AN: First, I would like to say, this is my FIRST FanFic story, so please be gentle while reviewing (b'cuz I KNOW you want to review this..). I love LotR, but I'm not a LotR geek (no offense to those who are) so if some things are wrong, please correct me nicely. I'm not too sure what I'm doing with this, but I just HAD to write, I've been having a hell of a day.

Chapter the First.

Ariane sat down crossed legged and sighed in discontentment. She subconsciously smoothed her dress out over her legs. Today was her day. She should be happy. Then why wasn't she? She was finally able to wear her mothers' wedding gown; a simple white dress that flowed to her ankles, clung to her upper body until it met her hips where it loosened, but didn't flare out. The straps were wide and hung on the sides of her shoulders, much like a gypsy's dress. She had 'round her neck the necklace that had been passed down for generations; a small, golden rose with a small opal in the center on a golden chain. Her golden red hair had been braided the night before and cascaded down to the small of her back. Her closest female friends had helped put the tiny, diamond flowers in her hair.

She would be walking down to her betrothed in a few hours. She treasured these few moments alone to gather her thoughts.

Yes, of course she should be happy. This was every young woman's dream.

Except, of course, in their dreams, they were not entering a pre-arranged marriage with a complete stranger who watched them with a disgusting look of pure desire.

Ariane sighed again. Footsteps behind her snapped her out of her reverie.

"What are you doing, my child?" Her mothers gentle voice asked.

"I am just thinking," Ariane replied. Melolli stood in front of her and held out her hands. Taking her daughters, she pulled her to her feet.

Melolli's olive green eyes looked into Ariane's violet ones. Ariane answered her mothers unspoken question,

"I have no wish to marry a stranger. Though I have met him many times now, I still do not know him... or what I do know of him, I do not like."

"Ari, child, you should not speak so! Lord Belgorth is a good man. He is a fine warrior and shall surely make a fine husband."

"Yes, but would I make a good wife? I do not think so. Not for him at least. I would not be able to love him, or touch him in a way more familiar than friends. And he does not love me."

"No, he does not. But he would never harm you. He has a good heart, and this marriage will elevate you, and this family." Melolli said tenderly.

"I do not doubt his heart, merely his brain. I have yet to have an intelligent conversation with him," Ari exclaimed ruefully, "I have no desire to wed someone merely out of convenience. I want to wed out of love!"

Melolli sighed. Usually mariages were choice, not arranged. But Melolli and her husband, Franorn, had been in a dire situation seventeen years ago, and had made a promise to a certain lord to secure their 7 month old baby daughter's life. Ironically, that promise had demanded the child's life be handed over to him when she was old enough to marry.

"At least you shall still be able to visit. And you will be able to live in Minas Tirith! That's only a few days' ride from here. Smile, my love. Things could be worse."

Oh, things could be worse indeed. Much, much worse...

AN: Short, and a cliffie.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but AN means "Authors Note" here, right? I hope I'm right, or I'll feel like an idiot... -smacks head with a banana- oh, what a newb...