*Save song the song until the end.

"How is she my lord?" Lindir asked softly.

Lord Elrond paused in the hall, having left Aerlinniel's room. "She remains fragile," he murmured, glancing up to Lindir for a moment and then narrowed his eyes. "I fear the degree to which her grief has been magnified by the public ousting by Theadra last eve."

"What could have been her motivation my lord?" Lindir shook his head in bafflement.

Elrond's brows knitted together. "I find it hard to believe that Thalen is capable of such cruelty and prefer to think Theadra acted alone, but perhaps he has had me fooled all of these years."

Lindir's eyes widened in disbelief.

"I will be in my chambers if you should need me." Elrond frowned and turned on his heel to leave.

With a deep sigh, Lindir watched as his dear friend, and lord, sulked to his chambers, shouldering the treachery of a trusted captain and the rekindled grief for his youngest child.

Morning light streamed in through the window casting a prism of light on the stone floor near where Aerlinniel sat with her feet propped upon a velvet stool. The welcoming weight of a heavy fur blanket had been tenderly placed around her shoulders as she leaned in close to the fire.

"Thank you, Lindir," she whispered, drawing it tight across her chest.

"Of course," he murmured draping another fur blanket over her legs - careful to tuck the edges snug, beneath her feet. "We need to thaw you, out my lady," he soothed.

Aerlinniel smiled thinly, for if ever there was an elf she could truly rely upon, it was Lindir - ever faithful and always eager to lend a helpful hand or an encouraging word.

Moments later she found that Lindir had placed a small table beside her with a steaming pot of herbal tea. The soothing scent of peach and lavender wafted from its spout. Without asking, he prepared her tea with milk and honey, just the way she preferred and gingerly offered her the cup and saucer.

"Something to help warm you on the inside."

Aerlinniel gave him a weak smile as she took the cup and placed the saucer back upon the table; keeping the cup snug between her palms.

Lindir remained by her side, in quiet reflection, as he gazed into the fire. "Are you warm enough - or shall I fetch you another blanket?"

Aerlinniel looked up into his eyes, and saw that he knew - everything there was to know - about her parents, the secret kept by Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrían and the painful revelation Theadra had brought upon her last eve.

"No thank you," she said and turned back to the fire. This is how it would be now - the way in which elves would look at her; with pity or concern, perhaps even guilt. Tears began to swell as she wished she could simply awake from the nightmare.

"It is funny life." Aerlinniel's voice broke the silence. "Everything can seem golden one minute and then turn to ashes the next." Her voice trailed off as she stared into the roaring flames.

Lindir sighed and nodded. "And yet, there still remains that which cannot be touched by fire," he said squeezing her shoulder softly.

Aerlinniel glanced up at him. "Oh Lindir!" she shut her eyes and shook her head. "But everything has changed! Nothing can remain as it was."

He squeezed her shoulder again and looked intently at her with hope brimming in his eyes. "Much like the devastation of a wildfire amid a forest, the soil that is your life will regenerate anew to be more fertile and abundant and all the more beautiful in its grandeur."

"But what shall I do?" She fretted - feeling the stifling press of her fears weigh heavy upon her.

"You shall rise from the ashes and soar by the grace and guidance of Manwë, for your wings were never meant to be clipped," he said with a fervent gleam in his eye.

Aerlinniel bowed her head and breathed in his soothing words.

"Lindir, you have always been so kind to me," she said as she looked up to him and grasped his hand.

Lindir's eyes twinkled with affection.

"Even when I was a small elfling; you have always looked out for me."

Lindir tilted his head and smiled. "And I always will, my lady," he said as he squeezed her hand.

Aerlinniel pulled the back of his palm to her cheek and leaned into it. The gesture made her feel like a child, but she supposed in his eyes, she would always remain so, and that gave her a great comfort that some things would still remain the same.

Legolas returned to his cottage to find that Frendland had prepared a roaring fire and brought him a hearty breakfast and to his surprise, a new cloak. Velenya had mentioned to Frendland that the lady Aerlinniel had taken up ownership of his previous cloak leaving him bereft of something suitably warm to wear.

After Legolas ate, he bathed and spent a few hours on his terrace, wrapped in his new cloak, and ruminated on the evening prior until he could no longer sit in idle thought and worry.

During breakfast, Frendland had suggested Legolas take some time to unwind at the private training field reserved for Lord Elrond and his elite few. Frendland assured Legolas it would be quite private and beneficial for him to get out in the fresh air and practice his skills.

At midday, he gathered his weapons and made for the elf lord's private training field hoping to channel his energy into something constructive.

Frendland had been right, Legolas had the field to himself until he felt the intrusion of another. After sending his arrow soaring deep into the field towards its target, Legolas turned his head and sighed in relief to find Glorfindel standing a few yards away, eyeing his arrow's finish.

"You have an unwavering aim, Prince." Glorfindel strode over carrying a small collection of weapons.

Legolas sniffed as he nodded his head in greeting.

Glorfindel returned the nod and cast his gaze out into the training field to survey the many targets that had been loaded with arrows.

"I see you have been busy."

"Yes." Legolas sighed eyeing his empty quiver. "And now, I must fetch my arrows," he complained, picking up his quiver.

"Nonsense, I have brought my apprentice with me. Let him gather them." Glorfindel gestured into the columned entrance of the training hall. "Come lad, you are needed!" He called.

Out of the doorway, stepped Estel. "Yes, my lord. What would you have me do?"

Glorfindel drew the lad's attention to Legolas. "Our prince here, has run out of arrows. Go fetch them from the targets, please."

Estel peered at Legolas with a meek expression before turning his eyes to the ground.

"Good afternoon, Estel." Legolas smiled and nodded his head in greeting hoping to pull the boy from his shyness. He thought it strange that Estel had turned shy with him.

"Well, go on now. Do as you have been told," Glorfindel said giving Estel a nudge forward.

Estel bowed his head and then scurried off with Legolas' quiver.

"Hmmph." Glorfindel shifted his stance and shook his head as he watched Estel. "Forgive him. I thought bringing him here today would brighten his spirits.

Legolas' nodded, his lips forming a tight line. "Last night was trying for many."

Glorfindel turned toward Legolas. "I gather you delivered Aerlinniel safely to her adar?"

Legolas nodded avoiding eye contact with the golden warrior. "She reunited with him this morning." His cheeks flushed at his admission.

Glorfindel raised a curious brow. "I see."

Legolas busied himself with his bow in hopes of avoiding any further discussion about Aerlinniel or the night prior.

"Shall we make a wager?" Glorfindel offered.

Legolas looked up and gave a cool shrug. "If you wish."

Glorfindel narrowed his eyes at him. "A competition of accuracy. Twenty arrows spread between ten targets. Two arrows per target."

"And what will be the prize?" Legolas asked.

Glorfindel thought for a moment and a sly smile spread over his face. "The loser must serve the winner for the rest of the day!"

Legolas scowled and shook his head. "That's absurd!" He couldn't help but laugh at the suggestion.

"Afraid you will lose?" Glorfindel blinked at him matter-of-factly.

"Well no, of course not. You will lose," Legolas scoffed.

"You seem pretty confident."

"I am."

"Then you have nothing to lose. Do you accept the challenge or not?" Glorfindel asked as he collected his bow and began inspecting the string's integrity.

Estel approached Legolas and silently handed him his quiver full of arrows.

"Thank you; that is a good lad," Legolas said, giving him a pat on the shoulder. Estel slid his eyes up to him and nodded stiffly and then retreated to the opposite side of Glorfindel. Legolas shrugged Estel's behavior off and figured in time the lad would warm up to him again.

Legolas slung his quiver over his shoulder and called to Glorfindel, "Prepare to do my bidding!"

With an amused grin, Glorfindel exclaimed, "Excellent! We will shoot arrow for arrow and Estel will be our judge." He tousled the top of the lad's shaggy head. "Shoot from the left target and make your way to the right," he said pointing into the wide field.

With a slate-board and chalk in his hand to track the contenders' scores, Estel made for the field.

"Distinguished guests first." Glorfindel bowed as he gestured to Legolas.

Legolas shook his head and snickered. When Estel gave the all-clear sign, Legolas nocked his arrow in a swift graceful movement and sent the first arrow soaring to the target; successfully lodging it in the center of the bullseye. With a blank expression, Legolas stepped back to survey his accuracy, then he politely signaled to Glorfindel, his turn.

In a flash of fluidity, Glorfindel notched and released his arrow quicker than Legolas had expected. Estel raised his hands up in the air, revealing the score as one for one. Glorfindel had hit the target's center. Legolas gritted his teeth, realizing he had his work cut out for him if he was to win the wager.

The pair matched each other arrow for arrow until they had come to the last of the two targets. "At this rate, there will be no winner," Legolas huffed.

"Shall we up the challenge on the last two?" Glorfindel asked with an arc of his right brow.

"How so?"

"On the ninth target, we shoot two arrows at a time."

Legolas nodded in approval. "And on the tenth?"

Glorfindel pursed his lips and thought. "Ah, let's do that one blind, shall we? Like the previous; two arrows in one shot." His eyes flared with challenge.

Legolas crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged matter-of-factly. "A mere party trick my adar would require of me as an elfling to entertain his guests."

Glorfindel snickered. "You are precocious, Thranduilion. I shall promise not to laugh when you lose."

Legolas smiled curtly then took two arrows from his quiver and notched them against his bow. Careful to set his aim in perfect position, he held his arms steady, exhaled and released - sending the pair soaring; landing simultaneously onto the target.

A strange thing occurred that Legolas did not expect. Estel held up one finger in the air while his right hand angled one finger down, which indicated that Legolas had hit one in the target's center but the other had not.

"Well now, I do not mean to gloat but that was the easier shot of the two." Glorfindel smiled pityingly.

"I was distracted." Legolas huffed and dropped his bow to his side.

"Of course." Glorfindel staved off a smile through pursed lips.

Legolas shook his head. This was not his best and he would pay because of it.

Glorfindel set his arrows in place. With a flick of his fingers, he sent them flying to the target - both landing dead center. Estel raised one finger on both hands into the air, signaling Glorfindel had successfully hit the center with both his arrows.

Legolas hung his head and sighed.

"Oh come now, you still have one shot left to redeem yourself." Glorfindel teased.

Legolas clenched his jaw and stepped forward.

"You see the target?" Glorfindel asked.

"Aye, I am ready."

Glorfindel draped a dark cloth over Legolas' eyes and tied it snugly behind his head. "Shoot when you are ready."

Legolas raised his bow with his arrows nocked and visualized the target. With a swift stretch of the bowstring, he flicked his fingers and released the arrows. When he lifted the blindfold with his free hand, he heard Glorfindel speak.

"Nicely done. Your adar would be so proud."

Legolas gave Glorfindel a terse smile. Both arrows had hit the target's center but the likelihood of him winning was slight. Glorfindel would have to miss with both his arrows for Legolas to redeem himself and win.

Glorfindel snickered under his breath as he set himself up for his turn. "I am ready. Blindfold please."

Legolas tied the black cloth around Glorfindel's head and stepped away to watch as he drew up his bow and notched his arrows as if it were second nature to be without his sight. In the blink of an eye, his arrows sliced through the air, straight into the center of the target.

"You win," Legolas said closing his eyes.

Glorfindel pulled off the blindfold to observe his success then turned to Legolas and flashed him a wry smile. "Well now, this is going to be fun!"

Legolas laughed half-heartedly in certain dread of the abuse Glorfindel would impose on him. No ellon would dream of taking it easy on a loser of such a wager - prince or no prince.

Glorfindel whistled for Estel to return without retrieving the arrows.

"While you are out there Prince, be a gem and collect my arrows too." Glorfindel held out his quiver to Legolas with a puckish grin.

Glorfindel sent Estel home in time for supper. Legolas wished he could have accompanied the lad home so he could see Aerlinniel but he had received no such invitation. In consolation, the golden warrior invited Legolas to his home for refreshment and of course, Legolas was made to carry Glorfindel's weaponry home as per the bargain.

Once the pair arrived, Legolas was struck by the warmth and inviting nature of Glorfindel's home. The exterior stone walls were clad with vinery nestled into the natural scape of the trees and shrubbery that stood alongside it.

"You can hang them there, Prince." Glorfindel gestured to an ornate wooden rack upon the wall.

Legolas hung them with gritted teeth and before he could step away, Glorfindel handed him his cloak to hang as well.

"You hungry?" Glorfindel asked, ignoring the prince's haughty eye-roll.

"A little."

"You can find us something to eat in there." Glorfindel gestured into an adjoining room. "Bring us some cheese and bread. Perhaps some wine?" He asked as he tossed himself into a leather armchair that sat before the stone hearth.

Legolas slowly blinked his eyes and pursed his lips before speaking. "I'm afraid that I have had enough of the fruit of the vine to last me a good while."

"Ah, tea then?"

Legolas bobbed his head in agreement. Tea did sound nice.

"Very good. You'll find the kettle in the kitchen and you can warm it here on the fire, once you get that going."

Legolas' jaw tightened. How long was Glorfindel going to keep this up? Did he not have any servants?

Stepping over to the hearth, he was relieved to see there was plenty of kindling otherwise, Glorfindel would have enjoyed sending him outside to split the firewood.

After getting the fire going, Legolas headed into Glorfindel's kitchen and surveyed the area. He found bread easily enough. It had been sitting on the table in plain sight. The cheese, on the other hand, remained a mystery. He opened cabinet doors and peeked into containers and found no trace of any cheese.

"Can't find the cheese, can you?" He heard Glorfindel call from the other room.

Legolas decided not to dignify the covert accusation with an answer. "Blasted gloating, golden-haired warrior," he grumbled to himself.

"You might want to check the pantry."

"Pantry," Legolas whispered to himself looking around the room for a "pantry." There, in a small room, concealed by a curtain, Legolas found the cheese, in a ceramic container, hidden on the shelf in the pantry.

Legolas brought a spread of cheese, apples, and bread that he had sliced and arranged on a plate and set it upon the table between the two arm chairs that sat before the fire.

"Thank you, Legolas." Glorfindel picked up a piece of bread and selected a slice of cheese to adorn it. "The apples are a nice touch," he mused slipping a slice atop his bread and cheese. "You do know how to make tea?" He gave Legolas a sidelong glance.

"Of course I do!" Legolas scowled.

Legolas hadn't a clue. Up until this point in his life, tea had simply shown up.

Glorfindel popped the bread slice into his mouth. "Well, do not let the grass start growing round your feet. The tea is not going to magically appear." He waved his hands and chuckled.

Legolas skulked back into the kitchen again. He scanned the room for a kettle. His eyes zeroed in quickly onto the kettle sitting out in the open. Near a window, there was a basin with a handle that he recognized as a water source. He filled the kettle with water and then wondered where the tea leaves might be hidden.

"There in the jar over by where you found the kettle," Glorfindel called.

Was the snark reading his mind?

It took some time and many trips back into the kitchen but Legolas did serve Glorfindel tea properly with cups and saucers, and milk and honey.

"Sit and relax." Glorfindel gestured as he kicked his boots off and crossed his legs upon an ottoman.

Legolas thanked his lucky stars that he did not have to remove the warrior's boots! Finally, he sank into the accompanying armchair next to Glorfindel. It was slightly smaller than Glorfindel's but more ornate in its appearance; resembling a lady's chair.

"Satisfying isn't it?"

"Hmm?" Legolas glanced in Glorfindel's direction and took his first sip of tea.

"Doing simple things, like making tea for oneself?"

Legolas nodded. "I suppose it is."

"You have never made tea before in your entire life; have you?" Glorfindel goaded from behind his cup.

"Never," Legolas murmured staring at the fire as the corners of his mouth tugged up into a smile.

A rapping at her door drew Aerlinniel out of her thoughts that she had been penning in her leather bound journal.

"Come in," she called, putting the quill in its stand on her bedside table.

Arwen peeked her head round the door and smiled. "How are you?"

"I am alright," Aerlinniel said with a weak smile.

Arwen nodded gravely and pressed in further. "I have a certain someone with me who has been ever so anxious to see you."

Aerlinniel slipped the covers up to her chest and cocked her head. Arwen opened the door a little wider to reveal Estel with his head solemnly bowed.

"He has been so worried about you. May we come in?" Arwen pleaded.

"Of course, I cannot have you stewing in worry a moment longer, brother." Estel raised his head a tentative measure. "Please, come and join me," Aerlinniel called and gestured for him to climb atop her bed.

Arwen took him by the hand and led him over. Both Arwen and Estel cozied up next to Aerlinniel. She murmured words of welcome and encouragement when she heard another voice call from the door causing her to look up. It was Elladan.

"Elrohir and I have been awfully worried about you too..." She looked up to find Elladan with Elrohir, who appeared sulking in the doorway in similar fashion with his head bowed and bottom lip pouty.

Aerlinniel stifled a giggle. "Come in, please. You all are a welcomed sight to my weary eyes."

The twins piled onto the foot of the bed and did their best to make their sister smile and for a time, Aerlinniel forgot her grief.

"What is this?" Elladan picked up the leather bound journal and began flipping through its pages. "What must Legolas think?" Elladan turned away from her reach and read aloud.

"Elladan, that is not for your eyes!" She smacked the book from his hands.

"Ah, poor Prince Legolas is probably all by himself tonight with not a thing to do," Elladan mock-whined.

"No he isn't. He is at Lord Glorfindel's," Estel chimed.

"Really?" Aerlinniel asked, her curiosity piqued. "I wonder what they are up to?"

"Prince Legolas lost a bet to Lord Glorfindel and has to be his servant the whole rest of the day."

"Really?" Aerlinniel gasped with laughter. "What sort of bet did he lose?"

"An archery challenge," Estel shrugged. "Glorfindel won, though I think Legolas was a little..." Aerlinniel leaned in awaiting the rest. "He seemed distracted. Like not himself. Stiff like."

"He probably is worried about you," Arwen suggested.

Aerlinniel bowed her head.

"Well, I think we should dispel his concern and invite him over. That is when you are up to it, Lin," Elrohir said.

Aerlinniel looked up at Elrohir and smiled. He had always been the gentler and more sensitive of the twins.

"Aye, no sense in wondering what the prince must think when you could simply just ask him," Elladan waved her journal at her.

"Give me that!" Aerlinniel snagged the journal and hugged it to her chest. Elladan winked and shared a knowing smirk with her.

"So what do you say, sis; shall we invite him over for dinner tomorrow?" Elrohir asked.

"I would like to see him," she confided.

"Then leave it to us! Elladan, Estel and I will go and invite him personally and I am sure, Arwen will be happy to get with Lindir to plan something nice," Elrohir said looking at Arwen for her approval.

"Consider it done!" Arwen said merrily.

Aerlinniel's eyes filled with tears. "I am blessed to call you all my family.

"Not only by title - Sister, but by the blood in which we share." Elladan grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Come, Estel, let us find the prince," Elrohir called from the door.

"I think I will stay here if it is all the same to you," Estel said with a quieted voice as he nestled himself comfortably between Aerlinniel and Arwen.

Elladan narrowed his eyes at Estel and glanced over at Elrohir and then shrugged. "Alright, if that is what you would rather."

Aerlinniel glanced at Estel as he leaned closer to her and took her hand. "Aye, it is."

"How would you like me to arrange your hair today, my lady?"

"I prefer it off my face," Theadra quipped, as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror.

"Certainly, my lady." Theadra's lady's maid, Melda, began working through her flaming red tresses.

"Melda, your sister - what is her name?" Theadra asked poking through her jewelry box.

"Adlanna, my lady."

"Right, Adlanna," she answered briefly looking up into the mirror at her. "She works as a lady's maid for the Lady Arwen?" Theadra continued to peruse her jewels holding up different pieces as she gazed into the mirror.

"That, she does, my lady."

"You mentioned a time ago that she was not happy with her...current situation?"

"Mmmm, yes, that is right," Melda frowned as she wove a section of hair to the back of Theadra's head. "When the lady Aerlinniel arrived back from Imladris, she brought with her that dreadful Velenya with her and ever since, Frendland has forgotten Adlanna's existence."

"Poor dear," Theadra tutted.

"I know." Melda sighed. "I tell her to speak with Frendland, but she will not hear of it. 'Tis pride, that is all."

"Well, I am sympathetic to her cause. Before Velenya intervened, your sister had captured Frendland's eye. What some call pride, could be considered devotion," she said matter-of-factly as she clasped a jeweled bracelet onto her wrist and flashed it before herself to admire it.

"Perhaps, my lady." She shook her head coiling the last section of hair and pinned it up into Theadra's coif. "Though, I hate to see her waste her time pining for an ellon that pays her little mind."

"Well, perhaps there is a way you could help her or shall I say, we help her?"

Melda held the comb away from Theadra's head and looked at her astonished through the reflection in the mirror. "And how pray would we do that my lady?"

"Oh - perhaps if Velenya went away, that would give your sister some time to ensnare Frendland? Ellyn really have short attention spans and are daft enough to forget all else when there is another pretty face before them," Theadra said with a snide smile.

Melda's eyes widened. "How would we do such a thing?"

"How is your sister's relationship with Lady Arwen - are they close?"

Melda nodded as she considered the question. "Oh yes, my lady, I would say so. Adlanna hears a great many things about the Lord's family."

Theadra's face lit up with a searing smile. "Good."

"Who is she?" Legolas asked picking up the framed picture that sat upon the table.

"That is Vanadassë," Glorfindel said with a wistful smile. "It has been over four millennia since I have seen my beloved in the flesh."

Legolas eyes widened. "Since...before -"

Glorfindel nodded. "Since I tangled with the balrog." He sat in in silence for a moment and then turned to Legolas. "Her worst fear was that I would leave her a widow." He sighed abruptly. "She could never reconcile her fears when I went away to battle."

A half smile slipped onto Glorfindel's face. "It was the only thing that caused us discord."

Legolas' mouth formed a thin line. "You must miss her terribly." He placed the frame carefully back upon the table.

Glorfindel nodded, his mind somewhere in distant thought. "Knowing that we will reunite, in the flesh upon the shores of Valinor is what keeps me going each and every day. That is, if she can forgive me for being absent for more than an age!"

Legolas sniffed. "How do you remain here while she is there?"

Glorfindel sighed, "If it were not for my dreams, then I would have left these shores long ago."

Legolas tilted his head. "You see her in your dreams?"

"Aye," his eyes gleamed.

"How is that possible?" Legolas asked before thinking through the prying nature of his question.

Glorfindel exhaled leaning his head back against the cushion of the chair and tapped his fingers together. "When an elf is given certain...gifts from the Valar, they are able to deepen their marital bond in such a way that allows them to commune with their beloved whilst they are apart."

Legolas eyes widened. He had not known such a thing to be possible. How could he? His father never discussed such intimate matters with him.

"Though we are apart, her worry is lessened, knowing that I am well." Glorfindel smiled fondly.

A knock upon Glorfindel's door broke the moment.

"Would you mind answering that?" He asked Legolas with a smug grin.

Legolas did not mind leaving Glorfindel to his thoughts of Vanadassë. He could certainly sympathize. He had only spent one day without seeing his beloved and he found it to be near torture.

Legolas opened the door to find the twins bearing cheeky grins.

"Since when does the prince of Greenwood answer doors? Elladan asked with a wry smile

"Do not ask...it is a long story."

"Let me guess. Glorfindel beat you in a wager," Elladan thumped Legolas in the chest as he strode past him entering the golden warrior's home with Elrohir sniggering behind him.

Her father insisted she come to the solar for afternoon tea. 'Come and rejoin the living,' he had said to her when she did not attend breakfast that morning. Ada always encouraged his children to have resilience in the face of trials. 'Self-reliance is the foundation of one's character,' he would espouse, 'peace must be found within.'

She knew he was right but staying in the confines of her room seemed so much more appealing than gathering her wits to bear mundane conversation.

Aerlinniel stepped into the bright sun-lit room and found that her father and Arwen both looked up in unison from a consuming conversation.

"I am not interrupting, am I?"

Elrond stood. "No, of course not. Come," he said reaching his arm out to her affectionately.

Normally, Aerlinniel would greet her father with an embrace and a kiss upon his cheek. The action now seemed strange, yet to not show him the usual affection seemed disrespectful. Aerlinniel willed herself to approach her father and with a slight hesitation, she embraced him and pressed a soft kiss upon his cheek. When she made to retreat from him, he cupped her cheek and searched her eyes.

"Have you lost the love for me you once had?"

Aerlinniel knew he could read her well and there was no sense in denying her troubled feelings. She sighed and looked away for a moment.

"Ada..." she whispered. Relief washed over his face. "I have nothing but love for you and my family. I am - sorry. Much in me seems to have changed in the manner of a day; that nothing through my own eyes appears the same. "

Elrond brushed away the stray tear that slipped down her cheek. "Do not apologize." He smiled weakly. "I am a selfish fool to think nothing would change."

Arwen stood. "Ada, she needs time. You said it yourself, not two minutes ago."

Lord Elrond turned to Arwen and forced a smile. "I did," he agreed, giving them both a sheepish look.

Arwen took both of their hands and lead them to sit around a table set with a tea service.

"Aerlinniel, word has returned that Prince Legolas will be joining us for dinner this evening," Arwen smiled as she poured tea for each of them.

"Oh- well, that is- wonderful." The words sounded as awkward as they had been strung together.

"Elrohir said that the prince was very relieved to hear you were well enough for a visit," she said stirring milk into her tea.

Elrond eased himself back into his chair and eyed Aerlinniel holding his tea cup in his lap. "It will do you well to have reason to dress and come out of your room."

"Yes, it will." She admitted weakly and fussed with her tea in hopes of deflecting the attention from herself.

"In fact, I think that you must return to all your normal duties as soon as possible."

Aerlinniel stilled her spoon as dread seeped into her belly imagining herself returning to her work and face many of the elves in the Hidden Valley.

"I realize how difficult that might seem -" Elrond began.

Arwen shifted and sat up straight. "We think that it would be best...if you took a position in Dùn Laer...only for a short time - until everything settles here."

Aerlinniel's eyes darted between her father and Arwen. "Go away?"

Both bore a look of certainty that this was the best course of action.

"I have duties here. How would such an arrangement be made on short notice?" She shook her head.

"I have arranged for you to fill in for an elleth in Dùn Laer, while she is on leave with her newborn."

"I do not know if -"

Elrond raised a calming hand. "It has all been arranged. Lamindir will elect his best apprentice to lead your class whilst you are away and I have sent word to a family in Dùn Laer that you will be staying with them. Velenya is seeing to your personal preparations as we speak."

"Ada, do I not have a say in this?"

Her father smiled assuringly, "Of course you do. However, I think in this matter, Arwen and I agree this is the best course for you to take."

Aerlinniel set her cup down feeling agitated by the decisions that had been made on her behalf. It was apparent she had no say for it had been already decided. He had arranged with Lamindir to cover her class and word had already been sent! Why even Velenya knew before she had!

"Aerlinniel." Arwen leaned forward with her hands tightly folded in her lap. "You do not need the stress of picking up the pieces of your life amid the watchful eyes of the concerned elves of the Valley."

Aerlinniel bowed her head and suddenly felt peaked. "But, what of Prince Legolas? I - we..." She sighed flustered with the mess of it all.

"You cannot expect the prince to tend to you during such a personal matter so early on in becoming acquainted with one another," her father said as if pointing out the obvious. "You must carry on in your duties and allow yourself time to adjust."

Aerlinniel looked off into the room and bit back a swell of tears.

"If the prince wishes to remain here in Imladris and court you - properly, I will allow it, upon your return. However, I believe in light of recent events, the pair of you have grown too familiar with one another much too quickly."

"Ada I - "

Her father raised his hand to quiet her. "You have spent two nights in the company of the prince and not in your own bed!" He clipped. His stern eyes bore into her own. "It is not proper. Not for a lady nor a prince."

Aerlinniel closed her eyes and exhaled. She could not argue for what he said had been true though it had all been acts of fate and not by their own devising.

"The time apart will enable you both to clear your minds and search your hearts. And when you return, if the two of you still remain interested in pursuing the other, then you may have my blessing," he said with a more tepid tone.

"I do not wish to part from him." Aerlinniel shook her head with closed eyes. "He is the one shining aspect of all this."

"And he will remain if  his intentions are true," Elrond said with a measure of agitation.

A knot formed in her throat as she realized her plea had no sway upon him.

"You doubt him?" She choked out, astonished at her father's audacity.

Arwen reached her hand over to Aerlinniel's arm and squeezed it. "Of course he does not doubt Legolas. We think that this would be best for the both of you. A courtship is not likely to blossom amid a scandal. And Sister, if you are to be with Legolas, you do not want your memories, plagued with strife."

Her father stared out the window with his brows knitted together. She sensed he harbored something he was not telling her.

"Legolas seems quite smitten with you," Arwen said pulling her thoughts away from her ada. "A few weeks apart will likely grow you closer to one another or it will reveal a side of him that should have been revealed in the first place." Arwen smirked playfully. "And I assume it will be the former. He seems perfectly lovely and has only had eyes for you since his arrival." She grasped Aerlinniel's hand and squeezed it. "Do not despair. This is for the best."

Aerlinniel stood taciturn amongst her siblings in the family sitting room and sipped her wine whilst she feigned interest in the group conversation. Having gone through the motions of dressing for dinner with Velenya and now in the presence of her siblings; the interactions seemed strained. It was like they had gathered and decided to pretend as if nothing had happened. The whole charade felt reminiscent of when her mother had sailed West.

Aerlinniel smiled and nodded - going along when one of her brothers told a joke or Arwen touched her arm to include her, but inwardly, she felt tired and worn through. Dread sat heavily within her stomach anticipating the conversation she would have with Legolas. When the idea to have Legolas over had been presented to her she had not expected for their evening to be dampened by yet another disappointing turn of events.

"Prince Legolas is here to join you," Lindir announced as he appeared into the room.

Aerlinniel turned round to find Legolas standing within the doorway. He smiled, that sweet smile that set her heart aflutter and when he drew near, a cool gentle breeze came over her - fresh and enlivening like that of spring.

Legolas lifted her hand and brushed his thumb lightly over the back of her palm and pressed it to his lips.

"My lady, it warms my heart to see you."

Aerlinniel stared for a little too long for the prince tilted his head and quirked up his brow.

"Forgive me," She murmured. Her cheeks flushed as she lowered herself into a precipitous curtsy.

Legolas had a faint look of amusement upon his face that left her feeling foolish.

"For you," he said as he presented a small bouquet of freshly picked flowers before her.

Legolas remained by her side before and during dinner. And when the meal had concluded with dessert her siblings retired for the evening.

Now that they were alone without the conversation being steered by the others, Aerlinniel found herself feeling unsure of what to say.

In the quiet, Legolas reached for Aerlinniel's hand and held it firmly between his own. She looked at him and marveled at his equanimity. He simply smiled softly which caused a small smile to ease onto her face.

Legolas exhaled which sounded almost like a sigh of relief.

She peered up into his blue eyes and there he held her gaze until she felt the warmth of his lips upon her own. His kiss was gentle and unhurried - awakening her body from its dry and withered slumber; filling her with a harmony of the sweetest kind.

Slowly he pulled away and touched her cheek. "I have missed you."

Aerlinniel looked down and brushed her thumb across the ridges and valleys of his knuckles. "And I, you." She peeked up at him and his eyes glittered in response.

"I have been able to think of little else since we parted," he confided.

She wished she could say the same, she thought looking out into the darkness of the night. Had Theadra kept her family's secret, perhaps Legolas would have solely preoccupied her thoughts. The reality was that her grief and her father's well-intentioned meddling had predominated her thoughts.

The prince deserved better than her. Her father and Arwen were right; Legolas need not feel compelled to stick by her in her grief.

As if something beckoned her, Aerlinniel stood and walked to the railing and searched the night sky for the moon. In the vastness of the night, in the presence of the ellon that she wished to love, she felt akin to the glowing sphere - separate and alone, and far away from anyone's reach.

Legolas came up and stood alongside her - his presence distinctly warm and alluring.

"Calithilon," she whispered, still gazing at the moon.

"Hmm?" Legolas turned to her.

"Calithilon, is my adar's name.

Legolas nodded slowly and offered her a sympathetic smile.

"He is the brother to Celebrían. A warrior..." Her voice broke off as she bit back her tears. Legolas placed a warm hand upon her back. The contact grounding her so that she could continue.

"My naneth, her name is Lothiriel." Aerlinniel turned to face him and smiled through glistening tear drops.

Legolas' eyes widened as his visage seemed to fluster, reminding her how bizarre all this must be for him.

"I was very young." She paused and looked down causing Legolas to take her hands into his. "Ada said I could not even see above a table top when they -" She gasped as warm tears fell down her cheeks.

Legolas enveloped her and held her close to his chest. The warmth of his strong arms and his languid breathing quelled her like nothing she had ever known.

Still nestled against his chest, amidst the soothing rhythmic beat of his heart, she regained her calm and tilted her head up to gaze at the moon.

"I have always held an affinity for the moon." She paused, to gaze at the luminous sphere that burned brightly in the sky. "A sentinel of Varda, shining his gracious light into the darkness."

Legolas turned his head up to the sky. "I have found that celestial gazing can do wonders for the spirit."

Aerlinniel lifted her head up to watch him speak as he gazed up into the heavens. His profile she thought was unparalleled to any ellon she had ever known and his smooth melodic voice could never grow tiresome. In fact, she wished he would not cease speaking.

"We are no different than the moon and the stars scattered in the sky, in our place and purpose here on the earth," he continued, glancing down from the heavens to smile at her. "When I look above, nothing in my life ever seems as paramount as it once did. In fact, I am reminded that in actuality I am quite small in Eru's cosmic scheme and yet no less important."

Aerlinniel rested her head back against Legolas' chest and felt a knot form in her throat. She would have to tell him that she would be leaving though that was the last thing she could imagine herself doing whilst wrapped in the shelter of his arms.

"There is something I must tell you."

Legolas pulled away from her to view her face for her tone was pensive which made him uneasy.

"What is it?"

"I am leaving for a time."

Legolas regarded her with a blank expression for her words seemed foreign.

"Where?" He heard himself say.

Aerlinniel looked down and toyed with her hands. "Adar has arranged for me to fill a temporary instructor position in a village near our western border. The instructor is with-child and will need someone to act in her stead whilst she is away. It is for three months, perhaps longer if need be."

Legolas could hardly believe his ears. Why would she leave - now?

"The elves there are not likely to have heard of or have a care for...what has happened. They are not so consumed with the social minutia of others - like they are here," she said gazing off in the distance.

"And - this is what you want?" Legolas asked, sounding gruffer than he wished.

Aerlinniel sighed and turned away from him to look out into the river flowing below. "Adar thinks that if I go away for a while, to allow things to settle - it will not be so difficult for me to acclimate when I return."

"And you believe going away will make things easier for you?" Legolas asked in disbelief.

"You do not?" Her question was more of an insipid presumption.

"I do not think it matters what I believe." Legolas tightened his jaw and turned away from her to conceal his ire.

He could see from his periphery, Aerlinniel bow her head and wring her hands together.

Legolas grappled with his temper; willing himself to say no more. He could see the way she struggled - how her face rippled with a myriad of emotion; revealing her fragility. Responding in anger would only do more harm.

"Legolas, I do not want to leave..."

"Then do not!" He bit harshly and regretted his tone for she recoiled from him.

"Forgive me, it is just..." he swayed his head, reminding himself to be more temperate. "I shall grieve your absence whilst you are away," he confided.

"I do not expect that you would remain here..." She offered as a twisted consolation.

Legolas' heart sank. Why on earth would he leave - now? Perhaps that was the underlying reason she was leaving - so that he would leave.

"You wish for me to leave and not be here when you return?" He looked away and glared off in the distance dreading her response.

"Surely you are missed and needed at home..."

Again, she spoke nonsense! Did she not have feelings for him or had it all been misconstrued in his own mind?

"There is no cause driving me away from here unless that is your wish," he breathed, willing himself to keep the flare of anger from his tone.

"My wish..." her voice broke as she looked over the balcony's edge and began to cry.

Wonderful, Legolas sighed as he looked up to the heavens. Why was it that he could so easily bring her to tears? With a careful hand, he put his palm to her back and turned her round so that he held both her arms.

"Aerlinniel, what is it that you wish?" He asked gently, willing her to look at him.

Her chest heaved with emotion as her blue eyes filled like tiny tide-pools. Legolas could sense her inner stability begin to quake.

He placed the back of his hand to her cheek; which quelled some of her distress.

"I will remain here," he assured, brushing soft circles upon her cheek. "If my lady wishes it." His eyes searched her own for a glimmer of desire.

Relief flooded Aerlinniel's features. Her mouth opened, but she spoke no words. Instead, she drew her lips to his and placed a warm, sweet kiss upon him, tranquilizing his own insecurities.

Afterwards, Legolas cocked his head and wondered aloud, "Then you wish for me to remain?"

With lidded eyes, Aerlinniel sniffed and slid her hand beneath his hair at the back of his neck and pulled him into her, and kissed him deep and long.

When their kiss had ended, he rested his forehead against hers. In the solace of the moment, Legolas bit his lip and whispered, "Was that a yes?"

"Aye, 'tis a yes," she murmured, smiling against his lips and kissed him before he could speak again.

"May I spend some time with you tomorrow before you leave?" He asked studying her face, desiring to memorize every nuance.

Her cheeks went rosy causing him to draw his palm up and cup one, enjoying the way her silken skin felt against the heat of his own.

"Perhaps -" Legolas whispered, planting a lingering kiss on her unsuspecting lips. "You could give me..." He brushed his lips slowly across to her ear and murmured, "One of your personal tours of Imladris." He felt her body weaken beneath his grasp sending his senses into a hot frenzy.

"What is it you would like to see?" She gasped, as he placed soft kisses around her ear and then trailed more along the hairline of her neck.

"Perhaps you can show me something I have not seen before," he cooed as he continued to kiss her neck; enjoying her intoxicatingly sweet scent and salty taste of her skin.

"My lady?" An elleth's voice called from inside.

Legolas pulled away in a flurry and dropped his hands to his sides.

"Yes?" Aerlinniel called, "what is it?"

Legolas smiled at the annoyance in her tone.

"I am terribly sorry to interrupt, but your adar asked for me to remind you, that you need your rest. You have your trip to prepare for."

Aerlinniel shook her head and sighed. "Of course. Please tell Lindir that I will show Prince Legolas out, myself."

"I will indeed, my lady." She bowed in the doorway and left the room.

"Adar, has done nothing but hover over me." She turned to the railing and bit her knuckle which Legolas found strangely alluring. "I do not know who is more upset, me or him?"

Elvish name meanings

Calithilon: Moon Light

Lothiriel: Flower

Don't forget to have a listen to Little Wonders, by Rob Thomas. This song found me while I was writing this chapter and it fit perfectly. I love to incorporate songs with my chapters because they help me get into the minds of my characters and feel their emotions. I listen to them often while I am in the drafting phase and then revisit them so that I can remember where they have been with their emotional arc.

On another note, the scene with Aerlinniel and Lindir was inspired by a Downton Abbey episode, specifically a scene where Lady Mary and Carson share a touching moment together. I love the idea of including the servants in my story line. They have the potential to see, and hear much and have the potential to influence those they serve.

I apologize for the long wait! The school year began amid me writing this chapter. This was a very long chapter and took quite some time to craft - time in which I had very little to spare.

My updates may be a little slow for a while until I can get into a groove with my new schedule. But not to worry. I still have so much more instore for these two.

Thanks for reading and PLEASE COMMENT! I love to hear what you think!

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