Disclaimer: Tolkien owns everything concerning Middle Earth. No money is being made.

Author's Note: 01/16/06 - ...I'm getting a huge laugh out of rereading each of these chapters because my writing style has definitely changed in the time I've spent away from writing fan fiction. The editing is taking longer than I expected, but I'm slowly plowing through, and hopefully I'll finally be able to get the second part of this story going. And I'm also cutting out all those annoyingly long auther's notes I'd always tacked on at the end of each chapter because all I ever really seemed to do was beg for reviews, haha. My bad.

The Imperfect One
By: JDArc

Chapter Four: Dance With Me

Elladan gazed blankly down the empty corridor, not knowing how much time had passed. He had gotten ready for the banquet a long while ago, and he had been sitting outside of Elenmírë's room since then. His mind had been wandering almost the entire time, but when he heard laughter coming from Elenmírë's closed door, he stood up, stretched and walked over.

Before he could reach the doorway, it was thrust open, and as his sister was pushed outside, and the door shut behind her with a loud bang. "Have fun, arwenamin!" Annaril called out, her voice muffled, and the two were left alone in the hallway facing each other.

Elladan stared, his jaw dropping in disbelief. He knew that she had the potential to really be the Lady she was, but this was beyond his expectations. The dress hugged her body perfectly, slimming away the unusual proportions that were emphasized with her tunic and leggings, and part of her hair was swept back and away from her face with a silver ribbon in a complicated plait while the rest fell smoothly down her back. It was far from her usual tight braid that she had worn most of her life. Elladan let go of the breath he had no idea he was holding, and admired not just the physical differences, but the light that surrounded her, the light that had almost completely disappeared, but was now slightly reflecting off of her olive skin, not too strongly, but not as weak as it had been. Elenmírë shifted uncomfortably on her feet.

"I do not look at all like me," she commented, biting her lip, worrying over his expression. He had not made a move, and his face was still set in shock, and she knew not whether it was for good or for bad. "Elladan?" He shook his head, and he smiled widely, offering her his arm.

"You look absolutely stunning, Mírë," he whispered to her as they walked down the quiet hall. "Merry and Pippin will be head-ever-heels when they see you!" He chuckled as her cheeks flamed.

"Ah, just what I need," she laughed, "Infatuated little hobbits!" They burst into another fit of laughter, and his eyes caught the glimmer of her sheath at her waist.

"What, are you expecting a battle?" He gestured to her blade.

She straightened up indignantly. "It reminds the others of my rank," she said briskly. "I do not want them to forget that. Besides," she pointed at his own sword, "we are warriors after all. We should be alert at all times, just in case, and there is no way you will leave me behind if there is an emergency. Just because I now wear this heavy gown does not mean I cannot fight in it." They laughed and their giggles echoed through the empty hallways.

Elladan could not stop gazing down at the one he had always seen as his comrade, as his equal, for she had never looked so feminine before. And her entire countenance had a certain glow that she had not had since her early childhood. 'Why has she kept this side of herself hidden for such a long time?' his mind wondered idly. He studied her face, amazed at how familiar and different it seemed at the same time. It was the same Elenmírë, but…but…he could not place his finger on it.

Elenmírë kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, though she was well aware of Elladan's stare. 'Do I look that different?' she asked herself silently, but her thoughts ebbed away as they drew closer and closer to the hall, loud chatter drifting to reach them. Her arm tensed, and she clutched at him. He placed his other hand over hers to relax her.

"Why are you nervous?" he asked, curiosity burning in his eyes. "This is not your first banquet." They paused just outside the open doors, and she looked up fearfully at him.

"I-I just…I feel vulnerable in this," she confided, bringing her gaze to her dress. "With my tunic and leggings, I can blend in with all the other guards, but with this…" She sighed. "This is foolish, Elladan. They will certainly laugh, and I will not be able to hide." She looked up at him again, searching for reassuring words.

"Ah, arwenamin, they will not laugh, but they will wonder why you have kept this side of you so secret for so long," he said, and she started at his words. He had never, in all the many years that they had known each other, called her 'arwenamin,' and it troubled her to ever hear him say it when addressing her now. Was her regular, unpolished self unworthy of being called 'arwenamin?' "Come," he encouraged, gently pulling her toward the doors. "Let us make our entrance." She took a deep, labored breath and bit on her bottom lip as she nodded in acquiescence.

Elladan led her to the grand entrance, and they paused as they stepped inside, taking in the scene. A motley group of guests were gathered; Elves were everywhere of course, Dwarves were talking amongst themselves, Men were glancing around suspiciously, and the Hobbits were the center of attention, animatedly acting out their stories and drinking wine as if their glasses had endless bottoms. Elenmírë smiled softly when her eyes landed on Merry and Pippin, both of whom were red in the face from too much wine.

Elrohir noticed Elladan immediately when he entered, but he was surprised to see a timid She-Elf on his arm and wondered how long Elladan had kept this girl out of his knowledge. With his head held proudly, he strode over to his brother and gave a gentle bow to them both and offered his own arm to the young She-Elf.

"Welcome," he greeted formally, and when she stared at him in disbelief, he realized that she was familiar somehow…

"You do not recognize me, Elrohir?" she questioned in a hurt voice, a voice that he instantly knew.

"Elenmírë!" he hissed incredulously. "But you look so…female!" Her eyes narrowed and glared angrily, and he realized instantly just how insulting his words were. "I am sorry, sister. I must apologize for my quick tongue." She nodded slowly, but her eyes still held her pain. Without another word, he led them to the dais where the High Table was and where their father and the Evenstar sat. Using her peripheral vision, Elenmírë spotted Legolas and Mary Sue sitting side by side near the opposite end of the long table and immediately decided not to acknowledge them unless she had no other choice.

"Ah, Elladan, it is about time you showed up," Lord Elrond called out to them as they approached. He looked curiously at the Elf standing next to his son, but when she lifted her eyes to meet his, an indescribable joy shouted from his very heart. "Elenmírë!" He leaped out of his chair to embrace his foster daughter. He pulled away from her slightly to admire the new change that had come over her. "My daughter, it is an honor…" His voice trailed off for he was choked with too much emotion, but his meaning was clear in the happiness that covered his face. His elated cry turned the heads of the Elves in the hall and of those sitting at the Head Table, and they watched on in curiosity. The hobbits, who had heard Elenmírë's name, came rushing to the table to greet her, but Lord Elrond, too overcome with happiness, quickly called the attention of those sitting at the Head Table, much to Elenmírë's chagrin. "My honored guests," he began, beaming at all of them, "I'd like to introduce to you, my other daughter, Elenmírë." She stepped out from behind her father, cheeks flaming red, and clumsily curtseyed (it was the first time she had ever had to do so), keeping her eyes downcast to avoid any eye contact, especially from Legolas and Mary Sue.

"Elenmírë, it has been a while since I saw you last, but I must say, you are far more exquisite than I remembered," a deep masculine voice said, freezing her momentarily, and she frantically questioned herself as to how she could have possibly overlooked him. She knew that voice well for she had dreamed of him for years, desiring to be his only object of affection for the longest time, but that role was given to none other than her own sister, Arwen. She gulped and forced her eyes up to gaze into the face of Aragorn. His gentle grey eyes twinkled as he bestowed a smile upon her, which she weakly returned, taking note that Arwen was sitting right beside him.

"Many moons have indeed passed," she said in reply, but she quickly looked back down, afraid that if she stared much too long, her hidden feelings would reveal themselves on her face. She had tried to avoid seeing him at all costs, especially when she discovered his love affair with her sister many seasons before, for she did not want another reason to loathe her. These same emotions were now rekindled, but Lord Elrond took no heed of it for he led her to the opposite end of the table, eager to have her meet those summoned to Rivendell. She was grateful at once that her father was enthusiastic of her arrival, but remembered all too suddenly that she was leaving Aragorn behind merely to face the only other person who stirred the emotions in her heart. 'Why must I fall for those who are already unavailable?' she sighed inwardly, when they drew closer to Legolas and Mary Sue.

"Legolas, Mary Sue," Lord Elrond greeted kindly, "this is Elenmírë." She curtseyed, less clumsily than before, keeping her eyes downcast. She could feel Legolas' eyes on her, and her knees were threatening to buckle underneath her at any given moment…

"Oh, we've met her before," Mary Sue replied with disdain, not bothering to look up and waving her hand as if to dismiss her, and Elenmírë could not keep a growl from escaping her lips. Her hand was immediately drawn to the hilt of her sword, and she nearly unsheathed it, but her father was far quicker and placed his hand over hers to stop her motion. Elenmírë now glared openly at the girl, and when Mary Sue looked up, she did a double take, her jaw dropping. The She-Elf that had verbally attacked her in the woods ("She's a she-male, not a She-Elf!" she sneered to Legolas as they approached the city) was now a vision encompassed in immaculate white light that seemed to emit from her very soul, and her face, once so ordinary, was beautiful and terrifying to behold, for her eyes were fiery with anger, adding to her magnificence. Those who had gaped at the commotion were taken aback by the brilliance of Elenmírë's detestation for Mary Sue. It was their first time to see her Elven beauty shine through her rage, but those of the Guard of Rivendell immediately recognized that same fire of light, for that was how she appeared when in battle. Only anger for the Orcs or anything evil brought forth the light that sustained her, and her comrades whispered this to those who would listen. Mary Sue, on the other hand, was now petrified and could not take her eyes off of the She-Elf that she had dismissed as crude and ugly.

"Why do you speak in such a tone, Mary Sue?" Elrond asked evenly, his voice calm though his eyes betrayed the protective anger that had risen at the girl's nonchalant answer.

"I meant no offense, Lord Elrond, but this is the Elf that had insulted me in the woods," Mary Sue said defiantly, not knowing where she obtained the courage to stand to the Lord of Rivendell. "She called me impertinent and spineless and-"

"That is what you are," Elenmírë spat, the light around her growing and lighting the hall with the luminosity of a star. "You were the one to disrespect a Lady of Rivendell, and my insults were far more generous to you than you know, for if you had offended another of a Ruling House of any city, you would have been put into a dungeon and fed dung instead of sitting at a place of honor as you are right now." She held Mary Sue's violet eyes in a glare, silently challenging her to disagree, but the girl could not utter one word.

"Why did you not tell me this, Elenmírë?" Lord Elrond asked quietly. "What did she say to upset you so?"

"She called me a male, father," Elenmírë replied bluntly, "but she lied to me at first, trying to escape my wrath by making up a silly excuse at how she just thought I looked nothing like the twins. So I retaliated at her serious lack of judgment in her choice of words." A collective murmur ran through the crowd, reminding them that they had an audience. She looked over the sea of faces and recognized the looks of guilt among many. 'Ah,' she thought, her heart filling with sadness, 'so it is true that most of Rivendell thought the same as Mary Sue.'

"Mary Sue was obviously mistaken, My Lord," Legolas spoke, rising to bow to them both, "and I will bear the responsibility of her actions for she is under my care after all." He straightened up and looked into Elenmírë's grey eyes, causing her heart to leap with delight despite the situation at hand. "I apologize on her behalf, Lady Elenmírë, and I assure you that she meant no harm."

"Thank you, Legolas," Elenmírë said softly, relishing the sound of her name on his lips, but something in her voice must have betrayed her for Lord Elrond now looked at her questioningly. "But please, tell your little friend to watch her words carefully for I will not be as lenient the next time around." She looked at the girl with distaste one last time before taking her father's arm and moving on to be introduced to another.

Legolas watched Elenmírë walk away, the light slowly fading once more to a slight mist around her figure, but he could not erase the image of her standing there as if a star itself had been inlaid in her body. He gazed after her, contemplating at how beautiful she could be if only she allowed herself let go of whatever it was that she was afraid of, but he knew there was much more to her than just looks, for looks were often deceiving, and frowning, he turned his gaze to Mary Sue, who now sat glaring up at him with her arms crossed.

"Why did you apologize?" she demanded as he took his seat again.

"Shh!" he hissed, his eyes darting over to Lord Elrond and Elenmírë, who were now speaking to Boromir of Gondor and the Dwarf, Gimli. They were just a few feet away, and if they had heard Mary Sue, they chose not to acknowledge it. "I already warned you once before that Elves have excellent hearing. I greatly advise you not to speak in such a manner to our hosts." She sighed heavily and pouted her lips as she slumped in her chair.

"I don't care," she whispered softly, her violet eyes filling with unshed tears. He felt his heart lurch at the sight, and he wanted to hold her, to comfort her, but…somehow the image just did not seem…right. Yes, dressed in Elven fashion, Mary Sue was beyond gorgeous, and many an Elf mistook her for one when they arrived in the hall together, but she just did not have that same glow, that same fire as Elenmírë.

"You must care," Legolas replied bluntly. "Elenmírë did have a point, I might add. If you had been as rude to someone else of a Ruling House, you would have ended up imprisoned in a dungeon." He chuckled, recalling Bilbo's first experience in Mirkwood. "You do remember Bilbo Baggins?" She nodded for they had met Bilbo and the Hobbits as soon as they had arrived in Rivendell. "Bilbo traveled to Mirkwood with Dwarves, but his friends were captured by my people and my father had them imprisoned (we did not feed them dung, of course) merely because they were wandering in our realm, and they were lost and starving, but he had thought that they were trying to attack our people. Until I had a chat with Bilbo today, I had thought the same." Her eyes grew wide with surprise. "So you see, you are rather fortunate." Mary Sue glanced over at Elenmírë who was now at her place at the table on the other end having a lively conversation with two of the hobbits, Merry and Pippin, and Gandalf the Grey and Elladan were watching on in amusement. For the first time in her life, Mary Sue felt a twinge of jealousy.

"I still don't know why everyone dotes on her," she murmured quietly, grabbing a slice of cheese and nibbling on it. "Yeah, she's all pretty or whatever right now, but, she'll go back to looking like a guy tomorrow with those ugly leggings she wore this afternoon."

"You sound jealous," Legolas smirked, quickly ducking away from her swatting hand.

"Me? Jealous?" Mary Sue rolled her eyes dramatically and swept her straight, jet black hair over her shoulder. "As if." Suddenly, as quickly as seconds pass by, her mood changed, and she leaned closer to Legolas, batting her long lashes at him, her eyes imploring for his attention. He gulped. "Why would I be jealous of her when I'm the lucky one, sitting here next to you?"

"You are blessed with the gift of sweet words, little one," he chuckled uncomfortably, slowly inching himself away from her. She took no notice, but scooted ever closer, and again, he felt claustrophobic, wanting to bolt away from her, but he did not want to cause a commotion. Coming to his rescue, musicians swiftly began to play their instruments and sing a lively tune.

"Oh, I do love to dance!" Mary Sue hinted, batting her eyes at Legolas. He groaned inwardly, but forced a smile, stood up, and held his hand out to her which she took quickly, and he led her to the floor where many others had already congregated. They danced and twirled to the fast pace, and Legolas found himself admiring the movement of her graceful body, but he was relieved when Elrohir asked to cut in.

"Of course, my friend!" Legolas replied jovially, and dodged away before Mary Sue could protest. He meandered his way through the thick crowd to the other side of the hall, and there he spotted Elenmírë dancing with the two most enthusiastic Hobbits of the bunch, Merry and Pippin. Each had a hold of one of her hands, and they were pulling and swinging her this way and that, and in their other hands, they each held a pint of beer. Her laughter rung in the air, and it touched him to see that two of the smallest people in the hall could bring such entertainment to the one who had seemed so diminished back in the woods. However, the Hobbits, being as tipsy as they were, managed to tangle themselves with her arms and legs, tripping her by accident. Before she fell, Legolas was at her side, catching her in his arms, and slowly brought her up to steady herself.

"Oi!" Merry protested. "Thanks for catching her, but who said you could cut in, Legs?" Legolas grimaced at the nickname, but Elenmírë squealed into a fit of giggles. She bent down to stare the two in the face.

"Merry, Pip, I think it best you finish those pints before we engage in another dance," she suggested softly, bestowing her best smile. "I promise you both more dances before the night is through." They looked rather forlorn and stared into their pints, and Elenmírë, softening, hugged them both. With that, smiles appeared on both their faces, and they gently shoved her in Legolas' direction.

"Alright, you can have this one dance with her, Legs, but we'll be back soon!" Pippin called out. "You cannot escape us, m'lady!" They both bowed low from their waists before slipping through the crowd, crying out for more beer. She smiled, and then turned to look at Legolas. He bowed slightly and reached for her hand.

"May I have this dance, arwenamin?" he asked, smiling with pleasure at the faint blush that painted her cheeks. She merely nodded and slipped her hand in his as he curled his other arm around her waist. He was surprised at the strength he felt in the grip of her hand, but as his arm brushed over her sword, he remembered she was also second in command to the Guard of Rivendell. She was no weak female, that was certain, but her strong stature matched his, and he realized how wonderful it felt to feel her in his arms. An understanding came over him; it felt better to hold someone who had more substance, not like many of the She-Elves he had danced with in all of his nearly three thousand years of life. They felt rather slim and fragile, as if they would break in his arms if he held on too tightly, but Elenmírë had a power within her strong body, and he knew he preferred this feeling much more for it matched his own spirit.

Elenmírë could not believe the energy she felt within herself when she slipped her hand into his, and when she locked her eyes with his blue ones, she felt a flame within her ignite, but she knew not what it was. They started to dance to the music, and soon, they were laughing along with the crowd as the song grew ever faster, and they fought to keep up with light steps. Elenmírë could hear her heart pounding with excitement as his hold on her grew ever tighter, and a flash of realization crossed the depths of his eyes as he slowed their dancing down.

His heart was caught in his throat as they stopped moving, not caring that the music had continued, but he took in her face, her exquisite grey eyes revealing her soul to him, trusting him into her sacred heart, though he was sure she knew not what her eyes were disclosing. He could read her emotions as they collided in a mixed cacophony across her face, and he knew she was reading his expressions just as well as he was reading hers, for their faces were mere reflections of each other. He saw himself in her eyes, and he could feel the mutual understanding in the beating of her heart against his. Her cheeks were flushed from exertion, and her lips were red and full, and he wanted nothing more than to feel them beneath his, wondering if they tasted just as sweet as they looked. It was not logical, what he was feeling. He had only met her today, but he was captivated. Elenmírë in leggings or in a gown, he cared not; all he wanted above all else was to figure out what mysteries she kept well-hidden within her.

The song suddenly ended, and as cheers erupted, Legolas and Elenmírë came crashing down to earth and they released each other, applauding with the crowd.

"I am quite surprised to see that Merry and Pippin are not already here to cut in for the next dance," Legolas commented lightly, forcing his heart to behave, but it rebelled in his chest as if trying to break free from its restraints to physically join hers. "They seemed rather determined to keep you to themselves for the entire night."

"They are quite overprotective," she laughed. "But I cannot entirely say I am all too surprised that they do not grace us with their presence at this moment." She pointed to where they sat, their arms crossed over the tabletop and their heads resting on top of their arms with their eyes closed. "It seems they have drunk themselves to sleep."

"There you are, Legolas!" a melodious voice called out, and Legolas flinched at the sound, but forced a smile on his face when he turned to greet Mary Sue, and Boromir who accompanied her. "Oh, hi Elenmírë," she said with sugary fake sweetness.

"Hello," Elenmírë replied flatly, the iciness in her demeanor returning. She did not know how it was possible that she could feel blissfully happy one moment and turn dreadfully depressed the next. She felt she was soaring in Legolas' arms, and she hated the little human, who was now leaning in possessively near Legolas, pressing her large bosom against his arm. "And hello to you, Boromir." She gave him a small smile, and he took her hand and placed a kiss on it.

"Hello, my Lady," he replied, his face filling with warmth. The music had started up again, but it was more of slow waltz, and Mary Sue had taken the liberty to drag Legolas a few feet away before he could utter his good-bye. Elenmírë looked back to Boromir to avoid looking at how closely Legolas and Mary Sue were now dancing. "I was wondering if you would like to have this dance with me?" Her eyes shot back to Merry and Pippin who did look rather pathetic, having fallen asleep at the table, and she looked back at Boromir apologetically and gestured to her two friends. He nodded in understanding, but a smile still played on his lips. "I would like to help you take them to their rooms, if you don't mind?"

"Thank you, Boromir," she said softly, the corners of her lips turning up. "It would look very odd if I carried both hobbits by myself."

They proceeded to the table, and tried to shake them awake, but failed miserably with Pippin uttering in his sleepy stupor, "I didn't miss second breakfast, did I, Merry?" Elenmírë took Pippin while Boromir took Merry, and they walked out of the hall quietly and tread softly to their quarters. There, servants were waiting and took the drunk hobbits from them, thanking the Lady Elenmírë and the esteemed Boromir for their thoughtfulness and left them.

They walked slowly down the hallways, heading back to the dance, but Elenmírë could think of nothing else except for how she wished she were with Legolas instead. Then, feeling angry at herself for letting him consume her mind and for being so rude to Boromir, even in her thoughts, she spoke. "So, Boromir, what do you think of the Lady Mary Sue?" He paused in thought for a minute before speaking.

"She is incredibly beautiful," he started, "and she is quite a charmer. But I heard the way she spoke to you, and I found it insulting." He shrugged. "I do not know her well enough to honestly state a well-rounded opinion, but my impression so far is that she is still young and needs to learn respect." He tilted his head in question. "Why do you ask, My Lady?"

"I do not know why I let her get to me," she found herself saying, and ducked her head in embarrassment. "What I mean to say is, others have said similar things about me, yet I did not threaten them with my sword the way I was about to with that girl." They continued to walk quietly, and Boromir picked up her hand again and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"My Lady, I beg your pardon if I across as presumptuous, but although I do feel a sense of insecurity around you," he started, his eyes shining, "you most certainly do have your strengths. Believe in those, as much as your family and your friendly hobbits do." He added as an afterthought, "And after having the pleasure of conversing with you tonight, as much as I do." Surprised, her eyes flashed up to look at him, and she saw genuine sincerity in his face. 'What a kind friend,' she thought quietly. They slowed their steps as they reached the grand entrance and paused outside the door.

"Thank you, Boromir," Elenmírë said quietly, looking forlornly into the lit hall. Boromir stepped inside and turned back to look at her expectantly, but she gently shook her head. "I think I have had my share of feasting for the day," she apologized. "Thank you for your help with Merry and Pippin. I am sure they would thank you themselves if they were not so consumed with drink." He chuckled.

"Good night, My Lady," he bid. "Rest well tonight."

"Thank you," she replied. "I wish you the same, Boromir of Gondor." He nodded and drifted into the crowd, and she turned and walked down another hallway to her quarters. She heard quiet, light footsteps following her, and she paused and gazed back. "Father?"

"Are you ill, my dear?" Lord Elrond asked, concern wrinkling his brow. "I saw you return with Boromir after taking Merry and Pippin to their quarters, but you did not stay. The hour is not yet late." She shook her head.

"No, father, I am fine," she replied, "but my heart cares not for more dancing." Lord Elrond remained quiet as he studied her face for a few minutes and smiled.

"My dear, you do amaze me," he said softly, giving her a hug. "You keep your beauty well hidden, but I am glad to see that you have privileged us with a glimpse of it tonight." He paused again, before speaking. "What is it you feel for Legolas?" Blood rushed to her face at his name, and she shook her head in embarrassment. She could not allow herself to hope for anything greater than friendship with Legolas, especially with Mary Sue draping herself over him at any opportunity she was given. Elenmírë knew she could not bear it if she allowed herself to fall for someone again only to have him love someone else…Her thoughts went back to Aragorn, and she frowned.

"I do not know," she said truthfully, looking into her father's face for answers. "I do not know how to describe what exactly I feel when he is near, but it cannot be anything more than a longing for friendship." Elrond grinned knowingly at his daughter, and shook his head.

"It is more than that, my dear, and I think you know it" he said softly, "for I heard it in your voice when you accepted his apology and saw it on your face when you danced with him tonight." He softly kissed her forehead before walking away. "Sleep well, Elenmírë. Tomorrow is the Council, and there is much to discuss." She nodded.

"Good night, father." She walked the remaining distance to her chambers, and Annaril helped her out of her gown before Elenmírë fell on her bed, her eyes glazing over with slumber.

TBC...