A/N: Sorry for not updating in such a while! Things just kinda piled up and I fell behind! But get ready, 'cause things are about to get crazy! And here is a super long chapter just because I feel so bad for being away!
Many thanks to...
Tatumaple— (Sweet! Thank you so much for leaving a review!)
Me And Not You 1001— (Ha! Yes, I thought of offing Cassie like that, but there is one problem... Celebrian's capture would not take place until several hundred years later!)
Eragon— (Thanks! I'm so glad you are checking my other stories out!)
The better twin— (Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!)
Nerdy Awkwardnes— (Ooo! Yes! I can't wait until I finish this story!)
1 fan of pj . hp . lotrh . con . ra— (Get ready for a plot twist in the next few chapters! And I can not wait to write about how everyone dotes on an elfling Arwen!)
"When is someone going to tell me where she's disappearing to? Everyone seems to know but me!', I mourned, banging my head against the wall, my friend having managed to slip away from me again. Time was slowly crawling by in Rivendell, and still I could not figure out where Cassie went almost every day, and we have been here for three months! I would have been more worried had she acted unhappy, but she seemed even more chipper than her usual self! It was a so confusing!
"Aubrey? What on earth are you doing, child?"
I blinked stupidly at Muriel for a moment before bursting into frustrated tears and running blindly through the halls, leaving a very puzzled elleth behind me.
"Aubrey? What is the matter? Muriel said you ran off before she could ask you what happened..." Elladan trailed off when Aubrey's blotchy face popped up from where it had been tucked into her knees.
"Go 'way.', she mumbled, repositioning her head so she could glare at him. Tear stains were still evident on her cheeks, stirring his sense of compassion as he gazed thoughtfully at her. With a sigh, he plopped down in the green grass beside the upset girl.
"Do you want to talk about it?', Elladan tried gently.
The only answer he received was a tear-filled sniff.
"It may help..."
"Why do you care?', Aubrey grumped. "All you're gonna do is tease me about it."
"Contrary to what you may think, Aubrey, I do not live to make others miserable.', he chuckled. "And I apologize if my teasing makes you uncomfortable. I simply find it fascinating that you are unafraid to voice your thoughts where other ellith are usually meek, and I cannot help trying to bring that side of you to the surface."
"Gah! You can't apologize!', she yowled in response, furthering his growing sense of confusion. "You have to stay mean so I can be mad at you!"
"Oh really?', Elladan smirked. "And why do you want to be mad at me?"
"Because you'll..." Her voice dropped at the last part of the statement, making him lean forward.
"Speak louder, Aubrey."
"Because you'll make me spill my guts if you're nice!', she finally relented, burying her head into her knees again. The ellon shook his head, his expression warring between disbelief and humor.
"I suppose that is a phrase from your home meaning that you will talk?', he said, smiling slightly as she groaned into the fabric of her skirt.
"Fine.', Aubrey growled.
"Fine what?"
"Fine, I'll tell you what's bothering me.', she retorted, her tone sounding blatantly snarky.
"Oh?', he inquired, testing the water.
"Cassie is just so happy!"
Elladan blinked at the ginger haired female in shock.
"And that is a bad thing?"
"It is when I can't figure out why! Cassie seems like she can get over anything in a heartbeat, yet even she would take awhile to bounce back if she found out she couldn't go home— which she did!" Aubrey's fingers busied themselves by picking at the grass, pulling the blades up by the fistfuls in her frustration.
A slow smile spread across his face: he knew exactly why Aubrey's friend was so happy. He was only surprised that Aubrey herself did not know, until he remembered that Cassie had requested them to keep the matter quite until she had had a chance to speak with Aubrey.
"It's like... it's like she's in love or something!', Aubrey finally blurted, tilting her head to stare at him in utter bafflement. She stared at him, looking like she was weighing something in her mind.
"Oh.', she breathed. "Cassie's in love. Isn't she?"
His silence did nothing but strengthen her theory, and the hurt on her face surprised Elladan, making him wonder exactly why she was so upset about Cassie's situation.
"I'm gonna lose her.', Aubrey moaned. "She's going to go away and get married and I'm going to be here all alone!"
Fresh tears began to spill out of her hazel eyes, and Elrond's son bit his lip, trying to decide the best course of action. Finally deciding that Aubrey was simply in need of comfort, he scooted over and wrapped an arm around her, letting her sob into his grey-blue tunic. Her chest was heaving with sobs while he rubbed gentle circles on her back, and he was at a loss for what to say. What could he say? He had no experience with crying women! He did not have to ponder the matter long though, for Aubrey quickly solved the problem by pulling back and staring at his tunic is dismay.
"Oh noooo!', she wailed, rather comically I might add, though she did not mean to. "I bawled all over your clothes!"
"It will wash out.', he murmured with a small grin. "I have probably had worse things on me."
"But- But I blew snot all over you!"
"It's all right, Aubrey.', Elladan laughed. "I am sure I will manage to remove it." He dug into his pocket and retrieved a handkerchief, offering it to her with an understanding smile.
She pulled a face at the fact that he probably needed it more than her, but accepted the peace offering anyway, using it to brush the tears off of her face and wipe the moisture out from under her nose.
"Sorry. I'm acting ridiculous.', Aubrey apologized glumly.
"Do not apologize for showing honest emotion.', Elladan chided. "I am glad I could act as your confidant."
"Yeah.', she sniffed. "Thanks for that."
He smiled again, before a thought made his expression grow serious.
"Mid-Year's day is tomorrow...', he began hesitantly, feeling rather awkward. "Which means there is to be a festival celebrating the longest day of the year. Perhaps you would like to come? I would escort you of course... and maybe introduce you to a few other elves?"
"Does Mid-Year mean summer solstice?', she asked curiously. Her swollen eyes were slowly returning to normal, and her face was no longer as red and puffy as it had been.
"Perhaps, if this that is what you call the longest day the year."
"Yep.', Aubrey muttered, a smile coming to her lips for the first time during their conversation. "Everything is so different here... especially the things in the sky, so I didn't know if there was even such a thing as summer solstice here..."
"Apparently there is.', he said with another laugh. "Will you come?"
"Okay."
"So that is a yes?"
"Of course it is, you dork."
"Dork?"
"Um... it was a compliment?"
"Cassie? Do you want to go sit in the library so we can talk?"
She looked up and gave me a bright smile.
"Of course."
We found the small alcove that had so often found itself playing the role of our 'safe spot', and rapidly seated ourselves in the comfortable armchairs for a heart-to-heart.
"Aubrey', Cassie began indecisively, only to pause nervously and send me a pleading look. "I— I have something to tell you.', she finished lamely.
"Cassie.', I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "Why on earth did you not just tell me?"
She blinked in confusion for a moment before she gave me a sheepish grin.
"I was afraid you wouldn't be happy with the idea." Her fingers nervously picked at a loose thread.
"You're in love!', I scoffed. "Why on earth would I not be happy for you?"
"So you'll meet him?', she squealed. "And you won't try to scare him off?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Like I'd really do that.', I huffed. "But please... just tell me next time?"
She giggled.
"I don't think there will be a next time!', she laughed. "He... he asked to marry me!"
"What?!', I yelped, almost falling out of my seat. "You've known each other for how long, and he's already talking marriage?!"
"Of course silly!"
"But- but you're eighteen!" My mind flashed back to earlier when I had bemoaned of Cassie marrying and moving far away... maybe the idea wasn't so far fetched.
"Legal adult.', Cassie reminded with a grin. "And apparently women usually get married at a much younger age here."
"Just who is this male that has 'absconded' with your heart?', I said, putting on the dramatics. "He must be extra special if you're thinking about marriage after only knowing each other for a few weeks."
"Algân is... wonderful.', she sighed dreamily. "He's tall... handsome, of course, and he has the cutest accent."
"What kind of name is Algân?', I snorted.
"Hey!', she said, jumping to his defense. "It means 'sturdy warrior'!"
"In what?', I snickered. "A messed up version of pig latin?"
"No, stupid.', she grinned. "He's a man of the west... from the kingdom of Arnor."
"Really?', I gaped. "Arnor is still around?"
"Yes.', she said with a small groan. "I thought you were an expert on this Tolkien stuff?"
"I am not!', I protested. "I just... remember certain things..."
"You do know you're one of the only people to actually read the appendices?"
"Yeah. Lot of good it did me, huh?"
"In some ways.', Cassie smiled. "Did you know Isildur's son is still the king?"
"No, I did not." I sat still for a moment mulling that tidbit over while Cassie danced around in celebration of knowing something I did not. Rolling my eyes, I asked her a more serious question.
"Did you say yes?"
"To what?"
"To Algân's—" I paused to snicker at the name again, making Cassie give me a mock glare. "—proposal?"
"I... I told him I would give him my answer at the festival tomorrow night."
"And what are you going to tell him?', I pressed, eager for details.
"I was going to see what you thought of the idea first.', she mumbled, almost turning shy. "I don't want to make you unhappy. If we do get married I would have to move to his home in Fornost... He is apparently an important figure there... a diplomat, I think."
"I know this sounds like some cheesy disney movie...', I said quietly. "But I think you should listen to your heart and just go for it. I mean, it's kind of obvious that you are in love. You've been acting like you've seen a unicorn in the rainbows."
"Really?', Cassie whispered. "You won't be upset?"
"Cassie, I wouldn't stand in your way. You know that." I do want her to stay with me, but what kind of friend would I be if I was an obstacle in the way of her happiness?
"I guess I was worried over nothing, huh?', she said giddily, her eyes twinkling in excitement.
"Yep." But I, on the other hand, had a whole lot to worry about. Elrond had foreseen Cassie dying in Middle Earth... but how? Old age? Sickness? An accident? Did it have something to do with this man she was to marry? I watched her dance happily out of the library, a tear escaping my eye as she skipped out of sight.
Erestor knew quite well that Elrond had a lot on his plate with the upcoming festivities, but something had been on his mind for quite awhile of late, and he fully meant to discuss it with his employer. So after a filling supper, he purposely searched him out, ending up in the ellon's office.
"I believe we should send an envoy to Greenwood.', he declared bluntly, forsaking any greetings that normally took place.
"Oh?" Elrond raised an amused eyebrow. "And what has brought on this sudden interest in diplomacy? Surely it cannot be the embassy that King Valandil sent? Or perhaps it is not an interest in politics at all... perhaps it is an interest in your pupil?"
"It has nothing to do with Cassie.', Erestor said glibly, grinning back at Elrond's knowing look.
"Yet it has everything to do with Aubrey.', Elrond nodded. "I see." He paused for a moment before shaking his head. "Actually I do not see at all. What does an envoy being sent to Greenwood have to do with your student?"
"I know who she is."
"Don't we all?', the Lord of Rivendell chuckled.
"Yes, but I know who her father is.', Erestor insisted.
Elrond sat in silence as Erestor explained, rubbing his forehead thoughtfully.
"And you believe this to be true?', he asked seriously. "You believe that her family resides in the Greenwood and that they are—"
"Yes.', the advisor impatiently interrupted. "And to prove my theory we need to send an envoy to Greenwood, or at least send Aubrey there."
"Erestor...', Elrond sighed. "We have not sent a party to Thranduil's Halls since the war with Sauron. The elves who live in that forest have grown isolated... they no longer give their trust easily, even to those of their own kind. I cannot think of anyone who would not be grudgingly welcomed into the Woodland Realm, and I do not wish to weaken the ties we already have by sending someone that could be seen as an 'invader'."
"You have forgotten that I am friends with Oropher's kin.', he reminded Elrond. "I have known Thranduil for a long time, and his queen I have known for far longer than that."
"Of course you would.', Elrond grumbled. "I suppose... if you were to lead the party I could allow it."
"Aubrey! What am I gonna do? I can't go to the dance like this!"
Cassie had barged through the door that connected our room, well on her way towards having a meltdown. Love must do some crazy stuff to people if my best friend is suddenly in tears over the dress Muriel sent. A DRESS! Cassie has always been the one to bounce back quickly, never letting anything stop her, but tonight... yikes. She was going to need some serious help.
"Cassie, you look wonderful.', I said. "Allan is going to be speechless."
"His name is Algân!', she howled.
"You say potato, I say tomato.', I grinned. When she did not stop her hysterics I sighed: maybe it was time for a new tactic.
"The dress looks beautiful on you, Cassie.', I assured her. "But if Algân loves you it won't matter what you look like!"
"But what if he thinks I look ugly?', she bawled.
Great. Just great! Middle Earth better look out: there is a emotional southern chic on the loose.
"Look, I haven't met your boyfriend yet, but he better love the way you look or I'll simply knock some sense into him the good ol' Irish way.', I huffed, giving her a toothy grin. "But you won't know what he thinks until you see him!"
A firm knock came from Cassie's room, making her squeeze my hand tightly.
"Ouch!', I hissed, shaking my arm from her vice-like grip. "Loosen up, will ya?"
Her eyes were glued nervously to the connecting door, and for a few seconds I was sure she was going bolt like a frightened deer.
"I can do this.', Cassie finally breathed, though she still looked a bit pale. "Right?" Her eyes swiveled to me, imploring me to answer for her.
"Of course you can.', I laughed, pushing her through the door. "Go and meet your boyfriend."
"Please don't call him that when you meet him.', she pleaded. "It sounds so weird!"
I pulled a face, sticking my tongue out at her instead of making a saucy retort.
"Have fun.', I cackled, moving to the shut the connecting door.
"You're not coming?', Cassie cried, giving her blonde hair a nervous tug.
"No, silly! I'm just not going with you. But I still fully expect an introduction to this man tonight! I have to know if he's good enough for my Cassie Poo!"
"Oh lord.', she griped in reply. "Don't say that either."
"Whatever.', I teased. "Just go answer the door. Allan is going to think you aren't home."
"It's Algân!', she called, correcting me as I shut the door in her face.
"Phew. Glad that's over." I slumped against the door, curling my legs underneath me as I sat there for a moment.
"Crap!', I howled, leaping to my feet. "Cassie said it was dance! What the heck was I thinking?! I can't dance!"
A knock on my door only sealed my doom.
"Elladan better NOT ask me to dance.', I growled, stalking towards the entryway.
Elladan blinked in surprise when the door to Aubrey's chamber was flung open with a vigor that was akin to frustration. A scowl had turned her lips down in a rather cute pout, making him bite back a smile at how childlike she looked.
"No dancing tonight.', she bit out tersely, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Alright." He frowned, confused by her behavior for what seemed like the hundredth time that week. "May I ask why?"
"I have two left feet.', she admitted begrudgingly.
"You seem to walk perfectly fine.', he teased, trying to alleviate the odd conversation so that it took on a less irate tone.
"It's not that I'm clumsy... I'm just clumsy while dancing. I can't get the steps right." Aubrey seemed to fidget for a minute. "Unless I'm the one that's making the movements up.', she finished with a grin. "Or if it's the cha-cha slide. That I can handle."
"What is the cha-cha slide?', he questioned curiously.
"Um... nothing you would know. I doubt you would like it anyway; it's a dance that goes with this song... and Lindir thinks that my music is an instrument of Morgoth."
"Ah.', he laughed. "He mentioned your odd music box in passing to Ada. He said it grated on his ears worse than an army of dwarves ever could."
"Should I be insulted?', Aubrey said, a smile teasing the corners of her lips.
"Normally, yes, but it seems that you are not offended by your belongings or person being compared to a dwarf."
"I suppose I am a bit of an oddity in that department.', she laughed.
"I would have to agree."
He offered her his arm, making her stare at him surprise.
"Well are you going to allow me to escort you or not?', he huffed, spurring her into action. She gingerly tucked her hand into his elbow, the tense movement making him think that she would rather touch a warg than allow him to lead her.
"I did not know I was so unattractive.', Elladan said quietly, his eyes twinkling as he watched her pull a face.
"If you're trying to fish for a compliment, I'm not biting.', she snorted. "You know well enough what you look like."
"Oh? And how would that be?', he pushed with a small chuckle.
"Like an elf.', she shot back with an annoyed glance.
"But elves are things of beauty, are we not?"
"Most of them.', Aubrey said snippily, though her eyes matched Elladan's in their mischievous sparkling.
"Now what is that supposed to mean?', he pouted.
"Only that I find some elves attractive and others I do not."
"Am I among the first option?"
"Elladan!', she protested, giving his arm a small slap. "Keep it up and I'll classify you among the elves who are highly annoying!"
"So I am among the attractive ones?', he beamed.
"Not for much longer.', she muttered in a barely audible voice, another frown making her forehead wrinkle.
"Why ever not?"
"Because if you keep this up all night your face might not be so pretty in the morning."
"Is that a threat?', Elladan sniggered. "You do not sound very threatening."
"One day that will come back to bite you in the tushie.', Aubrey huffed, picking up the pace. "Now behave, or I'll just stay in the library tonight!"
"What is a... tushie?"
Aubrey's growl confirmed his suspicions, making him choke back a laugh. In the end, it was Aubrey leading Elladan to where the festival was to take place, instead of the other way around. But then again, tradition was usually discarded wherever the red-headed girl was concerned.
"Is that Elladan?"
Elrond peeked around his wife to see what she was speaking of.
"Yes, it is.', he smirked. "And I believe that would be Aubrey on his arm."
Celebrian gaped at her youngest son, the surprise on her face evident among the other emotions she wore.
"He looks so handsome!', she finally sighed, taking in the fine figure Elrohir's twin cut in the blue tunic he so often favored for this type of gathering.
"Of course he does! Takes after his father.', Elrond grinned, watching as his wife rolled her eyes at his overbearing attitude.
"Let's pray it's only in looks.', she mumbled underneath her breath, making him chuckle. "What do you think that is about?', Celebrian asked in a slightly louder voice, nodding in the direction of Aubrey and her son.
"I believe–', her husband chuckled. "—that Elladan might just have taken notice of our little visitor. Of course, he has mentioned some attractive ellith before... but I think his mind has finally caught up to his heart."
"So do you think they are fëa mates?', the Lady of Rivendell asked, eyeing the fiery-headed female.
At this question Elrond's face fell.
"I do not know... Aubrey has yet to make the decision to become fully elven. As such, we will not know unless she embraces her elven heritage."
"Hm.', Celebrian hummed. "So no grandchildren yet?', she asked, trying to plaster a serious look on her face.
"Nay!', Elrond bellowed with laughter. "We are having our own child and you are already thinking about grandchildren?"
"A mother can hope.', she sulked playfully. Her eyes returned to Elladan. "A mother can hope.', she whispered.
Elladan watched as Aubrey left his side and weaved through the room to arrive at Cassie's side. A smile tugged his lips as he took note of how she seemed to size up the handsome dark-haired man who stood by her friend's side. Her lips were pursed, her hands on her hips, as she asked him several questions.
Poor Algân, he thought as Aubrey began to ask him things that were uncomfortable enough to make even an elf squirm. But really he could not blame her: she and Cassie were close enough to be sisters, and he knew he certainly would have done the same thing had Elrohir found his mate.
Speaking of siblings, his own suddenly appeared beside him.
"If you are so enamored with our guest then perhaps you should pursue her.', Elrohir said with a teasing glint in his eye. "You have made it quite obvious that you are interested in her."
"I have not!', he protested, only to duck his head when several others glanced his way. "I am not 'enamored' with her in any way! She— "
"Elladan.', Elrohir chuckled. "We have a bond that not many other elves have simply because we are twins! A flash of red hair has flitted through our bond more than once in these past weeks."
Elladan gulped. He had forgotten about that slight detail— Elrohir was sure to pick up on anything that plagued his twin's mind.
"Why do you not simply ask her permission to court her?', his brother inquired, not understanding the reason why Elladan held back.
"Aubrey has not made the decision to become an elf."
"And that would dissuade you?!"
"No!" Curious eyes were turing towards them and he lowered his voice. "Keep your voice down!', he hissed. "I would not have her choose her path because of me! She must come to the decision on her own."
Elrohir opened his mouth to reply when Aubrey was suddenly in front of them.
"How did it go?', his brother asked instead.
"They are so in love that it's sickening.', Aubrey muttered, pulling a face. "He kissed her right in front of me! In front of everyone! They've only known each other for a matter of weeks and he's already proposed!"
The eldest son of Elrond only laughed, giving Aubrey a good hearted slap on the shoulder.
"I forget that you are not accustomed to our ways, Aubrey. Whenever we meet our other half, we do not usually delay. Some may, perhaps—" He sent a sharp glance in Elladan's direction, his eyes narrowing in order to get his point across. "—but the majority of us wish to spend as long as we can with our mates."
"I guess I get that.', she sighed. "But still! People in love shouldn't be allowed in public if they're going to act like..." She jerked her head back in Cassie and Algân's direction. "...that."
"One day you will fall in love yourself.', Elrohir winked. "Then you may change your mind."
"That'll be the day.', she said, scrunching her nose up at the idea.
A/N: So...? What did you think? Are things progressing a little further?