Chapter 9: Winter Solstice
None of the teachers were able to find the perpetrators of the by now legendary prank, and the Marauders weren't having much success either. Sirius, James, and Peter immediately pointed fingers at Lily and Sairina, but their accusations came to no results. The girls said that they were in the Library since the end of classes that day up until the time for dinner, and Madame Pince in the library confirmed this. The girls also said that they were friends with Remus and would never pull such and outrageous prank on him.
Dumbledore claimed to believe them, but the laughing glimmer in those blue eyes said otherwise . . .
The grounds were soon covered in thick blankets of white fluff, and the air was charged with excitement for the upcoming holidays. Lily in particular was very anticipatory. With each passing day, her normally subdued behavior became more and more flustered.
"Evans, you need to relax," James said lazily in the Gryffindor common room one day, "I've never seen anyone so excited about staying at the school over the break. Then again, you will be sharing the whole of the Gryffindor tower with the Marauders, which is an honor." Lily looked up momentarily from her essay to glare at James.
"I'll have you know," Lily said in a matter-of-factly tone," I intend of spending very little time in the common room. Sairina and I . . ."
"Here we go again," Sirius groaned, "You know what, Evans, did you ever think that you should have been put into Ravenclaw rather than Gryffindor?"
"Did you ever think that you should have been put into Slytherin instead of Gryffindor?" Lily taunted right back and laughed as James restrained his friend.
"Settle down now, children," Remus said not caring to lower his book to look at his squabbling friends, "and play nice." Sirius finally stopped fighting and slumped into a chair angrily.
"You're just jealous of us because we're popular and powerful," he sulked and crossed his arms in a pout.
"No, I'm not," Lily said, "Besides why should I care about your opinion of popular and powerful when I'm friends with a . . ." Lily suddenly slapped her hand over her mouth and let out a little yelp. The common room had for the most part cleared out for the night, so only the Marauders had heard her near slip.
"Friends with a . . . what?" Remus asked slowly lowering the book he was reading, his full attention was now on the redhead. Lily's hand stayed firmly clasped over her mouth as she closed her eyes and shook her head.
"Lily," James asked with and edge of worry and curiosity to his voice, "What . . ." He never got the chance to ask because Lily scooped up her things and ran up to the girls' dormitories.
"What on earth are they hiding?" Sirius asked looking at his friends. The other three just shrugged.
"I wish I knew, Sirius, I wish I knew," Remus murmured before going back to his book.
/0/0/
To the joy and excitement of all the students, the Christmas Holiday had finally arrived. Students who were returning home for the holidays had packed up and left; and the halls of Hogwarts were significantly subdued. Sairina and Lily took advantage of this tranquility and wandered aimlessly through the halls.
"When we graduate," Lily began innocently enough, "Where are you going to go? Are you going to stay here, or are you going to go back to Middle-Earth?" Sairina pondered this quandary for a moment.
"I hadn't really thought about it," She admitted, "I suppose that since I am the last link to magic in my world that I ought to go back, and possibly even go to the Gray Havens and then the Undying Lands, but . . . I don't know. Since this world is open to me, I may stay here, because there is certainly more promise for me here." The girls walked in silence for a few moments.
"How about you, Lily?" Sairina asked with a slight smirk, "What do you plan on doing once we graduate?" Lily laughed.
"I was actually thinking about becoming a Healer," Lily replied, "I know it means more school, but I just like helping people and making them feel better." Sairina nodded.
"It is an honorable trade to learn," Sairina stated, "My father and mother were both trained in the art of healing, and while they use their experience only in very extreme cases, it is a good thing to know how to do."
"Sai," Lily let out a frustrated sigh, "The other night I almost . . ." Sairina looked at her friend intently.
"You almost what?" Sairina asked playfully.
"I almost let your secret slip to the Marauders," Lily said quickly and Sai's eyes widened, "But I didn't. See, James was being all big-headed again, and I tried to ignore his remarks, really, I did. But he wouldn't shut up about how popular he is, and that's when I said, 'Besides why should I care about your opinion of popular and powerful when I'm friends with a . . .' and that was when I stopped myself."
"Its fine, Lily," Sairina said, "You didn't finish and that's what matters. Anyways, I'm sure they have their own little false guesses about what I am." The girls laughed and continued to walk.
/0/0/
"What if she's a princess?" Peter guessed absent-mindedly, and the other boys laughed. The Marauders were currently holed up in their room trying to figure out what Lily would have said had she not stopped herself.
"That's preposterous, Peter," Sirius guffawed biting the head off a Chocolate Frog, "Most royalty can't get around nowadays without being followed by crazed camera people, muggle or wizard."
"Besides," James said, "It's been, like, what, over two centuries since any royal family has had wizarding blood in it."
"They're right, Peter," Remus conceded. Peter screwed up his face.
"Just hear me out, alright," Peter said standing up on his bed like he was going to give some grand speech, "Fact number one is in the way she carries herself. She is very prim and proper and cultured, as if she were trained for high society situations."
"Or her family could be loaded," James countered, "Look at my family. We're 'high society' and I had some training in manners and etiquette."
"It apparently hasn't done you any good at all," Remus snorted. James pegged Remus in the head with a pillow.
"Fact number two," Peter continued, "She is hiding her past and her family." He looked directly at Remus, "Do you know anything about her family?" Remus shook his head and so did the others. "She may be hiding it so she can blend in with the rest of the students."
"What about that time when her family came for the Quidditch match?" Sirius asked, James jumped up and snapped his fingers. Turning to Sirius he shouted:
"Do you remember what Kiefer said to Iam outside of the Hospital Wing the day of that match?" Sirius looked skeptically at James.
"No," he replied flatly, "The only reason I was there was because Ciaran threatened to find a new beater if I didn't come." James let out a frustrated grunt.
"Well to refresh your memory," James said sarcastically, "Kiefer said that her parents were 'well-to-do and very influential people'."
"But that doesn't necessarily make her a princess," Remus protested, "Her parents could just be high up in the Ministry, she is from France . . ." His voice trailed off hoping his friends didn't see through his lie, because he knew from his conversation with her at the Shrieking Shack, she wasn't French.
"Nice try Moony," James said haughtily, "But after the 'dungbomb incident' I looked up the wizarding communities in France. There is no Middle-Earth."
"But that still doesn't make her a princess," Remus continued to protest because the idea was just too preposterous, "You don't have any proof!"
"I know where we can get it." Peter spoke up for the first time in five minutes, "Remember that one day when we overheard the girl's conversation on the eighth corridor?" The three other boys nodded, "If Middle-Earth isn't some wizarding community, then maybe the seeing stone they were talking about isn't your average crystal ball."
/0/0/
Lily absent-mindedly straightened out the folds in her gown. The days of winter break had passed quickly and she now found herself in Minas Tirith preparing for the crowning ceremony of her friend's brother. She played with the hem of her sleeve after straightening out the imaginary wrinkles.
Needless to say, it was the nicest dress she had ever owned. It was made from dark green velvet and clung to her form in all the right places. It was also thick enough to keep out the chill that seemed to be prevalent in the White Tower. Lily bounced her leg nervously as she waited in her chambers for Sairina to finish getting ready.
"Why on earth are you so nervous?" Sairina asked entering her friend's room while she finished tying the ribbon in her long dark hair. She laughed when she saw Lily jump with nervousness.
"It's just that I know I will somehow make a great git of myself," Lily stammered and continued to play nervously with the hem of her sleeve. Sairina only laughed and leaned on her staff for support.
"All we have to do is watch," Sairina explained for the tenth time, "Then we go to sup with my family, some of the lords and ladies, and the visitors to the palace."
"Yes," Lily sighed, "It's the dinner that terrifies me."
/0/0/
In the realm of Gondor, it is tradition for the heirs to the throne to be crowned upon his or her fifteenth year, but before he or she is so named, he or she must pass a series of tests to prove that, should the need arise, they are prepared to take charge. There are only three tests, but they are extremely trying on the mind, body, and heart. This first is a test of physical strength and endurance. This is easily tested by a duel between the heir and the best member of the tower guard. Eldarion, however, had to fight against his mentor and greatest adversary, Legolas.
The second is a test of intellect. The steward approaches the heir with a hypothetical problem pertaining to taxes, attacks on villages, or a brewing rebellion. The heir is given a few moments to think about the problem, but must promptly give their solution.
Finally is the test of emotions. While this is the hardest to gauge in terms of development and readiness, the heir must pledge and oath to remain loyal and true to the throne, and to think with not only the head, but the heart as well.
Sairina and Lily quickly took their seats to the right of the queen as the room began to fill with spectators. Lily looked around and spotted the three other TrastahÃl, who were looking decidedly nervous for their friend and leader. The large white hall was brimming with anxious people, and once everyone was settled King Elessar motioned for the ceremony to begin.
Eldarion entered the hall in a simple white tunic, black trousers, and black boots. He cautiously made his way to where Legolas was standing. The two bowed briefly to each other and then drew their weapons; Legolas with his twin white daggers and Eldarion with his broadsword.
The two then began to circle each other, lashing out occasionally to identify weak spots in their opponent's defense. The tension between the two was overpowering and filled the room; it was so thick, it was palpable. After several minutes of testing each other, the elf lord finally launched an attack. He swung his twin blades with deadly accuracy, but Eldarion was always one step ahead, and prepared to counter Legolas's attacks.
The metallic clang of swords crashing together rang out over and over again. The sounds beat into and reverberated through the chests of those watching with enthralled eyes. The king and queen held their breaths, and Lily found that Sairina was on the edge of her seat in anticipation. Lily gently gave her a comforting pat on the arm, hoping to ease her friend, but Sairina only tensed more at her touch. The battle continued, and it was evident that the two warriors were tiring, Eldarion more so than Legolas, who had a millennia and more experience fighting battles.
Seeing that he was in dire straights, Eldarion tried to reserve his strength. The viewers could tell that he knew he couldn't outlast his opponent; he was waiting for the perfect opportunity . . .
In the blink of an eye, Legolas's blades went soaring across the room, and the elf was thrown to the floor with the stout blade of Eldarion resting on his Adam's apple. With a growl that was a mixture of pride, amusement, and anger, Legolas conceded to the young prince.
Sheathing his sword on his left hip, Eldarion approached towards where his father was seated. His approach was intercepted by the Steward, Lord Faramir. Eldarion gave a slight inclination of his head in acknowledgement and it was returned.
"My lord," Faramir began calmly, "There have been several reports of attacks on small harbor towns along the southern coast, towards the area of Dol Amroth. Several cities have already been burnt to the ground, and the threat of the Corsairs grows more and more every day. Prince Elphir greatly desires your council." Eldarion stood silent for a moment, seeming to delve into deep thought and contemplation about the situation.
"Tell Prince Elphir that Minas Tirith shall send their best seamen and vessels to his aid, in addition to two hundred troops to help patrol the harbors in his area. These soldiers will be at his complete beck and call. I will extend an invitation to and attempt to hold council with the Lord of the Corsairs; hopefully a reasonable truce can be made between our peoples . . ."
"In addition to the two hundred troops, send another hundred troops and the city's best stone masons and carpenters to help rebuild the destroyed cities. Also send aid in the form of clothing and food to the inhabitants of the destroyed cities.Finally, extend an invitation to those people who have lost their homes, they are welcome within the walls of Minas Tirith for as long as it takes them to recover."
Eldarion's tone was firm and had an air of finality to it. He had made his decision, and he was willing to stick by it and defend it to the death. A smile spread across the Steward's lined face.
"Very well, my lord, I shall see it is done," Faramir said and motioned for Eldarion to continue forwards toward where his father was currently seated. Taking a deep breath, Eldarion began walking forward again. At the same time his father stood from his chair and approached his son. When they met, a few paces away from the king's throne, Eldarion bent down onto one knee and crossed his right arm over his chest.
"My father and king," he began solemnly, "Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor as its future king. Upon my life, I swear to uphold what is right and fair, and condemn the wicked and impure, but I shall never forget that within each living person there is a beating heart and that the light of life is easily extinguished by actions or words. I will hold to this oath in peace and war, in the warmth of life or at the brink of death, until my very last breath leaves my chest."
"I accept your oath my son," said King Elessar smiling and drawing his sword, "I am happy and honored to name you the heir to the throne of Gondor." As he said this, the king tapped Eldarion's shoulders and head with the blade, "Arise and turn for all to see. People of Gondor, I give you my son, Prince Eldarion, the heir to the throne!" There were cheers from the congregation and both father and son were beaming proudly.
/0/0/
In the private dining hall, the lords and ladies of importance seated themselves and prepared to dine. They were seated at a long rectangular table, with no body sitting at the ends. In the center of one side sat King Elessar and Queen Arwen, to the right of the latter sat Sairina and Lily. To their dismay, however, they were seated across from the cousin troublemakers, Elboron and Elfwine. The dinner started out pleasant enough, Lily and Sairina conversed quietly about school things.
"Can you believe Professor Binns assigned us a six foot essay about the goblin wars over the holiday?" Lily asked politely, smirking at her friend. Sairina groaned.
"I'm telling you, the man is completely oblivious to everything!" Sairina claimed, "He didn't even realize he was dead one day, and yet he still drones on about pointless wars and bloodshed, and that cursed Uric the Oddball." Lily giggled and the two boys seated across from the girls stared in amazement at them.
"Hold on a moment," Elfwine said shaking his finger, "One of your teachers is . . . dead? How can he still be teaching a class?" The girls looked to each other a burst out laughing.
"Professor Binns is a ghost," Lily answered, "and quite possibly the most boring ghost and teacher in the world." Again all the boys could do was gape at the girls, causing them to laugh even harder.
"What, pray tell, is so humorous, my young ladies?" asked the King Eomer who was seated across from Sairina's father.
"The looks of disbelief on your son's and nephew's faces," Sairina smirked, "We were just speaking to them about a teacher at our school." He nodded with a smirk.
"And how is that going for you?" he asked lifting his cup to take a drink, "No more attacks upon you, I hope." Sairina groaned inwardly. She had been hoping her father wouldn't speak to the other lords about the Quidditch incident.
"Nay," Sairina said, "Things have been very peaceful since then. Just attending classes and doing large sums of homework." King Eomer smiled, and turned back to his meal.
"Homework?" Elboron asked, "What homework could you have concerning magical arts? From what I have read about ancient magic, you could either do it, or not."
"There is plenty of work that we need to do," Lily said defensively, "Practicing spells over and over to ensure that we can do them properly, writing essays on theory of magic, and understanding why and how it works."
"But all you do is wave a little stick around," Elboron said lazily, "What can be so difficult about that?" The girls dropped their eating utensils in tandem with their jaws. Unbeknownst to the steward's heir, he just greatly insulted the two girls. Luckily, his cousin was a bit more perceptive.
"He speaks in jest, my ladies," Elfwine said smoothly, "You'll have to forgive his ignorance, but we all have had very little exposure to magic since the passing of the elves and it survives on only in myth." His recovery had worked and the girl's weren't quite as offended and dinner continued on in peace.
At the conclusion of dinner, Sairina and Lily made their way back to their chambers. Lily was still somewhat offended at Elboron's dinner conversation.
"Wave a little stick around!" She shrieked once the door almost closed behind her, "Who does he think he is? There is far more to magic than waving a stick! I ought to track him down and place a jelly-legs curse on him or transfigure him into a newt!" Lily huffed as she sat down into a chair by the fire; Sairina took a seat across from her.
"Despite his amount of tutoring and his wealth of knowledge," Sairina began to explain, "Elboron can be a slightly obtuse."
"Slightly?" Lily scoffed, "I'm sorry Sairina, but he is a bit more than slightly obtuse." There was a soft knocking on the partially opened door. Lily arched her eyebrow at Sairina who copied her movements.
"Who is it?" Sairina called out while tightening her grip on her staff. The door creaked open slowly and Elfwine slowly stuck his head through the opening.
"May I come in?" He asked politely, "I heard you from the hallway and felt the need to apologize once more for my cousin's words at dinner tonight." Sairina motioned for him to enter and he did so. After shutting the door behind him, he claimed a seat next to Lily.
"There is really no need for you to apologize on your cousin's behalf," Sairina said lazily waving her hand, "You are not responsible for his ignorance."
"Aye, I know that, Sairina," Elfwine said, "But upon hearing your lovely companion's ranting from the hall, I felt compelled to do something." Lily blushed slightly.
"I didn't realize that I was being so loud," she said sheepishly looking at the floor. Elfwine gently patted her hand and rested his on top of hers.
"You have every right to be upset," he said in a soothing tone, "because what he did say was quite rude and closed-minded indeed. I only wish that there was some way we could adequately apologize to the both of you." He pondered for a moment before snapping his fingers in revelation, "I've got it. Please allow my cousin and me to escort you ladies to the feast the day after marrow. We can discuss more about your world and the elements of studying magic." Lily and Sairina exchanged glances and Lily shrugged somewhat reluctantly.
"Very well, my lord," Sairina began softly, "We shall allow you to escort us to the feast. I must warn you; however, if this be some prank, you will sorely regret it." Elfwine held up hand in defense.
"I speak completely in earnest," Elfwine said softly, "Ever since you have returned from school with your stories and Lily, I, as well as the others, have been fascinated with the happenings of your lives." He stood abruptly, "I will leave you to retire now. Goodnight, my lady," He inclined his head toward Sairina, "Lily." He gently took her hand and planted a light kiss on her knuckle and vanished from the room.
The girls stared after him in amazement.
"I do believe," Sairina smirked at her bewildered friend and lady-in-waiting, "That the Rohirric prince is quite taken with you." Lily shot her friend a glare and threw a pillow at her.
/0/0/
The next day, the girls awoke early and quickly prepared for the judging that they would have to do today. The called for their breakfast to be brought up to them and they chatted lightly while they ate fresh fruit and toast. There was a light tapping on the door and Sairina beckoned whoever was knocking to enter. The door burst open and several small girls ran into the room.
"Muinthel! Muninthel!" The little girls shrieked before pouncing on Sairina, "We are so glad you are home sister!" The girls giggled and hugged their sister and she hugged them back.
"My dear little sisters," Sairina beamed, "It feels like I haven't seen you in ages! My, how all of you have grown!" Sinrina smiled at Lily, who returned the smile, "How rude of you to not greet my lady in waiting was well." The little girls turned at looked at Lily for a brief moment, and then they pounced upon her as well, showering her with little hugs.
"You all are quite friendly, aren't you?" she asked lightly as the girls released her. The little girls giggled.
"Lily, allow me to introduce my sisters," Sairina began, but a little girl with pin straight black hair interrupted.
"We can do it ourselves Rina," she said pouting which caused Sairina to laugh and motioned for her to continue, "I'm Faer, and I'm nine years old." Besides her straight hair, she had bright blue eyes and a porcelain complexion.
"I'm Elwen, and I'm eight," the next little girl said. She by far stuck out the most, because she had bright blonde curls where all her other sisters had brown or black hair. Her eyes were a stormy gray color.
"I'm Hallien," the next little girl said looking down at her feet, she continued shyly, "I'm six." She has deep brown locks, and when she looked up for the briefest moment, Lily could tell that she looked very much like the king and had his gray eyes as well.
"I'm Brennil," the next little girl said confidently looking Lily straight in the eye, "I'm five years old." She looked very much like Sairina with the same black hair and blue eyes which were filled with laughter and an air of cunning.
"Laereth," chirped one of the last little girls happily.
"Mirien," chirped an exact replica of the girl who had just spoken.
"They are three years old," Sairina finished for them with a smile. The little girls all curtsied before Lily, "Sisters, allow me to introduce my lady in waiting, Lily Evans." Lily in turn curtsied back.
"It's very nice to meet all of you," Lily said kindly smiling. Lily then noticed that Hallien was whispering to Brennil. Brennil smiled and nodded emphatically.
"Hallien thinks your hair is very pretty," she said speaking up for her quiet sister. Lily laughed softly.
"Why thank you," Lily said politely. She then kneeled down before the silent sister and tucked a stray hair behind her ear, "I think your hair is very pretty, too." The little girl blushed profusely and muttered some type of thanks and turned shyly away.
"I assume that the six of you have good reason for coming in here and tackling Lily and I," Sairina said smugly and the girls all began to speak at once, except Hallien.
"One at a time!" Sairina exclaimed and Faer spoke up.
"It is almost time for the first competition for you and Lady Lily to judge," she said excitedly and began tugging on her sister's arm, "Grab your cloak and let's go!" The girls, giggling, then rushed out of the room. Sairina and Lily smiled after them. Lily grabbed her thick green cloak as Sairina clasped her deep blue one.
"What is the first competition?" Lily asked as she picked up her wand and walked with Sairina to the door. Sairina leaned on her staff in thought.
"I believe that it is an archery contest," Sairina pondered aloud.
"Archery? In the middle of winter?" Lily asked skeptically. Sairina nodded.
"The guards believe it adds to the challenge," Sairina explained, "I believe that it is just plain stupid." The girls laughed as they made their way through the halls.
/0/0/
Elfwine glanced nervously around. They were late, maybe something had happened. He fidgeted constantly looking in every direction for which entrance they might enter through. This constant fidgeting annoyed those around him.
"What in the name of all things in Middle-Earth are you looking for?" Alphros asked in a very irritated tone. Being seventeen, the future prince of Dol Amroth was beginning to lose patience with his younger companions, which (in conjunction with the crowning of Eldarion) was another factor in the fewer amount of pranks the four boys played. The fourteen year old Elfwine glared at Alphros.
"That is none of your concern," Elfwine pouted (a pout, mind you, that would send women double his age into a swoon). This look was short lived, however, when two certain people entered the room.
Well, in all reality, the presence of one person brightened Elfwine's face. The young teenager smiled wistfully as Lily Evans walked onto the veranda with Sairina. She was chatting happily with the princess and laughing. She then tucked a stray bit of fire red hair behind her ear.
'Gods, what I would give to be that strand of hair,' Elfwine thought longingly, 'to be touched by her perfect hand.' His look of longing did not go unnoticed by his friends.
"I bet twenty pieces of silver that he is eying your sister, Eldarion," Alphros said smugly and received a swift kick to the shin form the newly crowned prince.
"If so, I'll be forced to gut him alive," Eldarion growled, "Forget about any friendly ties with Rohan." Elfwife swatted them both upside the head.
"It's not your sister you orc," he replied, "It's her lady, Lily." The boys stared in astonishment at their youngest friend.
"Lily?" Elboron asked, "Surely you jest cousin." Elfwine rolled his cornflower blue eyes.
"I do not jest," he replied seriously, "She is an amazing woman. Her beauty is beyond compare . . . her hair alone enraptures my soul. She is witty, strong willed, and smart. She does not seek to bear the title of some lord; she seeks her own distinction in life. She is nothing like the flimsy maids who throw themselves at me because of who I am and how I look. She is different, unique." His companions merely stared at him.
"Elfwine," Elboron said grasping his cousin's shoulder, "You've only seen her about four times, and actually talked to her once. How do you know all this about her?"
"It obvious," he replied, "It's all in the manner of how she carries herself, and how she interacts with other people. Take last night, for example. Could you, cousin, tell that you had upset her when you said, 'wave a stick around'?" Elboron shook his head in the negative. Elfwine smiled and said, "You did. It is the little things, like gestures and things mentioned in passing that are the keys to unlocking a woman's heart."
"Does anyone else feel like we should be taking notes?" Eldarion asked light-heartedly and earned a mighty roar of laughter from his friends.
/0/0/
"I wonder what they're laughing about," Sairina commented wryly as Faer led her along towards their parents.
"It's probably best that we don't know," Lily replied as she scooped Hallien into her arms causing the small princess to giggle softly. There was a faint fluttering sound and a quick movement, and Lily saw the retreating shadowy form of one of the lords. "Who's that?" She asked of no one in particular.
"That's Lord Gange," the soft voice of Hallien replied in her ear, "I don't like him very much; he has a mean spirit around him." Lily looked at the young girl in her arms.
"What do you mean?" she asked softly.
"I've seen him yelling at the servants and hitting them," Hallien replied, "I'm too scared to tell ada because he may try to hurt me, too." Lily looked at the girl with wide eyes.
"Has he ever hurt you?" The little girl shook her head.
"He caught me following him one day, and he said that if he ever caught me again, he'd hurt my sisters and make me watch. He's a bad man."
"How long has he been here?" Lily asked with an edge or worry to her gentle voice.
"A long time," Hallien replied, "He was one of the few advisors to the last steward, Lord Denethor, before ada came to the throne."
"Lady Lily, Hallien, hurry up the competition is about to start," Faer called from where the rest were seated and the conversation was cut short. Lily and Hallien quickly claimed their seats as the first arrow was shot.
/0/0/
It was late in the day before Lily and Sairina returned to their rooms. They were in good temperament. The judging had gone well, but had been extremely tiring, and the two girls were ready to sink into bed. Their good mood faded suddenly as they entered through Sairina's door.
"What are you doing in here?" Sairina demanded angrily. Lord Gange was in her room studying the large mirror intently and was startled by the entrance of the two girls.
"My Lady . . ." he began with a fake and sickly sweet tone, "Allow me to explain."
"You can give your explanation to my father," Sairina practically growled at the older lord, "Get out now." Her voice had a dangerous edge to it and the lord silently bowed out of the room. Sairina slammed the door shut behind him and turned the bolt on the door.
"What the bloody hell was he doing?" Lily asked as Sairina made her way over to the object of Lord Gange's interest. She surveyed the mirror before responding to Lily.
"The man is like a giant bat," She said after her inspection of the mirror, "Always hovering and causing trouble. He was looking at the portal. Ever since he discovered that I was a witch, he as taken an uncommon interest in my abilities and schooling. He's up to no good that much is for sure." Sairina collapsed onto her bed and Lily leaned up against on of the bed posts.
"We'll lock the doors tomorrow during the feast," Sairina said, "I'll give you the key to your room tomorrow morning, I am to tired right now to get up from this position." Lily laughed and shook her head.
"Goodnight, Sai," she said before disappearing into her own room.
/0/0/
The next day dawned bright and beautiful. There was an unmistakable excitement in the air of the palace and city. Servants were rushing around busily and making sure that everything was going according to plan. Lily and Sairina giggled as they made their way to the seamstress to pick-up their dresses for the evening feast.
"Are you excited?" Sairina asked as she draped her dress over her arm. Lily blushed to the point that her face matched her hair.
"Of course," Lily said, "I've never been to such a gala before . . ." She trailed off.
"And I bet it helps that one of the most sought after princes is escorting you," Sairina teased. Lily playfully swatted at her and laughed.
"Possibly," Lily admitted sheepishly, "but you must also take into consideration that he's older and far more mature than the boys in our year at Hogwarts."
"Lily, Lily, Lily," Sairina sighed, "He's only a year older than we are, and have you forgotten that the whole lot of Trastahil only matured recently? Up until now, they were just as bad, if not worse than the Marauders." Lily blushed a deep crimson.
"What about you? You're going with Elboron, are you not?" Lily said hoping to change the subject, "But just as a friend. Merlin, he's like a second older brother. There is definitely someone else I would much rather spend the night dancing the night away with . . ."
"Let me guess," Lily smiled vindictively, "Elboron's Hogwarts counterpart." Sairina blushed and giggled.
"Is it that obvious?" She sighed as she opened her bedroom door and motioned Lily to enter.
"Sai, you've got it bad," Lily laughed as the door snapped shut behind them.
The girls whittled away the remaining hours before the feast working on that monstrous essay for History of Magic. The girls worked in silence until the sun began to sink in the west and Sairina announce that they should be getting ready. They quickly changed into their dresses, Lily in a forest green and Sairina in a rich deep blue, and were fixing their hair when a knock came at Sairina's door.
"Coming," Sairina called as she tied some of Lily's hair up in a ribbon that matched her dress. The girls stood and walked to the door and opening it saw a very sharp looking pair of cousins.
"You ladies look spectacular," Elboron said offering his arm to Sairina, "But we must get going if we do not want to be late." Sairina took his offered arm and the two began walking down the hall. Lily smiled at Elfwine, who seemed to be struck speechless by Lily's appearance. Lily giggled softly, reached up, and shut Elfwine's slightly gaping mouth. He snapped out of his trance and offered Lily his arm.
"You look absolutely breath-taking, my lady," he murmured softly, "Nothing like the witch I first met four months ago. You very much look like a lady of Gondor's courts." Lily blushed at his remarks.
"Thank you, my lord," Lily replied softly, "You look quite handsome yourself. Nothing like the trouble-maker I met four months ago. And don't call me by 'my lady'. It's too formal, and I'm just a simple girl. Lily will do." Elfwine smiled roguishly.
"In that case," he said, "you need not address me by, 'my lord'. Feel free to my name as well. Formality, in my opinion, is highly overrated."
"I quite agree, Elfwine," Lily said as they entered the dinning hall.
The night was filled good music, good food, and good company. Sairina and Lily chatted merrily through out the night. The watched as her parents and other distinguished royalty from other lands glide across the dance floor. Sairina unwillingly left her friend when the young Alphros stole her away for a dance.
Elfwine smiled at his friend, who did a wonderful job of executing his plan.
It is considered bad etiquette to ask a princess's lady-in-waiting to dance before the princess has been asked to dance. Elfwine knew this, and had to beg (and eventually bribe) his friends to do this, so he would then be able to ask Lily for a dance. As soon as he saw Alphros and Sairina twirling about the other lords and ladies, he made his room.
"Lily, it is a shame to see you sitting all by yourself," Elfwine said with true concern, "Where did your companion vanish off to?" Lily smiled.
"She was stolen away by one of your friends," she laughed, "And that leave me all by myself."
"Perhaps I can amend for my friend's wrong against you," Elfwine smiled and extended his hand, "Would you care for a dance?" Lily laughed softly and took the Rohirric prince's hand. The duo twirled about the dance floor laughing gaily and had a genuine good time. They danced for several songs before Elfwine noticed the flushed look on Lily's face.
"Let us go outside for a bit of fresh air," he said into her ear and she willingly obliged. Elfwine gave Lily his arm and the two walked out onto a balcony.
The cool night air felt good against Lily's flustered skin. She breathed in deep the scented air that floated up from the gardens below and leaned on the rail of the balcony. She stared out over the city and beyond. The view was astonishing and every time she saw she noticed something different that stood out in the distance.
Elfwine stood off about two paces behind Lily, and was completely enthralled with watching her. The night breeze played with her red locks, tousling them about, and her slim form stood out from the darkness that surrounded them. He noticed that she shivered slightly, and he gently draped his cloak about her shoulders.
"Thank you," she said softly as she looked over her shoulder at the young prince, "I probably should have brought my cloak with me."
"No worries," Elfwine said softly before he wrapped his arms around her slender waist.
Normally, she would have been offended if say someone, such as James Potter, had tried this stunt, but there was a difference between what James would do and what Elfwine was doing. James would have been hanging all over Lily, and clinging onto her as if his life depended on it. Elfwine was merely resting his hands on her waist and still allowing Lily to have personal space (and the ability to breathe).
"There is something I would like to ask you," her murmured softly into her ear. Lily turned around to face him, noting that he didn't drop his hands when she did so and they were now resting on the small of her back.
"Yes?" she inquired.
"I was wondering if you would allow me to write to you," Elfwine asked and Lily cocked her head in confusion. Elfwine elaborated: "It is normally not considered 'proper' for someone such as me, a prince, to be interested in someone such as you, a lady in waiting. But from what I can tell, you don't come from a 'normal' place." Lily laughed lightly at this. "You plague my mind night at day. Please, say that I can write to you."
"I don't see anything wrong with it," Lily replied, "Just send your letters to here, and I will get them somehow." Elfwine smiled and tenderly hugged Lily.
"You have no idea how glad you make my heart," he smiled a genuine smile as he tucked a strand of hair behind Lily's ear. Lily smiled back, but couldn't suppress and on coming yawn. Elfwine chortled. "Are you really that tired?" Lily nodded and Elfwine gently released her from their embrace. "Come, I'll escort you back to your room."
The two teens walked in silence back to Lily's room. Upon reaching her door Elfwine leaned forward and planted a small kiss on Lily's left temple and bade her goodnight. He vanished down the hall and Lily quietly entered her room, where she was promptly whacked upside the head with a down pillow.
"I want all the details, now," Sairina commanded and Lily spilled everything. Sairina let out a girly sigh, "Aw that is so adorable, Lily. He is an amazing guy, when he isn't pulling pranks." The two girls laughed.
"Are we going back to the castle tonight?" Lily asked and Sairina shook her head.
"No we have to help see the guests off and then we'll return," Sairina replied before vanishing into her room with a yawned 'goodnight'.
/0/0/
The girls prepared bright and early the next morning and raced to the front stairs where most of the guests and Sairina's family had already gathered. King Elessar along with the Steward Faramir was saying goodbye to King Eomer and Prince Elphir. Queen Arwen and Lady Eowyn were bidding farewell to their wives. And the Trastahil were bidding each other farewell too. Elfwine seeing that Lily had arrived to see them off strode over to her confidently and handed her a parchment envelope.
"I hope to hear from you soon, Lily," he said and gently took her hand and kissed her knuckles softly. His father then called to him and he jogged over to his horse and mounted effortlessly. With the thunderous roar of hooves beating on stone, the envoys of Dol Amroth and Rohan vanished from the White Tower.
/0/0/
"Have you read it yet?" Sairina asked as she pulled on her muggle clothing and stuffed her school robes into her bag. Lily shook her head.
"I'll read it when I get back," she replied as she hoisted her bag over her shoulder and walked towards the mirror, "I've been meaning to ask you what the password for the mirror is."
"Curuni," Sairina replied, "It means 'witch' in Sindarin. There are runes around the mirror that are written in an ink that can only be seen in moonlight or starlight. These runes are a riddle, and the answer is curuni. As far as I know only Professor Dumbledore and I can open the portal."
"Could I try?" Lily asked and Sairina nodded and walked towards her friend, "Curuni," Lily said as she waved her hand. To her surprise and Sairina's the portal opened and they stepped through.
Unfortunately, they didn't notice the shadow standing on the balcony who had heard every word of their last conversation before they left. Making sure that the girls were gone, it climbed down the balcony and shimmied across the walls before finally dropping down onto another balcony.
"Do you have it?" Lord Gange asked impatiently.
"Yes, my lord," the servant replied, "the password is 'curuni'." Lord Gange grinned wickedly.
/0/0/
Lily hummed softly to herself as she made her way across the Gryffindor common room. The past three day had been amazing, and she was in the best mood ever. She clutched Elfwine's letter tightly and was almost to the staircase for the girls' dormitories when some one caught her writs. She turned sharply and glared at her captor.
"James Potter," she growled, "let me go." He laughed dryly.
"Only after you tell me where you have been for the past three days," he retorted. It was then that Lily felt a pang of pity as she noted the bags under his blood-shot eyes and his hair was far more messed up than usual. All in all, he looked much disheveled.
"My God, you look as though you haven't slept in days," Lily said pulling her wrist from his grasp.
"I've sat up, in the common room, for the past three days," James replied hoarsely, "You never came down or up those staircases those three days. Where, on God's green earth, have you been, Lily?" Any pity she had felt a moment before vanished instantly.
"You are not my keeper, James," she retorted harshly, "I can go wherever I please, whenever I please, without having to inform you. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm rather tired and would like to take a nap. Might I suggest that you do the same thing?" She quickly turned on her heel and vanished up the staircase. James turned back to the common room and his friends.
"What do you think, mates?" he asked rubbing his eyes and yawning. Sirius shrugged and Remus pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Wherever she was," Remus began, "She was there with Sairina, because she has been gone for the past three days as well."
"Is she still gone?" Sirius asked as the common room door flew open. Peter scurried in.
"I just saw Sairina enter the Ravenclaw dorms," he said panting for breath.
"That clenches it," Sirius said, "Wherever they were, they were there together."
"But where would they go after the train has left, in the middle of the holidays, unless it was an emergency?" James growled in frustration, "We need to get to the bottom of this."
"Don't worry mate," Sirius said lazily, "I'm sure it's nothing at all. I mean, it's not like she's suddenly dating a prince or anything."
A/N: Terribly sorry it took so long. There were a lot of things I needed to establish and set up in this chapter, such as the Elfwine/Lily romance. Don't worry, this story is AU but not that far gone.