It was already dark outside as she quietly sat in front of her tall mirror, Lhenes hands expertly braiding her long golden hair. She wore a long formal dress in the palest of roses, the finest one she had ever worn on her entire life. It was so beautiful, and yet so different from the dresses she had seen in Imladris. The entire neckline was covered by thin strings of silver that laced with one another, falling over her bare shoulders and lacing around the entire length of her bare arms.
She watched in silence as the kind maid tied the last tiny braid behind the back of her head before moving around to get something else from the vanity. She felt her heart skip a beat, and her nerves build up as Lhenes returned with a breathtaking silver diadem, carefully placing atop her head. The elven maid then patiently moved to intertwine the delicate silver strings that hung from the diadem with her golden hair, placing numerous tiny hairpieces, from which hung pearls and rose quartz adorned by tiny golden leaves, around her braids.
"You are ready, Your Highness." Lhenes said softly as she stepped aside, hands clasped in front of her. Never before had a phrase sounded more ironic to her. True, her hair and dress were ready; but she was not ready.
She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Only a few months ago, she would have never imagined she would be sitting here, looking like royalty, waiting to attend the winter's solstice feast as the Princess of an elven realm. Every single aspect of her reflection looked flawless, and she could hardly recognize in her the plainly dressed Elerrina that lived with her adoptive mother in a village of men. No. Her reflection was that of Almarëa, daughter of the King of Mirkwood.
She heard the door of her chambers softly being pushed open, and she turned her head just in time to see an elegantly dressed Legolas walking into the room. Never before had she seen him looking so royal, his rich formal robes in the exact same clear blue color as infinite eyes. A fine silver circlet rested atop his light blond head, crowning him as the Prince she knew he was.
"Your Highness." She heard Lhenes say with a respectful bow of her head, and her brother nodded his head politely in reply.
A smile appeared on his handsome face as his infinite blue eyes met hers, his feet already walking in her direction. She could not help but smile in return, her eyes meeting his through the mirror as he came to stand directly behind her, hands lightly falling on her shoulders.
"It seems like Lossenel will not be only one getting all the stares tonight." Her brother said before lowering his face closer to hers and whispering in a low voice next to her ear "Elladan is going to drool all over himself. I will enjoy seeing that."
A light laugh escaped her lips at his words, her heart already bouncing at the simple mention of Elladan's name. She accepted Legolas' offered hand as he pulled her up to her feet, her dress dancing weightlessly around her legs in cascades of pale rose and silver, the thin silver strings that laced over the bottom of it sparkling faintly as they caught the light.
"Would you allow me to escort you into the Halls tonight?" He smiled brightly as he offered his arm for her to take, making her laugh again. "The twins will already be there, so it is either me or Tadion."
"I assume then that Arahaelon is escorting Lossenel?" She laughed as she took his offered arm, allowing him to lead her out of the room and through the long corridor outside.
"He usually does."
She tried to hide her nerves as her brother guided her through the long corridors leading to the Family Room in the private area of the Palace. This was one of the many rooms inside the Palace in which she had never been, and she could barely hide her curiosity from showing in her eyes as they walked into the room.
A welcoming fire danced at the large fireplace, its warm flames casting beautiful reflections on the many elegant seats and couches that furnished the room. She noticed three maids standing in one corner, next to large tray holding fruits and pastries as well as a cut crystal pitcher filled with red wine.
Arahaelon and Lossenel were already inside, quietly conversing in elvish. Both of their heads turned to the door as they heard them enter and her eyes immediately fell on an impenetrable pair of dark green eyes, the same shade as her own.
Unreadable green eyes pierced hers, so powerful and mysterious, and yet so serene and untroubled, like cold hard emeralds that sealed away their liquid depths. She had not seen the Crown Prince since her arrival at the Palace, and in that moment she felt exactly the same way she had felt the first time she had seen him, as if he could see directly through her without her being able to read a single one of his thoughts. She felt young next to him, far too young, as if this was a sibling she would never reach, and she was once again reminded that she was indeed the youngest out of five siblings.
The Crown Prince of Mirkwood wore elegant emerald green robes, making his powerful green eyes stand out even more, easily piercing through hers without needing to exert any effort at all. His expression was peaceful, the fair features of his face completely relaxed. His long light blond hair, the same color as the Legolas and the King's was neatly combed and braided, a silver circlet equal to that of Legola's resting atop his head. He smiled softly at her, his smile as unreadable as his eyes, before turning his eyes to meet Legola's, making her able to look away from the piercing stare.
Lossenel looked even more beautiful than usual, if such a thing was even possible. Her long platinum hair had been intricately braided, laced with strings of silver that cascaded from her diadem, so much like the one she herself wore. Her dress was a pure pearl color, also intricately embroidered in strings of silver around her shoulders, its patters lacing down her back and through the pale fabric of her dress until they died where it met the floor. Dark blue sapphires adorned her head, contrasting sharply against her pale skin and hair, like drops of a deep blue ocean on an iced winter's day.
"Legolas! Almarëa!" The snowy Princess exclaimed softly with a smile as Legolas led her to a couch next to the one in which Arahaelon and Lossenel sat. She smiled in return, feeling too nervous to say anything. She was only glad that Legolas was there with her; otherwise her nerves would have taken the best of her.
"Where is Tadion?" The Crown Prince asked, taking a sip from a crystal glass of wine he had been holding in his hand. His voice was as serene as his impenetrable eyes, floating through the room with incredible ease.
Lossenel let out a light laugh, the sound like tiny silver bells as she turned to face her eldest brother.
"I told you he would be last."
It was Arahaelon's turn to let out a small laugh, muttering something she could not catch in return, eyes narrowing at his sister.
"Why are we here?" She whispered to Legolas in a low voice, only making his smile widen as his infinite blue eyes started at hers.
"We gather here before going down into the Halls, waiting for everyone to be ready and for the guests to arrive at the celebration." He explained softly and she felt a new wave of nerves wash over her as she realized that, as it had been in Imladris, the royal family would be making a formal entrance into the celebration.
"You will have to tell me what to do and when to do it" She whispered in return only managing to make him laugh at her words, the sound making her smile.
"You will do fine, Almarëa." She turned her face around, surprised at the Crown Prince's voice as he added to the conversation. She found his impenetrable green eyes looking directly at her, so unreachable and hard and yet so serene and kind, completely unreadable.
The door was pushed open in that exact moment, breaking Arahaelon's stare as he turned to look at the entrance. She turned to look as well, only to find Tadion already walking into the room, looking as royal and elegant as all of his siblings. Like Legoas, he wore blue formal robes, only that his were a deeper shade of blue. He looked as peaceful as ever, his face completely untroubled and comfortable, as if he were simply going to walk around the gardens and not an important feast. He looked incredibly handsome, his eyes seeming to mock everything around him, a look she had seen many times in the twins' eyes. His clear blue eyes met hers, and a wide grin formed in his eyes, as carefree and peaceful as ever.
"Looks like you will have to make an effort to get an ellon's attention tonight, Lossie." He said as his playful eyes turned to meet the Princess' iced green blue ones, a smirk on his face.
Legolas laughed as a response, and she saw the Crown Prince disguising a grin by taking a sip of his wine. The stunning Princess of Mirkwood narrowed her eyes at Tadion, unable to keep her lips from curving up in a smile at her brother's playful tone.
"I am not dancing with you tonight, Tadion." Lossenel stated as Tadion made his way to sit next to her on the couch, placing a kiss on her cheek as an apologetic gesture.
"It does not matter." He said, still grinning mockingly. "I will impress many other ladies tonight."
"Like last year, I am sure." Arahaelon added in a low, serene voice, and although he sounded completely serious, she was able to catch a glint of mockery in his peaceful tone.
Legolas exploded in laughter next to her as Tadion threw a glare at his oldest brother, a grin still present in his handsome face. She saw Tadion open his mouth to say something in return, but was interrupted by the sound of the door being pushed open once again.
The Elvenking gracefully walked into the room, looking tall and elegant, his sole presence seeming to emanate an aura of royalty and authority she could not fully comprehend. He wore rich formal robes in a deep wine color, the most elegant she had yet seen. Golden and silver thread traced patterns of leaves over the neckline and sleeves, an occasional miniature emerald or pearl sewed within the embroidery. The Crown of Mirkwood rested royally on his head, in a spike of silver and golden leaves, perfectly complimenting his long light bond hair. Even without the crown there would be no doubt that he was the King.
"And what exactly happened last year, my son?" The Elvenking's ice blue eyes fell on Tadion, his expression serene, a small smile on his face as he flawlessly walked into the piece. Lossenel suppressed a laugh as Tadion's eyes met his father's, both of their irises in the same shade of clear blue.
"You do not want to know, Ada." Came Tadion's quiet reply as he let out a silent chuckle.
"Do I, now?" She had to make an effort to not laugh at the sight as the Elvenking raised a fair eyebrow at his second son, Legolas still freely laughing next to her.
"Ada!" Lossenel exclaimed softly, her voice as delicate as her movements as she rose to her feet and walked towards the King. "How are you tonight? You look incredibly handsome this evening."
A smile adorned the Princess' beautiful face and her eyes gleamed with light and purity as she placed a kiss on her father's cheek. The Elvenking let out a silent chuckle, eyes narrowing suspiciously, not entirely believing his daughter's performance as he allowed her to accompany him to a comfortable seat by the fire. Nonetheless, he turned his attention away from Tadion.
"I am good, Lossenel, thank you." He replied with a smile as he sat on the cushioned seat, the snowy Princess standing behind him as he sat, her pale hands pulling his light blond hair from his shoulders and straightening neatly down his back.
"And what is it exactly that you are expecting in return for this treatment, my daughter?" The King said with a smile, his tone suspicious as Lossenel's fingers continued to comb through his long blond hair.
"Nothing, of course, Ada." Replied Lossenel in her beautiful musical voice, her pale arms falling loosely over the Elvenking's shoulders.
She could not help to smile widely as the Princess silently mouthed the words 'you owe me one' to Tadion behind the King's back, her hands gently massaging his shoulders.
"And you, Lossenel, need to learn how to move your mouth without whispering the words. I can perfectly hear you from where I am." The Elvenking's serene voice echoed through the room, enjoying himself at the expense of his daughter.
A smile appeared on the King's face as Lossenel's eyes widened in surprise, looking like an elfling being caught doing mischief. Tadion laughed, narrowing his eyes at the Princess as he shook his head in accusation. Lossenel smiled guiltily, lowering her head to place another kiss on her father's cheek as he looked at her warily, still smiling.
"I…will go bring you some wine, Ada." The Princess said in between guilty chuckles as Legola's and Arahaelon joined in Tadion's laughter.
"Yes, I would say so."
Lossenel let out another chuckle as she walked to the back of the room, where one of the maids was already pouring some of the red liquid into a fine crystal cup. The King's ice blue eyes then turned to meet hers, seeming to look directly through her green ones, silently asking her how she was. She managed to smile lightly, and he smiled at her in return, ice blue eyes looking at her from head to toe.
A silent knock on the door made all six pairs of eyes turn in its direction, the Elvenking letting out a calmed "Enter" before the door was softly pushed open. A dark haired elf she had never seen stood at the doorway bowing his head respectfully as his eyes met his King's.
"Everything is ready, Your Majesty."
"Thank you." She heard the Elvenking say and the dark haired elf nodded his head in return and stepped aside, waiting at the door.
The King of Mirkwood rose to his feet, followed by the rest of her siblings. She copied their example, following Legolas as he exited the piece and stepped into the long hallway. Her brother offered her his arm, and she gladly took it just as she caught sight of Lossenel gently lacing her arm around the Crown Prince's offered one. She saw Lossenel whisper something silently to him, but she could not catch any of the words from where she was. Whatever it was, the Crown Prince did not answer.
"My dearest sister." She turned her head at the sound of Tadion's voice, only to find his gleaming clear blue eyes staring at hers, one arm offered for her to take.
She laughed lightly as she took his arm with her free one. He had called her sister.
Even if he had said it playfully, he still had called her his sister. It felt strange, and at the same time so welcoming. She still felt incredibly nervous about entering into this large feast among the royal family, but suddenly Tadion's playful words had made her feel more secure than she had the entire evening. She would enter the Halls not by the arms of the Prince's of Mirkwood, but by the arms of two brothers.
She had not even noticed that they had started moving, descending long staircases into the Main Hall of the Palace, two guards escorting them at the front and back. The Elvenking led the way, looking as tall and regal as ever. Lossenel and Arahaelon followed him closely behind, leaving Tadion, Legolas and her last.
"Almarëa." Tadion whispered lowly in her ear as they walked down the hall, and she was sure that only her and Legolas could hear him. "Forgive me if I said something that upset you yesterday. It was never my intention. I keep forgetting that I do not really know you, and that perhaps I should think of what I am saying before I say it."
She turned her head to face him, his clear blue eyes looking serious now, honest, holding an openness and transparency that immediately reminded her of Legolas' infinite blue eyes.
"You do not have to apologize to me. It was I who wanted to apologize to you. You have done nothing to upset me. I enjoyed your company greatly, Tadion. I was simply overwhelmed by everything, and had not really slept that night. You did nothing wrong." She immediately reassured him in an equally low voice, squeezing his arm gently as she offered him a smile.
He had been so open and accepting of her since the moment she set foot on the Palace, she could hardly believe he would think she would get upset by something he had said. Tadion smiled at her in return, his eyes once again gleaming with their peaceful carefreeness.
"I know you would have rather sit next to Elladan during breakfast, but I am not going to apologize for that." He whispered again, leaning his head closer to hers as if to make sure none other but her and Legolas could hear. She laughed at his wary tone, and she could see Legolas trying to act as if he had not heard anything at all, but failing miserably in the attempt.
She was about to say something in return, but was cut short as she saw a pair of guards opening the central one of the three pairs of doors that led into what she had learned were the King's Halls. Immediately, she felt her heart in her throat, Legolas turning his head to give a reassuring look.
The hall inside was even larger than she had thought. Thousands of elves dressed in formal robes and dresses of all different colors filled the room, their hairs, necks and writs adorned with sparkling jewels. The animated conversation quieted down as the King of Mirkwood stepped into the hall, all the elves turning in the direction of the door. Bright smiles appeared on their fair faces as they bowed their heads respectfully, those who were sitting rising to their feet. She was surprised to see not only adult elves inside the halls, but elflings as well, dressed as elegantly as their parents.
It was a sight to remember. Her eyes flew from left to right, trying to memorize every detail, as her heart seemed to freeze in her chest out of nerves. Curious eyes turned in her direction, all of the elves probably already knowing of her arrival in Mirkwood, wanting to lay eyes on the King's supposedly dead daughter for the first time. Some of them whispered to their neighbor, their eyes never leaving her as Legolas and Tadion lead her inside the hall. Others tried to look around other elves' heads, trying to get a better look at her. A few of the elflings pointed, their mothers quickly scolding them in silence.
A group of musicians played peacefully in one corner of the overly large halls, the music floating though the airs like an enchanted melody, and she could see many servants walking around the space, carrying trays filled with crystal glasses of deep red wine. She looked quickly through the faces, frantically searching for a specific set of eyes.
"Look to your right." She heard Legola's whispering lowly in her ear, not moving his lips at all as he spoke.
She immediately followed his command, turning her head to look in the indicated direction. Her dark green eyes instantly fell on a gorgeous pair of liquid silver eyes, staring at her so deeply and lovingly and sparkling so brightly with their usual light and vividness that she felt all of her nerves wash away. For a split second, every single elf in the room seemed to vanish, as she stared into the only pair of eyes that mattered to her.
She felt a wide smile grow on her lips, mirroring Elladan's bright grin as she stared into his eyes. She noticed Elrohir standing next to him, both of the twins looking elegant in their formal robes, identical silver circlets adorning their long dark hairs. Elladan wore a rich green robe, which almost surprised her. She had assumed he would wear blue, as he usually did. But this time it was as if the twins had decided to exchange colors, Elladan in green and Elrohir in a pale shade of blue, looking as identical and handsome as ever.
She turned her eyes to look at Legolas as they made their way towards a long table placed slightly higher than the others. Legolas' infinite blue eyes were looking at her, a mischievous grin on his face. Her heart nearly flipped as she recognized that both of the twins, as well as many other elves who looked to be high ranking and noble, were standing in that same table to which they were heading. Of course, the sons of Elrond would sit at the King's table; they were royalty after all.
"Thank you." She whispered, trying her best not to even mover her lips.
"Only a quick reminder: Ada is also here." She heard Legolas add, grinning like an elfling about to do something that has been forbidden to him.
"And I am here too." Her grin only widened and she tried not to show her amusement in her face as Tadion whispered on her other ear. "So tell Elladan to keep that in mind."
The Elvenking reached a throne-like chair at the head of the table, opening his arms in a welcoming gesture, motioning for everyone to sit at their places along the numerous tables that filled the space. A chorus of chairs being pulled and elves sitting down on their respective seats echoed through the room.
Tadion pulled out a chair for her, next to the rest of her siblings at the center of the table. She could not help but grin wider as she noticed that Elladan was sitting directly next to her, to her left, while Legolas took the chair to her right. Tadion, Lossenel and Arahaelon sat across from her, and Elrohir to Elladan's other side.
Every pair of eyes remained expectantly on the King, now the only elf standing in the room, and she copied them, her eyes also falling on his royal figure. She heard his peaceful, yet powerful voice dance through the Hall, elvish words flowing smoothly from his mouth, not needing to raise his voice to get every single elf's attention. She could not understand a single word he was saying, but his gentle smile and open arms told her that it was some kind of welcoming.
She understood her name among the flawless words, the King gracefully motioning to her with a hand, his movements effortless and weightless. She felt her heart drumming in her throat, a new wave of nerves consuming her as every pair of eyes once again turned in her direction, curiously staring at her, scrutinizing every single detail of her appearance. The only thing that seemed to reassure her slightly was the fact that most of the elves were smiling as they did so.
Involuntarily, she moved her eyes to the King, attempting to look away from the thousands stares. A slight calmness washed over her as she found the Elvenking's infinite pair of ice blue eyes staring directly into hers, open and reassuring, holding a sparkle that mirrored the smile on his face.
The stare, however, only lasted a second, as the King directed his impenetrable gaze to the crowd once more, continuing his speech. A sight of relief silently left her lips as the curious eyes turned to look at the King once more, listening attentively as he spoke.
She felt Elladan moving his hand under the table, falling over hers, which rested neatly folded on her lap, giving it a gentle squeeze. Her eyes turned to him, feeling all of her nerves and fear lifting as she looked into his liquid silver eyes. His face remained perfectly composed, but his eyes sparkled with a hidden smile. She distantly heard the Elvenking going quiet, and then the deaf sound of elegant robes moving around as he took his seat.
Conversation quickly flourished through the room, animated voices muffled by one another into an unintelligible melody, giving the halls a joyful air. Many more servants started to appear, bringing golden trays of food to the tables, and filling the cut crystal cups on each place with wine.
As the meal went by, her wonder did not diminish, her eyes still trying to absorb as much as she could. She had never seen a feast like this one. Not even the one in Imladris. The abundance of fine foods, wine, jewels and sparkling colors of robes and dresses was beyond what she could have possibly imagined. Some of the younger elflings had already fled their seats, running around the tables, or curiously standing by the musicians.
"You look beautiful." Elladan whispered softly to her, his words merging with the animated murmur of the other conversations.
She turned to face him, unable to hide the smile from her face. Elrohir and Tadion were engaged in an animated conversation, nearly not giving the other time to finish the sentence before taking over to speak.
"You certainly outshine Lossenel tonight." He added, rising his voice a little.
"I heard you, Elladan." The Princess of Mirkwood quickly commented, smiling widely as her ice green-blue eyes narrowed at the elder twin.
"I meant for you to hear me, Lossie." She could not help but laugh at his response, failing in her attempt to glare at him as he teased Lossenel. The Princess of Mirkwood let out a musical laugh before turning her attention back to Arahaelon, deciding on ignoring Elladan.
"What did he say?" She nodded discretely in the King's direction as she took a sip of her wine. The Elvenking was now surrounded by a small group of elves that had come to greet him.
"You did not miss much." He flashed her one his flawless smiles as he spoke. "He thanked everyone for being here and wished everyone an enjoyable time tonight. Then he introduced you as his daughter saying that you were also joining us tonight. And then every single ellon turned his eyes on you."
She laughed as his eyes flashed at the last sentence, narrowing slightly. She wanted to kiss him, but she knew that the entire hall would be keeping watch on her for the length of the night; The Elvenking would be keeping watch on her for the length of the night.
Through the corner of her eyes she could see the King's eyes looking in her direction, seeming to be focused on Elladan rather than on her, their expression unreadable, but she was not sure she wanted to look into them to try to read it.
"The King is watching you." She whispered to him, and his sparkling silver eyes turned to meet hers.
"I know." Not even the lightest glint of worry could be heard in his calmed voice. "I would be surprised if he were not."
Elladan's tranquility made her relax a little, and she let the subject vanish form her mind. She did not know if he King knew about her and Elladan, but she knew that he was not a fool, and sooner or later he would find out. She felt Elladan's hand give hers another gentle squeeze under the table
The meal progressed animatedly, the chatter flowing constantly through the hall, merging with the sweet music. Many times she had had to turn her attention away from Elladan and her siblings to meet an elf who would walk to her only to greet her. At first, she had tried to remember their names and faces, but all too soon she knew it would be an impossible task. They had all been incredibly welcoming, and she had gotten many 'what a pleasure to have you back' and 'she is the Queen's replica'.
The King's eyes kept flying in her direction every two minutes, smiling widely at her, ice blue eyes gleaming encouragingly as all of these strange elves greeted her. The Elvenking himself was surrounded by a large group of elves, nearly every elf in Mirkwood wanting to personally greet their King, and many of them would also travel to where her siblings were, wanting to greet every member of the royal family.
A joyous waltz had started playing, and she could catch the elegant figures of gracefully dancing pairs, moving flawlessly through the large central space in a breathtaking swirl of colors and jewels. The celebration was no longer confined to the tables now, elves simply walking around in groups, eager to spend time with each other, conversing and smiling.
Elflings continued to run around, making their way in between the dancing couples. She chuckled lightly as one little blond elfling ran straight into the King's legs, looking startled at the unexpected collision. A beautiful lady quickly lifted the elfling form into her arms, throwing him a look before apologizing to the King. The Elvenking waved off her apology as he chuckled softly, and the lady walked away with the tearing up elfling as the King reassumed his conversation with a familiar looking blond elf. She recognized him from the night in which he had come searching for his King at early hours of the morning. She did not know who he was, but could tell that he was one of the highest-ranking elves and knew the King very well by the informal way in which they spoke.
She felt a hand fall lightly over her right shoulder, and she turned her heard up to meet Legolas' infinite blue eyes as he smiled at her.
"Would you like to dance, Rëa?" She felt her smile widen as he used her new nickname, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Next to her she could see Elladan raising a questioning eyebrow, his liquid silver eyes silently teasing her.
"I would love to." She accepted her brother's hand as she rose to her feet, her dress swirling around her in a weightless dance of pale rose and silver.
She turned her eyes to glance at Elladan as Legolas started to lead her to where the other couples swirled immersed in a dazzling waltz. Her eyes caught sight of the Elvenking's royal figure making his way to Elladan, touching his back to get his attention.
"Peredhil" She heard the King say in a joyful, polite tone, yet his eyes looked dangerous as he smiled at Elladan. The elder twin rose to his feet, and she could hear him adding a 'My Lord' politely as he nodded his head respectfully.
She tried to discretely focus her attention on the two of them, but the task was proving harder as Legolas led her through the room. She concentrated all of her hearing senses on their voices as they became more and more distant.
"It is a pleasure to have you here for the celebrations." The King's tone was as polite and peaceful as ever, his smile still present on his face, but his eyes pierced Elladan without mercy. "Pardon my confusion, but are you Elladan? Or are you Elrohir?"
"That depends on the situation." She heard Elladan answer, his voice nearly becoming impossible to hear through the crowd. She was able to catch the sound of the King letting out a laugh at Elladan's words.
"Elladan." The King added, quickly figuring out which twin he had in front of him. "A word please."
As Legolas gracefully twirled her through the hall she caught sight of the Elvenking walking to a more private corner of the room, Elladan following closely behind, both of them disappearing into the crowd, where she could no longer hear nor see the interactions between the two, leaving her only with her heart drumming restlessly inside her chest…
Here is chapter 9! I hope you enjoy reading it! Please let me know what you think of it! It's slightly longer than the others, and I will try to make the next update as soon as I can!
Again, thanks many many many times to those of you who reviewed my previous chapter, I can never say thank you enough, and want to let you know that this chapter is specially for you, I hope this short wait brightens your day if only a little: Mary, Martine9295, SarahWeasley, CalathielKat, Coco99, CeffylGwyn, Jibril, AmazingWriter123, booklover1598, Mj, luckyponygirl, Danda225, wonderpanda10, Paperlanterns86, gossiphurl, Wtiger5, and xX-MissyMoo-Xx
I will send you all personal replies shortly, but first I wanted to let you have this chapter to enjoy!
Love,
Elena