Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings.

Chapter 2

It had been a month. I was moved to a guest bedroom and allowed to roam the grounds, with supervision. I sighed, gazing absently out over the valley from my balcony. I jumped slightly as someone knocked, "Enter," I turned and found, to my surprise, Elrond standing in the doorway. He smiled warmly as he entered, sitting on the bed and gesturing for me to join him, I did, curious. He had become like a father to me over the past weeks, and his children as siblings. He seemed to be thinking along the same line as me, "Kari, how would you like it if you were to be a part of my family? My youngest daughter?"

I did not even attempt to hide my beaming smile, "Like? My Lord, I would be delighted and honored!"

His smile widened and he took both my hands in his, "Than welcome, Kari Aran. Welcome into my family! Tonight we shall have a grand feast of celebration!" He rose, releasing my hands, "I shall fetch Arwen, for tonight, my daughter, tonight your beauty will shine like the morning sun!"

I laughed and stood, "You flatter me Ada. Now go, prepare for the feast. I shall fetch Arwen myself."

He drew me into his arms and kissed my forehead, "I shall go my daughter. I shall go." He drew away, eyes twinkling, "You will draw the eye of every ellon tonight." He left to the sound of my laughter, echoing down the hall. Foretelling a night of joy and merriment yet to come.

"How should I do your hair?"

I shrugged, looking at Arwen in the mirror, "I do not know, nor do I care. How about you surprise me."

She grinned, "I like that idea."

I grinned back at her, "I know you will make it beautiful no matter what you do."

She smiled in thanks then patted my shoulder and stepped back, "Take a look." I stood, twirling, enjoying the feather-light feel of my dress. I paused, looking in the mirror, and blinked in surprise. It was definitely me, in the mirror, but I barely recognized myself. Gone was the Elf-maid with the messy braid, the baggy tunic and trousers. Gone was the air of mischief and cat-like awareness. In its place was a tall elleth with waves of beautiful golden hair. Heavily built for an elf, but with a grace that rivals that of even the most graceful elleth. A long, silky maroon dress, slit from the point of the laced corset to show a glittering gold under-layer embroidered with silver. The long, belled sleeves lined with the same, glittering material. The wide, off-shoulder neckline complemented by a delicate gold lace.

I stared in disbelief at my reflection, awed at the change in my appearance, "Arwen… I… I do not know what to say."

She laughed and, taking my shoulders, turned me away from the mirror, "You look stunning, I cannot wait to see Legolas' reaction."

I beamed, "And you as we-… Wait, Legolas?"

"Yes, Legolas," she grinned, "He is falling in love with you, you know, even though he does not know it yet. He will realize tonight." I was shocked, but also relieved, but why? Why in Arda would I be happy? I let out a frustrated 'hmmph'. Arwen laughed, her eyes twinkling knowingly. I glared, or, well, tried to. We were interrupted by a knock, I looked at Arwen questioningly before striding over and pulling open the door. I saw Elrohir and Elladan waiting, wearing identical blue and silver robes to match their twinkling grey eyes and iridescent black hair. I smiled at their astonished expressions, "Well, you two look quite handsome tonight, have you come to fetch Arwen and myself?" Elrohir blinked and Elladan nodded, still unable to find words. I chuckled, "Come, Arwen. It seems our escorts are here."

She giggled, "Indeed," and took Elrohir's arm. I smiled as Elladan offered me his, and rested my hand lightly on his elbow. He grinned at me, "I cannot wait to see how Legolas reacts. The elleth who prefers swords and tunics over dresses and balls, looking like the bright sister of the Evenstar. I cannot help comparing you now to what you looked like last week."

I blushed slightly and rolled my eyes. I had snuck out, and, having gotten to know Legolas better over my time being sick, I had felt less guilty about borrowing his bow. Without permission of course. I will never forget the look on his face when he, Elladan and Elrohir had found me later in the training field. It seems despite seeing me in tunic and leggings and hearing of my knowledge of weapons, he had never really believed it until then. I looked back at Elladan, "That is the only reason you believe Legolas shall react in a way that may be humorous?" I asked because I was curious, I mean, if Arwen believed, that, did anyone else? Arwen shot me a knowing look and I glared at her as Elladan answered, "Oh, I do believe his reaction should have been comical any way, though, considering the circumstances…" he winked, "I do believe we shall have even more of a reason to laugh."

I pretended to be puzzled, "The circumstances? Of what 'circumstances' do you speak?" He winked again, but did not answer. I growled slightly in playful annoyance. Ahead of us, Elrohir jumped, "Kari! Do not do that! 'Tis unladylike!"

I snorted dismissively, "And when, dear brother, have I ever cared about being ladylike? He shrugged and gestured with his free hand, looking for words. He never found any, for there, just before us, were the doors to the hall. Tall, a deep red-brown carved carefully to represent a great tree. I shuddered slightly with nerves and anticipation, feeling like an elfling as I glanced at Elladan, wide-eyed with excitement. He chuckled than turned towards the door, stepping forward until we were level with Arwen and Elrohir. My gaze was fixed on the door as it silently swung open.

When we stepped into the hall, we were greeted with stunned silence. It was all I could do to keep my mouth closed and my head up as I took in all the elves lining the path to the raised dias with the table for Elrond's family and visiting royalty. And then there, at the table. Elrond, with deep blue robes embroidered with silver. And, standing next to him, with an expression of awe, was Legolas. His long, silvery-blonde hair pulled back in the braids of a Prince. Dressed in tunic and leggings, though he made their leaf-green tone seem more regal, even, than Elrond's robes. I blushed slightly when I felt his gaze on me, but refused to look away when his eyes met mine. I was entranced, and that is putting it mildly. I no longer saw anyone else, nor did I feel Elladan guiding me to the dias. I was lost, trapped in the deep blue-green pools of his eyes. Elladan brought me back abruptly by tugging my arm, I blushed bright red and glanced at my feet.

I heard the smile in Lord Elrond's voice as he turned to address the crowd, "Greetings, my friends, and welcome to The House of Elrond Half-Elven. We gather here tonight to celebrate the coming of Kari Aran, The Morningstar, into my family." It took all my self-control not to duck my head with embarrassment when I felt the eyes of nearly everyone in the room scrutinizing me. Beginning to regain a few memories about myself has some downsides…

Elledan led me forward towards the empty chair to the left of Legolas, and to the right of Arwen, who was at Lord Elrond's left. Legolas followed quickly and pulled my chair out for me to sit. I smiled a thank you, pointedly ignoring Elladan's chuckling. Legolas blushed and seated himself next to me. We sat in silence for a few moments, as the food was brought out. Legolas was the first to break the silence, "You look quite stunning this evening, if I may be so bold to say so."

I grinned, "Thank you. Why so formal though? You should know by now that I despise formalities Legolas."

He looked rather worried, "Forgive me, I did not mean to displease you."

I sighed and rolled my eyes, " 'Las, I was joking."

Now he looked embarrassed… What was with him tonight? It was as if we had to get to know each other all over again, not something I wanted to go through. I turned to him curiously, having noticed that the hall was not occupied only by elves, but also Men, Dwarves, and Hobbits, "Why all the guests? Is it about what young Frodo carries?"

He looked out into the hall, his eyes far away, "Yes. They gather for the Council to decide it's fate."

I took the opportunity to study him. He was truly handsome, his long silver-blonde hair pulled back by small braids along the sides of his head. He was tall and willowy, with a deceptive ethereal look. Strong, but not obviously so, like a human would be. I continued to take in his appearance, his captivating blue-green eyes, the defined shape of his jaw and cheek bones. Then he suddenly looked over at me, and caught me staring. I blushed bright red and glanced down at my plate. I looked back up at him when I felt him touch my arm. He looked at me seriously, "No matter what is decided at the Coucil, please promise me you shan't do anything rash! I… I worry for you. I care for you deeply and do not wish for you to be hurt." He looked down and took my hand, then looked back up at me, "May I have this dance, My Lady?" His voice was barely above a whisper, his eyes soft and warm.

I smiled up at him, "I would be delighted to, My Lord."

He grinned and rose from his seat, still holding my hand and gently pulling me along with him. It was the first song, and we were the first to occupy the dance floor. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Neither fast, nor slow, the music swept us along, me just letting myself go and following Legolas because I had never danced that way before. When the song drew to a close we stopped, and I rested my head on his shoulder. We stood there for a moment, letting the last strains of the music wash over us before he wrapped an arm around my waist and murmured in my ear, "Shall we take a walk in the gardens?"

I merely nodded, letting the Elf Prince that had so quickly captured my heart lead me from the hall, not even noticing the smiles that followed us.

There were many who believed it a good omen for the times to come, the Last Homely House and the great kingdom of Mirkwood joined by an alliance of love. The Morningstar and the Prince, two of the best warriors of the Eldar joined as soulmates. Lord Elrond watched the glowing couple as they exited the hall, a proud smile gracing his features. Little did they know, but their love for one another was already a beacon of hope for all of the Eldar race. "You have chosen well, Aran," the Lady of the Wood murmured, gazing into her mirror, "you will find your memories and your home here 'ere your journey is over."

We paused on a bridge overlooking the valley, Legolas still had one arm around my waist. I gazed up at the stars, leaning my head on his shoulder. I spoke softly, "The stars here are so beautiful, yet so different. It is strange, the more I remember about my past, the more it seems some vital piece of information is missing. And though this entire world is like nothing I can remember, I feel that I belong here. In Arda. With you," I murmured the last words so quietly I thought he had not heard me, but I soon realized he had, for the arm that was not around my waist came to rest around my shoulders, his hand tilting my head so that our eyes met.

"With me?" he breathed his face so close that I could feel his breath on my cheeks. I nodded in response, not trusting myself to speak when overcome by the emotions running through me. I clung to his tunic, my eyelids fluttering closed as he began to lean forward, his hand cupping the back of my head. When our lips met, it was like nothing I had ever felt. It was as if something was warming me from the inside, and sparks seemed to swirls behind my eyelids. I was blown away by the love I felt between us, I could feel my soul reaching for his, and, for just a moment, they touched. It was euphoric, the joy and warmth that filled me in that fraction of a second left me breathless and weak in the knees when we parted. I gazed up at him in wonder.

"Yes, melleth nin, with you."

melleth nin= my love

Ada= Dad, Daddy