Chapter 11 - A Reunion in Rivendell
Tauriel was preparing for the celebration that was to take place the same night. She had arrived in Rivendell with the rest of the company the other day. Legolas had been out hunting with Elladan and Elohir when they came. By now, he knew that elves from Mirkwood were here - but not that Tauriel was with them. The red-haired elleth had decided to surprise her friend at the celebration.
To make matters better, she had just learned that it was a masquerade ball. This way, she had a better chance of surprising Legolas. She had borrowed a mask from the Lady Arwen Evenstar whom she had taken a liking to.
Presently, Tauriel was inspecting her appearance in the mirror of the guest room she was staying in. She was not trying to be vain, but she thought she looked stunning - almost unrecognizable.
She had done her hair differently, but more elegantly, to reduce the risk of Legolas realizing she was present at the celebration. The necklace bearing a certain green jewel was dangling from her neck. It contrasted wonderfully with her silver gown, matching her eyes. She still wore it though the gem would be a dead give away concerning her identity if she stumbled upon her friend.
Suddenly, the sweet, pure sound of and elven bell filled the air. It announced the start of the celebration. Tauriel hastily sheathed her daggers on a belt hidden behind her skirts just in case. She then flew towards the ballroom not wanting to miss much of the long-awaited event.
An elleth with fiery-red curls entered the grand ballroom of Rivendell. Her identity was concealed by a silver mask matching her gown. The emerald eyes peeping out from behind the mask scanned the room as though looking for something - or someone.
Tauriel's vision grazed over the elves present at the celebration. She was seeking out the unique blonde of her friend's hair. This turned out to be a rather challenging task as the majority of the elves were dancing. There were a few others with the same flaxen hair, but they did not have the same charming smile of pearly white teeth beaming from underneath their masks.
Then she saw him. A tall ellon stood gazing at the dancers. He was decked in blue - a color that matched his icy eyes. His golden hair stood out more than any other. Legolas.
She strode over to him as the song ended, "May I dance this next one with you, sir?"
His eyes pierced into hers as he nodded slightly, "Yes, you may."
The song ended just like the dancing - and the secrets concerning identity. Those dancing had to remove their masks and inform their partner who the were.
Tauriel was getting excited. She couldn't wait to see the expression on her partner's gentle face when he discovered who she was.
The dancer with blue eyes remove his mask first, "I am Legolas Greenleaf. I am the son of King Thranduil and the only heir to the throne of Mirkwood." Legolas appeared to be proud of his title.
The green-eyed dancer smirked. She removed her own mask and proclaimed even more proudly than her friend, "I am Tauriel of the Mirkwood realm." She beamed, "Erin Vuin - Mellonin."
Legolas was dumbfounded. He couldn't believe his eyes, or his ears - or any of his sharp elven senses for that matter. This was Tauriel? This whole time! His best friend in childhood. The one he missed greatly when he left her behind in his kingdom.
For some time, the only thing he could do was stare. Then he found his voice again, "Tauriel, mellonin, it's you. You're here! Oh, Tauriel." He gathered her up in a tight embrace. That hug made up for the many years they were apart. It was filled with much emotion. Tears of joy streamed down both elf's fair faces.
So, the two friends saw each other once more for the first time in years. A joyous reunion.
Translations:
• Ernil Vuin = My Prince
• Mellonin = My friend
