Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tolkien's work. So let's all be happy and dance.

Author's Note:

I'm so sorry for the wait! My computer has been busted and my dad only just fixed it. I'm sorry! I hope some people like this chapter however to make up for my sin. (Bows head in shame)

Chapter Five

Harvest

I didn't tell Mirlaic about my dance by the old willow tree. I couldn't. I was confused and heartsick. And never have I felt guiltier about anything in my entire life. She bade me to eat something when I got home, not asking any questions. Even though I said nothing, I could feel her eyes, and somehow I think she knew something was wrong. I was glad she asked no questions, for even if she had I don't think I would have been able to answer them. Thought she was close now, no one could take the place that should have been my mother's. And if it had been my mother's, I would have never met Faerlain anyway. Tomorrow was the harvest, and the day after was the final day where we would feast, play, and dance all day. Sort of like Thanksgiving back home in the States. Only I had known no joy in the holiday since Zach had died.

I was sure to see Faerlain on both days, how would I keep my emotions in check? I gently caressed my hand, the one he had held and brought to his face. It held a warmth that I could not explain. Mirlaic gave me a curious glance.

"Victoria?"

I looked up into her wise, beautiful face.

"Anything you want to talk about?"

I hesitated, then shook my head. I could not find it in my heart to tell her, that even though I loved her, and this place, I was miserable. And always would be. It hurt to much to think on what happened by the old Willow tree, and I felt no need to recall it. I knew that no matter what happened, I would never belong here.

Before long I was being gently shaken awake by Mirlaic. Her eyes were merry, though slightly concerned. "Are you all right iell? It's time for the harvest."

I nodded and quickly slipped into a faded brown work dress. We ate hurriedly, then started out for our field. Elves are not natural farmers and rely on mostly hunting for food. But corn helps during the winter months so they picked it up over the last few thousand years or so. One field was allotted to everyone in the village. Depending on the size of the family would determine how many acres each would own. Mirlaic had about a half acre. But during the harvest, everyone helped each other get the labor done. After we had finished getting her wheat and corn, we would help other family's harvest their own crops. The work was hard, but the reward was much greater. Knowing you grew and harvested your own food for the winter. Not to mention the festival that would take place tomorrow afternoon. I didn't see Faerlain in the morning, I was too busy helping Mirlaic pick out corn and shear our wheat. The Elves might be at times arrogant, but they did know how to work together in peace.

After we had the noon time meal, we helped Alphril out with her field, which was larger then ours. To my horror I had to work side by side with Faerlain for almost three hours. But it didn't hurt as much as I had thought. Soon we were laughing together as though nothing had ever happened between us. With everyone helping each other, we soon finished the harvest and Alphril invited Mirlaic and I to her flet for the evening meal. Faerlain and I talked all night and I was pleased to say, our conversation was all in Sindarin. I still had to speak slowly, but I was getting the hang of it. Throughout the day I found that I couldn't look into his eyes without hurriedly looking away, he had been watching me as well. Sometimes I longed to embrace him as we had done before. But I couldn't. By the end of the say I was exhausted, but still loathe to say farewell to him. It was Mirlaic in the end who had to drag me away.

Now I had only to wait for the breath of a new day to see him once more.

We husked corn and packed it all day so when it finally came time for the autumn festival, I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to stay awake.

"Now you must get dressed for the festival. Tonight is for you, not an old badger like me. There will be dances all night long."

I smiled and hugged Mirlaic. "How can you be old? You're the immortal one remember?"

"Ah, and in you being mortal, you are young. Tonight is for you."

My hand flew up to my mouth in shock as I recalled something, "Mirlaic, the dresses! I've forgotten all about them!"

"I know you did." she said simply. "I did not expect you to finish them." Through this speech she had been fighting back a smile from appearing on her kind face, but now the corners of her mouth creased with mirth. "So I finished them for you. Your head was in the clouds all month. Don't think I haven't noticed, and do not assume age has dulled my ears. Elves have excellent hearing you know."

Slowly I shut my mouth, narrowing my eyes. Just how much did she really know?

"Well, would you like to see your new dresses?"

I nodded and she took my hand and led me to my room. Laying on the bed was a beautiful dress. Light brown and a soft green. I saw no trace of my unsteady hand or my uneven stitches. Leaves were embroidered into the long sleeves which drooped into a point on my hand. "It's beautiful Mirlaic." I said.

"Well you should have told me that you do not know how to sew. It took me days to correct those stitches."

I didn't know what to say.

"Try it on Victoria, don't stand there gaping."

So I did, I pulled my soiled work dress off as quickly as I could. Sliding the new one over my head, it fitted to my body like a soft blanket. I twirled, watching the folds of the material swirl about me like flower petals. All my tom-boyishness disappearing completely in that moment. My eyes shined with excitement as I looked back at her. "I love it Mirlaic."

"You needed something for the festival tonight." she said softly, caressing my cheek. Then a mischievous gleam entered her eyes. "Lets fix your hair. And we can show those Elflings how human girls really clean up."

The Autumn festival was held in the center of the village under the tallest Star Flower Tree. The Elves from the surrounding villages came as well, bringing the profit from their own fields. It had been a bountiful year. Everyone gathered to feast and dance well into the night. The Elven maids swirling gracefully in the sunlight, the handsome Elven boys sometimes watching, sometimes dancing with them. Even though I tried hard not to like the Elves, I found I just couldn't help it that night. They were all so friendly, and I couldn't help wishing that I too was standing with the other young girls giggling, wondering if anyone would see me. And say to themselves, what a beautiful girl. For the first time I didn't feel like such an outcast. Like maybe, I wasn't so different after all.

As soon as the final meal was served, Mirlaic shooed me away to the dances. My hair was arranged so that it fell softly on my shoulders, with a crown on leaves woven through my hair, courtesy of Mirlaic of course. The sun had started to set, so in the center of town there was a huge bon fire. From every horse and tree in the village, colorful lanterns glowed brightly in the coming dark. The Elves danced gracefully around it, doing difficult jigs and reels. I found myself clapping and laughing as I watched the others dance along the sidelines, standing with the other Elves as they watched the younger ones in the firelight. A few elves talked to me, but none asked for a dance. But as I watched their feet fly and the orange flames licking the darkness, one did.

Someone tapped my shoulder, "Enjoying the dancing Victoria?"

"I would have never guessed that Elves could dance so well Faerlain." I replied teasingly.

"Ha ha."

The music ad slowed, and the mood had changed. It was like the slow dances at your high school prom. Where, if you were lucky enough, you would rest your head on Mr. Right's shoulder and sway with the music while your heart raced wildly. I hadn't been lucky, I had served snacks and punch all night long.

"Shall we dance?"

I smiled and shook my head. "I don't know how."

"It's simple, I'll show you."

Before I could protest he had led me further into the throng of dancers. "Now put your hand on my shoulder...yes like that...and my hand goes here at your waist...(my insides quivered when he did that) and I hold your other. Not just follow me." He began to move slowly, his body swaying with the music as a tree sways in the breeze. It was like I had strayed into a dream, I could feel the heat from the fire. But the music was like the earth, it just became one, and I swayed with Faerlain and he pulled me closer. I can't remember much of what happened next at all, only that the music became faster. And he began to lead in into a fast jig, similar to Irish tap dancing.

Then his face was gone, and I was swept into a new partner's arms. Again it happened, I had forgotten how much I liked to dance. I smiled and my heart pulsed with the beat. I switched partners again... and again...and again... all of them smiled and laughed with me. The Elves along the edges laughed. And then I was with Faerlain again, our bodies moved like shadows in the firelight. And by the time it was all over, we were laughing and breathless as we clapped and bowed our heads to the musicians as a sign of respect. Faerlain and I somehow found our way back to Mirlaic and Alphril, and after we said farewell, we parted. I shall never forget that night. For I think it was the only time me and Faerlain could toss who we were aside and just have fun.

And that night, I don't think either of us felt a pinch of pity for out situation. Not even once. We were just us. And that was better then anything in the entire world.

As my beta reader said, yes, I am a hopeless romantic. I know. Anyway, I am liking this story more and more. And I think you can all see that Victoria's heart is taking over her mind and reason. Feedback is appreciated!

Thanks to all who reviewed!

Namarie,

Luthien Anaclime

TO BE CONTINUED...