gah. so sorry for the long wait, ive an awful lot of assignments due...but i got another chapter done! i think im nearing the end soon...not sure when, this is already WAY longer than i expected but im happy with it. thanks to all who read and review, you keep me going :D

Chapter 22: Mother knows best

"Oh, your mother wants to see you." Dúniel sighed.

They'd barely been able to spend two hours together before they had to return, knowing they would be missed.

"Did she say why?"

"No..." She glanced at him when he trailed off.

They'd been aimlessly wandering around the sixth and seventh circles, making it appear they met up by coincidence and decided to have a walk together. The servants were having a field day, especially when Dúniel took Arash's hand as he hesitated.

"What's wrong?" Arash frowned slightly, glancing at the Pelannor.

"Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I could swere that your mother suspects something." Dúniel looked a little frightened.

"What should I do if she does?" Arash sighed heavily, squeezing her hand.

"I don't want you to lie to your mother for me. I just really want this to stay a secret for now."

"I will do my best." She said.

Arash smiled and brushed some snow off a bench by the White Tree, gesturing for her to sit. He then sat beside her, looking a little apprehensive.

"Dúniel..." He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it gently, closing his eyes as he did so.

"Are you alright?" She asked, concerned. He opened his eyes and smiled.

"Just trying to gather my courage."

"Whatever for?"

"I-I need to tell you something important."

"Is it about Mazid? Did he tell you something that you've just remembered?" She whispered. He laughed gently.

"No, no I've told you everything I can remember. What I need to tell you is much more important."

"Well, go on then. I won't laugh, I promise." She said, smiling. He shook his head, smiling.

"Dúniel...I-I-"

"Princess Dúniel!" They started and glanced up to see four guards heading towards them, looking relieved.

"What's wrong?" Dúniel asked, cursing that they'd interrupted what looked like a special moment. Arash quickly released her hand as the guards neared.

"I am Captain Hírvegil, princess. This is Pilimór, Captain Brethiliora and Tathar. Your father has assigned Pilimór and I to protect you, and Brethiliora and Tathar are to protect Lord Arash." To say Dúniel was gob smacked would be an understatement. "It is only for during daylight, princess. You have more than enough protection at night time."

"Oh." Dúniel managed, and turned to Arash, who looked a mix of annoyed and devastated. "Would you mind giving us a moment to finish our conversation? I have to go see my mother in a moment." They nodded and the four guards walked out of earshot. Arash turned to Dúniel, looking close to tears.

"How are we supposed to be together now?" He said in a very quiet voice. She squeezed his hand tightly.

"Perhaps we will have to risk sneaking around at night time. I don't know Arash. I'd better go, but I'll come and talk to you later. I'm sorry this had to happen."

"Me too." He said bitterly.

Dúniel kissed his cheek quickly, ignoring the stunned gasps and murmurs of all who saw, then stood, grinning at his stunned face.

"We will find a way." She promised, then hurried off to find her mother, glaring at the guards as though daring them to comment. They wisely stayed silent.

Arwen smiled as Dúniel entered her room. She was sitting in a chair by her window, baby Lothuial sleeping in her arms.

"Close the door, sell vuin, and come and sit down. I have some food and drink if you are hungry." She was.

Dúniel had made love to Arash three times in a 24 hour period, and ravenously stared eating before she even sat down, not aware her mother watched her with a sad smile. She patiently waited for Dúniel's hunger to be satisfied, then joined her in nibbling at the small white cakes that were left.

"I feel that I have not seen you for weeks, Dúniel." Arwen said. "It seems no one can catch a glimpse of you at times other than meals. Your new friend is stealing you from us." Dúniel looked shocked.

"You don't really think that, do you Nana?" She whispered. "I know I've been spending a lot of time with Arash, but I could never turn my back on my family."

"But you seem to have held onto the teenage habit of lying." Arwen said, shifting slightly so she and Lothuial were more comfortable. Dúniel looked down, realising this was a telling off. "But Dúniel, it hurts me that you do not seem to trust me, trust any of us. You know that anything you tell me will remain secret. I love you, and I just want you to talk to me." Dúniel was clearly trying to hold her tears back as Arwen continued.
"I know you've been through a hard few years, and I know that you were hurt badly. To have someone so loyal and sweet must be so wonderful after so much pain, and I know it must hurt to know that there is every chance you can't be his wife."

Dúniel started to sob hard. Arwen beckoned her over and Dúniel laid her head on her mothers lap, sobbing as Arwen stroked her hair soothingly.

"I'm sorry I upset you, Nana. I'm so sorry." She whispered.

Arwen went to speak but Lothuial woke and started to cry. Dúniel immediately pulled back, looking terribly upset.

"Stay here, love, please." Arwen said as she stood.

Dúniel watched her mother pacing the floor slowly, singing in Sindarin to calm the baby. Lothuial was soon asleep again, and Arwen laid her on her bed, piling pillows around her small body so she wouldn't roll off the bed by accident. She then returned to her seat and held Dúniel's face gently.

"I'm just a little disappointed, Dúniel, that you couldn't come to me. I thought we were closer than this...I'm sorry I let you down."

"Oh, Nana, no." Dúniel sobbed, shaking her head. "You've never let me down." Arwen smiled sadly.

"Dúniel, I know that you and Arash are lovers." She said quietly.

Dúniel went bright red, looking frightened.

"How?" She whispered.

"Dúniel, I am your mother, and on top of that, an elf. I can sense that you are different today then you were yesterday." She shook her head. "You are hiding it well, Dúniel. I will not tell anyone of this, because I know how much you love Arash. I can see it in your eyes, and if you're willing to be with him...It thrills me to see you looking so alive and happy. I just...I always hoped that, if one of my girls met someone they wanted to be with, or on the day before their wedding, I'd be able to tell you what to expect."

"I still don't know, Nana." Dúniel said quietly. "But he's so good to me. I know he loves me, even if he hasn't said it yet." She squeezed her mothers hand tightly. "But last night was my first time, Nana. I still need you. I still want us to be able to talk. As long as you don't say anything about you and Ada." She added quickly, looking slightly horrified.

Arwen laughed happily, and kissed her hair.

"I hope Arash can stay, for your sake." Arwen said gently. "I would love to see your wedding. It would show all those horrible people who hurt you." Dúniel smiled slightly.

"Do you think Ada would allow us to marry?" Arwen sighed, but smiled.

"I hope so. It all depends on Mazid, and what will come out of all of this. I must say I am extremely surprised that you have chosen this way to express your love, but I think I can understand why. You wish to be with him, incase he is sent home and doesn't return."

"Mazid will kill him if he is sent home, and if not Mazid then one of his followers. Please, talk to Ada about letting him stay!" Dúniel begged, squeezing her mothers hand tightly. Arwen nodded.

"I will love." She smiled suddenly. "But I must say I do approve of how strong your loyalty is, not just to Arash, but to your family."

"I would never betray you." Dúniel said quietly.

"Ah, but that is not quite what I am talking about." Arwen said with a small smile. "Do you think I don't know of your brother's affair with Taenwen?" Dúniel looked so stunned that Arwen laughed. "You and he are so similar! You think you have hidden your secret loves so well, but mothers know Dúniel. I know he loves her, and I am very glad of this. They are a good match, politically and romantically. She will make a fine Queen one day."

"She's really sweet." Dúniel said, smiling slightly. "But don't tell Eldarion, I promised him I would keep it secret!"

"I will not tell Eldarion, my dear. I like to see how he lights up in the spring. I hope he intends to marry her soon."

"He's going to ask her this spring."

"Ah, wonderful. That is very good news." She smiled sadly. "Eldarion will be married this year, and I know Miniual and Elboron will be married in a few. If your father allows Arash to stay I can see you marrying soon after Eldarion."

"That would be wonderful." Dúniel whispered, laying her head on Arwen's lap once more. Arwen stroked her daughter's head for a moment, then Dúniel broke the silence.

"When you told me I would find the love I seek, did you know it would be with Arash?"

"No. But I did hope. He has a good heart."

Dúniel and her mother spoke for long hours, exchanging secrets and wishes. Arwen then declared Dúniel had best head off to dinner.

"I will talk to your father tonight, but there will be no mention of any secrets, I promise you." Dúniel hugged her mother tightly, sniffing.

"Thank you." She whispered. Arwen smiled and kissed her forehead.

"Go on, go and eat."

Dúniel wandered aimlessly to the hall, trying her best to ignore the guards shadowing her. She was so deep in her thoughts that, when a hand touched her arm, she shrieked and instinctively lashed out. Luckily for her, Eldarion quickly blocked the blow meant for his nose, realising he'd startled her.

"Dúniel, I'm so sorry, are you alright?" He asked, taking her arms as she shook from a mixture of fright and anger. She shook her head.

"Couldn't you make a little more noise? After what happened..."

"Dúniel, I called your name three times." She reddened and looked down. He smiled and pulled her gently, resuming her pace to the hall. "Forgive me. Come, I'm starving."

"How is everything with Mazid going?" She asked. He groaned heavily.

"I can't tell you now. Come and see me tonight, after dinner."

She nodded, but could tell from his face that it didn't look good. As they passed Arash sitting by himself, looking small and lonely, Dúniel touched his shoulder and gestured him to join them, which he did with astonishing speed. Eldarion clearly looked torn over what to think of the young man, so merely nodded to him. Arash returned the acknowledgement, smiling slightly.

"Thank you for rescuing me." Arash said quietly as they reached the table. "Everyone was glaring at me, wondering why I'm not locked up too."

"We can if you like." Eldarion offered. Arash shook his head.

"Did you find anything in my room?"

Eldarion now shook his head.

"No, nothing. I must apologise for the intrusion, and...uh..." Eldarion had never looked so uncomfortable. "I'm afraid one of my men accidentally trod on your violin case." Arash went white with shock, trying to register these words. "We're getting it repaired as I speak." Dúniel immediately saw the anger growing in Arash's eyes as his fingers clenched, and lay a hand on his arm.

"It...that..." Arash seemed to furious and upset to speak. He then stood suddenly and stormed from the hall into the darkness outside.

"Arash!" Dúniel cried, looking distressed.

"What's wrong?" Eldarion asked, looking quite alarmed.

"That was his mother's violin!" She whispered, looking close to tears herself.

She stood and hurried after him, bursting out of the hall. She saw him storming heedlessly through the snow up ahead and raced after him, managing to catch his arm at the gates that led to the sixth circle.

"Arash..." She cursed herself, knowing apologies wouldn't make this right. Arash refused to look at her, but he was clearly deeply upset.

"Please, leave me be." He managed in a monotonous voice.

Dúniel couldn't help but feel a little hurt, but nodded. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek for a long moment, then drew away.

"If you need me, anytime, you know where I sleep." She whispered. He nodded slowly, and she let him go, watching him disappear into the night.

"Dúniel?" She turned, startled, to see Eldarion approaching her with a slight frown. "Is he alright?" She shook her head sadly. Her brother sighed heavily, then looked at her. "You kissed him."

"Yes. I did." She said. "Shall we go back inside?" He shook his head, but not in answer.

"I see you and I have a lot to discuss, dear sister."

She shrugged uncommittedly and followed him back to the hall. Dinner was a quiet affair after Arash's departure, and Dúniel barely had an appetite, her mind constantly thinking of her lover.

"Dúniel?"

She looked up to see her siblings preparing to leave. Eldarion was smiling sadly as he helped Merenwen into her coat.

"Come on, let's go and talk if you're not going to eat."

Nodding, she stood and let her brother take her arm, leading his sisters to their separate rooms. He pulled Dúniel into his and sat her on his coach, pulling off his gloves to rub his fingers in front of the roaring fire.

"Mazid is being exceedingly difficult." Eldarion said quietly, walking over to her. "Would you like a drink?" When she shook her head, he sat beside her with a groan and kicked off his boots. "He's flatly denying everything, or trying to blame Arash. But we have a lot of solid evidence, from the guards, and from little bits Canion has let slip. But without his confession, all we can do is keep him locked up." Dúniel sighed heavily and took his hand.

"I'm sorry." She said quietly. He smiled wryly.

"Dúniel, this is not of your doing, don't blame yourself. He is a tiring man...I feel glad that he is not Arash's father. Ada has sent a guarded letter to the Haradrim prince, and until we get a reply, we can't do anything to Mazid."

"How long until a reply comes?"

"It depends what sort of reply." Eldarion said darkly. When Dúniel looked fearful, he squeezed her hand. "I am sorry. I don't think it will come to war. But, if they travel steadily ...I believe the earliest a reply will come back is the beginning of spring, maybe late winter."

"It takes that long to get to Harad?" Dúniel whispered, marveling at the great distance.

When Eldarion nodded tiredly, her insides exploded with joy. The whole of winter...she had the rest of winter to spend with Arash...that was more than enough time from Arash to regain her father's trust, more than enough time for to be together-

"You love him a lot, don't you?"

She started when Eldarion spoke suddenly, studying his sister's face, which had lit up without her knowing. Dúniel reddened a little.

"I'd give anything to spend my life with him." She said quietly, looking away. "And I can't even have that certainty." Eldarion shifted over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"You must hope, my little sister. Hope that things can turn out as you want them." A slight smile grew on her face.

"If-if Ada let's us marry, I will be a mother one day." She laughed a little, disbelievingly. "I always wanted to be a mother, mostly because I never thought I would be. But now...I want to have his children, because I love him with all my heart."

"That is how it should be." Dúniel smiled at Eldarion.

"I can't wait to be an aunty to your children."

"I have to get Taenwen to marry me yet."

"I don't think you will have any trouble. She loves you." Eldarion smiled.

"And I love her. I am lucky that I found her." They grew silent for a long moment.

"Dúniel?"

"Mmm?"

"You know I've always appreciated that you kept my secret for me, so loyally."

Dúniel decided not to mention Arwen had already guessed.

"You're my brother, Eldarion. We've always been close. Besides, if you hadn't woken me up, I'd never have run in worrying-"

"Which, after I got over being angry, I was very grateful for. I was glad to be able to tell someone about my love for Taenwen. But...I need to ask you, because you're my sister and if anything happened to you...I wouldn't tell anyone, I would keep your secret as close as you kept mine..."

"Eldarion, I don't understand." He looked extremely awkward, then the question blurted out.

"Are you sharing his bed? Are you lovers?"

This was so completely unexpected that Dúniel was left gaping like a fish for a moment. Eldarion squeezed her gently.

"I won't tell anyone, Dúniel, not Nana, not Ada, not even Arash. Please, trust me Dúniel."

Dúniel continued to stare for a long moment, then sighed heavily.

"We are. I am his lover. You won't hurt him, will you?" She whispered. Eldarion was stunned. He had honestly not expected her to say yes.

"No. I will not hurt him. If he breaks your heart, I will." Dúniel giggled. "But Dúniel, what will you do if you become pregnant?"

She blinked. This had not occurred to her.

"I...I don't know. what would you do if Taenwen became pregnant?"

"Panic." Eldarion admitted. She smiled.

"I'll cross that bridge if I have to. I will be proud to carry his child."

"I would be glad to see you as a loving mother, to see you that happy."

"Eldarion, thank you." She whispered, hugging him tightly. "Thank you for being so good about this. "

"I envy you, Dúniel. You have the winter to spend with him. I must wait until spring."

"But you will be able to marry." Dúniel said quietly.

"Wait and see, Dúniel. Patience."

Hírvegil - Sword Master
Pilimór - Dark Arrow
Brethiliora - Old Silver Birch
Tathar - Willow
Sell vuin - Beloved Daughter
Nana - Mum