Disclaimer: None of the place belong to me! Wheeee!

 

Edited on 10 oct 2003

Chapter 2

Ariel awoke to the sound of birds chirping, no they were singing. She lay still for a moment, appreciating the song of birds. Feeling refreshed, she sat up and was surprised to find herself on a soft bed and even more surprised at the room she was in. It was painted a cool shade of soothing green, and the ceiling had an intricate design of leaves and flowers.

" I see you are awake, my lady." A voice startled her. Looking up, she saw the same elf who had rescued her yesterday.

"I hope I was of not much inconvenience to you yesterday"

"Twas naught, my lady, are you feeling well?" Legolas asked, concern evident in his eyes.

"Yea, Thank you for your kindness, my Lord."

"Tis not in the nature of elves to turn away one of their kind." Especially one as beautiful as you, Legolas wanted to add, but restrained his tongue.

At this Ariel blushed deeply when she realized she was not wearing anything under the thin sheet that covered her save a chemise.

"I would like to get dressed, if you don't mind"

Amusement flickering across his face at her obvious discomfort, Legolas strode out of the room.

"I will be waiting outside after you have dressed."

Ariel saw a lovely white gown that she fitted into perfectly, and it did nothing to restrict her movements as most others did. When she brushed her hair, the long golden tresses sparkled in the sunlight. She went out of the room to seek Legolas who was outside waiting patiently.

Out of the room came a maiden, who was very fair to look upon. The sunlight caught in her hair and glittered, her silver eyes held wisdom and innocence, and she looked lovely in the white gown the maids had laid out for her. It clung to her supple curves and flowed to the feet. The sleeves were long and added to the gracefulness of Lady Silverstar.

The garment once belonged to his mother. And somehow the lady reminded him of his mother.  He missed her badly. But she looked more in appearance to the fair Lady Arwen, but lovelier. Arwen was as beautiful as the evening, but Ariel seemed to create a beauty of her own. White stars that glowed in the twilight, when all the world is dark and silent. Unique, intriguing, she was definitely unlike any elf he had ever seen before.

"Who is your father?" Ariel asked tentatively.

"He is King Thranduil of Mirkwood." Legolas answered.

"So that makes you a prince."

"Aye." He sounded as if he did not like reminding of that fact and Ariel could tell he was not happy about his position. But she did not question him further but took time to admire the surroundings.

Legolas led her through archways, majestic halls, and gardens in full bloom. Ariel was amazed at the beauty of it all.

And there were the elves, elves! The had a radiance which seemed to come from their fair faces. Some had silver hair, some deep gold like her own, but none of them lacked in grace and elegance. Some of them gave her curious looks, and one or two glanced at the newcomer suspiciously. But most carried on with their day to day business. She heard laughter, singing speaking and thought it was a joy just to hear them. But the best part was she felt included. Ariel was bursting with joy though she did not show it. These elves were her kindred and she was part of them. For the first time in her life she did not feel out of place.

"We are here." Legolas had brought her to a hall. There was a fire cackling gaily at one end, and a throne raised on a dais at the side. Upon it sat the elven king. He resembled Legolas much in appearance, but looked wiser and older. He studied Ariel solemnly. Instinctively, Ariel clutched her skirts and curtsied.

"I trust you are well rested, my lady?"

"Aye, my lord."

"What brought you to the borders of our land? You resemble Elrond's kin greatly, but I think you might have some Lorien ancestry."

"I know not how or when I came here. All I know is my name. Does this help?" Ariel took out her silver pendant, and understanding dawned on Thranduil's face.

"You, are Elrond's daughter, twin sister to Arwen." With that he launched onto a story.

It turned out that Celebrían, Ariel's mother was on her way to visit her own mother, Galadriel with Ariel in Lothloríen when she was waylaid by orcs. In order to save Ariel, she put a spell on her, bringing Ariel Ages into the future. She was later rescued by her sons, and healed of her physical injuries by Elrond, but lost interest in Middle Earth, and had no memory of what happened on that fateful day. She left for the Gray Havens before anyone could ask her what became of Ariel. Everyone thought Ariel perished under the orcs.

It hit her then, those dreams, or nightmares would be a better-suited word made sense now. Her mother had been taken by orcs. A wave of nausea and cold fear took her by surprise, she felt disorientated and sick.

"My Lady, are you feeling well?" Legolas asked her.

"Aye, tis' naught but a headache." Ariel murmured. At this Legolas wondered greatly, for elves never got headaches.

Thranduil, being one of great wisdom understood her predicament. He decided to cut a long story short.

"These tidings are good indeed.  I am sure Elrond would be delighted to know his daughter is alive. I would like you to go with my son, who coincidently would be traveling to Imladris to the House of Elrond. He is your real father." Thranduil looked at Ariel kindly.

"You are welcome to make yourself at home here, in the meantime. I am sure my son would gladly show you around the place." At this, Legolas uttered a soundless, "What?"

She felt undeserving of his kindness, but nevertheless, thanked the king.

Ariel was excited at the prospect of having a family again, but she feared rejection. Would they be able to recognize her at all? How is it she cannot remember a thing at all about them, except those fading memories…