{Picture is of Gweyr}


"You look absolutely beautiful," Gweyr says to me as I step hesitantly into the dining room. Her eyes shine in approval and excitement as she appraises me, and she smiles softly.

I glance down at the blue dress that adorns my body. Gweyr told me to wear the nicest dress I own, so I chose this one which she gave to me a few years ago. It used to be my mother's. The dress is a stunning blue color, like the color of the sky early in the morning, and when I walk the fabric ripples behind me resembling water when someone skips pebbles over its surface. My hair falls in its natural fiery curls down my back, but I braided two strands on either side of my head back like how 'Dan's hair looked today.

I do not know why, but after meeting him today I have not quite been able to dismiss the thoughts of him that plague my mind, and my whole attitude toward meeting Ruvyn has changed. Thinking of meeting Falenas's friend in just a few moments leaves a sick feeling in my stomach, but thoughts of 'Dan somehow calm me down. I strangely wish that I was out in the forest still, listening to his soft, yet husky voice.

And as I sit down at the dining table, I cannot help but allow my heart to long for tomorrow when I get to see him once again.

"Thank you, sister," I reply with a tight, nervous smile, "You look beautiful as well."

She sets out the diningware, giving me a look. "Do not be so nervous, Taenya. Ruvyn seems like a kind and noble ellon from what Falenas has told me. The poor elf is not coming here to pledge his love to you and marry you by morning, so just calm down and do not worry," she says jokingly, "Falenas and I just want to help you. Who knows, you might just grow to tolerate him."

I place my elbow on the table, resting my cheek in my palm, and I run the material of the tablecloth between my forefinger and thumb with my other hand. "I understand you are trying to help, and I thank you for being so considerate of my feelings and my future. But I do not need help in finding a suitable ellon to marry. Love will find me at the right time and with the right one. I have faith in that."

"Well, what if now is the right time, Taenya? What if Ruvyn is the right one?" she questions softly.

I shrug slightly, not meeting her gaze. "Then so be it," I reply quietly. The truth is, I have a really bad feeling about this. My heart drums in my chest and in my ears, and that sick feeling from earlier comes back to me. I have absolutely no interest in meeting this infamous Ruvyn, and I dread the entire dinner. I just know it will be awkward.

Once Gweyr has all of the food set on the table, a knock sounds at the front door, and my sister meets my gaze for a moment, an excited smile on her face. "Be open minded," she breathes to me as two sets of footsteps sound through the small cottage.

I do not reply, too concentrated on trying to calm my erratic heartbeat. I have never been good with meeting new people since I am shy, but knowing that this is a setup for a possibility of love blossoming makes me feel like fainting.

I glance up when laughter fills the small dining room as Falenas and Ruvyn enter. The first person I lay eyes on is Falenas, and he gives me a broad, reassuring smile. My eyes then meet bright green ones, and I unconsciously hold my breath as he bows to my sister and me. He is undoubtedly handsome with his forest green eyes and chestnut brown hair, but I feel guilty thinking that he is nothing compared to 'Dan. He is tall and lean and muscular, as most ellon from Rivendell are, but what stands out to me is his slightly tanned skin. Tanned skin is rare amongst elves, but it suits him perfectly. He is dressed in a dark green tunic, brown trousers, and brown leather boots. Training gear.

"Suilad penath (Greetings everyone)," he says, his voice deep and strong, and he bows to us.

I stand along with my sister and curtsey to him, avoiding his gaze as much as possible.

"Mae tollen (Welcome)," my sister says cheerily with a breathtaking smile, "I am Gweyr, and this is my younger sister Taenya." She gestures to me, bringing me into the conversation quickly.

Falenas pulls Gweyr's chair back for her, and they both sit down as Ruvyn crosses the room. He stops in front of me, taking my hand in his strong, calloused one and kissing my knuckles. The action does not give me the warm feeling it did when 'Dan performed it earlier today, but I try to push back such thoughts as he pulls away and smiles charmingly at me, his eyes crinkling at their corners.

"I have heard much of you from Falenas, my lady," he says kindly, pulling my seat back for me. I sit down, and he follows my lead as I think of something to say.

"I hope you have heard only good things, my lord," I tell him with a smile as I turn to look at Falenas, "He loves to tease me."

Ruvyn chuckles deeply, seeming perfectly at ease in our small dining room. "I assure you that he speaks naught but kind words of you," he replies.

Gweyr must notice how uncomfortable I feel because she smiles and gestures toward the food on the table. "Please, help yourself. I tried to make an assortment of things since I do not know what you like."

Ruvyn bows his head in thanks. "I appreciate your kindness in allowing me to join you tonight," he says and begins to place different types of food on his plate as the rest of us do the same, "I have not had an intimate meal such as this one in a very long while."

"And why is that?" Gweyr asks, "If you do not mind my prying."

He smiles at her, glancing at me briefly. "My family lives in Mirkwood, and I have not seen them in a few years. I moved to Rivendell along with my brother Elyon in order to train under the teachings of Glorfindel. Though I do not regret my decision, I do miss my family very much."

Gweyr smiles at him sadly. "Well, you are always welcome at our home, Ruvyn, anytime you feel the least bit famished."

I meet the gaze of Falenas, and he raises his eyebrow, silently prodding me to speak. I place my fork down, clearing my throat awkwardly before turning to look at Ruvyn. "You train with Glorfindel?" I question him quietly, "I have heard that he is a great warrior."

He nods, seeming to be happy that I am speaking to him now, and I feel slightly guilty for my awkwardness. I do not want him to think of me as unkind. "Yes, my lady. He is truly a fierce warrior, and I feel honored to train under him."

I force a smile, nodding politely. "And what of Lord Elrond? Have you ever spoken to him?"

He shakes his head. "Only once, when my brother and I first arrived. He gave us a warm welcome. He is a very busy ellon, and many people seek out his advice and healing skills so I do not see him very much except in the Dining Hall."

I nod once again, interested in talk of Rivendell and its leader. I wonder if 'Dan has ever spoken to Lord Elrond.

"Rivendell has always sounded fascinating to me," I admit to the kind warrior, "I wish I could see it."

"I would be more than happy to show it to you someday," he offers with a gentle smile as his gaze rests on mine.

"I would love that," I reply, averting my gaze.

After eating, we all walk out onto the porch to get some fresh air. The night is wondrous, its atmosphere calm and serene. As I sit down in one of the rocking chairs on the porch, I stare out at the forest longingly. I wish I could just run there and avoid this whole encounter. Ruvyn is kind and handsome, but I do not know if I can ever love him the way my sister and Falenas are hoping.

My family speaks to Ruvyn as we sit on the porch, but I am too absorbed in my thoughts to listen. I slowly rock the chair back and forth, feeling tired suddenly as the day finally begins to catch up with me.

"Well, Ruvyn," my sister begins, and her slightly mischievous tone of voice snaps me out of my reverie, "Falenas and I are going to head back inside, but Taenya will stay and keep you company. She always stays up late at night."

I stare at her in shock, feeling betrayed, but Ruvyn does not notice for he nods and smiles politely. "Goodnight then, and thank you for such a wonderful meal."

"Goodnight," both my sister and Falenas say, and Gweyr shoots me a look that says she will be furious if I do not stay with him. They both then disappear back into the cottage, and I am left alone with Ruvyn.

He is quiet for a few moments before he turns to look at me, but I continue to look out at the forest, pretending that I do not feel his gaze. "You are not happy," he states quietly.

I turn to look at him in bewilderment. "Why do you say that?" I ask him softly, feeling guilty.

The corner of his lips lift slightly in amusement. "I can see it in your eyes. You have had the same far-away look in them since I arrived," he says simply. The soft light from the house pools onto his tanned skin, and his eyes rest on me softly.

I open my mouth and then close it, searching for something to say. "I just- I am tired," I stammer, "And I have not the talent of speaking to people I barely know."

"It is alright. I understand. I tried not to make you uncomfortable tonight, for I could tell you are shy. But I do not think tiredness is what makes you seem so distant."

I stare at him, analyzing his facial features for any signs of mind reading magic, but when I see none I sigh quietly. "I have lived in this cottage all of my life, and I have barely seen the outside world. The only place other than this forest I have visited is Willowdale, and I rarely go there. I guess I prefer solitude over the company of many others. Forgive me if I seemed rude, for it was not my intention."

His gaze softens, and he surprises me by taking my hand in his own, placing a chaste kiss upon my knuckles as he did earlier. "I did not think of you as rude, my lady. I find you quite captivating," he says, and I blush at his praise.

He stands, pulling me up to stand with him, and he meets my gaze, holding me captive. "With your consent, I wish to see you again," he says, his voice quiet and alluring.

Memories of 'Dan asking the same thing come flashing through my mind, and I feel almost guilty when I nod to him. "I would like that," I tell him just as quietly.

He stares at me for a moment before bringing my hand back to his lips. "Then I shall come again as soon as I can," he says, pulling away from me and stepping off of the porch, "Oltho vae ne fuin hen (May you dream well tonight)."

"Navaer (Farewell)," I call to him, watching as he disappears into the blanket of night. The last thing I see of him is the warm smile he sends me.

I walk slowly into the house, attempting to sneak off to my room, but Gweyr is sitting on my bed when I walk in and I smile softly at her.

She has changed into her nightgown, her honey colored hair spilling over her shoulders in beautiful waves. "Well, what did you think of him?" she asks me happily, clapping her hands together in anticipation.

My smile widens at her enthusiasm, and I try to think of how to respond. "Ruvyn was very kind and sweet," I tell her shyly, sitting down on the bed beside her.

My sister nudges my shoulder teasingly. "And handsome and charming," she says and laughs.

I laugh along with her. "He is both of those things," I reply, "But I just... I do not know if I will ever be able to love him. I know that you and Falenas wish for it to happen, but I just do not know."

My sister puts her arm around my shoulder and hugs me to her. "Taenya, you do not have to force yourself to like him if you do not. Falenas and I just want you to be happy. If he is not the one for you, then do not worry. Neither of us will be angry with you."

"He asked me for my permission to come again," I tell her, leaning my head on her shoulder and breathing in her comforting scent.

"Oh! What did you say?" she asks.

"I told him yes," I tell her.

"Good," she replies with a wide grin, "You have only met him once. Maybe your feelings will grow for him over time."

I glance out of the window at the darkened forest, the moonlight pooling onto the leaves of the trees, and I think of 'Dan. Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I think of tomorrow.

"Maybe so," I reply half-heartedly, my mind far away as I daydream of tomorrow and a certain pair of silver eyes.

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A/N: Hope y'all enjoyed it! Comment, vote, share :) Love y'all!

Love,

Josie <3