Title: Token of Devotion

Author: Psalm 136

Summary: See first chapter

Disclaimer: First chapter

Author's Note: Enter Alatari, stage left!

Chapter Three:

Brave the Silence

Elrohir shut the door behind him as he entered his room, much louder than what was normal for him. He fell on his bed, trembling. His soul quivered. There was no way Glorfindel could know! Elladan would never break his trust. And no others knew of his innermost feelings. He would allow no others in. Then how did the Lord know that something was wrong? How did he always know?

He literally felt like there was a hole in his chest that he could not fill. Tears filled his eyes and fell down his face as he laid on his back. He hugged himself, trying to find some spark of warmth or a second of peace. He found neither. But it was the sort of cold that couldn't be warmed by a cloak. He shook as he sobbed silently, letting out the pain.

For an hour or so, he just laid, immobile, on his bed. He stared at the ceiling, but he did not see. He heard merry laughter in the hallway but he did not realize it was a voice he had never heard. It was all in his head, and it ran through his head over and over again. He thought of how he was infinitely alone, and how nobody understood what it was like to be afraid of love. No one. Not even Elladan.

But then he stood up and felt a bit heavier, but his tears were gone and he could flatten his hair and go be around people, so he wouldn't raise suspicion. It wouldn't be like him if he were to be away from the crowds for too long. And he didn't want any unnecessary attention.

He exited his room and walked through the halls, trying to avoid people for the longest possible amount of time. As he stood at a railing, looking over Imladris, he felt someone bump into him. He looked at him. Wait, no, he looked over at her.

She could be what some would call beautiful, he supposed. She had long brown hair and hazel eyes, more green than brown, though. She wasn't too tall, nor was she that skinny. He suspected she had human blood in her somehow. She was just plain. And he knew she had human in her somewhere because it was not like an elf to bump into another, and she had loud footsteps.

"I'm real sorry, milord. I'm always so clumsy. I apologize." She said, curtseying politely.

Elrohir bowed in response, hiding behind his mask and letting the 'real' Elrohir come alive. "That is alright, my lady. I am Elrohir." He grinned at her and he saw the smile that she gave him and it just infused the anger in him. Her smile was so bright and innocent it was infuriating. For a moment, his passive, calm azure eyes were hard and steely, but she hadn't been looking at him.

"I am Alatari." She replied.

"A beautiful name. I am Elrohir." He kissed her hand, as was his 'custom', one could say, even though he didn't really want to. "Would you walk with me?" He offered her his elbow.

Alatari just seemed to stare at his elbow for a minute. But she put her arm in his and they set off. To be perfectly honest, Elrohir was a bit repulsed by her presence, even though she really seemed like a lovely girl. He was just in no mood for consorting with women. But there was something about her that was promising. There was a light in her eyes that was more than just dresses, courting and power. Maybe elleths were more than that. Just maybe he had a potential friend.

"It is quite beautiful here, in Rivendell. I am from Lorien, and it is beautiful too, but…" She trailed off, blushing lightly. "I am sorry, I'm not gifted with words."

Elrohir actually smiled at that. And he didn't even realize it. "It is alright. Yes, I have traveled to the Golden Woods, visiting my grandparents. It is a wonderful place, but Rivendell will always be home to me." He replied, turning so they entered into the garden.

"It is quickly becoming home. I have met your brother, also, and Glorfindel. They have been very accommodating." Alatari blushed, and Elrohir could only imagine what had happened. Either she had gotten lost or spilled something. For some reason, that seemed like her. But it was endearing. He was repulsed by his own thoughts. Why was he thinking it was endearing? What was wrong with him?

"Yes, they are very hospitable." He commented.

Alatari looked up at his face, examining his features. "Is there something wrong, milord? You look distracted." She observed.

Elrohir felt panic rising in him, like he was being filled by a disgusting… something and he couldn't stop the flow. He wanted to just run away and leave her and never see her again. No one was supposed to know anything was ever wrong. He was Elrohir, the prankster Lord who always makes everyone's day. He was always happy. Or so he always appeared to be.

"Um, nothing is wrong." He forced a grin. "I am only distracted by your beauty." The words seemed to roll of his tongue strangely, like it was a bitter aftertaste.

"If you say so." Alatari seemed immune to the words that would usually melt an elleth's heart. Elrohir raised an eyebrow. Wow, none had ever done that before. She intrigued him.

"And I do." He returned, winking at her in a flirtatious manner.

"Milord, I am not like other elleths. I am not wooed by words alone. Actions speak louder than the mightiest shout." She told him, a cool look on her face.

"You are not like other elleths. This is well." Elrohir commented softly, a thoughtful expression on his face. He had never met an elleth like her, and it scared him. He had to find a way to act normal around her when he didn't feel "normal" around her. "May I interest you in accompanying me to the ball tonight?" He asked suddenly and then sighed. He supposed a partner for the ball would keep pretenses.

Alatari studied him again and then a smile formed on her face. Her innocent brown eyes were filled with a pleased expression. Elrohir knew she was flattered that he invited her, since he was very handsome. Now, he wasn't vain. Legolas was vain. Elrohir merely stated facts.

"Yes, I would like that. Thank you for the invitation." She said formally, nodding her head gracefully. But then she fell forward because she had stepped on her too-long dress.

Elrohir caught her with his cat-like reflexes and brought her to his chest. "Are you alright?" He asked, real concern gracing his voice.

Alatari blushed a bright red and nodded. "Yes." She whispered and he released her. "Thank you, milord."

"Please, call me Elrohir." He requested.

Alatari smiled and nodded again. "Alright, Elrohir. Now, I must leave you, but when shall I expect you?" She inquired.

"At seven." He released her arm and bowed to her, another genuine smile gracing his handsome face. They held eye contact for a few minutes, and Alatari could have sworn she saw something ancient in his eyes, nothing like how anyone had described him to her. But she curtsied and nodded to him, as she left the gardens, leaving Elrohir more confused than ever.