Disclaimer: Not this again. *sigh* I own nothing but my own characters and thus I do not profit in any way from this.

A/N: Sorry for the delay. Had grad school decisions to make and an apartment to find. But all is sorted and now I can write more. Woo-hoo! Enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 40-Mamma Mia

I woke suddenly in the morning, extremely disoriented. This wasn't my room. Bewildered, I realized I must still be dreaming as I took in my surroundings. Then it hit me. I wasn't dreaming...not anymore. I was in Middle Earth. This was my room in the house where the Fellowship was staying. I felt a familiar ache settle in my chest. The dream had ended when I opened my eyes. I tried to remember what it was I had been dreaming about, but the content danced tauntingly at the edges of my mind. All I knew is that I had been at home in my room, searching for something. But more than that I could not recall. Sighing in frustration, I flopped back onto the bed. I did not want to get up. I did not want to have to mingle. It was kind of ironic. I had been looking forward to the end of the quest for so long; now that it was actually done I wish it would have dragged on a little longer. Okay, so that wasn't entirely true I admitted to myself. I just wasn't thrilled about having to spend my hard-won time off like this.

No longer tired, I got out of bed and threw some clothes on. I needed to walk off my nervous energy. I was not thinking about anything in particular as I wandered rather aimlessly through the city. So I was a bit surprised when I ended up at the precipice of the uppermost level. Staring out across the plains, I tried to empty my mind and just relax. I was leaning against the wall when I heard soft footfalls approaching me. "Hello, Aragorn," I said without turning around.

"You are getting better," he said with a rueful smile, mimicking my position on the wall. "And I was trying so hard, too."

I snorted. "I doubt that, though I am finally getting used to my nifty Elven powers." Sighing deeply, I returned my gaze to the horizon. "I have got to be one of the oddest elves Middle Earth has ever seen."

"You are worried about meeting Legolas' family?" Aragorn asked gently, though it was really more of a statement.

He got a snort in response, before I elaborated at his stern look. "Why would I be? I am only a barely immortal girl marrying into one of the most respected and intimidating royal families of one of the most insular elven communities in the world rumored to be fiercely proud and extremely opinionated, even bordering on prejudiced. Piece of cake."

"So that is a yes."

I answered him with a groan, dropping my head into my hands. I continued a minute later, more subdued. "They are going to see right through me. No way are they going to think I am good enough for their son. Who am I kidding, Aragorn? I do not deserve him. Legolas may be living in denial but his parents won't be. In short, this peasant is toast."

He laughed. "My impending despair is hardly funny," I stated dryly, eyeing the laughing monarch.

"It is actually, but only a little. Especially since I had similar thoughts...still do if I were to be really honest. There are few people more intimidating than Elrond."

"Touché," I said.

"Thranduil might be one of them."

"Fantastic."

"What were we thinking Kate, marrying into such families?"

"Who said I was thinking?"

Aragorn laughed but quickly turned serious again. "No, I do not suppose we were." He sighed and continued. "I have met your future-in-laws, and while they are all that you say, they are also kind, loyal folk. You will have to win them over, but once you do, and you will," he stated firmly when I huffed in disbelief, "then a more loving family you will not find. I can think of no one who would make a better wife for Legolas than you. You love him fiercely and deeply; you nearly died for him; you are leaving behind your own world and kin to join theirs; and if that were not enough, you are a hero that helped save this world. You cannot forget these things. And it would not hurt to constantly point them out to Legolas' family either," he ended lightly with a grin and I gave a short laugh.

Smiling softly, I gently bumped his shoulder with mine and his grin grew. "That meant a lot to me, especially coming from you. You're pretty impressive, after all. We'll have to stick together, subtly dropping encouraging comments to one another's in-laws about each other."

"Indeed. We can also stage rescues should one of us ever become outnumbered."

"Agreed. Do we have an accord?" I extended my hand and we shook on it before dissolving into laughter.

When our mirth subsided, something occurred to me. "What are you doing up this early?"

He flushed. "Technically, I am up late as I did not really sleep," he admitted almost sheepishly.

"Aragorn, you dog," I teased.

"Arwen and I were breaking our fast on the balcony and saw you. She was worried, thus I was sent to make sure you weren't about to hurl yourself from the battlements."

A startled laugh escaped me. That was the Strider I knew. "What a guy," I said with a smile. "I promise you I am not a flight risk, so you are free to go."

"I have done my duty?"

"Absolutely, and you can tell Arwen I said so."

We shared one more smile before he turned to go. He turned back barely a moment later. "All will be as it should, even if not entirely as you expected," he murmured, Aragorn once more.

I nodded and he left me to my thoughts. But I was tired of thinking and after a few moments I returned to my room and my bed.

I had not been back long when there was a knock on the door. "Enter," I called as I padded into my bathroom. Pála appeared a moment later bearing a huge tub of hot water. There were a few more women behind her with similar tubs. They filled the bath and I made sure to thank them, although I had given up trying to converse with them a long time ago. They would have none of it. I was too strange. How could they identify with some foreign warrior maiden? Once my morning ritual was completed, I exited my room dressed in a simple, olive green gown that laced both at the sides and back. Apparently, Legolas' love of nature spilled over into his fabric choices. Most of my new wardrobe rather coincidentally echoed the varied hues of the forest. A plain brown leather belt with an embossed silver plaque hung on my waist and down the front of my dress. My only other adornment was a silver pendant of a stylized sun my mother had given me. There was a strong breeze today and it gently ruffled the wisps of hair that escaped my braid. The air had that stillness that usually accompanies the calm before a storm. I knocked on Almira's door. She opened it a few seconds later. She was also dressed plainly. She had on a white chemise with full sleeves and a purple, sleeveless gown with wide straps and minimal lacing at the back over top. It fell straight down her body and pooled loosely in a wide hem. Her only adornment was a large gold locket embossed with a floral pattern. Her hair was tied back in a single thick plait.

Stepping outside, she commented, "It feels like it might not be so hot today."

"I think a storm is coming," I murmured as we began walking. "Literally and figuratively," I added darkly, my impending meeting with Legolas' family at the forefront of my mind.

"Just what we need," she grumbled. "I highly doubt this place has any fabric remotely waterproof."

"Thus umbrellas and raincoats enter our list of things to invent," I said.

We exited the house and proceeded to breakfast. The streets were empty for the most part, which was not particularly surprising since the city had just witnessed some raging parties the night before. Not that I would know, as I had been stuck in the hoity-toity sector where things only got so crazy, meaning pretty much not at all. The entire city was on holiday to celebrate the wedding, winning the war, and just generally being alive. Thus, the majority of people were probably still passed out. Bloody nobility and their rituals, I groused silently.

"So what should I expect for today?" Almira asked as we entered into the royal complex on the uppermost level of the city.

"Eat, mingle, eat, mingle, lather, rinse, repeat," I intoned robotically. "I can't wait."

"I can tell," she said with a grin. It faded a moment later. "Will we be together?"

"For a time," I replied. I had a hard time being separated from Almira, too. We had shared so much, and she was one of the few people I knew that really understood how I was feeling the majority of the time. "I am going to be spending some time with Legolas and his family," I revealed as casually as possible. The butterflies in my stomach were whizzing about like they were on crack.

"Don't worry, I am sure it will be fine. They are also bound by formality. I doubt they could be truly horrible à la Hollywood's interpretations of meeting your future in-laws. Besides, Legolas is a big boy. I think he can decide who he will marry. Any clue what I will be doing?"

"Here's hoping. I'm banking on his stubborn streak. As to your day, if I had to hazard a guess, I would say you will be invited to hang out with Malthenwen and Haldir, affording you the chance to hang out with your possible in-laws."

She flushed and glared at me. "That's a tad presumptuous."

"Not from where I am standing," I murmured as we neared the Dining Hall. I could see Rúmil outside. At the sight of Almira, an obvious warmth filled his face.

"It just feels too good to be true," she admitted softly, gaze on the approaching warden.

"Yes, it does," I agreed lowly right before Rúmil reached us.

"Good morning," Rúmil greeted with a bow. We curtseyed. "I trust you rested well?"

"Very well, thank you," Almira replied as I just nodded noncommittally. Not that it mattered; they had eyes only for each other. "And you?"

"How could I not with such an elleth to dream of?" he returned softly.

"That was one of the best lines I have ever heard," I said admiringly and they both flushed seemingly realizing I was still present. "I am going to have to use it. Now I'll just leave you two to it, shall I? Wouldn't want to ruin any more tender moments." Executing a quick parting curtsy, I resumed my walk to the Dining Hall. Despite my nerves, it was nice to enter the dining-room smiling. Glorfindel immediately waved me over where two empty seats were. Almira showed up just a few moments after me, Rúmil at her side. I tried to hide a smile as I saw Glorfindel staring at him sternly. Rúmil raised one eyebrow as if to say "Really?" before turning on his heel to rejoin his family.

Glorfindel pouted. "Am I no longer intimidating?" he asked of Eruanna petulantly.

She patted his arm. "Be honest: were you really trying?"

An impish smile began to snake its way across his face. "Hardly."

"As I thought. Besides, Rúmil knew he need not worry. There was nothing improper about that interaction. However, I am sure you will have another chance to scare the living daylights out of them given the way things are going," Eruanna stated, casting a wink at a rapidly reddening Almira.

Our food arrived and I shot a dark look at Glorfindel across from us. "So what will be the first method of torture today?"

"A tour of the city for all the visiting nobility," he replied.

"Been there done that," Almira muttered.

"Snorefest," I grumbled.

"Careful, it would not due to have others hear such disparaging comments," Glorfindel chided, a devilish smile on his face.

"Please, like we have to worry. How many people besides us know English?" I replied without thinking. Then it hit me. "YOU KNOW ENGLISH?" My outburst had many of the room's occupants staring at us.

Glorfindel was unconcerned though as he just laughed at Almira's and I's god-smacked expressions. "I might have taught him accidentally," Eruanna revealed guiltily. "Apparently one's mind is not as private when bound to another's."

"This whole time you have been holding out on me?" I directed at Glorfindel.

"It did not exactly come up," he said as he wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes.

"No? So when you asked us what language we spoke in the forest, that was what? Short-term memory loss?" I asked sarcastically.

"To be fair, it had been many, many years since I had heard or spoken English. And your accent was very different from Eruanna's."

"Bostonian, not Southern," Eruanna chimed.

"Damn Yankees," I grumbled, causing Eruanna to laugh.

"Anyone else know English we should know about?" Almira asked.

"Just Jason, whom you met last night, and his wife. She turned in rather early last night as she is newly pregnant and battling morning sickness. That was something I was really hoping to avoid as an elf," Eruanna admitted with a sigh.

I quirked a brow. "Something you want to tell us?"

"No, although we are thinking about it," Eruanna said with a smile that lit up the whole room.

"Finally," Glorfindel added, basking in his wife's happiness. "We have been waiting for a long time due to the threat of the now vanquished Dark Lord."

"Good riddance," I said emphatically.

"We were thinking about Spring, then we could have a Spring baby," Eruanna added. "Pregnancy lasts a year for elves," she clarified at our perplexed expressions.

"Fantastic," I said dryly. "Even so, last time I checked, it wasn't an exact science. How can you be sure you would get pregnant?" I queried dubiously.

"It is for elves," Glorfindel explained. "Elves do not mark the passing of one's life by the day of birth, but by the day of conception."

"Oh, okay...no, not okay. That's kind of creepy," Almira said with a frown.

"You explained this to me once did you not?" Glorfindel asked Eruanna.

"It is odd for kids to think about their parents having sex in our world," she explained.

"Humans," he said affectionately, as the three of us simultaneously rolled our eyes.

"You'd feel the same if your parents and grandparents looked like raisins, all wrinkly and stuff," I replied defensively, trying to block out terrifying mental images.

Glorfindel just shrugged. "Speaking of parents and grandparents," he stated neatly changing the topic to the one I was dreading, "are you ready to finally meet your future in-laws?"

"As I'll ever be. I am so beyond nervous," I admitted in a small voice.

Eruanna gave my hand a comforting pat. "We always build these things up in our mind. Just remember to chew with your mouth closed and you should be fine."

I snorted a laugh. "I will keep that in mind." Sighing, I continued, "It's just my past is bound to come up, which will inevitably lead to my choice and questions I have no idea how to answer. I honestly thought we would have been whisked off by now. I am not even sure how I make my decision officially." Almira and I both looked at Eruanna expectantly.

Her gaze became unfocused, as if she was trying to see into her own past. "For me, it was very sudden. It was not long after the Fall and I was full of grief. I still resent them for that. It was not a time I would have chosen. I was emotionally compromised and thus nearly did not make it back."

"I am not following," I said softly, really hoping this wasn't going where I suspected it was.

"You will be tested." As usual my hopes were cruelly dashed. "My memories of my time spent here were wiped and I went home...for a time."

"Say what?" Almira squawked.

"How did you make it back?" I asked desperately.

"I just knew something was off, and then little things would come back if I pushed. Eventually I put it together and they brought me back," she finished on a whisper. I sensed there was a bit more to it than that but it sounded extremely traumatic. And judging by the tears in her eyes, it was. So I let it lie. After all, I would find out firsthand soon enough.

"Well, just when you think it could not get any worse, surprise!" I stated bitterly. "What the hell am I going to do? How am I expected to make such a choice? And who the hell do the Valar think they are, demanding such a thing? It's sick, positively sadistic." I cried, bringing my fist down onto the table, causing quite a few turned heads. I flushed and dropped my gaze to the table. Great, I thought, tongues would wag that Legolas was marrying a nutter. I dropped my head into my hands. I was losing it.

Glorfindel patted my back. "Trust in your heart," he said. "And if you truly desire to return, you will find your way back."

"Here's hoping," I stated grimly. I picked up my fork and forced myself to eat the food that had suddenly lost its flavor.

"On a lighter note, we will be naming you a member of our household today," Eruanna asserted with a gentle smile.

"Oh? What does that entail?" I asked, arching a brow.

"Do you solemnly swear to protect the House of the Golden Flower against all foes, even if it would mean the end of your life?" Glorfindel asked, eyeing me intently.

"I do," I said warily.

"And do you solemnly swear to promote the well-being and advancement of this house and all its members therein? To act only in its best interest and recognize that all your actions reflect on its reputation and thus comport yourself in a manner befitting to your station and the distinguished position of your House?"

"I do."

"Then welcome," Glorfindel said with a cheeky smile.

"That's it?" I asked incredulously. "No slap on the cheek? No clandestine meeting?"

Eruanna laughed. "Nothing so medieval. Sorry to disappoint. Seeing as we are the only members left on these shores, we did away with the whole song and dance. Not really our style."

"Why bother anyway?" Glorfindel said flippantly.

"I must say I am relieved. I was really dreading the possibility of public pomp and circumstance."

"Then you probably won't enjoy what's coming," Glorfindel said.

"What? Why?" I asked, suddenly terrified.

"Because we still have to officially introduce you as Legolas' betrothed."

"But I am meeting them for lunch..."

"Yes, well, lunch is sort of a courtesy."

"A courtesy for what?"

"In case there were any serious objections. It would save them from public embarrassment at having to call a betrothal already announced off," Glorfindel explained, carefully avoiding my gaze.

"Are there any objections?" I asked anxiously.

"No. Rumor has it his parents are more intrigued than anything else," Eruanna said lowly, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Although I doubt Legolas has revealed much about your background. To be fair, it is not exactly something that would go over well on paper."

"And it is your story to tell," Glorfindel added.

"He just thinks it shouldn't matter because it doesn't to him," I said irritated."I am not looking forward to being the one to drop the bomb on them. This is shaping up to be one hell of a conversation. What if-"

"Stop," Glorfindel commanded. "This will be an adjustment for both of you. Returning from war always is, as is bonding. His family simply wants him to be happy. And since you want that too, I am sure they will accept and quickly come to love you."

"Thanks for the pep talk," I said, picking up my fork again. I wasn't happy about these developments, but I had made it this far. There was no going back. Figuratively speaking, I amended to myself.

Once breakfast was over, our tour of the city began. I had to hand it to Dragon Lady, the city was running like a well-oiled machine. Our tour went off without a hitch. We never had to wait to enter a building or room, our guide was extremely knowledgeable and unfailingly polite. The guests had been broken into groups by area and species, so for most of the morning I was with the Imladrin elves. We had a midmorning snack and break in one of the city's gardens before being taught some of the local sport of Gondor. I learned that while the first day was spent packed to the brim, it was only so that for the rest of the holiday the guests would be aware of all the facilities and activities available to them so that they could spend their time however they wanted. I did an internal happy dance when they told us that.

Unfortunately, all too soon it was the lunch hour. I made my way back to the central courtyard to try and find Legolas and his family. Feeling awkward, like a fish out of water, I milled about hoping I would find them before I could be considered late. That would be the last thing I needed. I finally spotted Legolas and his family sitting under a tree. Legolas was speaking, hands moving excitedly, expressions flitting across his face. His family was completely caught up in the tale he was weaving. A nostalgic half-smile made its way onto my face as images of my family and I in a similar setting superimposed themselves on the scene in front of me. How many such moments had I shared with them? Too many to count, I surmised, as more images and memories surfaced in my mind. Emotion overwhelmed me. Turning, I quickly ducked back into an alleyway I had just passed through. Pressing myself against the wall, I felt the cold of the stone at my back, the air flowing in and out of my lungs. I waited, focusing on such sensations, until my eyes stopped burning from unshed tears. Drawing in a deep breath, I emerged once more into the sunlight and strode determinedly towards my future in-laws. Legolas caught sight of me and I could tell he saw right through my confident front. Trembling slightly with suppressed emotion and anxiety I drew in a deep bracing breath and smiled a wide smile. I was a firm believer in faking it until making it.

Legolas stood as I approached, meeting me halfway. Upon reaching me, he grasped my hands with his and gave them a gentle squeeze. "I love you," he murmured, and that was all I needed to hear. I was going to marry him come hell or high water. Squaring my shoulders, we turned to the inquiring stares of his family.

"So this is the elleth you are betrothed to?" the elleth I assumed was Legolas' grandmother asked coolly.

"Indeed," he replied simply.

"Yet you did not properly court her?"

We exchanged awkward glances. "Not exactly," Legolas stated.

His father quirked an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Well, I am still human," I explained and their expressions went blank. "Plus, we were on that Quest." Well done, Kate. Be snarky. Way to endear yourself.

"Human?" his grandmother cried in a strangled voice.

"I said human not ax murderer," I replied defensively while Legolas burst into laughter. I glared at him and his laugh quickly became a cough. "You didn't tell them?" I hissed, crossing my arms.

Smiling bemusedly at my ire, he pulled me close and pressed a kiss to my temple. His sister averted her eyes, while his mother and father exchanged a significant glance and his grandmother frowned disapprovingly.

"No he did not," Thranduil said pointedly, leveling a peeved glance at Legolas.

"Because it does not matter," Legolas said lightly with a blithe smile for their less than amused stares, but there was a hard edge underlying his tone.

"I knew you would say that," I grumbled, casting my eyes heavenward and I could have sworn I saw his father stifle a smile.

"Rodwen will not become fully elven until she meets with the Valar and tells them she has chosen to stay here," Legolas explained, drawing me close and casting me an unrepentant grin. If his family had looked shocked before, they were completely blown away now.

"The Valar?" Thranduil asked dubiously.

"It's a long story," I sighed.

"Being immortal, I believe we have the time," his grandmother asserted archly.

"That is true, however I suggest that we conduct this conversation somewhere more private." Legolas cast a pointed glance around the crowded courtyard.

"A wise idea," Thranduil affirmed. "The library should suffice." Legolas extended his arm to me and we led the way. Our party settled in a secluded spot tucked behind some shelves but close enough to a window that the elves would not feel claustrophobic. My stomach was tied in knots as I sat ramrod straight in my chair. This was an obvious tell as to how nervous I was for anyone who knew me. Normally I flopped into whatever chair however I wanted with nary a thought to correct posture. Legolas took the seat next to me at the bay window, giving me a reassuring look as he did so. It did not really help. I twitched at my skirts nervously until Legolas took my hands in his.

"So what did you do to garner you an audience with the Valar?" his grandmother asked, her tone implying it was nothing good.

Drawing strength from Legolas, I took a deep breath and began. "Nothing really, at least nothing of which I am aware. Obviously, I am not elven nor am I technically from Middle-Earth..." I lost my nerve at the looks of patent disbelief on their faces and trailed off. Legolas squeezed my hands and nodded encouragingly, so I forged ahead once again with my gaze resolutely trained on our joined hands. "My best guess is that I am from the distant future of this world. One moment I was heading to a high school graduation party, the next I was waking up in the woods outside Imladris with pointy ears and heightened senses."

"But you said...and well you look...human..." Legolas' sister led.

"Yeah, well there was a catch which I found out about the first time I met with the Valar. We had just reached Lórien. Both Almira and I went ... in spirit I guess is the best way to say it. While there we were told that we had been brought here, though exactly why only Eru knows, and that we would be granted a choice. Either we return home and lose any memory of our time here, or we stay and lose our whole world but gain immortality. So technically I am an elf in every way except that which matters most," I finished quietly.

"And your choice is still before you?" Thranduil eventually asked.

"Yes."

"Well, will you stay?" his grandmother asked impatiently.

"Yes, that is my intention," I replied softly, the familiar feelings of guilt and sorrow rising within me. "Although, supposedly there is some sort of test I have to pass." Legolas looked at me in surprise and I could read the burgeoning guilt there. I rubbed what I hoped were reassuring circles with my thumb on the back of his hand. He echoed my weak smile.

"I should think so," his grandmother huffed, interrupting our moment. "You only stand to gain immortality and a title. But why you?" she mused. "I suppose you were not told that either. What luck for a human! And if you fail I suppose you are sent back home. Given the uncertainty I am surprised you pushed my grandson for a betrothal. What if you return? Still, there are many other ellith who would suffer countless trials for the same opportunity. And now that it seems you are ready to seriously consider marriage something could be worked out." She directed this last bit at Legolas and I had to bite my tongue. Apparently I was replaceable, so I had to behave.

Legolas had no such compunction. "Luck? To lose her entire family for a title?" he queried incredulously.

"For love," I amended softly, flushing at how corny that sounded. The comment had Thranduil eyeing me appraisingly. Legolas flashed me a brilliant grin that made my insides feel all gooey before he continued. "Besides," he said firmly holding my gaze, "there are no others, there will be no others. If Kate were to return, I would find her in the future. After all, I am immortal. And whether you believe it or not, I am the one who demanded an answer to my suit. Kate is still uncomfortable with the idea of marriage and a title," Legolas finished with a sly grin, slanting his gaze my way.

"You knew?" I cried, mortified.

Legolas laughed until I withdrew my hand. "It's not that funny," I muttered, crossing my arms.

Legolas recaptured my hand. "Yes, it is," he disagreed gently, rubbing circles on the back of my hand with his thumb.

Too curious to be too upset, I had to ask, "How did you know?"

"You twitch," he revealed with a soft smile.

"I do not," I instantly contradicted. "Maybe an inward wince occurs but-"

"Princess Kate," Legolas interrupted before I had a chance to prepare. My shoulder jerked.

"Blast," I murmured while flushing bright red as Legolas and his sister laughed.

"I was nervous too," his mother admitted gently, and gratitude welled within me.

"See?" I muttered peevishly. "It's a lot to get used to."

"To say the very least," Thranduil said. "And yet you are so sure of your choice?" he challenged.

"I love Legolas," I replied, with a shrug of one shoulder. "It is as simple and as difficult as that."

"So it is," Thranduil consented quietly.

After that, no one really knew what to say. Legolas was squeezing my hand so hard I temporarily lost feeling in it. Or maybe I was the one with the death grip. It was hard to tell. He seemed just as overwhelmed as I was.

"Well," his mother said, "This is certainly a lot to consider. And I for one do not like doing any serious thinking on an empty stomach. Come, let us take lunch." She rose and looked expectantly around. Within seconds we were all on our feet and following her.

Legolas' sister dropped back to walk with us, while his parents and grandmother continued several paces ahead. No doubt they were discussing everything I'd told them. I could hear my name every few moments and did my best to try and ignore their conversation.

"Since Legolas is rude, I must introduce myself. I am Rinnalaiss, though everyone calls me Rinn," she asserted.

"I am not rude," Legolas contradicted tetchily.

"True, perhaps I should say distracted? He seems to be particularly affected whenever you are around," she confided to me.

I had to smile as Legolas flushed. "Rinn," he warned.

"Which is why I must have you reassure me that you truly love him, that you are not some harpy just after a crown-"

"Rinn!" Legolas interrupted indignantly.

"And that you are not going to hurt him," Rinnalais finished sternly, though she was flushing slightly as Legolas was glaring at her. "He has been through enough," she added softly, almost defiantly, and Legolas' gaze softened.

I disengaged from Legolas, and turned to face Rinnalais, who had stopped when I had. "I am not sure how to reassure you as anything I say might sound rather hollow as you do not know me well enough to really trust me yet. Thus, I can only appeal to reason. All the evidence points to the fact that I love your brother. First, I have never cared for titles. Your brother and many others can attest to my resistance to any sort of formality and fame. Additionally, I have been made a member of the House of the Golden Flower and thus am noble myself, so pushing for a title only holds so much water. Second, I am planning on turning my back on my family to stay here. If I did not sincerely care for your brother I do not think there could be any motivation strong enough for me to abandon those I did love. Finally, I am told my love practically ekes out of my pores and it is sickening to watch me when Legolas is around," I finished attempting levity, but quickly turned serious again. I made sure to hold her gaze and said quietly, "I love him, Rinnalaiss. There will never be another. I swear this to you on all that I hold dear and I hope it is enough." I could feel Legolas' gaze practically burning its' way through my back.

"I can sense your sincerity and I thank you for your honesty," Rinnalaiss said, flushing at the intensity and vulnerability of my admission, glancing away for a moment. But she recovered quickly, grasping my hand. "And you should call me Rinn. I owe you that much as I thought you were going to be another haughty harpy, like Heryniel, and imagined all sorts of terrible scenarios. I have never been more happy to be wrong," she finished quietly, giving me a quick hug before dashing back to her parents, who had been listening in apparently. Thranduil was giving me another of those penetrating stares he seemed to have perfected, while Legolas' mother had an expression of open affection on her face, and his grandmother had a grudging look of burgeoning respect on her face. Blushing, I dropped my gaze to my feet.

"Well, come on," his grandmother said stiffly. "Let us not be late."

They turned and headed towards the dining hall. I made to follow, but Legolas stopped me. I looked at him in surprise and my question died on my lips at the expression on his face. It was such an intense mix of love, gratitude and incredulity. I only had about a second to take this in before he was kissing me. My whole body stiffened in surprise. This was a patently unchaste kiss, a detached part of my mind said as he pulled me even closer. His parents are going to think I am a skank, I thought in panic. Then I mentally shrugged. They'd have to think that about their own son too. So what the hell? My life was about to suck, what with my choice. I gave up caring and returned Legolas' unexpected ardor 100 percent. When he finally released me, we were both breathing hard. He touched his forehead to mine. We stayed that way for a few moments, eyes closed, breath mingling. Then he took my hand and started walking. His parents were out of sight. We picked up our pace as the first of the lunch bells began ringing. Faster and faster we went until we were running, laughing the whole way. Legolas stopped abruptly, causing me to run into him, once we reached the entrance. We took a moment to catch our breath and arrange ourselves, still chuckling whenever we caught each other's eye. I straightened Legolas' tunic and he ran a hand over my hair. Suddenly serious, he caught my face in his hands. Startled, I met his gaze. He pressed his lips to mine once more, firmly for a few moments before becoming achingly tender. Legolas pulled back after a few seconds and I tried to catch my breath. Giving me one of those devastating smiles he saved just for me, he extended his arm. I placed mine gently atop his and we entered the dining hall.

As we were some of the last people to arrive, we commanded quite a bit of attention. Although neither of us really noticed. It felt like we were on Cloud Nine. The lunch had gone pretty well in my opinion. His parents didn't hate me, or at least they weren't going to show it, so that was one thing I could cross off my list of things to worry about. Not that I really had that much to worry about aside from my choice. Of course, that was plenty. Lunch was an interesting affair. I barely got to eat, as many of Legolas' acquaintances peppered me with questions. Luckily, Legolas and his family helped deflect questions that were too personal. Internally, I was trying not to get emotional. Having a family surrounding me, looking out for me, was so startlingly familiar and yet so achingly unfamiliar as well - because they weren't mine. Not yet anyway.

After lunch, the afternoon was open for everyone to rest and prepare for the evening's festivities. I bid Legolas' family goodbye and returned to the house to find Almira pacing out front.

"Finally!" she cried. "How was it? Did they love you? Hate you? Did they have a lot of questions? Did they believe you?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. What's with the third degree? You're worse than they were!" I said with a teasing smile, passing by her and into the house.

She followed and we settled in the kitchen. "Sorry. But we were all so curious."

"We?" I asked.

"Yes, there are more of us and we are dying to hear all about the meeting," Eruanna said.

I turned and found them coming in from the courtyard. Once they were seated, I recapped my time with my future in-laws. "All in all, I think it went pretty well. It's a lot to take in and they will probably have more questions once everything sinks in, so I guess we'll see. His grandmother is going to be the hardest one to win over. I do not think I was the type of elleth she pictured marrying her grandson."

"And his parents?" Malthenwen asked.

"I cannot read Thranduil at all. I think he is trying to remain neutral, which makes sense given I think his wife really likes me and his mother does not."

"That is not surprising," Glorfindel stated.

"Oh?" I said.

"Noriel was not particularly well-received at first either," Glorfindel revealed.

"No freakin' way," I cried. "Why not?"

"She was the daughter of a wealthy and prominent merchant, but not nobility," he said.

"That would certainly explain her predisposition to sympathize with Kate," Rúmil commented.

"Indeed. Moreover, she has ever been considered to be one of the most gentle and compassionate creatures on this earth," Malthenwen added.

"Although, fearsome to behold if angered," Haldir said with a twinkle in his eye, "if Legolas' stories of his childhood escapades are anything to go by."

"His poor mother," Eruanna said. "I can only imagine the shenanigans she had to put up with. Yet it was probably only half of what Celebrian had to endure. They should be sainted, the both of them."

"Ah well, they will have their revenge when their grandchildren come along," Almira said. "Unfortunately for you." I flushed as everyone laughed.

We spent the next couple hours relaxing in the gardens, discussing our tentative plans for the future and just hanging out before parting to prepare for the night's festivities. The party that night was much like the first night: fairly boring. The newlyweds put in an appearance and stayed just long enough to be considered decent before making their escape. I had to dance with a ton of people who weren't Legolas and make small talk with a ton of strangers while watching way too many gorgeous women fawn over my betrothed. Even though my lunch with his family had gone well, they were still easing into the whole idea of me and so we did not push for an announcement. Thus, my continued separation. So it wasn't exactly a secret that I was not particularly thrilled to be doing the whole stuffy party thing for the third time. Although, I could comfort myself with the fact that I was at least halfway through. I was really hoping this time would be the charm and tonight's event would turn into the best party ever. A girl can dream, after all.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I jumped up excitedly. The knock meant one thing: my dress for the evening had arrived. Since Legolas had ordered them for me, I was always anxious for the big reveal every evening. Pála, sharing my excitement, dashed to the door. The dress that was dropped off was fabulous. We oohed and ahhed over it appropriately. It was styled to look like two dresses in one. The fabric was a mint green color, with a wide silk braid band at the bottom of the skirt which was black, forest green and gold. There were white insets in the front and at the sleeves. A black border ran along the deep-v at the front and around the sleeves where the wide trumpet sleeves transitioned to white. The white inset at the chest was trimmed in brocade and there was a black belt with gold clasp that fitted under the bust. The ends of the belt hung down the front of the dress and terminated in gold tassels. Right at the waist, where the deep-v of the neckline ended, the mint overlay opened to reveal another white inset. There was a wide train in the back, though it was not long. Which was a relief to me, since I did not want to have to worry about people stepping on it. I was clumsy enough as is. I did not want to have to worry about having to watch out for other people, too. All in all, it must have cost a fortune and looked like the Christian Dior of this day and age. Easing into the gown, I shivered in pleasure. As it was made from silk and linen it felt like heaven on my skin. Looking at myself in the mirror, I fidgeted a tad uncomfortably. It seemed so extravagant and it was weird to have Legolas spending so much money on me. Being a fairly independent woman, it felt odd to have a sugar daddy. But then again, I was going to be a princess and his wife. I was enough of a realist to know that keeping up appearances mattered. However, I reassured myself, it's not like I would have to dress this way every day. And the gown was not really that ostentatious or gaudy. I did not have any large gems hanging off it or a hodge podge of expensive fabrics covering every square inch of me like some did. Still, it was a novel experience for me to wear such gowns so often. I smiled wryly as I ran my hands over the fabric. It certainly wasn't a hardship to wear something that looked like a million bucks.

I slid on my shoes, ran a hand over my hair to smooth any frizzes, took one last look in the mirror then turned to thank Pála. "My hair is gorgeous, again." And it was. Simple, understated elegance like my dress. There was a short part in the center, with a section of my hair pulled back on either side and secured low. A braid of my own hair acted as a headband, and the rest was left mostly loose and wavy, creating a romantically windswept look, like I had been wandering around some moors somewhere. "Thank you," I added sincerely. "Have fun tonight. You need not wait up for me. And try not to break too many hearts."

"I am more worried about mine," she said, then flushed at her slip.

"Is that so?" I queried. "Who's the lucky guy? Or unlucky should he decide to hurt you. He's not a jerk is he?"

She smiled at that. "His name is Grier. He is a great warrior and fought in the War. But he is also very kind, and I fancy him so. But he is a too good a match for one of my station and I doubt he would ever feel as I do."

"Grier, huh?" I mused. "That name sounds familiar?"

"Indeed, his younger brother was Legolas' valet," she said. "Which is how I actually got to speak with him." She related a few of their encounters, and I listened with half my mind while the other half was trying to come up with inconspicuous ways I could help them interact more. I would have to enlist Legolas, which reminded me I had a dance to attend.

"So you can see why he would never choose me," Pála finished with a sad smile.

"Buck up," I said, clapping her on the shoulders. "Never say never." Pála looked suspicious and hopeful all at once. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a stuffy society event to attend. If I die of boredom, try not to mourn me too deeply."

"I will do my utmost," she replied in mock-seriousness. The cheek the girl had developed! I smiled proudly. Ever since sticking up for her in front of Dragon Lady, Pála had loosened up immensely.

Calling out one last thank you, I exited the room and quickly made my way out onto the street where the rest of the house was waiting. "Damn," Almira said. At my raised brow, she explained, "No offense, but I was kind of hoping you would not show and we would have to search for you thereby missing the party."

"None taken. I had considered arranging my own kidnapping for the exact same reason."

"That is actually a good plan," Merry said, giving me an appreciative glance. "No one could blame you for missing the party, not when you were kidnapped."

"Unfortunately, I have zero dinero or Operation Hidden Princess would already be a go." I heard Frodo murmur "Operation Hidden Princess" and shake his head, a wry smile on his face.

"Let us go and get this over with," Gimli rumbled. I took his arm in silent support. If I felt like an outsider, I could only imagine how the lone dwarf at these gatherings would feel. We took our seats in the Banquet Hall with the Imladrin contingent as usual. And as usual, dinner was a merry affair where I ate way too much. Afterwards, we proceeded to the Ballroom and joined the line to enter. Every night we had to be formally announced. "Don't we know who we are at this point?" I groused.

"I must admit, if I could do away with this part I would," Sam said, looking like he had admitted to punching a puppy. He and Frodo entered ahead of me and just like every night the announcement of the Ringbearers was met with deafening applause and cheers. "Tough act to follow," I muttered.

"Lady Kate of the House of the Golden Flower," the announcer called out in a ringing voice and I twitched. "Dammit," I muttered. I strode into the room, chanting "don't trip" to myself, searching the crowd for Glorfindel and Eruanna. Ever so predictably, there was a decent bit of chatter at my arrival given the many speculations that were going on about Legolas and myself. Seeing as I had accidentally let slip to Corentin that I was betrothed and Legolas and I were still wearing our rings, many were discussing whether or not this was actually true since it had not been announced as yet. I made it to Glorfindel without incident and took a large, fortifying sip of wine. Tirithedain was my first dance of the evening, followed by Bellon, then a random Gondorin noble, then Elladan, then another Gondorin, then Glorfindel, and on and on. Finally, I managed to escape the dance floor, snagging a glass from a passing waiter on the way and avoiding eye contact with anyone who could be construed as a potential dance partner.

I was standing on the sidelines, sipping a glass of wine, completely over dancing for the time being. However, if Legolas had come to dance with me nothing would keep me off the floor. Speaking of, Legolas was twirling some old family friend around on the dancefloor. Stunning, I thought with just a twinge of unease. Shaking of any feelings of jealousy and inadequacy, I went back to absentmindedly people-watching, eyes roving over Legolas' figure every couple minutes, which is how I noticed what else was roving over his body. I saw red and felt a hand on my arm. Stopping, I blinked in confusion. When had I started moving?

"May I advise against your current course of action?" Eruanna posited lightly.

"I hope there is a very good reason," I replied tightly, still eyeing the couple.

"There are two. First, you are no longer on the battlefield. Thus, you cannot just go charging in to eliminate your foes. Second, you must trust Legolas. He has to send the message he is unavailable. While I am sure Legolas would appreciate being rescued, the rebuff has to come from him or no one will take it seriously," she explained.

I sighed, returning my gaze to her face. "You may be onto something here."

"After a millenia or so of life, you'd hope so," she said dryly.

I ignored the situation as best I could, making small talk with Eruanna. I was doing fine until the dance ended. Just as Legolas was about to pull away, Handsy Mc Handerson pressed herself close, whispering something in Legolas' ear before pressing a very light kiss to his cheek. My knuckles were white on my cup. Legolas disentangled himself, a gently disapproving expression on his face. To me, this seemed a bit of an under reaction, though admittedly I was probably overreacting. Wanting him to toss her aside like yesterday's trash was not exactly to my credit. Handsy, as this bold elleth would now forever be known to me, looked unperturbed. She said something else, to which Legolas shook his head. She shrugged, apparently unconvinced, before turning and walking saucily away. Legolas turned towards us and I raised one eyebrow. He flushed just slightly and picked up his pace. Unfortunately he was accosted by some other noblewoman. Gentleman that he was, he bowed and escorted her back to the center of the dance floor, casting me an extremely apologetic glance. I just looked away. I was not feeling very charitable at the moment. Corentin, of course, chose that moment to appear.

"Would you care to dance milady?" he drawled, arrogance written all over his face. And I just couldn't take it. His sleazy smile was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

"No," I snapped, turning on my heel and beating a hasty retreat outside. I struck out into the gardens, walking briskly, heading god knows where. I kept walking until I was pretty much alone, which is when I noticed I was not alone. Turning I found Almira a few paces behind me. "Thank god," I uttered in relief. "I was afraid you might be Corentin."

"I figured. You okay?" she asked, taking a seat on a nearby bench to watch me pace.

"Yeah, just extremely put out. I mean, did you see that? She was pawing him like there's no tomorrow," I cried irately. My whole policy about not being jealous had gone out the window the minute SHE had set her hands wandering.

"I'm afraid I was too busy watching Nimmir throw herself at Rúmil," Almira responded tartly. Yikes, I had noticed that too. It was not pretty. The batting of the eyes, the thrusting of the chest and the grasping hands had been a bit of overkill.

"Come on, it's obvious he does not like her seeing as he generally avoids her like the plague," I cajoled, then sort of ruined the effect by continuing. "Now can we please get back to my problem?"

"Obvious eh? He wasn't exactly dissuading her."

"So I suppose the look of revulsion on his face was what? Mild nausea brought on by the terrible food?" She rolled her eyes but I could see a faint smile hovering about her mouth. "If anyone has the right to be pissed it's me. Rúmil may not have been beating Nimmir off him, but you guys are not considering marriage. You are still testing the waters." At the mutinous look on her face, I added hastily, "Not that that excuses it, but still. Here I am talking about turning my back on my home planet and Legolas is letting some chick paw him!"

"See that is exactly my point! Rúmil and I aren't an item! If he's flirting with someone else that could spell disaster. At least you can be secure in the knowledge that Legolas loves you and has told you so...or at least you should be," she added wryly as I still had not stopped pacing.

"But that is exactly my point!" I stopped and faced her, planting my hands on my hips. "If he cares for me why is he catering to her?"

"Be fair, he did not invite her to molest him and if her hand went anywhere other than his shoulder he would promptly move it right back," Almira explained patiently though I could tell she was nearing the end of her rope.

I sulked slightly before deciding that she was probably in a better place to judge and that I kind of owed her one. I sighed and sat down next to her. "And Rúmil did not look like he was enjoying speaking to Nimmir. Honestly he seemed bored to me."

"Yeah?" she asked hopefully.

"Yeah."

"We should probably get back," I said without any real resolve, standing and heading that way.

"We should," Almira replied noncommittally following me.

We reached the terrace right outside the ballroom, watching the gossiping matrons, shy maidens, and cornered bachelors. "How would you feel about ditching this stuffy party?" I asked Almira after a few moments.

She gave me a look of acute relief. "Not guilty in the slightest."

"Then we are in agreement?"

Her nod was barely perceptible. We turned and nonchalantly walked away from the entrance.

"Where are you going my love?"

Busted, I thought as I turned to face Legolas.

"We were just going for a little turn in the gardens to get some fresh air," Almira interjected smoothly. I smiled innocently and with a nod he returned, although warily, to his father and the elves he must have previously been talking too.

"Nicely played," I said to Almira as we hurried away from the door.

"Thanks," she said. "Now how to get down…"

"You are not afraid of heights are you?" I asked with a wicked grin.

She looked puzzled. "No, why?"

"Because I think the tree conveniently next to this balcony will serve nicely." She matched my grin and with one last look around us, we rushed over to the tree and shimmied down it.

"Free at last!" I cried as our feet touched the ground. "Now to the lower levels and a sleazy tavern." Laughter was my only response as she grabbed my hand and we dashed away into the night.