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Cast your cares upon the Lord, and he will sustain you. -Psalm 55:22

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Taenya

"Oh, Taenya, dear! This color is so lovely with your skin," Lady Celebrian says as her seamstress holds up pieces of material in front of me. She crosses her arm over her chest, her other hand clenched in a fist and propping up her chin. A dark blue dress clings to her small body, the skirts puffing out from the waist and sweeping to the floor elegantly. Silver little jewels are sewn all over the form fitting sleeves and top of the dress, stopping at the waist where a matching blue velvety sash is tied. Her silky blonde hair is braided thickly down one shoulder, small pearls weaved through the strands, and a silver circlet sits upon her head, a matching sapphire jewel resting in the center.

She smiles beautifully, looking like a perfect oil painting standing in the small room in which her seamstress works. Random dresses, materials, thread, and an assortment of other things are strewn across the chairs in the room which are pushed against the walls, and maids rush in and out of the room with orders for dresses from other elleth in Rivendell.

Valindra, the seamstress, stares at me closely as she holds up a piece of material in front of me. She is much younger looking than I pictured she would be, and she is so very beautiful! 'Tis a wonder than 'Dan did not fall in love with her; then again, I am sure all of the Rivendell elleth are gorgeous and delicate. The thought sends a spark of jealousy and hurt through my heart as I wonder what could have possibly drawn him to fancy me when I am so plain compared to them. Valindra's chestnut hair falls in slight waves down her shoulders, and it is braided in several places with small white flowers tucked in the strands. Her pure white dress flows around her elegantly with each of her movements. The sleeves are the most beautiful type of lace I have ever laid eyes upon, and I once again feel insecure as I stand among all of these ellith in one of my old, worn dresses.

"Hmm, Arwen, what do you think?" Valindra asks, turning her small, pixie-like face to stare questioningly at her, "I am torn between green and white."

Arwen's clear blue eyes leave Ryia, turning to look at me. "Both look absolutely stunning and will complement her innocent beauty," she says after a long moment of appraisal, causing me to blush ever-so-slightly at her kind praise, "But I am leaning toward the white."

"The green looks so wonderful with her beautiful eyes, though," Lady Celebrian says, pursing her lips in concentration as she walks closer to me.

Arwen smiles at me amusedly, rolling her eyes jokingly behind her naneth's back. "I agree, Naneth, but the white is so simple. With some lace and pearls placed upon a form fitting white dress, Taenya will look stunning. She only needs something simple that will complement her natural beauty. Too much frill and color will take away from her appearance. A dress must show the wearer's personality, and Taenya here is such a gentle spirit."

Lady Celebrian laughs brightly along with Valindra. "My, my, you have a real taste for design, my daughter. Valindra might just need to hire you," she says before her gaze travels back to me, "Well, you have persuaded me. I can envision the white, simple dress perfectly. Afterall, we have to have Taenya looking her absolute best since 'Dan will be dancing with her all night." She winks at me softly, laughing as I blush.

Valindra nods kindly. "Arwen, I agree wholeheartedly. I am now considering taking you on as my helper," she says with a grin before turning to me, "Now, I will have your dress finished as quickly as I can, and I will be sure to create a dress worthy of the lady who has caught the eye of Lord Elladan."

I smile at her in genuine thanks. "Thank you so very much," I tell her, glancing over to Lady Celebrian, "And thank you, my lady. I have done nothing to deserve such a magnificent gift. I have no idea how to repay your kindness."

Her eyes soften, and she pats my arm tenderly. "The only repayment I need is your happiness. Are you content with a white dress? Or would you rather have something else?"

"The white sounds perfect, my lady," I reply, smiling happily.

"Good," she says, her smile growing, "Run along now, and find my son. I can see the anticipation in your eyes, and I can imagine that Elladan is somewhere sulking."

I grin shyly, curtseying to her. "Thank you," I breathe, barely containing my excitement, and I quickly exit the room, waving goodbye to Ryia who watches me go with a pout. I walk through the winding hallways until I am out on the soft green grass, the sun shining down upon me. I smile, content with the smell of the earth, and it makes me long to walk through the forest like I have not done in so long.

I find Elladan in the gardens, but I stop behind I bush when I see how happy he looks as he is speaking to Legolas. I appraise the prince for a moment, noticing that he looks much the same as he did when I was an elfling. He most certainly has grown with age, but he still has the air of kindness and grace as he did the time I saw him in Willowdale. He is much older than me because he was grown when I saw him all those years ago.

His blue eyes are bright with laughter as he speaks to 'Dan animatedly, speaking of a funny story about the guards in Mirkwood. His hair looks like a golden flame as the sun shines through it, each strand seeming to soak up all of the sunlight. His features are soft like they were when I first saw him upon his arrival, and judging from his smile and kind eyes, I pin him to be just as sweet and caring as I thought he must have been when I was a little girl.

Though Legolas is very handsome- certainly living up to the talk I have heard- he is nothing compared to my Elladan. 'Dan's silvery-gray eyes seem to glow with content and a hint of mischief as they always do, and my heart feels strange in my chest as I think on how much I really love them. He uses those eyes to render me speechless when he stares at me, deep emotions and thoughts seeming to lie right under the surface but not enough for me to make them out. His smile is dashing- utterly flawless- as he laughs at his friend's story, and his hair falls around his masculine, handsome features in all of its raven-colored glory. The silver tunic he wears complements his eyes perfectly and hints at the muscles and strong chest that lie underneath its expensive material.

As if feeling my stare, his eyes travel over the flowers where I am hiding as Legolas speaks, oblivious of my presence, and when he spots me, the corner of his lips slowly lift into a wondrous smirk. He raises his eyebrow ever-so-slightly, not alerting Legolas to my presence so as not to embarrass me, and just like that, I am released from his mesmerizing stare as he looks at his friend.

I sigh slightly, feeling my cheeks heat up as they always do when he looks at me like that, and I wait a few moments for the heat to leave my skin before I emerge from my hiding spot, walking toward them. I clasp my fingers together in front of me, a habit that I have had since I was a child, and I will myself to not blush as they both stop speaking, turning to look at me. 'Dan stands immediately, gazing at me in amusement, and he takes my hand in his and pulls me close to him. I breathe in his musky scent, feeling calm now that I have him with me. Being the center of attention of the ellith in the seamstress's room was overwhelming and made me feel awkward without him.

I incline my head in greeting as Legolas stands and repeats the gesture, and he smiles widely at me. "Lady Taenya, 'Dan has done nothing but speak of you since you left," he says, grinning at Elladan.

I turn my gaze to 'Dan, raising my eyebrow at him. He clears his throat awkwardly. "Legolas, you tell everything," he says, glowering, and the Elven prince laughs good-naturedly.

"'Tis alright," I say, and Elladan looks down at me with his gorgeous gray eyes, "I like to know of such things."

He smiles, staring at me in the way that he does when he wishes to kiss me, and I blush and look away from him when I see Legolas shift awkwardly. "Forgive me," I tell him with an embarrassed smile, "We are making you uncomfortable."

Legolas laughs, shaking his head. "No, no,'tis funny to watch you. You are so in love," he says with a grin, glancing at 'Dan.

My cheeks become warm at his words, and I lower my gaze shyly. Elladan has not told me that he loves me yet, and that fact has kept my lips sealed.

The sound of a horse racing into the courtyard startles me, and all three of us look at each other for a moment in surprise. Legolas takes off into a sprint at the same time 'Dan grabs my hand, and we all run out of the garden and toward the courtyard to see who has arrived. I grin as I think that we must look positively ridiculous: a prince, a lord of Rivendell, and a peasant girl racing across the grass like children.

We slow down when we see a man sliding off of his horse in worn clothes. The man has dark brown, windswept hair that reaches his shoulders, and his clothes are made up of greens and browns, all muddied and torn in some places. Despite his unkempt attire, the man has an exceptionally handsome and chiseled face, and his jaw is peppered with dark stubble that only adds to his attractive masculinity.

'Dan tenses slightly as he sees the man, and I look at him in confusion. "What is wrong?" I question him, but my attention is diverted from him as the ruggedly handsome man comes toward us, a wide smile on his face.

"Legolas, Elladan," he addresses them delightedly, inclining his head in greeting.

"Aragorn!" Legolas exclaims with a jovial grin, and he embraces the man as if they have not seen each other for quite some time, "How are you, Mellon (Friend)?"

"Tired," Aragorn replies honestly, and Legolas chuckles.

I stare at the man in surprise, immediately recognizing his name from when Arwen and I spoke a few days ago, and a burst of courage soars through me, overpowering my shyness. "Aragorn?" I question, and he turns to look at me, curiosity shining in his gray eyes, "Forgive me. I recognized your name from a few conversations I have had with Lady Arwen."

His eyes soften at her name, and I bite my lip to keep from smiling like a fool. "You must be Taenya," he concludes, appraising me with a smile, "Arwen wrote to me of you. I must thank you for being so kind to her; she really loves you."

I incline my head in thanks, not really knowing what else to say since Elladan's stiff posture is making me incredibly uncomfortable. I glance at him, urging him to say something.

"'Tis nice to see you again," 'Dan says with a smile, but I can see the overprotectiveness and icy calculation in his eyes. I watch him closely and come to the conclusion that he must really like Aragorn, but his fear of losing his sister overpowers his feelings.

Aragorn smiles easily, either not picking up on Elladan's cool air or choosing to ignore it. "You as well," he replies, not moving forward to embrace him like he did with Legolas.

"Come, Aragorn, let us leave the two lovers alone for now," Legolas says jokingly, sending a fleeting smile my way, and I notice the slight urgency in his actions, realizing that he knows of 'Dan's disapproval of Aragorn.

The man laughs, his eyes crinkling with merriment. "Alright," he consents, allowing the prince to lead him away.

Once they are out of sight, I turn to Elladan in slight irritation, my eyebrows furrowing deeply. "Why must you treat him so?" I question softly, not wanting to start an argument, "Does Elrohir do the same?"

Elladan's silver eyes meet mine sorrowfully, and guilt washes over me immediately. "Forgive me, Taenya, but I cannot bare to see him," he says so quietly that I have to lean in slightly to hear him.

I stare at him, not knowing how to reply. My chest hurts as if it is feeling the pain that he is feeling, and I place my hand on his arm hesitantly, expecting him to pull away. He does not, though, and he steps closer to me, resting his head on my shoulder and wrapping his arms around my waist tightly. My cheeks flush as I glance around the courtyard, hoping that no one will see us like this, and I place my left hand on his shoulder, running my other over his hair in comfort.

"I understand," I tell him quietly.

"No, you do not," he replies softly, not in a rude way but in honesty, "You think I am being unfair to him, that I am being cruel, and I may be, but I cannot bring myself to be good friends with the man who will destroy my sister and my family."

I bite my lip, knowing that he is right about the way I feel. "'Dan, Aragorn cannot destroy your family himself. The only way he could do that is if you let him by placing all of the blame upon him. Arwen loves him so deeply, Elladan. If your family keeps them apart, 'twill not be Aragorn who will destroy your sister," I almost whisper, scared that he will get angry with me for speaking so boldly.

Elladan does not respond, only tightening his arms around me.

"Just think if it was you and me- if I was mortal. How would you feel if you loved me so very deeply, but your family was intent on separating us. What if you had already made the decision to love me for all of my mortal life and depart from this world when I do, but your family was not allowing you to make such a decision because they were not ready to let you go. How would you feel, 'Dan? What would you do?"

As he ponders this, I look around the courtyard again anxiously, and I get the feeling that someone is watching us. By some kind of instinct, my gaze wanders up to the top floor of the house, and I am surprised to see Lord Elrond standing at a large window, looking down at us. He stands there, looking every inch of the Lord of Rivendell that he is in his long, wine red robes and silver circlet. Obviously, he cannot hear what we are saying, but his gaze tells me that he saw the exchange between his son and Aragorn. He looks tired and sad, and he gives me a weak attempt at a smile before turning and disappearing from the window.

Elladan pulls back, and I meet his intense gaze. He places his hand on my cheek, softly caressing my skin as he searches my eyes. "I would choose you, of course; no doubt about it. I would have nothing to live for if I did not have you, Taenya," he says seriously, and I feel my cheeks warm, "I will try to be understanding of their situation and treat Aragorn kindly like I did before he fell in love with my little sister. Though, I do not think I will be able to part with her anytime soon, you have helped me tremendously. I am sure you will have to speak to my ada about it someday. You have an amazing gift of always saying the right thing."

I divert my gaze bashfully. "I do not always say the right things," I reply, "I do recall that I hurt you very deeply with my words all those weeks ago."

"That is in the past, and it was my fault for lying. Can we please put that behind us?" he asks, once again giving me the look that tells me he wishes very much to kiss me.

I smile widely, nodding, and he kisses my lips softly for a moment, leaving me breathless when he pulls away.

"Now, shall we go and find Arwen? I am sure she wishes to know of Aragorn's arrival," he suggests, taking my hand.

I watch him with shining eyes, proud of his new determination to be the best older brother he can possibly be. "I think that is a wonderful idea."

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A/N: New chapter! Sorry for the wait, guys! I wasn't able to post as soon as I'd hoped. Hope y'all enjoy! Please comment if ya did! Love y'all and God bless!! <3

Love,

Josie