Chapter 8

"Elladan!" exclaimed Haldir. "Have you seen Aurwen?"

"I left her under Legolas's care," answered Elladan, pointing over to the spot where he had left me. Surprised at not seeing me there, he continued, "She and Legolas were just talking to my father and Erestor a moment ago. Legolas must have invited her for a dance. Is everything alright?"

Haldir smiled. "Everything is fine. Were you heading somewhere?"

"I was actually going to see my grandmother, but that will have to wait," Elladan said after seeing how preoccupied Galadriel was. "What news have you got to share?" asked Elladan.

Seeing that this was not the right place to talk, Haldir motioned Elladan to follow him. They came to a discreet area, near the garden, hidden by big tall shrubs. There, Haldir began to fill Elladan in, on next day's events. "I have made up my mind on allowing Aurwen to participate with us in the hunt tomorrow. It will be a great exposure for her and Legolas will be there to assist us."

"I am sure that she will be really happy, when she hears this from you. It is rare that a father would allow his daughter to partake in such event. I remembered how Arwen wanted to follow us in one of the hunts but Adar, forbade her. She was angry with him for the longest time," Elladan smiled. "Due to that outburst, she quit training."

"I hope that I am doing the right thing, Elladan," said Haldir with worry in his mind.

"She will be fine, Haldir. Besides, we are all there to guide her. You need not worry," said Elladan. "And by the way, I took care of Aurwen's arm, earlier in the afternoon. So far, it is healing well." Hearing voices nearby, both he and Haldir ceased their conversation.

Haldir recognised the voice instantly and mouthed the word "Aurwen" to Elladan. It took them some time and courage before deciding to take a peep on her. It was not a surprise to see Aurwen out on the balcony with Legolas. They were about to turn away when Legolas leaned over and kissed her. Feeling guilty about the intrusion, they turned and left.

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"It was better than my dream," said Legolas after the chaste kiss. "I did not mean for this to happen, so soon, but this balcony, the serenity of Lorien and your presence made it hard to resist. You are something, Aurwen."

Gazing into his eyes, I smiled. "I am not disappointed at the fact, that we kissed. I have always wondered, how it is like, to meet someone like you, let alone to kiss you. Your adventures were my bedtime stories every night, when I was a mere elfling," I said shying away. Looking down, I continued, "Now I know."

"Let us head back inside," Legolas suggested. "I am sure Haldir is worried sick by now, since you are nowhere to be found."

"Why should he be worried, I always have the best warriors to look after me," I said. "I am sure that Elladan would have said something by now, since it was him, who left me to your care."

"Very well said," replied Legolas. "You have everything - skills, beauty and brain."

"You have to thank my father for that. He is responsible for the person I am today, without him, I am nothing." Talking about my father, makes me feel proud all the time.

As we headed back inside, I could feel that many miss his presence. He is after all, Lorien's honourable guest. Many knew that Legolas is still eligible. All eyes were on us, as we walked past the crowd. I hated the attention that was given. As a result, I tightened my grip on his arm. Sensing the tension, Legolas headed straight to where Elladan was standing.

"Ah, you finally showed up," said Elladan. "You had me worried, Aurwen. Your father was looking for you," continued Elladan. "He has got some news for you."

Hearing those words, Legolas urged me to go see my father. I curtsied for formality's sake before leaving them, to find my father.

Seeing the coast was clear, Elladan said, "I saw what you did on the balcony, Legolas, so did Haldir. It happened so fast and we did not mean to intrude. Just so happen that we were nearby, discussing about tomorrow's hunt," explained Elladan.

"I did not expect to kiss her at all tonight, but her presence and Lorien itself, made it impossible for me to resist," sighed Legolas. "So, what did you two talk about? Anything I should know about?"

"Nothing much actually. Haldir is just concerned about Aurwen, that is all," said Elladan. "Speaking of Haldir, I see him walking towards us with Aurwen."

"Nice to see both of you here," greeted Haldir, Aurwen following behind. "I know that it is a little early to retire but I have matters to discuss with my daughter."

"So soon?" Legolas exclaimed in dismay. "Haldir, you are not serious are you?" asked Legolas with much disappointment in his voice.

"Forgive me, my friend," said Haldir, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Believe me, I am not doing this on purpose. However, I will give you some time with her, before we retire for the night." Haldir excused himself, dragging Elladan with him.

Sadness crept over my face when I looked up to him. "I am sorry, Legolas, I did not know, that Adar has important matters to share with me. I wished, that we can spend more time together," I said with a heavy sigh, eyes trailing the ballroom floor.

"Do not be sad, Aurwen," said Legolas as he lifted my chin up to meet his gaze. "I will get to see you again tomorrow. I am sure whatever Haldir wishes to share with you, is important." Turning around, Legolas saw Haldir approaching. "Sleep well, my princess, I will see you tomorrow," he said before lowering his lips to meet mine.

Seeing the kiss from a distance, Haldir nudged Elladan to slow down. Trying to buy more time for his daughter. "Looks like my daughter is falling in love," said Haldir with tears in his eyes. "I really feel bad, for taking this moment away from her. I have got no other choice though, as tomorrow is far too important," continued Haldir.

"I know you fear for her safety," replied Elladan. "On the lighter note, I too, am happy that she finds love in that Mirkwood Prince," offered Elladan. "They would make a nice couple," continued Elladan, his voice trembling.

"Is something wrong, Elladan?" questioned Haldir. "You cannot fool an old friend," said Haldir as he looked straight into Elladan's grey eyes. His eyes showed everything, hurt, pain and despair. "Oh Elladan, I did not know. When?" continued Haldir.

"Just this afternoon, Haldir. I did not expect it either. It just happened but both Aurwen and I have made it clear from the very start, that the love we share are sibling's love, nothing more," said Elladan.

"You are not fa-," Haldir could not finish the sentence.

"Nay, old friend. However, I will seek help from my father or grandmother, if I am troubled. Do not worry," Elladan said smiling.

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I do not know how long the kiss lasted. Hearing my father's footsteps I forced myself away from the kiss, while he placed his hand on the small of my back. I turned around to face father and Elladan.

"I am sorry for cutting this night short for both of you," said Haldir with much sincerity in his voice. "I thank you both, for accompanying Aurwen tonight," continued Haldir, nodding to both Elladan and Legolas.

Taking father's hint, I stepped away from Legolas. He was really quiet after that.

"Both of you, will be missed," said Elladan before stepping forward to plant a kiss on my cheek. With a heavy sigh, he continued, "Sleep well, little sister, I will see you tomorrow."

Father and I left right after we exchanged goodnights. It was a quiet walk back to my chamber. When we finally got there, I opened the door and walked in. Father was behind me, shutting the door behind us. I went straight into my closet to change. When I got out, I was surprised to see my father, seated at my table. He opened one of my drawers and pulled out a box. He brought the box over. By that time, I was laying comfortably on my bed. At the same time, he handed me a cup of tea.

Curious as to what was in the box, I said, "How long has that box been hiding in my drawer? What is in it?"

"I placed it in your drawer not too long ago. It was supposed to be your birthday gift, but I think you might find use of it tomorrow," said Haldir as he opened the box revealing a dagger. "It has your name engraved to it and it matches your bow. I know that it is a trademark of yours, having a dagger strapped to your thigh."

Reaching out, I touched the dagger. "Oh Adar, it is beautiful. Why the urgency to give it to me tonight?" I asked. "I still have my old dagger with me."

Thinking hard on what to say, Haldir paused for a moment before he began. "There are things happening in Lorien, that many do not know of. Three days ago, there were reports of Orcs being sighted, near the borders. Rumil and Legolas ran into a small band yesterday," explained Haldir. "However, there will be a hunt tomorrow and I will be leading the group. I have also made up my mind to have you come along."

Shocked and happy to hear those last words, I let out a shriek of delight. "Is this for real, Adar? As far as I can remember, you have never allowed me to come along, even when I begged hard for it," I said, still baffled over father's decision.

"You have been training for a long time and many have convinced me that you are more than ready. Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas have promised to help keep an eye on you tomorrow," mentioned Haldir. After making a last inspection on the dagger, he handed it over to me. "This is my gift to you, take it and use it well," said Haldir.

"Oh Adar, I could not be happier. So much has happened, and now this, I do not think I can sleep at all," I said, beaming with happiness. I leaned over and gave my father a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Wait till Dun hears about his, he will be envious."

As he held both my shoulders, I gazed into his eyes. Letting out a long sigh, he said, "Aurwen, promise me that you will stay alert. It is real out there with no room for error. I do not want to see anything happen to you."

"Seriously, Adar, I am scared of what I will have to face tomorrow. However with you, Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas to guide me, I believe I will do just fine," I said, braving a smile to hide the rest of my emotions.

"Now, on the lighter side, I see that you had a great time with Legolas tonight," teased Haldir.

"Oh Adar, it was indeed a lovely night," I said. "Although I do feel bad, abandoning most of my friends. I was mesmerised by his presence, I forgot about Dun and Galin."

"I am sure they will understand. I guess, my daughter has finally fallen for someone," beamed Haldir.

Turning bright red over father's remark, I covered my face with a pillow.

"Before I officially bid you goodnight, can I have a look at your arm?" He lifted the sleeves up and examined the wound. Surprised to see that it is healing well. "Elladan did a good job, Lord Elrond taught him well."

Before I could utter a word, there was a knock coming from the door. "Who is it?" I hollered from my bed.

"Aurwen, it is I, Elladan."

Father got up from the bed and headed for the door.

"Haldir," Elladan said, surprise in his voice.

"I was about to leave actually. Come on in," said Haldir.

"Sorry to intrude, I just remembered that I have to check on Aurwen," said Elladan as he walked towards the bed. Seeing me reclining there, with a big grin, he continued, "I guess from the looks on your face, Haldir told you of the news."

"Indeed. I am so happy, I do not know, if I will be able to sleep tonight," I said as Elladan took a closer look at my arm. While he was examining my arm, I reached over to my night table for my dagger. "Adar, gave this to me," I said as I handed the box over to him.

Elladan took a brief pause from his examination and opened the box. "It is beautiful, Aurwen and it has your name engraved on both the blade as well as the handle." Elladan took a closer look at the dagger before he placed it back into the box. Turning to Haldir, he said, "You really love her and that gift is something."

"Only the best for her," Haldir replied modestly. "What you are doing right now is something else. Your father has taught you well. Whatever you have applied, is speeding up the healing process."

"I had to learn, since I was a troublemaker when I was little. Most of my injuries were not made known to my father," said Elladan before wrapping my arm with clean bandages after re-applying the necessary herbs. "It should heal by tomorrow. Keep this arm elevated, even while you sleep and I want you to drink this."

I knew what was in that cup. My nose did not fail me this time. Looking at Elladan with sad puppy eyes, I said, "Must I drink this?"

"I know it tastes awful, Aurwen, but it will do you good," answered Elladan. "Be a good elf and finish that drink. I added more honey this time."

More honey or not, it still tasted awful. I could not believe I had two cups of that awful drink today. However, I must admit, it really helped the healing process. I handed the cup over to Elladan, in which father intercepted.

"Now, you may rest," said Elladan. "Haldir, can you help me get more pillows. I need it to elevate her injured arm."

Haldir nodded and left the chamber.

With Haldir gone, Elladan took the opportunity to talk to Aurwen, on a personal note. "I saw you and Legolas tonight. I cannot be happier, that you have finally fallen for someone, someone like him. It was Legolas, that Elrohir had in mind."

"Elladan," I said softly, holding his hands. "Are you sure, that you will be fine? I do not want to see any ill befall you, because of me."

"Trust me Aurwen, I am fine," Elladan said with a confident smile. "Now, promise me you will sleep tonight. You have a big day ahead of you, tomorrow."

I nodded in agreement with what he had just said. At the same time, father came back into my chamber with more pillows. Taking those pillows from Haldir, Elladan placed it under my arm, elevating it higher, with each pillow added. While he was doing that, father tucked me in.

Whatever Elladan gave me, he added more than honey to it. I swore, I never felt this sleepy before. Trying hard to fight the sleepiness, I said, "Life-could not be-any better. M-must remember-to get into-trouble-more often. I love the attention-I am-getting. I-" was the last word I could utter before sleep overtook me.

Shaking his head over Aurwen's silly remarks, Haldir leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. "Sleep well, Aurwen. You have a big day ahead of you," he said in a soft whisper. Turning to Elladan, he said, "She is lucky to have someone like you to care for her. You are the brother she never had."

"My only hope for her, is to find an elf, marry him and have little elves of her own. I cannot wait to be an uncle to her children," said Elladan, smiling.

Their conversation was shortly interrupted by a piercing scream.

"Elladan!"

tbc…….

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A/N: Oh my god, almost 80 reviews. I cannot believe it. Thank you all. Love it, hate it? Let me know. REVIEW!!!!!

Iluvenis: What do you think? **wink**

Lizlego: hehe, you melted didn't you? I too wish for Legolas to kiss me. That would be something. You have got to update your fic soon.

Lady of Legolas : I know that Elladan is hurting bad. Poor him. Life is never fair.

Blue Eyes at Night: Hehe, who is older….Elrohir or Elladan? I can never find the answer.

Nolaiel the Half-elven: Everyone is feeling sorry for Elladan, even I **sniff, sniff*

lady ithilmir, Aurorariel, cold crystal tears: Thank you so much for your review and liking my fic. I hope I will not disappoint you.

Meldavane: Do not hurt Aurwen. She has protectors. ** hehehe **

tiger: Me, poetic **aww, hugs**. Thank you.

Legolas Greenleaf: Once again, thank you. I hope you did enjoy that little chapter.

urylia: Sorry about the revelation of Elrond and Erestor. It's just a practice for me as I am hoping to write a slash fic in the future. I promised not to go into details.

The Blind Guardian: Remember that flamers are nothing ok. They are just garbages. Glorfindel will not appear in this fic. As it is, there are so many characters already.

Rachel: **hugs** thank you for liking the little kissing scene.

elmo: you are funny. hehe, your spell didn't work.

princess of mirkwood: **so hot in here**….love that song. Taking off their cloths, will be awhile more. Got to be patient here.

everpondering: I promise I won't change a single thing. My only hope is that I could keep up to that level. I will try to update more often.

B-Elanna: Save the last one for you. Don't be sad. Elladan has been having a great time liking Legolas and loving him in many slash fics. Just want to make him a little different here. Love at first sight, not really, as you know, Aurwen as the gift of sight. She could have seen it all these years and not realising them. Elrond and Erestor thing is my practice ground to write slash fic. How am I fairing so far?