Mae govannen dear Reader,
this is my first attempt to do a Middle Earth FanFiction.
If you have any complains, ideas or other comments, feel free to let me know.

The story is set post the "Lord of the Rings". Tolkien is very vague about the destiny of Elladan and Elrohir, so I just imagined what could be. My aim is not to change anything written in any work by Tolkien, I am only adding. For this reason,I am also including Tauriel. I know she actually is not invented by Tolkien, but I promise, she will Not Change anything! If you find I have altered something, please let me know, this is not my intention.

Chapter 1: A messenger / i siniath

Evening was coming, the stars were already rising. It was quiet in Imladris, now that most of the Eldar were leaving. Only the song of a tinúviel [nightingale] could be heard far in the distance, a reminder of times long ago. Suddenly, the silence was disturbed by the sound of hooves that were coming nearer. Elladan stood up from his seat.
"Elrohir, who do you think is arriving at these times? Might it be a messenger from Gondor? Maybe our sister sends word to father!", he called out.
The elves made their way down to the entrance of Rivendell. There, a white horse stood in the twilight, but his rider was nowhere to be seen.
"This is Arod", Elrohir said, "the horse of Legolas Greenleaf. Why do you think the prince of Mirkwood is coming? I thought he meant to travel with this dwarfish companion of his." Elladan just shrugged his shoulders. "We shall go and see if he is with father and ask him", he decided. When they walked up the stairs to their father's study, they expected Legolas silver-blond hair to shine in front of their father. They were startled when they saw a dark haired elf bowing deeply in front of the elven lord. He was standing with his back facing the brothers so they could not see his face. Even though a dark green cloak covered most of his body, one could see that he was lean. His hair was braided in a fashion ressembling Legolas' usual hairstyle, so he was most likely an elf from the Woodland Realm as well.

"What is the reason of your coming?", Elrond asked him.
"King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen sends me", the elf answered. The voice was polite and humble but still did not tremble. And most importantly - it was female. The brothers looked at each other in complete confusion. They would not have expected a She-elfto be a messenger. Sure, times were less dangerous now that the war was over, but still dangerous enough. Gobblins were hiding in caves, craving for pray. Trolls were killing peasants, orcs were hunting everything. "So what message do you bring?", asked the lord, "I hope it is good news in these times of peace." The woman nodded, still not acknowledging the other elves' presence. "It is information, I leave you to decide if it is good or bad", she said with a hint of amusement in her voice. "My Lord has changed his plans, he will leave these shores earlier than planned. Though he will not sail with you, Lord Elrond, he will follow close behind. The rest of my kin who will remain here will be under command of Lord Celeborn." When she finished, the older elf nodded. "This is indeed information, as you say. But tell me, Greenwood maiden, what are you called?"A smile spread over her features. "I am called the Greenwood maiden indeed, my Lord Elrond. My name is Tauriel, I am the Captain of the elven guard of the Woodland Realm", she answered.

Both brothers looked at each other in surprise. The name Tauriel was not unknown to them, a certain elven prince had spoken very fondly of her. Though he had also mentioned she had been banished, this was confusing. But King Thranduil had always been known to change his mind quickly, so it was no wonder if he had taken her in again. Curiously, they kept standing in the doorway, at the same time feeling a bit ridiculous. Elrond seemed to feel the same. Looking at his sons he, spoke:"Elladan, Elrohir, aglenno!" [Elladan, Elrohir, come nearer!] Now, the elleth [female elf] turned around and the men could see her face for the first time.
She looked different than the elves from Rivendell, probably because she was not of high-elven origin. Still, she did not appear like an Avari [special group of elves], even though some Mirkwood elves were known to look that way. Her hair was red like the fur of a fox and her eyes were of a dark emerald green. She had clear, delicate features, a high forehead and she was one of the prettiest women the men had ever set eyes on. The expression in her eyes was not unfriendly but stern, it was easy to imagine her as a captain. As courtesy wanted it, she put one hand on her heart an bowed in front of the princes. Then she looked both of them in the eyes courtly, quickly returning her attention to their father.

"So, Tauriel of Eryn Lasgalen, what are you comanded to do, now that you have delivered your message?", Elrond asked her. "I am to ask you if there is any news you want me to deliver to my lord. I am expected to be back in a month. It might be impudent, but I have to ask for your hospitality for one week. My horse is exhausted after this long ride, he needs time for recovery. It is my duty to look after him, I promised and owe it to the giver." Now, the Lord of Imladris smiled for the first time. "And so be it. Tomorrow, I want to learn more about what happened and probaably will happen in former Mirkwood. And I also intend to find out more about you. But for now, you may rest. I would call Lindir to show you the way to your quaters, but as my sons are already standing around here, they may do at leat one useful thing per day and lead you there." Both did not know if they should laugh or be angry with their father. It was true, they only had been training today, but this WAS useful!Still, how often did one have the possibility to show the way to such a beauty?

"Follow us please", Elrohir began. She obeyed after bowing again in front of Elrond. One had to admit, her manners were exceptionally good. The three made their way through the quiet dwelling until they arrived at a building quite at the boarder. "This is one of our guest houses, it is completely yours to use my lady", the other elf said,"your horse will be taken care of." Tauriel raised an eyebrow in surprise. She wasn't used to be addressed that way, but it wasn't unwelcomed. Then she nodded. "I thank you and bid you a good night." After a quick bow, she slipped into her room and closed the door behind her. Imladris was quiet again, just as if nothing had happened. The tinúviel sang again, the stars were bright now.

But something had changed. Though neither of them mentioned it, both brothers could feel it. And more change was yet to come.