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Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. -Psalm 37:7

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Elladan sits up in a flash, terror written across his features. "What are we to do?" he questions sharply, throwing his legs over the side of the bed and standing quickly.

Elrohir watches him through red, watery eyes as he strides across the room, strapping on swords and daggers and grabbing his bow and quiver of arrows. 'Dan always has them with him, just in case, and when I became sick, he left them in my room for safety.

My heart aches as I watch him trying to hold himself together. I know that he does not wish to cry in front of us, especially his brother. He is trying to be strong for his twin, but from the expression on his face, I know he is about to break down any second.

"What about Taenya?" Elrohir questions, his eyes shifting over to my pale and fragile body as I struggle to stay sitting up in bed.

Elladan stops, his eyes meeting mine for long moments. I can see the war in them, the want to be with me but also to save his naneth at the same time. I smile weakly. "'Tis alright. I will be here waiting for you when you return with your naneth," I tell him, trying to be courageous, but the truth is, I am terrified. I am afraid to be left here alone with just the healers. What if I have another attack, and I actually die this time? I cannot die without Elladan with me. He would never forgive himself.

'Dan looks at his brother. "I... I cannot leave her," he responds in agony, sighing as if the words physically hurt him. I watch him sadly as tears finally spring to his eyes. "You must gather up a search party. You will do fine with... without me."

The words are a stab to my heart. The twins are always together. They always have each other's backs. 'Tis not right for them to be separated, and I refuse to watch it happen.

"No. You will go with Elrohir. You must find your naneth. If I am to die, know that it will be a more peaceful death than your naneth would ever have in the hands of those vile creatures. I would feel like a coward if I were to keep you here, 'Dan. Go, find her."
Elladan's eyes fall closed for a moment, and he breathes deeply. When they flutter open, he is walking toward me determinedly. He leans over and kisses me softly. When he pulls away, he searches my eyes with his breathtaking silver ones. "I love you, Taenya. Please do not leave me," he whispers, and he touches my cheek for a moment, "I will return. I promise."

I watch sadly as he leaves, tears burning in my eyes as I remember the promise I made him just a few hours ago. I only hope that they will find their mother and bring her home safely.

And I hope I will live to see her come home.

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"Taenya, there is someone here to see you."

I turn my head to see Lord Elrond standing at the door, a wide smile on his lips, but he has dark circles under his eyes. His eyes are dull, no light or happiness in them. I slowly push myself up into a sitting position, gasping at the pain in my bones.

He pushes the door back, revealing the most beautiful elleth I have ever seen in my entire life. She seems to float into the room, her long white hair falling in soft waves down her back. Her striking blue eyes take in the sight of my feverish body and tangled, matted hair as I study her in return. At first, I think I am staring at Lady Celebrian, and my heart lurches in happiness that she is okay.

"Lady Galadriel has travelled here all the way from Lothlorien to heal you," Lord Elrond explains, and my heart sinks as I take another look at the lady.

A silver dress clings to her figure, the bottom swooping down to the floor prettily. Her eyes are bright with wisdom and knowledge, and they appraise me carefully. She sits down on the side of my bed, a kind smile on her lips, and she speaks to Elrond without looking away from me. "Go, Elrond. Find my daughter. Taenya is quite safe in my care."

I look at Lord Elrond to see his expression, the fear and worry for his wife creating a storm in his normally serene eyes. He nods once, needing no further prompting, and he leaves, softly shutting the door behind himself.

I meet Lady Galadriel's gaze. "You know what will happen to her." It is a statement that leaves my lips and a conclusion I came to within seconds of seeing her knowing gaze and her defeated demeanor.

She smiles, her eyes sad. "You are exceptionally observant," she says, her voice like a sweet melody, and she sighs, "I see many things, my child. Some come to pass, and some do not. The future is not set in stone. It is constantly swayed by the decisions and actions of others. I have seen several things happen to my daughter, but I can only stay positive that Elrond, Elrohir, and your Elladan will find her."

"They will find her. I have no doubt," I respond simply, pushing my damp hair from my feverish forehead, and I am not surprised at all that she knows of mine and Elladan's relationship. "'Dan is the bravest person I have ever known, and he will do anything for those he loves. I would trust him with my life."

"And your life is why I have come," she says, her eyebrows raising ever-so-slightly, and she moves to take something out of a pocket in her dress folds. A small vial glints in the light streaming in from the balcony, and I hold my breath in anticipation.

She holds it up for me to inspect. "This is the sap from a Mallorn tree. Have you ever heard of them?"

I nod, remembering the stories that my father used to tell of Lothlorien. "They grow in Lothlorien, do they not? Great and beautiful silver trees that reach the Heavens," I say, my breathing coming in short puffs at the effort of holding myself upright, "That is what my Ada used to say."

"Yes, they are quite grand," she says with a fond smile, "But do you know where they originated?"

I shake my head, having no idea.

"They originally grew in Valinor, and I have found that the sap performs wonders in healing. This is a very recent discovery of mine, actually," she says, sounding like an excited elfling, and I smile weakly, resting against the headboard tiredly.

"And you believe this will heal me?" I question her.

"I believe it is our best bet," she says, nodding once as if to convince herself.

"So there is a chance it will not work?" I ask her, a heavy weight settling in my chest.

'Tis so strange to sit and discuss my fate as if we are discussing the weather. If this does not work, I will die, but if it does, I will be wed to the love of my life. I promised 'Dan that I would fight for my life until the very end, and I do not intend to give up. If I have to drink a million different herbs then I will do so gladly. I will do anything to be Elladan's wife.

She watches me for a moment, debating on whether or not to give me false hope. "This sickness you have come down with is unheard of, save for the case of your parents. There is no known cure, for this is an exceptionally rare illness," she says, tightening her grip on the vial as she stares at it with determination, "But, I have found that the healing properties of this sap are extraordinary. I used it alone as a salve for a horrific burn on an elfling. We were all sure that he would forever remain disfigured from the injury, but he healed perfectly in mere days."

My eyes widen at her words. "Then surely it can heal me," I mumble, my chest aching with the effort of such a long conversation.

She nods. "'Tis worth a try."

"Then so be it," I tell her, taking the vial as she hands it to me. I take out the stopper, raising the glass bottle to my lips hesitantly. The fragrant aroma of the sap whirls up to my nose, and I breathe deeply, allowing it to calm my nerves for a moment. Then, I drink it.

The sap is surprisingly warm and so very thick and tasty. It fills my senses with the most heavenly taste and smell of fresh flowers and tree bark, and my insides feel warm as I drink it. It is almost as if I can feel it ever-so-slowly seeping through every nook and cranny of my body, banishing the darkness that has festered inside of me for so long. I am disappointed when there is not a single drop left inside of the vial, and I open my eyes to meet the gaze of Lady Galadriel.

"That is... incredible," I tell her, handing it back with shaking hands, "I already feel it working."

"Excellent," she says, a true grin coming to her lips, "I am hopeful that this will cure you."

"I hope so," I whisper, my body feeling heavy with tiredness, "I must get well for Elladan."
"For Elladan?" she asks with a merry laugh, "What makes you say such a thing?"

"I promised that I would marry him when I am healed completely. I do not break promises."

She laughs again, reaching out to touch my hand comfortingly. "Well, you will be healed in no time, I believe, and then you can marry my grandson right away. You will never find a more worthy ellon. Ever since he was a child, he put others before himself," she says, her eyes filled with love, "I see the way your eyes shine when you speak of him, despite how very ill you are. That kind of love cannot be snuffed out by darkness."

"He has brought light back into my soul," I admit, closing my eyes and concentrating on the warmth of the sun streaming into my room and warming my skin, "I will be most honored to be his wife. I cannot think of anything else in all of Arda that could make me happier."

"I do not think he could find an elleth any more worthy of him than you," she says, and I open my eyes to see her looking out of the window.

I allow my voice to drop to a whisper. "Lady Celebrian is one of the nicest people I have ever met. My heart aches to imagine her out there somewhere, all alone." My expression tightens with sorrow and anger. "How could anyone be so vile? How could anyone wish to hurt a being so lovely and good?"

Galadriel turns to me, her face cheerless. "We may never understand the motives of evil people, and that is alright. 'Tis easy to allow ourselves to be overcome with anger and hate, but that makes us like the evil ones. We can only let go of such feelings and allow hope and love to take their place. You are a very positive young girl, Taenya. Do not let the actions of others turn your heart black."

She stands from the bed, walking slowly to the door. She places a dainty hand upon the knob, twisting it, and she looks over her shoulder at me for a brief moment. "Get some rest, child. The healing process will not be easy."

She goes to leave, but I stop her with my voice. "Why did Lord Elrond not leave immediately to find his wife?"

She does not turn to me this time, but her voice sounds warm and amused when she speaks again. "Elladan begged him to stay with you until I arrived."

"And he listened?" I choke out in shock. "He agreed to stay with me, even though his wife is missing?"

"Why would he not?" is her simple reply, seeming to hold so many underlying meanings, and she exits the room, the door closing with a soft thud behind her.

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A/N: I am so sorry for abandoning this story for so long, and at the cliffhanger of all places! Like I've explained a million times, senior year is so stressful, and I just haven't had any inspiration. I would rather wait several months for it to strike than just upload crap, you know? But anyway, I'm back, and hopefully for good! Please be understanding with your comments, even though I know I've let y'all down with the wait. I know you'll have to go back and re-read a few chapters to remember what's going on, so please forgive me for that.

I love y'all so much, and I thank you for the continuous support you've given me! God bless!

Love,

Josie