__________

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. - James 14:10

______________

A knock raps at the door as I am lying in bed.

"Taenya."

His voice floats through the door and to my ears like a beautiful melody, and I feel fresh tears pool into my eyes. I am up and racing to the door before my mind can remind me to stop- before it can remind me of what he has done. My lavender colored dress swishes around my legs, billowing behind me as if a gust of wind is blowing it backwards. The ends of my hair tickle the skin of my arms, tangling and curling wildly.

I knew he would come. I knew he would not listen to my angry speech, and I am so elated that he did not heed my words. I was so furious and so hurt by what he told me, but I realized soon after he left that I was over reacting. I have never in my life been deceived in such a way, and I did not know how to react. It was shocking to hear him confess to being such a great and noble figure of power. I became suspicious of him at times; such as, when Gweyr told me she had never seen another older healer in Rivendell other than Lord Elrond. But I never once imagined the ellon I met in the forest-my 'Dan-would be Elladan, son of Elrond.

I grasp the cool doorknob in my hand, ready to fling it open, when his voice sounds again. "Taenya, please let me in," he pleads softly, and I can hear the sadness laced in his words, "Please."

My heart aches in my chest, knowing that I have hurt him deeply. I twist the doorknob, inhaling shakily, and I open it slowly to reveal his angelic image. I feel my breath catch in my throat, and the wind sweeps in through the door, causing my tears to feel chilled in my eyes. He stands there, just staring at me with his stunning silver eyes, and I feel his gaze like a touch. Something unseen seems to be pulling us together, a force so strong I want to run into his arms. His hair falls down past his shoulders, the inky black color I love so much. His features are sharp and masculine, his jawline seeming to be carved perfectly by the hand of Eru. His eyebrows are thick and furrowed, aligned fittingly to the features of his face. His lips are plump, and I notice- not for the first time- how soft they seem. He is clothed in the attire befitting of a prince: a richly colored purple robe draped over his silky tunic and pants and black, leather-crafted boots. I am at a loss for words, feeling as if I am merely gazing upon an ethereal apparition standing on my rundown front porch.

He also stands there appraising me in the same way I am appraising him. His heavy gaze travels slowly across my features, taking in the sight of me in my hand me down dress which must look dreadfully plain. I feel embarrassed of what I must look like: pale, tear stained cheeks, sad eyes, and ragged dress, yet he stands in front of me in all his angelic beauty, making me crave him in ways I have never known until now.

My mind somehow orders my body to take two steps backward, allowing him space to enter my home. Our gazes stay locked as he very slowly steps into my house, stopping in front of me as I close the door. I do not look at him, afraid now of the feelings he is causing to swirl up inside of me like a raging storm. His gaze is hot on my skin, just like his breath that faintly carrasses my shoulder and neck as I look to the side, not meeting his persuasive stare.

"Taenya," he breathes, and I feel my legs weaken at the sound of his desperate, quiet plea.

"I am sorry," I rush out the words, still not looking at him, "I was foolish to treat you so harshly."

He is silent for long, deafening moments. Then a faint chuckle escapes his lips, and my gaze snaps up to him in surprise. His eyes crinkle at their corners as he laughs. "You are apologising to me?"

I blush deeply as he continues to laugh. He takes my face in his warm hands, smiling dashingly. "Taenya, no matter how hard I try to figure you out, you keep surprising me," he says, still chuckling merrily.

"I did not mean to hurt you," I whisper to him as he slows his laughter, and his eyes soften, "I did not mean anything I said. I still wish to see you, as much as possible."

"And I wish to see you," he says quietly, his eyes searching mine as his lips curl into a smile.

I lean forward-practically jumping on him- and I wrap my arms around his neck in a tight embrace, laughing giddily. He staggers backward with a surprised laugh before wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me completely against him. We both laugh breathlessly, happy to be together once again. One day apart felt like an eternity, and I am so indescribably elated to have him back. I feel so guilty for hurting him, having to see his saddened eyes, but I push those thoughts away. We have made up, and now I am right where I wish to be. In his strong, loving arms.

I rest my chin on his shoulder, my head right beside his. He buries his face in the crook of my neck, sending butterflies into my stomach, and he inhales. "Your hair smells lovely," he mutters, his voice muffled by my hair, and I laugh, feeling his chest rumble with laughter, too, "What do you use to make it smell like this?"

"Gweyr brought home bath oils and soaps that some women from Gondor traded her for dress materials. She gave them to me since she does not care much for such things," I tell him, trying to be nonchalant. In reality, I was ecstatic when she gave them to me. We are never able to afford such luxuries, but a simple act of kindness rewarded us with them.

"You like such things?" he questions, and, I nod, relaxing in his arms.

"I can bring you some from Rivendell," he offers, "Name anything, and I will give it to you."

I laugh again, tiredly, resting my head against his chest. "Anything?" I question amusedly, "Hmm."

He chuckles deeply, pulling me back, so that he can look at me. "I am serious, Taenya," he pauses, his eyes brightening with a new idea, "What do you say to accompanying me to Rivendell?"

I feel my eyes widen. "Now?" I squeak in excitement, and he laughs boyishly.

He nods vigorously. "If you wish to," he replies,

I nod. "Yes!" I exclaim, "I have always wanted to visit Rivendell! Allow me to change quickly, and then we can go!" I pull away from him, racing to my room. I slam the door and run to my wardrobe, searching through my dresses for the nicest one I own. I gasp happily when I find the gorgeous red one Gweyr made for me when she thought Ruvyn was to take me to Rivendell. She finished making it a few days ago, and just in time, it seems. I quickly shimmy out of my dress, pulling on the silken red one, and I marvel at the new, wondrous feeling of the expensive fabric Gweyr received from Lothlorien elves. I race to my mirror, brushing out my hair and swiftly braiding it before leaving my room. I find Elladan where I left him in the front hallway, and I look away from him as he appraises my new outfit.

"You-," he begins, "Le bain (You are beautiful)."

I flush, my face most likely as red as my dress, and he takes my hand, leading me from the house. I follow him, feeling light and breathless. I am actually going to see Rivendell! And with Elladan! The excitement is so overwhelming that I think I might pass out.

"Sirdal!" I exclaim with a laugh as I spot the handsome stallion. He snorts, shaking his head back and forth, as if in greeting.

"My lady," 'Dan says, stooping into a bow and then gesturing to the horse, "May I assist you?"

I grin, my eyes tracing over his teasing smirk, and I nod softly. "You may."

He steps closer, placing his hands low on my waist, and he helps me up onto the horse. I suck in air through my nose nervously at his touch, and he swings up behind me to mount the horse. I try to steady my racing heartbeat as he wraps his arms around me, taking the reins in his hands. His chest is pressed against my back, and I try so hard not to blush. Luckily, he kicks Sirdal's sides lightly, and then we are off, rushing through the trees. My dress billows around my ankles as the wind runs its fingers through my hair and over my skin, and, I close my eyes, relishing in this feeling of absolute freedom. I only remember riding a horse a few times in my life, since the only one we own belongs to Falenas, and he is always gone.

I laugh, turning slightly to glance at 'Dan who is smiling widely, his silver eyes shining beautifully. "This is amazing!" I exclaim over the sound of the wind and Sirdal's hooves hitting the forest floor.

He laughs, too, the sound melodic and incandescently happy. "I am so glad you love it as much as I do," he says, his voice filled with light and laughter.

"I have only ridden a horse a few times, and it was when I was an elfling. I remember begging my father to buy me my own horse, but I never got one," I tell him, as he guides Sirdal through the forest expertly.

"Well, I am happy you get to finally ride one," he replies, his lips at my ear so that I can hear him, "I am sure my father would allow you to have one from our stables."

"I could not-," I begin, but stop abruptly as I see the gates of Rivendell in the far distance. I stare in awe as 'Dan slows our horse to a trot as we enter into the valley a few moments later.

The Elven city is absolutely beautiful.

There are many stone bridges leading to different areas of the valley, and the trees are so brightly green, looking as if I am in a dream. The sky is brilliantly blue with large, white puffy clouds hanging peacefully in the sea of blue. Butterflies of many different colors float on the light breeze, flying toward the gardens that we pass. Elves stroll gracefully down many cobblestone pathways, their dresses and formal robes like nothing I have ever seen before. They wear bright blues and greens and yellows, like an eternal spring, and the clothes are so well made and silky in appearance. They stop to stare-not unkindly, but just curious- as we pass, and I look away quickly, feeling insecure. The most beautiful thing in the valley, though, is what must be Elladan's home. The house of Elrond is massive, its white columns reaching up to the sky like twisting, snow covered branches, and the balconies and hallways are open and airy, allowing me to see servants bustling around hurriedly.

"What do you think?" Elladan asks, and I can hear the amusement in his tone.

I turn to look at him, my eyes wide. "'Tis so beautiful! I have dreamt of what Rivendell would look like for many, many years, but this far surpasses anything my mind conjured up. I am truly in awe," I tell him honestly, shaking my head in astonishment, "And in love."

He laughs boyishly at me, bringing the horse to a stop in front of a white, small building which must be the stables. He dismounts, placing his hands on my waist and helping me off. He sets me on my feet, and our eyes meet. His hands still, keeping their place on my waist, and my hands stay on his chest. His silvery gray eyes mesmerise me, pulling me into their depths, and I suddenly become overly aware, again, of how soft his lips appear to be. He leans forward, I think, but I could just be imagining it. I never get to figure out if he really was going to kiss me, though, because at the exact moment he leans in, a voice sounds from the distance.

"'Dan!"

I watch as Elladan closes his eyes tightly, clenching his jaw in frustration. He releases me from his hold, and I drop my hands, backing away a step. I feel slightly light headed after our almost-kiss, and I can barely register that someone is walking our way.

Elladan's eyes open, shifting to glare at the ellon sauntering toward us. I squint, understanding that this must be Elrohir, for he looks exactly like 'Dan. The resemblance is almost unsettling.

"Brother," he addresses 'Dan with a smirk, "'Tis good to see you again, though, I was not expecting you to be back so soon. Oh, who is this?" His eyes are wide with faux innocence, and I bite my lip to keep from laughing. Elladan is very obviously annoyed, and the sight is most amusing.

"This is Taenya," 'Dan says, grasping my arm gently and pulling toward him.

"Ah," Elrohir's eyes brighten, but I get a strange feeling that he already knew who I was, "So, this is the elleth you drone on and on about."

I feel my cheeks heat up at his words. 'Dan speaks of me?

Elrohir bows to me, kissing my knuckles softly, and I can practically feel the anger radiating off of Elladan. "'Tis a pleasure, My lady. I do hope my brother has been treating you well. He tends to be a true oaf at times," he says, earning a slap on the back of the head from 'Dan.

"Ow!" the twin exclaims, glaring at his brother.

I laugh loudly at them, already taking a liking to Elrohir and his mischievous eyes. "'Tis a pleasure to you meet you, Elrohir," I respond quietly, feeling that horrid shyness creeping up on me, "And your brother has been nothing but kind to me."

Elrohir's smirk deepens as he glances at his brother. "I do not doubt it, for you are very beautiful," he says, and the blush in my cheeks deepens.

"That is enough," Elladan cuts in, taking my hand, "'Ro, make yourself useful and put Sirdal in his stall. He is in need of a good brushing."

'Dan begins walking, pulling me along with him, and I am breathless from laughing as I hear Elrohir grumbling behind us. I glance at Elladan to see that he is tense, still looking annoyed. I try to hide my smile, but I fail miserably. "Your brother is-"

"Annoying, disrespectful, and embarrassingly blunt?"

I practically choke on laughter. "I was going to say hilarious," I reply, "But you are entitled to choosing your own adjectives."

He glances at me, his scowl disappearing as laughter escapes his lips. "He is trying at times, but I tolerate him," he says with a grin.

I shake my head, feeling bashful around him after almost kissing him out in the open where others could see. "So, where are you taking me?" I question him, excited to see more of his home and hopefully learn even more about him.

He grins, keeping his eyes trained ahead, and he nods in greeting to a passing servant who addresses him saying, "My lord," shortly.

"Would you like to meet my sister and mother? I promise they are much more behaved than my pig of a brother," he says, his eyes dancing with barely contained eagerness.

"I would love that," I reply, elated to be holding his hand, and I feel warmth spread through my veins when his smile grows.

He leads me through many twisting hallways, and we pass dozens of elves. Some stop us, speaking to 'Dan and asking him who I am, and, by the time we reach the door that leads to his family, I have forgotten everyone's names.

He turns to me, giving me a reassuring smile, and he squeezes my hand, seeing that I am starting to become nervous. "They are going to adore you, Taenya," he whispers to me as he leans toward me so that I can hear him.

I smile weakly, only now realizing just how scary this situation is. Not only am I meeting the family of the ellon I care for, but also I am meeting the Lady Celebrian of Rivendell and her family. If I make a bad impression, then all hopes of ever being with Elladan are dashed.

He knocks on the door softly, and I hear a lady's voice call out, "Come in." He opens the door, stepping inside and leading me in behind him. The room is furnished elegantly: lavender purple curtains hanging from the windows, plush sofas placed around the room prettily, and a white fireplace built into the back wall expertly. Sitting on these dainty sofas are four people: two intimidating ellyn and two beautiful ellith. One ellon has blonde, flaxen hair, and his crystalline blue eyes fall on me in question. The other ellon has hair the same color and length of Elladan's, and he seems to exude power and wisdom. His eyes are gray and swim with infinite knowledge and understanding, and I feel small under his intense gaze.

One of the ladies stands when she sees us, and I feel so incredibly plain in her presence. Her hair is long, falling in soft, snowy curls down to her hips. Her bright blue eyes flit from Elladan to me, and a smile lifts her lips when her gaze travels to our intertwined hands. The other lady stands, her eyes the exact same blue color as the other elleth's, only, her hair matches the color of Elladan's. She and the blonde exchange a glance, smirking slightly.

"Ada, Naneth," 'Dan addresses them, bowing slightly, "I am sorry if we are interrupting."

The ellyn stand along with the ladies, and the dark haired ellon replies, "Not at all. Has something happened?"

I look at Elladan, now terrified as I realize this is Lord Elrond. 'Dan looks at me for a moment, meeting my gaze, and his eyes are so full of light that I feel bad for being scared. He squeezes my hand again. "Nothing has happened," he replies, turning to face his father, "I wanted to introduce you to Taenya."

All eyes are on me, and it takes every ounce of power I have to not blush and flee from the room.

The blonde haired lady immediately moves forward, taking my hands in her's. She beams at me. "It is so wonderful to finally meet you. 'Dan speaks oft of you. I am his mother Celebrian," she says, and she gestures toward the elleth who has come to stand beside her, then to the two ellyn, "This is my daughter Arwen, my husband Elrond, and Glorfindel."

I curtsey. "'Tis a pleasure to meet you all," I reply, managing to keep my voice even.

"Would you care for some tea?" she offers kindly, and I nod. Her smile grows as she gestures for me to take one of the empty seats in the room, and 'Dan leads me to one big enough for us to share, his hand still clasping mine tightly.

I watch as she carefully pours tea into a porcelain cup, and she hands it to me after putting sugar in it. I take a sip as she sits down.

"You look just like your father," Lord Elrond says, and I look at him. I can see the pain in his eyes, and his statement is soft, barely able to be heard.

I smile softly. "So Gweyr has told me on many occasions," I reply.

His lips curl up into an amused smile at my statement, and I am happy to see the pain ease a bit.

"My father spoke of you often, from what I can remember," I tell him, remembering my Ada's kind smile and eyes.

Lord Elrond smiles sadly. "He was a very kind ellon. Do you remember much of them?"

I shake my head. "I am afraid I do not, my lord," I reply softly, "Gweyr remembers them perfectly, of course, and she has told me much of them throughout my childhood."

"Speaking of Gweyr, you may see your sister if you stay for dinner," he says.

"How is she?" I question, forgetting my anxiety and worry for a moment.

"She is perfectly healthy," he responds, and he opens his mouth to continue but Arwen beats him to it.

"Ada says she is at least six weeks pregnant," she says with a bright smile, "Your sister is so kind! You are just like her."

"Yes, I adore her. Most siblings do not get along well, but Gweyr and I have a very special bond," I say, smiling at 'Dan's sister. She seems so very sweet, and I like her immediately. I was afraid that his family would be snobbish or rude, but they are proving to be just the opposite.

Elladan smirks at me. "Is that a reference to our earlier encounter with Elrohir?" he questions, chuckling, and I shake my head, laughing with him.

I raise my eyebrow. "Not at all," I respond, trying to smother my smile, and I take another sip of my tea, feeling awkward when I see the royals exchanging secretive