing else should matter. I grew up outside of Willowdale where there are many humans, and I find them most fascinating. If you really think about it, Elves are not much different than hobbits or humans or dwarves. We are all alike in the sense that we all have feelings, emotions, faults... who is to say we cannot fall in love with someone who is slightly different than us?" I question, "My mother used to tell me that love is the strongest emotion we can feel for someone. It has the power to build up and the power to destroy. What matters is how we use that power. I believe Estel must be one of the luckiest men in all of Middle Earth to have caught the eye of Lord Elrond's daughter. Your father is most likely against the match because he does not want to lose you, and he wants your happiness but does not know how to give you away just yet."

She blinks back tears as she stares at me. She suddenly stands, tossing her handkerchief to the side, and she glides toward me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. "Taenya, you are one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Your words mean a great deal to me," she says as she pulls away, "I will be sure to mention you to Estel in my next letter. It will make him happy to hear that someone truly understands."

"I am glad to have helped you," I reply, smiling.

She blushes slightly and laughs. "The reason I brought up this topic is because I wanted to tell you of our first kiss. You have no reason to be nervous, as I told you, 'Dan has never taken interest in anyone, so he does not know what he is doing either. Estel and I were the same way. When he first kissed me, it lasted only a second, and we both pulled away so quickly, we almost fell off of this very bench."

I laugh loudly, picturing the scene. "That is so cute!" I exclaim, my eyes crinkling as I smile, "Well, Elladan fell on top of me when Elrohir opened the door yesterday, and thinking about it embarrasses me all over again."

Arwen laughs again, and she opens her mouth to say something but stops when the sound of voices catches our attention. We both turn to see Elladan and Elrohir walking toward us. 'Dan's eyes meet mine, and I still, becoming lost in his silver eyes as they search mine.

"Brothers," Arwen greets them with a smile, standing and retrieving her handkerchief and needle, "What was the meeting about?"

"A small mortal girl from Willowdale has become orphaned. Her family's house caught fire in the night, and she is the only survivor. She survived because she had snuck out of the house to watch the stars. The wood in their fireplace fell in the night and burned the home down as they were sleeping," Elladan says, giving me a pointed look when he mentions the stars.

My chest tightens at the news, and I think of how the poor girl must be feeling. I was lucky to have my sister after my parents' death, but she is completely alone. "What will be done for her?" I ask, looking between the two.

Elrohir meets my gaze, serious for the first time since meeting him. "She will live here. Naneth has taken the young girl under her tutelage."

A sigh of relief escapes my lips quietly, and I share a smile with Arwen.

"I should go and meet this child and offer my help to Naneth," Arwen says before squeezing my hand in her's, "Thank you for a wonderful morning, Taenya. You are a dear friend of mine."

She says farewell to the twins before disappearing through the door to the garden. I turn back to her brothers to see them both watching me with their eyebrows raised.

"You look so much alike. 'Tis sort of creepy," I say with a teasing grin, "Why the raised brows?"

"What did you say to our dear sister to make her fawn over you so?" Elladan asks, taking my hand and pulling me closer to him. His hair is unbound, a silver circlet hugging his head, and he and Elrohir wear matching silver tunics and black pants, dark blue robes pulled over them.

Elrohir chuckles, watching us with sparkling eyes. "She liked you before she even met you, simply because Elladan is so in love with you," he says, and 'Dan rolls his eyes.

"Arwen says you have liked many elleth in the past," I state, and his eyes widen.

"That little-," he begins, clenching his fists as his cheeks turn red, "Excuse me, but I need to speak to my sister."

He stomps off, looking absolutely flustered, and I burst out laughing when he is out of sight. 'Dan tugs on my hand, pulling me close to him, and I meet his gaze. He softly touches the jewel his mother gave me that is pinned in my hair, and his eyes travel over my features softly, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"You look beautiful," he says softly, and my cheeks feel tingly as I smile.

"Thank you, my lord," I reply, laughing at the surprised look on his face.

"You are now using formalities, my lady?" he questions amusedly.

"Yes, I am," I reply, sitting down on the stone bench, still holding his hand. His gaze travels to the book beside me, and he picks it up, opening it and skimming through it.

"The tale of Luthien and Beren?" he questions, his eyes suddenly looking sad.

I nod. "My sister read it to me many years ago. I love it," I say, thinking of Arwen and her Estel, "I find the story enchanting."

'Dan smiles grimly. "Enchanting? The story is gruesome and sad. They both die," he says, looking ahead.

I stare at him for a moment, wondering how to approach this topic slowly and gently. "Their love and bravery is enchanting. I find it beautiful how two could love each other so much," I say, looking away from him as he glances at me, "Yes, they died, but they were happy with the short time they were given. That is a story worth treasuring."

Elladan is silent, staring at the ground, and I sigh, placing my hand on his shoulder. I lean close to his ear, whispering, "I know how it feels to lose someone you love. It feels unbearable and unfair. But my parents loved each other and my sister and I up until their last breaths, and I know that they would not change anything that happened. Death is natural. For Elves, we are not used to it because it is not supposed to happen to us, but sometimes it does. Accidents happen, war grows, and sicknesses spread, and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. But if I had the chance to choose my fate, I would chose the path that would make me truly and perfectly happy. I would chose love."

'Dan meets my gaze. "Arwen told you," he states, knowing the answer.

"She did."

He nods softly. "Estel is a good man, and I would support my sister's decision with all of my heart if he was an elf," he says, looking at me, "Do you understand? I love her and desire her happiness, but I cannot watch her die."

"I understand," I reply quietly, stroking his hair comfortingly, "We do not have to speak of it any longer."

He continues to stare into my eyes, a smiling spreading on his lips. He holds his hand out for me to take, and I place mine in his. He leans forward, placing a warm kiss to my temple, and I close my eyes for a moment in content, my cheeks becoming slightly warm. His lips stay pressed to my skin for several long moments before he pulls away, his eyes bright and dancing again, no longer clouded by grief.

"Forgive me," he says, glancing down at our intertwined fingers, "The subject of my sister is hard for me to discuss."

"Think nothing of it. I understand," I tell him soothingly, "Now, I am very much in need of a cup of tea. Would you accompany me? No one is used to me yet, and I do not wish to go alone."

He pulls me up, watching me as we begin to walk out of the garden. His gaze rests on me, and I can feel it like pulses of heat hitting my skin. I glance at him, raising an eyebrow, and he smirks, pulling me closer to him as we walk.

"'Tis quite rude to stare," I tell him, "Did your mother never tell you that?"

"On the contrary, my lady," he says, his eyebrows raising ever-so-slightly as he teases me, "I just tend to forget such things when I am looking upon an enchanting woman."

"Do you make a habit of staring at women?"

He laughs, finally breaking. "Nay! I only enjoying looking at you."

I look away from him quickly, my cheeks flushed. "You are bold with your words," I mumble, and he laughs loudly.

"I believe that 'honest' is the word you are looking for," he replies, watching me in amusement.

I laugh, rolling my eyes slightly. "You quickly forget that I have never had an ellon- or anyone, really- tell me such things. All of this is completely, indescribably new to me; your affections for me, friends, a family atmosphere. 'Tis quite overwhelming," I tell him, glancing over to see that he is once again staring at me with that strange look in his eyes.

He brings my hand to his lips, placing a chaste kiss on my skin, and his gaze never leaves mine. "Forgive me. I forget sometimes how different this is for you, but your affections for me is something that I have never experienced before, either. I have never courted, so I am just as clueless."

"There is nothing to be sorry for. I was just explaining why I feel so shy and embarrassed all of the time. Though, it is in my personality and character to be quiet, experiencing new things so suddenly tends to make it worse," I say, laughing softly.

"Rule number one of our relationship," Elladan begins, imitating the deep, stern voice of his father, and I burst into laughter, quite liking the word relationship, "Never apologize for being shy." His second sentence is spoken in his normal voice, his eyes softening as he looks at me.

"I apologize for apologizing, my lord," I say teasingly as he opens the door to the kitchens, allowing me to enter first.

He laughs loudly, and I freeze uncomfortably as several of the kitchen hands turn to look at us curiously. 'Dan squeezes my hand comfortingly, pulling me through the servants as they move to let us pass, all bowing lowly to him. He leads me through another door, and inside the room, many more servants bustle around, putting together the meals for lunch. To my relief, only a few glance up questioningly, but they all go back to work seconds later after letting their gazes travel over me once in assessment.

"Elladan! What can I do for you, hîr nín (My lord)?" an older elleth asks as she approaches us, a kind smile spread across her face. Hair dark brown hair is pulled back into a long, single braid that falls down her back, and she is wearing a simple white dress with dark blue trimming that matches what all of the others are wearing. Her brown eyes are soft and motherly as she looks at 'Dan, and her grin shows just how much she favors the son of Elrond.

"Elora, this is Taenya," 'Dan says, and I watch as the lady's bright eyes travel down to our intertwined fingers before meeting my gaze with an amused smile.

"Ah, so this is the elleth my kitchen hands have been prattlin' on about!" she exclaims before pulling me into a sudden, slightly rough hug. I blush, not used to someone hugging me randomly, but I return the embrace despite my embarrassment, secretly pleased by the maternal action. She pulls back, eyeing me carefully before smirking at Elladan. "She's a real beauty!"

'Dan howls with laughter, tugging me closer to him as he takes my hand once again. "She truly is," he replies, turning his beautiful eyes on me, and a smile spreads across my lips in utter happiness.

"So what can I get ye? Pastries, strawberries, pie, or sandwiches?" she questions us quickly, turning her gaze toward the kitchen staff, "Or soup?"

"Taenya wanted some tea," Elladan replies.

"Tea. Gotcha," Elora says, turning very serious as if we have given her a very, very important task, and she disappears into the crowd of servants.

I laugh once she is gone, turning to 'Dan. "She is so funny! I like her," I tell him, and he nods in agreement.

"Elora grew up in Gondor. She was orphaned by her father who would not claim his half-elven child as his own after her mother, an elf of Rivendell named Lyra, faded. Her mother had fallen in love with the man when she was traveling through Gondor. He was a wicked man who was an expert at playing innocent, and in the end, he used her for her beauty before leaving her alone, heartbroken and with child. An elderly woman took pity on her and took her into her home, keeping her healthy during her pregnancy and giving her the love and comfort she needed. Lyra tried to be strong for her child, but her grief was too strong. After giving birth to Elora, Lyra faded, leaving her child in the care of the elderly woman. So, Elora grew up among the lower class of Men, which is why she lacks the usual grace and eloquence of speech that comes along with being an elf," 'Dan explains quietly, his lips at my ear and his hand on my arm.

"That is horrible," I whisper, "How could anyone do that?"

"Wickedness comes in many forms, Taenya, and Elora's mother was naive," he replies, his voice hard, and I can tell that he cares for the head chef very much, "My father heard of Elora many years before Elrohir and I were born, and he brought her to work in Rivendell, giving her a better life than she could have ever imagined."

We both fall silent as Elora pushes through the servants toward us, carrying a tray of two tea cups and two powdered pastries. "Come along," she says, leading us back into the room with all of the elves who made me uncomfortable earlier with their staring. She sets the tray on the long table in the room, shooing all of the servants out of the room.

"I know ye didn't ask for pastries, but I made them anyway. Eat up," she says with a smile, placing her hands on her hips in satisfaction as she watches us bite into the pastries.

"These are delicious!" I exclaim, and her smile widens.

"I'm glad ye like them!" she exclaims, her eyes dancing with happiness.

The door opens behind us, and we all turn to see Lady Celebrian entering, a small girl clutching her hand. My eyes widen in surprise, recognizing her as the little girl I met in Willowdale a few weeks ago.

"Ryia?" I question, and the tiny girl's lips pull up into a grin.

"My lady!" she shouts in excitement, running and throwing herself into my arms.

Lady Celebrian laughs amusedly, the sound beautiful like bells ringing. "I brought her here to meet you, but it seems you are already acquainted," she says and then turns to Elora and 'Dan.

"This is Ryia. She will be staying in Rivendell from now on."

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A/N: Hope y'all enjoy this! I quite like this chapter! I will update asap! Remember to comment and share! Love y'all to the Moon and back; God bless! <3

Love,

Josie :D