Disclaimer: I do not own nor pretend to own any of J.R.R. Tolkien's work. This is only a story to pay tribute to his masterpiece.

Chapter Twelve

Spring Festival

"The Spring Festival is an ancient tradition of the Elves." Alphril explained as she served us some hot tea. "When young female Elves come of age, twenty years or so, they are presented to the village as young women."

"Presented?" I asked her, sipping my tea.

"Yes, there is dancing and singing, and it would not be the first time a young Elf has proposed to one of the presented. You could describe it as a sort of, coming out. Saying to all that these maidens are adults in the eyes of the village and are old enough to marry. It is celebrated throughout Mirkwood."

How I wished Faerlain could be there to see me in that dress, but again, that was only wishful thinking. Faerlain had not returned since that dreamy winter day when I had been sick. We had received no word from him since and though we never spoke of it, we were all worried. Word reached our ears all the time that the fighting on the southern and eastern fronts were fierce. Mirlaic said to me once that the Dark Lord was becoming more powerful, but when I asked her more about this 'dark lord' she would say no more.

I could hear Talorta knickering to Sirdal, Araviniel's bay mare. I think he had taken quite a liking to her. For Spring had an infectious presence that came with it that made one dream of lovers and feel...well...suddenly flirtatious. Such feelings were not lost on Talorta and I accidentally caught many young couples stealing kissed behind trees and on the sides of flets. Come to think of it, I had seen more Elves kissing then I had with the kids at school. School...my Calculous was pretty much forgotten if not non-existent now. Ouch. Glad I wasn't home thinking on that.

We had fallen silent, thinking about the festival and I looking dreamily outside at my horse who was grazing contentedly next to the Elven mare's side. "When does the festival take place Mirlaic?"

"In the third week of Lothron."

I tilted my head and knit my browns in confusion. She looked at me and smiled,

"I believe humans call it, May?"

I nodded in new understanding. "So that's in..." I counted the days off onmy fingers and my eyes widened in surprise. "But that's in three days!"

Mirlaic laughed, "Yes my dear, the preparations began last week. It is a very special occasion because it doesn't happen often, every six centuries or so."

"Wow. Would Araviniel be presented if she were here?"

"No, but you will be."

Now that I wasn't expecting, I blinked a few times before replying. I hadn't exactly planned on being presented...if you know what I mean. "Mirlaic.... I can't be presented! I mean...it wouldn't be right..."

"Why?" She asked, smiling at my loss for the correct words. Damn, it wasn't my fault they wouldn't come out right!

"Well first of all, aren't I just a little bit..young?"

Now Alphril laugh, "Yes Victoria, you are so very young. But in the ways of your people, you are dawning on the age of womanhood. It is your time now."

"But...I'm...well... not an Elf, that's for sure."

"We have already discussed this with the Elders of the village. For all you have done for them, they feel you are ready."

"But...but..."

"Running out of excuses Victoria?" Mirlaic asked mischievously. I looked at both of them, and then at Ana. She was gazing expectantly at me. I sighed, shrugged, "Well, how I can I refuse?"

Most of the male Elves left to fight in early April after my encounter with the orc. Many of the Elves who were to be presented were nervous that there would be none left to dance with during the festival. Mirlaic calmed their fears saying that they could always dance with each other, if worst should come to worst. I didn't really know what to think of it all. On the one hand, I was excited that I would finally be a part of something that was going to happen in Gilloth. For even though this was the start of my third year here, I still felt like a stranger. On the other hand, I wasn't sure if I wanted to be presented. For it brought up that all too painful reminder, that no one in the village would want to marry me.

The days dwindled down, and before I knew it, it was the eve of the Festival. "You Elves have a lot of holidays." I said absently as I helped Mirlaic ground some herb into powder, Athelas I think she called it.

"We have our traditions just as you have yours."She replied. Well, she was right. How many things did we celebrate back home in America? I mean, people will celebrate anything as long as they get the day off.

I was standing by the window, watching the goings on of the village while I grounded the Athelas. I could see the other girls practicing their dancing for the celebrations tomorrow, the children hanging up decorations all throughout the village.

"Mirlaic?"

"Yes iell?"

"Who do you think sent that dress?"

She paused, looked up at me with a small smile on her face. "I don't know little one, whoever it was has taken I fancy to you though."

It was nearing dusk now and just then, there was a knock at the front door. "Oh?" she glanced behind me at the setting sun. "Who would be calling at this hour?" She wiped her hands on her apron.

"I'll get it Mirlaic."

"Hannon le iell." (Thank you little one)

I nodded and walked towards it slowly. Athelas has a beautiful smell, it holds this...dream like quality that makes you see things you wish were there, but really were not. So when I opened the door, I swear I thought the stuff had gone to my head.

"Suilad Victoria!"

I blinked as I stared at the figure standing in the door way. "Araviniel...?"

She laughed and embraced me tightly. "Hana lime indra!" (It had been too long) She said, finally releasing me as Mirlaic came running over.

"What...how...? You said you wouldn't be able to come home for another month at least." Exclaimed Mirlaic.

"I thought so too, they told me my services were appreciated, but I could return home for this." She turned to me again, beaming. "And don't think it hasn't reached my ears that your to be presented."

We went to the stream that night to enjoy the last rays of the sun. Talorta and Sirdal were grazing contentedly, and the Star-Trees were glowing softly in diminishing light.

"I had so wished you would come." I said as we watching the stream. She was sprawled out on the grass propped up on one elbow to look at me. I was resting with my feet dangling in the cool water.

"I thought I wouldn't be able to make it." She sighed, "It is so good to be home."

I played with a wilted Star-Flower that had fallen by my side. "Araviniel, why aren't you being presented tomorrow?"

"Because I was already presented Victoria, many years ago."

I turned to look at her, "Tell me what it was like."

She looked up and smiled softly. "I always loved the festival at the palace. There was quite a few, it wasn't like it is here in Gilloth. All of the most beautiful maidens journeyed to be presented. All of them dancing for the prince in hope of being chosen for his bride."

Now I laughed,"You are head over heels for him Araviniel." She didn't deny it, which was something that made me chuckle as she snapped back to reality with a sheepish smile on her elegant face. "Has the prince decided upon a bride?"

She shook her head, "That's the funny part, he never shown any interest in any of the maidens. Ever."

I snorted, "He sounds like a pompous pretty boy to me."

"I have no idea what you mean by that, but I can assure you, he is nothing like that. Besides, you wouldn't say that if you knew him."

"No, then I'd say he was a rich, uptight, snotty, pompous pretty boy, princeling brat."

She glared at me for a moment before seeing the jest in my face and smiling. "Well, I'm still not sure what everything you said means exactly, sometimes I think you mortals have a special language for the common tongue as well. Anyway, it was not the Prince who rested on my mind this night."

She blushed slightly and the smile didn't fade from her face.

"I do believe your blushing dear Araviniel, care to explain?"

"You could say I met someone."

"Really?"

"I think I'm in love."

I eyed her suspiciously, "Is this about Lego-"

"No! I've outgrown my fantasies of marrying him." She paused, winking. "Not that they do not still exist or course."

"This is a new side of you Araviniel. So...who is he?"

She saddled twirled a Star-Flower in her hand. "I met him in the healing stations."

"So...he's a warrior?"

"Yes."

"Let me guess, he was wounded right?"

"I know it's a little..."

"Expectant? Typical?"

She laughed, "I guess you could say that. His name is Nenmir."

I waited patiently for her to continue. "I was in one of the wards a few weeks ago when they brought him in. He was badly wounded and in pain that most Elves never have to experience because of our ability to heal quickly. I was assigned to him and went daily to attend to his wounds. I don't know how it happened exactly. But suddenly...it was like I was floating on a cloud. It was so...unexpected. He would talk to me...and we just sort of clicked. I can't do anything without my thoughts turning to him at one time or another."

"Is he handsome?"

She met my gaze for a moment, then lowered it, smiling. "Yes." She blushed again, right to the tips of her pointed ears.

"Then what?"

"Nothing."

My brows raised. "Oh ho ho, do I want to know what happened next?"

She didn't answer.

"You make me feel so young Araviniel, I haven't found love yet." I said in jest.

She looked at me again and laughed. "But you are so young Victoria! The lives of men are so short in the span of our time." She turned to the stream, "Do you see the water Victoria? It is a marvelous being. It can bring life, joy, change, sorrow, anger... everything. It is constantly changing, bringing these gifts to all in it's path. You are like this stream Victoria, always changing, always trying to find the right course. Such a life to lead!"

I grinned at as she finished this analogy of my being. "So what are you, the fish?"

She laughed again, "No. I am more like this tree." She reached up and patted the smooth bark. "Or the grassy plains, the ageless cliffs, and the motionless stones. Elves don't change, we linger. Preserving a way of life that very rarely changes. It is something very different." She looked at me again. "That is why you are to be presented. Because you have brought a life to this village. A freshness that we had not seen in a good long while. That is why Victoria."

We both fell silent, gazing at the ripping stream and the shadows that the moon cast upon it. I looked up at the dark sky, the sun had long since. "It is late. We should be getting back."

"Yes. Your right." She said softly, rising and then holding out a hand to me. We mounted the horses and started back slowly to the village. But I couldn't help my but wonder, was I really something Gilloth had needed? Or would it have been better if I had never come at all?

I felt like I was going to puke. I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking, my words refused to come out without stuttering. I couldn't think straight. Araviniel had faced me away from the mirror and I was sitting like a skittish colt while She and Mirlaic helped me to get ready. Not only was I shaking like a leaf, by Araviniel teased me about my nervousness unmercifully. I couldn't see much of anything as Araviniel laced up the back of the dress. Then Mirlaic set out to doing my hair while I sat silently trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach.

I didn't see much of myself at all that morning, I was too preoccupied with whether or not I was indeed going to be sick. "For goodness sake child, it's a festival! Not an execution."

"I know, I'm just nervous."

"She's not lying." muttered Araviniel her hands rested on her hips as she surveyed me over.

"What do you think?" She asked me.

"The parts I can see look great." Mirlaic started to comb out the tangles in my hair. "Who do you think sent me this dress?" I asked, now wringing my hands together.

"I honestly have no idea, so I cannot answer that. But you will find out soon enough though won't you?" Mirlaic had lifted the crown from the box and had now settled it upon my head. I could feel her arranging it just so, and twisting my hair into perfection. "There."

Araviniel took my hand, and upon standing, led me over to the mirror. What I saw... to make the biggest understatement of the year...was not what I had been expecting.

"Do you think she's ready Mirlaic?" Araviniel asked, a smile spread wide across her fair features.

I was staring dumbly into the mirror, my eyes were wide and unblinking. Who was that woman staring back at me through the looking glass? Where was Victoria? Vic I had been to Zachary. Zach...I wondered if he could see me now. About to be presented to a village of people who back home, didn't even exist. I hoped he was watching me now.

"She's ready." Mirlaic squeezed my shoulder. "Are you all right iell?"

"Yes Victoria, what do you think?" asked Araviniel.

"Frankly, who is that stunning creature." I said pointing to my reflection. "And where is that flea bag you call Victoria?"

The Festival opens with all the young female Elves lining up before the Eldest of the Elves of the village. One by one they stand before the Elders who are seated in a semi-circle in the center of the village. The female Elf announced her name and her age. Then one of the Elders whispers a blessing in Quenya. (A language that was used only for special occasions and that I knew not one word of.) Mirlaic and Alphril were both Elders. After the blessing was given, the female Elf was presented with a wreath of specially woven flowers that was very similar to an Hawaiian lei. They are then given a name that will be used in their adult lives.

There were eight Elves altogether, I made it nine. No rules about mortals were found, you only have to be single, at least twenty. These did not relinquish the stares I received from those present however. (A glare from Celebas of course, the evil Elf brat who pounded me into the snow before I got lost in the forest.) I was the very last in line and I swore I thought everyone could hear my heart beating fiercely against my chest.

Just breath Victoria, breathe.

Araviniel was standing among the sidelines next to Elenown and Ana and baby Turwithiel. I couldn't hear the words being said to the young Elves as each in turn were presented. I didn't watch as the crowd clapped when each one turned from the platform, away from the Elders as a woman, not an Elfling anymore. Then, it was my turn. Mirlaic stood and approached me as I stepped up to the semi-circle. She said the soft, Elvish words with her hands on my shoulders.

"Don't be nervous." She whispered once she had finished.

"I'm not." I whispered back.

She smiled, then turned me around so I faced the crowd. "Never before has a mortal partaken in this special ceremony." She said, her voice firm and strong. "However, Victoria has become a part of this village. She is like a daughter to me and a friend to many. I ask you all, as children of the Valar to welcome her as she begins her new life here with us."

There was dead silence.

My heart stopped beating. I searched the faces of the Elves standing around, no one moved. Then, very softly, I heard clapping. It was Ana. Turwethiel, seeing her sister, did the same. Elenown grinned and then joined them. It was like a wave. Very soft as first, but then everyone was clapping as it grew. I could hear cheers, shouts of good will. Mirlaic was by now hugging me tightly. I had tears in my as I hugged her back.

"Welcome home Victoria, Welcome to Gilloth." Mirlaic said as she released me and looked deep into my eyes. Who would have figured I'd been so happy to be accepted here? I wasn't just a mortal girl anymore. I was Victoria, I was here because of who and what I was. I was me. Was this world even real? Frankly, I didn't give a damn...at all.

"What's her new name?" called out Ana from the sidelines. The crowd silenced as I looked up at Mirlaic. She in turn glanced at the Elders who nodded and then she looked back at me.

"You are Victoria child, you forever shall and will be. But a part of you belongs here now. With us." She gestured to the Elves gathered. Alphril handed her a lei, woven of pastel green and blue flowers. Some of which were Star-Flowers. Then she looked at the crown, smiled and said, "You shall be called, Thenindiel." She said loudly. Then, looking at me she said softly as she draped the lei around my neck. "Daughter of a True Heart."

The Elves clapped again and Mirliac kissed my cheek. "Thank you." I said.

"You will forever be in my heart Victoria." She replied, caressing my cheek lovingly. An Elder stepped forward.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let the celebration begin!"

I don't believe I have ever felt such joy as I stepped down from the semi-circle of Elders and as I hugged my friends as they all crowded around me. The music began and with it, the dancing. But suddenly just as the music started to get slightly faster, some of the female Elves started to cry out,

"The warriors have returned! They've returned!"

The music was drowned out from my hearing as the warriors filed through the crowd to find their loved ones. I hardly noticed however as I stared at someone who had just now approached.

"Hello Victoria." The someone said softly.

I blinked, this couldn't be real. I must be dreaming. This wasn't happening. I couldn't speak for fear this fantasy would be torn cruelly from me.

"Well, are you just going to stand there? Do I not at least get a thank you for that marvelous dress?"

I finally found words, they came out in a whisper, I couldn't manage anything more. Oh please, let it be true.

"Faerlain?"

I betcha that all of you pretty much guessed who sent little Miss Victoria here the dress. :) And yes I finally have written a happy chapter!!! :) Ok, reviews always help my creativity, and I'll try to update soon. I'm going to Washington D.C. tomorrow for the March for Life. I just hope I don't freeze my but off... Thanks a million to my beta, Kiann. And to all my readers! Love you all!

Namarie,

Luthien Anaclime

TO BE CONTINUED...