Here's the next chapter. Not much to say except that I don't own the song Arlene sings at the wedding. I thought it might fit, considering her feelings towards the celebration. It's called 'Congratulations!' from Ah Megamisama!
Thanks to my reviewers, I know that I'm doing something right. So thank you guys very much and check out Dreamsprite as well!
: :Congratulations!: :
The next day came and went quicker than I could have imagined, and before I knew it, I was sitting on the bed in Arwen's room, watching her prepare herself for the big day ahead. She wore a long shimmering white gown that trailed a good distance on the floor when she moved. The sleeves were thin and transparent like lace that flowed over her fingertips to the trail the floor. A veil was held to her hair by white flowers that were braided into her hair, showing the delicate point of her ears. Apart from the pointy ears, she looked just like how every girl playing dress-up like a princess would imagine herself.
"Arlene...can I confide in you for a moment?"
For some reason, this startled me. "Sure. How can I be of service?"
"I've been waiting for this day for so long. But I have a confession."
"What's that?"
"I'm nervous."
"Surely you're joking."
"No, I'm afraid I'm not. I love Aragorn deeply with all of my heart, and I've always dreamed of this day, but something stops me in my tracks and asks me if I'm ready for this. You see, that's why I am nervous."
"It sounds to me like you have what they call where I come from 'cold feet.'"
"But my feet are not cold."
"It's just an expression that is used when the bride gets the jitters just before the ceremony. It's perfectly normal. Now, can I confide in you?"
"Of course. I will be here anytime you need someone to talk to." Arwen, those words are comforting, but it's not making it any easier to say what I'm about to say.
"Alright, it's like this," I began, wondering how to word this where she could understand, "I've never been in a relationship with anyone before, and I was wondering, what's it like to be in love?" Please oh please don't laugh...
I was so worried that she would, but she didn't. She just smiled and had this far off look in her eyes. "It's hard to describe. When you're with the other person you feel like if they ever left you wouldn't feel complete. It's a warm feeling, um, and you feel like you're high up on a cloud and you never want to come down. You feel at peace with the other person, so much that you can tell them anything, it's wonderful. Now I must ask you if you are joking about not being in a relationship."
"It's true."
"But why not? You're a beautiful young woman, surely there is someone that catches your eye?"
Yeah, someone that I'll never meet.
"No, it's just that I've never really found any reason to look for a potential boyfriend. I've had too many other things on my mind to even think about men."
"Boyfriends?" she asked, clearly lost on the term.
"That's a term we use where I come from that says that a girl is in a relationship with a guy, she calls him her boyfriend, and he refers to her as his girlfriend."
"I see. That's very interesting. Well, it's time to get you ready. It won't be long before the ceremony, and Legolas is going to be your escort."
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, clearly the one that was confused now.
"You are to be my Maid of Honor. Did I not tell you of this sooner?"
"Um, no. But, why would you pick me, if you don't mind me asking."
Arwen just smiled and took my arm, leading me to the bathing room. "Because I wanted to. Is that a good enough reason?"
"I guess so, thanks, it's an honor that you chose me."
"I'm glad you think so. Now, let's get you washed up. There's some oils by the towels that I have laid out for you if you want to use them. They'll help you relax. While you're in the bath, I'll be getting your dress ready. Come out when you are through."
Arwen left me after that. With not much of a choice I stripped down and climbed into the inviting bath. I picked through the vials of oils until I found one that I liked best and poured it into the bath water. Arwen was right. This stuff does help you relax. Should've thought about getting some of this when I was back home. Home... The thoughts of home began to upset me again, but I pushed them out of my mind just as soon as they came. There was no way that I was going to be feeling blue on a day like this. Not on Arwen's wedding day. Instead I shifted my thoughts to what kind of dress that she was picking out for me. There was only one other time that I was ever in a wedding, and I was a bridesmaid for my Aunt Audrey's wedding. Oh man, the dress that was picked for me to wear was so hideous in my opinion, but everyone said that I looked cute. Puh-leaz! This thing was covered with flowers, with pink and white lace around the PUFFY SLEEVES and bottom of the dress. I had to wear baby pink little girl tights with white clunky shoes. My hair was pulled back in ribbons and bows and flowers, but that didn't bother me. What bothered me was that my hair COULD NOT move because it was sprayed with so much hair spray. And my family said that I looked cute. But somehow, I had more trust in Arwen. That seemed to settle my nerves somewhat, the rest was the oils in the water. I dunked my head in to get my hair wet, the proceeded to wash my hair along with the rest of me in a rush. Arwen didn't say how long it was before the ceremony started, and I didn't want to keep her waiting for long. I was just about to get out when I realized something. She didn't leave me any clothes. Well, there's a towel, so I guess that it won't matter...it's not like my body is any different then hers. I grabbed one of the towels and wrapped it around my body, took another to dry my hair and proceeded to make my way back to the bedroom.
I back-tracked to make sure that I had walked into the right room. There were dresses all over the bed, there were shoes of all sorts scattered around the floor, there were bottles and small containers of who knows what spread out across the large vanity, and there was Arwen, right in the middle of the room, holding up a...oh dear god no...
"Arwen, is that what I think it is?" I asked, getting really nervous.
"What do think it is?"
"A corset?"
"You got it, now come here so I can help you get in it."
"I don't have a choice in the matter, do I?"
"Um, no, not one that I can see."
Rats!
Well, Arwen helped me get the bloody thing on, and I'll admit, it was uncomfortable, but not like I had imagined. This one was made to fit my form. Then came time for the dress. Of all of them, I didn't know which one to pick, so I asked Arwen to pick for me. She chose a green one that brought out my eyes. It has fitted around the torso, then spread out at the hips. The sleeves were bunched slightly at the top, before it met the golden cords that made a criss-cross down the arm before it was tied off, letting the cords hand down with the sleeves that flowed out right above the elbow. The bodice was laced up the front, well, what little of a front there was. As much as I liked this dress, I would have felt better if it would have been a little more conservative, and I pointed this out to Arwen.
"That's the way dresses are made here, Arlene." She said simply.
"Well if you haven't noticed, I'm not exactly flat, actually, I think this just emphasizes it!" Yes, it's true, I'm no 'A' cup, that's for sure.
"Alright, you've got the dress, now the shoes. I'm not sure what you can wear, so..."
"I have a pair in my bag." I put in, hoping to help.
"Great, where is your bag at?"
"On the bed in my room."
"Just stay right here and I'll go get your bag." She said before leaving the room.
That left me standing there in her room, dressed up, barefoot, and self-conscious. Over by the vanity stood a tall mirror, so I ambled my way over to it to get a good look at myself. Wearing clothes in this age was going to take some getting used to. When I made it to the mirror, I was amazed at how I looked. Maybe wearing a dress isn't so bad after all... I turned from side to side, seeing how I looked when Arwen came back with my bag.
"You seem satisfied with the choice, Arlene." She said with a smile.
"I am, more than you think," I replied, smiling back at her.
She came up to me holding out my bag. "I'm not sure where they would be, and I didn't want to got through your things without asking, so I just brought the whole bag with me."
"Hey, that's fine." I said, setting the bag on an open space on the vanity table and began to pull out some makeup and perfume, along with my hairbrush and shoes. They were black sandals that laced over the front and up the ankle with a short heel. It's a wonder that I can even walk in these things, as much of a klutz as I am.
I slipped the shoes on and sat down to lace them as Arwen began to brush back my hair. The act shocked me at first, but then I remembered that she vowed to return the favor for helping her get ready. While she was busy with my hair, I began to put on a little makeup.
"What is that that you are putting on your face, Arlene?"
"Makeup."
"What's that?"
How do I explain that?! I don't exactly know how to paraphrase it. "It's...um, oh how would you put it, well, it something that women in my time put on their faces to make themselves appear more attractive. Some put it on to hide blemishes, some to cover up wrinkles."
"I see. What is that, the small tube? Yes, that one."
"It's called lipstick. You put it on your lips. This longer thinner tube is lip gloss. This makes your lips shiny, and depending on what kind you buy, it tastes good, too. If you're wondering, this pencil is an eyeliner pencil, and that is masquera (sp?).
"How interesting. Arlene, I'm finished. I hope that you find how I fixed your hair as satisfactory as the dress I had made for you."
I stood up and walked over in front of the mirror. Wow... I didn't even look like me. Arwen had done such an amazing job, that I barely recognized myself. She had pulled my hair back into a low half-ponytail, then gathered that and what fell free up into a higher ponytail, secured by white flowers and ribbons. She left a few strands to frame my face that started from the top and continued down the side of my face.
"Arwen, this is amazing. Is there anything that I could do to repay you?"
"You don't have to do anything. Just being my maid of honor is enough for me, but I have been wondering, can you sing?"
"Yeah, I'm not the greatest, but I can sing pretty well."
"I was wondering if you would like to sing something from your time at the reception?"
"Sure, that sounds like fun." Oh great. Now what am I supposed to sing?
The thought was cut short, however, when a knock cam from the other side of the door. Arwen went to answer it, leaving me to admire her work in the mirror.
"Arlene," she called, "your escort is here."
My breath nearly stopped short when I turned around. When I first woke up, I didn't really get a good look at the Prince of Mirkwood, but just then I had a full blown view. And what a view. Imagine Orlando Bloom in full costume at the end of the ROTK, you know where he's wearing the silvery blue tunic and dark leggings. Alright, good. Now imagine him standing about a foot in front of you, taking your hand and gently kissing it. Yeah, you'd probably go weak in the knees too. I had to lock my legs just to keep from falling over before the initial shock wore off.
"How are you today, Arlene?" he asked gently.
"I'm...okay, the wounds are healed...and I'm feeling much better, thanks for asking." I said, nervously. No guy...er, male...has ever made me this nervous before, what's the deal?
Arwen ushered me and Legolas out of the door, claiming that we needed to get down to the great hall, and something about her father wanting to give her a few encouraging words before he brought her down. So there I was, with a very, very, fine Elf whom I barely knew, and my boobs felt like they were about to come out of the dress. Oh yeah, I'm feeling confident at the moment. But as we were walking along, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that whenever he looked at me, he wasn't staring at my body, but at my face. How gentlemanly. No wait, that's not right, he's an Elf, so that would make him a gentleElf? Now, that ain't even a word. What about-
"We're here, Arlene." He said, once again breaking me out of my thoughts. "Come, we don't have much time before the ceremony begins. Let us get into place."
He led me up to the front, where he formally introduced me to everyone. It was then that the Lady of Light made an appearance, along with her husband Celeborn. I turned my head to see an angelic like woman walking up to me. Her eyes seemed to look into the depths of my soul with the wisdom that she held. I bowed my head in greeting, but she took me by the chin and tilted my head back up to meet her gaze. She took my hands in hers and smiled a smile that told me that she knew who I was without a word. Her gaze shifted from me to the door from which she entered. I followed her gaze, noticing that everyone was getting into position, so I hurriedly took mine just as Elrond brought in his only daughter. I could only imaging how much it was hurting to see his only little girl go, just like any father when they walk their daughter down the aisle. (A/N: Sorry, but I'm gonna have to skip the details. Not sure how an Elvish wedding is conducted, anyone with any clue, please tell me!)
The ceremony was beautiful, and now Arwen and Aragorn were husband and wife. I remembered the promise I made to Arwen about a song, and I had finally thought of one that would fit this day. I talked to the people in charge of music, and we came to an understanding about how the music should sound. It wouldn't be exactly like in the ending credits of Oh My Goddess!, but it was close enough for me. The room quieted down, and almost immediately I felt stage fright. But I had promised Arwen, and I didn't want to let her down, so I cleared my throat and began to belt out the lyrics.
Ude o kunda
hishochi no sampo de
guuzen deau chapel no wedding.
Asa no kaze ni tokekomu sambika.
Shiawasesoo na futari.
Nozoite ikoo yo.
Choodo chikai no kotoba ga hibiku.
Shiawase wakete hoshii.
Anata o yokome de miru.
Kane ga naru wa
Hanabira ga mau wa.
Kokoro o mitasu tashikana ai.
Kyuu ni watashi namida ga afurete
anata no shirt de fuita.
Omedetoo! Arigatoo!
Shiroi bouquet o sashidasu shimpu.
Shiawase wakete ageru.
Tonari de hohoemu kare.
Futari noseta kurama ga ugoku to
anata ookina akubi hitotsu
Gyuutto ude o tsunette ageta no.
Omoi ni kizuku kashira.
Aa kaerimichi terenagara
itsuka kimi to kurashitai.
Masaka propose na no?
Ude o kunda
hishochi no sampoo de
guuzen deau chapel no wedding.
Kitto watashi yokansiteta no.
Mirai o sasotteita.
Eki no form ressha ga ugoku to
hanarerarenai futari ni naru.
Anata doko de te ni iretekita no?
Mabushii yubiwa miseta!
Furueru yubi ni kureta.
When I finished, the room erupted in applause. Wow, I didn't think I was THAT good. The recognition embarrassed me to no end. I got down from the stage before they asked for an encore. Just as soon as I thought I had escaped into the shadows, Arwen embraced me in a hug.
"You sing beautifully Arlene! Even though I could not understand the words, it was a beautiful song."
"I'm glad you liked it. The song is called 'Congratulations!' It thought it would be suitable for the occasion."
When I was let go of, I was once again greeted by Galadriel. She said no words openly, but I could tell that she was wanting to know how I came here, and I was about to tell her when she took my left arm and slowly pulled back the sleeve.
"This is a crow..." she stated.
"Yes, what about it, Lady?"
"I have had many a nights dreams with this symbol always appearing. Could you be the one that my dreams foretold?"
Huh?! What's she talking about? But before I could question her, Legolas asked me to dance, and when I turned back, she was gone. Where could she have gone to? I didn't get a chance to fathom any possible reasons to this because I was pulled into a certain Princes' embrace as he led me onto the dance floor.
"Look, there's something you should know, Legolas."
"What is that?"
"I can't dance to save my life, at least ballroom dancing anyway."
"Then I will teach you. Just look into my eyes, not your feet, and follow my lead." He said with a chuckle, then added, "Do they not dance like this where you come from, my lady?"
This time it was my turn to laugh. "Remind me to one day show you how we dance where I come from and you'll see what I mean."
The night went along smoothly, the party lasting well into the morning. I was standing out on a balcony when Legolas found me.
"What seems to be troubling you, Arlene? You do not seem to be as joyous as you were earlier. If you are tired, I will escort you back to your room, if you wish."
"No, no, but I'll take you up on that offer later. I'm not tired, just...lost in thought, frustrated."
"What could be troubling you?"
"You wouldn't understand." I said before turning to leave, but nearly ran into him. He was blocking the way. "Will you please let me by?"
"Not until you tell me what troubles you."
"I already told you that you wouldn't understand, so just drop it." He was getting on my nerves with his persistent attitude, and I didn't want to lash out at him.
And he still didn't give up. "Just tell me what is wrong!"
"Alright!" I snapped. "Since you're so damned persistent, I'll tell you! I'm in a place far away from where I come from. I don't know if I can get back. I don't know anyone here. I'm all alone. And I'm scared! There, I said it. I am scared! Are you happy now?"
He looked shocked at my outburst, and frankly, so was I. "Oh Legolas, I', so, so, sorry. I didn't mean to lash out at you like that. It's just that I've been so frustrated lately. Please don't be mad. Just imagine if it were you in my world. You would feel the same way."
"Yes, that is true. It is natural for one that is not familiar with their surroundings to be uneasy. You don't have to apologize, it was my fault. I shouldn't have pushed you." He said, bowing his head in apology. "Now, Lady Galadriel has asked to see you, that is why she sent me to come find you."
I nodded, taking his arm, letting him lead me.
We came up to the center of the room, where Galadriel was waiting for me. Legolas let go and moved off to the side. I continued to make my way towards her.
What she said next made me stop in my tracks.
"People once believed that when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the Land of the Dead..."
I knew that quote. It came from The Crow. I distinctly remember because it was among one of the DVDs that I had stuffed away in my bag that I watched a lot.
Something made me continue to recite the quote with her.
"...but sometimes, just sometimes...the crow can bring that soul back, to put the wrong things right...I thought that Eric was the last...I never imagined there would be another..."
How did she know this?!
Woo-hoo! Talk about a cliffie! Don't worry, I'll have the next chapter out before Halloween. Didn't mean to make this so long, but don't worry, it's going to get funny in the next chapter, I promise! I'll give out one little hint about the next chapter: COSTUMES and the SIGNIFICANCE of the CROW on ARLENE'S WRIST. But that's all that I'll tell. I wanna keep you guessing! LOL! RR as always!
Elfbrat18