Chapter 5 – A New Dawn

Narla woke to the sweet chirping of birds on her terrace. The room looked very different in the morning. As she stretched herself in bed, she saw that the twilight and mystical mood was no longer present in the room. Instead, a warm and ethereal feel appeared for the sunlight had made everything in her room look golden, even her hair shone in gold. The terrace looked mythical with sunrays penetrating in through the leaves overhead and swallow-like birds (with long blue-tipped tails) sung in the morning air. Getting out of her bed, Narla realized though the look of the room may have changed, the temperature had not. However, she must admit it was warmer than last night. Putting her runners and belt bag on, Narla heard a soft knock on the door.

"Come in!"

A tall elf lady clad in a light green dress appeared through the door and smiled down at Narla, who was standing at full height yet looked small.

"You have awaken, our guest. I am Lady Faryndiel. It is time to cleanse yourself to present you before the King. Come."

Cleanse myself? What did that mean? Narla looked at the bundle of silky fabric folded neatly on the elf's arms before following the elf lady out of the room. The corridor looked so much friendlier in the morning, with birds and tree animals playing around the branches. A few elves could be seen in the hallways, though they didn't smile kindly to Narla as Faryndiel did. In fact, you could say they looked suspicious of their guest. Narla noticed that the elf lady had led her to the grand washroom she had been, and remembered what happened last night.

Though she regretted speaking so rudely to Legolas about not knowing him, it was half of the truth. For Narla had only read about him, as a fictional character out of a book. Before she went to bed she decided that she would not tell them that they existed only in a book in her world, she would not even mention 'The Lord Of The Rings'. However, she didn't know how to return to her world. With that still in mind, Narla stepped into the washroom with Faryndiel.

Her troubles temporarily fled her. Narla was half uncertain that she had been in this room before. The illustrated floor and bowl was there, so there was no doubt she was in the washroom. However, the large pool was no longer empty. It was filled with steaming water and a small stream of water could be seen pouring out of the swan's mouth, which still stood at the corner of the pool. The entire room looked misty filled with steam, and the air held a fragrance. Narla saw another fair-haired elfmaiden scattering flower petals into the pool. She was dressed in deep green with her golden hair braided to one side. She smiled when she saw Narla and stepped out of the washroom. Then Faryndiel too, walked towards the door. Before she went out, she spoke to Narla in an almost matronly manner,

"Cleanse yourself now, child. And when you are done, call for me."

Setting the bundle she had been carrying onto the small cabinet underneath the now foggy mirror, Faryndiel left Narla alone in the misty washroom.

Well, at least I get to take a bath. Taking her clothes off and setting her belongings near the bowl where no water had touched the floor there, Narla plunged into the hot tub slowly. It felt like a dip in paradise! She felt refreshed and that she had no problems at all, just her in her scented pool. The only sounds Narla could hear were the birds' whistling and the swan fountain's water pouring, and that sounded like a melody to her ears. Washing away all the dirt off her body and hair, Narla relaxed in her tub. Though she wished to stay there forever, she had to face reality, and before long, she looked around for a towel. But none could be seen and the bundle of silk didn't look like drying towels to her. So Narla had no choice but to call Faryndiel though she did not wish for the elf lady to see her body, which could be considered short among them.

The elf lady graciously came in and held open a white towel to Narla.

Embarrassed, Narla said timidly, "Um, I do not mean to sound ungrateful, but would you please turn your head around?"

Faryndiel laughed gently that made her look younger and said,

"My dear child, you have no need to be ashamed about. I have seen more bodies than you could imagine, for I take care of the young people in this household, even Master Legolas once. I would have to dress you as well."

In hearing that Faryndiel had seen Legolas naked Narla flushed, and Faryndiel laughed even more at this. Having no reply, Narla obediently climbed out of the pool and let Faryndiel wrap her with the towel, still red. Wiping her body dry and squeezing gently the water from her hair, Faryndiel led Narla towards the cabinet where she unwrapped the bundle and from it, pulled out a long nylon-like dress of maple green. Its sleeves were loose and a V line collar lined with silver made Narla gape. Before she knew it Faryndiel had placed the dress over her and was giving her a pine green vest to wear. Narla seldom wore skirts or dresses, but she did not mind this one for the cloth felt so smooth and soft against her skin that Narla thought she was back in her bed. After the elf lady had tied a wide cloth around Narla's waist, she helped Narla put on a pair of soft shoes which covered above her ankles. Then she started straightening Narla's half-dry hair with a silver comb. Amazed at how straight and soft her hair was, Faryndiel said with a smile,

"My, you have such excellent hair, child, with a beautiful color as well!"

"Please, call me Narla, fair lady Faryndiel."

Faryndiel's smile just widened at Narla's reply and when she set down her comb, she looked at Narla in front of the mirror,

"There, Narla, you look like a flower in bloom!"

Unbelieving her eyes, Narla thought the mirror was a trick mirror. But she remembered seeing her dirty self in the same mirror and she knew she must really look this nice now. Her hair was straighter than usual, covering her shoulders to above her breasts. Narla didn't know she could look so good in a dress, or she hadn't had luck wearing one so fine. For the dress complimented her curves and the color enhanced her fair skin. The blue sapphire below her neck glowed with pride. She wouldn't say she looked beautiful, but at least she felt clean and confident enough to face the king. And his son for all that matters. As Narla put on her belt bag around her, Faryndiel picked up her clothes and shoes. Afraid that they intended to throw these belongings of hers, Narla held on to her clothes until Faryndiel said,

"Fear not, Narla. I would clean these and place them on your bed for you. Thought I know not what materials these are made of, I shall try me best."

"Thank you Faryndiel, for everything," said Narla, as she was growing fond of the lady elf.

Together, they walked towards the hall of the King.

Author's Notes: Yeah, I know…this chapter is probably meaningless…but I just got this washroom idea and started typing, so there you go…but I promise I'll go on with the story now…Btw, I am very grateful to Monica, for e-mailing me her review!! Thank you sooo much~! Keep the reviews coming!