Arariel was anxious to get to Minas Tirith so she could get away from Legolas. He was driving her crazy! When they rounded the hill and Minas Tirith came into view, she heaved a sigh of relief. At least if they were in a huge city like that, she could stay away from him, and hopefully her feelings for him would go away. The wedding was to be in two days. It just so happened that Legolas was also in the bridal party, and he was to be her partner for the day.

"There it is, Minas Tirith," murmured Legolas as they approached the city.

"It's beautiful," said Arariel.

Legolas could smell the scent in her hair, even after days of traveling through dirt and grass, it still reminded him of home, but it was her own scent. He breathed it in deeply. She smelt like rain on a summer day and wild flowers.

As they approached the gates to the city, someone called "Open the gates!" and they rode through. They climbed all the levels of the city until they reached the top most level. Arariel stared at the white tree in the middle of the courtyard. She had never seen anything like it, in all her 2564 years.

"That is the white tree of the king," said Legolas as he climbed down from Arod.

"I wondered..." said Arariel.
He helped her climb down, and they walked up to the doors of the chamber. Before they could open the doors, there was a shriek and Arariel felt a pair of arms go around her.

"Arariel! You made it! We were so worried, you were due here days ago" cried Arwen.

"Well I'm here now. Where is Aragorn?" said Arariel, "I would like to congratulate him"

"He is down in the stables. We have received a new steed. Aragorn is tending to him."

"I will go down and see him," said Legolas.

"Oh Hello Legolas, I didn't see you. Yes, yes of course" said Arwen, turning to look at her sister with an amused look, "We will be in my chambers, If Aragorn wants me"

"Come, Arariel. We have much to talk about" said Arwen.

"What are you on about Arwen?" asked Arariel, sleepily

Arwen said nothing and led Arariel up to her chambers. They climbed many stairs when finally they arrived.

"How do you do that every morning?" asked Arariel. "I'm exhausted already!"

"One gets used to it. Your luggage arrived yesterday. I had it brought up to your room, which is next to mine." Arwen opened the door to her chambers and led Arariel inside. "Now tell me what is going on between you and Legolas."

"Nothing Arwen" said Arariel, looking away.

"Don't lie to me Arariel. I can see through it. I'm not mad, I think it's cute"
Arariel sighed.

"Well...I think...I've fallen for him," said Arariel, going red. "I didn't mean to!" she protested, "It just sort of happened..."

"Oh Arariel... He is a beautiful and handsome elf, but he is betrothed. Surely you know this"

"Yes I do, but I cannot choose who I love"

"I know. If I could choose who I loved, I would probably be in Valinor by now."

"Arwen, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm really tired. Can you please take me to my room?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, of course Arariel..." said Arwen, leading her out the door, "I forgot. While you rest I will go and see about your gown for the wedding"

"Thank you Arwen, and don't you dare speak a word of this to Legolas"

Reader's responses

Beechiki: I know, but I can't fix it. It's done now...Just to clear it up, Arariel is from Rivendell, but is living in Lothlorien with her grandmother Galadriel.

Sori, ppls a short chappy this time, English Journals await me..... Stay tuned for Legsie's confession to Aragorn...