First, knowledge about Elarinya's history would be wise.

Elarinya's mother, Melira, was a human from the Orient (or Asia, if you prefer) who resided in Minas Tirith when she arrived in Middle Earth after her travels from the Far East. She was unlike those who took part in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, mind you, but neighbours of those who were called upon by Sauron.

Not much is known about Melira, other than she was of royal blood, but was disowned after she left her family; something about not being loyal to her country and running to the enemy.

However, Melira didn't believe the old wives's tales of Middle Earth. She had a free spirit and was ever ready for adventure since she was a young girl; she didn't understand why her people were "enemies" of the Free Peoples. Their land was beautiful and those who lived there were kind.

She, like many others who ventured to Middle Earth, fell in love. And to an elf man, no less. His name was Revion, from Lothlórien.

But her family, her travels, her woes and her joys, and her story of love are for another time.

He reciprocated her love, though (that much you should know), and they were married after courting a few years; they understood the eventual pain that would come out of this relationship, but they were willing to endure.

Settling down in Revion's home of the Forest Realm, the newlyweds befriended many elves, knowing it was good to have friends amongst the elves, especially with Melira being a human from the East. They stayed particularly close with Haldir and his family, probably because Haldir and his parents were able to speak the Common Tongue with Melira, even though she had learned Sindarin.

When their daughter, Elarinya (meaning "morning star"), was born another few years later, Melira and Revion loved her dearly and saw her mature during her first 27 years. But, as Melira aged, she realized she wanted to complete her travels of Middle Earth before her death, and Revion, being the ever faithful and loving husband, accompanied her. They left Ela with her godfamily, Haldir's, for half a year or so while they travelled, so she could grow strong and learn from the elves while they were away.

What Melira and Revion didn't anticipate was the pack of Orcs that crossed their path. As skilled as they were in combat, Melira and Revion were slain. Once news reached Lórien, a period of mourning began and ended. Soon after, Haldir's family adopted Elarinya, and the child lived with them, until she was at an age to go off on her own.

Each member of Haldir's family taught her the skills she would need to survive, like how to be one with nature, shoot a bow and arrow, take care of Earth's creatures, sword fight, and so on.

They developed her culture and composure as an elf, teaching her everything they knew, as she would have had to rely on her elf blood to live. As a result, she became as skilled a warrior as her adopted brothers, and her best friend, Legolas.

Since Haldir's family was quite talented and respected within the Lórien realm, each member was in the service of Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, which is how they eventually became introduced to Legolas and his father, King Thranduil.

Ela and Legolas were around the same age, and while growing up, they became fast friends, even though the king disapproved of her blood.

But even after their coming of age and centuries of fighting side by side, they still acted like children when they were together, Ela more so than Legolas, since he was a prince. There were the odd occasions when he would give in to her games and competitions, and they would laugh and act as in olden times.

Many believed Legolas and Elarinya would wed, but this was not so: their bond was already a strong one, after almost 3,000 years. There were many times where at least one was in love with the other, but there was never a good time to act upon it. So they stayed the best of friends.

Because of her adopted family's influence, and the skills she developed, she joined the guard with her brothers, and accompanied them on many patrols and adventures.

Although the grief of losing one's parents as a young child is great, Ela chose to be grateful and not be saddened by the great tragedy: as she grew, she chose to be happy.

She was short in height, but had the thin figure and pointed ears of an elf. Her skin was fair and shone like her namesake suggested. Long, straight dark brown hair adorned her head, which was usually worn free aside from a single thin braid hidden inside her tresses. During battle, the hair around her face would be braided as a crown, so it would be kept out of her eyes, the plait continuing all the way to the end; her single thin braid always present. She also had the biggest and brightest brown eyes anyone had ever seen, even amongst the humans. She stood out from the rest of the elves in the forest, what with her dark features and smaller stature, but she took no offence to the comments of those passing through her home: they just didn't know.

Elves visiting Lothlórien mistook her for Melira, since she had her mother's appearance, and because they had not heard of her mother's death; news had not travelled to their ears nor had they visited the wood for many a century.

While she didn't have any gifts like Lord Elrond or even Legolas, Elarinya was more compassionate and empathetic than an elf...most of the time. She looked out for those around her, usually aware of their moods and possible thinkings. Of course, she had her moments of selfishness, but what being didn't?

Elarinya was a light amongst the forests of Lórien, the untitled princess of the wooden realm. Her gracefulness was well known throughout the Forest Realm, even though she had her moments of clumsiness. She was never one to shy away from danger, however, and regularly chose her tunic and leather boots over the gowns her mother had made for her over the years.

She was closest with Haldir because he was patient with her when she was learning the Elven ways while growing up, and he spent the most time with her.

There were times when others speculated of their relationship too, but nothing resulted from the rumours.

And now, we can begin.

~*Author's Note: I own nothing except for Elarinya.