Shattered Illusions
The early morning sun streamed in through the windows, lightening up the room with its rays. Joari drowsily opened her eyes. She propped herself up on the bed, as her mind started to wake up. The first thing she noticed was Legolas was gone. I wonder where he went, she mused, getting up. A knock on the door sounded. "Come in!" she cried, straightening.
Arwen stepped in. "Good morning, Lady Joari." She greeted.
Joari inclined her head. "Good morning to you too. How did you know I would be here?"
Smiling, Arwen replied, "Legolas spent the night with Aragorn, and the both of them have already gone down. Legolas told me that you were in his room and since breakfast will soon be served soon, I was wondering if you would like to join us. The fellowship will be officially welcomed then." Seeing how excitedly wordy Arwen seemed to be, Joari quickly consented. "Sure I will. I was just wondering if you had my clothes? I would feel more comfortable in them." Arwen frowned. She had already seen the clothes. "I think you'd better not wear them now. Your clothes are of a… unique style, and you would tend to stand out. Why don't you try another dress?"
Joari looked around the room. "I would if I could. But as you can see, I happen to be in Legolas's room… wait." She turned to Arwen. "Arwen, could you continue ahead without me? I'll join you later."
Arwen looked puzzledly at her. "Are you sure?"
Joari waved her out. "Yes yes I'm sure. I'll ask for directions there okay?" Not sure what else to do, Arwen left.
As the door closed behind her, Joari quickly stifled a giggle. Impishly grinning, she looked around the room. "Now which one of these doors is the wardrobe?"
***~~~~~***
As the opening song ended, Legolas noticed a figure duck into the dining hall. He followed the figure with his eyes. It seemed faintly familiar. But no elf he knew would ever try sneaking into the dining hall! He looked around his table, where the fellowship, along with Elrond's family, sat. Only the seat across him, beside Aragorn, was empty.
Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Follow me." A low voice whispered, tugging him toward one of the pillars. He followed.
"Good morning." Joari greeted the dumbstruck prince, as he stared at her, secretly enjoying his current loss for words.
She was wearing one of his silver-threaded black pants, along with a light blue tunic. Over the tunic, she wore one of his hunting vests. As he was taller then her, she folded up the pants until they covered her slippers. She had twisted and tied up her hair with metallic blue hairpins. All in all, she looked like a funky pop idol.
"Thanks for the clothes Legolas," she told the gaping prince, "I hope I didn't use anything important." Legolas finally found his voice. "Good morning lady Joari, you look… beautiful." In a strangely alien way, he added. She looked at him, surprised. "Beautiful?"
Legolas quickly changed the topic. "Come, you must be hungry. Breakfast has just started." He offered her his arm. "Shall I escort you to the table?" She stared at the proffered arm uncomprehendingly, before realizing what it meant. "Thank you." she said, placing her hand on his.
Tables fell silent as they watched the couple walk to their table. Murmuring could be heard all around. Arwen caught Joari's eye, with a twinkle of amusement. So that is what she meant, she thought, staring at her. Hmmm… Even Legolas is a match for her in those clothes. Elrond leaned over to his daughter. "I think I know what you meant about her difference daughter. Why I may even believe the rumors about the clothes she had arrived in."
Legolas and Joari quickly seated themselves. As she did, Aragorn leaned over and whispered, "Nice outfit." Joari happily blushed. "Thank you," she whispered back lightly.
Elrond stood up, clearing his throat. "Fellow elves. It has been known that the last time he was here, Frodo Baggins carried with him the ring of power. With him, a fellowship of different beings from all over Middle-Earth swore to protect him. They have succeeded, and the ring has been thrown into the fires of Mondor. To them, we owe a debt that can never be repaid, for which we will always be eternally grateful. They are, Gimli, Dwarf of the Mines" Gimli stood up, grunting. "Gandalf" to her right, the old man stood up, smiling. "Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood" Legolas stood up, noting the muted look of surprise in Joari's eyes. "Aragorn, son of Arathorn, King of Gondor!" Aragorn gravely stood up. Joari was even more surprised. He's a king! She thought. Talk about ranks above any knight in shining armor! "And the ones who had started it all, the half-lings Frodo, Peregrin, Merry, and Sam Hobbits!" The four of them stood up, as the thunderous applause sounded. Joari stood up too, caught up in the excitement and happiness the other elves so clearly felt. The King of the elves indicated that he had more to say.
"It is a happy time indeed. And one more drop to fill our cups to overflowing. My daughter, Arwen Evenstar, is now formally engaged with Aragorn. Their union will take place at Gondor on midsummer's eve!" More applause and cheering were heard. As Aragorn and Arwen stood there, happily holding hands.
Only one person did not join in the resounding ovation. Joari sat there shocked, as she realized what this meant. She stood up and quickly headed for the door, leaving in quiet dignity.
Only Legolas saw her leave.
