The girls watched as their father rode off from sight sighing together.

"I already miss him." Aranel commented.

"Me too." Marilla added.

"It's weird, we've never missed him this much." Ri commented thoughtfully.

The sound of approaching footsteps had the three girls turning sharply. "Forgive me, may I steal Aranel for a moment?" Haldir asked cordially.

Aranel:

I'll see you guys at lunch. Aranel commented before following Haldir. They walked silently through the corridors, Aranel waiting for Haldir to speak, Haldir trying to figure out what to say.

"Lady Galadriel said that you plan to stay here, after we depart?" Haldir questioned observing as Aranel stiffened slightly before nodding.

"Yes. My sisters and I are eager to see the world, though we are unsure about parting."

Haldir nodded but continued to walk. "I see. You said so yourself you felt as if your time together was coming to an end."

"Yes, I did. I suppose my sisters and I are just trying to prolong the inevitable."

"I see." Was Haldir's rather short response.

"Are you—are you angry?" Aranel inquired curiously.

Haldir did not comment, just continued to walk. He found a small clearing away from the most traveled path and turned for Aranel to continue. "I am not sure myself. It is hard to explain—elves are different you know. We have only one fëa mate and they are our everything. For some the realization of who that is takes longer than others. The loss of a fëa mate can result in the other dying from grief."

Aranel nodded sitting beside Haldir. "Yes. I know, elves are the only creatures who can fade."

"Do you know why I am telling you this?"

Aranel sighed before looking at Haldir grabbing one of his hands. "I think so, but Haldir you must understand. I am not elven for me this—" Aranel stated gesturing to the both of them. "It's going so fast. It was only a few days ago all I knew was my sisters and father. To suddenly have this it's too much too soon." Haldir made no response and it worried Aranel. She quickly turned toward him, sitting halfway in his lap. "Please Haldir I am not rejecting you, this I swear. I just—I need this too slow down."

Haldir refused to look up, she said she was not rejecting him but the pain in his heart told him otherwise. Still he would not risk losing her all together. Finally he nodded, "friends than? For now, until we get to know each other better?"

Aranel smiled brightly nodding her head joyfully happy that he was accepting what she proposed. "Can I ask one thing?" Haldir questioned.

"Of course."

"You let me taste you once that is all I can think about. One last kiss is all I ask before we share no more." Haldir stated waiting for her response.

Aranel sat still looking at Haldir incredulously, he made her sound like a temptress! Nodding her head she agreed, she too wanted one last kiss. "Of cou-"

Haldir cut her off his lips smashing into hers, his tongue plundering her mouth. Aranel stiffened momentarily surprised by the sudden action before quickly relaxing and returning his kiss with a fever. Hands reached for his head and suddenly she found herself straddling him, her hands tangled in his hair. His kiss was like last time, hot and demanding. Haldir left no question as to who was in control, though Aranel hardly cared, she was happy accepting his passion. Haldir's hands found themselves knotting in her hair, musing some of the roses. One of his other hands found itself on her waist pulling her in closer and closer still until her body was flush against his.

Haldir released her mouth, her breathing coming out in frantic pants before he delved back in, her taste whole and all consuming. Her body was hot against his, fitting like a puzzle piece, he did not wish this kiss to end knowing that this would be the last for a while.

Aranel moaned into his mouth when he began to draw circles on her back with one of his hands. She was quick to pull his head closer to hers, her mind foggy. Pulling back she panted against his parted lips, their breathes hot, before he reached her neck. Teeth scraping along her neck as he placed open mouthed kisses along her neck down to her collar bone. Aranel tiled her head to the side giving him more access her eyes closed tight in a blissful haze. Pulling his head from her neck she smashed her mouth back on his, putting everything she had into the kiss. She was the one who asked to slow down, suddenly forgetting why though.

Releasing her mouth Haldir leaned back his eyes hazing, "so. Friends?"

Aranel looked him in the eye surprised before leaning back and laughing heartily. She leaned back in his arms nuzzling into his neck. "For now."

Haldir just hummed and stroked her hair lightly. "Do you always lay on your friends like this?" He asked teasingly. Aranel was about to question what he meant until she realized that she was still straddling his lap, her torso splayed out on his, her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Only special friends." She teased back lightly. Haldir chuckled, welcoming the embrace regardless. She sighed before wiggling off his lap. Plopping down beside him she leaned into his shoulder, his arm winding around her waist.

"Tell me about your childhood." Aranel questioned. "What was it like growing up in Lothlorien?"

"It was nice, I didn't truly appreciate the beauty of the forest until my first mission outside of the woods. Only then did I realize how blessed I was to grow up there. The trees are taller than imaginable, reaching the sky. I lived with my mother and father. My mother worked as a seamstress, I think she spent more time fixing the holes in my clothes than on those that paid. My father was the March Warden before me, he was the reason that I wanted to be a Warden in the first place. They loved me and doted on me. I was already a warden, granted a new one when they had my brother Orophin and then Rumil shortly after. I did not get to spend as much time with them as I wanted, as a young Warden a spent much time on the boarder still learning."

Aranel leaned on him, "that does sound lovely. Are your brothers wardens also?"

"Yes, I am the head of the Warden, I have four other Wardens each appointed to either the eastern, western, northern, or southern boarder at one time. They are each in charge of their individual boarder. It helps to have it like that. Before when my father was March Warden, it was just him and things became hard. How was he to deal with quarrels amongst wardens when he didn't understand fully what happened? When I became March Warden I brought my idea to Lord Celeborn. He agreed that it was a good idea and we put it into plan quickly. Things became much smoother after that. Anyway my brothers are these Boarder Leaders, they share the northern border."

"Share?"

"Yes, the wardens rotate on the boarder in two month cycles. The Boarder Leaders, split the so that they each take it two months at a time. There are two per boarder and they each have five wardens that they trust completely and explicitly as their voices when they are not on the border. For a time I thought to just make more Border Leaders, but I found myself having trouble with that many. Of course that doesn't mean that the wardens aren't able to talk to me if they have concerns, quite the opposite. The Border Leaders are simply there for the everyday quarrel and so forth. Any real problems come to me directly."

"Hmmm, that sounds like an awful lot of work."

"It is but I don't mind it." Haldir commented playing with one of Aranel's hands.

"We are planning on visiting Lothlorien in around a year."

"You plan to travel with Lady Arwen?"

Aranel nodded.

Marilla:

I'll see you guys at lunch.

Marilla and Ri watched as Aranel followed Haldir down though the winding paths of Rivendell.

"Ah, excuse me. Would you mind if I stole Marilla for a moment." A voice called. Marilla nodded and followed after Prince Legolas.

Lunch? Ri asked

Yep. Marilla responded.

"So you are staying here?" Legolas questioned.

"Yes, my sisters and I are going to stay here until Lady Arwen heads to Lothlorien, we'll go with her than. I think we will stay there for a year or so before heading to the Woodland Realm. If we are still welcome of course."

"Of course! I apologize for this though." Legolas trailed off.

"What do you mean?" Marilla questioned unsure as the rounded a corner and found King Thranduil sitting on a bench gazing out deep in thought. "Oh."

"He wants to meet you, talk to you." Legolas explained quickly, leading her his father.

"You're Majesty." Marilla bowed, she really wasn't sure how to approach the King well known for his temper.

Thranduil's glazed eyes snapped to attention looking over the girl carefully. She was the daughter of Gandalf and powerful, which he supposed made her an appropriate match for his son. She and her sisters would certainly be able to make communication between the realms more effective. He raised a hand brushing off her bow. "Please, there is no need for that. Just call me Thranduil, have a seat."

Right, Marilla thought. Stay calm and breathe. Sitting on the bench next to the King she found herself nervous. Legolas smiled before sitting on the grass by her feet. He leaned slightly against her legs, his presence comforting.

"If I were to ask you about your childhood what would you tell me?" Thranduil asked not giving any indication whether or not he actually cared to hear the answer.

"Oh! Well I suppose I would tell you that I remember little of it. My sisters and I don't remember much at all from before Father found us and took us in." Marilla answered thoughtfully.

"I see, then about your powers. I am intrigued by that? Such a small girl being able to control an element." Marilla detected a slight interest in his voice, though it was so slight she could have imagined it.

"Well I can control water. Though I need a source, it's not hard to get though. Most think that I need to be by a large body of water but I can sense the water in the moist air, that in the soul, even the water in plants. It takes a bit longer but I am able to suck it from these sources and use it then. Of course, Aranel never let me take any water from plants that would kill them."

"What can you do with the water?"

"As much as my imagination allows I suppose, though Father did teach me how to heal."

"Interesting. You and your sisters also share a telepathic bond?" Thranduil asked sounding more intrigued then before.

"Yes."

"How does that bond work?"

"Like talking I suppose. We can have our minds completely open so that every thought is passed to the other but normally we do not do that. Normally we have our minds partially closed so that they can be reached by another if wanted and only what we wish is sent to the other."

"Fascinating." Thranduil commented his eyes glazing off. Marilla looked to Legolas who smiled and stood gesturing for her to follow him.

Once they were far enough away Marilla questioned him. "Why does he do that?"

Legolas looked over his shoulder and laughed lightly. "Did you know elves only have one fëa mate? That we could die from grief if they passed."

Marilla nodded her head unsure. "Once few mates bond in front of Manwe, the Lord of the Valar, they share a special bond. They are able to communicate telepathically."

"Like my sisters?"
"Yes like you and your sisters. Though since I do not know the depth of your bond with your sisters nor do I know the bond of those bound, I cannot truly compare them. I suppose that's why father questioned you about it. He was curious about the bond, he probably is probably comparing it to the one he shares with mother. That's why he does that, he is speaking with her. Normally he doesn't look so-"

"Look like he's paying no attention to what's happening around him?"

Legolas laughed brightly. "Yes, I think the farther the distance the harder it is to communicate. Is it like that with your sisters?"

Marilla frowned thinking. "I have idea, we have never been very far away from each other."

"I should like to spend more time with you, if that is alright with you?" Legolas trailed off unsure.

Marilla smiled lightly looking away. "That is very much alright with me."

Legolas leaned in, being stopped by Marilla hand. He leaned back frowning, uncertainty in his eyes. "What is it?"

Marilla looked down at her hands. "I—this is all going too fast."

"Of course forgive me." Legolas leaned back politely. He was not sure how to approach her, or the situation.

"No! Its fine really, I enjoyed—it's just that. We only have a week before you go back and I would like to spend that time getting to know you."

Legolas leaned forward kissing her temple. "I understand. This is all very new to me also."

"You mean you haven't—"

Legolas looked away bright red. "Of course not! I am the crown prince and my father was sure that I was very careful with my relations. I was watched closely since the day that I was born. It was frowned upon for me to be in any kind of relation like that."

"Me either. Not the being watched from birth but I've never been in a relationship with someone. I'm not really sure what to do."

"Perhaps we should start as just friends." Legolas offered trying to keep the hurt he felt from creeping into his voice. She was right, they were moving much too quick especially for only having just met. Besides he was the Prince it was his job to set an example for his people.

"I would like that." Marilla commented shyly. "So you know my plans for after you depart. What are your plans?"

"I'll stay at the palace for a while I suppose. Though I am very eager to see the other places Middle Earth has to offer. Father says I have a wander lust, that I should get rid of it. Though up until a while ago, I had no reason to stay at the palace, when there is an entire world open for me."

Marilla blushed, "until a while ago?"

Legolas grabbed her hand running his hands over her knuckles. "Mmmhmm."

"What's changed?" Marilla asked already knowing the answer.

"You." Was Legolas' simple reply. Legolas leaned in hesitantly, this time with no restraint from Marilla.

His lips met hers, hesitantly. They were soft and warm, yet Marilla could feel the uncertainty and pause in his kiss. For a moment Marilla was unsure what to do, placing a hand on his arm she return the kiss. The kiss was soft, gentle, and possibly the sweetest thing Marilla had ever felt. One of Legolas' hands reached up toward her face, gently stroking her cheek, the other winding its way around her waist.

Marilla quickly wrapped her hands around his neck clasping them together. The tentative feel of tongue on her lip had her opening her mouth unsure. He was timid and curious in his movements, searching her whole mouth before coming back and encouraging her to do the same. Which she did so, with a bit of hesitance. Marilla almost laughed at how uncertain the both of them were. Legolas began to put more passion behind the kiss knowing that Marilla was not going to refuse him. Their tongues quickly fought for dominance, Marilla not backing down. If Legolas was surprised by her fight he gave no indication, though it mattered little as he won soon after. He pulled back from her his breathing erratic. His eyes were slightly dilated and he was struggling with his own composure.

Marilla likewise was having difficulty. Her brain was a muddle of thoughts, she wanted to go slow and be friends, but she wasn't sure friends kissed like that. Before anymore thought could be put in Legolas' mouth was back on hers, still gentle but hot with a passion. Her hands that were clasped behind his neck were quickly running up and down his chest, knotting and unknotting in his tunic. She was sure there were going to be wrinkles there but she could not force herself to care. Legolas' grip on her face loosened and she found his hand quickly wandering to her hair, holding her head there. The one around her waist playing with the ends of her hair.

Legolas pulled back, his lips swollen a slight smile on his lips. The look mirrored on Marilla's.

"It truly is strange finding your fëa mate." Legolas whispered to Marilla. She blushed hotly before ducking her head. "It is going to be hard to control myself, to only be friends with you."

Marilla smirked at his rumpled shirt before replying. "It'll be good practice for when your King don't you think. Learning control."

Legolas looked at the smirking girl and impish grin forming on his face. "I suppose but don't come crying to me when you want a kiss."

Marilla leaned back incredulously, before laughing and playfully hitting him on the arm.

Ri:

Ri stood alone watching her sisters walk away before deciding to head back to her room. On her way she ran into Elladan who smiled brightly at her.

"My lady." He said bowing playfully. He straightened his face serious, rubbing the back of his head he added. "I was actually looking for you. If you don't mind, may we talk?"

Ri smiled, "of course Elladan." Taking his arm she allowed him to lead her away.

"Just Dan, please. If we are going to be siblings someday I would prefer that." He replied teasingly.

Ri looked up at Dan frowning. "Dan?"

The elf in question just shook his head.

"Does it bother you?"

"I'm happy for my brother, I am truly. I suppose I'm just sad. I feel like I'm losing him."

"I know what you mean. Truly I do, with my sisters."

Dan looked away sighing. "I don't know what to do. I've never had to fight for my brother's attention."

Ri stopped placing a hand on his arm. "Dan you listen to me. You will not be fighting for his attention or affection for that matter. You are brothers and that is a precious bond that I would not even dream about breaking."

Dan nodded looking down at Ri smiling. "I suppose your right, besides I'm gaining another little sister to tease. Arwen gets boring to prank sometimes."

Ri laughed at him. "I'll have to sleep with one eye open. Besides I'll be more than happy to help you prank Ro."

Dan looked thoughtful for a moment. "Hmmm and interesting thought. I do believe this is the beginning of a beautiful kinship." Ri shook his outstretched hand a wide smile on her face.

"You know, I think this will be good for you too. Maybe now you can get yourself a nice she-elf." Ri teased.

"Oh? And what do you mean with now? I'll have you know all the she-elves love me." Dan commented mildly offended at the accusation.

"Mmmhmm. Sure they do."

"Dan is that you?" A voice called behind them. Ri turned and smiled brightly as Elrohir caught up to them, a frown on his face.

"Well that is my cue to leave, it has been a pleasure to meet you. Until later little sister." Dan winked giving a chaste kiss to her hand before bounding away, pausing to say something to Elrohir.

Elrohir nodded and walked toward Ri a guarded look on his face. "So?"

Ri smiled a secret smile and began to walk away. "Dan is nice, made a comment about me being his little sister and helping him prank you."

Elrohir blinked before catching up. "Oh? Don't you think you should be helping me prank him? Not the other way around."

"I suppose I could help you too."

"Now that's mean. Playing both teams, are you trying to turn my brother and I against each other." Ro teased.

Ri looked up at him laughing at his false thoughtful expression. "A good diplomat knows all their cards, and those of all their opponents."

Ro caught her around the waist spinning her towards him. "And it that what you are? A good diplomat."

"Better than you." She whispered out before his mouth caught hers. There was no hesitation, Elrohir knew what he liked and what he wanted but he was gentle with her. Their lips moved in sink, his arms slinking around her waist and back pulling her closer to him. Ri wrapped her arms around his neck trying to pull him even closer.

Ri's mind was hazed, she had no idea a person could kiss so gently and passionately at the same time. Ro bit her lip, demanding entrance to her mouth. Ri did not hesitate to let him in, eager herself to battle for dominance. And so the fight began, every inch of Ri tingling. Ro backed them up until Ri's back hit something hard. Little care went in to the possibility that anyone could interrupt. All Ri knew was Ro at this moment, his kiss minimizing their world until it was just them.

Ro pulled back, an appreciative glance over Ri's swollen lips and hazed eyes. "Mine." He whispered before diving back for her mouth, swallowing her very being. Ri wanted to respond, to tell him that she was no one's but her mind was having a hard time functioning at the time. Ri stood on her tip toes trying to pull the elf closer to her. The kiss was quickly escalating, Ri's heart beating erratically in her chest. The two continued in their embrace, until finally the need for oxygen caused them to break apart.

Ro nuzzled into Ri's neck placing gently kisses along her collarbone, her eyes closing in bliss. "Ro. Ro." Elrohir pulled back his eyes glazed over with lust. "We need to slow down. We just met."

Elrohir sighed before resting his head on her shoulder, breathing deeply. "I suppose so." Ri smiled and began to rub designs on his back.

"Besides, I want to get to know your brother too. I don't want him to feel as if he is booted out of your life."

Elrohir leaned back looking in her eyes a teasing glint in them. "Wait a minute. Are you interested in me or my brother?"

Ri laughed at his jest but knew the insecurity deep down so she answered with a serious an answer as she could manage. "You. Always you. Only you." She whispered pecking him on the lips and quickly slipping from his embrace when he tried to deepen the kiss. "Of no you! That is not slow."

"How slow are we talking about?" Ri just laughed and ran through the halls, Elrohir hot on her heels.