Disclaimer: Still don't own it or anything close to it. Nor do I own Steel Magnolias however I do love it. As for the dresses I describe Kate and Almira wearing to the gathering, examples of what I based them off of can be found at the links below:
.
.
Chapter 21-Love Stinks
I woke up to the sounds of someone rustling about in the sitting room. I got up slowly and wrapped one of the extra blankets Malthenwen had left for me around my shoulders. I poked my head cautiously out the door only to see Almira looking out the window.
"What the hell are you doing up so early?" I asked irritably.
"I could ask you the same question," she replied dryly. "By the way, you look like Hell."
I just grumbled and rolled my eyes as I went to stand next to her at the window. After a moment, I said, "I just woke up out of habit. I mean it is barely past dawn"
"Me too. I'm bummed." I nodded, huffing grumpily.
I heard soft footfalls behind us and I knew Almira did too because she gave me a small sideways glance.
We turned to see Malthenwen descending a set of spiral steps. "Good morning," she said softly.
"Where do those stairs lead? I did not really notice them yesterday," I asked.
"Ah, those lead up the tree about one story to my talan, there is another guest talan across the bridge you can see out that window, which is where Eruanna is staying. And Orophin's house, as well as Rumil's, is on the same level as ours. They are just in separate tress. We have a sort of family complex. Haldir's parents gifted us our talan when we bound, the one which he and his brothers grew up in, and they then moved to a smaller talan further up this tree." She reached the bottom of the stairs and paused, staring out the window behind us. "Here comes Eruanna, good she can help with breakfast. I see she already went to the market, even better." She refocused on us. "It will take awhile for you to get used to cooking without modern conveniences, but Eruanna and I will be here to help."
"Good morning," Eruanna said brightly as she came through the door, carrying a basket in one hand. She took one look at me before saying, "You look like Hell."
I rolled my eyes. "So I have been told. I don't know why, it's not like I got my heart broken or anything."
Her smile grew. "Well, we shall just have to do something about that then." Malthenwen gave her a stern look and I glanced between them warily and noticed Almira was gazing at me sympathetically. Eruanna rolled her eyes and said in an exasperated tone, "Oh would you look at all of you! I am not going to try and hook her up with another elf to make Legolas jealous or anything remotely similar to such a silly idea. I was just thinking breakfast and a bath. For the love of all that's holy," and she continued muttering indignantly as she marched to the kitchen.
Malthenwen flashed us a smile before following Eruanna into the kitchen. Almira and I exchanged relieved yet sheepish smiles before joining them. The next hour was spent being taught how to cook in a world that was practically medieval. We learned to build a fire and how to cook over said fire. It was nowhere near easy and by the end I had a hell of a lot more respect for my ancestors. However it was one of the best breakfasts I ever remember eating. There were eggs, porridge, fresh fruit, cheese and tea. It was a veritable feast.
At one point, I paused and looked up. Eruanna and Malthenwen were staring at Almira and me with something akin to wonder on their faces. It was then that I realized I had been shoveling food into my mouth at an unholy speed. And judging by the rather embarrassed look on Almira's face, it seemed our lack of manners had dawned on her too.
I put my fork down slowly. "I am sorry," I said. "I did not mean to hog all the food or-"
Eruanna waved a hand impatiently. "If anyone should apologize it is us. You have just been on a journey that no doubt had a lack of variety concerning foodstuffs not to mention limited foodstuffs. I think it just brought home to us exactly what you both have experienced." Malthenwen nodded her agreement, and with a wink slid a bowl of berries towards us.
I gave a soft laugh and spooned a few more onto my plate, as did Almira. After a few more moments in companionable silence we finished. We then helped them clean up, and then Eruanna suggested Malthenwen show us how bathing worked while she rustled up something for us to wear.
She came to my room first. Once again she drained water from the roof into the sink, and then lifted the sink bowl out of its stand depositing the water in a tub. She did this several times until the tub was full, and then dropped hot coals into the tub to warm it up and then left with a smile. And while it was still only lukewarm and a far cry to the showers I had growing up, it was a bath, something I had gone without for weeks. Splashing water out of a river onto my face and neck could not hold a candle to an actual bath and I groaned in bliss as I sank into the water. About twenty minutes later, I heard a knock on my door. Conveniently, I had just finished toweling myself off. I wrapped it around myself and yelled enter.
Eruanna entered giving me a sunny smile which I could have hated her for if only she had not been so wonderful. Her arms were full of several articles of clothing. "Are you ready?" she asked, a wry smile on her face, most likely at my look of dread.
"I'm not sure. I think I might miss giving up pants," I replied. "But then again, those look like beautiful fabrics."
"They are I assure you. Alright, first comes the chemise-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa…I am not going commando or braless. Sorry, no can do."
She just nodded. "I figured."
I retrieved my undergarments which I had cleaned out last night after washing up.
"Ready?" She queried, her back to me as I changed.
"Yes," I said after a moment.
"Ok, first the chemise." She handed it to me and I put it on. "Now this dress might be a bit tight in certain areas and a bit long."
"Story of my life," I muttered as I pulled the gown over my head.
"However," she said as she came to stand behind me, "It laces in the front and back and therefore can be adjusted to your size rather easily. She tightened it in the back until an hourglass shape could be seen. "I will let you adjust the front."
I did so and then she plaited my hair in a herringbone braid. When she was finished I turned to the mirror and caught my breath. The dress was a beautiful saffron color with a white panel down the front over which the lacings of the saffron part drew together. There was a white band on the sleeves above the elbow and the inside of the long trumpet sleeves was also white. It was fairly form-fitting without being too revealing. It had been awhile since I had seen myself in a dress. "Do I still look like Hell?" I asked.
Eruanna smiled. "Not even close."
"Mission accomplished," I said.
"Good, let us see if Almira and Malthenwen are ready and we shall take you on a tour of the city."
We left and entered the sitting room only to find Almira and Malthenwen already waiting for us. Almira's dress was similar to mine except that it did not lace in front, only the back. Her gown was a hunter green with a mint green insert in the front, with a square neck and trumpet sleeves that did not have the arm band but slit up the side revealing the mint green color on the inside and leaving an opening allowing her hands to move more freely.
We spent the better part of the day touring the city. We went first to the kitchens, where guests often ate as well as people like messengers or returning or leaving Wardens, and anyone who just wanted to eat with a larger group. From there we made our way to the practice grounds, public baths, an outdoor pavilion where entertainment was held, the marketplace and artisans' area, where we bought some fresh fruit, cheese and bread for our lunch which we took to the gardens back where we ended our tour. And while my company could not have been better, my participation in our conversation was half-hearted. I had once again lapsed into silence as we were strolling through a particular section of the garden after our brief lunch, when I heard my name called.
I turned to see the ellon that had blindfolded me approaching me. "Ladies," he said, bowing gracefully to all of us and we curtseyed in response. "And as I have not been properly introduced to the Lady Kate and Lady Almira, allow me to do so now. I am Trevadir, a warden as you already know. I saw you pass by and wished to discover how you find our fair city so far?"
"It is lovely," I said flatly.
"Verily, it is one of the most enchanting places I have ever been," stated Almira smoothly, making up for my rather short response.
"Kind of you to say," he replied, beaming proudly. "Will you ladies be at the gathering tonight?" Both Almira and I whipped our gazes to Malthenwen and Eruanna, who were wearing extremely guilty expressions.
"Gathering?" I asked, in a deadly calm voice, the kind of calm that is often characterized as coming before the storm.
"Ah yes, how could I forget?" Malthenwen gave a shaky laugh as I raised an eyebrow in tacit acknowledgement of the fact that everyone present knew she had not forgotten. "The Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn are throwing a celebratory feast and dance for the safe advent of the Fellowship to their woods."
"Oh blast," I muttered.
"Am I correct in assuming you ladies will be there?" Trevadir queried in a careful tone.
"You may," Eruanna said quickly, ignoring Almira and I's rather less than courteous stares, "Which means we should be going as there are many errands we have to run concerning this event. If you will excuse us?"
"Of course," he replied, bowing once again and we curtseyed. "Until tonight."
"A dance?" I cried as soon as we had started walking and Trevadir was out of sight. "I just got my heart ripped out and stomped on; I don't exactly feel like socializing."
"This is going to be awkward on so many levels. Celebrations like this always are. Not only will there be drama between Kate and Legolas, we will probably be gawked at by everyone," Almira added with a gloomy sigh.
"Well whether you like it or not, you are members of the Fellowship and it would be extremely discourteous not to attend the festivities," Eruanna stated, giving us both a stern gaze that promised that nothing pleasant would happen to us if we skipped out on said gathering.
"It really might not be so bad," Malthenwen said kindly. "Most elves will probably wish to express their gratitude for what you are doing," she added, her tone sounding a tad too hopeful.
"Oh yes, I am sure that is all they shall want. I am sure none of them will have any interest in my sudden lack of relationship with Lego-his highness, the Prince of Mirkwood," I said sarcastically, and ignored their looks of surprise at my sudden formality concerning Legolas. But I could not bring myself to say his name, I had to detach myself or I was afraid I would start crying all over again like the pathetic lovelorn fool I was.
"Not to mention our status as other-worldly beings that meet with the Valar. That's bound to raise some questions, rumors and whatever else comes from being the odd man out," Almira added dryly.
I snorted in agreement. Eruanna and Malthenwen just exchanged uneasy glances as they led us back towards the marketplace.
"Why are we headed this way?" I asked.
"Because you will need something a little more formal to wear and therefore a visit to the seamstresses is called for." We walked the rest of the way in silence and as put out as I was over the impending gathering, upon entering the shop and beginning to sort through the dresses I reluctantly found I was enjoying myself. I had gone through several dresses without finding anything when one of the seamstresses came up to me. "I think I have found just the thing for you."
She held up the dress and I was instantly in love with it. It was a silk chiffon, and the color ranged from mossy to lime greens contrasting with a burnt/terracotta orange. The bodice was gathered to showcase the range of colors within the fabric and a burnt orange ribbon around the diaphragm and lacing down the back accented the orange tones of the dress perfectly. It had a deep-v neckline, and a mixture of pearls and crystals ran from the point of the v down to the ribbon encircling the dress. It also had the long medieval sleeves and the skirt and train flowed to and pooled at the floor.
"What do you think?" she asked.
"I do not think I could do it justice," I admitted.
"Let me be the judge of that." She shooed me behind a curtained changing area and helped me into the dress.
"Oof," I gasped as she laced and tightened the bodice and she gave a soft laugh.
"I take it that it has been awhile since you have been laced into a dress." I just nodded; choosing to conserve air as breathing was going to be difficult. However, looking at myself in the mirror, the dress may not have done much for my respiratory system but it did a hell of a lot for my figure.
"May I assume we have found the dress?" the seamstress asked. I pulled my mesmerized gaze from the mirror, to see her tenderly amused expression. I blushed; it's not that I was vain but I had just never seen myself looking truly stunning. It felt weird.
"You may," I said quietly.
"Wonderful, now I will just need to make a few alterations." So the rest of the afternoon was spent holding still so as not to be pricked with a needle while the seamstress flitted around making little alterations here and there.
"Done," the seamstress announced triumphantly. I gave a little internal 'hallelujah' and opened the curtain to show the others.
"Hot damn," Eruanna said with a teasing wink and I noticed several of the seamstresses raise their eyebrows.
"Oh Kate," Malthenwen breathed.
"It's magnificent," I heard Almira say from behind me.
"Thanks," I said turning. "As is yours, it becomes you." And it did. It was a vibrant, heavy turquoise/green silk embellished on the bodice with gold lace and beading, and laced in the back with gold ribbon. It had a square neckline with sleeves that slit at the shoulder and reached past her fingertips, and the skirt flowed to the floor.
"So that is settled then," Malthenwen stated with a smile. "Change quickly, then we can return to my talan and prepare. We have only about an hour before dinner."
The seamstress helped me out of the dress then left with it, as I once again put on my everyday dress. When I emerged from behind the curtain, I saw a carefully wrapped linen package waiting for me, Almira already had hers and her, Eruanna and Malthenwen were conversing softly while waiting for me. We thanked the seamstresses and left. We had been walking for several minutes before a thought occurred to me.
"Did you purchase these for us?" I asked, already feeling guilty that I had only now thought to ask.
"No, I did not," stated Malthenwen matter-of-factly. "They were a gift from the Lady."
"Holy cow," said Almira. "That's…these are…wow."
"While very kind, it is only logical she would do so. You have been traveling in the wilds for weeks now; she did not expect you to have a ball gown or the funds for one handy."
"But still…" I said.
"Still it was very kind of her," Malthenwen said in agreement. "They certainly did not have to be so ornate, but you will find the Lady has a very generous heart."
"I'll say," I murmured, unconsciously clutching my package tighter. We reached the tree and began climbing, and as we neared our talan we heard male voices.
Almira and I exchanged confused glances which Malthenwen must have noticed for she suddenly explained, "It is most likely Rumil and Orophin. I believe today was their last day of duty at the fences for this month."
I saw Almira's panicked expression but I did not have time to tell her not to worry as we had just reached the door. Upon entering we saw Rumil, Orophin and another elleth sitting at the sitting area drinking wine. They rose as we entered and formal introductions were made with more bowing and curtseying. The second elleth was Orophin's wife, Nyssa, who was very pregnant. She glowed, which increased her beauty about tenfold. She was tall and slender with flaxen hair and cerulean, laughing eyes. Rumil and Orophin were very obviously brothers. They had the same high cheekbones and proud nose, just like Haldir, and the same long, pale blond hair. However Orophin was of a lighter build than Rumil with eyes that bordered on grey while Rumil's were a clear sky blue.
"You ladies must hurry. You would not want to be late for your own gathering," Orophin teased, his eyes twinkling as only an elf's can do. He was clearly happy to be off the border and back with his wife. And the fact that he had someone and was happy made me want to kick him in the shins.
Ashamed, annoyed and frustrated I said curtly, "As if I had a choice." I swept out of the room and into my bedroom and heard Almira say to the awkward silence that followed, "I am sorry, she's not quite herself since-well, you will see."
I heard her enter the room and shut the door. Turning I said remorsefully, "I am sorry I am being such a butthead. I'm just miserable." I felt my eyes fill with tears and I sank onto the side of the bed facing away from her. Sighing she came and sat beside me, "I know. And you aren't a butthead." I met her gaze and we both laughed.
"I have not heard or used that word since middle school," she said, throwing an arm around my shoulders.
"Me either. But it seemed apt." I laid my head on her shoulder and we sat there for a moment before she quietly asked, "Better?"
"Yes."
"Good, than let's get ready. I don't know about you but I could use a good party…or at least alcohol." I gave a short laugh and stood. Following Almira's example, I unlaced my dress and stripped down to my underwear before unwrapping and stepping into my other dress.
"Shall I tighten and fasten your lacings?" Almira asked.
I nodded bleakly. "Oh come on," she said, "You don't look excited!"
"That might because I enjoy breathing freely and deeply," I responded dryly.
"Ah, but tonight might you not enjoy having cleavage more?" she teased, pushing on my shoulder so I turned.
"Fair enough." I managed not to gasp as my laces were done up and turned to do hers.
"This does take some getting used to," she said as she squirmed a bit in her dress.
"I'll say. Now what am I going to do with all this hair?" I looked in the mirror despairingly. My hair had now grown to my lower back. "Is it just me or is it growing faster?"
"I've noticed that too," Almira said. She shrugged, "Must be an Elven thing. Unbraid it and I will pin some of it back."
I did and she pulled the hair on the side of my head back, twisting it a few times then pinning it. The rest of my hair flowed down my back in soft waves that had come as a result of my hair drying in a braid. As Almira and I traded places in front of my bathroom mirror I asked, "How would you like your hair styled?"
"A little more modern." I raised my eyebrows. "You know how girls would poof a section of their hair up and pin it?" I nodded. "I want that."
"Alright, let's hope it stays without hairspray."
"Actually…I have some," she admitted, giving me a sheepish look through the mirror.
"You have hairspray? How did you get that?"
"I brought it with me."
"You brought hairspray with you on a quest through the wilderness?" I stared at her disbelievingly.
"Sue," she stated simply with a shrug.
I rolled my eyes. "Where is it?"
"On my dresser." I went and retrieved it ignoring the guarded gazes of Rumil, Orophin and Nyssa.
"I think I offended them," I stated softly as I sprayed and styled her hair.
"You're having a rough time. And while your actions weren't exactly commendable they were understandable. And once they sense the tension between you and Legolas I think your words will be forgotten or at least forgiven."
"When did you get so wise?" I asked gruffly.
"I had a good example. You might know her. She's short, too curvy to be a real elf with rather lackluster brown hair?" She stated with a teasing light in her eyes.
"I know a ravishingly beautiful and voluptuous brunette," I replied.
"Ah, that's the one." She held my gaze for a moment in the mirror, before continuing softly, "I really owe you one you know."
I squeezed her shoulder. "You were there when it counted, you remember-when Legolas left me? Consider us even."
She nodded and I heard a soft sniffle. "Oh god, don't start crying please, because if you do then I will because in the immortal words of Dolly Parton in 'Steel Magnolias' "I have a policy that no one cries alone in my presence." And if we both start crying I have a feeling that we'll flood the place."
Laughingly she stood up and hugged me. "I think we are going to be alright, Kate. I really do," she whispered. I swallowed past the lump in my throat at those words and hugged her back.
"I hope you're right," I replied softly. After a moment we drew apart. "Come on," I said. "Let's party like its 1999."