Well rested, Ariel made her way to the hall for the feast, when she bumped into someone.
"Dear me! I am so dreadfully sorry." Ariel apologized, before realizing it was Legolas.
His eyes sparkling, he said, 'I have not seen you so happy since we left Mirkwood. Mayhap the reunion with your family is the cause for so much gladness?"
"Truly! I would like to thank you for giving me hope, and also saving me from orcs that day or I would not be here now."
He nodded, before extending his arm, 'May I have the honor of escorting you to the Great hall for the feast?"
"Yea." She placed a hand upon his arm.
She looked lovely, especially in that silver gown. It did justice to her figure, and the Silverstar pendant graced her neck like a star. Silver strands were wound in her hair, adding to the gold splendor, twas' really a sight to behold.
At the great hall, Ariel took her place beside her father, who was at the head of the main table, and opposite Arwen.
A few dwarves, some halflings and a crowd of a hundred elves or so were present. But Ariel was most curious about the one sitting next to her.
Frodo was wondering about the she-elf beside him, she looked alike in appearance to Lady Undomiel, and had the same star pendant Arwen wore. Both were equally beautiful, to be on the fair side, Ariel and Arwen both have lustrous hair, tumbling down their backs, one like polished jet and the other seemed to be spun gold. When Arwen turned her gaze on him he felt his heart being pierced, as if on cue, the elf beside him turned and looked at him with interest. Frodo felt a warmth seep through his body, and she asked.
"Are you one of the Halflings I have heard of?"
"Frodo Baggins of the Shire at your service." He replied courteously. "Forgive my asking, but are you and Lady Arwen of kin?"
"We are sisters, separated when we had seen only hundred and five winters. My mother sent me to another realm to protect me from orcs." She recalled sadly. "I have only just reunited with my family. But enough of melancholy news, who pray tell, are you exactly?"
"Of my purpose here I cannot say, only that it is of great peril and such talk had been better left at the council tomorrow." She did not question him further on the matter, but talked to him about Mirkwood and the journey, while Frodo in turn told her about the Shire. He chatted on and on, and Ariel felt delighted to hear him.
"…And in summer, the hobbit children are practically bathing in strawberries and cream."
"Hobbits seem to lead a carefree life."
"Indeed they do, but for some…" Frodo's voice trailed off, leaving her wondering what he meant.
After which Frodo strike up a lively conversation with Gloin, a dwarf who had much to tell about Bilbo and their adventures as companions of Thorin Oakenshield.
Ariel conversed gaily with Arwen. They took out their pendants before joining the two jewels together. They fitted perfectly to form a single star. Silverstar and Evenstar.
Wanting to know the people of Rivendell better, she urged Arwen to introduce them to her. Soon she got to know Erestor, one of her father's counselors, Galdor of the Grey Havens, Glorfindel, Lindir and many others.
But every now and then she would find her gaze straying to Legolas, and more often than not his eyes will meet hers.
He is handsome, is he not? So much so you have neglected your own sister? Ariel felt Arwen speak cheekily in her mind.
He is just a friend She stated firmly.
Oh? Arwen arched a brow elegantly. 'I must ask her how she did that' Ariel made a mental note before replying.
Love? Nay, Arwen, my heart is not so freely given away
"Ah! There he is!" Arwen spoke aloud, before leading Ariel to a man.
Aragorn, heir to Isildur was tall, his hair tinged with gray, yet apparently still in his youth and manhood. He was clad in elven mail, and a green stone lay on his breast. There was a kingly air about him which Ariel found puzzling, yet she felt this was a man she could trust, and knew he would never break Arwen's heart.
"Aragorn, this is Ariel, my sister, Ariel, this is he that I spoke to you about."
"Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lady." He took up her hand and brushed his lips lightly over her knuckles, as a polite gesture. But his gaze was more on Arwen, the love between them was evident.
"I shall take leave for the time being." Ariel said, but both did not seem to hear, already in their own world.
Three more hobbits later- Samwise, Merry and Pippin and their incessant chatter left her feeling giddy. They certainly were a delightful bunch, and there seemed to be no cures for their inquisitiveness, always ready with a never-ending string of questions.
"You must be Mithrandir." She stated in a matter of factly manner to an aged yet dignified lord. His sweeping silver beard and long white hair made him look wise, Ariel took a liking to him instantly.
"Indeed I am. Legolas told me much about you."
Ariel talked to him about the ways of the world, for she was very much interested in how wizards work, though Gandalf did not disclose much about his dealings.
After the feast ended, everyone made their way to the Great hall where only merry-making occurs there. Ariel sat on a couch, listening to the tales of Earendil, Gil-galad, of the Lay of Luthien and Beren, the fall and ruin of Beleriand in wonder. Then someone started playing a harp, and a hymn of Elbereth was sung.
Snow-white! Snow-white! O Lady clear!
O Queen beyond the Western Seas!
O Light to us that wander here
Amid the world of woven trees!
Gilthoniel! O Elbereth!
Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath!
Snow-white! Snow-white! We sing to thee
In a far land beyond the Sea.
O stars that in the Sunless Year
With shining hand by her were sown,
In windy fields now bright and clear
We see your silver blossom blown!
O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!
We still remember, we who dwell
In this far land beneath the trees,
Thy starlight on the Western Seas.
A Elbereth Gilthoniel,
silivren penna míriel
o menel aglar elenath!
Na-chaered palan-díriel
o galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
nef aear, si nef aearon!
A Elbereth Gilthoniel!
o menel palan-díriel
le nallon sí di'nguruthos!
A tiro nin, Fanuilos!
A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
silivren penna míriel
o menel aglar elenath!
We still remember, we who dwell
In this far land beneath the trees,
Thy starlight on the Western Seas.
And amidst the merry making of elves, the gruff voices of dwarves and the enthusiasm of Hobbits, Ariel was at peace in her Father's house at Imladris, Last Homely house on the West.