I stared blankly as I took in the words that Elrond had said to me. I fought the urge to rise from my chair and smack him. Instead of violence, I opted for silence. Elrond sighed when he realized that I wasn't going to say anything.

"Ileana, do not mistake what I am saying as a way to cause you harm. It is not my intention to cause you harm whether emotionally or physically." He said.

"I came to Rivendell to escape from my past, and, now, you want to thrust me right back into it? You know why I despise that man, Elrond." I said glaring at him.

"He does not know that you are alive. It will be a surprise for him when you accompany me." He said.

"And why must I go? Someone will need to manage Rivendell while you are away. I do not see how my accompaniment would better the situation. You are only going there to participate in a routine council. It is not as if we are going to war. If war were a possibility, I would go with you willingly. However, it is not, and I am not in the habit of announcing that I am, in fact, still alive." I said. "Do you plan to use me in your favor? Do you think that my attendance will distract him? I am sorry to tell you that it will not work."

"You are an elder, and you will go." He said.

I frowned at him. "That may be so, but unless you would like his head to roll, I would suggest that you reconsider your decision."

Elrond shook his head slightly. "It has been three centuries since the massacre of the Dorian. You should have forgiven his part in it."

"You could forgive the man that stood by as your people were slaughtered by orcs? You could forgive the man that disregarded his alliance with your people even though they had aided him in every minor fight that he had? Not even his future queen throwing herself at his feet could convince him! His refusal to aid my people will not be forgiven by me!" I snarled. "That man can rot for all that I care!"

I stood from my chair and curtsied to the man seated at his desk. "With all due respect, my lord, I will not attend anything near that damned wood!"

I threw the door open, and Elrond stood up from his desk. "You are not to leave this room, Ileana. That is an order." He said firmly.

I clenched my fists and looked at him over my shoulder. "As the heir to the crown of the Dorian, I do not have to abide by your orders, Elrond."

I felt my powers trying to rip their way through my body, but I forced them down. The Dorian elves held elemental powers. The powers were a gift from the Valar after my ancestors aided them long ago. For the most part, a Dorian elf was blessed with one type of elemental power. In my case, I was able to control fire and ice—ice being a more advanced form of the water elemental power.

"Ileana, I don't want you to think that I am forcing you into this. I am asking at Lord Celeborn's request." Elrond said.

I spun around and glared at him. "Don't think that you can just toss his name out there and that I will break my neck to please him."

Elrond had the nerve to smile slightly. "It was not my intention for you to think that way. He did ask me to request your presence in Mirkwood."

"He and I may be very close, but I wouldn't go to Mirkwood willingly unless Celeborn himself was in danger. I will not go just so I can satisfy the curiosity of those that wonder who the unnamed elder is."

"If you do not come, Galadriel is ready to expose the identity of the unnamed elder. Unless you want the Elven king himself to make a visit to Rivendell, I suggest that you put aside all of your hatred for him. Wouldn't you enjoy seeing the shock on his face when he learns that you are still alive? Would it not make everything that you have been through worthwhile? He, as many other do, thinks that the Dorians elves were all slaughtered. How do you think he would react when he found out that his ex-lover was still alive?"

"I suspect that he would not care. You think too much of him, Elrond. The ellon is cold and heartless unless you have something that he wants. Unfortunately for me, I found that out the hard way." I replied.

"You know that I think very little of Thranduil, Ileana. To be honest, I am extremely interested in his reaction to the news. You always like dramatic entrances. Why not make one in Mirkwood? Are you not interested in how he will react to the fact that his former lover is still alive and that she has made no attempt to return to the crown that he had offered her all those years ago?"

"And what shall you have me do, Elrond? Shall I go clothed in the ceremonial robes of the Dorian? Should I discard this amulet that hides my scars that the wargs and their riders left on my body?" I asked pulling the charmed starlight amulet from the middle of my breasts. "Do you think that he will feel regretful for what he has caused me? If you think that, you are not as wise as I thought you were."

"Thranduil may not be the easiest person to read, Ileana, but I do not think that he is completely heartless. Surely, he would feel some regret for the decisions that he made." He said sighing. "I am not asking you to remove your amulet. I know that you are uncomfortable with your scars no matter how many times I tell you that they do not affect your beauty."

I gritted my teeth and narrowed my eyes at him. "I do not wear this amulet because I am worried about how I look. I wear it because when I see the scars, I go back to that day. Would you like to relive what I have been through every time you look in the mirror? I have told you this numerous times. Yet, you think that I wear it for my own narcissism."

"I understand that you don't want to relive your past, but you can't let it control you forever." Elrond said.

"And you should take your own advice, my friend. It has been longer since Celebrian was taken than my own demons. She would want you to let it go, but you mope around as if she only died yesterday." I replied.

After I saw the look on his face, I regretted my words. I sighed and looked at him apologetically. "Forgive me, my friend, you know that I did not mean it. It's just that you always tell me to move on, but it's harder than you realize. I am not only battling the demons that were responsible for the death of my people but some even older than that. If it pleases you, I will take off my amulet. I will try to face my past, but I cannot promise you that it will be done. We have seen many battles, but there are some things that one is not capable of overcoming. Not only was my people slaughtered, but the man that I loved refused to aid them even when he was in the position to do so. Betrayal hurts far worse than loss ever could. I had faith in him, my friend, and he failed me. I will go to Mirkwood with you, but I will not act as if I am pleased to be there. I am only considering going because you are a dear friend and that I cannot refuse my dear uncle, Celeborn." I unclasped the amulet and laid it on his desk.

Elrond smiled softly at me and walked until he was only inches in front of me. He slowly raised his hand and traced the scar from a warg's paw that ran from the lobe of my ear to the center of my chest.

"This one is not as bad as it once was. What of the others?" He asked.

"The one on my back still looks as if it has only just healed. I suppose that is from the fact that the warg's claws were poison-dipped. The burns are a little darker and pinker than my skin. As I said, I have not worn the amulet for all these years to cover up my imperfections. It's more to cover up the painful memories." I said.

"Emotional healing takes time, my dear. I cannot imagine all that you have suffered since your birth. The Dorians were always targeted for having magic that not everyone understood. Even when it was common knowledge that their magic was a gift from the Valar themselves. Elves can be fairly cruel creatures if they have the mind to be. I always thought it was a tragedy how the Dorians would go out of their way to help their fellow elves while those same elves denied them any kindness."

"Even the ties of love could not sway the decision of the great elven king." I said.

"He was a fool, my dear. Everyone is aware of that. Lord Celeborn was furious when he heard the details. He, as well as most, thought you were dead. Celeborn cut ties with Mirkwood for a short period after the massacre. At that time, I hadn't sent word that there was a survivor. I received a very intense scolding for that one." He said laughing.

"Had Glorfindel not found me when he did, I dare say that I wouldn't have survived the night." I said. "There was something that I never told you, and I don't think that he ever mentioned it. When he found me, I asked him if he would end my life. I wanted him to end my suffering. I had been walking with my wounds for a couple of days, and I was ready to give up. I remember him shaking his head and giving me a brilliant smile. He said, 'My lady, I do not remember you being one to shy away from a battle. As I see it, your battle has just begun. Allow me to offer you my hand so that you may fight yet another day'. My warrior spirit would not let me back down from a battle, and the battle was a tough one. I remember that I was laid up for a month."

"Glorfindel has always had a way with words especially when he is talking to another warrior. Besides, he was just as fond of you then as he is now. You didn't really think that he would have taken your life, did you? He was always going on about how you were a very skilled warrior and a very pleasant elleth. A compliment like that should not be taken lightly when it comes from the lips of Glorfindel."

"A compliment from the Balrog Slayer is one to be cherished." I said laughing. "When will we be heading to Mirkwood?"

"Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel will arrive later in the evening. We plan to leave in the morning for Mirkwood." Elrond said.

"You are going to owe me for this one, my friend." I smirked.

"I will make a mental note to repay you for your accompaniment in kind, Ileana."

"Who will be accompanying us to Mirkwood?"

"Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, of course. Elladan and Elrohir will accompany us along with Erestor. If I am not mistaking, the Marchwarden and his brothers, Rumil and Orophin, will be accompanying us as well."

"Isn't Glorfindel going to be attending? I would have thought that he would be going if Erestor was to accompany us. They are bonded after all. I think that it would cruel to refuse them each other's company which is why I am suggesting that Glorfindel accompany us."

"I will ask him, Ileana. Now, I think Elladan and Elrohir are waiting for you to train with them."

"Ah, is it that time already?" I asked. "I will see you later, my lord."

I inclined my head slightly and exited the room. I adjusted the blades on my hips as I made my way to the training grounds. I used a very unique type of weapon which was one of the creations of the Dorian blacksmiths a millennia ago. I was never content to use a sword. It seemed far too simplistic and expected. Don't get me wrong. Swords are very useful weapons, but they are not really my style. When I finished my training under the captain of the Dorian guard, I enlisted the aid of the best Dorian blacksmith. Together we had drawn up plans for dual blades. They were essentially small swords that extended to just above the elbow in length when held by the horizontally placed grip on the hilt of the blade. They were strange to wield until I grew accustomed to using them. Although relatively close combat is required to use them, the speed in which they can be wielded can outshine any sword.

When I arrived at the training grounds, Elladan and Elrohir were already sparring. Elrohir looked to have the upper hand at the moment. Both were very good fighters, but they had drastically different styles. Where Elrohir was graceful and calculating, Elladan relied on brute strength. Elladan's style of fighting was dangerous to say the least. I had seen many Dorian soldiers cut down because they relied solely on the strength that they wielded their swords rather than countering and anticipating their enemy's next move. I stood watching silently until Elrohir knocked Elladan's sword from his hands.

"You were lucky, brother." Elladan said.

"And you were careless, my friend." I said with a slight smile. "Have I not told you that brute strength alone will not win a fight? You must be able to move freely and anticipate the moves of your opponent."

"Ileana is right, brother." Elrohir said smirking. "She has been involved in many battles. Do you think that she relied on brute strength?"

"I do not see why it matters. Everyone's fighting style is different." Elladan grumbled.

"Indeed it is, but you must have a good defense to go with your strong offense. You will not always been on the pitching end of the sword. There may be times where you are forced to counter your opponent's blade."

"His offense is weak compared to mine, Ileana." Elladan said.

"You both have things that you need to work on. You, Elladan, need to work on your defense while Elrohir needs to work on his offense. I must admit though that a good defense with moderate swordsmanship is always better than poor defense with excellent swordsmanship. Glorfindel has told you both the same things. Yet, you have not improved much since he gave you his opinion."

"Speed may work for a woman, but it is not so with a man." Elladan said.

I resisted the urge to frown at him. "Elladan, men are capable of moving with the speed required to avoid a fatal blow. You just need to work on your footwork. I do not mean to harshly criticize you if that is how you are taking my opinions, but what I am saying is the obvious truth, my friend."

"Then shall I go get Glorfindel and have you both demonstrate the proper way to fight?" Elladan said with a smirk.

"What is that smirk for, Elladan? Do you think that Glorfindel has a far better chance of winning than I?"

Elladan and Elrohir burst out in laughter. "That is not it, Ileana. You and Glorfindel just get so into it that once the blades are gone, the fists come into play. I still remember when you tackled him after he disarmed you." Elrohir said smiling.

"When you are in battle, you work with whatever you have, and if that is your fists, then, by the Valar, you better use them." I said laughing.

From behind me, I heard the distinct sound of a sword being unsheathed. With lightning fast reflexes, I pulled by blades and deflected the swing. Glorfindel was smiling at me. "It seems you have not lost your touch, Lea. Your ears are still as sharp as ever, and your reflexes have improved greatly if that is even possible."

"Such praise from the Golden Warrior! Please refrain or else I will be in a puddle at your feet." I smirked. "A maiden such as myself loves being complimented. Be careful that you do not go too far with your words for I may be forced to attempt to steal you away from Erestor."

Elladan and Elrohir tried to suppress their laughter while Glorfindel looked blankly at me. "No comment, my great warrior?" I asked smiling. "Your silence will break my heart if you continue in such a way. An elleth's heart is not something to be toyed with."

I saw the corners of Glorfindel's lips twitch ever so slightly. "I am astounded that you would so blatantly throw yourself at the feet of a mated ellon. Tis a shame, my friend."

I mock pouted at him. "But, Glorfindel, such compliments must have some underlying meaning, yes? For an ellon of your caliber would never intentionally make an elleth feel as if you cared for her if it were not so! Have you been deceiving me thus far?"

The twins were both clutching their stomachs as laughter rolled through them. I lightly smacked them both in the head, which caused them to look up at me. "I do not know what you find so funny! The fact that you are laughing at this situation wounds me deeply. Can you not see that I am hopelessly infatuated with a mated ellon?" I tried my hardest to keep my composure, but I started giggling towards the end.

"Tis never boring when you are around." Elladan said as he tried to catch his breath.

"I do not see the need to be serious at all times. I have tried to work my magic on your father, but it has been to no avail. I am afraid that that pursuit is pointless. The only way that I can get him to loosen up a bit is if I am injured, and I don't want to make a habit of losing blood every time I want him to relax." I said.

"You may not see it, but he is comfortable around you, Ileana. It could be that you have just grown accustomed to it." Elrohir said. "You and he are around the same age, and you have known each other for most of your lives."

"Do not make me feel old, Elrohir. I will take you over my knee and spank your bottom like the unruly elfling you are." I said seriously. "I am sure that Glorfindel will assist in restraining you."

Glorfindel nodded, and Elrohir's eyes went wide. "He does need a good spanking." Elladan said smiling mischievously.

"And after I am done with him, I will be coming after you." I replied.

"I am not an elfling." Elladan stated and raised his chin. "I am a lord, and I shall be treated as such. It is improper to suggest such a thing to one as old as I."

"Do you think that I did not get a few spankings when I was younger? Princess of the Dorian or not, my father had no problem taking me over his knee." I said. "What you are does not matter in the least."

"Well, it should." Elladan said crossing his arms.

"Perhaps." I said smirking. "Now, what do you say for a little wager?"

The twins paled as they rolled over the possibilities of what the wager would entail. "You both will allow Glorfindel and I…" I paused for dramatic effect and was amused when they both swallowed heavily. "to teach you how to properly fight." They let out a breath at the same time. "If you do not listen to our instructions, we will do as I mentioned earlier. How much you disregard our instructions will determine whether or not you are able to keep your leggings on during the punishment."

I heard Glorfindel stifling his laughter beside me, and he had to place a hand over his mouth to do so. Elladan and Elrohir both looked enraged. "Such a humiliating punishment should not be given to us if he make mistakes." Elladan all but growled.

"Then I suppose you better do your best, yes?"

"And what if we do not make any mistakes?" Elrohir piped up.

That seems highly unlikely, but I suppose I can humor them. "You may choose if you wish."

Elladan and Elrohir started whispering between each other. I looked to Glorfindel who now wore a worried expression on his face. I wonder what that is about. Was he worried about what the twins would choose? In all honesty, there wasn't much chance that they would be able to take direction all too well so I was not worried. I was snapped out of my thoughts when Elladan began talking.

"We have come to a decision."

"And it is?" I asked.

"If we do not make any mistakes, you will walk around in the dress that you received from the kingdom of Rohan as a gift for one whole day."

A dress? That didn't seem too bad! Wait a minute! The dress from Rohan? I groaned inwardly as I remembered the dress that was a gift from the king of Rohan. It was one of the dresses that some of the dancers of the court wore when they were entertaining. It was in no way modest. To begin with, it was two pieces, and it only covered the important bits. It was, perhaps, the most immodest piece of clothing that was ever made. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed.

"Deal." I said as I looked at both of them.

Their eyes lit up, and Glorfindel grabbed my arm. "Do you think that is a good idea?" He whispered. "The Lord and Lady of Lorien will be here this evening."

"Do you really think that they will make no mistakes?" I asked with a smile. "The two can't take direction. I am not worried about it at all."

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow at me but said nothing. "Shall we begin, my lords? The sooner this is over, the less your bottoms will hurt by the time Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel arrive." I said.

Both smirked at me and nodded. Such devils! Did they really think that I was going to lose? Both of them unsheathed their swords and took a fighting stance. I circled them and evaluated their stances. Elladan's feet were too close together, and I kicked them apart slightly. I saw the look of alarm that flashed across his face.

"Do not worry. That was a free correction." I chuckled. "Glorfindel, do you have any corrections to make?"

"Their stances are fine, but they are both a little stiff." He said.

"I want you both to take a deep breath and let the tension melt away. It's a good technique for when you need to slow your heart rate before a battle. The excitement can be just as much of a killer as a sword itself. Excitement makes you sloppy and careless. Those are two things that you do not want to be in battle." I said.

I took a step backward and motioned for them to start. Elrohir was the first to swing, and to my surprise, Elladan was a graceful as a cat as he maneuvered his body away from the impending blow. There was nothing sloppy about it at all. In fact, it was a perfect step. Elladan was the next to strike, but Elrohir blocked the blow as sparks showered down as their blades clashed. I looked over to Glorfindel who was trying not to smirk but was failing. However, his eyes did appear to look apologetic if that was possible. Strike after strike was blocked with perfect precision. After what seemed like hours, I motioned for them to stop. I had been tricked, and now, I was going to have to parade around in the skimpiest dress imaginable while we had visitors. Elrohir and Elladan turned to me with a smile, and I groaned.

"You should have known not to make a deal with them, Ileana. They are tricksters." Glorfindel said laughing.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Elladan stopped me. "You are not thinking of going back on your word, are you, Ileana?"

I shook my head. "My pride will not allow me to do such a thing. I will proudly wear the dress."

Goodness, Ileana! What have you gotten yourself into? I stalked off to my room with a frown. There was no way that I was going to go back on my word.