Many thanks to...
PegasusWingsVW— (Your reviews brought a grin to my face! Thank you so much for that! And no worries, Mark will most likely make an appearance, but I cannot promise he will stick around. I'm still thinking about that.)
The better twin— (This chapter may be slightly shorter than the last, but at least I updated!)
LilactheDryad— (Better late than never!)
Rashida7777— (Wow! There is no greater complement than for someone to enjoy your story so much that they read it all in one sitting! Thank you!)
CodenameAgentC— (Your reviews never cease to make me laugh, no matter how cheesy they are sometimes! And don't hate me, but unfortunately we will not be finding out who Aubrey's dad is until several chapters later!)
"So?"
Elladan and Elrohir were both seated in front of the unlit fireplace two days after the Mid-Year festival, discussing many of the harmless practical jokes they had pulled while no one was watching, when Elrohir had decided to change the subject.
"So what?"
"How are things progressing with Aubrey?"
Elladan blinked at his twin before giving a low groan.
"We went to a dance, Elrohir! Contrary to your beliefs there is nothing more between us beyond friendship!"
"But do you wish there was more?"
In response, his brother chunked a throw pillow in Elrohir's direction, making him laugh.
"I am simply curious!', he smirked as he ducked out of the way of the projectile, finally having found an area that Elladan was sensitive in.
"Remind me to give you a hard time when you are interested in an elleth!', Elladan growled underneath his breath.
"HA!', his twin shouted triumphantly. "I knew you were smitten!"
"I never said that!', he howled in response.
"Doesn't change the fact that you are!', Elrohir shot back, baiting his brother with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Elladan refused to bite; instead he gave his sibling an irritated glare before he stormed from the room.
"Valar save us if those two ever have children.', Elrohir grinned to himself, nonchalantly taking a sip of wine as he realized that getting those two stubborn peredhil together was going to be harder than he first thought. Perhaps it was time he enrolled the help of a few others... others who knew Aubrey as well as he knew Elladan.
Cassie and I were having a similar conversation, sitting in the place that we so often fled to.
"Have you set the date yet?', I asked concerning her wedding, rubbing the binding of a book Erestor had insisted I read. I had finally learned the Tengwar, and though I still needed help reading or writing certain words, I had made enough progress that my lessons were cut much shorter.
"One year from now, at the end of summer, in order to honor the customary betrothal period.', she answered calmly, fingering the slim band of silver that had appeared on her hand soon after she had given Algân her answer. "But I have no idea what to expect at the ceremony!"
"Elladan told me that their customs are not very different from the elves when it comes to marriage.', I said slowly. "I suppose the only way for you to find out is to ask Allan."
"I'm starting to think you're doing that on purpose.', she accused laughingly.
"Doing what?', I asked, feigning innocence.
She rolled her eyes at my theatrics before fixing her blue eyes on mine.
"And what of Elladan?"
"What of him?"
"Is there anything... you know, between you?"
"Are you asking if I'm interested?', I snorted. "Seriously, Cassie?"
"Well, yeah! I mean, you guys were such a cute couple the other night! And he obviously likes you! Think of how romantic he could be if he tried!"
"Oh sure, he likes me so much that when we first met he tried to turn me into a pincushion. How romantic! I'm practically swooning!', I muttered, layering on the sarcasm.
"First meetings are almost always bumpy!', Cassie protested, folding her arms over her chest.
"Oh really?', I grinned. "You still haven't told me how you and your boyfriend met."
"He's my fiancée.', she reminded. "And if I told you how we met you wouldn't believe me."
"Try me.', I suggested, wiggling my eyebrows at her in a ridiculous manner.
"Okay... but I warned you."
She quickly relayed the story of their first meeting, and I curled up in a fit of laughter.
"It's not funny!', she complained with a fake pout, though it quickly turned into a smile as she observed my hilarity.
"Right. Not funny at all.', I shook my head in mock seriousness. "It's hysterical!"
"I don't see how..."
I giggled. "I always knew you were going to have some crazy story like this to tell your kids!"
"So what? We met in the kitchen pantries! Big whoop! What's so crazy about that?"
"It's crazy because it was midnight and you fought over a pie!', I roared with laughter.
"It was a strawberry pie! You know how much I love strawberries!', she defended. "And I was starving!"
"But if you really wanted it so bad you wouldn't have thrown it in his face!', I whooped, in stitches over the ridiculous first meeting of Cassie and Algân.
"He deserved it for calling me fat!"
"No, he said that you would get fat if you ate the whole pie by yourself.', I wailed, uncontrollable giggles still bubbling out of my mouth.
"Yes, well.', she sniggered. "I must have made quite the impression if he sought me out the very next day!"
"Agreed!', I giggled again.
"Aubrey? Are you feeling well?"
I glanced up sharply to see Lady Celebrian watching me with knowing eyes from a small alcove in the garden.
Unable to answer honestly, I gave a small nod and moved to turn away.
"Come, penneth.', she called out gently, motioning to the spot beside her. "Come and tell me what troubles you."
I bit my lip, indecision playing across my face. With an inaudible sigh, I slowly retreated to where she was sitting on the stone bench. With a very unladylike huff, I plonked down beside the Lady of Rivendell.
"Are you not happy here?', she asked quietly, taking my hand in hers. It was weird to think of her as a mother figure, seeing as all of the elves here look like they're my age, but that is what I had come to see her as over the past weeks. Her quiet and kind mannerisms reminded me so much of my own mom that it was almost painful.
"No.', I finally admitted softly.
"Is this about Cassie's engagement? Or is this another bout of homesickness?', she inquired in a hushed voice.
"I just don't understand how someone could fall in love so quickly!', I said, confirming her first suspicion. "What if it's not love? What if Algân hurts her and I'm not there for her?"
"Aubrey...', Celebrian chuckled lightly, drawing me closer with a warm hug. "Do you not think that everyone has these doubts about whether love is true or not? My own friends were dubious of my marriage to Elrond. But I..." She trailed off with another quiet laugh. "I knew, even through the doubts of myself and those I loved, that Elrond was my fëa mate. He was meant for me, just as I was meant for him. We complement each other's weaknesses and strengths, making us a formidable pair when we are together."
My nose crinkled at the odd term she had used to describe her husband.
"What is a—" I paused, trying to remember how she had pronounced the word.
"Fëa mate?', she supplied with an amused look in my direction. I nodded.
"Did your father not speak with you on the matter?"
"I didn't even know I was half-elven until I came here.', I sighed, twisting my hands nervously as I watched her from the corner of my eye.
"Hm.', she hummed, leaning over to pick a small bouquet of flowers. Standing to her feet, she disappeared for a moment after motioning for me to stay put, only to reappear moments later with several tendrils of ivy. Celebrian carefully handed the cuttings to me with a smile.
"What do you see?"
"Ivy?', I guessed. "And maybe..." I frowned, looking at small white flowers. Picking one up, I breathed in its sweetness. It smelt like sweet pea, but it looked like almost like a snowdrop...
"It is niphredil.', Lady Celebrian explained. "The White Flower. It symbolizes purity, hope, and the celebration of new life."
I took careful note that at the words 'new life' she placed a protective hand on her belly, the motion making me fight a grin.
"And this—" She picked up the strands of ivy from my lap. "Is ethilin— or ivy in the common tongue. It represents fidelity and commitment."
Her bright eyes met my own, and she smirked when the saw the confusion that swam in my hazel orbs.
"I can tell you do not understand what the purpose of this explanation is.', she giggled. "But I shall explain myself soon enough."
Elrond's wife picked up two flowers, weaving them together and handing them to me. I blinked as they fall apart before my eyes.
"You see, Aubrey, without something to hold these flowers together, they are weak and will unravel quickly. But—" She picked up the ivy and wove it into a rounded shape, lacing the white niphredil into the green vines. "—with the ivy, they are supported. The vines hold the flowers in place, and in turn the blossoms lend beauty to the green leaves."
"I'm still confused.', I grimaced.
"I'm not finished, child.', she chided gently. "Together, the niphredil and ethilin complement each other, just as Elrond and I do so."
She handed me the finished crown, a smile stretching her lips.
"Most elleth wear crowns such as these whenever they are wed.', she added with a grin. "The ivy symbolizes the ellon, and the niphredil is the elleth."
"So... they also represent fëa mates in a way?"
"Yes. Whenever elves marry, their fëar weave together as the ivy and White Flower, creating something of beauty."
"Huh.', I muttered, gingerly picking up the woven crown and studying it.
"One day you will fall in love also, Aubrey.', she smiled. "And you will see the love shining though the doubts. If Cassie and Algân have found that they are each other's mate, and if they love one another, it is simply best to let them find their own path."
"I know.', I whispered. "I'm just afraid to let go."
Lady Celebrian gave me a sad smile and, giving my hand another small squeeze, she stood and left the garden, leaving me alone with the green and white crown.
Several minutes passed before I stood to my feet. Tucking the piece of Celebrian's handiwork underneath my arm, I left to leave the wreath in my room and grab my violin.
"Let me get this straight.', Cassie sighed, rubbing her forehead. "You want me to help you get Aubrey and Elladan together?"
Elrohir nodded excitedly, giddy with his new idea.
"But how?" Elladan's sibling had sought her out after Aubrey had disappeared to walk in the gardens, and though she was glad someone agreed with her that the two were perfect for one another, she was still confused as to what part she was to play in Elrohir's plan.
"You know Aubrey better than anyone in Rivendell, and I know Elladan in the same way. Surely we can form a fool-proof plan between the two of us.', he pleaded.
"Perhaps.', Cassie smiled. "But it will be impossible to make a plan that is fool-proof enough that they will not ruin it!"
"I wholeheartedly concur!', said Elrohir dramatically. "By combining your knowledge and my sneakiness, we shall make them see reason!"
"Oh great.', Cassie huffed. "Now I'm the brains of the operation!"
"You wound me!', he chuckled, stumbling back in well-performed exaggeration. "Surely you do not think I am dim-witted?"
Cassie only grinned at him and left the room to find her soon-to-be husband, leaving Elrohir gaping behind her.
There's a gold frame that sits by the window
And my heart breaks a little more each time I try
To picture the memory inside
There's an old book that's too hard to read
But if you look you'd see how you look through my eyes
But now one more chapter has gone by and I know
That it's time to move on and even though I'm not ready
I've got to be strong and trust where you're heading
Even though it's not easy
Right now it's the right kind of love
It's a love that lets go
I know that the right kind of love doesn't want to miss the future by staying in the past
It will always hold on, but I swear it won't hold you back
And even though it's not easy, I'll show the right love and let you go...
I gave a low growl, tempted to throw away the bow in my frustration.
"What is wrong with you?', I moaned to myself. "I know you're in a bad mood but why the heck did you pick that song?! Hannah Montana? Seriously?!"
"Are you shouting at an inanimate object again?', someone asked in a wry voice. "I do hope this is not becoming a habit.
"Good evening, Lindir.', I acknowledged with a grim nod towards the bard as he appeared.
"What has you so frustrated, little one?', he asked in a more gentle tone, taking in my frowning face.
"I... I just— arg!', I growled, tightening my hands around the cherry colored wood of the violin. Lindir drew closer, carefully prying my hands off of the instrument.
"You will damage it, Aubrey.', he chided as he held it, giving me a reproachful look. "I can understand that you are frustrated, but you should not vent your anger by destroying a valuable instrument."
"Sorry.', I apologized, ducking my head in embarrassment at his admonishment.
"It's all right.', Lindir finally sighed, giving me a tight smile. "But please be more careful."
I nodded and warily took the violin back.
Cassie and Elrohir were not the only ones who were scheming that day. Erestor was also knee-deep in planning, having holed himself in Elrond's study, helping the elf lord map out the trip to Greenwood.
"Wait a year!?', he all but screeched. "But... but why?"
"In case you have forgotten, Erestor, Aubrey will most likely not be inclined to travel until Cassie is wed."
Erestor harrumphed, knowing Elrond was right.
"Patience will be an ally in this matter, Erestor.', his lord chuckled.
"Of course.', Erestor snorted. "I simply forgot in my haste to reunite my dear friend's daughter with her family!"
"Valar help me!', Elrond groaned. "You are almost as snappish as Celebrian these days!"
"Celebrian is pregnant.', his advisor reminded him, letting the scowl fall from his face.
"And what's your excuse?', Elrond inquired with a snicker. The only response he received was another scowl from Erestor.
A/N: I have a question... Would anyone like me to write a one-shot of how Cassie and Algân met? I know I alluded to their story, but I thought that maybe you guys would like the whole story? Thoughts? Ideas? Hellooooo?