Hi everyone

I'm glad that most of you are sticking with the story even if Lauren is frustrating you. Our girl certainly has some growing up to do. There's a lot more to come and I hope some of you will find Lauren more likeable in the coming chapters (maybe not this one). I want to create a realistic character, and in reality, we are all flawed.

As always, love to hear your feedback.

Edith

In the days leading up the midsummer festival, the realm began to buzz with excitement. The feast was clearly a big event. Barrels of wine were being brought in. Lanterns and lights were affixed to the trees and gardens surrounding the gathering space. In the homes of Lorien, shoes were being polished and dressed readied. The day finally arrived and Lauren awoke to a courier delivering her dress, freshly sewn from the dressmakers.

As was her routine since she arrived in Middle Earth, she began the day with a jog. As she rounded the path past the gathering space that would host the feast that evening, she spotted Aragorn on his way to the stables.

After Lauren impatiently brushed an errant wisp of hair aside and gave herself the onceover, she waved at Aragorn and jogged over to him.

"Lauren, you are certainly devoted to this activity" Aragorn remarked of her jogging.

"And you are devoted to your horses" Lauren wittily replied, referencing Aragorn's habit of visiting his horse in the stables regularly.

"Most of the realm is occupied with tonight's festivities, I trust you have chosen your dress already?" Aragorn conversed lightly.

They had an easy banter between them now. "Yes, and I look forward to our dance" Lauren reminded him. She was not usually this forward with men, but in this new world, she was freer to do what she pleased.

Aragorn chuckled, "not many women want to dance with me Lauren, you may unfortunately find out why tonight."

"I doubt that I will be disappointed" Lauren replied confidently, giving him an unabashedly flirtatious look. She then bade him a farewell and continued with her run. As distance between them increased, Aragorn was struck with the realization that Lauren may have developed affections for him. He foresaw what a catastrophe that would be. Arwen had shared her disappointment that she and Lauren have not bonded the way she had hoped. This was certainly not going to help matters. Lauren was much younger, less mature than Arwen. At some point, he would have to let her down very very gently.

As the afternoon set in, Lauren began preparing for the festivities with a bath. After she had wrapped her hair and body in a towel, she turned her attention to the garment delivered by the courier that morning. Carefully, she unwrapped the package. The color was a rich royal blue, it would bring out her eyes in the most flattering way. The cut she had chosen was a one shoulder, showing off her toned body in a tasteful but undeniably attractive way. It was a stunner and Lauren knew it. Experience attending all those galas for the Family Foundation had become useful in the most unexpected way.

As she sat down in front of the mirror, she contemplated what to do with her hair. As she played with it, she found herself doing a simple chignon. At the end, she reached into her bag and brought out the jewellery case Elrond had given her. No better time to wear her mother's jewellery, she thought. She smiled as she clasped the elven masterpiece around her neck. As she stared at herself in the mirror, she had to admit that she looked undeniably like her elven mother.

Lauren was always attractive, but tonight she was a head turner. Literally. By early evening, elves had begun to gather in the gardens, chatting and mingling. Lauren began to notice elves looking at her on her walk to the gardens surrounding the large flet that would house the evening's festivities. As she walked by, onlookers turned, ellon bowed, elleths curtsied - there were more than a few stunned looks. For most, it was their first glimpse of the lost princess since her return to the realm. Lauren had mostly kept to herself since arriving in Lothlorien. Terms of endearment flowed from the elves of Lorien, "princess, welcome home" was a common theme.

Lauren's cheeks began to burn. She usually liked to keep a low profile, and the attention was making her self conscious.

"Lauren? Is that you?" asked a voice behind her.

Lauren turned to see her cousin George. To her chagrin, he was dressed in elven dress robes. He had been standing with the marchwarden and his brothers. Seeing her, he stepped slightly away from them. The remainder of his group acknowledged her with bows. Haldir's brothers both stole a glance at their elder sibling, looking for his reaction to the beauty standing before him.

Lauren had not forgotten the last conversation with her cousin, and she was one to hold a grudge. "George" she acknowledged.

"Lauren, you look incredible. You're always beautiful, but tonight, you're glowing. I wish aunt Elizabeth could see you" George said, stunned at the grace and elegance his cousin possessed. Somehow, he had never stopped thinking of her as a little sister.

"Don't bring my mother into this George, she would not approve of what you're doing" Lauren snapped. She regretted her rudeness. She was feeling incredibly insecure, everyone was staring at her. She didn't want George's platitudes, she didn't want her cousin to throw away his life for someone he barely knew. They had always been so close but they had somehow drifted so far apart on this issue.

"Aunt Elizabeth understood that love was the most important thing. She would want me to be happy, I thought you would too. Why don't you come and meet Ayla properly, she'll be here in a moment" George pleaded. He couldn't see that Lauren was getting agitated and could not be reasoned with at the moment.

Lauren opened her mouth to undoubtedly say something snarky when she was cut off by Legolas, who had been observing from a short distance away.

"Ah, there are not enough jewels on middle earth to match your beauty Princess. But alas, I will have to steal you away, the Lord and Lady will be waiting for you. The royal family usually opens the feast after their entrance" he excused before leading Lauren away by the arm. "You'll thank me later" Legolas whispered.

Lauren was going to protest, but feeling he was probably right, did not. She tried to shake off her anger. "So you didn't mean it when you called me beautiful?" she teased.

"You are not beautiful, you are ravishing" Legolas flirted lightheartedly. Lauren rolled her eyes and laughed.

The marchwarden observed from a short distance away. He wished he could be so effortlessly charming. Flirting, it was strange and foreign. Because it wasn't who he was, he knew. It was hard for him to express his feelings; to most he had a hard exterior. But his brothers knew, he yearned for a family of his own. Though on the surface Haldir betrayed no such consternation, his brothers could see the helplessness in his eyes as he watched Lauren walk away with the Prince of Mirkwood. Rumil squeezed Haldir's shoulders in a gesture of support before he led Orophin away, to find their wives in the crowd.

Unfortunately for Haldir, George was also an incredibly perceptive person. "My cousin is beautiful isn't she" he prodded.

"I think that is obvious" came Haldir's cautious answer.

"She is also very young at heart. I'm glad she has someone like you watching over her. Making sure nothing hurts her. She is very lucky indeed." George had given his approval.

"Thank you" was all Haldir said. Did everyone know how he felt? He, who was so good at hiding his feelings, must be slipping.

Legolas led Lauren up to the upper floor of the grand flet, via a back corridor and stairs. They walked towards an ornate staircase which led back down to the main gathering space. It was custom for the Lord and Lady to descend the staircase, acknowledge their guests and begin the festivities. Tonight, their family would join them, Legolas explained to her as they made their way up. Elrond would enter with his children after the rulers of Lothlorien. They came upon the family already assembled.

"Lauren, there you are!" Elrond said joyfully. He had been looking forward to Lauren joining them in the entrance. Her first official appearance. He would be presenting his daughter to her people. At long last.

"Lord Elrond, the realm of Mirkwood express their happiness at the Princess' return to her people" Legolas said, bowing to the elder elf.

"Thank you Legolas, I will not keep you" Elrond replied. With that, Legolas nodded and turned to join the assembled crowd below. As he walked past Lauren, he winked and gave her a look of encouragement.

"Luthien, our people will see you for the first time officially. You will be presented publicly. I am so happy you are here, darling" Galadriel said warmly.

Galadriel called her Luthien, nobody corrected Lady Galadriel. Not even Lauren. Her grandmother kissed her on both cheeks, followed by her grandfather, who smiled proudly. Arwen followed with an enthusiastic embrace, which overwhelmed Lauren and she returned the affection awkwardly. Elladan and Elrohir both kissed Lauren on the cheeks, following up with compliments of Lauren's dress.

"Your Naneth would be very happy that you honor her tonight by wearing her necklace" Celeborn said, drawing attention to Lauren's accessory. His granddaughter smiled, feeling at last a part of the family. The rest of the family looked on happily.

Lady Galadriel took her husband's arm and they stepped down the staircase, to the assembled crowd.

"Ada, are you ready?" Arwen asked, as she prepared to take her father's arm. She had accompanied him in the annual feast entrance in Rivendell for years, it was a routine by now. Today, there would be an exception. "I thought there ought to be someone else here too" Elrond said, as he acknowledged someone behind Arwen.

The evenstar turned around and gasped when she saw her beloved, in dress robes, walking towards her. He was wearing the crown of Gondor. When Aragorn reached her, he bowed and kissed her hand. "My queen" he said simply. Arwen responded by hugging him tightly, and they kissed passionately. When, at last, they parted, Arwen turned to her father and mouthed her gratitude. Elrond smiled, a proud day for him but he wasn't done.

"One more thing Arwen" the Lord of Rivendell said as he motioned a sentry who was holding a box forward. From the container, he produced a sparkling object. It took a moment for Arwen to recognize her mother's tiara.

"Ada?" she asked in disbelief.

Elrond's voiced thickened with emotion. "You were born a Princess of Rivendell, but you will be Queen of Gondor. I wish you to have this as an heirloom, so that you will always remember your people. This was forged by Elven hands, and symbolizes your royal heritage. You will recall your mother wore it frequently, it belongs to you now" he said as he placed the crown on her head. Arwen's eyes filled with tears of happiness and gratitude. The tiara had not been worn since her mother's death and now her father honored her with it. She reached to touch the object on her head. Then, with Elrond and Aragorn at her side, she descended the staircase.

"Sister, it is our turn" Elladan prompted. Lauren's twin brothers stood at the top of the stairs, with their hands outstretched. They partially turned towards her, expecting to walk her down the stairs.

Lauren stood frozen where she was, back from the stairs. As she watched her brothers' furrowed brows and puzzled expressions, she began to back slowly away from them.

"Lauren?" Elrohir stepped towards her. "Is something the matter?"

Lauren simply shook her head, turned around and walked away. She did not turn at her brothers' calls. She kept walking, at a brisk pace, towards the back stairs and corridors where she'd come with Legolas. Before long she was outside on the terrace, having bypassed the entrance she was supposed to be making with the rest of the royal family at the moment.

The Lord and Lady of Lorien, Elrond, Arwen and Aragorn had already entered the grand hall. They now all turned to await the last of the party. At that moment, Elladan and Elrohir were standing at the top of the stairs beyond view of the audience below, speechless at what their younger sister had just done.

Elrohir spoke urgently "we must enter without her Elladan."

"What? They are expecting us to come down with her" his twin gestured.

"There is no time! It will create more of a scene if we don't enter now!" Elrohir hissed. He grabbed his brother just as Elladan realized his brother was right. Their royal duty must come first, despite their instinct to chase after their sister. Together, the brothers walked as calmly as they could down the stairs, making their entrance.

The waiting family members' smiles faded as they saw the two ellons walk down the stairs, without their sister. Something had happened and whatever it was, Lauren had refused to join them. Elrond's face showed confusion and pure disappointment. Lady Galadriel gave the Lord a quick worried glance before putting on a smile for the crowd. She thanked her people for their attendance, acknowledged the soldiers who kept their realm safe and opened feast. The audience applauded appreciatively, but there were more than a few raised eyebrows who had also noticed a conspicuous absence.

On the terrace, Lauren breathed deeply to calm herself. Embarrassed. She was very embarrassed. She had come to the feast tonight, wanting to impress Aragorn. As she watched Aragorn embrace Arwen, the pieces fell into place. He was in love with Elrond's oldest daughter. Arwen was the one who had rebuffed his proposal. He had never stopped loving her; he had waited for her. Clearly, Arwen had changed her mind recently and was now willing to be his queen. Lauren had never stood a chance.

As she listened to Lady Galadriel's speech to her realm, talking about the year that passed, how grateful the family was that their long lost child had finally returned to them, Lauren began to feel conflicted. So many feelings all at once. There was also guilt. Lauren already had a family. She felt like she was betraying those who had raised her, who had actually been there for her. She missed the familiarity of home on earth. Insecurity. Lauren had instantly recognized the tiara as Elrond lifted it out of the case. The same tiara that she had marvelled several days previous in the treasury. She had felt so special when Elrond gave her the necklace. But now she understood that the necklace was the consolation prize. His eldest daughter was getting the crown jewels. She was the younger daughter, the spare. The feelings of insecurity came rushing back with a vengeance. She hung her hand and leaned against the railing of the terrace.

Haldir could feel Lauren's inner conflict. It was obvious her present feelings had something to do with her not appearing with the family, as had been widely anticipated. He was worried for her, she was hurting very deeply. He knew she was seeking solitude so he scanned the gardens, trying to locate her. And he saw her outside the ballroom, on the terrace. He made towards her, but stopped in his tracks as he saw another blond elf approach her.

The Prince of Mirkwood sighed heavily as he walked towards Lauren. He had easily guessed what the situation was about. Elrond had publicly given his eldest daughter his blessing to marry a man that his youngest daughter had developed feelings for. He had seen how Lauren had trusted Aragorn, flirted with him. He realized she hadn't known Aragorn was already betrothed to Arwen, the two had not been seen together in years. To cap it all off, Arwen now wore their mother's crown. To Lauren it must've signalled Elrond's preference for Arwen, as untrue as it was. Knowing how fragile Lauren's security with her new family was, Elrond's well intentioned actions were a colossal misstep. Legolas felt for Lauren, he was protective of her. At the moment, he resented the great Lord of Rivendell for how he had hurt her.

"You are missing all the fun" Legolas said light heartedly, as he walked up to Lauren.

"I won't stand there, be the spare" Lauren replied bitterly.

"If you stand out here by yourself, the only one you punish is yourself" Legolas countered.

"That really makes me feel better, thanks" Lauren said.

"What I mean to say is, you should go in there and give Arwen a run for her money" Legolas said mischievously. He did always bring out her naughty side.

"Come with me, just follow my lead, we are going to dance" Legolas prompted.

The music had started. The royal family usually led the first dance. The Lord and Lady walked onto the dance floor, followed by Arwen and Aragorn, the twins and their wives. Elrond stood to the side, for him, there could only be Celebrian. As the music started, the crowds parted ways as the Prince of Mirkwood led the younger princess to the dance floor. Lauren knew she looked stunning, might has well show it off, she thought.

Legolas lead her through the dance, showing her off the audience in the most flattering way. He spun her and dipped her, causing her to laugh. They were both having tremendous fun. As the musical piece ended, Legolas went for the grand finale. When the other ellons bowed to their partners, Legolas smirked. Then, he lowered himself to one knee and kissed Lauren's hand. This caused a stir. Legolas, heir of Mirkwood, signalled deference and allegiance to the Princess – no small matter. When Legolas rose, he took Lauren's hand and they walked out of the feast, leaving her stunned family in their wake.