Narriel wakes me up and I'm so excited for the first lessons that I bolt out of bed. I fly to the bathroom and take my bath with no complaints or grumbling. As I leave the bathroom, I notice Narriel is carrying a handful of clothes to my closet.

"Aerel finished some of your dresses. I picked a simple one out for your lesson today. I will help you get ready later in the afternoon for the dinner and the festival," she says as she hands me a new dress.

It's a soft green and made with a light and flowy material. She helps me slip it on and I am so grateful that it fits. The length is right and it hugs my body perfectly. I'm so happy to have clothes, that I hug Narriel. She is surprised but gives me a small hug back. She towels and brushes my hair out but leaves it down to dry for the day.

I leave my room and head to the table. Idril is already there but I'm the first of my companions. I joined her for the morning meal and we chatted pleasantly. I was sad I didn't get to see Voronwë this morning, but I will see him later at dinner.

After I was finished she led me to the library and introduced me to a female elf behind a large wooden table. "Well met, my lady I am Cadweth and I shall be your instructor. I am one of the loremasters of this city and I shall help you learn elvish."

"Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm Kiera and I'm excited to learn elvish."

She waved Idril away and motioned me to take a seat across from her. As I sat down I thought she definitely looked like a teacher with her brown hair pulled back into a tight bun and her reading glasses on her nose.

"The princess tells me you are from another world that has no elves. I assume we shall have to start with the very basics and work our way up," she questions me.

I nod eagerly. "Very well, I will teach you Sindarin as it is most commonly spoken now. Should you wish to learn Quenya, I can teach you after you master Sindarin. Although, most don't speak it anymore except the loremasters for book translation."

"Now, do you know how to read and write?"

"Yes, but I don't know how to write with a quill," I answer.

She looks at me strangely but lets it go. "I desperately want to ask about your world, but for the time being, I will control my curiosity. I will get you a few charcoal sticks we use with the children. I will teach you eventually how to write with a quill as well. Today we are mainly going to focus on a few phrases you can say during the upcoming festival tonight.

"Now the first greeting is a simple but common greeting for well met. Mae govanen."

She waited for me to repeat her phrase until I got it completed right. I had a feeling we wouldn't move on to new words until I mastered the sayings.

"Now when someone approaches you they will often say well met and my name is… this is Mae govannen, nin eneth na-Cadeth."

I repeated after her but changed it to my name. I butchered the words quite a bit but finally, she is happy. "Mae govannen, nin eneth- na-Kiera."

"Excellent, now after the introduction they will ask you for a dance. There are many ways to ask so I will just have you memorize the word for dance and dancing. Once you hear those words you may reply that you would like to dance. Now the word for dance is lilla while the verb form to dance is liltha."

"Anthol lilla di nin? Would you like to dance? Or you might get asked, sevin dhaf meitha-hen lilla? May I have this dance?"

I nod and she tells me "you may say in return menathanc which means, "Yes, you and I shall go. Or you may respond, anthon which means you agree."

I nod and repeat the two words back at her and she asks me multiple times in rapid elvish. I messed up a few times as she said words similar to dance and I didn't catch the differences. I hoped tonight that no one would ask me in too lengthy of sentences. Eventually, I was replying to her rapid elvish with anthon as it was easier.

"Good, then after the dance they should offer you a goodbye. There are many ways to say goodbye but I will teach you a few phrases to say back to them. Most of the city should know that you don't speak elvish and that you are learning."

"To say farewell is navaer and to say have a good evening is Garo aduial."

I repeated the words back and soon she was speaking to me in different sentences and I just replied between the two words.

That was all Cadweth wanted to teach me today but the lesson had taken most of the morning. Before I left I asked Cadweth for some paper and charcoal to write notes and some for personal use.

"I will have to purchase some for you. For your note-taking, I will have a bound empty book delivered to your room. You may bring it with you to lessons every day as the more you write the more you will learn. I will also send some loose sheets and a smaller personal book for you to write in. They sell them at the markets, but it will be busy today due to the festival. I will go later today and pick the supplies up for you," said Cadweth.

I thank her and leave the library. As I got back to the main dining table, it was empty. It is close to mealtime, but perhaps they are all eating at Rhuidhen's house. I walk into the side kitchen and one of the chefs makes me a small lunch. I eat at one of the prep tables so they don't have to set the table just for me. I watched them all work as I ate and thanked them after.

Afterward, I head back to my room. I decided to organize and clean my room while I have free time. It would help to be organized when we finally move into the house and I could also pick a dress for this evening. Once inside, I bring all my bags over to my bed. I set my tent bag to the side and pour out my day pack and backpack. All of my clothes are gone except for a few stray socks.

I grab my solar changer and my phone and set them on the window sill to charge. I throw the socks onto my dirty laundry pile. The stuff left is my first aid kit, compass, water bottle, a bottle of Tylenol, deodorant, my sandals, sunglasses, hair bands, whistle, and bug spray.

I open up the front pouch of my backpack and grab the necklace and ring I had stored there before I came to middle earth. The necklace was from my grandmother's sea glass shop and the ring was a personal favorite of mine. I set both pieces in with the other jewelry and they looked cheap next to the others. I'm really happy they both made the whole journey here undamaged.

Satisfied, I moved the empty bags and tent bag to the back of the closet. The rest of my stuff I added to the top of the dresser. I moved my dirty clothes aside and placed my things nicely. I'm not sure what I will use some of them for but it is nice to have things from home. I make a mental note to ask Narriel for a basket for my dirty clothes.

Once I was finished, I walked to the closet to scope out my new dresses. There are a few that she hung up on this morning. A blue one, another green one, and one purple one. I'm drawn to the purple one as it is a shade of lavender and the skirt is layered beautifully. The top is fitted with half sleeves so it's perfect for the autumn weather.

I pull it out and hang it on the back of the bathroom door. I need to pick out some jewelry, but I don't think I have much that matches the dress. I sit down at my vanity and open up the box from yesterday. I picked out the simple silver one, but the rest I left in the box.

I sort through what Idril gave me and I find a simple diamond necklace that kind of matches the bracelet. It is on the smaller side but will fit the outfit fine. Now that I am ready for the evening, I decided to take a nap to help me refresh. I don't even bother changing and instead just crawl onto the bed on top of the covers. I tossed and turned but eventually started to relax. I fell into a short nap until I awoke to laughter from the hallway.

The laughs sound like Tuor and Idril but I don't want to get up yet. I hear the sound of footsteps coming closer until someone stops at my door and knocks. "Come in."

Idril comes in and closes the door behind her. "I'm sorry we were not back for the mid-day meal, but I hope you let the kitchen know to make you some food."

"I did, but I just ate in the kitchen. They didn't need the extra work. Did you guys have a good time today?"

She sits on the end of my bed and says "we did. Tuor and Rhuidhen got on very well. We didn't go into the workshop but sat at the house talking and took a long walk there and back. We still have a little time left before we need to get ready, how was your lesson?"

"Eh, I learned a few words and some phrases to say this evening. I'm guessing it is going to take me a long while to learn. Cadweth is a good teacher, but very stern. She won't let me move on until I can say the words perfectly multiple times," I tell her.

"She is one of the best loremasters of the city. She's very patient and often teaches small children. I asked her to teach you, as you are starting from the beginning. I would be happy to talk with you to help you practice," she smiles at me.

"I would like that. So, did Voronwë seem a little different today?" I ask.

She thinks for a moment and says "no, not that I was aware. He didn't talk much today but I assumed that was because Tuor was loud and enthusiastic. Why has something happened?"

I sit up now so I'm facing her and tell her "yes, he kissed me two nights ago. When we walked back from his uncle's dinner. It was sweet and nice, but since then he has been a little distant. I might not have noticed as much but before he was very affectionate. Then last night he barely acknowledged my hug or wished me goodnight."

Idril frowned "I do not know. Perhaps, he is working out his feelings for you. He is still planning on escorting you to dinner and the dance. I think you should focus on the events tonight and talk with him privately tomorrow."

I sigh, "that's what I was going to do, but I wanted a second opinion. He's my friend and I would understand if his feelings have changed for me. Or perhaps we are moving too fast for him. We have only known each other for less than a month. I will worry about it tomorrow, I want to show you my dress and see what you think."

I skip off the bed and bring out the dress from the bathroom. Idril loves it as it compliments my brown hair. She goes to find Narriel so I can start getting ready. They return and help me into the dress. Narriel braids my hair into small sections and pins them to the back. It is half up and half down style and I think it looks wonderful.

I almost miss makeup as she adds the final touches of jewelry. I'm sure some eyeliner would help my eyes stand out. I walk out of my room with both of them but they leave me at the main hall so Idril can get ready. Tuor and Voronwë aren't here yet so I just stand around waiting.

A short little while later Voronwë enters and walks over to me. He gives me a small smile and a half hug. "You look wonderful. Are you excited about the dinner and the dance?"

My happiness plummets but I need to keep it together. As much as I want to ask him what's wrong, now is not the time or place. "Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Did you have a good day with everyone?"

He nods, "yes it was enjoyable. Tuor and my uncle got along really well. We all missed your company today. Did you at least have a good lesson?"

"Anthon," I say to him and he smiles a big smile at me.

"Well done, you shall be speaking fluently in a short while. Your pronunciation was well done. Who is your tutor?"

"Cadweth, she's great."

He shrugs "I don't know her but I'm glad you are learning."

We fall into an awkward silence and it's maddening to me. I desperately want to ask him what's going on, but Tuor spares me the opportunity.

"Greetings, my friends. You look wonderful Kiera, as always," he winks at me. He looks to us both and asks "shall we move to the main hall? I'm sure some of the lords are already there waiting for dinner to start."

We both nod and we follow Tuor to the kings' dinner chamber. He seems to have the palace memorized by now. Like before I can hear some conversation from the open doors. As the three of us enter, I don't see many of the lords here.

Glorfindel is already seated at the table nursing a glass of wine. The king and Maeglin are standing off to the side with Salgant. There's no way I'm joining that conversation so I make a beeline for Glorfindel.

I didn't know if the boys would follow me but when I glanced back, I saw they both turned to walk to the king. Once I made it to the table I asked "may I join you?"

He smiled and didn't respond. Instead, he pulled out the chair next to him and I took a seat. "You didn't want to join the others? He asked with a smirk.

"Not really no, I want to enjoy this evening. I'm sure Maeglin will have some choice words if we are seated next to each other again," I tell him.

He hands me a glass and pours me some wine. "You're not. Ecthelion has offered to trade places with you. You are seated between us for dinner and the king agreed. I think he wants this night to go smoothly."

"I will thank him for that when he arrives. How come you are sitting by yourself?"

He snorts "I have had enough of my duties and meetings for a few days. It has been very busy since you arrived. Tonight I just want to relax, have a good meal, drink some wine, and dance.

"Well, I can agree with part of that. I just want to enjoy this night and have some good food and dance. When will the rest of the lords arrive?" I ask.

He swishes his wine glass and downs the rest of it in one gulp. He pours himself another and says "not for a while yet. I want to be properly tipsy by the time the dancing starts, that's why I came early. Many females will ask me to dance tonight. While I enjoy dancing, it becomes overwhelming after a while. If I'm intoxicated it makes the night more pleasant."

I smile at him and add "well I will join you in your drinking. Can elves get drunk?" I remember some scenes from the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings but I wasn't positive.

"Not usually no. Lord Salgant only has one wine strong enough to make elves drunk, but he hardly sells it. He prefers to keep it for his household and sells it to the prince and king occasionally."

I took a drink of my wine which was on the fruitier side and looked over to the other group. No one else has shown up yet, but Lord Salgant is easy to spot. He was much shorter than everyone else, closer to my height. He had long straight brown hair and a round face. While his clothes were made from fine material and had many jewels they were bulging at the seams in places. He was definitely on the plumper side for an elf. Looking at him now, he kind of reminded me a bit like Wormtail. I will have that image ingrained in my mind now.

I turned back to Glorfindel and said "I haven't officially met Lord Salgant yet. Perhaps during the dance tonight." I shrug "I'm not much of a drinker. I was a few years ago, but not so much now."

"Hmm and why is that?" he asked curiously.

"Don't see the point. I used to drink a lot when I first turned 21. I went out to the clubs and bars and partied quite a bit. Once I entered my upper years of schooling it became difficult. Although, it also got boring after a while."

"What's so special about the age of 21? Is that a rite of passage for humans? What are clubs?" he asked me, confused.

I laugh at his confused face. "Once humans turn 21 they can legally drink alcohol. Clubs and bars are places that sell drinks and have dancing. They are quite common in my world and are open most nights. It is sort of a rite of passage to go out on your 21st birthday. I went with my friends Sarah and Kayley and they got me quite drunk. I spent a lot of money too but it was a good night."

He looks intrigued now and asks "Are these places popular in your world? We usually hold our parties in our houses, but the idea of an establishment for daily drinking and dancing interests me. In Valinor, we had many inns for travelers. You could stay the night to rest and get a hot meal, but no entertainment."

"Oh yes, there are a lot of them in my hometown. All of them are popular and they make good money. People spend a lot on mixed drinks, wine, and beer. The clubs have musicians or music that play nightly. Most are crowded and some even have lines of people waiting to get in on the busy nights. Some of them have special nights like taco Tuesday and thirsty Thursday. They are meant to attract people to them on slow nights. I usually went on Thursday as students got half off the drinks. Sometimes they also hold themed nights like disco nights which is a type of music or and karaoke nights where people sing other people's songs."

His eyes were sparkling now and he asked "that sounds like something I might be interested in. I wouldn't mind a place dedicated to drinking and partying. We usually have to wait for another festival or plan a gathering between houses. I shall look around the city for any places that might work. Would you be interested in telling me more about it at a later date? I know Tuor is just starting his household but perhaps this might be a way for his house to make money. Although, some of the other lords will have to be involved as well. I will schedule a meeting together once I find a place."

Well, that's great I guess. Looks like we might not be poor now. It gives me the idea to sell some ideas from my world to the elves later. I'll have to wait and see. "Whenever you want to have a meeting. I don't have any plans except for my lessons in the morning and helping Tuor get the house ready."

"I heard, you must be excited. Although, I'm sure Idril will get lonely again in the palace by herself," he says.

I nod and say "she can join us every day if she wants. I don't mind and I enjoy her company as she is becoming a good friend to me."

"I'm happy you are becoming friends. She was quite lonely before you arrived. Her mother was my cousin and I desperately wished she was still with us. The king takes his role very seriously but sometimes that means Idril suffers for it. She was just a child when we left Valinor and she had to grow up fast." He sighs and looks at his wine glass sadly. "I wish Aredhel was still with us as well as she was a wonderful woman."

"That she was," said Ecthelion. He was so quiet that we didn't hear him come up. "I miss her as well. She was very adventurous and had a kind heart." He takes the chair next to mine and pours himself a glass of wine. He looks over to Glorfindel and tells him "I got your house prepared for the dance. I assumed you were here when I couldn't find you at home. Your house will be waiting for you after their dinner in your courtyard. Almost all of your house is joining tonight."

He smiles sheepishly at him. "Thank you, my friend. I forgot to let them know I was leaving."

He gives him a look and then turns to me and smiles "I'm not sure if Glorfindel had mentioned but you will be seated between us for dinner. I thought it best not to have a repeat of the last time." He looked over at Glorfindel with a pointed glare. "He tends to forget important things when he wants to get intoxicated."

Glorfindel looked back amused "I told her. Honestly, my house can run itself. We are mostly soldiers and guards and if they can't follow simple directions it would reflect poorly back at me."

Ecthelion cocked one eyebrow at him, "did you leave them any directions? Or did you simply leave and sneak out the back before anyone noticed?"

He gasps indigently, "You don't know what it's like Ecthelion. Even the women in my own house corner me before a festival." He mimes "Glorfindel won't you save me a dance? Glorfindel you look handsome tonight, I look forward to sharing a dance with you. Oh, Glorfindel, your hair looks beautiful in this light, I hope you will have time to dance with me tonight." He flops back in his chair dramatically and sighs.

"Yes, such a pity. All the pretty women want to dance with the beautiful Vanya lord. Spare me the theatrics, you love the attention," said Maeglin.

He was silent as he crept up behind us. I turned to look and he was standing behind my chair with Lord Salgant. Idril had arrived and she was speaking with the king, Tuor, and Voronwë. Maeglin smirked at Glorfindel who was scowling at him. "Perhaps if you learned to say no to their dances and advances, they would not bother you anymore. Although, that would mean giving up your nightly adventures as well. I can hardly keep track of who you are flinging yourself onto these days."

Glorfindel's face became red and he took a large gulp of wine to avoid answering. Maeglin looked down at me and smiled "Lord Salgant wished to make your acquaintance as he did not get to the previous dinner. I also wanted to tell you I look forward to sharing a dance later in the evening. It is being held in your honor after all and I am the prince of this city."

He stepped aside with another smile towards me and I shuttered. That was probably the most pleasant thing he has said to me this far. He took a seat next to Ecthelion and poured himself a glass of wine. Lord Salgant stepped up to my chair and said "I'm honored to finally meet Lady Kiera as I have heard so much about you. My daughters are most anxious to make your acquaintance this evening at the dance. We have all heard so much about you and would like to get to know our newest guest." He grinned at me stupidly and didn't wait for my reply. He turned to take a seat next to Glorfindel. He poured himself a large glass of wine and he looked across the table at me.

I smiled back at him and said "I look forward to meeting your daughters and it is nice to finally meet you."

Now that those two are seated at the table Maeglin starts a conversation with Ecthelion about making new swords for some of the guards. Glorfindel and Salgant are discussing wine. I'm left alone to nurse my drink and wait for the other lords to arrive and for dinner to start.