A few days later, Aerendyll found herself walking around the city of Calas Galadhon on her own. They had just finished the council meeting and with Haldir at the borders, she found her days stretching out before her empty, though it wasn't as though she had been all that eager to see him before he left. Or well, she did wish to see him, but at the same time did not.

She was still rather confused with her feelings and knew it would be some time yet before she heard back from Legolas.

But still, having Haldir away and knowing that she could not see him even if she wanted, did something strange to her. She worried for his safety, even though logic dictated that he would be fine. It was what he did, after all. Lead Lorien's guard and protect the borders.

She came to a stop, frowning to herself as she gave her head a shake. She needed to stop thinking of Haldir. But try as she could, she could not stop her thoughts from returning to that day at the spring when he had held her hands and listened to her. Had nearly kissed her even. His feelings were so very clear in his eyes.

If only she could allow herself to give into her feelings.

But she could not. Thranduil was watching. He would never approve. Not to mention, what would this mean for her future in Mirkwood? Haldir could not join her there, being Marchwarden. But nor could she bring herself to stay here, for the king and prince needed her.

It was a conundrum, to say the least.

"Lady Aerendyll!"

Aerendyll jumped slightly, being so lost in her thoughts that she did not hear anyone approaching. She turned to her side, seeing Sheelin and Melaine making their way towards her, both carrying baskets full of provisions, likely from the market. Both wore large grins and walked as quickly as they could with Sheelin in the state she was in. Already she was huffing slightly as she struggled to keep up with Melaine's quick steps.

"Hello," Aerendyll said cheerfully, finding herself feeling lighter already, though she was unsure why. Perhaps it was their bright countinences.

"We had been hoping to see you again," Melaine said as she came to a stop in front of Aerendyll, bowing slightly. Sheelin did the same as she reached them.

"I apologize, I have been oft detained," Aerendyll said smoothly.

"Do not fret. Perhaps if you are not on your way somewhere, you could join us for tea? We were just heading to Melaine's home," Sheelin said, her eyes full of hope.

Aerendyll kept her features smooth, though her head thumped slightly. While she longed to spend time with the elleths, she remembered the feast and worried they would bring up Haldir. But her desire to spend more time outside of the council chambers overwhelmed whatever trepidation she had.

"Of course, I would love that," she said.

The two elleths grinned again, turning to guide her towards the nearest tree and then up the stairs leading to the branches.

"It seems they keep you quite busy," Melaine said, filling the silence as they climbed.

"Yes, there is much for me to learn, it would seem," Aerendyll replied.

"Surely it must be dull at some point," Sheelin called out from behind them. Aerendyll stopped, seeing the elleth struggling slightly.

"Not always," she replied. "Please, allow me to help."

She held her arms out for the basket and Sheelin regarded her a moment before handing it over.

"Thank you. I swear it gets harder to move around the closer I get to the end," Sheelin said with a smile.

The three then continued up, starting across a walkway towards another tree. Aerendyll could not help as her eyes widened slightly in awe. She had yet to make it up into the trees, but it was entirely a new experience to be among the branches rather than seeing them from below. It was rather astonishing the engenuity of the Lorien builders.

"One would think you used to it," Melaine quipped. "As eager as Rumil is to create a large family."

Sheelin chuckled in reply as Aerendyll felt a slight blush come over her cheeks. Yes, she knew of the act, but she had not discussed such things before, finding the only elleths she had been around in Mirkwood were her maids, who did not discuss such things in her presence.

The Valar forbid Legolas talk of such things with her, though it had very nearly come up a few times in their youth, the both curious, yet too bashful around the opposite sex to fully discuss it.

"And just what is keeping you and Orophin from starting a family?" Sheelin shot back. "Falling behind, I should say."

Melaine laughed as they came to the doorway of a modest talan, stopping to look back at Sheelin with a twinkle in her eyes.

"'Tis not for a lack of trying," she replied lightly. "It will happen when the time is right."

She caught the look of astonishment on Aerendyll's face and chuckled yet again.

"Come now, Sheelin. We are making our guest uncomfortable. We should speak of other things," she said before turning and walking into the home.

"Oh, do not worry of me," Aerendyll said quickly, not wishing to offend her hostesses in any way as she followed Melaine inside.

The other elleth walked through the large open room towards the kitchen at the back as Sheelin walked over to the table, easing down into a chair.

"Come, sit with me," Sheelin said, smiling warmly at Aerendyll. She walked over to the table, dropping the basket on it as she sat across from Sheelin, though looked towards the kitchen.

"Is there anything I can help with?" she called out, not wishing to be rude, though to be honest, she did not know the ways of the kitchen well. Someone had always taken care of such things for her.

"Not at all. Keep Sheelin company," came the response.

Aerendyll looked over, finding Sheelin watching her with a small smile as her hands rubbed her growing belly.

"Is it truly uncomfortable?" Aerendyll asked, her eyes falling to her belly.

"At times, yes. But it is worth all the pain and discomfort when you hold them in your arms," Sheelin said, gazing lovingly at her stomach.

"You said this is your second?" Aerendyll asked.

"Yes, my daughter - Ellania - is with my parents this day. She is but 10 years and oft underfoot," Sheelin said, looking up at Aerendyll. "I fear she takes more after Rumil in that regard."

"Have you thought of children?" Melaine asked, walking into the room and placing a plate of food on the table, her expression expectant.

"Oh, I suppose I have not," Aerendyll replied. "I have never really considered the thought of marriage, to be honest."

She looked away from Melaine, reaching for a piece of cheese and knowing the two were watching her closely.

"You haven't?" Sheelin asked, sounding surprised. Aerendyll shook her head.

"I am far too busy helping the King," Aerendyll said. "And truthfully, I have not looked upon any of the ellons in Mirkwood in such a way. I have known all those who are eligible for so long… if I have not felt such things yet, I doubt that I will."

Though deep down, Aerendyll felt as though she were lying, for did she not now think of Haldir in such a way? Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of being wedded to him, living at his side in a talan in the branches. The thought was rather shocking, yet brought with it a warmth that she was not ready to acknowledge to herself or otherwise.

Both Melaine and Sheelin glanced at each other, a knowing smile on their faces.

"But surely there is someone for whom you have felt such a way," Sheelin said as Melaine returned to the kitchen.

"Oh, no," Aerendyll said quickly. "I am far too focused on my work."

"Ah, but even the busiest of us cannot run from love," Melaine called out lightly from the kitchen. "Trust me, I ran fast from Orophin when he first made his feelings known to me."

"You did?" Aerendyll asked, intrigued.

"She did. Was convinced it was yet another of his jokes," Sheelin confirmed. "Took a rather grand gesture for her to stop."

"Filled my home with flowers. Father was rather put out, but Mother thought it rather romantic," Melaine said, walking back out with a tray that contained a kettle, box of tea leaves and three cups that she placed on the table.

"And that is when you stopped and responded to his advances?" Aerendyll asked.

Melaine nodded, a soft smile appearing as she set about to preparing the tea.

"Truthfully, I had always been sweet on him. Though we all thought that Orophin would not be one to settle down," she replied.

"He was waiting on the right elleth," Sheelin said.

"Yes, he was," Melaine said. "I, waiting for the right ellon."

"I did not wait so long," Sheelin said with a happy sigh.

"You knew from when we were elfings that you would be with Rumil," Melaine chided with a slight roll of her eyes. She looked towards Aerendyll. "Followed him around like a puppy when he was not following her."

"I did not!" Sheelin exclaimed. Melaine gave her a look. "Perhaps a bit…"

"They have been hopelessly in love with one another for so long, I scarce can remember a time when they were not," Melaine stated. "It was no surprise when he asked for her hand."

"Under the moonlight," Sheelin said with a happy sigh.

Aerendyll could not help but smile as she listened to the two share stories of their loves. It would seem there was far more to the brothers than she had previously thought. Orophin had a gentle side that she would have never guessed and it would seem that Rumil was rather romantic, yet in a quieter way than his brother. She could not help but compare Haldir. While he was far more serious than the other two, there was a solid steadiness about him. And when he did smile, it was truly a sight to behold. He also had a gentleness about him that the brothers seemed to share. He had taken her to his own secret spot. Gave her space and time to speak her mind while she was there with him.

A soft sigh left Aerendyll's lips as she remembered the way he had looked at her. At one point, it was rather intense, yet there was still a tenderness there.

"Dear me, where have your thoughts gone?" Melaine asked, pulling Aerendyll back into the moment. She looked over at her, eyes wide in embarrassment that she had been caught.

"Oh, nowhere," she said, reaching for her tea.

"I do believe they were somewhere. Perhaps with an ellon," Sheelin said.

Aerendyll shook her head no rather quickly, not willing to admit that she had been thinking of their brother-in-law.

"You miss him, don't you?" Sheelin asked softly. Aerendyll did not respond. She wished to say that, yes, she did miss Haldir. But she could not.

"He will be back soon. He is usually not gone for long when he goes to the borders," Melaine said, accurately guessing that Aerendyll had been thinking of Haldir.

"Just… I worry for his safety. That is all," Aerendyll said.

"He is more than capable of protecting himself," Sheelin said.

"He has been a good Marchwarden to these lands," Melaine added

Aerendyll stared at the two, contemplating for a moment speaking to them of her thoughts. Perhaps if anyone could give her advice on such matters as Haldir, it would be the two. But just as she opened her mouth to speak, the door opened and loud footsteps entered the talan. All three elleths turned to see Rumil and Orophin laughing as they walked in.

"What's this? The fair Lady Aerendyll has graced my home with her presence," Orophin said loudly with a grin.

"I do hope we have not interrupted," Rumil said, much quieter though his grin was just as bright as Orophin's.

"As usual, you two have impeccable timing," Melaine said with a grumble.

Aerendyll glanced around the room, seeing both Melaine and Sheelin looked a bit irked, while Orophin was still grinning broadly and Rumil seemed a bit ashamed at their interruption.

"Pray tell, what were we discussing?" Orophin asked as he walked over and sat next to Aerendyll.

"Oh… nothing," Aerendyll said quickly. "In fact, I should probably return. I must speak with Lady Galadriel." She quickly stood and nodded her head towards Melaine and Sheelin, who appeared disappointed. "Thank you for your kindness."

"Please, come again soon," Melaine said as she stood.

"Yes, we would love to have you visit again," Sheelin added.

Aerendyll smiled and then turned, quickly leaving the house. As soon as she stepped outside, she heard voices raised inside, likely Melaine scolding Orophin. Chuckling to herself, she continued on, making her way through the bridges, walkways and back down the stairs to the forest floor. Thankfully, she was not stopped as she continued back to Galadriel and Celeborn's home, finding she was back in her rooms in no time.

Daella was not there, likely off fulfilling some sort of task. Sighing, she walked over, spying something on her desk. Her eyes widened as she saw it was a letter from the King, recognizing his fluid handwriting.

Heart pounding, she sat down and reached for it, quickly opening it. She then stopped, closing her eyes for a moment before she unfolded the parchment and looked down to read his words.

She could almost hear his voice in her head as she read, saying that he was pleased with her progress in Lorien, likely informed of it by Galadriel and Celeborn as well as Cohnal. He then said that he missed her dearly and counted down the days eagerly until her return, though made no mention of when that would be.

He ended the letter telling her that he was so very proud of her and could rest assured that Mirkwood would forever be safe with her at the helm someday.

Aerendyll put it aside as tears pricked in her eyes. How could she ever wish to leave Mirkwood and the King? Legolas? Regardless of how she was feeling about Haldir, it was obvious to her where her place in this world was. And that she was dearly loved by Thranduil. How could she disappoint him with this even though she was still feeling a bit disagreeable with him?

A tear sneaked its way down her cheek, but she quickly brushed it away, straightening her back. She did not have time to feel sorry for herself nor to continue pondering upon such things. There were far more important things to do.

She had just pushed up from her desk when the door opened and Daella walked in, a pile of parchements in her hands.

"Oh good, you are here," she said, a smile on her face as she walked over. "Lord Celeborn wished that I deliver these reports to you. They have just arrived from Mirkwood."

"Thank you," Aerendyll said warmly as she took them from the maid and turned, sitting down and preparing to go through them.

Yes, work was what she needed right now.

"Where were you?" Daella asked, already moving towards the bedroom.

"Oh, I took a walk," Aerendyll said, already looking upon the first report. "Through the city. Then had tea with Melaine and Sheelin."

"The wives of Orophin and Rumil?" Daella called out.

"Yes, it was rather lovely," Aerendyll said.

"They are lovely," Daella said cheerfully. "I have tea with them when I can. They are helping with the wedding preparations."

Aerendyll looked up and towards the door, nearly forgetting for a moment that Daella's wedding was nearly upon them.

"You are still attending, yes?" Daella asked, appearing in the doorway.

"Yes, of course," Aerendyll said with a smile.

"Good," Daella replied, returning to her work. "It seems the Marchwarden will return just in time. Though I could do without him taking my betrothed with him. Though Braern is to return before him, he is taking far too much of his time, in my opinion."

Aerendyll turned back to her reports, trying to ignore the way her heart sped up at the mention of Haldir. He was her instructor, perhaps a friend, but nothing more. She had to ignore her feelings for him.

"I see," she replied.

"Do you think perhaps he will escort you?" Daella then asked.

Aerendyll kept her gaze on the parchments, though she was no longer reading the words.

"I do not think that would be wise," she said.

"Whatever for?" Daella asked.

Aerendyll sat up and looked over at her, frowning slightly. She knew the maid had hopes for her and the marchwarden, but really, it was becoming too much.

"He is only my instructor, Daella. And I am to return to Mirkwood. I am advisor to the King," she stated.

Daella stared at her a moment and then huffed, walking over to Aerendyll. It was most unlike her and perplexed Aerendyll.

"But it is so obvious how you feel about him. And he, you," Daella stated firmly.

"It is just your fanciful thoughts," Aerendyll replied, feeling ruffled.

"It is not! I know that you are feeling-"

"You do not know what I am feeling!" Aerendyll snapped. Daella's eyes widened as she took a step back. "You know nothing of the pressures I face or what is expected of me. It matters not what I feel. All that matters is that I stay the course and fulfill my duties to the King. He has given me much and I must pay back my debt. Now, enough of this."

She turned back to the papers, shuffling through them as the room remained silent. Finally she heard a soft sigh from Daella.

"My lady, I did not mean to upset you," she finally said. "Is that what truly bothers you?"

Aerendyll swallowed hard and then turned, seeing nothing but sympathy in Daella's eyes. She felt ashamed for snapping at the maid. This was none of her doing.

"It is fine. I am sorry for speaking so harshly," she said. "I am fine."

"But you are not," Daella pushed. "I know I may perhaps be speaking out of turn, but please, do not feel you must hide things from me if you truly wish to speak them. I am your friend and more than willing to listen and offer what comfort I can."

Aerendyll stared at her a moment, once again feeling the words bubble up inside her. She tried to fight them back down.

"I do feel for Haldir," she found herself whispering. She was so shocked, she nearly slapped her hand over her mouth to keep from speaking further. "But it cannot be. He must stay here and I must return to Mirkwood. Not to mention the King would never approve. I worry what he may do in his disapproval."

She swallowed hard, not believing she had just spoken the words aloud. Daella grabbed a chair and brought it over, sitting next to Aerendyll as she reached for her hands and squeezing them.

"The King is not here," Daella said.

"But he watches me still. Through Cohnal," Aerendyll continued. Daella frowned at that.

"I wish I could say I am surprised, but I am not. He is a clever one. I never truly know what he is after," Daella replied. "It would not surprise me if he is attempting to drive a wedge between you so that he could woo you himself."

Aerendyll's eyes widened slightly at the fact, never once thinking that Cohnal was wooing her.

"I doubt that," she replied.

"You present an opportunity to curry favor with the King of Mirkwood. While he has gained favor here, he can only go so far and if ever there was an elf with ambition, it is he," Daella said, abnormally serious.

Aerendyll pondered her words, finding them to be true. Though he did not speak as often as the others on the council, Cohnal was measured in his words. And did seem to push her more often than not. But she did not doubt that he was informing the King of matters in Lorien, though he did not mention anything about her interactions with Haldir in his letter.

Or perhaps such word had not reached Thranduil yet.

"I worry what he would do - the King. He is rather protective of me. Wishes for me to make a good match, preferably Legolas, and I worry he would find Haldir lacking," Aerendyll said. "That he would… do something, though I am not sure what… He does not wish to lose me."

"What does your heart say, Aerendyll?" Daella then asked.

Aerendyll looked at the elleth, taking a deep breath as she thought over her next words.

"I wish I could see a way forward, but there is none. Therefore, I must stop myself," she said dully.

"But you cannot stop your heart, my lady," Daella chided.

"Truthfully, it is terrifying. I have not felt such things before," Aerendyll confessed. "And the King-"

"You have said he loves you as his own. Do you not think that surely the King would wish for your own happiness?" Daella responded. "And trust me, love is terrifying. For everyone. But wonderful at the same time."

The elleth smiled as a starry-eyed look appeared, likely thinking of Braern. And she spoke the truth. Perhaps even King Thranduil would accept this if it meant Aerendyll's happiness. However, she still worried. There was too much at stake.

"Just… do not close yourself off. Do not stop yourself from feeling what you feel," Daella continued. "You may find far more than you thought you could ever experience."

"But what if I am hurt?" Aerendyll asked.

"Haldir is a good elf. And I see the way he looks at you. He does truly care for you and your heart is safe with him," Daella said. "At least promise me you will try."

"I… I will think upon this," Aerendyll said, finding it was the best she could offer.

Daella appeared pleased with this as she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Aerendyll. The movement surprised her, but she found herself returning the hug. Feeling as though a weight had lifted from her chest. Perhaps she did truly need this - to confess her thoughts and fears. For now she realized it truly was fear that was holding her back.

Perhaps… perhaps she should listen to Daella. To Galadriel. Perhaps she had kept herself closed off by her fear. Perhaps now she could find a way to let it go and trust Haldir with her heart.

Perhaps.

But she would not truly know until Haldir returned.

See? I promised progress, and here it is. And well, I was dying for Aerendyll to spend more time with Melaine and Sheelin – don't worry. More is coming. Plus, I feel like at this point, she might listen to Daella a bit more than those two, but they're all going to get close coming up. And yes, I have finished another chapter, though really, I should be working on, well, work. But got plenty more time now that the Olympics are over. Honestly, I'm about 8 chapters from finishing up all the writing and the fact I REALLY want to get to posting the chapter when everything comes together is spurring me on.

Ten Duel Commandments – Haha, yea. It really does feel like everyone is trying to push these two together and it's only them getting in their own ways. But soon…

AB0918 – Thank you so much! And yea, Galadriel knows what's going on. Plus, I feel like Aerendyll really did need a mother figure, being without one for so long. Galadriel seemed to fit that role perfectly.

Thanks for reading, following and commenting!