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Do Not Go Gentle

Chapter 20: Oops, I Did It Again

After being dressed and pampered by Arwen and Gerda, I didn't know what to expect. They had worked miracles before, making me feel like a completely different person… but this was something else entirely.

I didn't recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror.

She was wearing an embroidered mint green gown that had mesh sleeves that ran loose down to her wrists where they were cinched closed. The raven hair sat elegantly on her head in a delicately placed updo with a braided crown. Her sea-green eyes were bright and vibrant from both the color of the dress and the dark kohl that lined them. Arwen had painted her lips a dark red, deep and rich like the color of blood.

This was the daughter of a sea god, I supposed. This was what I could have been if things were different.

Her fair skin was illuminated majestically by the candles lit along the walls, creating an aura around the woman that transcended reality itself. The word beautiful did not do her justice.

"You look magnificent, Lady Persie," Gerda voiced in choked awe as she moved to stand behind the woman in the mirror.

Gerda had dressed in one of her finest dresses, a lovely blue satin corset falling into a loose skirt that made her auburn hair rich with red highlights. The slippers she wore made her silent footsteps even quieter, if possible.

"I think that is an understatement, Gerda," Arwen said kindly, moving to stand at the woman's other side with a wide smile. "Mellon, you are shining like the Valar themselves this evening."

I felt heat rush to my cheeks as the faint signs of a blush appeared on the woman's cheeks.

"Thank you, Arwen," I whispered, staring in awe as the woman's mouth moved with my words. "You too, Gerds. I have never felt like this before."

Arwen's brow wrinkled slightly. "What do you mean?"

I forced myself to turn away from the vision in the mirror to look at my friend in earnest. "I have never felt so beautiful before."

Her smile seemed to glow. "This is what you truly look like on the inside and outside, mellon. I suppose it is time you start to recognize yourself for how wonderful you truly are."

Arwen was wearing a white dress that seemed to be encrusted with jewels that shone in the candle glow even brighter than the moon. It was an off-shoulder ensemble that hugged her curves perfectly, with sleeves that fanned down to end at her feet. A small train followed her as she glided around the room, quickly making her last finishing touches before we left.

"If you are to be on time, my Ladies, we must be on our way," Gerda told us, before once again grabbing my arm and leading me to the door.

"Have you made it your job to drag me around, now?" I questioned grumpily. "I'm not a toy to fling wherever you want, you know."

Another voice chimed in, "You are not?"

I turned to see Elrohir walking down the hall with a smug smile. There were two guards flanking him, but I couldn't figure out if I recognized them or not.

"Last I checked, I wasn't. But if you want me to I can go back and see…"

Arwen chose that moment to walk out of my chambers. "You are not going to get out of this that easily, mellon nin."

I let out a low groan. "Why are we doing this, again?"

Elrohir laughed. "She is right, Neneth. Ada wants to thank you for what you have done for our family, and show you off to some of the other Lords while doing it so I suggest you deal with it."

I crossed my arms. "I don't want to be forced into these political games of your father's."

He walked over and held out his arm. "These are things you will need to get used to, Miss Champion of the Valar." Gerda took a step back so Elrohir could take my arm as an escort. "With a title like that, you will no doubt be the center of attention wherever you go. At least here you are among friends."

I gulped. "I never asked for this."

Arwen glided over to her brother, taking his other arm delicately. "None of us asked for this, Persie," she spoke as we started to walk to the large dining hall where Gerda told me the feast would take place.

"It is something we were born into, and have to bear, just as you do," Elrohir finished, looking down at me with understanding in his eyes. "No one here expects you to be perfect and know what to do right away, even Ada knows it comes with time."

Arwen giggled quietly. "If he had higher expectations for you, surely you would have heard something when you opened your mouth to Lord Macalster and his daughter, Lady Mirwen."

I shuddered. "They deserved it."

Elrohir shrugged. "You will one day learn to grin and ignore them. They have little say in political matters in this land and try to make up for it by talking loud and starting mischief within the council."

I took a deep breath, ignoring the rage that started to seep into my veins from just thinking of the disrespect Mirwen has shown my friends, and from what she has said about me. I knew better than to let my anger out, but for some reason, she brought the worst out of me.

"It is okay to be upset," Arwen told me. "But you must learn to control it, and show them that they have not crawled underneath your skin."

I nodded. "I will do my best."

For the rest of the walk to the halls, the three of us followed by Gerda and the guards walked in silence. I knew for Arwen and Elrohir this was just another evening, but for me, this was not something I have ever done before. Sure, at Camp we had our massive parties and celebrations but this was way more formal than a council meeting or a bonfire bash.

For the first time in a long time, I was truly nervous.

As soon as we got there, I was pleasantly surprised to see Elladan sitting in a wheelchair and waiting for us with a large smile. He was still paler than normal, but it was nice to see the twinkle in his eye. "It's nice to see you," I told him, slipping out of Elrohir's grip and grabbing onto his brother's hand in joy. "Last time I saw you, you were in a lot worse shape."

Elrond made his appearance, swiftly making his way behind his son and placing a hand on his shoulder. "He has you to thank for his safety, Lady Persephone. I am glad you are here, or else I would have lost a son, and my children a brother."

I didn't need to look behind me to know Elrohir and Arwen had stiffened at their father's words. "I am glad to be of your service, to you and your family."

A pleasant smile came upon the Lord's face. "It is an honor to have you with us this eve, and to show you my thanks, this feast is in honor of you, my dear."

I couldn't help but smile at the fatherly tone of the Elf Lord. It was nice to feel the comfort of a father again. "I appreciate this gesture, Lord Elrond, but-"

Elladan waved his arm weakly from his chair. "But nothing, Neneth. If you hadn't been there, I would not have survived. This is the least we could do."

I raised a brow. "I don't think you would have given up so easily."

Elrohir chuckled. "Of course we wouldn't have, but the odds were certainly not in our favor even with you there."

I turned to look at the two standing smugly behind me. They knew I had no ground to stand on in this argument, and seemed rather annoyingly pleased about it.

"Now, Lady Persephone, allow me to explain to you what will happen as we are about to begin," Elrond said, shooting a look at Lindir who had started to hurry his way over to us. "I will go in first, followed by Arwen with Elladan and then you with Elrohir, who is to be your escort for this evening."

I gulped.

"Then, I will simply give a toast in thanks for what you have done for my family and then the feast will begin."

I felt a muscular arm wrap around my shoulders. "I will help you as we go, don't fret much about it," Elrohir told me.

Elladan grinned, squeezing the hand he still held in his own. "You will be fine, and besides, you are the most beautiful being in Imladris this eve, so all will be too stunned by your beauty to notice any faults."

Elrohir looked to his sister with a shrug. "Sorry, muinthel, but he is right."

Arwen rolled her eyes. "Of course he is, Persie is absolutely stunning."

"My Lord! It is time!" Lindir urged, heading to the double door entrance in a rush. I wondered what was in his pants that might have made him move so fast, but then I don't know if I wanted to know the answer. Nope. Definitely not thinking about it.

Elrond followed the minstrel at a much more subdued pace before looking back at me with a knowing look. "All will be well, Gaerwen."

My eyes widened at the name, recognizing at least a part of the word as the Elf Lord walked into the loud banquet hall, making the crowd hush at his presence.

I looked up at Elrohir who was also looking at the doors with wide eyes. "What did he call me?"

He looked down curiously. "You do not know?"

I huffed as Arwen and Elladan then made their entrance at the behalf of Lindir's prodding. "If I knew, why would I ask?"

He chuckled.

"You are next," Lindir gestured, his frantic waving us over nearly making me want to offer him a Xanax, or at least this world's equivalent of one.

"You will tell me," I said, squeezing his arm. "And you'll tell me what all this Neneth crap is about, too."

Elrohir only continued to laugh lowly. "You mean you still do not know what we are calling you?"

I let out another huff of air, just as the doors opened once more to let us through. "Shut up."

The hall was full of four long tables spanning the entirety with another shorter table propped up above the others on a split level. I noticed a few people I knew that had already taken their seats at that table: one being Goldilocks, and another being Lord Erestor- the dude Alma has been trying so hard to impress.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks at the knowledge that everyone's eyes were on me, and I realized my nerves must have been showing because Elrohir squeezed my arm subtly.

"All is well," he whispered into my ear as a lover or dear friend would. I blushed even more at the feeling of his lips on the tip of my ear.

I didn't dare turn my head to respond. He was too close. Way too close. I didn't want to accidentally kiss the elf or something.

I found myself more preferential to blondes, anyway.

He led me to a seat between Goldilocks and his sister, who sat at her father's right side, as the Lady of Imladris, this was Arwen's role to take up. Elladan, the heir, sat on his father's left, and Elrohir on his brother's left after that. As was their place.

"You did so well," Arwen whispered, never once taking her eyes off the audience who now seemed to be starring at the two of us in awe. "I never doubted you for a moment."

I smiled wryly, trying to ignore the stirring in my chest and my stiffness at the knowledge of who else was sitting next to me. "Why am I not sitting by Elrohir?" I asked, as her father started another one of his long-winded speeches about the integrity of the elves and the power of the Valar, blah, blah, blah.

Arwen turned her head to give me a soft smile. "We are to hold to our sanctions, as Lords and Ladies of Imladris, no matter who we are escorted by."

I swallowed. Of course, the roles of being Lords and Ladies are strict, but until now I didn't really realize how strict it really was. I knew my friend had many duties to adhere to as the Lady of Imladris after her mother sailed, but the mass of it all never registered before this.

I thought back to how they had voiced not choosing this for themselves. I wondered if they would have chosen this if they had a say.

"You look lovely this evening, Lady Persephone," a soothing voice spoke from my other side. I felt a blush start to fill my cheeks once again.

I didn't dare turn to look at him. I know nothing good would happen if I did. "Thanks, Goldilocks."

"Still stuck on that name?"

Don't. Look.

"Shh, I'm trying to listen, Blondie."

A slight chuckle. "I think I preferred Goldilocks."

Don't look, don't you dare...

Elrond made a gesture toward me, and all the eyes in the room were once again on my face. I really tried to smile, but it probably looked more like I was trying to not shit my pants.

"The Valar have graced our people once again with the arrival of Lady Persephone, who has come to help us in our fight against the darkness of Mordor."

Er... what exactly is Mordor? Mor's Door? The door to Mor?

"Yesterday she fought against the might of the orcs to save my son, the heir to Imladris. She protected Lords and Ladies of our beloved home, and fought with grace and aptitude only seen by the Valar themselves," He continued, giving me a small smile at the end. "I am thankful she has come to us, for without her, I dare not think of what might have happened to my children."

Arwen placed a hand on my own and gave her own delicate smile which I had no choice but to return. Joy radiates off of her and carves through the darkness to make its way into my own soul. They don't call her the Evenstar for nothing, I guess.

"This toast is for the Lady Persephone, the savior of the line of Eärendil, and daughter of my heart."

My eyes watered, as everyone in attendance raised their glasses with the Elf Lord, and toasted to my name. That's a first, and I didn't think I deserved it.

"Now, let us eat!"

Servants moved from wherever they were hiding in the alcoves and immediately brought out the food for us to eat. My plate was stacked with various foods, and I could hear my stomach growl below.

"That was nice, what Lord Elrond did," Goldilocks spoke next to me as he cut into what looked to be chicken.

I nodded but avoided looking directly at his face. I focused on the food below, sticking my fork strongly into the salad that suddenly seemed super captivating. "It was," I agreed, before taking a bite.

"He claimed you as the daughter of his heart, something that is not taken lightly by elven kind," he continued, putting his knife and fork down before turning his body to face mine. "Are you trying to avoid me?"

I swallowed and looked out into the hall, noticing Alma and Aldarian sitting near the front with a few others I didn't recognize. "No."

"Then why will you not look at me?"

I turned my gaze back down to the plate and started to move the broiled vegetables around with my fork. "I am just enjoying my dinner."

He scoffed, before shifting to start to eat his own meal. "Fine, if you are going to be stubborn then I am not going to try to be friendly."

I snorted into my food. "You certainly didn't try to be friendly yesterday."

Goldilocks placed his cutlery down again, this time letting it rattle on the plate. "Is that what this is about? I believed we left on good terms last evening."

I pretended I didn't notice Arwen's soft giggling or the movement of Lord Elrond's shoulders as they ate, and turned to face Goldilocks for the first time during the feast.

If I thought he looked good before, then now, during a proper banquet, feast, or whatever this was called- he was absolutely striking. His hair was perfect, as always, and he looked godly in his finery. He glowed in the candlelight, and if I had to guess he was even more radiant than Arwen herself.

The smile on his face widened. "Are you staring, Lady Persephone?"

Whatever smile had made its way onto my face was now gone. "You wish, Blondie." I turned back to my meal, fighting the heat in my cheeks and my traitor heartbeat that started to go a mile a minute.

"What happened to Goldilocks?"

I shrugged, smiling out to Alma who waved at me. "I'll call you Goldilocks when you start being nice."

He laughed. "I am being nice, Milady. Why would you ever think differently?"

"Perhaps it is because you keep interrupting her when she is trying to eat," Arwen spoke, her bright blue eyes shifting over to the General. "She often gets upset when her stomach is not full, you see."

I never wanted to bury my head in food so bad in my life just to escape this misery.

"Ah," Goldilocks said, mirth evident in his tone. "I suppose I will try once more to gain her attention after this meal."

Arwen looked at me knowingly, before looking past my red face to speak to Goldilocks again, "I think that would be wise."

I didn't say anything and ignored the eyes that kept digging at the side of my head.

Nope.

Not saying anything.

The rest of the meal passed relatively quick, and I avoided making the small talk that the others seemed to be engaging in. I was horrified by after-dinner conversations, so I did my best when stuffing my face to also think about different ways to get out of the dining hall alive.

I didn't think I could make myself throw up, because I think Arwen would stop me if I tried to gag myself with a spoon. Goldilocks probably would stop me if I tried to make a sudden escape, and I don't think Elrohir would appreciate being stood up even though he never actually asked to escort me in the first place.

It was quite the conundrum.

Soon, tables started to be moved just in time for dancing to take place.

I had a feeling the dancing they did in this world was very different from the dancing I had participated in at Camp. The last time I properly danced with someone was when I did the waltz with Annabeth, and that was a long time ago.

It wasn't even dancing, really, we just swayed awkwardly to the music.

"May I have this dance, Lady Persephone?"

Thank the gods.

"Of course, Lord Elrohir."

I could feel Goldilocks's gaze on my back as Elrohir led me away from the table, and out onto the makeshift dance floor where others had already started to gather.

"Thanks for the save," I whispered into his shoulder, as he started leading me in a dance I was very unfamiliar with.

"You are welcome, I heard Glorfindel from where I was seated," he said, before letting out a groan when my foot stepped on his. "Have you ever danced before?"

I pinched his side, and glared up at him when he squirmed. "Of course I have, dude. Just not in this world, duh."

He let out another moan of pain when I stepped on his other foot. "Obviously the dances are different in this world."

"No shit, Sherlock."

Elrohir looked down at me curiously. "Here again you make mention to this Sherlock."

I let out a laugh, ignoring the stares I got from other Lords and Ladies who I didn't know for it. "He's not someone you would know, trust me."

"Care to explain, then?"

I shook my head. "Maybe another time when I'm not trying to avoid your feet."

He let out another groan, as once again, I stomped on his toes. "Perhaps you should try harder."

I stomped deliberately on his other foot. "You should try to lead me better, my Lord."

Elrohir glared. "Perhaps you are just a hopeless cause, my Lady."

"Maybe you-"

"Pardon my interruption, but may I ask the Lady for my hand in this next dance?"

I looked over Elrohir's shoulder to see none other than Goldilocks standing there, a smirk on his face. Elrohir looked at me smugly and shrugged before handing me off to the last Elf I wanted to dance with.

"She's all yours. And watch her feet if you want to be able to walk after dancing with her," Elrohir told him, clapping the blond on his shoulder. "Good luck."

I gaped at the retreating Elf. "He is so going to regret that later," I grumbled, and looked up at the golden elf as he started to laugh. "What?"

He shook his head slightly and looked down at me in what I thought could have been awe. "You are nothing like any elleth I have ever met before."

I raised my brows. "That's an understatement."

Goldilocks laughed some more. "You are right, of course." He looked down at my feet, then again at the other couples who had started dancing to the next song. "Shall we?"

I shrugged, trying to avoid the blush I knew to be forming on my cheeks by being as nonchalant as possible. "It's your feet."

His smile was blinding. "I think I have a remedy to that tiny dilemma." He tilted his head. "Are you familiar with the first phase in the movement for battle?"

I paused, and he moved me over slightly so that we could avoid being hit by another couple who danced by us. "You mean, the one you train the elves with?"

Goldilocks nodded intently. "Of course."

"Well, yeah, I guess."

He smiled even wider, and I thought I was about to pass out because I swore I was seeing stars. "Then let's do that."

I didn't have any time to reply before he swept me out back onto the dance floor and started going through the opposite of the first phase of movement that elven soldiers were taught for battle. He pulled me close, even closer than Elrohir had pulled me, and I could feel his chest touching mine.

I stiffened, and immediately tried to focus on something else, but all that I could feel was his chest on mine and the strength of his arms around me. I was so screwed… but then again, I wasn't.

It was like magic. Suddenly, I was dancing with him like I had been my entire life. We were dancing. And I was enjoying it.

I had to hide the wide smile that overtook my face, but from the gleam in his eyes, I didn't think I hid my excitement too well.

"Now look at us," he commented gleefully. "You are a natural, Milady."

I grinned up at him. "You aren't too shabby yourself, Goldilocks."

"Ah, I am Goldilocks again?"

I looked to the side to hide the blush I felt darken my cheeks. "You're being nice."

I could feel him chuckle against my chest. "I did not think that had ever changed.

"Careful, or you'll become Blondie again."

He pulled away slightly, just enough to look down and see my face. I looked up to see him.

He was smiling.

I was smiling.

It was perfect-

Someone grabbed my shoulder, hard, pulling the two of us to a halt.

"Excuse me, but I believe it's time I have a turn with Lord Glorfindel."

Mirwen.

All of a sudden, it was like my breath caught in my throat.

"I cannot understand why Lord Glorfindel had taken her for a lover."

I took a step back from his arms. Then another. And another.

"Lady Mirwen, we were actually-"

"Yes, of course," I choked out, looking at the blonde-haired Lady with a tainted smile. "Of course, you can dance. I'll just-"

Glorfindel's eyebrows furrowed, and he frowned. "Lady Persephone, wait-"

The sultry look on Mirwen's face was enough to make me want to vomit. "Let her be, it is our time to… get reacquainted, do you not think?"

"Have you seen her? Even though she is not the kindest elleth, she is still rather-"

Lady Mirwen was beautiful. She really was. Her blonde curls rolled down her back like a white waterfall, complementing the blue dress that draped along her curves magnificently. She looked every bit of a Lord's wife.

Every bit of a Lord's lover.

"It is fine, I will see you later," I said, throwing him a grimace before turning on my heel and heading right for the doors.

I have to get out of here.

"Persie, please-"

I didn't have to hear Mirwen to know that she subdued the Lord. No footsteps followed me, even though my heart longed for it.

Unfortunately for me, Lord Elrond stood by the doors and looked down upon my frantic appearance. "What is wrong, Gaerwen?"

I stopped. "Nothing is wrong, Lord Elrond."

His brows furrowed and his eyes stared deeper into my own. "You are lying."

I gulped. "No, I am fine. I am just tired, and wish to go to bed."

The worry didn't fade from his eyes. "You are always free to speak to me, dear Persephone."

I grit my teeth. "I need to go."

He leaned back.

I felt a slight tug in my gut.

People started to scream, as water rushed through the hall and a large wave collapsed on those in attendance.

"I need to go!"

Arms grabbed for my own, but I dodged with everything I had and took off through the doors.

"Persephone!"

The last thing I heard from the hall was Mirwen's shrieks. "She ruined everything!"

My feet took off in the direction of my rooms, the only place I knew I would be safe. Where there was no one I could accidentally hurt. I didn't want to hurt anyone, honest. I didn't want to ruin everything for Mirwen. She was pretty, and I was not. She already had everything, and who was I to take that from her?

No one.

I was no one.

I slammed my doors behind me and locked them.

I sobbed.

You are no one.

You ruined everything.