"My Prince," said Caleborn, as he bowed them through the doors. Legolas nodded, and they proceeded through the entry way. Inside the passage was lit with red torch-light, making their reflections dance and shimmer on the smooth stone walls. The air was surprisingly clean and refreshing for being underneath the ground, and Arindwen breathed it in. Another gentle touch on her arm brought her attention around to Adanvine. He leaned in slightly and said, "My Lady. Soon shall you see why Mirkwood is renowned for its hospitality." She nodded slightly and he stepped back, smiling to himself. Strange, that one. Must be the hair, she thought to herself. Finally the passage way came to an end and emptied them out into a lovely indoor grotto. Water splashed somewhere and Elves strolled through the encompassing area singing ethereal Elven chants. Crawling vines ran from floor to ceiling and across, blooming in large purple and gold blossoms; hanging down from the ceiling, they made the area seem even more magickal. Arindwen stared at the sight before her, marveling at how the blossoms shook in an unfelt breeze. "Lady?" Legolas was at her elbow, looking questioningly at her. "Yes, sorry?," she said, trying to shake off the almost overwhelmingly magickal feeling of the area. "Your room is this way. If you would follow me..?" She nodded and they started off down another corridor, this one also lined with torches. Arches within the left side of the wall permitted easy access to the grotto and doors on the right opened up into rooms. Half way down the corridor, her Elf guide stopped and opened a door. Motioning inside, he said "This shall be your room while you remain in Mirkwood. Some one will come to escort you to the banquet this evening in one hour's time. You may refresh your self or walk around the palace if you so chose." She nodded and thanked him and stepped into her new room. The door closed softly behind her as she studied her surroundings. To her left was a large comfortable looking bed with a nightstand next to it. A basin of water rested on a tabletop by the room's only window and a little towel sat beside the bowl and pitcher of water. To her right side, there was a door leading to what obviously must be the bathroom. Stepping through the doorway, she found herself in a cozy circular room. In the middle was a sunken tub that was conveniently filled with what appeared to be hot water. To her left was a tall mirror; snugly fit into an alcove in the wall, and to her right was a small closet space for clothing. Grinning, she stripped off her filthy clothing and hopped into the hot bath. Sighing, she sank below the water line, letting the water work its self through her hair and over her skin. Surfacing, she looked around and spotted a small jar next to the tub. Opening it she found it contained some sort of liquid soap that smelled of Jasmine. Smiling, she dipped a hand into the liquid and began to wash. She scrubbed the soap over her arms and down her sides to her long legs, making sure to scrub between her toes that had some how become dirty. Taking more of the soap in her hands, she rubbed it on to her breasts and neck area, grimacing as her hand came away with dark brown grime. She submerged herself in the water, washing off the sweet smelling soap and applying some of it to her hair and face. Finally she fully submerged herself in the water and washed it all off. Surfacing, she rubbed the water from her face and gasped. "Who are you and what are you doing in here?!" A slender female Elf stood before her, her arms filled with Arindwen's dirty traveling clothes. The Elf bowed before her. "I beg your pardon, my Lady. I am called Vilya and I am to assist you during your stay here. Should you ever need me, please call." She curtsied and walked out of the room. Arindwen stared after her in slight shock and turned to find a beautiful cream colored dress hanging in the mirror alcove. Smiling, she shook her head and rinsed off the rest of the soap from her body. Toweling off, she stepped over to the alcove and discovered some white linen underwear below the dress. Putting them on, she stood looking at the dress. "Do you require assistance, my Lady?" Vilya's soft voice sounded behind her. Arindwen jumped and turned slightly. "I wish you wouldn't sneak up on me like that, Vilya." "I am sorry, my Lady. I do not mean to" "Its alright. Yes if you could help me into this I would greatly appreciate it." She smiled and removed the dress from the hanger. Vilya smiled shyly and helped her into it, closing the clasps on the back. "May I help you with your hair, my Lady?" Vilya asked, once Arindwen had been dressed. "Please. I never know what to do with it." Arindwen smiled and sat down at her sunken wall mirror. Vilya moved up behind her and began combing her hair.

Half an hour later, Arindwen opened the door to a soft knock. A tall male Elf stood next to her door. He bowed and extended an arm. "I am to lead you to the banquet this evening. Please, if you will." He motioned to his arm and Arindwen took it somewhat hesitantly. In Rohan it was customary for a woman to bear arms to protect herself. Balls were not thrown in Rohan as there was no need for them. The people chose instead to tend to their houses and stables, leaving extravagant balls to others, such as Elves. Arindwen's guide led her through halls she had not yet had the chance to explore, their slippered feet whispering against the smooth stone floor.