When Vista opened her door, Haldir opened his mouth to say something about her outfit.  She wore a tunic and leggings again, this time in black and dark green.  The pendant he'd given her was the only piece of jewelry she wore.  She'd gotten her hair cut; it was a bit shorter then the last time he'd seen it. 

            Noticing he intended to say something, Vista shot him a look.  He shut his mouth quickly.  She grinned and patted him on the shoulder.

"You're learning." she said with a laugh. 

            Haldir rolled his eyes and Vista laughed harder.  She had re-warmed to him since the confrontation in her room several days ago.  It was almost like nothing had happened.  Almost.  Something was different, but Haldir couldn't pinpoint it.  He told himself that their friendship was strengthening; but, somehow, that didn't seem...correct.  Strange.  But today wasn't the day to talk about it.  They were going to speak with Galadriel about what was being hidden from Vista. 

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"Once again, Lady Vista, I must inquire about the style of dress you persist on wearing." Celeborn said.

            Vista and Haldir had entered into the courtyard where Celeborn and Galadriel were awaiting them.  Initial pleasantries had been exchanged, then conversation had fallen into the old round.

"And, once again, I must remind you that I wear what I feel expresses myself accurately in your culture.  Not that I should have to remind you." Vista retorted.

Celeborn chuckled, "I surrender.  Now, what is so important that you demand such a meeting?"

Vista looked him right in the eye, "I understand that you've been holding out on me."

Celeborn raised an eyebrow, "Be careful of your tone, Lady Vista."

Vista visibly twitched, "Be careful who you lie to, Lord Celeborn."

Haldir reached out and cautiously laid a hand on Vista's shoulder, "Calm down."

She shoved his hand off, "FUCK CALM!!" she shrieked, "HE LIED TO ME!"

            Vista was trembling with anger, her hands clenching and unclenching.  Her eyes were blazing and her chest was heaving, like she'd just run a league at top speed.

            Then, suddenly, it stopped.  Vista folded her hands against the small of her back and bowed her head, completely still.  Those assembled in the courtyard seemed to hold the collective breath, wondering what was going to happen.  She was a statue for several minutes.  Then she raised her head.  Her face was calm, placid.  So placid it was frightening.  Instead of burning, her eyes smoldered. 

"I don't like being lied to." she said quietly.  The sudden calm and quiet were more disturbing than any level of noise she could have created.

Celeborn nodded to her, "I apologize for not being completely honest.  I assume you are referring to the legend discussed at our previous meeting?"

Vista nodded curtly, not saying anything.

But before Celeborn could continue, Galadriel stood. 

"Vista and I will discuss this alone.  Please excuse us."

            The courtyard emptied quickly, leaving Vista and Galadriel isolated.  Galadriel smiled and gestured to Celeborn's abandoned throne.

"Sit, Vista.  We have much to talk about."

Vista walked slowly up the steps, then collapsed into the seat.  "I'm sorry I caused such a scene.  Lord Celeborn really knows how to piss me off."

Galadriel smiled, "He means well.  Now, as to business.  What do you want to know?"

Vista fidgeted in her seat, "I want to know the whole story.  All of it."

Galadriel sighed, "I regret that I do not know the whole story, Vista.  I will, however, tell you what I know."

Vista smiled, "Well, you probably know more then I do.  And, at the very least, you can cement or destroy a few suspicions."

Galadriel laughed gently, "We will see.  As to what I know.  A man came to Middle Earth, much like you did.  Many were consulted about how he was to get home.  Many were consulted, and many could not help.  Finally, he decided to settle down here.  Then, something happened that I do not know.  And he was able to go back."

Vista's face lit up, "Really?  There's a chance I can go home?  I wonder what happened..."
Galadriel held up a hand, "But, he chose to stay."

Vista blinked, "Stay?  Why would he stay?"

Galadriel smiled, "Because he was in love with an Elvish woman.  A woman of this world."

Vista raised a brow, "And this has what to do with me?"

Galadriel looked Vista over, calculatingly, "Do you really wish to know?"

Vista rolled her eyes, "Might as well.  I don't think I'm capable of being surprised anymore."

Galadriel met her eyes, "Because you are in love with Haldir."  She held up a hand, staving off the comments starting to flow from Vista. 

"Let me finish.  You have lost everyone near to you.  And Haldir has never had anyone to lose.  Now he does.  And now he fights not to.  Would you make him fight in vain?"

Vista glared at Galadriel, "Don't guilt trip me.  I want to go home, back to my friends and my family.  I'd miss Haldir, sure.  But I'm not in love with him."

Am I?

Galadriel simply regarded at her calmly, "You do not seem as sure as you sound."

Vista sighed and pulled her knees up to her chest, "Because I'm not.  I don't know.  Things...I don't know, things happen and...I just don't know.  I don't care what happens, I just don't want to hurt him."

Galadriel smiled, "At this time, you hurt him by refusing his love."

Vista closed her eyes and hit her head against the back of the throne. 

"How come life is so damn annoying?"

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            Haldir was pacing outside the door to the courtyard, curiosity needling at him.  What are they talking about?  Why are women so secretive?  He almost didn't notice the scout approaching him.  Only when the elf cleared his throat did he fully register his presence.

"What is it?" Haldir asked, rather curtly.

The scout blinked, "The convoy from Mirkwood approaches from the North, sir.  They will be here within the hour."

Haldir regarded him blankly, "Convoy...what convoy?"

The scout raised an eyebrow, "Why, the guests invited for the solstice celebration.  This was planned months ago."

Oh, I remember.  "Oh, yes.  Well, escort them in and show them their quarters.  I shall inform the Lord and Lady of their arrival."

The scout bowed and ran off.  Not that I need anything else right now.

He knocked on the door, then slowly opened it.

***************************************************************************************************************

            Vista and Galadriel looked up as the door suddenly made noise, then started opening.  Haldir poked his head in.

"Forgive me, Lady Galadriel, but I was informed that the convoy from Mirkwood is approaching and should arrive within the hour."

Galadriel smiled, "Thank you, Haldir.  Preparations for their arrival are complete.  Vista and I are nearly finished.  We shall be down shortly."

            Haldir bowed slightly, taking this opportunity to look at Vista.  She was watching him with great interest, though it was most likely because she was curious about the Mirkwood group.  When he raised his head, he looked right into her eyes.  Conflict was evident as different emotions warred inside. 

            The door shut.

"So, what's with the people comin' over here from Mirkwood?" Vista asked.

"They are coming to celebrate the summer solstice.  They will be with us for nearly a month." Galadriel answered.

"Oh.  When's the solstice?"

Galadriel thought for a moment, "In a fortnight."

"So, there gonna be a party, or what?" Vista asked, grinning.

Galadriel smiled back, "Yes, there will be a party.  Much like the one for your birthday not too long ago.  Although bigger.  Much bigger.  And..." she trailed off.

"And...what?" Vista prompted.

"And I am afraid that you will have to wear a dress."

..."What?"