𝐈𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄̈ || A.

𝟎𝟎𝟐 ⸺ rivendell

Iladya and Legolas have been traveling for several weeks. The two traveled south from Erebor to take the Old Forest Road through Mirkwood. From there they would take the mountain pass through the Misty Mountains, in order to rest with their kin in Rivendell.
     ''I must admit, I'm longing to see Imladris,'' says Iladya, stepping over the rocks in the Misty Mountains.
     ''The House of Lord Elrond will be a just choice to rest," says Legolas while glancing around. ''Besides, these roads become more dangerous with the day.'' Rivendell seems an ideal valley to rest before continuing their road to Arnor.
     ''Do you have any idea what father meant with his final words?'' she asks curiously, yet Legolas shakes his head.
     ''I do not know the meaning of his words, although I am as curious as you to find out.''
     ''Perchance it is wise to seek council with Lord Elrond," mutters Iladya, more to herself than to her brother. He casts a glance in her direction yet decides to remain silent. Legolas stops in his tracks, causing Iladya to bump into him. She groans as she walks into her brother.
     "Hanar," scolds Iladya. Her scolding fades into muttering once her eyes fall upon the fair valley of Rivendell. "Imladris," she whispers.
     "Come," whispers Legolas, "let us find peace."

The guards of Rivendell notify the arrival of their kinship to Lord Elrond, who personally awaits them at the gates.
     "I wish you a warm welcome to Imladris, Legolas, son of Thranduil, and Iladya, daughter of Thranduil," Elrond greets, a warm smile around his lips. Legolas bows his head, placing his hand on his chest. Iladya greets Lord Elrond with a curtsy.
     "Thank you for welcoming us, Lord Elrond," says Legolas, "we are searching for a place to stay within safe borders. These roads get more dangerous day by day." Elrond scowls while nodding. His eyes shift to Iladya, announcing them to stay.
      "May you find peace here and let your heart not find trouble here," he speaks.
     "We are most grateful for your kind hospitality, Lord Elrond," says Iladya, bowing her head.
     "Anything for my kin," says Elrond before turning around. "Come and allow me to show you your stay." Iladya and Legolas follow Elrond to their chambers. Iladya receives a different stay than her brother. Her chamber is open, yet hidden from the valley by the plants. Her bed is placed under the sky, which will allow her to gaze into the night.
     ''I would enjoy your company at the dinner table tonight,'' speaks Elrond. Legolas and Iladya look each other in the eyes as if they are communicating to decide.
     ''It will be an honor to share dinner with you, Lord Elrond,'' says Iladya, bowing into a curtsy. Elrond bows his head, ''Very well then.''

Later that day, Iladya and Legolas are seated at Elrond's table. Elrond is seated at the head of the table with two young elves on each side. It is Elrohir who is left in awe by the beauty of the female elf. He tears his gaze away from her, as soon as his father speaks.
     "Elladan, Elrohir, allow me to introduce you to the prince and princess of Mirkwood," says Elrond. Both Elladan and Elrohir glance aside, their eyebrows rising in astonishment.
     "Don't you think that's a tad exaggerated, Lord Elrond?" asks Iladya chuckling, causing him to chuckle as well.
     "You are most right, my Lady," says Elrond, "even though it is true! Allow me! Legolas, son of Thranduil, and Iladya, daughter of Thranduil of the Woodland Realm." The four exchange glances and curtsies.
     "They have traveled from Erebor," says Elrond, raising his eyebrow. His sons gasp and glance aside.
     "Erebor?" asks Elladan, "are the rumors true?"
     "They are most true," says Legolas, "Thorin and his company have claimed the mountain, yet Thorin did not survive to tell the tale."
     "They passed Rivendell, only you two were busy with the Dunedain," explains Elrond.
     "The Dunedain?" Iladya asks, tilting her head. Elrohir nods, "They call him the Ranger of the North. It rumors that he is-" Elrohir grunts in pain and glances aside. Elrond sends his son an endangerment look, causing him to twist his sayings. "What I meant was how we were traveling with the Rangers to explore," Elrohir hisses, his foot caressing the bruise his father created. His eyes travel to Iladya, who doesn't buy his poor choice of reason.
     Before any of them could open their mouth to speak, Elrond speaks of another subject.
     "Please tell us about your journey to Erebor," Elrond insists. His eyebrows knit together, stating he does not wish any questions about the ranger. 
     "Our journey started the moment we caught a company of Dwarves in the woods," says Iladya, looking Elrohir in the eyes.
     "We spoke words with Thorin who led the company to, what we have found out, Erebor," continues Legolas, "it was until then they escaped from the dungeons. How, we do not know."
     "The company floated away in the barrels and we would have caught them if we weren't ambushed by Orcs," says Iladya. "They escaped the rivers and found a way to the mountain. They did not only wake Smaug but war also. The dragon was only the start of an avalanche," Legolas grits through his teeth, "the Battle of the Five Armies."
     "Elves, Men, Dwarves, Wolves, and Goblins," Iladya breathes, reliving the war in her mind. Her fight on Ravenhill, the confrontation with her father, everything flashed before her eyes. It is Elladan who pulls Iladya to reality by gently getting a hold of her hand.
     "Iladya," he whispers, hoping his voice will penetrate her mind. Her name echoes through her head before she finally snaps out of her train of thought.
     "My apologies," excuses Iladya, self-consciously aware of the eyes upon her. She mentally scolded herself for being foolish. The war is over.
     "It is alright," Elladan speaks softly. Iladya looked him in the eyes, where she could see he had gone through a heart-wrenching pain. Iladya flashes him a faint smile before gazing down at their intertwined fingers. She shivers from the soft touch. A clearing throat makes Elladan let go of her hand. Iladya glances at the male, noticing neither Legolas nor Elrond had cleared their throat. She shifts her gaze to Elrohir, who swiftly looks at his plate.
     "It was a rather difficult war," Iladya speaks, "even though, it wasn't fully ours to fight."
     "May your heart be at peace here, my Lady," Elrond speaks. Elrohir nods at his father's words as if he wanted to speak them.
     The five continue eating in silence as they listen to the elves playing music. Iladya drifts off in her thoughts as she listens to the music. Her heart feels at ease, finally able to rest. She wonders what Elrond's sons know about the Dunedain. Every male has sunk into their thought.
     Legolas' thoughts match the thoughts of his sister. He too wonders what Elrohir wanted to tell them.
     Elladan's thoughts drift off to the growing threat of the Dark Lord Sauron.
     Elrohir desperately tries to keep his mind on his latest founding, but they seem to drift off to the Elven woman.
     Elrond his mind agonizes over the rising peril in his beloved Middle Earth. He casts a look upon his son to his right hand, shifting his eyes to the one Elrohir has been staring at. A cold hand grasps his heart. Elrond fears for his son, as he might be falling in love with Iladya. He plans on speaking with his son later on, hoping he could change his mind therefore he has looked into Iladya's future. While looking at Elrohir as his father, his meaning is to protect him.