Disclaimer: I don't own many of the characters in this story. J.R.R. Tolkien created them with his brilliant imagination. So they belong to him. *sniff* Kirilla and other created characters, however, are my intellectual property.

Quick Notes: Yarr. (Yarr is THE word.).. Please review. But please don't flame.

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~*~ Kirilla ~*~

In the late hours of the morning, I awoke to sunlight streaming through the open curtains and an aroma of cinnamon, fruit, and flowers on the air. I took in a deep breath and sat up in bed, feeling much better. With a yawn, I pushed the covers away and peered across the empty room. A bouquet of lavender sat on a table, next to a basket of cinnamon rolls.

"Cinnamon?" I murmured to myself curiously and flipped the covers off my legs, twisting toward the table. As I reached for one of the rolls, I noticed a bowl of fruit behind it, and picked a few succulent strawberries from it, popping one in my mouth and immediately savoring the delightful taste. While I wondered why there was no one else around, I began picking apart one of the glazed rolls, than nibbled on the piece.

"Mmmm.. good cooks here, I'd say," I said out loud, permitting myself another yawn before I ate another strawberry. After finishing the cinnamon roll, I began to brush my gown for crumbs when I realized that I was still rather grungy.. Well, of course they wouldn't try to bathe me. It would be absurd. I wonder who got me into this gown, though, from those bloody tatters I was wearing before.

As I pondered how to find the baths, a timid-looking elf peeked in, looking relieved when she found me awake and eating. I smiled at her warmly and glanced at my hands and arms before looking back at her in question.

"Hello, milady. The Lord Elrond told me to show you to the baths when you awoke.. come?"

I held back a chuckle of amusement, though I could not help but comment, "He did, did he?"

"Uh, yes.. We do have nice bathing pools here, milady"

"Spare me the details, dear.. I know you have nice bathing pools. I do not, however, know where to find them."

Dutifully, the girl came forward and reached for my arm. I shook my head smiling apologetically in her direction. "I'm rather grimy right now. Just show me the way."

Off we went, after she had give me a cloak to keep out the cool winter air from my still weakened immune system. I marveled at the beauty of Rivendell. I had not been there in many decades, and yet it had not changed all that much.

"The Lady Evenstar has left you something to wear.. you should find it easily enough..." the girl trailed off as we neared the overhang of dogwood and grapes over the pathway to the bathing pool which I was to use.

I nodded shortly, "Thank you, dear," I offered graciously before scurrying down the tunnel-like path. When I had come to the end, again I was found breathless. The water had been redirected from the falls to become a separate, smaller scale waterfall unto itself. Many flowers dotted the soft grassy landscape surrounding the pool. I lowered when I spotted a sprig of honeysuckle and brought the sweet flower to my lips, nibbling lightly as my eyes wandered across the isolated cove that housed the hot spring.

In a short time, I dropped into the warm water, shivering for a moment before I got used to the water. After swimming for a few minutes, I headed for the edge, and collected a scrub and soap. Then I began working at the grit and grime covering my skin. It took a long time, but the soaps and scrubs worked well, and I was pleased at the scent of the soaps.

Once my skin was clear, I set to work on the tangled mess of hair, which at some point had been braided, creating even more of a mess. I muttered in annoyance, but with a strong comb I began working through them, inch by inch. The silvery-flaxen strands became more noticeable, once again softening and becoming sleek and beautiful.

When all was finished, I was pleased with the sweet smell of lavender that my hair carried, and the sandalwood scent the body cream had possessed. Slipping into the light pink gown that had been left for me, I plaited my hair back and slid on a pair of flexible, dark brown sandals.

Feeling very refreshed, I moved back down the dogwood tunnel and wandered through Rivendell for a time, allowing myself to let go of sorrows and fears and look for hope in the beauty the land possessed. As I walked, I watched the elves that populated Rivendell. They were unsuspecting of my careful observations as they went on chattering and gossiping.

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It did not take long for me to find my way to the library. I smiled as I scanned the bookshelves. A flash of curiosity came to me, and I searched for a certain book. The accounts of the slaughter at Mirkwood. Though, of course, it would be about the demons that had come to Mirkwood for a time during the Second and Third Ages.

"There," I murmured as I flipped through an old and worn book, "it speaks of them. 'After an initial sighting during which an elf was killed by the wicked horn of these both deer and horse like beasts, more came, at sporadic intervals. The elves of Mirkwood, on guard from the killing of one of their own, slayed any of the shimmering white creatures who came to the forests nearby.' "

Odd, I thought, that they never tried to figure out what exactly the unicorns were. We are just.. demons. And odder yet, how only one of all the elves tried to find us. My grandfather. He made sure that my family was safe from misuse. Only very few know of our reality.. Galadriel, Elrond, Gandalf...

"The elves are very much on their guard, Kirilla. Many things go a folly. Did you know that your grandfather was a good friend of mine?"

My thoughts thus interrupted, I turned and was looking into the faces of Gandalf the White and Elrond. I eyed Gandalf, the speaker. "No. I did not, Gandalf."

"Yes. He was one of the first to come across, you know. Even then, he had a more open and dreaming mind than most. He searched out adventure. He befriended your grandmother and gave her an elven name. Aye.. there are many stories. He would sneak away from the rest of us and give horrid explanations. But we found out in the end. He went to great ends to be sure your grandmother would survive the illness."

"He brought her to Galadriel, who summoned me," Elrond took up where Gandalf left off. "We were able to give her the form of an elf. She wed your grandfather shortly after recuperation."

"And he forgot friendships.. something about you unicorns...," Gandalf murmured, then reached over and patted me on the shoulder in a fatherly fashion. "You'll find what you're looking for, Kirilla. Just remember not to cut off those who can help you.. The Lady Galadriel is not the only one with much wisdom."

I stared at the pair, wondering why they were speaking to me. Had I done something? Elrond seemed to sense my question and chuckled. "We just care, Kirilla. You are truly one of a kind.. and thus very, very alone."

"I know," I muttered. Indeed, I was very alone. My mother and grandmother had been alone. Now it was my turn. "I know very well. Now, if you please, is there anything you need to tell me, because I am rather busy." Well, perhaps not that busy, but I didn't feel like listening to their well-intentioned but useless pitter-patter.

"Actually, I came to tell you that this night there is going to be a celebratory dinner for my daughter and Aragorn. You ought to come," Elrond spoke up, then turned away and headed down the hall.

Gandalf smiled at me, eyes twinkling. "You ought to, Kirilla. A great deal of elven men will be there. Perhaps one will catch your fancy."

"Gandalf!" I yelped, giving him a patronizing look. "Will you never give up on that.. topic? Maybe I don't want anyone to catch my fancy! Perhaps I like being alone!"

His eyes continued to twinkle, and he chuckled. "Still.. they've some wonderfully soft materials these days.. wondrously beautiful, also. Do come!"

I rolled my eyes in exasperation. "I will come, Gandalf, but only because I know you will persist in annoying me until I agree. Now.. I have research to do."

He smiled and nodded, turning away and disappearing down the halls with Elrond, speaking in hushed voices. I, however, turned back to the books. There would be time to prepare for a large dinner in the afternoon, however annoyed I was at being duped into going.

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After what seemed many hours of scouring through the library, the Lady Arwen came to drag me out. Time to get ready, she had said. I agreed with some regrets, and she led me to a large room, then to a closet filled with the loveliest of materials and gowns.

For a time, I marveled over their beauty and textures before settling on a shimmering white fabric, crystals sewn into the lace so that is sparkled. The waist was tight, and the material around her bosom clung, lacy edges settling just above. The skirt fell in soft swirls around my legs, the silky inner layer covered by another, and then with the crystal lace fabric. The sleeves held to my shoulders, holding their own from the edge of my shoulder. The sleeves clung to my arm from the shoulder to the elbow. From thence it fell down in a soft wave to my knees when my hands were held at my waist.

I was given a softly woven silver belt for my waist, as well as earrings and bracelets. I wore the necklace I wore at all times, but I shined the jewels so that they would gleam even more brightly. I stepped into a pair of finely-made leather sandals and picked up a comb. As I brushed my hair with it, I sang a light song.

When my hair was finished, the silvery-flaxen strands floating down to my lower back, I braided a section on either side of my head, just above the ear, and when they reached each other at the base of my neck, I wove them together and let the rest fall down. A silver circlet finished off my attire. I placed the band on my head so it would match the fall of the braid, and stepped away from the mirror, smiling.

"Very nice, Kirilla," Arwen murmured when she came forth to look in the mirror. She herself was dressed in a soft, shimmering lavender gown, the hem falling across the floor, covering her dark slippers. "The look becomes you."

I chuckled. "Mayhaps. I do it only because some people insist."

"Really?" she said in a teasing tone. "If you go to such troubles to look beautiful, one would think you like to be pretty. And I dare say, I am most envious of how you look tonight. I am certain many others will, as well."

"That could not be possible, Arwen, my new friend. You have long been the most beautiful of elves."

"I am only part elf. And I gave up my immortality. You, however..."

"I am not all elf, dear," I said, then froze. "Err. Ai!"

Arwen just smiled. "I know, Kirilla. My grandmother spoke to me of you. I still remember the day.. long ago.. when I was riding my horse in the forests.. and he paused. I remember seeing you, but for a fleeting moment. I could barely keep my mount from rushing after."

"Oh," I murmured, surprised, then I smiled. "Well.. I am glad you know, I suppose. I have someone.. to speak with more freely now."

"I know the feeling of being trapped.. it is not the most wonderful of feelings," Arwen sighed. "But now.. Indeed.. I hope we can be good friends. Sometimes the women here.. "

"They don't understand the wearies of the world. I have seen many things, Arwen. Very many. I was surprised at the.. way you elves of Rivendell are.. or most."

"Indeed, most. There are many silly ones here. But tonight is a feast, and my beloved and I the hosts. Please.. enjoy yourself.. Take a dance or two. Or three."

We spoke for a time, arguing over the qualities of elven men in these days. But it was not very long before the bell rang, announcing the beginning of the dinner. Arwen grinned at me and drew my hand into hers. We dashed toward the dining hall, carrying our skirts up from the ground.

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Upon arrival, we both knew we were a tad bit late, and exchanged nervous giggles before we headed for empty seats. I, for one, was glad that we were not the only ones late. Arwen went to the spot across from Aragorn and beside her father at the head of the table. I, biting my lip as I peered across the room, moved to the other end, sitting down across from someone who looked vaguely familiar.

I was not particularly interested in eating, and played with my food for the most part, though I did eat well of the rolls, slathering them with butter and cinnamon sugar. I did get amused glances from those around me, but I tried to ignore them, keeping to my food.

After desert was served, Gandalf rose and proposed a toast to Aragorn and Arwen. I looked up then, and found Arwen beaming toward me. I smiled back tenatively, and toasted with the man next to me, who grinned.

"Ah, love. A beautiful thing. Finally, Arwen will be with Aragorn, and they will rule well."

"Oh?" I played the ignorant.

"Aye, dear. Their romance isn't the most obvious, but when you looked.. it is there."

I glanced toward the pair and shook my head. "Naye. They look very much in love to me."

The man shrugged and returned to the conversation on the other side of the table when Elrond rose from his seat and called for another toast. His eyes fell on me as he spoke. "I would like to propose a toast to a newer resident of Rivendell, the Lady Kirilla, a traveler and an old.. friend."

"Well said, Lord Elrond! To Lady Kirilla!" Gandalf called out and held up his glass. I was sure I had turned completely red. My ears felt hot, so I was rather sure of this fact. I hid my face in a hand and bit my lip, groaning inwardly. How could he? Humiliating me.. how horrible! And now.. oh dear, fire and rain, they're going to ask me to dance now! Finally I looked back up and ignored the glances of those curious. I glared daggers at Elrond and Gandalf, who both looked completely nochalant, ignoring my gaze.

As I turned back, the man across from me caught my glance and grinned, hiding a snicker from hearing, though his eyes were dancing with mirth. I peered at him quizzically, then turned my attention back to the conversations at hand, letting them float over me like a veil.

It was not long before dinner had ended, and those present were shown to the dancing hall. I, nibbling on my lip as I went, followed the crowd, but instead of seeking out a dance partner, I went to the balcony and looked to the sky, wishing I was back home with my unicorn family.

"My lady? Would you grant me a dance?" a bass voice broke into my thoughts before I had a chance to begin them. I whirled around defensively and glared, though my expression softened and I smiled wanely. "I.. uh.. don't really dance...that.. well."

"Not a problem," the tall elf said confidently. "I am a good dancer. I can help you."

I sighed and held back an epitet. I held out my hand. He bowed and then took it and led me back to the dance floor. I tried not to be graceful, but found it was much harder to have to work at being clumsy than I had thought. Very soon I lost want to try and allowed myself grace.

"Hey.. you can dance, mi'lady," he said in an accusing tone. "Why did you said you couldn't?"

"Oh.. I don't like to dance.. that much," I said weakly. He chuckled and shrugged. We danced for another song before another elven man came and took me from the taller one. After many dances, I was indeed exhausted and rather annoyed. I hadn't come here to be courted. I had been brought here to heal. It just figures, I thought to myself, that the timing would end up like this.. I wonder.. is the one who brought me here.. here tonight?

Finally I decided to stop. Refusing another dance, I broke away from the crowds and rushed for a haven safe from the crowds. I heard several calls following my rushed disappearance, but ignored them. Finally I came upon a stairwell, and collapsed onto the second step, skirts billowing around me.

"Oh my.. too many.. why must they.. oh.. by the Valar.." I muttered breathlessly, staring down at my hands, settled on my lap.

"Run away from festivites?" a deep, amused voice broke into my mutterings.

I froze and looked up slowly. Then I gasped. "You!"

He chuckled lowly, "Aye. Me."

"How did you find me?" I asked the warrior.

"You found my own hiding spot, dear lady."

"Oh.. I am sorry.. I just wanted to find some.. solitude."

"I know the feeling well. I do not like crowds," he said, leaning on the stair post."Especially this crowd. I prefer my home of Mirkwood, but Aragorn wished the living members of the Fellowship to come for this feast."

"The Fellowship..," I murmured thoughtfully. "I have seen no hobbits yet.."

"They are rather short. It is easy to miss them."

I glowered and rose quickly. "I know what hobbits look like."

"Fire and rain, don't get so spent, lady," he said, chuckling. "I meant no insult."

"Well I - ah -.. Well. Fine," I shook my head in disgust and brushed past him. "I am going back to the dancing. Farewell."

With that, I hurried back. At the entrance, I halted and sighed. I did not really want to dance anymore. I did not want to be fawned over anymore that evening. Arwen had told me I looked beautiful, but I did not want it if it meant this.. attention.

"If you are going back to dancing, the hall is that way, my lady," a voice spoke right beside my ear. I almost jumped. I spun around and glared, angered at being caught off my guard. "Who says I'm going back to dancing?" I asked the warrior in a challenging voice.

"You said it yourself, remember?" he said smugly. I glared.

"Well.. maybe I've changed my mind."

His face grew serious, and his brow furrowed as if he was thinking intensely. Then he snatched up my hand and peered down at me. "If that is so.. before you.. ah, retire.. would you grant me one dance?"

I tilted my head to get a good view of his face, searching for ill intentions. Finding nothing but question and curiousity, I shrugged What the heck. He's not so bad, I suppose. He did carry me almost all the way here, after all.

"I suppose so. Why not?"

He smiled and tugged on my hand. "Then come along. A new dance is beginning."

I groaned when I realized it was a slow song. I hoped he wouldn't try any funny business, but found that he was a very competent dancer. He's a prince, I remembered with surprise. Or that's what those puttering maids said. Interesting. A prince who doesn't like to socialize. As we danced, I stole quick glances at the others in the hall, and found that we were getting a mix of surprise and envy in the gazes toward us.

"Are you afraid of the hoards?" he whispered. "They love to gossip.. just think."

I hadn't realized that he was noticing my glances, and was riled at the look on his face. "I care not."

He smirked, then his face softened into an almost regretful look as the song ended. Abruptly he left his hold on me and turned away, rushing out of the hall. Instantly I was surrounded on all sides by curious gossipmongers, all throwing questions at me.

As luck would have it, though, Arwen was not far off, and pushed her way to me. "Come on, Kirilla. Ladies, leave her alone."

She led me out and towards my quarters, as if recognizing my weariness. Once we were at the door, she grinned at me. "Do you know what you accomplished?"

I shook my head, curious. "No, what?"

"You got Legolas to dance! He never dances. He's the most quiet elf I have ever met. That's beside the fact that he's from Mirkwood. They are known for their love of dance, song, and poetry."

"Really? Oh. Goodness."

Arwen smiled. "Get some rest, my friend. Perhaps Legolas has some hope now.. he seemed to enjoy your company. A bit of well-placed pushing.." she trailed off, then turned and headed out the door, calling back, "Good night!"

I blinked a few times, trying to catch up with myself. I thought about the night, then grinned and huried to get ready for rest. It annoyed me that I actually needed sleep, but I could deal with it. I was actually feeling tired, and is was late. As I drifted off to sleep, I wondered about Legolas, thinking back to what I had learned of him. I smiled, thinking of his.. civility, or lack thereof. But he intrigued me. Perhaps there was hope for me, as well. Time would tell.