Hi guys,

Well, this chapter is a slight epic, but I love it. I had a lot of fun.

Your reviews are amazing and I'm so thankful for them! I've been away this weekend but as soon as I have a moment I'll reply personally :)

Please enjoy, and tell me what you think,

MM -x


I strolled the beach aimlessly, boots in my hand and breeches rolled up to the knee so that I could let the water lap against my ankles. I had spent the winter over the mountains with my Grandparents, even without Elrohir, and I now finally wandered towards home as spring began at last. It would be Tatharien's wedding in but a week and so I wanted to surprise her being home early, though I had found it surprisingly difficult to leave the most peaceful lands I had ever known.

I had spent day after day in gardens and libraries, by streams and in woodland either in an aimless wander or with those I knew. Lord Celeborn had eagerly listened to our family news – with some concern regarding both Maglor and now Maedhros returned – but seemed more at ease once I had advised him of just how wonderful they seemed to be. Together he, Elrond and Elrohir were chronicling the times of Middle Earth in full, and I eagerly supplied myself as a first reader of their drafts – an edit or two here and there, and stories of Eldarion and Arwen's other children that I could recall.

I had torn myself away from the beauty of the lands I had found, and with my family in tow we had returned to the coast and to the madness we knew so very well. Amdiriel had gone straight to find J and Glorfindel, and I had simply curled up with my Mum. It was the longest I had ever been separated from she which I had sought to remedy as soon as possible, but I felt a longing in my heart for my husband so it was now in that direction I walked.

"Lita!" I heard the joyful shriek and I turned just in time to see Thúlië flying towards me. I dropped my bag and boots a little further up the beach to save them from being damaged by the water before meeting her half-way in a crushing embrace.

"Ai, my wildling! Oh, I've missed you." I kissed her cheek as I held her face in my hands. Her blue eyes, so like Glorfindel's, seemed to glow with a light all of their own as her beaming smile only broadened.

"And I you – it is not the same when you are gone. How were our Grandparents? Have you brought them, Ami and Elanor with you?" Her words came out in an exhilarated rush and I felt the same dreaminess come upon me that I had suffered for the last few days.

"Wonderful, truly, and yes they have! Oh but the stories I have to tell, when I am settled in my own home at last. How are you, since I have been away?"

"I am absolutely wonderful, as always." She stopped and blushed then, suddenly. "Though there is something I would speak to you about – I have not had yet the heart to speak to Mum and of course with you and Amdiriel away I have only had the twins for company, for Tath has been so absorbed in wedding plans."

"Oh, really now?" I took her arm in mine, walking back along the beach. "Pray tell, darling one."

"Hmm." She said, and stooped to grab my boots as I took my bag. "What is it like, to love someone? How did you know when you loved Elrohir?"

"I cannot explain it, truly." I said thoughtfully. "I knew right away that something was between us. It was like a shock, a flame..." I floundered, trying to find the words. "I hated not seeing him, I felt happier than ever when in his company. And of course I desired him – yes, like that you little deviant." I rolled my eyes as she laughed rather filthily. "But it felt as if I had found a missing part of my soul, my true mate."

"I see." Her words were strained and I felt the muscles in her arm tense and relax over and over.

"Thúlië, is something going on?" I asked her outright and she stopped, dropping to the sand with her dress pooling about her. She tucked it back so that it was well past her knees, letting the water climb and drift back from her feet. I sat next to her, taking her hand in my own again. "Talk to me, wild one. What has you so tied in knots?"

"I did something decidedly stupid – or rather, my heart did." She whispered with a brief glance around us. "I think... I think I have found myself rather in love, and so suddenly. However, it is with someone so wholly unobtainable I fear I have led myself to a life of utter loneliness and misery."

"Does this have something to do with our latest hot-headed companion?" I nudged her and she nodded with her beautiful blue eyes downcast.

"Perhaps. Is it truly so obvious?"

"A little, I confess, but perhaps just to me." I gave her hand a squeeze. "I know you – I can read your mind!" I giggled then, tickling her without hesitation until she laughed at last, wriggling away from my hands. "If you must know, I don't think it is wholly hopeless." I said cautiously.

"I could only wish, Lita. He occasionally comes as I accompany the twins in their hunts or in a general tourney, but rarely speaks to me. He hides sometimes in the trees or foliage – I know not why. On those days he does not speak or laugh, but simply watches."

"Do you let him know that you are aware of him?" I asked curiously, uncertain as to why else he would watch her but for at least taking a fancy to her.

"Gods, no, how could I? I would only embarrass myself. Half the time I find myself so completely flustered around him and I have to let myself become so distracted by something else and run away, lest I make a fool of myself further. My heart beats so quickly and I feel fraught with nerves but Valar, I cannot help but feel myself smile when I see him. Despite his penchant to sulking or the sharp quips that he hides behind I only wish to be there longer still, just around him and in his company."

Her words poured entirely from her heart now and I felt the same yearning just as she did. "You deserve such happiness and so does he, but you have to let him know! I do not mean tell him outright, wild one, but showing him. Have you danced with him at any of Mum's celebrations?"

"No! What a ridiculous thought – why would he seek to dance with me?" She laughed then, completely incredulous.

I stared at her, dumbfounded. "Are you mad? Thúlië, you are beautiful and wild and free. How could any not love you?"

"It will never happen, Litawen. He is so far above my station that the very idea of a romance between us is ludicrous. I cannot believe my heart has so treacherously led me down a path I cannot follow."

"Oh, and it was not so between Glorfindel and Jade?" I prompted and she paused, chewing her lip as I flouted her senseless attempt at reasoning.

"It was not the same. His house and titles were gone but for in memory, and they wed within Middle Earth where they were readily accepted. It will not be so here." Thúlië argued back at last, rather firmly and brooking no further discussion on the matter.

I sighed and let my eyes roam the beach freely, and felt a clench in my stomach as the very object of our conversation strolled along the beach, head low, in some conversation with his brother and Elrohir. I tried to reach out and to him, feeling the beat of his heart next to mine, and I revelled in the sensation of it for a moment. His soul felt bare before me as he didn't seem to quite notice my heart reaching to his, and so I engulfed myself

As I did so, I had a strange burst of inspiration and I eyed my cousin who showed an ample amount of leg still, with her head tilted back and golden hair sweeping the sand as the light of the early afternoon caressed her skin. I considered my action for the briefest of moments but considering what she had said about Maedhros and his penchant for observing her, I could not help myself as I called out.

"Elrohir!"

All three heads snapped in our direction at once and I saw Thúlië turn her head just as Maedhros found where the noise had come from. A furious burn flew up her chest, neck and cheeks and she made a strange sound somewhere between a sob and a laugh.

"Ai, Lita, you witch!" Thúlië hissed, grappling with her dress and pulling it down as best as she could before giving up, her head low. "I wish for the ground to swallow me." She muttered, standing and brushing the sand away. I ignored her completely, running at full pelt along the beach until I could fling myself at my husband – I had not realised just how much I had missed him as we collided, body and soul.

"I did not expect you back!" he laughed as I stood upon the tips of my toes to kiss him chastely before offering an embrace to both Maglor and Maedhros in turn, who stood stock still staring at Thúlië who still stood a distance away rather awkwardly, waving bashfully before grabbing my things and all but fleeing down the beach. I sighed and then with a roll of my eyes, pinched the remarkably tall elf in the site for the pain he unwittingly caused my cousin.

"She won't bite you." I said with humour, which seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he had been in.

"She always runs. Why does she always run?" He sighed, rubbing his side absently.

"Staring at a lady's naked legs is absolutely the way to embarrass her." I pointed out and to my delight, he flushed.

"I was not..."

"Lies – I see right through them." I chuckled.

"I would not know what to say to her. She flees from me and I know that I make her uncomfortable."

"Oh, I wonder why? You have such a charming disposition." I teased and finally his sullen mood relented as quickly as it seemed to come.

"Perhaps. Welcome back, Litawen. How was your time over the mountains?"

"Entirely relaxing, and it was wonderful to spend some time with my Grandparents. Amdiriel took great delight in showing me around garden after garden and more than once did I sleep under the stars." I said dreamily. "That said, I am rather glad to be home so I can prevent this disaster before it comes." I gestured up and down before Maedhros with a frown. "Come, let us take a walk. Elrohir, Maglor, if you could find Thúlië and ensure she is well?"

"Of course. I will see you at home, love." Elrohir kissed my hand tenderly. I met his eyes and winked before taking Maedhros' arm decisively, pulling him with me.

"Why do you so accost me, Lady?" He asked curiously.

"I wanted to have a word with you, and to advise you to tread carefully."

"What could possibly instigate such a warning – for that is what it is."

"You're right, I shan't mince my words. Thúlië..." I began, and he sighed.

"You are better leaving the matter well alone, Litawen. If you come to tell me that she is uninterested in my advances then I am perfectly well aware. I was caught today staring, and please take my absolute assurance that I shall endeavour to ensure it does not happen again, for my own sake and for hers."

I blinked, closing my mouth with a snap of my teeth. "Well, you are both utterly ridiculous. She's the one who is rather insistent you have no interest in her. This is why I must remain around you all at all times – good Valar, you cannot see what is right in front of you. Stalking her is not the way to show her how you feel, if you're not going to approach her to speak after the fact."

"She has seen me?" He gaped, clearly horrified.

"Of course she has – she has finely tuned senses for being our prey when we shoot. She knows when she is being watched!" I laughed, patting his arm. "Bless you both. I confess I did alert you all to our presence intentionally – I hoped to see what was in your heart and I think that I was right."

"Well, thank you for that. You are rather the meddlesome, troublesome creature. You have embarrassed your cousin, and now me, thoroughly."

"Mum has called me trouble since the day I was born and I have only had tutelage from the best – she and Glorfindel." I shrugged. "Thúlië will be fine – she did not hit me so I rather think she liked the moment to tease. You know her."

"That I do." He dipped his head again then, eyes upon the sand which we lightly trod upon. "I know not what to do. Decisions have usually come so easily to me and now I find myself at a loss. I spent too much time chasing those damned and cursed jewels to even consider such pleasantries as love."

"I know." I felt my heart heavy then, feeling his regret as if it were tangible in the air. "Tatharien's wedding is in but a few days – will you be coming?" He nodded once. "Good. Dance with her."

"I would make a fool of myself – I cannot ever hope to be so elegant a dancer as she." Maedhros looked apprehensive. "Mother always said I was too tall to dance well."

"And she thinks she makes a fool of herself whenever she speaks to you, so you can both be fools together trying to dance in absolute silence. Or you could just pick her up and carry her off – I doubt she would be opposed." I teased him and he stared at me before laughing outright – something that appeared to startle him.

"Oh, I do like you."

"Good, then for my sake will you please try to put Thúlië's mind at ease? She is tearing herself apart." I finally let myself fret for her, confident enough in his affections to be truly honest. "I love her as if she were my own sister and to see her hurting and so unsure pains me deeply. She is usually so boisterous and so confident, and to hear of her acting so shyly truly indicates just how she must feel."

"I did not know. I thought quite genuinely that she held little regard for me after all but bullying me into accepting Lady Bernadette's hand of friendship, for hope is so foreign to me. I must..." He looked towards the woods a little further from the cliffs and I held out a hand to stop him.

"You must wait. Do not rush in, but instead take time to be sure of your feelings." I began to caution him.

"I am certain of my heart." He said stubbornly and I sighed.

"Perhaps, but do not give her cause for alarm. Let things be as they will be. You will manage for six, whole days, I am sure. Do not make me have Elrohir or Mum drug you."

"You would not dare."

I blinked lazily, gazing up at him unwaveringly. "Wouldn't I?" I held his eyes until he seemed to cave in, nodding once. "Good. Turn back, go home, and get a little rest. Think about what you want to say and how you want to say it."

"Oh, and Maedhros? Remember who taught Thúlië to dance. You might be able to get a tip or two."

His retreating back paused for a moment, and he threw a dark glance over his shoulder before walking back along the beach. I held my breath for a moment as he paused again, and then his feet seemed to carry him away in a direction he seemed so unsure of. I felt relief as I saw where he went and my soul warm as I walked to my own home where Elrohir greeted me outside by the foot of the tree with open arms and a kiss that set my body alight.

"Is Thúlië well?" I murmured against his lips.

"Maglor has her, and has taken her to Benny's." He told me, silencing me soundly for a moment. "Where has Maedhros gone?" His lips drifted lower to caress my neck, his fingers teasing at the hem of my tunic.

I smiled as my head tilted back, and then sighed as his teeth gently nipped. "To Jade's. He went to Jade's."

"Good. Now, come upstairs. I have something to show you."

xxxXxxx

"So, something odd happened yesterday." I looked up from my writing desk at J who was stood in the doorway, hands on her hips. I carefully blew on the ink to dry it and then placed my almost-finished book carefully on the desk.

"Hmm?"

"Yes, Maedhros came by... asking for dancing lessons. What do you know?"

"Things." I said vaguely, waving a hand for her to come in. "Tea?"

"Always." She said promptly, kicking the door behind her so that it mostly closed. "No, seriously Lita; spill. Believe it or not, if something is there I want to help it along. Amdiriel has currently decided that she does not need a man to ensure her happiness, so I need some hope that I will have grandchildren one day."

I snickered, pouring her tea and taking a little pity on her. "Why do I remain yet unsurprised?" I sighed then. "Tell her I told you and I will kill you with my bare hands."

"Of course." She said, completely unaffected by my threat. "So..."

I passed the mug to her, leaning over the counter as she did the same. "Thúlië is completely in love with him. Not besotted, not a fancy – she loves him. I saw it in her eyes and she is so forlorn for she cannot see equally that the affection could so easily be returned."

J whistled, bringing her tea to her lips. "Blimey, Glorfindel was right. He'll never let me live it down."

"I know." I pulled a face. "That said, he was also of the mind that Thúlië has no interest in him."

"I assume you partially corrected him on that score, seeing as he appeared at my house last night giving it all the front like a big man. Cocky as you like until I kicked him in the knee with one of my shoes." She snorted. "I told him if he kept it up I'd kick him a little higher, and he dropped the attitude."

"You know, it is a wonder anyone likes us at all when we insist upon kicking people in the knees." I laughed and she shrugged easily.

"I prefer to think of it as reminding them they aren't all that – we bring people back down to earth and pop a few inflated egos. That started with Benny and Haldir. Maedhros reminds me of what Benny used to say about him; he was full of his own self-importance."

"Ah, but Dad was full of himself. Maedhros is not, it is just a front as he knows not how else to behave and he believes rather foolishly that it protects him." I explained.

"That he does." J laughed. "Not that it'll do him much good with our Thúlië."

"I'll drink to that." I chuckled darkly and tapped my cup to hers. "So, are you teaching him?"

"I am – every night this week. He'll be okay, but he is rather tall for a dancer. He needs to learn to just let go of his inhibitions and then he can play to it. I mean, he did for a brief moment last night and he was beautiful, Lita, but then Glorfindel came in and ruined our flow completely." Jade grimaced and I huffed.

"Well, that is no good. Take him to Elrond's and dance there to keep everyone away."

"You know, I might do just that, thank you darling." She kissed my cheek, leaning further over the counter to do it. "It looks lovely in here, by the way. Elrohir did a beautiful job."

In my absence, Elrohir had become rather unsure of what to do with himself. Our home, whilst lovely, had not been quite designed to last as long as we had lived in it and needed a little love which we had been talking about for years but never managed to get around to. Whilst I was gone, he and my Father had worked to replace the roof, replace the floor and re-work some of the windows. He had even arranged for furnishings to be recovered or remade, and alongside that he had bought me a beautiful writing desk.

"So you have somewhere to work on your scribing." He had told me, and I had flung myself into his arms and shown him just how thankful I was for it.

"Yes, he did." I felt my cheeks heat a little as I remembered the rather heated thanks I had granted him. "I know not how I came to be so fortunate."

Her eyes sparkled as she caught my flush but she did not press upon it. "Oh no, he's the lucky one Litawen. You deserve the happiness he's brought to you, just as I'm sure Maedhros will for Thúlië. Or rather, perhaps it will be the other way around."

"I imagine it shall be, wife of mine. Here is where you are hiding!"

"Does no-one ever knock here? The door has become entirely superfluous." I rolled my eyes, pouring another mug of tea and placed it in his hands as Glorfindel crossed the room, gazing around the new furnishings, fresh paint and new boards that Elrohir had set.

"Privacy in this family is an illusion, and I have learned to accept this. What are you two gossiping about, or are you scheming?"

"Both." J tilted her face up as he kissed her briefly. "As well you know."

"Perhaps, perhaps." He admitted, assuming the same position. "I look forward to winning our wager."

"You will have to split it with Maglor – and remember, we are wagering on a proposal and not a romance." I reminded him. "I do not believe that is so sure a thing as you like to think just yet."

"True enough. He has not approached either of us on the subject and I know his upbringing will drive him to do so." Glorfindel mused, fingers drumming over the counter-top. "I still think I will be right – I have seen the way his eyes follow her about a room, and the twins tell me he follows them on tournaments simply to watch her."

"You knew that and you didn't tell me? You're an arse." J hit his arm with a little more force than necessary.

"I trust you will both keep your silence on this. Please? Maedhros and Thúlië do not need all eyes upon them as they seek that which may yet be between them." I begged and the two stopped bickering for a moment.

"Of course, Litawen." Glorfindel assured me. "It will not be an easy path for them, and you know how the older houses can place such unnecessary emphasis upon one's breeding. I can offer a little status, as can Benny, Tori and Legolas, which should help the match along, but should any more of their brothers return in the interim..."

Glorfindel trailed off and J grimaced. "Leave it out, you're being ridiculous. She's got more than a little status from you – you were the head of your house, were you not?"

"And then I died and Gondolin fell." He pointed out.

"Yes, and so did Maedhros! So if you think that your death affects your honours and titles, then surely it will affect his too? I mean, as if he doesn't feel like he's damned enough already. Frankly, it surprises me sometimes that you even speak to them."

"Benny is right on that score, Jade – there is no point in any hatred. If the Valar have released them then they must be at least content that they are sincerely sorry for their actions, and that they have been forgiven even if they do not forgive themselves. The weight of all that they have done will be upon them forever and I will not add any more to it when I see that they detest themselves quite enough."

"Well said, that man." Another voice came from the door and I glared.

"I am going to have Elrohir remove that door, there really is no point in it - everyone simply invites themselves in anyway. Tea, Aunty Tori?"

"Go on then." I made her tea, heating it up and adding a little honey – she preferred the brew sweet, though I could not stand it. "Bloody lovely."

"I'm glad you enjoy it. Oh, I have letters for you and Uncle Legolas." I snapped my fingers, going to my writing desk and pulling out the thick wads of paper.

"Oh, goody." She drawled, opening her own letter and scanning it before grimacing and folding it back up. "You know, sometimes I want to stick Thranduil through the eye with an arrow. His wife, however lovely that she may be, will drive me to insanity long before then."

"Kids again?" J gazed at her twin sympathetically as she nodded. "They can't make you if you're not ready."

"I know, it isn't like they can force us to have sex or something." She chuckled. "That said, I do wish she'd leave it be. We're happy – why can't we be childless and happy? Why does that make me a freak?"

"Cheers to childless and happy." I raised my mug and she did the same. "Ignore it, and if needs be I know a good cave you can hide with Uncle Legolas until they think you are dead."

"Thanks." Tori said drily, coming round to my side of the counter and lacing an arm around my waist. "None for you either?"

"No, thank you kindly. I so prefer being able to give them back at the end of a visit." I laughed, leaning against my Aunt. "Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Glorfindel, Thúlië and Maedhros will be fine."

"Bless them both, it's brilliant to watch them stumbling over each other." Tori gave me a squeeze. "So has she said she likes him then?"

"She loves him." I spoke the words tenderly. "Though he did not say the words directly I am also certain that he feels very much the same, so I think it would be best if for the moment we keep this between us and let things play out as they will."

"Agreed. I can't wait for the wedding." Tori looked genuinely excited. "I'm so glad for Tath, it's only taken them like 900 years. Jesus, that beats even Osellë and Orophin – I think that's the record."

"I think so. That said, I was looking forward to it, but now I get to stress over my dance student and my daughter. She had better appreciate this." She wagged a finger at Glorfindel held his hands up in defeat. "Say anything to her about it and you don't need to worry about Lita killing you, I'll get there first. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a lesson to prepare for and a dance to choreograph."

J swept out, dress fluttering behind her. Glorfindel looked after her, a gently amused smile upon his face. "Valar, but I love her – even when she threatens me with death."

I groaned. "Out, all of you, and if you happen across my husband tell him to return home to me as soon as he is able. I feel sorely in need of some romance of my own now you have all sickened me thoroughly." I shoved Tori away from me who was laughing, taking Glorfindel's arm and dragging him out.

"Have awesome sex!" She called out behind her in English, followed by an indignant cry when I was sure Glorfindel must have poked, shoved, or otherwise scolded her.

"You are so classy!" I shouted back at her.

"Hell yes I am... Ow! You are so dead, Glorfindel!"

I laughed outright, collecting their mugs with only a slight flush, and then made myself a fresh cup before sitting down at my desk again with a shake of my head. Only in our family.

xxxXxxx

"Oh Tath, you look absolutely beautiful." I sighed, watching her turn before me. Only Osellë, Mum and I remained – all other family sent on to town where they would bind in the square. She was swathed in a pale green with pearls highlighting here and there, a bashful smile upon her face at all the attention.

"About time, too!" Mum teased, finishing a final pin in her hair to draw it back from her face. "Are you ready?"

"Not at all." She confessed and I laughed, kissing her forehead. "I wish we could have done a smaller gathering. I do so hate the crowds and all eyes upon me."

"Sorry, but I'm afraid that's not going to happen in this family."

"No, Mum." I said fondly. "You all made sure to that. Now come, we really must depart and then we shall finally have you wed!" I took Tath's hand and she twirled below my arm, her dress fanning about her elegantly. "Miresgalon will not know where to look first!

In the warmth of the spring afternoon we walked, occasional passers by calling out their congratulations. As we neared the arches of the city I took Tath's hands again and pressed a kiss to each cheek, and Mum did the same.

"May the Valar be with you today and always, and may your love last until the ends of the earth. See you on the other side." I told her and Tatharien looked suspiciously misty-eyed before she waved us away.

"Go and take your places!" She laughed, Osellë taking her arm. I looped my own arm in hers as we quickly navigated the crowds waiting, looking for our respective partners. Father and Elrohir stood together with our amassed family all around us, waiting at last to unite families which had otherwise already been joined through my Mum's love for Nerwen, and Father's for Captain Taeglyn who stood with Miresgalon and Lord Elrond, who I knew would perform the ceremony.

Mir's eyes were glued to Tath right from the start, their heartfelt vows overflowing and so desperately full of love as they spoke them. I knew, just as my own had, their wedding feast would pass in a great blur and so I tried to cling on to as many details as I could after so I could tell Tath and remind her just as she had with me. When they had kissed before our family and all those who passed wishing us well a great cry came forth, and a song started by someone I did not recall came forth as the sun set and candles flickered as they were kindled to life.

"Beautiful." I wiped a tear from my eyes as they walked between us with faces alight with pure adoration. "I suppose I should go and set up with Mum and all the others." I indicated to where we would preform the first song of the night together – a tradition now at all the weddings of one of our own. A love song, simple and true rose from our united lips and souls as elves danced before us under the slowly emerging stars, as we had since we first gazed upon the world with new eyes. A gentle ripple of applause captured us, even from Mir and Tath, and I flew from the small corner of musicians to greet them both at last before they were swamped completely.

"Another gift we have for you – from Mum and Maglor themselves now." I turned and saw that he sat now at a great harp, Mum stood beside him, with her hands clasped before her. It was a song I had not ever heard before, and the gentle chatter died down as all about us listened. Mum sang of hope and love and a life full of joy, and that despite the changing of the seasons and the turning of the tide she sang of a love that always came together.

I saw Tath's eyes fill completely then before I too had to brush away a tear. Mum had written this for them with Maglor, I realised, for it contained those mixed but beautiful chords and such power that I knew it would stay with all those who heard it. Mum still remained a little embarrassed as she finished, stepping back and brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, and the applause that had been so gentle before was now a full swell as the true musicians for the night once more took their places in a joyous reel.

Tath took Mum's hands as she reached us, a kiss on each cheek, and the Mum welcomed Mir finally with a hug. "Just something for you. I'll give you the written copy later if you like. Now dance, and have a wonderful evening whilst I watch from a corner." She teased, before Dad took her hand away and stole her into a dance, their eyes then fixed together.

The night passed so filled with joy and laughter that I hadn't recalled in quite some time, despite our nights so usually raucous and brimming with general happiness. I eyed Maedhros still in a corner, dressed so elegantly in deep silver and black that seemed to make the flamelike quality of the hair about him stand out more that in the candlelight it fairly glowed. Elrohir caught where I was looking and laughed before pulling me away, lips upon my own as he all but manhandled my arms so that they were about his shoulders. I pulled away and let him guide me in a sweeping dance as we had on the day of our own wedding, and I heard a song that seemed to grasp at my memory just a little.

"This was played on the wedding day of your parents – Glorfindel told me once." Elrohir murmured, watching as Mum's face melted into an expression of adoration as her lips met Father's in a gentle kiss. "I hope we shall ever be as happy as they are now."

"I am certain we shall be." I ran my fingers through his hair, braided neatly and simply despite the elegant robes he wore. "I am certain... oh!"

I peered over Elrohir's shoulder and saw that Maedhros had taken hesitant steps through the crowd, most now at least rather merry for the wine, and cleared his throat from where Thúlië stood chattering animatedly with Ami and Elanor. Both pairs of brows shot up as he cleared his throat quietly and held his hand out to her – a small smile but for the genuine fear in his eyes.

Thúlië stared for just a moment before she reached out her own hand, a slight tremble in her fingertips as they gently brushed the palm of his hand. He seemed to notice and I watched as he drew her into the crowd, confident steps so that she was bound to follow. She looked so delicate before him where usually I thought of her as rather like a battle-axe, and then as he drew her into a close hold so that they were almost pressed together.

I watched as they danced, and Thúlië seemed to find her confidence moment by moment until she dared to speak. I could not hear her words but I did hear Maedhros' surprised laugh before he span her beneath his arm easily, and then in a sweeping motion she was lifted high up with her back curved and hands elegantly splayed above her. She dared to lean forward then as he still held her easily above him, and she kicked her feet playfully with a laugh as she tried to get him to put her down as her hands grasped his shoulders.

Maedhros seemed to say something which had her both blushing and infuriated, hitting his arm solidly and he mocked pain before he finally dropped her to her feet. He let her twirl before him before holding her again, her face full of laughter and a little of the exuberance I knew so well. I noted then his hands remained upon her back far more surely than they had before, and her hands still remained on his shoulders. Elrohir in his curiosity had guided us closer to them and I leaned my head on his shoulder with my eyes closed so that I did not appear to be eavesdropping quite so terribly as I was.

"Next time put me down then! I swear to the Valar, must I tell you everything twice? You are more stubborn than any I have ever met." She teased so easily.

"I did not want the moment to end." He confessed to her and I heard her gentle huff.

"Well, yes, but still." I cracked open an eye and I saw that instead of upon his shoulders, one hand had moved to rest against the side of his face. "You dance well."

"I had an excellent and highly recommended teacher. I confess that I am otherwise not much for dancing... but for with you, if you would have me."

"Well, you are rather tall... no, stop, what do you mean?" Thúlië spoke then, a tremor in her voice as she met his gaze. Their eyes were fixed, grey and blue, and I wondered if they would stay in that moment for all eternity. "What do you mean?"

"I have failed time after time where my heart is concerned, and I would not continue to do so. If your heart does not wish for the same as my own, if you hold no regard for me, then please speak plainly for I could not bear to remain so uncertain." His words were quiet then, one hand moving from her back to her neck, and Thúlië looked truly baffled.

"I do not understand. I was so certain that it was you who held no regard for m..." her words were silenced and I felt my face crack into a delighted smile as Maedhros stole a kiss from my cousin's lips, his hand drawing her head closer until he dared to part from her, breathless and with bright eyes. Her eyes remained closed still, her lips slightly parted and her chest rising and falling rapidly.

His head was low still so that her forehead touched his own. "Look at me, I beg this of you. I could not bear it if you fled from me once more as always you seem to do."

I watched her lashes flutter up until her eyes captured his again. "This is a dream." She informed Maedhros, her hand tracing his brow, cheek and nose. Finally she came to his lips and as she did so, he bit her thumb gently until she gasped outright.

"Then if it is a dream, we shall never wake and I will ever be content."

"This is not a dream, is it?" She asked then, her hand now more daringly combing through his hair.

"Not that I am aware of, though I am happy to bite you again if I must to convince you." He laughed at her meek question.

"I am not going mad?" Thúlië questioned, a little braver this time.

"Now, that is perhaps questionable if your tastes do so rest with me." Maedhros mocked her and she tugged a braid solidly with pursed lips. "However, for your own peace of mind I am certain you are not mad."

"So if I were to kiss you again, you would not disappear or flee as you have in my dreams?"

"Thúlië, hush your incessant babbling. Valar, do you ever rest?" His words were laced with humour despite their gentleness.

Elrohir grasped my chin and turned my eyes to meet his with that rolling fire that always seemed to rest just beneath the surface. "Come away, love."

His lips lingered on my own for a moment and I could taste the sweet wine that he had been drinking. Elrohir tugged my hand with a roguish look in his eye which had me entranced, but I could not resist one glance back at my cousin before we departed the festivities.

I was glad that I did so only as we left, for it was a moment so perfect I could not bear to watch it for long. Thúlië was upon flat feet still, her hands remaining in Maedhros' hair as they swayed together below the stars with a shared spellbound expression. I watched his mouth form words that I could only just hear, but they took my very breath away with how heartfelt, how sincere and how tinged with sadness they were.

"Forever; this I promise with all my heart. I will love you forever, and I will spend every moment trying to prove that I deserve your love in return if you would have me."

"You do not need to prove a thing, for I love you."

Maedhros' face changed completely. Thúlië's eyes closed and she stood upon the very tips of her toes so that she could reach his lips, their mouths came together again in a far more passionate encounter until he lifted her up, arms locked about her so that she now had to lean forward just a little to kiss him again.

Her hands held his face and she finally seemed to realise just what was happening, a smile blooming across her face before her head tipped back and she laughed. The sound was so sweet that it cut through the crowd and heads turned, but by the time they had found the source Thúlië was kissing him over and over. She was held easily in his arms and her hands tangled in his hair, the both of them oblivious to the looks and whispers which surrounded them.

"Come, Lita." Elrohir finally insisted, still indulgently permitting me to watch from our hidden spot. "You may hear their tales another day for I am absolutely certain she shall seek you out. Now, I find myself wishing for a moment with my wife where I might show her just how ardently I love her."


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