Almarëa

As Dawn Comes

Elerrina remained sitting quietly, the faint echo of the distancing footsteps still ringing in her ears. The royal image of the Elvenking rushing down the hallway behind the strange blond elf remained fresh in her head, the cold powerful look in his ice blue eyes still engraved in her mind. Outside, the golden daylight washed over the white snow in the gardens, and she could catch the sounds of the awakening elves as they started their day. The trees had once again gone silent, swaying delicately at the soothing morning breeze, their melodic serenade under the black night sky only a memory for those who had witnessed it.

She rose from the chaise on which she had been sitting letting out a silent sigh. The day was already starting and that meant she would no longer be the only once awake in the palace. She made her way through the long corridors, not really remembering the way back, but not really caring where she ended up. She was actually surprised when she found herself walking once again down the familiar long corridor that led to her chambers.

The corridor was empty, the five elegant doors shut close and the only sound that reached her ears was the light echo of her own silent footsteps. She let her eyes carefully study each one of the doors, wondering over the detailed patterns that were carved in them, each one seeming to be more beautiful than the one before. She did not know which door led to which of her sibling's chambers and for a moment she wished she did.

Elerrina paused for a second as she reached the delicately carved door that led to her own chambers. Her hand lingered above the golden doorknob for a moment, but she let it fall to her side once more, not really feeling like going inside. Instead, she made her way to the balcony at the end of the corridor, leaning her weight on the frail railing as she absently overlooked the forest of Mirkwood.

The deaf sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears. Immediately her lips curved up into a smile as she recognized who it was without needing to turn around to look. She felt a pair of strong arms circling around her waist from behind, gently pulling her close a tall body. A soft chuckle escaped her lips and she let herself lean against Elladan's chest as he pressed a light kiss on her cheek.

"Good morning" His musical voice whispered softly in her left ear.

She turned around in his arms and pressed her lips to his. Endless silver eyes stared deeply into hers, and she let herself drown in them, unable to look away even if she had wanted to. She could tell that he knew she had not slept, but he did not say anything as she entwined her fingers with his, his silver eyes never leaving hers.

"Where is everyone?" She asked as her eyes signaled to the closed doors aligned in the elegant corridor. He raised a perfect eyebrow at her question and his lips curved into one of his characteristic playful smiles.

"I thought my presence was enough for you." He said teasingly as his eyes narrowed slightly, silver irises sparkling with mischief. His arms wrapped behind her back, pulling her closer to him as he spoke.

"Dan!" She could not contain a chuckle from escaping her lips as she slapped him playfully in the shoulder. His musical laugh floated in the air as a response, the sound the sweetest she had ever heard.

"Everyone is downstairs having breakfast." He explained with a smile "Come, let us go join them before they eat all the good pastries" He turned to leave, his hand still holding to hers.

"Dan" Her voice was low as she pulled lightly at his hand, stopping him in his march. He turned instantly to face her, silver eyes studying her attentively, the playful sparkle quickly replaced by concern as he caught the change in her tone.

"What is it?" his voice was barely audible as he closed the distance between them. She felt one of his hands gently travel to rest on her cheek, his alert eyes searching into hers. She stared into his piercing silver eyes for a moment before she was able to speak again.