Eldaria and Imrathon hurried into the Throne-Room. Noticing the Elven-Ranger beside his sister, Eldarion sent an annoyed glance toward Eldaria.

Turning away to avoid Elboron, Eldaria sat down quickly, hoping that Elboron had not told her parents and Eldarion that she had left the banquet to speak with a lowly Elven-Ranger.

Unfortunately for Eldaria, her suspicions were correct, and soon after Aragorn made his way over to the table Eldaria was sitting at.

"Elboron told me that-" Eldaria cut him off quickly.

"We were merely talking. I went outside for a breath of fresh air, and Imrathon joined me. It's quite stuffy in here." She waved across the room to Imrathon who was being dragged into a conversation about the First Age. With a laugh she turned back to her father, the smile fading.

"You should give more attention to potential husbands." Aragorn admonished her.

Eldaria stared at him with a frustrated look.

"I'd rather not...think about marriage yet. I'm only 40!" Aragorn opened his mouth to speak, but Eldaria spoke first.

"Lady Eówyn was only 24 when she met Lord Faramir, but not of the Dunedain, plus you said she was was young. Mother was in her thousands when she met you. Please. Let me choose for myself. I'm not ready to marry yet."

Aragorn sighed. "It is not customary to marry of choice in Gondor. However, I will speak with your mother."

Knowing that Aragorn would not change his mind quickly, Eldaria hurried from the Throne Room, well aware that Elboron was following.

She stepped into a hallway, and let tears of frustration and fear fill her eyes. She knew that deep down, she didn't truly love Elboron, and never would.

By the time Elboron reached her side, no traces of tears remained. Eldaria could see embers of jealousy in his eyes.

"Why? I thought you cared for me!"

"I care for you, as I would care for a brother. You are jealous, but for what? I wish to marry no one at this point."

An a hurt angry look darkened Elboron's features. "You love that Elf."

Taken aback, Eldaria stared at him. "No. I don't. I wish to befriend him, is there anything wrong with that?"

Before Eldaria could say more, a voice echoed through the hallway.

"Elboron? Elboron!" Miriel's soft voice rang until she spotted her brother.

"There you are! Father is looking for you, Elboron."

Nodding at his sister, Elboron turned to Eldaria. Taking her hand he said, "I'm not going to let you go. You will love someone before long, and I intend to be that person."

Dropping her hand, he looked straight into her eyes. Then turning, he walked back to the Throne Room.

Glancing gratefully at Miriel, Eldaria attempted to cool her flaming cheeks. Something told her that Miriel would not forget the scene she had just witnessed in a hurry.

"Well? What has my brother been saying that makes you blush?"

Eldaria jumped. "Miriel, you must not tell anyone! I don't want my father to think that Elboron is serious."

Miriel nodded. "He's serious, though. Last night I overheard him speaking to my parents about talking to your father about a possible engagement."

Eldaria looked at her incredulously. "Serious? He can't be! We are both too young-"

"Might want to speak quietly. I could hear you on the other side of the wall."

Miriel and Eldaria turned at the familiar voice. "Eóthiriel!" They cried in unison.

"It appears you have been talking about Elboron. What has my cousin been up to now?" Eóthiriel asked with a mischievous look. When Eóthiriel looked very mischievous, she looked exactly like her mother, Lothiriel. When she was angry, she looked like her father, Eómer. Now she looked like a cross between them both.

Eldaria sighed. "Well, my parents are pushing me, trying to get me to marry Elboron, and refusing to let me choose. And now Miriel is telling me that Elboron is actually serious...or thinks he is, anyway."

Seeing that Eldaria was very flustered, and didn't want to talk about Elboron, the girls changed the subject, strolling through the hallways talking about anything other than marriage.

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Elboron saw his father and sister arguing from across the room. He saw his sister bite back a retort, and hurry from the Throne Room.

Eldarion made his way towards his father, then, noticing that Elboron was following Eldaria, he stepped behind a pillar. Quietly, he listened to Eldaria plead with Elboron to let go of all romantic notions.

Turning, he went back to the banquet, resolving to speak with his father later. By the time the last guest had retired, it too late to speak with Aragorn. "A few hours won't make a difference" yawned Elboron as he climbed the stairs to his room. But he couldn't shake the feeling that Eldaria would rue the next day.

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Eldaria is 40 years old. But due to the longevity of her race, she has barely come of age. So bear this in mind for future chapters :D