Summary: Aragorn brings his family to the place where he grew up. Rated K+ by Caitie and Savannah
(Words written in bold are spoken in Elvish)

Year 21

Eldarion watched his father as he smiled and shook hands with the city officials, clapping some on the back with a friendly ease that Eldarion wondered if he would ever possess. There was no question in his mind why his father's people adored him, why the sick in the Houses of Healing all waited for his visits and asked for his blessing, or why women would hand him babies when they walked through the street. Aragorn never disappointed his people, never shied away from holding the hands of the dying or smiling down at the infants telling their mother they were the most beautiful. Though Eldarion however tended to just smile uncomfortably begging not to find a baby near him, never sure what to do with his arms, afraid of dropping the infant on the harsh stone. He watched his father's arms flex as he took Faramir's hand, almost as if they were about to wrestle. He looked at the grey tanged in with his father's dark hair, but his body was still that of a man much younger than his father's considerable years.

Eldarion looked down at his own arms crossed over his chest and flexed, watching the fabric strain over his bicep. At least visiting the training ring every day with the two men had paid off in that regard. Learning how to fight with a sword had always brough him a sort of peace that he didn't find anywhere else.

"Eldarion," his father's voice rang out over the crowd, calling him to his side.

Looking up, Eldarion found his father's silver eyes, crackling at the sides. His mouth broke open in a reassuring grim and Eldarion smiled back. Letting his arms fall to his sides, Eldarion walked to his father's side, his presence a warm feeling at his side.

"Breathtaking," Faramir had just finished saying, discussing the Elven city Aragorn and his family were traveling to. Aragorn smiled and nodded, a faraway look in his eyes, as if he could see in his mind's eye. "Your Elvish is coming along," Faramir said at Eldarion's approach. "This will be very good practice for you."

Aragorn grinned sideways at his son.

Eldarion nodded. "Speaking is not so bad, it's the reading I'm not very good at," he answered.

"Why did you not speak Elvish to the boy when he was young?" Faramir asked Aragorn. "He could have learned much easier at a younger age."

Eldarion looked pointedly at his father, nodding, but Aragorn only chuckled. "Eowyn never spoke the language," Aragorn shrugged. "She probably would have accused me of plotting against her with our children." Faramir chuckled knowingly and nodded. Eldarion felt a sting, as if he was left out of a joke. "He's a good student," Aragorn said, pulling Eldarion back into the conversation. "He's picking it up quickly enough."

Eldarion looked across at his father and he smiled at him proudly.

"That's good." Faramir nodded. "Because even more beautiful than the city are the Elven women who reside there." He winked at Eldarion who immediately felt a blush rise in his cheeks.

"Don't encourage him to give his heart away so quickly," Aragorn said, wrapping an arm around his son's shoulders and giving him a squeeze.

"Not his heart," Faramir said, smirking, "but perhaps something else a little easier and more pleasurable to lose."

Eldarion's blush rose until his cheeks burnt and he wished only to crawl under a rock somewhere. Aragorn laughed with his head back and pushed Eldarion out of the circle of his arms playfully ruffling his hair. "He's only a boy," Aragorn said, "leave him out of your exploits."

Eldarion took the opportunity to skirt away from the men, his eyes on the ground, but a smile pulled at the edge of his mouth at their teasing. "He is no boy," he heard Faramir say as he walked away. "He is a man."

"And a good one," Aragorn agreed, watching his son's back as he walked away from them. He had grown to be just as tall as himself and his shoulders were just shy of his own, Eldarion's body slightly leaner like he always held himself like a string pulled taut.

..::..

Awena rode next to her brother along the long road to Imladris. Her hands on the backside of her horse, leaning back, her head tipped back feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. Her dark hair was so long it brushed over her hands in the slight breeze.

Eldarion smiled across at her content expression. They had been riding for days, sleeping in tent and bathing in streams when they could find them. He had wondered how his doted-on princess sister would fare, but she never ceased to surprise him and she had taken to the road easily. She helped cook the meals, smiling as she handed out bowls to the traveling party, and the doting had just increased the more she flitted around the camp.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

Awena opened one eye, squinting across at him. "Absolutely nothing," She smiled too sweetly.

Eldarion knew she was lying, his sister's mind never stopped running, her wit and flirtation unmatched. Eldarion grinned. "A thought for a dare?" He asked. It was a game Awena had made up when they were children to draw Eldarion out of his thoughts. If the thought was shared the asker would have to perform some dare, and if the thinker didn't want to share then they would have to perform the dare themselves. Eldarion smiled at the memories of Awena always ready to listen or cheer him up with her chaos insinuating dares.

"Hmmm," Awena said, opening both eyes. "Tell me the dare first, then I'll decide if it's worth sharing to avoid."

"Cheater." Eldarion smirked but looked around. "Alright," he said, confident he could be hearing Awena's thoughts. "Stand on your horse's back and ride right past father."

Awena rolled her eyes. "You really make this much too easy, be a little more creative," she said, moving with her horse into a crouch on its back, then standing to her not very considerable height on its back. She still held the reins in her hand and with a slight flick of her wrist her horse picked up its pace. Awena looked back at her brother and laughed, the wind lifting her hair as she rode through the group, weaving in and out of the other riders to the front of the column where her father rode, never losing her balance. Just before she reached their father, she flicked her wrist again and her horse moved even faster.

"Father!" Awena called, her voice light, carrying over the wind to Eldarion who moved his horse faster to catch up to her.

Aragorn turned in his saddle, looking back at her. A smile broke out across his face and he shook his head slowly.

"Catch me!" She laughed as she reached him and she flung her small body into his arms. Aragorn caught her easily as she fell backwards, one arm hooking her knees and the other around her back. "Hello," she said, looking up adoringly at her father. "Are you enjoying your ride?"

Aragorn chuckled. "Yes, Awena," he said slowly, addressing her feigned innocence with a raised brow.

"It was Eldarion," Awena practically gasped. "It was his dare."

"No," Eldarion growled drawing out his syllables, his horse coming up beside his father's. "I never told you to launch yourself through the air. I only said to ride past him standing up."

Aragorn was shaking his head again. His children were practically grown but when they were together, they acted as they had when they were about five.

"It's not my fault you're so uncreative," she answered, starting to slip from her father's arms.

Aragorn stopped her, holding her face in both of his hands. "Wild child." He smiled and kissed her forehead. Awena's face broke into her charming smile and she kissed her father's cheek before sliding to the ground. Aragorn watched her small body as she snuck a hand into his own saddle bad, pulling out an apple and taking a large bite before feeding the rest to her horse and brushing her hand over its neck lovingly. Then she was wiping the juice from her mouth with the back of her hand and jumping onto its back, turning it around and heading to the back of the procession. Probably in search of another apple for herself. Aragorn smiled to himself looking down, she reminded him so much of her mother, their spirits the same. He pictured her riding next to him as they had done for so many years and his heart physically ached.

"Father?" Eldarion asked from beside him, his voice full of concern.

Aragorn's attention snapped back to reality and he blinked, schooling his face from pain to neutrality before he looked across at his son. The sun had just began to set and it's golden rays lit his hair to melted gold. Aragorn had to close his eyes for a millisecond and let go of his breath before he could smile back at his son, his features so much like his mothers.

"Father," Eldarion said again, his brows knitting together as he moved his horse closer, reaching out a hand to grab his father's arm.

"I'm alright." Aragorn smiled, touching Eldarion's hand.

Eldarion frowned, but didn't press his father farther. Slowly, he released his hand, worry pressing on his heart. It wasn't the first time he had caught his father with a pained expression when he thought no one was looking. "How old were you when you left Rivendell?" He asked, trying to refocus his father's thoughts.

Aragorn smiled, sensing Eldarion's worry. The boy had always been observant, he didn't know how much longer he could hide his fading from him. He looked up at the blue sky and Eldarion assumed he was recalling the story, but in actuality Aragorn called out to Eowyn across the lines of the world. Trying to tell her he was coming and they would be together again soon. He took a deep breath and turned back to Eldarion, launching into the story.

..::..

Aragorn leaned back onto his pack, his silver eyes reflecting the red flames before him. He watched with eyes a little glazed as those flames flicked over the wood, sending spark into the black sky above him. His chest ached and his skin felt cold even to his own touch. He tipped his head back and looked to the heavens, letting his eyes drift shut. He could almost hear Eowyn's laugh in his ears, mixing with Legolas'. He opened his eyes and saw Arwen sitting across from him, her face distorted by the heat of the fire. The corner of his mouth turned upwards at the sight of her so clear before him.

"Aragorn." She smiled, her eyes shining and her cheeks flushed and Aragorn was struck by her otherworldly beauty. The figure before him stood and walked through the flames towards him, stirring the flames, but the figment moved through them as they licked around her untouched. Aragorn blinked and she was gone. He released a breath he had been unconsciously holding and closed his eyes, feeling tears well in them. He opened them again slowly, feeling a presence at his side and turned to find her standing over him, hand outstretched. Aragorn reached his hand to touch hers and it was solid and warm, but he found himself shaking his head, his movement feeling not quite his own, as if he was dreaming.

"Not yet," he said under his breath. "Soon." Above him, Arwen smiled and used her other hand to touch his cheek, her fingers warm and comforting. She nodded.

Aragorn felt his eyes closing as he leaned into her touch, the world around him seeming to slip away into a blur or color and smell. Then his head fell forwards and he was jolted awake, alone by the fire.

..::..

The sound of waterfalls filled the air and if she strained her ears Awena could almost hear soft music drift to her over the breeze. She stood in her stirrups, leaning forward trying to catch a glimpse of the city. "Just a few minutes father," her father said from beside her, her brother on her other side.

Awena could feel Eldarion's excited energy boiling just under the surface of his skin, even though his face was a mask of cool calm. She smiled to herself and wondered if any one else could read him so easily. Awena glanced behind her, anxiously watching the rest of their group riding behind them. "Can we go any faster?" She asked, turning to her father and looking up at him, his large horse only amplifying their height difference. Aragorn's mouth twitched upward at her pleading eyes and nodded.

"What," Eldarion asked beside her, "you're going to let her gallop right into the city?"

Aragorn chuckled, but only moved his horse into a trot, leaving them behind. Awena smiled across at Eldarion, her eyes practically glowing as she moved to catch up with their father.

As they rounded a bend in the mountain road, Awena gasped, her eyes trailing over the view in front of her. The beauty of the place in front of her snatching the breath from her lungs. Eldarion reached them only seconds later, pulling his horse to a stop beside them, his face written with wonder. Aragorn couldn't help but smile at his children as they stared breathlessly at his first home.

Ever so slowly Awena turned to him as if it pained her to tear her eyes away from the city before her. "You grew up here?" she asked, her eyes wide.

Aragorn nodded.

Eldarion looked ahead of him and suddenly every story his mother had told him made sense. Before, he couldn't imagine how his hero, Arwen, had graced the world, her beauty and power too much for his child's mind to fully understand. But now as he took in her homeland, the city of which she had been a princess, he began to understand. Even the light here was different, it seemed to glow rather than shine down. The air was sweeter and the relaxing sound of water splashing around him lulled Eldarion into a trance.

"Are you coming?" Eldarion heard Awena call, looking over her shoulder.

Eldarion realized they had moved on without him even knowing and were farther down the path. He took in a deep breath, glancing over the vista once more he began to follow them.

The breeze was warm and soft in a way Aragorn had never found anywhere else, as if it were a lover's whisper over his body. The feeling of it taking him back to when he was just a young man, the same age as his children were now. Aragorn closed his eyes and let it wash over him, stirring his hair and breathing in deeply. The tightness in his chest eased.

..::..

The air was cool in the forest of Imladris and the late spring breezed carried flower petals through the air. They danced among the trees, winding around branches like magic. The sky above was a vibrant blue speckled with white fluffy clouds, and the sun shone down in a warm golden light. The river babbled along its path, rushing over stones through the quiet valley, down from the waterfalls of Imladris. The summer solstice was tomorrow and the world brightened in anticipation.

Alida stood in a clearing by the banks of the river, her face was tilted up to the sun, savoring its warm touch on her skin. Her bare feet wiggled in the damp soft grass and she spread her arms out, feeling the wind rush around her. She felt at one with the forest and her hair was swept away from her face. With her eyes closed she centered herself, breathing in the floral smell of the season. Alida knew her father's spirit was with her when she was out here alone, the prince of the forest, her uncles would call him. She always felt connected to him in the trees, the rustle of the branches was his voice and the wind in the leaves was his spirit.

The Wood Elf in her could stay out here all day, but Alida knew her time alone would be short today. She had seen that their visitors from Gondor would arrive today when the sun was at its highest peak. Opening her eyes, she saw that the sun was almost there, it was so close that she knew she only had minutes left to herself. No sooner had Alida closed her eyes, when she heard a horn calling through the city and valley below. The King had been spotted.

Sighing, Alida opened her eyes. The wind rushed around her, picking up the hem of her soft blue skirts and swirling them around her legs. "Alright, Father," she whispered to the wind. "I'm being summoned back." Alida picked up her skirts and started back towards the city, taking a short cut through the forest to meet everyone at the main courtyard. She smiled to herself, knowing that Elrohir would roll his eyes at her barefooted entrance from the trees.

..::..

The sun shone down from high in the sky, it's touch warm on the citizens of Imladris. The city was alive with movement as preparations took place for the summer solstice celebration the next day and the for the guests who would be arriving any moment to stay for the season.

"She's late," Elrohir said, slight frustration edging his voice as he stared up at the steps behind him, leading back up to his home. He waited a second, imagining Alida's fiery head appearing at the top of the stairs, running down them with all of the energy of her father; but she wasn't there, and he knew she wouldn't be there anytime soon. "She promised." He turned around in his saddle and started his horse forwards. A warm breeze threw his raven-colored hair away from his face and with it was carried the sound of many horses, their hooves beating steadily on the stone path into the valley of Imladris.

Elladan chuckled from astride his grey stallion. "Really brother, she was never going to be on time, it's not in her nature."

"I resent that statement," Leonid said, pushing his own horse closer to his uncles. If it was in his sister's nature to be late that it was in his as well, they were twins after all.

A barked laugh escaped from Elladan and he tossed his head back. "Of course, you do."

"If we're being honest, Leonid, you do not have a reputation for being prompt." Celyn smirked from the back of their group.

Elrohir let out a roar of a laugh. "There were bets whether or not you would even make an appearance. Speaking of which…" Elrohir turned in his saddle to look at his own twin, a smug light in his eyes. "You owe me a hundred mirian, I'll expect that in my possession before dinner."

"Before dinner!" Elladan gasped in mock despair. "Brother, have you no mercy on those of us who have lost?"

Elrohir pretended to think for a moment, instead he just relished the feel of the sun on his skin for a few silent seconds.

"I have another wager," Elladan said, his mind now moving to his missing niece. "Fifty mirian that Alida rides in as we are returning."

"A hundred if she comes through the woods!" Leonid shouted, interrupting Elrohir's quiet moment.

"Deal!" Elladan shouted.

"Brother, to lose two hundred in a single day is a disgrace," Elrohir said, closing his eyes as he let his horse lead the way.

"Who's to say that I shall lose?" Elladan quirked an eyebrow at his brother's back. Elrohir chuckled quietly, but Elladan caught the subtle rise and fall of his brother's shoulders. "You of little faith," he said with a shake of his head. "May the Valar bless you. I feel you shall need it."

Celyn chuckled as he rode through the group to ride beside Elrohir, he reached a hand out to him as they rode, savorin in the feel of his archer's calluses. "Valar bless us all that we should not have as poor fortune as you, Elladan."

Leonid roared with laughter.

Elladan gasped and a hand flew to his heart. "Celyn, that is positively the rudest thing you'd ever said to me. I'm proud, you're finally warming up to us." The brightest smile graced his face as he watched his brother and his partner riding ahead them. "Now it's time you meet the rest of our family."

..::..

The first thing he saw as Eldarion came out into the open valley was the waterfalls, and the sight took his breath away. He'd spent the better part of his life imagining what Rivendell looked like and now that he was here none of his wildest imaginings could come even come close. The second thing he saw the how lush everything was, the first day of summer may be tomorrow, but everything was alive and pulsing with so much life that Eldarion would have frozen in place had he not been on the back of his horse.

From behind him, Eldarion heard his sister's gasp of amazement as she too took in the magical city before them. He wanted to turn back and look at Awena, to see the wonder in her eyes that he knew was mirrored in his own, but he couldn't. He couldn't tear his eyes from the city that rested in the valley. He took in a breath as his horse followed the procession and his lungs filled with the sweet smell of citrus and mountain air.

In a daze Eldarion let his horse lead them. Distantly, he heard his father chuckling, but it sounded as if Eldarion was in a dream and Aragorn was laughing back in reality. Every step the horse took revealed something new and Eldarion didn't know how much more he could take in before his mind simply couldn't comprehend it. The sound horn cut through the warm breeze and flock of yellow birds took flight at the sound, cutting across the sky in a dance of wings and wind. The birds chattered as they flew and it sounded like music in the air. Cut into the side of the valley across the river was a home that Eldarion knew had to be that of Lord Elrohir and his family. Bridges and open walkway led from structure to structure in the home and large balconies opened up over the river.

As they got closer Eldarion noticed the path they were on would take them directly to the that manor, but he spied another path just on the other side of bridge his traveling party was starting to cross that would take him to the bustling city. He made a mental to memorize this path for later exploration. The bridge was narrow and long, with now railing between him and the fall through the valley so he pulled himself from his reverie just as his horse took his first step onto the bridge. He took in a breath and made sure not to look to his right or left as he crossed the bridge.

"Welcome home!" A voice said from the other side of the bridge.

Eldarion looked up from the path he had been staring at and was greeted by two things. The first thing that captured his attention was a pair of stone Elven warriors that guarded the welcoming end of the bridge. And the second was a small group of men waiting in the circular courtyard just past the stone guardians. He recognized Elrohir and Elladan immediately, though Eldarion wasn't sure which was which, but they both looked as he remembered Elrohir had at his Uncle Eomer's wedding fourteen years ago. On either side of the twins were two more men, one had silver blond hair looked to be no older than thirty years, although Eldarion knew that he was likely far older than that. And on the other side was an auburn-haired man who was taller than all the rest, and he knew that this was Leonid. As a child he had been tall as well Eldarion remembered vaguely.

"Brothers!" Aragorn exclaimed, ripping Eldarion from his thoughts. Before Eldarion knew what was happening he watched his father dismount and stride over to the Elves.

Then twins before them leapt almost in unison from their steeds and the men reunited after many years apart. He knew when his father had last seen Elrohir, it was the wedding he was just remembering, but he couldn't think of a time when his father had last seen Elladan.

One of the twins crashed into his father and they were laughing with an easy comfort of people who had known each other for a lifetime. Even with years between their last visits, Eldarion thought it seemed like they had never been apart. They were speaking in Elvish and while Eldarion could understand the language they were speaking too fast for him to follow the conversation.

Aragorn turned back to his children and Eldarion saw a smile on his face that reached his eyes and he couldn't think of the last time he had looked this truly happy. "He's happy," Awena said. Eldarion wasn't sure when, but she had ridden up beside him at some point and she smiled back at their father as she watched the reunion. "She's missing," Awena said, her voice low as she glanced around the courtyard.

Eldarion realized his sister was right, Alida was missing. He looked curiously around the courtyard, finding no one else but them. Looking up at the staircase behind them however he noticed an array armed men as still as statue perched on the stairs and in the balconies above. To his left was a wide path that led steadily upwards and to his right was a dense wall of trees that spread down a slope to the valley floor.

"Children!" Aragorn called in the common tongue, glancing back at Awena and Eldarion once more. He gestured for them to approach.

Eldarion dismounted and moved to help his sister down as well, but before he could get to her Awena had already leapt off her horse and tossed her dark hair over her shoulder before running to join their father

"Awena," Aragorn said, sweeping his daughter into his side. "This is Elladan." Aragorn gestured to the man closest to him. "And you may remember his brother Elrohir, you met him once at…"

"At Uncle Eomer's wedding! Yes, I remember." Awena interrupted her father and then moved out of his arms to embrace Elrohir.

Eldarion slowly walked up, standing a pace or two behind his father.

Elorhir laughed as he embraced Awena back. "My, my, fourteen years have changed you," he said, pulling her back to look at her.

"Aragorn, I'm surprised at how much she looks like you and yet is still so pretty. Must be her mother's genes," Elladan said with a smile.

Aragorn laughed. "If only I could say the same to you, but last I knew no woman had deigned to have a child with you."

A laugh sounded from behind the twins and Eldarion's attention was brought once more to Leonid and silver haired stranger. Both were smiling at Aragorn's comment. The one with silver hair dismounted and whispered something to Leonid who followed suit. Eldarion watched as the man came up to Elrohir, standing just a hair's breadth behind him, and before Eldarion had time to wonder at their relationship Elrohir was introducing him.

"This is Celyn," Elrohir said, his hand moving to rest on Celyn's back as he pushed him forward and closer. "My husband. Celyn," he looked at the man with a smile in his eyes, "this is Aragorn."

Celyn bowed his head slightly. "It's an honor to finally meet you," Celyn said.

"Husband!" Aragorn exclaimed, clapping Elrohir on the back. "Was my invitation lost?" He turned to Celyn and smiled, pulling the new family member into an embrace. "Congratulations!" he exclaimed.

Eldarion could see the hint of tears in his father's eyes and knew they were because he was happy. Happy to for Celyn and Elrohir and happy to be home with his family.

"And who is this?" Eldarion's attention snapped to Elladan who watched him with a curious eye. "This can't possibly be your son."

Aragorn laughed and pushed his son closer. "This is Eldarion, my oldest." Eldarion offered a hand in greeting to Elrohir.

Eldarion offered his hand to Elladan, but the man shook his head. "I'll have none of that, boy." With that, Elladan grabbed Eldarion and pulled him into embrace. Before Eldarion could react Elladan was moving away, holding him at arm's length, laughing. "So stoic," he said. "Just like Leonid."

Leonid was standing just a few paces away from the group, and Eldarion knew he was trying to avoid the pile of emotions that were his uncles and Eldarion's father. Grey-blue eyes studied him back and Eldarion felt the need to straighten his shoulders when he realized just how tall Leonid had become. He stood several inches taller than both of his uncles and Eldarion wondered if it was a trait he had acquired from his father. He made another note to ask his father later.

Awena, noticing Leonid as well moved away from the group and walked slowly up to the Elf, craning her neck all the way up to meet his blue eyes. "I didn't realize wood Elves resided in Rivendell," she said, a smirk flashing across her features only for a second, replaced almost instantly with an innocent expression.

Leonid slowly lowered his eyes downward. "They do not," he said plainly.

"But you're an actual tree," Awena said, letting the smirk spread across her face slowly, her eyes flashing.

Leonid crouched slightly, turning his head from side to side. "And what happened to you in your childhood to stunt your growth this way?"

Aragorn chuckled and glanced at Eldarion. "She may have finally met her match," he said.

"I have faith in her yet," a light feminine voice said from the forest to Eldarion's right.

All attention turned to the trees as a woman stepped out from the woods and time itself almost seemed to slow for Eldarion. He knew at once that this was Alida, she looked far too similar to Leonid for her to be anyone else. He remembered the girl from fourteen years ago that had hidden behind a tapestry with him and now instead of a girl was a woman. Her hair was the color of copper in the bright noontime sun and it hung it long curling sheets around her shoulders. Her skin was the color pure ivory, with a hint of the gentlest blush in her cheeks. She almost seemed to float from out of the trees, but Eldarion could see that she walked as anyone else did. She held the skirts of her pale blue dress in her hand as her bare feet stepped onto the stone floor of the courtyard. Her eyes met his from across the way and he was caught for a moment in their depths.

Feeling a nudge in his side he was ripped away from his reverie and brought back to reality. His sister looked up at him and her eyes glinted with a mischievous light.

"A hundred mirian!" Leonid shouted pulling all of the attention to him. Even Alida stopped and looked at her twin curiously.

"Twice in one day brother," Elorhir said with a shake of his head.

"Alida," Elladan said, his voice comically distressed. "My dear niece, how you have let down your uncle this day." He grabbed Alida by the shoulders and shook his head.

Alida looked to her brother. "You bet on me?" she asked, her eyes shining brightly.

"And won!" Leonid shouted triumphantly. "Really Uncle, you of all people should know, that no one knows a sibling quite as well as their twin."

Elladan scrunched his eyes and shook his head at his nephew.

Alida pushed away from her uncle and smiled at the group of travelers. "How were your travels?" She asked as she came closer.

Eldarion noticed there was a book tucked under her arm as she grew closer and closer.

"Dreadfully long!" Awena said, pushing away from her brother and approaching Alida. "But well worth it, we've only come so far as this spot and already everything is beautiful." Awena threw her arms around Alida and Alida hugged the smaller girl back.

Eldarion's feet felt nailed in place, a voice in his head told him to say something, anything, just acknowledge her presence, but he couldn't find any words.

Aragorn moved in next and embraced the girl. He was saying something, but Eldarion couldn't hear the words over the rushing in his own head. Why couldn't he think of something to say?

Before he could find words, her attention was on him and she was moving closer. "Hello," she said, and those two syllables were like the first few notes of a symphony.

"H-hello," Eldarion said in response mentally kicking himself for not saying something else or something more.

Alida's grey-blue eyes sparkled as she came closer and tentatively embraced Eldarion. he gently wrapped his arms around her and was distracted by the smell of mountain air and lilac that radiating from her. She came up just an inch or so shorter than him and he realized he didn't know any woman who were this tall. Before he could think of something further to say she was moving away towards her brother.

Playfully she hit her brother with the book in her hand and reprimanded him for betting on her.

"You much be tired from your travels, come, we'll show you to your rooms so you can rest before dinner," Elrohir exclaimed moving back to his horse and mounting. "Come, the stables are this way. I shall lead the way, because, Aragorn, I'm sure you're forgotten the path by now." He chuckled as he climbed into his saddle.

Eldarion watched as Alida followed her brother his horse. Leonid climbed up first and then reached out an arm to Alida. Eldarion moved to offer her help, but hesitated when he watched how he grabbed onto his brother's arm and swung into saddle behind him. Her skirts rippling like the water as she moved. He heard his father say his name and realized he was the only one not mounted and he quickly climbed onto his own horse's back.

Aragorn watched him and Eldarion wasn't sure if he was smiling because he was home or if he was smiling at something else as he passed his son by. When Awena too passed giggling like a child he knew it as something more.

..::..

Alida's deft fingers braided pieces of auburn hair away from her face and behind the arched point of her ear. In the reflection of her mirror, she watched her brother sprawled across her bed, finishing the last bites of an apple. "I had better not find any pieces of that apple in my bed when you're done," she said, turning her attention back to finishing the braids in her hair.

"I will leave your bed pristine as always, dear sister," Leonid said, around the last bite of apple.

A huff escaped Alida's lips at his words. She was fairly positive he didn't know the meaning of the word 'pristine'. She looked back at her reflection for a moment longer, pulling a few curling strands out of the braids to frame her face.

"You look beautiful," Leonid said.

Alida's eyes met his in the mirror and she smiled before turning and standing from the vanity, "Are you ready?"

Leonid stood from the bed and tossed the apple core from her open window to the gardens below. Ignoring the face his sister was giving him, he said, "I've been waiting for you, Lida." Walking to the door he opened it and ushered his sister from the room before offering his arms to her for their walk.

"You know you can't sleep with her," Alida said after a moment of walking in silence. Leonid chuckled. "I'm serious, Laio. She is a princess, not a plaything, not a challenge."

"Is that all you think I do?" Leonid asked with an amused smile on his face. "Fuck women to my heart's content?"

"No," Alida answered. "But I saw the look she gave you and I know how you like challenge. This is a challenge you cannot answer."

"Alright, Lida. If you're this worried then I shall make you a promise. I will not fuck the princess, but you cannot fuck the prince either." His brow furrowed in thought. "Do you even know how to fuck?"

Alida laughed and she clapped a hand over her mouth as they drew closer to the terrace where dinner was being held. "Alright, I promise. And that is none of your business."

"You don't, do you?" He smirked as he nudged her.

"One of us has to keep our legs closed, Laio, or everyone in Imladris will think both of our mother's children are whores."

..::..

The sky in Rivendell seemed to never truly darken. Even though the sun had set an hour ago, the sky still looked deep purple, stars sprinkling in vibrant colors. Eldarion thought they looked like bits of crystal scattered on a piece of soft velvet. His seat at the long table gave him a perfect view of the sky, the spots across him empty. They sat on a large stone terrace that overlooked the valley where houses were just beginning to glow with warm light. Warm spring air blew over them, through the open stone arches, rustling the vines that grew over them. Eldarion watched dark buds, that he hadn't seen before, open into large blue blooms. At every turn, the beauty of this place astounded him, he hadn't even been in the city for a full day and he had already lost count of the times it had taken his breath away.

Eldarion turned to where Awena sat beside him, leaning away from him to listen to their father's conversation with Elrohir and Elladan. He touched her hand where it lay on the table. Awena turned in her chair, smiling up at her brother, but before he could point out the blooms her head turned again, something behind him catching her attention. "Oh, the twins are here." She grinned. "Late again." Her eyes flicked back to Eldarion's and they were sparkling. Eldarion sighed and silently begged her to behave.

Eldarion could have sworn music drifted in as the twins came into view. If he had lost his breath at beauty ten times already today, then now he felt as if his heart might stop. Alida walked with her hand on her brother's arm, her eyes were trained on him like he had just told her the secrets of the universe. Eldarion wondered if she always listened so intently. For a moment he felt his heart beat faster and he wished he could be the one walking in with her, wished he could feel her hand on his arm. He stared as Alida's eyes drifted from her brother and over the table, she smiled sweetly at a few people she knew and then her eyes found his and her smile widened. Eldarion found himself looking down at his fork, suddenly more interesting than anything else in the room, heat rising on his cheeks.

..::..

Alida glided through the moonlit paths of Imladris, the waning music at dinner still floating in the cool night air. She hummed softly to herself as she walked alone, savoring the feeling of moonlight on her skin. She chuckled lightly to herself as she remembered the hidden glances that the prince had not so cleverly hidden from her, the bright blush of his cheeks every time she caught his gaze. It had been years since she had left Imladris to go to Edoras with her uncle, and yet she would have recognized that mess of golden curls anywhere. He was shorter than her at the time, and she fondly remembered hiding with him and playing with his sister at his uncle's wedding. He had grown into a man since then, but Alida could see that child in him still. His shyness still evident as he had said less than five words to her all day, and she suspected he would have been hiding somewhere else if it had not been for sister.

Now Awena had certainly not changed at all. She was bright like the sun, with a vibrance that Alida knew women would be jealous of. She and Leonid were already fast friends and it warmed her heart to see Leonid so at ease. Though she also worried that he wouldn't be able to keep his promise and take the challenge that Awena unknowingly offered him.

Shaking her head against those thoughts Alida continued on her paths to her rooms. She wanted nothing more than to collapse in her bed and wrap herself in the silken sheets that she knew awaited her. She rounded a corner and came to a quick stop. A man stood at the other end, walking slowly through the hall as he studied the hallway around him. The moonlight bathed his golden curls in a pale light, leeching the color from them. There was no doubt in her mind that Eldarion was lost.

"Looking for something your Highness?" Alida asked, her voice light and airy as it traveled to him. A smile graced her face as he jumped and turned towards her. That telltale blush crept across his face and even in this pale light she could see the rosy color.

Eldarion's eyes were wide as he took her in at the end of the hallway. "I... I turned down this…I was just…" He stammered out the incomplete sentences as he started backing down the hall.

Alida smiled and started towards him. "Lost?" she asked when she was just a few steps away.

He looked down at his feet and nodded his head sheepishly. "Yes," he answered and Alida could hear a hint of embarrassment in his tone

"I fear you have taken a wrong turn," Alida said with a smile as she studied him. "These are my rooms." She gestured to the door Eldarion had stopped in front of. His head shot up and his eyes widened even more. Alida could see his bright blue eyes so clearly before and full of new embarrassment. She laughed lightly. "Do not worry, I am an excellent guide." She threaded her arm through one of his and turned him around to continue down the path he was already going.

Alida felt Eldarion's body tense beside her but he consented to have her lead his path. They walked in silence for a moment before Eldarion suddenly spoke. "I'm sorry," he said abruptly. "I didn't mean to pry into your rooms."

"There is nothing you need to apologize for. You were not prying; you were simply lost." She felt his body relax a little beside her. "I've heard that many people who are not from Imladris get lost in these halls."

"Imladris?" Eldarion asked, tilting his head to look at her as they walked.

Alida noticed now that he was taller than her, not by much, but when she turned to look at him, her eyes were level with his lips. "Imladris is what we call this place. In the common tongue it's called Rivendell."

"Imladris," he said again, saying the word slowly and enunciating each syllable carefully.

"Yes, your highness," Alida said lightly, guiding him around a corner into an open passage way.

"It's Eldarion," he said and Alida didn't hear a single waver in his voice.

"Eldarion," she repeated the name. Alida subconsciously tightened her grip on his arm as a cool breeze blew through the passage, rustling her skirts tossing her hair behind her shoulder. She felt a small blush creep into her cheeks at the hard muscle of his bicep. She felt Eldarion pull her arm in closer to him ever so slightly and she shivered. "And there we are," Alida said gesturing to a doorway on their left as they came into a closed hallway. Alida stopped in front of the door and hesitantly pulled her arm through his, folding her hands in front of her. "I told you I was an excellent guide."

Eldarion chuckled and Alida watched his bright eyes sparkle for just a second.

"Thank you, my lady," he said quietly as he watched her with an intent gaze.

Alida felt a flush come back into her cheeks and she was surprised at her reaction. It was entirely different when he was looking at her intently. "If ever your lost again, just whisper to the wind and it will find me," she said with a smile as she started to retreat back the way she had come. "And it's Alida," she called over her shoulder, tossing her auburn hair away from her face to look back at him.