Siraviel:

A knock rapped on my door. I starred at it for awhile before gathering the courage to open it. If it was Aronyth…

It wasn't. But what did come through the door shocked me just the same. At least 12 ladies came bustling in. One pulled out a chair, another hurried me onto it. The others pulled out measuring tape and began to measure me all over.

I was too taken aback for words. After a few minutes I stammered out, "What is this about?!"

One of the older women, who seemed to be in charge, spoke back, "So sorry my lady. King Aronyth has ordered you a whole wardrobe made and a yellow gown for tonight, that's less than 4 hours my lady. If you can see, there is no time for politeness."

They continued. I felt foolish standing on the chair with these women I didn't even know running tape all over me. And the ball in 4 hours! My word! I was quite sure we were here to mourn Aragorn, not celebrate!

"Umm… exuse me."

"Yes miss?"

"About the Lord Aronyth… what kind of a man is he?"

"Oh! Well he is… you see he… well, oh… he is quite different from Aragorn…"

She would say no more. I took that to be a bad sign. When the ladies had all their measurements, they left saying they would be back in an hours time to finish the dress. I immediately sent for Seleth the second they left.

He came barging in almost the second I rang for him.

"Sira! What did that barbarian do to you?! I was so worried! Aronyth is a monster. Sira if you could hear some of the things I have gotten out of his chambermaids… I won't go into that, it would only scare you."

"I have met him and he is the most horrid excuse for a king I have ever seen. Oh he frightened me so! He tried to… he tried…"

"You don't have to tell me Sira. He is a fiend. Don't go near him is you can help it."

"But Seleth! He has told me I am to attend the ball with him!"

Horror flew across his face for a split second, then he gained control of it.

"No! Sira, listen to me carefully. You must not get yourself into the position in which the two of you are alone. Ever. Surround yourself with people. He will try to get you alone but you must not let him. I will try to be there."

Then the ladies came bustling back in, pushing me up on the chair once more. Measuring me not with tape, but long yards of yellow satin this time.

"Remember Sira!" Seleth yelled as the woman pushed him out of the room.

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

I looked at myself in the mirror. The light from the windows flooded in and surrounded me with light though I felt like I was submerged in shadow. The dress fit nicely even though it felt like a hot, itchy sac. I hated wearing dresses. The women had remarkably finished the gown well before the ball, much to my dismay. I stood gazing at myself in the mirror when suddenly I saw a figure in the reflection.

I whirled around.

"Aronyth!"

"Hello my dear." He eyed me up and down. I wanted to jump into a sac and hide. "You look lovely."

I looked down at my toes and said, "Thank you your majesty but I do not feel it. I hate dresses and I will not lie and say I look forward to tonight. For I do not. In fact, I dread it."

I glared defiantly into his eyes expecting him to lash out. But instead he looked rather amused.

"Well then I will have to change your mind."

He held out his arm but I ignored him. He grabbed me and pulled my arm around his. I hated to admit it but he looked very handsome. His shoulder length hair was tied back and his eyes shown brilliantly. I did not trust him. He led me out of the room and we walked towards the ballroom.

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

The ballroom was fantastic. All around me was colors and music and laughter. Aronyth did know how to host a party. I saw father and mother dancing in a corner of the hall. Aronyth led me to the throne and I was seated next to him. The people ceased dancing and the music quieted. Aronyth then stood up.

"Welcome my people to my ball. It is in honor of my father Aragorn who has passed from this world. It is also for my mother Arwen who lives still. But also it is to welcome the royal family of Rohan. Continue!"

A waltz began to play and Aronyth asked me to dance. I refused but he pulled me out anyway. We glided onto the floor. He was a marvelous dancer from being brought up in the castle. It should have been marvelous but I had a horrible feeling upon me. I made sure to step on his feet a few times. I tried to get away but he was always there, watching me.

Hours passed and Aronyth would not let me leave his sight. Towards the end of the night he offered to show me his chambers. I cordially declined saying I was tired. But he pulled me inside against my will.

"Siraviel, I know you are nervous and angry being with a king like myself but there is nothing to fear. I am taken with you Siraviel. You are like nothing I have seen before, you are like a delicate flower that I know not what to do with. A wild beast that will not be tamed, but I will tame you Sira. I will tame you. I have talked to your father about a marriage proposal and he does not object. You will be mine Siraviel of Rohan, I will see to it."

He bent over to kiss me but I pulled away horrified. He turned me around and began to undo the buttons and ties on the back of my dress. I slapped him across the face and fled.

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