DISCLAIMER I own Andrial, but she never shows up again, so she doesn't really matter. And I own Rae, Em, Cali, Colindor, and Shamiel. No one else though.
The Lady Galadriel stood in her iridescent robes before the feasting citizens of Lórien. She raised a hand and all was silent. "Citizens of Caras Galadhon, Elves of Lórien. Today we come together in feast and celebration."
A cheer rose from the crowd. I joined in, cheering with Calíme beside me. It was only my first day of what I considered my new life and for the first time I felt truly a part of Elvish society.
Calíme leaned over to me. "I'm so happy for her!"
"I know!" I looked at Emeriel standing before the crowd to the side of the Lord and Lady. She looked happier than I'd ever seen her. She was glowing.
The cheer had died down and the Lady continued. "We gather here in our joy for Emeriel Niere and Colindor Eruanno. May their marriage and life together be forever blessed."
More cheering. But Calíme and I cheered louder than anyone. It was hard to believe that Emeriel was finally promised to be joined to Colindor. It came as a surprise to everyone. Not even Calíme or I had any idea. She looked so happy with him…I remembered that feeling.
Lord Celeborn officially ended the ceremony and Cali and I rushed to Emeriel. She lit up even more when she saw us. "Rae! Cali!"
"Em!" I hugged her. "I'm so happy for you!"
"Aw, thank you! I can't believe this is finally all happening!"
"When will your wedding be?" Calíme asked.
"Not for another month or two. There are things to be set in order. The Lady is trying to arrange for Colindor's parents to attend."
Cali and I looked at each other, puzzled. "Didn't they go over the sea years ago?" I asked. "I don't remember them at all."
Emeriel nodded. "They did leave for Valinor. Rae, you had just been brought to us when they left. They left together."
"So how can they attend the wedding?" Cali asked.
"I'm not exactly sure. But she promised us she'd try."
"The Lady is very generous," I said absently.
"Yes," Emeriel agreed. She looked at me strangely. "Are you okay?"
Was I okay? Not really. I hated to act like this, but seeing Emeriel so happy with her betrothal to Colindor only reminded me that I had lost the one I loved. But of course, I wouldn't tell her that.
"I'm fine," I replied with a small, only slightly forced smile.
"Okay." She put a reassuring hand on my arm and I could tell she knew that I wasn't really okay. Maybe it's because I'm new to this whole Elf thing, but I can't really keep my emotions a secret anymore. I used to be able to, before everything, when I was still human.
"Come on, girls," Emeriel said, leading Calíme and me to a table. "Let's eat."
I smiled and nodded. Emeriel knew how to raise my spirits, even if it meant not gushing about her betrothed as much as I knew she wanted to.
As usual, the feast lasted through much of the day. It was well into afternoon when citizens of the city returned to their everyday lives. Calíme and I left Emeriel behind with Colindor. We knew that sometimes friends are not the best company.
"Rae, I need your help!" Calíme said as we headed for our homes.
"Sure. What's wrong?"
"I'm working on a new ballad for Galadriel, but I don't know much about it and you do."
"I do?"
"Sure." I didn't like the way Calíme was looking at me. It was almost as if she was afraid of hurting me by asking. Only one topic could giver her that look.
I sighed. "The Fellowship."
Calíme nodded guiltily. "I'm sorry Rae! I didn't want to ask and make you miss him even more, but I know nothing about them!"
I tried to give her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I don't mind."
That seemed to put Calíme's worry at ease and we went up towards her home. As we climbed the steps, I looked up to see Shamiel on a higher talan glaring down at me. Since the night was changed, she hadn't said a single word to me. Not that I minded, of course. Becoming an Elf seemed endlessly easier than being human. The fact that I had escaped Shamiel's ridicule was a wonderful bonus.
I felt a little bit guilt, as Shamiel spent less and less time with Calíme. It was because of me; I knew that. But until Cali brought it up with me, I wasn't going to bring it up myself. She was my close friend and I respected her privacy.
I explained to Calíme all the general information about the Fellowship that Legolas had given me. As much as it hurt to relive that happiness, it was helpful in a way. I was contributing to our history by helping Calíme keep the story alive. And it would exist forever in beautiful song.
**********
Dusk had just started to fall when I left Calíme's dwelling. I had told her all that I remembered and felt was worthy of song. As I left, she was already writing lyrics and humming to herself.
Caras Galadhon was buzzing softly with activity as the gray air deepened and Elves glided through the evening. With little better to do, I decided to go to the bathhouse and just relax. It had only been two days since Legolas and I had spent the night. Frankly, I was a little sore and the hot water made me feel better.
By the time I was done soaking in the hot water, the air was thick with steam. I could barely see my hands in front of me. But the hot water and steam were soothing and I left feeling cleansed and refreshed. The cool air of Lórien feel damply on my warm skin like the gentle loving touch of a mother.
All of the stars glittered brightly over Caras Galadhon as I walked home. Although it was dark, I felt that the night was still young. On a whim, I threw my clothes on my bed and stood before my closet. A dress of silver thread caught my eye. It reminded me of the evening starlight and when I put it on, I felt radiant.
I was combing my hair, still damp, when someone tapped softly at my door. "Yes?"
A young-looking blonde Elf-maiden timidly entered my room. It was one of Lady Galadriel's handmaidens. "Maar anduune Lady Raélowen," she greeted me.
"Hello Andrial," I answered with a smile.
"My Lady has sent me with a request for your audience in the Royal Chamber."
That was a little unexpected. But one never refused Galadriel's invitation. I nodded to Andrial. "I will be in the Royal Chamber when she bids me."
"She says that you will know when she requests your audience."
"Hannon le, Andrial," I replied. The girl smiled and left my dwelling.
I finished with my hair, winding silver threads through the dark strands to match my dress. By the time I was done, my hair glittered just slightly as I turned my head left or right.
And then I just waited. I could not imagine what this could be about. "Why would the Lady seek me?" I asked myself.
"It is not I who seeks you," I heard Galadriel in my head. I could almost see her smile as she continued, "I am but a messenger."
I left my home and headed for the Royal Chamber thoroughly confused. Since when was the Lady a messenger for anyone? And who would send me a message in the first place?
I was even further confused when I reached the Lord and Lady's mallorn-tree. "Maar anduune, Raélowen," Haldir greeted me.
"Hello Haldir. What's going on?"
He just smiled secretively. "I am to escort you to the Lady."
I let Haldir take my arm. Together we climbed the spiraling staircase and Haldir led me to where Lady Galadriel waited. "Thank you, Haldir."
Haldir bowed low. "Goodnight, my Lady."
Galadriel and I were left alone. I was so confused. But before I could ask any questions, she spoke to me.
"I am not the one to answer your questions, child."
I cast down my eyes. "Yes, Lady."
She laughed. "If I answered, I would ruin the surprise. Do not let your heart be troubled, Raélowen."
Her words were very reassuring and I even smiled. "What am I to do?"
"Just wait. In a moment, I shall ask you to be veiled. You shall wait to the side of the receiving chamber until I call for you."
The teasing smile tugging at Galadriel's lips was the only thing keeping me from being afraid. Just as the Lady said, within a few moments one of her maidens brought out a thick veil. She placed it over my eyes, darkening my vision completely. I obediently followed her lead as she led me to where I would apparently be waiting.
I could sense someone enter the chamber. "Welcome," Galadriel addressed the visitor. "You have traveled far at my request and I thank you for that." The visitor gave no reply. "I called you here on this evening for a very special meeting."
"Come my child," Galadriel told me silently. One of the maidens took my hand and led me up to where Lady Galadriel waited. Blindly I stood beside her.
Galadriel's handmaiden finally lifted the veil from my eyes. Galadriel beamed down at me, but I didn't notice. My shock was too great. I barely heard her as she spoke.
"Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood, it is my high pleasure to introduce you to Raélowen Mirimë, Elven maiden of Lórien."
* Maar anduune = Good evening (Quenya)
* Hannon le = Thank you (Sindarin)
