Chapter 14

The night of the ball had Ziendriel in a nervous state. She was shaking terribly and her hands would not sit still. She could not remember a time when she had been more nervous. Then again, I've never been escorted to a ball by a prince! She thought, only to cause another wave of uneasiness to wash over her.

Lilia, who had been helping her with her dress, saw the look on her eldest daughter's face reflected in the mirror and frowned. "Calm yourself, daughter," she soothed, "Everything will be alright." She reassuringly patted her arm.

Ziendriel moaned. "I cannot do this, Mother!" she cried. "Just the thought of everyone looking causes me to shudder." She took a shaky breath.

"Only for a moment," Lilia countered. "The only time all eyes will be on you is when you and the prince make your entrance into the Great Hall." She paused for a moment, then added, "Well, that and when you dance with him. Which I am sure will be numerous since he is, after all, the prince." She smiled playfully.

Ziendriel wanted to vomit. "Mother!" she exclaimed, "You are not helping!"

Lilia laughed, then finished with the buttons at the back of her dress. "There," she announced, "You are ready!" She gently tugged at the skirt of the gown, then stepped back to a better look. "Oh, darling!" she murmured, smiling.

Ziendriel misunderstood her mother's sentiments. Worriedly, she glanced at the mirror. "I look ridiculous, don't I?" she asked, frowning as she stared at her reflection.

Lilia laughed, knowing her daughter did not see what she did. In truth, she was surprised herself at Ziendriel's transformation. Although she had always thought her daughter beautiful, Lilia could honestly say the girl truly sparkled. She looked nothing like herself which she hoped would be seen a wonderful thing to the others.

"You look beautiful, daughter," Lili assured her, brushing back a strand of her, "Do not worry. You will not shame your family."

Ziendriel to began to protest, but stopped when she realized her mother was jesting. "I feel ever so much better, Mother," she said, dryly. She heaved a sigh, then added, "I suppose I must be going. It would not do well to keep the prince waiting." She glanced about for her cloak and upon finding it, threw it around her shoulders.

"I will see you there," Lilia said, walking her down the stairs. She noticed one of the king's valets standing in the front hall of their home. "Your escort will take you to the prince," she explained, "He will take you through the tunnel to avoid the rest of the guests arriving through the front hall."

"Thank you, Mother," Ziendriel said, softly. She kissed her on the cheek. "Please check on Ariel; I know she is still upset," she added, worriedly.

"Do not worry about your sister," her mother said, patting her cheek. "She has suffered a great disappointment, but by the time she has reached the ball, she will remember it no more."

Ziendriel seemed pained for a moment, as if remembering the look of despair her sister had given her upon learning Legolas had asked her to the ball. She hated seeing Ariel so upset. "I wish I could take it back," she murmured.

Lilia grasped her firmly by the shoulders. "Say no such thing!" she told her. "This is no fault of your own! Disappointments are a part of this life; it is how we grow and learn. Ariel is no exception."

Ziendriel tried to smile, but only managed a weak one. "I will try to remember, Mother," she whispered. She once again kissed her mother good-bye.

Lilia watched as Ziendriel took the arm of the king's valet and followed him to the doorway. Just before she stepped through it, she glanced back and gave a tentative wave. She waved back and watched her disappear through the tunnel.

"MOTHER!" Ariel shrieked from upstairs. Several thuds could be heard, followed by another scream of frustration.

Lilia smiled, and with a sigh, rushed upstairs to her younger daughter.

Legolas stood at the entrance of the tunnel that led to the different homes of his father's counselors. He nervously paced the floor, passing before his three friends, who watched with amused eyes.

"She will be here, Legolas," Jhad assured him, a faint smile playing at his lips. Although Ziendriel had agreed to come to the ball, the prince had still worried that she would back out at the last minute. And, as the seconds ticked by, he was beginning to believe it.

"Perhaps I should have escorted her myself," Legolas was now murmuring as he paced. He suddenly made to walk down the tunnel, but Lorith stopped him.

"Nay, my friend!" he exclaimed. "There is no need. See?" He pointed through the doorway, where they could see figures coming towards them.

Legolas watched as the couple came closer. It was Hindar, his father's valet, (he could tell by his distinctive stride) escorting…."Ziendriel?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise. His eyes stayed upon her as she slowly made her to him.

The transformation was astounding! She did not wear her normal peasant's gown, but a beautiful green gown made of the finest silk and golden trim. The bodice of the gown clung to her body like a second skin, complimenting the modest showing of her bosom, though it was obvious it made her uncomfortable. She fiddled with the bell-shaped sleeves and nervously tugged at the skirt that A-lined her trim waist and long legs, nibbling on a very pink bottom lip. Her hair was no longer straight, but fell down her back in soft waves, accentuating her half-up, half-down hairstyle. She glanced at Legolas for the first time and frowned as she noticed that he was just staring.

"What?" she demanded, albeit nervously. "What is the matter?"

Gragoc was the first to speak. "It is no wonder you were sent away to Rivendell!" he teased. "For you are truly a gem worthy of its beauty." He leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.

Ziendriel blushed, furiously. "Idiot!" she told him, playfully. He grinned and bowed.

Jhad and Lorith came forth to also greet her, then stepped back. Lorith nudged Legolas, who was still staring at her, forward. He stumbled a bit, then composed himself while glaring at his friend.

"You look lovely, Ziendriel," he told her softly. He gently kissed her cheek, inhaling as he did so. Wild flowers, he thought, recognizing her scent immediately. It is as if she has just run through the forest. He smiled.

Again, she blushed. "You are all fools for saying such things to me!" she exclaimed, her fingers nervously picking at her dress. It was then that she noticed it. "Where are your maidens?" she asked, puzzled.

"Why dance with just one maiden when we are able to dance with all?" Lorith asked, grinning cheekily.

"There will be many a maiden here that have come of age since the last ball," Jhad chimed in. "It is our duty to ensure them the fine experience of one."

Ziendriel laughed. "And causing a scandal while you are at it!" she teased, causing the others to protest halfheartedly.

Legolas looked at her, his heart plummeting to his feet. How am I to survive this night with her looking like that? he thought, miserably. Silently, he offered her his arm. When she took it, he led their little group towards the entrance of the Great Hall, stopping a few feet away.

Lorith, Gragoc and Jhad said their good-byes and disappeared into the throng of people making their way into the ballroom. Faint strains of music could be heard over the excited chatter from the people. "It appears the entire kingdom has come," Ziendriel whispered to Legolas. Her nervousness had returned and her body slightly trembled.

He smiled at her with understanding. "It will be alright, Ziendriel," he whispered back, taking her hand in his. "Just stay close."

She shakily laughed, feeling the sparks from his touch and weakly smiled. "I will not let you go," she assured him, gripping his hand tighter.

Legolas started, his eyes registering his surprise at her words. Calm down, Legolas! he told himself. You are looking for a hidden meaning when there is obviously none. He smiled at her. "Come," he gently commanded. "Father wishes us to enter through the banquet hall." He gently tugged on her arm and led her away from the crowd.

Lady Elyse Silverstream stood behind one of the great pillars of the front entrance, watching as the couple disappeared through the double doors of the banquet hall. A frown marred her fair face. So it is true then, she thought, furiously. Her eyes darkened and her breathing became fast, Adrianna was not lying when she said Legolas had invited Ziendriel.

Elyse felt her face burn with rage. "Scheming might run in their family," she muttered, thinking of the two Yalith sisters, "but I will not allow them to take what is rightfully mine!" She furiously turned on her heel and with a swish of her gown, joined the large crowd.