Night had already fallen over the valley of Imladris as Elerrina sat in front of a large mirror inside her chamber. Faelilla was carefully combing through her hair, tying some golden strands into delicate braids on the back of her head.

"That color looks lovely on you. You will have every single ellon begging for a dance tonight" said Faelilla as she tied the last golden braid and smiled broadly at her.

Elerrina smiled at the silver-haired elf as she studied her image in the mirror. The pale green fabric fell weightlessly around her, softly dancing at the slightest breeze. The sleeves reached only about a couple of inches bellow her bare shoulders before they fell like long strands of delicate fabric nearly to the floor. The neckline and shoulders were embroidered in sparkling silver thread in delicate patterns. The dress was stunning, and the pale color accompanied perfectly the darker shade of her green eyes.

"This is the most beautiful dress I have seen" She said thinking of all the plain human dresses she had worn many times, and the slightly pretty ones she had seen Naeraviel wear every once in a while for important occasions. Those dresses could not be compared to even the plainest elven-made dress.

Faelilla's smile broadened as she placed her hands on the Elerrina's shoulders.

"I must admit it is also one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen" Her morning sky eyes sparkled with joy as she looked into Elerrina's green ones. Oh, how she loved Faelilla already.

"Thank you, for picking it out for me"

"Oh, but it was not me who picked the dress, my Lady" said Faelilla as she put the silver comb away. "Lord Elladan picked it himself, as a present for you, of course. He brought it personally to me this morning so that I could bring it to you."

Elerrina felt a smile form on her lips and she raised her eyebrows questioningly at the silver-haired elf. Surprise was clearly written on her big green orbs. He was proving to be a bigger mystery than she had thought. So the dress had been a present.

"But why did he not come bring it to me himself?" She did not know what to think of the situation, but the image of Elladan suddenly appearing on her door with a dress on his hands was both sweet and laughable. Had he not wanted her to know the dress was a present from him? Or had he thought that she would not accept it coming from him?

"He did not tell you, did he?" The sincere smile on Faelilla's lips told her that it was not a question but a statement. "Sometimes, even after centuries, I find myself thinking that I will never understand the young Lords' reasons."

A light knock on the wooden door made the two elves in the room look up from their conversation. Without a word, the silver-haired elf walked towards the door and opened it.

"Good evening, my Lord" she heard Faelilla say.

"Good evening to you too, Faelilla" she heard a too familiar voice answer back and she turned to face the newcomer.

There on the doorway stood Elladan dressed in an elegant light blue robe, the same pale shade of his traveling cloak, Elerrina noticed. The silver embroidery of leaves on the neck and chest brought out the grey color of his eyes, making them sparkle with their natural glow. His hair had been combed and braided, the dark strands falling down his shoulders and back contrasting sharply with his pale skin. A delicate silver band rested lightly upon his head and forehead as a symbol of royalty. He looked like a son of Elrond.

Elerrina could hardly believe that the elf standing on her doorway was the same elf that had traveled with her a couple of days ago. The only thing that proved this true was the carefree gleam ever present in his silver eyes and his mocking smile.

"My Lady" he said as he bowed his head slightly. His words were formal, and yet his eyes looked at her mischievously, and she did not know if he was being serious or if he was mocking the formal greeting that was traditional among elves.

"My Lord" she answered rising up from her chair and walking towards where he stood. She saw his eyes carefully studying her as a very familiar grin appeared on his face.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked her as he offered his arm to her.

Throwing back a quick glance a Faelilla, Elerrina took his arm and he began to lead them through the house. She liked the feeling of his arm entwined in hers, although she would never admit it to him. It made her feel safe and comfortable and made all her nervousness and worries fade away.

They joined Elrohir at the top of a large staircase. He looked as elegant and royal as his mirror image; the only difference between the two was once again their choice of color. Elrohir wore a formal robe in a deep green shade and a thin silver band, equal to that of his twin's, rested on his head.

Elerrina also noticed the familiar face of Legolas standing just behind the younger twin. The image of his infinite blue eyes staring at her made her mind uneasy. If only she could remember. He, on the other hand, looked undisturbed as he smiled at her and Elladan.

Trying desperately to concentrate her gaze on anything else than the overly familiar elven prince, she noticed a third figure standing with them. Next to Legolas stood a fair dark-haired elven lady that Elerrina had never seen before but was immediately able to recognize. Her delicate features resembled the twins slightly and her equally ebony hair fell in long waves down her back to her waist. Different for the twins and her father, her eyes were a pale shade of blue.

"You must be Elerrina. I am Arwen. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." She said in a voice that sounded like wind chimes.

"The pleasure is mine" she said trying to be successful in hiding her stunned expression.

"You should rethink your choice of words" she snapped in a barely audible whisper to Elladan as he let them next to Elrohir. He had described her as beautiful, but she was way beyond simply beautiful. Elerrina felt plain and common next to this glowing elven princess.

He acted as though he had not heard her, but she saw the corner of his mouth curve up in a tiny smirk. However, before she could say anything else, the sound of light approaching steps made them all turn around.

Lord Elrond appeared into view wearing rich burgundy formal robe and the shiny silver circlet neatly placed over his head. His presence filled the space with calm and peacefulness, but at the same time it carried that immense power that made Elerrina feel nervous once again. He looked serene and content as he gazed upon all of the elves waiting at the staircase. His eyes darted to her and she felt them piercing her soul once more.

"Are you all ready to descend?" he asked smiling as he took his place in the front of the line.

She did not notice when Elrohir answered with a simple "yes" for her mind was once again absorbed by the fascinating and yet terrifying presence of certain ring upon the Elf-Lord's right hand. The ring glowed dimly, the light dancing slowly inside the big blue stone. And she heard it whisper. It whispered constantly, its power surrounding the Lord's tall figure and fleeing into the wind every once in a while.

No other elf could see the strange jewel, nor could they hear it. They remained completely undisturbed by their presence. Elrond also seemed to act completely oblivious to it. His face a perfect mask of tranquility. Only when his deep grey eyes pierced into her green ones she knew that he was aware of what was in her mind. He was aware of the effect the ring had on her.

"Try to ignore it"

Her heart skipped a beat as she heard his calmed voice inside her head. Her head darted instantly towards the Elf-Lord, but found him peacefully sharing some words with Elrohir before starting their way down the massive staircase. She did not know how he had entered her mind; she had never experienced such thing before. She felt scared but hid it, determined to follow his example and not let the others know of their silent exchange of words.

"My Lady" Elrohir's voice drew her out of her trance and she found him offering one of his arms to her. She accepted it with her free arm and, with her other arm still holding on to Elladan's she started her march between the two identical elves.

They made their way down with the Lord of Imadris at the front, followed by the twins and Elerrina and Arwen followed just behind them by the arm of Legolas. Elerrina felt a wave of panic wash over her as they marched gracefully towards a pair of huge finely crafted doors. Of course Imladris' first family would make a formal entrance into the hall holding the feast, how did she not think about it before. Her panic intensified as she realized that was being lead by the twins on either side of her; there was no way in Arda that curious stares would spare her. And above all things, she could still hear the echo of the Lord's voice ringing freshly inside her mind as she tried her best to ignore the incessant whispers in the air.

Wow, I don't know why this chapter took me so long to write it! I hope you like! Comments are welcome! I promise next chapter will come sooner!

Love,

Elena