The king sighed as if this was a usual family dinner. He didn't say anything or even apologize for Maeglin's actions. I realized then that king Turgon didn't really like me. He sat through our whole conversation and continued to let Maeglin act out, call me names, and degrade me. I lost a lot of respect for him when I realized it. He continued to eat his food and started up another conversation with Tuor and Idril. Both of them were looking at me with small smiles.

Ecthelion got my attention again by touching my arm. He leaned over and whispered in my ear "I am very sorry for how Maeglin has treated you. You have shown me nothing but kindness and you do not deserve to be treated as such or disrespected by him or the king. I would like to get to know you more and I hope I will be able to call you a friend as well."

"Thank you," I whispered, "That really means a lot to me."

He nods and gives my arm a gentle squeeze and let's go. He smiles at me and asks "dinner is almost over, but I hope I will see you around the city. My duties take me away from the city to the gates, but I would like to see you again soon. Perhaps I will play you a song on my flute and you can share that story with me."

I laugh and tell him "I would like that."

Shortly after dinner was over. The king left fairly quickly, not even sparing me a glance. I didn't care, fuck him I thought. The other lords filtered out and I waved goodbye to some of them before they left. It was only Tuor, Idril, Voronwë, and myself left.

When Voronwë reached me he kissed me on the cheek and said "I am sorry you had to deal with Maeglin and his foul words. You do not deserve it. While I was sad I did not get to keep you company during dinner, I'm glad you and lord Ecthelion got on well. He is a fine lord and is very kind."

Idril agreed "he is. I am sorry again for my cousin Maeglin. You were right that he is very unhappy and tends to take out his anger on others. I'm sorry I did not get to speak to you much tonight. I have arranged for us to have some clothes made for you tomorrow morning. Also, so I can spend some time getting to know you."

"Afterwards I can show you and Tuor around the palace. In the afternoon we can all take a tour of the city. In the evening I can take Tuor to get fitted for some clothes and Voronwë has requested to show you around the city in the evening."

I get excited and tell her "that sounds lovely. I can't wait." She leads us back to our rooms and I try to remember the way. She leaves us in the main hallway and says "I will join you for breaking our fast tomorrow. I will be waiting in this main chamber for you. Have a good night and sleep well."

We tell her goodbye and she leaves us. Tuor watches her leave with a stupid grin on his face.

I clear my throat and say "you and the princess seem pretty chummy at dinner."

Startled Tuor replies "I have enjoyed her company. I hope she will be able to spend some more time with me as I would like to get to know her better. I am tired my friends, I will leave you now. Have a good rest."

He ran away down the hall and quickly closed his door behind him. I giggled and Voronwë laughed. He walked me a few steps to my room and wrapped me in a warm hug. He seemed to hug and kiss me a lot lately, but I wasn't complaining.

As he leaned back from our embrace he tilted his head down and gave me a kiss on the cheek and then a quick peck on the mouth. It was very fast and just a soft peck but when he pulled away I could see that his eyes were shining. "I will see you tomorrow lady Kiera, I look forward to showing you the city."

"As my friend, I wish for you to call me Kiera. No more lady Kiera, just Kiera."

"As you wish Kiera. Have a good night," as he turned to walk to his room.

I went inside my room and closed the door. I took a long breath as I leaned against the door. The kiss was sweet and too short as it made me long for more. My stomach had butterflies and I was excited for tomorrow. I hoped I could fall asleep.

The large window let in a lot of moonlight, so the room was illuminated. I quickly changed into the night clothes that were left on the bed. I pulled back the covers and crawled in. Within minutes I was asleep.

I awoke to a soft knocking on my door. I blinked awake and saw my room was covered in early morning sunlight. I forgot to close the curtains before I passed out. The bed was warm and comfy and I really didn't want to get up, but the knocking continued.

"Come in," I croaked.

Narriel opened the door and came bustling in. "Good morning lady Kiera, I hope you slept well. You have a big day today and I need to get you dressed and ready for the morning fittings. I will draw you a bath and help get you dressed."

"Sure," I chirped. I sat up in bed as she went back into the hall and carried in a pail of hot water. She walked it into the bathroom and I could hear her pouring it into the tub. I heard more running water as she opened the water spout to fill it. I was thankful she didn't have to carry buckets of water in. Seems like one pail of boiling water was all that was needed as she came back out and said "your bath will be ready shortly. While you bathe I will lay out some choices for dresses. I have two more dresses like the one from last night. Princess Idril says you can keep these but she still wants you to have properly fitted clothes. Are there any clothes from your travels that you would like washed?"

"Yes," I replied. "I can dig them out of my bag. Give me a minute to stretch and wake up." I yawned and stretched my arms and legs and swung my legs over the bed. I walked over to my bags and started bringing out my clothes. I laid them all on the bed for Narriel to wash. I'm sure they reeked but if I'm going to wear them again might as well have them washed. Narriel was interested in my bra and I explained what it was for.

"Most peculiar. We add padding into our dresses and build support into corsets. Some of the female guards and craftsmen have bands made by the seamstresses to help give support while they are training or working. Perhaps you should ask for some as well today," she explained.

"I will, thanks. I'm going to take a bath now." I replied. She nodded and I walked into the bath and closed the door. I strip off my nightgown and climb into the tub. I quickly wash and dry off. I use the bathroom before I leave and wrap myself in a towel and walk back out into my room. I step in front of the bed where three dresses are laid out. The extra from last night and the two new ones. I immediately reach for the dark green one. It is similar to the dress I wore last night, but instead of two colors, it is just one. Narriel helps me get into it and it's pretty snug. The bottom is a little longer so she pins up the dress a little and secures it. Now the bottom is a little higher than my feet.

She guides me to the vanity and she towels my hair. I ask her to style it for today's activities and she pulls up half into an elaborate braid and lays the rest down my back. She does it so quickly I'm gawking at her and she laughs at me.

"I have been a handmaiden my entire life. It is easy for me to style people's hair. I enjoy dressing people and creating new hairstyles. Princess Idril loves my designs and they are often copied by the rest of the city," she tells me.

Curious about her life I ask "do you work all day or have days off? Is that what you wanted to do for a job?"

"Oh yes, my mother was a handmaiden but is now a seamstress. She has a shop in the city. She used to create all the clothes for the king and princess but she wanted more work so she opened her own shop. She is very popular, but you will be going to the princess's seamstress today. Perhaps another time you can go to my mother's shop."

"As for my work, I only work for part of the day. In the mornings I draw baths and get the princess and guests ready. We haven't had guests for many years, so it has just been the princess in my care until you came. I have free time in the afternoons and evenings unless there is a party. If I want time off, I simply ask the princess and she grants it. We have a few handmaidens here in the palace so the work is distributed evenly. I am paid well and enjoy my job and I have enough free time to enjoy my hobbies and crafts. Your hair is done now. Come, I will take you to princess Idril for the morning meal."

She leads me out of my room and down the hall. In the open corridor, Idril is waiting for me. Narriel leaves me and Idril starts walking down the opposite hall as I follow.

"Your companions are waiting for us at the table. This is where you will eat most of your meals unless the king invites you to dinner. I will likely join you for most meals as my father likes to eat in his study and Maeglin eats with his house. I'm happy to have guests to dine with again."

Our short walk down the hall opens up to a small circular room with a white round table. There are six chairs and two are filled with Tuor and Voronwë. There is a light spread of food at the table and I'm surprisingly hungry.

The boys look up as we approach and welcome us. Idril and I take a seat. She sits next to Tuor while I sit next to Voronwë. I start to load my plate with bread, fruits, and cheese while Tuor asks about our day's events.

"The king has requested my presence after our meal. I think he wants to further discuss Lord Ulmo's message but where shall I meet you after. I know you are getting Lady Kiera fitted for some clothes but I don't know my way around. Shall we meet here for a midway meal?" he asked Idril.

"That would be for the best. I'll have a handmaiden escort you to my father's study after. They can lead you back after. Lady Kiera's fitting should take most of the morning and I'm sure my father will want to discuss it at length with you. We can all meet here for our midway meal and wait for each other."

"After, I will give a tour of the palace, and then we shall split in the evening. My father requested a private dinner between Tuor and the rest of the lords to discuss the future plans for the city. I am sorry Lady Kiera but you are not invited. This is why Voronwë wanted to show you the city and have dinner together with his uncle. If that is alright with everyone," Idril explains.

All of them look to me to see how I would take the news. "That's fine. It makes sense anyway as I'm not important like Tuor is. I'm just along for the ride." I look to Voronwë and say "I'm honored to have dinner with you and your uncle. Thank you for inviting me. What are you going to do while we are both gone?" I ask.

He smiled at me and said "I am going to meet with my uncle. He wants to hear about my journey and my new friends. That way this evening he can focus on getting to know you better. I'm sure he would also like to meet Tuor but another time."

Tuor nodded, "'I would be happy to meet him. Perhaps we will all have dinner together sometime."

With our plans in place we finished up our meals and all of us went our separate ways. Idril led me through the palace and I was lost on the way looking at all the beautiful carvings and paintings. Soon we arrived at a set of double doors which she opened to a large brightly lit room. Inside was a long rectangular room with a large wooden work table and mountains of fabric lining one wall. The room had many high windows that let in plenty of light. In the middle was a small circular stone platform and a few chairs. Behind the work table was a female elf who was pulling tools out of the work table and muttering to herself.

Idril cleared her throat and the elf looked up in surprise.

"So sorry my princess, I didn't hear you come in. Please have a seat." She walked out from behind the table and I could see she was wearing a tunic and breeches and her long brown hair was pulled back into a bun. She approached me and said "well met lady Kiera, I am Aerel the seamstress of the palace. I am excited to make some clothes for you as I have never dressed a human female. You are very pretty and well proportioned for a mortal. Please step up into my circle so we can get started."

I stepped up into the stone circle while Idril took a seat in a chair. Aerel immediately grabbed a book and quill. "Now, what do you all need for clothes? I need a list and then we can work on colors and style next."

"Everything, I think. I'd like some dresses for daywear and maybe a few for finer parties. I also would like some tunics and breaches in case I want to train or learn a new skill. Narriel also told me about some bands that the female guards wear. I also need some undergarments and night clothes and shoes." I told her.

"So a whole new wardrobe got it. I won't bother writing anything down then." She threw the paper and quill the back onto the table. "Now what about price? Are we going with finer fabrics or cheaper material for everything?"

We both look at Idril who is smirking, "finer cloths for everything. My cousin Maeglin is paying for everything and I will gladly spend his money. This was my father's punishment for insulting our guests. Whatever looks best and as much as you think lady Kiera will need. I suggest making a few more party dresses. One can never have too many fine dresses."

Aerel claps her hands "fantastic, no limitations. Oh, I'm so excited, all new ideas and creations. Let's get to work. I will start bringing out fabrics that I think will look best."

She bustles to the fabrics and starts picking some out and mumbling to herself. I ask Idril "so this was his punishment? Paying for our expenses, but for how long? Is he going to get mad at me for spending more?"

Idril shrugged "I can not what he thinks. I warned him that I would spend his coin as I see fit to make sure our guests are treated well. This is the only punishment that seems to work with him. My father has tried many things in the past but he never seemed to care. He likes his wealth and power so spending his money bothers him. He will dislike you either way so might as well look pretty. My father has him paying for everything until you both find a trade or a house to join, but there is no rush."

Aerel was still picking out fabrics so I took the time to ask Idril some questions "now that we are mostly alone, could you tell me some things that I need to know. Maybe people to avoid or things that a female wouldn't do. My society is vastly different so I don't want to do anything that will offend anyone by mistake."

"Of course," she said brightly. "I know a lot about the city and the people. Let's see, we shall start with the basics. Women curtsy instead of bowing to the lords and the king when they see them. We always address them by their titles until they give the leave to drop them. Some like my cousin will always request his title. Only a select few are permitted to call him by his name. Any problems with fellow elves are addressed to their lords and the king. I think some of the elves will dislike you, but as long as they leave you alone it should be fine. Should any of them do anything cruel or unkind, let their lord know and they will handle it. Perhaps for now, only report cruel actions as I'm sure there will be unkind words said to you."

I nod, "I can handle petty words. Hopefully, I won't have any issues. Would you like me to address you by your title?" I ask.

She laughed and said "no, I would like us to be friends. Unless we are in a formal setting, but even if you forgot I will not mind. Now, I think I covered the basics of etiquette, but I can have a tutor brought later on if that is what you want?"

"Maybe, I will see, I guess. I'm usually pretty polite and nice, so I think I will be ok for now. If we are going to be friends please just call me Kiera. I don't need the lady Kiera when we are together. Now, what should I know about the lords of the city? Anything I should be aware of? I know Maeglin hates me, but who else?"

Idril thought for a while and Aerel came back and started draping fabric across my chest. I tried to interrupt her working but she said "do not mind me. I usually cannot keep a conversation going while I am working. Too many ideas flying through my head. You may continue talking to Idril, anything you say will be confidential. I do not betray the princess's trust. Now, I will continue picking out fabrics that will match your skin tone."

I let her work and just stood on the stone platform as she draped fabrics. I won't complain as she knows what she is doing. Idril finally caught my eye and said "You are right that Maeglin will dislike you, but he is also close with Lord Salgant. I do not think he will dislike you, but he wants to please my cousin so don't expect a good welcome. Now, I shall tell you a little bit about each and you can decide what to think. My cousin Maeglin has no wife and spends his days in his forge or in the mountains mining materials. His people are clever and very hardworking. I would be wary of all of his house. I'm sure he will have some of his house spying on you."

"Lord Salgant is a drunk. He spends most of his time drinking wine and playing music on his harp. His house is in charge of the festivals and music but also the wine production of the city. He has a wife and two children both females. They are both after marriages to a lord but that will never happen. All the lords know what they want but none of them find them to be wife material. You will see them at festivals begging for dancing from all the single lords. I doubt they would treat you kindly."

"Lord Galdor is a kind lord, but he tends to side with Maeglin and Lord Salgant on important matters. His people grow all the crops and the grapes for the wine, which Lord Salgant's house depends on. He has a wife and son who he adores. His son is courting another lady of the court, but both are pleasant. I think they will all be kind to you, but just be cautious in their presence."

"Lord Duilin is also kind and a good lord. He trains all of the guards who wish to use a bow and arrow. He was trained by Lord Oromë in Valinor. His house is also home to skilled hunters who would hunt wild game in the surrounding mountains. I'm not sure how long that will last now. He has a wife but no children yet. They were married shortly before our departure from Valinor and they are waiting to have children during a time of greater peace."

"Lord Egalmoth is a stern and patient lord. He took a lot of the young orphans into his house after the last battle and taught them different crafts. His house is the richest, but they also care deeply about the people of this city. He and his wife took in many children personally and raised them. He has only one biological daughter who is courting Lord Galdor's son, but many foster children. He cares for them all equally and is a very generous lord."

"Lord Penlod is a very busy lord. He has to maintain two houses now, but he does it well and enjoys the work. He has no children or wife but he is courting a lady in the city. They are keeping it quiet and are having a long engagement. His house will welcome you as he enjoys building."

"Lord Rog is the worst flirt in the city. He likes all women as long as they are pretty. He does a very good job of leading his house and is an excellent craftsman. I will warn you now that it would be best to avoid his advances. He has courted many women and has taken many more to his bed. He has no real desire to marry but many females think they will be the one to change him. He is nice enough, but you don't need that drama right now especially with my cousin circling."

"Lord Glorfindel is my kin and a very loving lord. He is always so happy and excited. He is my late mother's cousin and came with us here when my father built this city. He always treats people and children with respect. He doesn't look down on anyone and many people flock to his house because he rules well and gives everyone an opportunity. He is loved by many females in the city, but he has not found love yet. I hope someday that he will find someone as he truly deserves it. He will be a good friend to you and Tuor."

"Lord Ecthelion is the same as Glorfindel. He is a very kind and loving lord. He treats everyone in his house the same and never looks down on anyone. People flock to his house as well and he makes sure everyone is given the same opportunity. He runs the guards well and he trains them all himself. He is not a noble-born elf, but he got the lordship due to his great friendship with Glorfindel. He is mostly reserved while Glorfindel is the more outspoken of the two. He was courting an elf in the city, but she was horrid. He ended their courtship when he found out she was just using him to get close to Glorfindel. Glorfindel dislikes her as well and it would be best for you to avoid her as she is still very upset that he ended their courtship. She tends to scare away anyone from getting to know Ecthelion but I hope you don't let that stop you. I was glad that he was sitting next to you at dinner. I hope you can get to know him more and befriend him and Glorfindel."

I soak in the information. Aerel is on her third pile of fabrics and is still picking out more. I see why this was going to take most of the morning.

"Thank you for all the information. That will help me get a better understanding of the city and its people. I'm sorry to hear that about Ecthelion, he was very nice to me and he doesn't deserve to get treated that way. I hope I get to know him and Glorfindel more. Perhaps if I decide to train with a weapon I'll get to know them better. You will have to point some of the people out at a festival so I know who to avoid. Now, could you tell me anything you know about Voronwë? I admit that I know quite a bit but I'm just curious if I am missing anything."

She laughs at me and says "I've noticed how close you to are. I'm sorry to say you probably know more about him than I do. We have many elves in this city and it is hard for me to know everyone. I try to remember being the princess but plenty of elves don't come to talk to me. Voronwë only spoke to me after my father picked him to go on the journey. I was sad to hear he was picked as he is very young, but my father was hoping with him being related to Círdan would help. Perhaps it would be better if you told me what is happening between you two?"

I blush now and glance over to Aerel, but she is muttering at her table now. I know she said she will keep my secrets so I spilled everything to Idril. "I don't know yet. On our travels, I got to know both Tuor and Voronwë. Tuor is very nice and kind but I felt myself drawn to Voronwë more. At first, I thought it was because he was an elf and it was new and exciting but now I don't even notice that. I'm surrounded by elves now and I still think he's sweet and kind and very handsome. He gives me butterflies when we hug and when he kisses my cheek. Part of me feels like it is a little unreal, you know. Like he could have his pick of any beautiful elf in the city and instead he likes me. Elemmakai told me that Voronwë has never acted this before and he is smitten with me. While I feel the same way, I don't want to rush this. I want us to take our time and get to know one another. I think him being an elf makes it much more real. I've had boyfriends in the past, but I never even thought of marriage but here elves are bonded for life. I don't want him to rush into it either and regret his decision later on," I stammered.

Idril gives me a warm smile. "It gives me great joy that you too are smitten with each other. I agree that it would probably be best that you two take it slow. You have a new city to explore and a new world to learn about. I think you are right that you can't rush this. To be bonded means to be bonded for life and after. Once you die, any elf that marries you will surely perish from grief. It is a big commitment for an elf and I'm sure some elves will forgo their feelings just to avoid that future."

"I think you need to talk to Voronwë and work this out in the beginning. I think you both need to be aware of the future before you get your hearts involved. I'm glad though that you know this is important and that you care about him. I'm sure some women and men would just love to be married to an elf and not care about the choices made."

I smile meekly and say "I think I will talk with him after dinner tonight. He sort of kissed me last night and I want to talk to him about this before it goes further. Now, enough about me, you and Tuor looked pretty cozy last night."

It was Idril's turn to blush and she bit her lip and whispered "is it that obvious? I don't want everyone to know. He is just so interesting and he makes me laugh. He treated me like a person and not by my title and it was nice for a change."

I walked over to her and sat in a chair next to her. I was tired of standing and Aerel is still at her work table cutting fabrics.

"Just to Voronwë and I. Your secret is safe with me. I know Tuor likes you and wants to get to know you better. I'll give you the same advice as to go slow and get to know one another. He is a very good man and was raised by elves. I'm sure he will treat you with respect. He was kind and thoughtful to me during our entire journey and he has a very upbeat outlook on life," I say with a smile.

She glances at me and asks "is it true that he has no wife or has had any lovers? If he is a good man as you say, surely some women would have loved to make him her husband."

I replied "Tuor was a slave for many years. Once he broke free he became an outlaw. He didn't have many chances to court women living by himself in the wilderness. I was surprised that someone who had that kind of past could be so happy and upbeat. I admire him for that, as plenty of people would crumble or become horrible people in turn. He would happily tell you anything you want to know about him, but you don't have to worry about him being a flirt. He's loyal and cares deeply about his friends and the people he cares about. He wouldn't do anything to ruin that."

She sighs in relief and I chuckle at her. Soon she is laughing with me and we are in a state of giggling fits. Aerel looks up at us and shakes her head with a smile.

"Now that our love lives are out of the way, tell me more about you and your family," I ask Idril.

She smiles and tells me "It is just my father and me in the city. My mother perished on our journey but I hope I will see her again someday. I longed to see more of this world, but my aunt Ardhel disappeared for many years. She returned to the city with her son Maeglin. Her husband followed and tried to kill him when he entered the city but my aunt saved her son. So now it is just my father and Maeglin. My father is very concerned with this city and spends his days with his lords and duties. I am usually left alone in the palace most days as I have few friends in the city."

"That is why I was so excited to meet you and I longed to be your friend. I have very few female friends. I was very young when we left Valinor and I helped my father build and design this city but in turn, I didn't get a chance to make many friends when I was young. Many elves have friends already and are scared of me as the princess. I truly hope that we can all be friends."

I smile brightly at her "I'm sure we can. I'm in dire need of some new friends. You have treated me kindly and I would love to spend more time with you. Do you have any hobbies?"

She nodded enthusiastically "I love to dance. Every festival I dress up and dance the night away with the lords or anyone who would dance with me. I enjoy music and reading. I'll admit that I have no skills in forging or craft making but I do like to paint."

"I try to paint and draw but I'm not very good. You'll have to show me some of your paintings. I love parties and dancing but I probably don't know any of the dances here. I doubt Tuor does so maybe you could teach us? I'm sure Voronwë would volunteer to be my partner."

She claps her hands and shouts "yes! I would love to teach you how to dance. I know all the dances and I am a very good teacher. I can't have you going to festivals without knowing the dances. I'm so excited now for the festival in a few days. We must teach you and Tuor because we are holding it in your honor."

"What?" I screech.