Chapter 13

My new life in Imladris

The second day after the arrival of Tauriel

I woke up that morning as if I had been in a dream the last few days. Elwen was as beautiful as always. She had two great brothers and a sweet little sister. Her mother and father are ever so protective of her and I love that side of them. The dinner last night had dragged out and Lord Elrond had softened some to me. Lady Celebrian was ever as kind and even made me eat more than I needed. She is as caring as her daughter.

The room I had been assigned was large and beautiful. Not like the barracks back in the woodland realm or the farmsteads i had slept in during my travel back here. The bed was soft and bit and the lighting was filling the room as the sun was creeping over the hills. All I wanted was to go and see Elwen again so I hurried out of bed and walked over to the chair where I had left my quickly mended clothes.

Still, I felt worried about all the clothes Elwen had told the seamstress to make for me. How would I ever be able to repay her? Or better how can I ever truly fit in here at the stronghold of the Noldor? For a moment doubt came over me. Maybe this was not such a good idea... I slowly got dressed and looked at my weapons and pack resting on the wall by the door. No. I had made a promise to her and her father I would not break it unless she told me to and my love for her was growing every moment I saw her face.

As I was now dressed I slowly went out into the hall and started to wonder where I was. The house was truly huge and I had not been here for long and only slightly remembered where to go. At that moment I heard a familiar voice.

"Tauriel, I am so happy to see you awake," The voice of the lady herself said to me.

"My Lady, Celebrian" I simply responded with a bow, but she wanted none of it and hugged me.

"None of that bowing or my lady. You are back and are pursuing my daughter. That makes you more like family than anything else. I also asked Elwen if you and I could spend time together today. I hate to steal you from her" She said with a smile as she started looking me over.

"Now I thought I told Elwen to get you sorted some new clothes? I mean no disrespect you look amazing in these, but they are rather worn" The lady said as she still held my arms and smiled while looking me over.

"We did My…" as soon as I said me she gave me a look and I stopped myself. "Celebrian. The seamstress said at least one outfit should be ready today…" Yet again she caught me off guard and pulled me with her.

"Good then we will go and see her, my sweet" I tried to tell her I was to see Elwen, but by the moment I tried to speak we were already halfway out of the house and only grabbing an apple before we were out the main door.

"What a beautiful day," she said and I agreed.

"If I may. The day is as beautiful as your daughter's smile." I said as I blushed taking another bite of the apple she had stolen for me.

"You definitely may Tauriel. She has truly missed you and seeing you here makes my heart full of joy for her and you." Slowly we started to walk as several elves were our already and bowing to her and to me. It felt so weird, but I tried to return the bow as best as I could looking at how Celebrian did it.

"I only regret not going back sooner…." I said looking at the ground. "What is done is done Tauriel," she said grabbing my arm. "All you can do now is to look forward and work hard for what you want. I take it you had the same worry as my daughter too. Us not accepting your interest or love for each other?"

To that, I could only nod as she put her arm around mine. "We only care for her happiness Tauriel and yours too. I must say I am sorry for how Elrond spoke to you yesterday at breakfast. But he and I are both very protective of Elwen. She has been through enough and we will not allow her to be hurt. I have no doubt you are the elleth for her Tauriel. But be patient with me and her father if we are too overprotective. Please?"

Shocked by her pleading for my patience with them I just stopped walking and looked at her as I swallowed the last bite of the apple. "I will never fault you for protecting Elwen or doing what is best for her. She is my love and I want the same… even if that means I have to leave Imladris…"

Celebrian grabbed both my hands as I spoke and smiled. "Of that, I do not believe there is a single chance of. She cares for you so deeply Tauriel." The lady said and we started moving again.

Not long after we stood by the shop Elwen and I had visited yesterday. The seamstress of high elves of Imladris. The lady knocked and soon after the door opened.

"My Lady Celebrian. My lady Tauriel." She said and bowed to us both.

"Hello dear Geleth," Celebrian said with a smile and bowed her head some in response.

"I was wondering if any of the clothes for dear Tauriel here is ready?" she said reaching out for me and pulling me up beside her.

"Ohh yes, my lady. One pair is soon done and I must say I feel that the ladies were very reserved in the requests yesterday so I may have added my own few touches." She moved aside for us to enter her workshop and there we saw several elves working hard on what I assumed to be my clothing. All could fit what Elwen had ordered and it was clear to me that her word was like law to them.

"Here my ladies" Geleth said and walked over to one of her assistants. "it may look more like her current clothing, but it is still as functional with better material," The seamstress said proudly.

I smiled and felt it and it was so soft, warm, and seemed tough too. Nothing like I had ever worn before. Then I heard Celebrian speak.

"You have done masterful work yet again, but they are all so plain. I want you to take inspiration in Elwen's clothing and mine too. Lady Tauriel here is after all one my daughter is very fond of. So I will say add some of the heraldry of the valley and some of the woodland realm too. So she can remember her late family and where she came from."

At that, I could only blush and bow my head shocked even me to wear such decorated clothing.

"You do me great honor lady. But I have yet not proven myself worthy of such honor" I said simply.

"Tauriel, you have made my daughter smile again. For many long years, I believed that impossible. I won't lie. There is still a great road for you and you have much to learn. All your life you have been a warrior, but now you will have to lead. Deal in politics. Represent us at gatherings and dinners. You are to be a lady of Imladris and you have much to learn"

As she spoke I got lost in thought. She was right. My life was about to change and were I even ready for it? I knew I wouldn't be alone about it all… but it was scary… The elf I had feelings for was royalty of elvendom so this is what I had to do.

"Tauriel? Are you well?" I then came out of my thoughts seeing Celebrian looking at me worriedly.

"Yes... I am well. I just got a realization of what is to come… fool I find myself thinking it would be just me and Elwen, but she is the daughter of High Elves. Of a Lord and Lady…" Celebrian looked at me and stopped me.

"We will aid you. We have several teachers here for all you need to know and I am sure Elwen won't mind helping you out too. After all, she has all the classes you will now have. Except for weapon training. I am sure you are very skilled with those knives of yours and the bow" She said with a smile.

At that, I could only smile. Still, deep down I was worried I would not be deemed good enough by the teachers… Geleth then came to us and asked me to come with her. Behind the cover, I undressed and was given my first set of new clothing. It was gray, white, and bits of green in a dress-like tunic. With cuts on each side, I could easily run and wear pants under. It had a perfect tight fit yet I found it no restraining me at all. Geleth made it clear this was just an everyday outfit and not for special occasions. Also that she had sent for the armorer to make protective gear that could work with this set of clothing if I decided to use it when riding outside the border of the valley. I tried to take in all the information, but it was hard to remember it all. She then pushed me out to stand in front of my future mother-in-law. Or I could only hope.

She was busy talking to the seamstress assistant about what I guessed were other pieces of clothing when I spoke to her.

"Celebrian?" She slowly turned and her eyes widened. "Ohh Tauriel. We need to show you off to Elwen. She will be mind-blown. Come on now give us a spin." She said with a smile. I felt relieved and thanked her.

I slowly did what she asked. The long sides of the Tunic flew up and snowed my pants all in a very Noldor form. The Tunic was tight fitting and showed my curves yet it was elegant and fine made. My new boots were made of a nice leather brown they were and felt like they instantly fit my foot. How I do not know.

"How does it feel?" she then asked me.

"It feels like nothing I have worn before. So soft, yet hard, so well made, so pretty with all the heraldry. I am used to wearing it, but this… this is just so beautiful." As I spoke both Celebrian and Geleth smiled wide. For how weird it may sound the clothing made me feel like I was starting to fit in, if only a little.

Geleth on the other hand was excusing herself that only this outfit was done and that we could expect the rest over the next few days. Celebrian asked her not to worry about it as I now had a set I could use. We then said our goodbyes for now and we left her workshop and headed for a larger house with a huge chimney sticking out of the roof. I could only look at the lady and wonder as she knocked on that door too. Soon after it opened and a tall elf stood in front of us "Greetings Meachon" The lady said and I bowed slightly to him.

"My lady Celebrian, My lady Tauriel." He said firmly and simply.

"You know who I am?" I said shyly and surprisingly.

"I do my lady. All elves in the valley know of the Sindar elleth that stole the heart of our lord and lady's first child."

At that, I could do nothing but blush and Celebrian smiled.

"Dear Meachon we would like to place an order with you…" She started to say.

"I have already started my lady. Dear Geleth was so kind to hand me her measurements. All I need now is to know the decoration and of her station, you want in the armor itself."

I was shocked. It seemed like everyone had just accepted me in one way or another. It was like the happiness of Elwen was all that mattered to these elves. Not that I was an elleth like her.

"I should not be shocked. You always read our minds Meachon." Celebrian said and smiled before she looked at me.

"A High captain's colors. Identical to that of my daughter's armor in every other way second only to my husband and equal to Lord Glorfindel, but add some of the leaves of the woodland realm in it too. She should never forget her heritage.

At her word, my jaw dropped. A High Captain me? How could she? It was clearly something she and lord Elrond had talked about even after my arrival. But how could they trust me so? Was Elwen's words enough? I could not believe it at all.

"It will be done, my lady. Now if the ladies will excuse me I have work to do." Meachon said and pushed us more or less to the door. Speechless I walked back towards the house in total silence. Just enjoying the heat of the sun on our faces. As we came up on the house Lord Elrond stood there waiting for us and I bowed my head. Deep.

"My Lord," I said simply and Celebrian gave me a quick look.

"She is firm in this my love," Elrond said to which she just shook her head.

"She is, I had to be ever so firm with her to make her stop calling me Lady"

Elrond looked at me for some time as the sun was still warming our faces and a breeze came down from the misty mountain.

"You have much to learn Tauriel. Come with me" He said and I looked at Celebrian and she ushered me to go with him as I am sure she needed to see little Arwen.

"My wife has told you of your new roles and duties if you are to be the lady of my daughters?" He said sternly.

"She has, my lord." I simply answered.

"That is good. As my oldest child, Elwen has the duty to lead the valley in my absence, entertain guests, help me with political questions, and go to war if need be. But I do not see that as a problem for an elf from the woodland realm." At this he looked at me and what? He… he smiled at me.

"No… No… My lord" I found myself stuttering. "I have been trained in many forms of combat and weapons. But I have never… lead anyone…" I said before he took my arm.

"We will teach you," He said with a reassuring smile. "As my wife most certainly has said you make my daughter smile again. To me that is priceless"

At that, I could do little but blush. The Lord of the High Elves said he was happy with me making his daughter smile. We then reached the doors to his library and within sat an older elf waiting.

"My friend," Lord Elrond said to the elf bowing his head.

"My Lord" he answered.

"This is the elleth I mentioned. Tauriel of the woodland realm. The one Elwen has been dreaming of in your classes" At that I just gulped and bowed my head.

"It is an honor to meet the loremaster of Imladris," I said quickly.

"And it is an honor to meet the one who always interrupted my teachings even if she was a world away," he said with a smile on his face.

"Erestor here is to be one of your teachers along with me, Celebrian, Glorfindel, Lindir, Estelwen, and Elwen…" As he spoke I just got somewhat pale thinking of being a little elf again with so many teachers… How different it is for the nobility… "Tauriel?" I looked at Lord Elrond "Yes my lord?"

"I know it is overwhelming. Elwen felt the same, but you will do good. Your speech to me yesterday proved much of what I needed to know about you… future daughter-in-law" He said and bid his farewell. The next few hours Erestor went deep into lore and history of the peoples of the Noldor. I never knew an elf could speak so fast and teach so much in such a short time. But then the quality of the teacher has a lot to do with it.

"and that was when the great high king Gil Galad and the king of men Elendil charged the dark lord at the plains of Gorgoroth just in front of Orodurin and was…" we both heard knocking on the door.

"Yes enter…" Erestor said somewhat irritated.

"My lord Erestor. My lady Tauriel" Estelwen said with a curtesy bow.

"Yes out with it, what is it, dear Estelwen?" Erestor said impatiently.

"Lord Elrond sent me to show the Lady some of her other classes and he said she would be back with you at the same time tomorrow, my lord" At that moment I saw a little blink in her eye and I smiled.

"Ahh yes yes. Of course. It is only your first day and I must say you have been a patient listener. Not bad for a woodland elf. It makes me happy to see your thirst for knowledge too." He said and I bowed my head thanking him for the lesson and Estelwen led me out.

"This way my lady," she said and somewhat ran off. I could only hurry after her as there was a side room of the house. As I entered I saw her.

"Elwen" I cried and she burst into a smile I had not seen in an age.

"Tauriel" she then cried back at me and came over holding me and kissing me.

"Is my mother and father harsh on you? Do they demand much? Please do not say they are scaring you away from me?" She was so cute being so enthusiastic.

"No, my love." I said simply. "Not even the nameless one could stand between you and me. For you are the fairest elf maiden I have ever put my eyes on. None can stand between us and none will. Sure some worries have come to my mind, but none that shows me a path that doesn't involve you."

At that, her smile grew even more and we kissed several times over.

"My ladies, I am sorry to interrupt," Estelwen said. "But Lord Elrond did order me to show the lady her next teacher…" as she cut herself off.

"Yes of course," Elwen said kissing me one more time so deeply I could feel her fea dance with my fea as I returned the kiss.

"To night my love. At dinner" Elwen said simply as she rushed out to her own tasks.

"Yes… Tonight my love…" I said so low only Estelwen heard it and smiled.

Estelwen just stood there waiting on me smiling and I sent her a look of questions.

"Thank you my lady" She just responded to me looking at her.

"For what, if I may ask?" I said looking at Elwen's handmaiden and clearly friend.

"For making my lady smile again" She stated so simply and led me out of the small room and down the hall without saying a word.

She then knocked on a big and impressive door and we both heard the voice of Elrond on the other side.

"Enter" Simple yet firm he spoke.

"My lord," Estelwen said as she entered.

"The lady Tauriel as you asked." With that, he looked up.

"Ahh yes, Tauriel. I was thinking that would be enough lore for your first day. So what about some politics and philosophy?" He spoke so eagerly I could not do much but smile and nod.

"Yes, My lord." I simply responded with Estelwen giving me a good luck look before leaving.

"So my dear. What do you know of the politics of Middle Earth…" First, he went into politics between the different elven realms and that of men, and last but not least of elves and dwarves.

"My lord?" I asked.

"Yes?" He simply responded.

"May I ask why the elves of Imladris have such a different view and dealings with the dwarven house of Durin? I know my former king was very distrusting and disliking of their races as a whole."

To that, Elrond just nodded.

"Yes, Thranduil and my father-in-law." The elven lord said and thought for a moment.

"Our race Tauriel and that of the dwarves has for ages had a complicated history. From the beginning of time and our creation and theirs to our conflicting natures. Much harm has been done on both sides from that and onto open conflict. The details are not important, but I take it you have a negative view of the dwarven folk?"

To his response, I could only nod. From my birth and upbringing dwarves were seen down on for the reasons he said, but also for unspoken reasons that none would share.

"Yes, my lord. For as long as I can remember we have had a distrusting nature of their kin. We have aided them when need be from a distance. But we would never do more than we had to. I know the king was very displeased whenever any dwarf was in his realm and none I knew had a positive view of them."

In which Elrond just listened as I spoke.

"I know that it has been a part of your life as far as you can remember. But I would ask you to not hate them because someone else told you to. They are a stubborn race, greedy and arrogant. But when they care they will defend you with all their might. A better ally in dark times is hard to find."

I wondered at how he could say so and he must have seen it on my face.

"Many long years ago before this house was built I was sent by the order of our late king. Gil Galad to aid the elven realm of Eregion from the nameless one. We did sadly arrive too late and too few…. And we got pushed back hard… our lines were breaking from the sheer number of orcs and trolls… and then from the east came a legion of dwarves from Khazad Dum alongside elves from what now is Lothlorien. As if sent by Eru himself they charged the lines of the enemy distracting them long enough for I and what was left of our kin to flee here to this valley. For their courage and bravery, I am here today Tauriel. To teach you, to love my children and my wife. So if nothing else I ask of you to try and see them in a forgiving light."

Listening as he spoke about dwarves aiding elves in such a selfless manner I was shocked.

"I will my lord…" was all I could say, yet many long years of distrust and even hate had I known of them.

At that, he came and stood by me.

"There is enough hate and deceit in this world Tauriel. Do not try and add to it." He said and smiled. "In politics, one has to deal even with those one does not care for with respect and care. Sometimes with tact and cleverness too. All I have faith in you have in you"

I simply looked up at him.

"You are too kind my lord. But I feel like I have not and will not be worthy of such trust. My day with you and lord Erestor has shown me how different life will be from what I have lived. All my cares have been to fight. To care for my kin in arms…"

Lord Elrond sat at this comment and looked me deep in my eyes.

"And now you will care for our people in the same manner. To protect them, to make sure they are fed. Deal with any situation as if it were a battlefield. Leading a people is much the same as what you have been dealing with as a warrior. Just not as messy" He said with a smile.

As he spoke both our bellies growled as we looked outside. The sun was setting and we had skipped the mid-day meal altogether. Dinner was soon upon us and he got up.

"May I escort my daughter's flame to dinner?"

"Of course my lord." Was all I could say and I got up. Taking his arm as we left the study and walked down the hall talking simply and thanking him for his patience and understanding. Elwen, the twins, Celebrian, and Arwen was already there when we entered and they all greeted us.

"How has your day been my love? I love your new clothing. It warms my heart seeing you in the clothes of the valley" Elwen said before I could sit by her and the smile she sent me said it all.

"It has been a long day. Your father and mother have been very kind to me" I said before I kissed her forehead under her circlet. "But my head is tired after so much information and teachings from Erestor and your Ada" At this, Elwen just smiled. "Of that, I have no doubt my love. I felt the same when I was their student." She said while looking at her father.

"As did we," said Elladan and Elrohir looked confused at him. "Speak for yourself brother I had no such troubles." Elladan then looked back at his brother and shook his head. "Then why did you go to bed right after and not rise until dinner?" He teased. Elrohir looked away "My eyes were just tired and I needed to rest them." Elladan grinned. "Point proven" and we all giggled at it.

"Tauriel you have done well on your first day of studies. I think you will find it easier as time passes" Lord Elrond commented after the twins nagging.

"Thank you my lord and I wish to thank the lady too. For her kindness and care with my clothing. I still feel I need to repay you all."

"They will never allow you to," two identical voices said.

"You have made our sister smile. To our mother and father that is priceless Tauriel and to us as well." The twins spoke. "We want to spend time with you as well. To know you even more, but as far as we have seen we will care for you a great deal" As they spoke I could just smile.

"That means a lot of pranks, teasing, jokes, and cuddles," Elwen said as a translator.

"Yes and you love It too sister and we think your elleth will too." Both twins said.

"It is more that I have learned to deal with your constant need for affection and attention" My sweet elleth responded to her little brothers with a cheeky smile.

The dinner continued with a lovely chat and something called fried fish with salad and potatoes and creamy sauce. It was tasty indeed.

As dinner slowed down and we all dispersed for the night I was asked to my elleths room and we talked about our day and hugged and kissed. Slowly I was making my way into her family and life—a silvan elf in the house of Elrond.