Perplexities of Growing Up

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the places or characters used here except for Náriël-I did invent her and if she resembles anyone else's character in anyway, I'm sorry- not done on purpose. Everything else belongs to Tolkien.

A/N: Ok! The day of the ball is finally here!!! I mention some songs in here and if you have them, I think it would really add to the atmosphere of the night and help set the mood for the story if you'd listen to them while reading this!

One other thing that I wanted to mention...about 30 ppl have put me on their author alert list, however, I have yet to see a review from almost half of them!!! I want to thank all of you wonderful ppl who do actually review...as for the rest of you: REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIIIIEEEWWW!!! PLEASE?!

Ok...on to the story! –enjoy–

Chapter 11

POV: author

The rest of the evening was spent preparing for the ball/ party. Since it was an Elvin ball, it would be held outside in a large meadow. The anticipation of the event was building up in everyone. It soon became quite late and at this point, Náriël approached her father.

"Ada, the ball is tomorrow evening and I must once again inform you that I have naught to wear."

Elrond turned around and faced his daughter. Smiling at her he spoke:

"I do believe I have told you that you need not worry about that. Everything will be taken care of tomorrow, you will see my child. All will be fine. Now, it is late and you must go rest."

With that he kissed her on the forehead and left. Sighing defeat, Náriël slowly made her way up to her chambers.

............

The next morning, she awoke bright and early. Her stomach was filled with butterflies of excitement and she could hardly contain herself. The entire morning was spent adding the last touches to the now opulently decorated meadow.

Grand tables and chair were set all around and the trees had beautiful lights wound about their branches. The spot picked out for the Elven orchestra had a sheer tent surrounding it. Later that night the flaps of the shimmering silver cloth would be drawn back so that the orchestra would be visible. Everything looked quite gorgeous.

Evening was quickly gaining on them. Noticing this, and being quite satisfied with the arrangements, Elrond went to seek out his daughter.

"Náriël, I do believe it is time for you to go and get ready. Cyrith will help you if you should need it...now go on."

Náriël glanced back at the path leading to her home and noticed that Legolas was already making his way down it. She looked back at her father who was now busy talking with some other elves.

'Yes, father is definitely back. The never ending enigma. Yet things always do seem to work out, he makes sure of it. I'm glad he seems to be himself again, because for the past few months he had been acting in a quite curious manner...'

Shrugging to herself, she began walking home.

............

Upon arriving at the Last Homely House, she made her way up to her room and was met by none other than Cyrith, who immediately began talking excitedly about the upcoming event; but Náriël was only half listening. She was currently in her closet and searching for something to wear.

'I don't have anything!! What is wrong with ada?! This is important...I can't just wear a riding gown!'

POV: Náriël

I was quite angry with my father at this point and I could vaguely make out Cyrith's non-stop chatter in the background...

'I wonder what Legolas is going to wear'

"Oh! One more thing my Lady, Lord Elrond wished that you wear this!"

I nearly jumped at the sound of her voice right behind me.

'How'd she manage to sneak up on me like that? Hmmm...my dad wants me to wear a certain dress eh? No wonder he was acting like that last night...I wonder what it looks like...'

I twirled around to look at the garment in her hands. It was beautiful.

The dress was a deep blue, not navy, brighter, but very rich...it was the color of the sky at twilight. The gown was silky on the bottom half and on the sleeves, from the elbow down. The top of the sleeves and from the waist up, the fabric was sort of velvety. It had a square cut neck and princess- flare sleeves. Right above the elbow, where the fabric changed, there was a gorgeous Elvin design embroidered in silver thread. Also, around the waist was the same design, in silver thread as well. It was in a V shape and one side at the bottom of the V extended slightly farther than the other. The silky fabric somewhat played tricks on the eyes; for depending on how the light fell on it, there seemed to be little gems such as diamonds hidden in it, though in actuality, there were none.

I loved it.

"Oh!" I let out a small gasp and I felt my eyes grow wide.

"It's so gorgeous!" I breathed.

Cyrith nodded at me and turned me around, helping me undress in my daze. Before I knew it, I was wearing my new dress and sitting on a chair as my hair was braided back and curled in the front.

As I snapped back to reality, I quickly dismissed Cyrith with the pretense that she needed to go and get ready herself, for everyone in Imladris was invited to the celebration. She once again nodded in agreement and left.

I stood up and examined myself in the mirror.

The front of my hair was shorter than it was in back and these strands curled and were left loose. Half of my hair was braided back into two small French braids and the rest was let down. I took some jewel clips and twisted them into my hair. I then searched through my old jewelry box that my mother had left for me. Taking out a necklace, I secured it around my neck, fingering the jewel pendant. It was my favorite –the one I was wearing on the day I met Legolas.

Next, I put on a pair of dangling silver earrings with sapphires at the end, prefect for this dress. I fixed my silver ring which had twisted so that it was upside down on my finger and examined myself once again. There was something still missing.

Walking away from the floor to ceiling mirror, I went into my bathroom and pulled out a class box, placing it on the counter beside me. It was time I adorned my face...I wanted to surprise everyone...it was not that often that I wore any make up, (A/N 1.) and I was curious to find out what reaction Legolas would have.

I lined my bottom lid with a thin smoky black line; for I thought it gave me more of a mysterious appeal. Then, taking out light, silvery-blue, sparkling eye shadow/liner I lined my top lid with several coats and smudged a bit less on the rest of my lids. Looking at myself I realized that it made my eyes look wider and more beautiful. Smiling to myself, I took out a dark wine red lipstick and applied it.

Replacing the box in its appropriate place I stepped out of the bathroom and back to the larger mirror in my bedroom. As I stood before it, I hardly recognized the elleth it reflected. She looked pretty, mature, elegant...I almost didn't believe it was me. I scrutinized the make-up, making sure it wasn't too much and didn't make me look like a whore. I shuddered as Sulia came to mind.

At that moment, I heard a soft knock on my door.

"Yes?"

"Náriël?"

It was Legolas.

"Are you ready? I'm heading out to the field now..."

"Oh, I...can I just meet you there Legolas? I need a few more minutes..."

"I can wait for you if you like."

"No, no. That is not necessary. I can find my way just fine. I'll see you there."

He did not speak for a few moments and I figured he was contemplating what I had just said. I then heard a reluctant "alright" and his soft footsteps proceeding down the hall.

I took in a deep breath and decided that my make up was fine. After a few more moments of twirling and examining I finally resolved on coming down. I had not wanted Legolas to wait because I wanted to see the full effect of this 'new me' on him. The sun had set and in the twilight...under the light of the full moon and stars...that would be perfect. That was how I wanted him to see me.

............

POV: author

Náriël quickly arrived in front of the meadow and just stood there a few moments, relishing its beauty. It was even more breath-taking at night. There were some stone stairs that led down to it and that is where she now stood. Glancing around she saw how gorgeous everything was. It was a clear night and the stars and full moon that blanketed the sky lit everything in an eerie, yet ethereal glow.

The orange lunar flowers, (A/N 2.) which only bloomed at night most definitely helped to add to this effect. They lined the entire back of the meadow and partially on the right. Also on the right was a small path which led to a curved bridge. It was partially hidden by the trees but Náriël new well what lied beyond that...it was one of her favorite places to go at night. The path leading away from the bridge was lined with more lunar flowers, but not orange like the ones in the field...they were a dazzling baby blue. At the end of the path, there was a small waterfall. It wasn't very large at all, but it was absolutely stunning at night, for all around it blue and orange and red lunar flowers grew. They caused the surrounding water to reflect their light and beauty and it was all so mystifying that one could just sit there and dream, casting their soul to be in another place altogether. It was completely captivating.

To the left of Náriël, there were some more orange lunar flowers, but not quite as abundant. However, through the trees one could make out one of the largest waterfalls in Imladris. It was far enough away so that its roar was not deafening, but close enough so that one could see the variously colored lunar flowers spread out among its ledges, lighting up the water as it came tumbling down.

Náriël quickly picked up the sound of one of her favorite melodies playing and as she scanned the room, she saw Legolas. He was standing there with a wine glass in one hand and something else in another that she could not make out.

The sounds of the Moonlight Sonata (A/N 3.) urged her to move forward. She continued to stare at Legolas, hoping he would look back at her. She picked up the front of her dress and slowly began walking down the long stairs. Náriël had pulled her shoulders back and held her head high so that she carried herself with grace and dignity.

Her eyes flickered back to Legolas and at that moment they locked with his. The Moonlight Sonata continued to sound in the background but all she cared about was the look on his face. He did not blink and his face was almost expressionless. There was a hint of awe and his gorgeous eyes were slightly wider than usual. She noticed him put down his glass and slowly make his way towards her. She still could not tell the other object in his hand, which was now partially hidden behind his back.

..........

Legolas stood there enjoying the beautiful sounds of the Moonlight Sonata when he felt a pair of eyes on him. Looking around, his eyes locked with those of Náriël. It took him a few moments to recognize her. She was so majestic and beautiful. His breathing became slightly hurried and shallower. He couldn't blink or break their gaze.

He noticed how the light from the stars and the moon blanketed her, giving her even more of an ethereal glow than most elves. He noticed how her dress grazed the steps behind her as she walked. He noticed her wide eyes and slightly parted and lush lips.

'She looks so pure....so innocent...'

At that moment, nothing else seemed to exist. All the other elves were a blur. It was just the two of them and he could barely make out the music in the background anymore.

Legolas was drawn to her.

He set down his wine glass, which he just noticed had been slightly shaking in his hand, and made his way over to her.

Neither one broke eye contact the entire time. They were both completely entranced by each other.

Náriël noticed how his step was in time with hers. She noticed how his black cloak gently swayed behind him as he walked. He had dark gray leggings and his tunic was a deep, deep, velvety red (think of the cloak Haldir wore during the battle of Helm's Deep in TTT –that color) with silver embroidery. He had his hair braided back...it was more complex than usual and quite beautifully done. She wondered for a brief second if he had done it himself. She then noticed the thin silver band twisted into various curves that adorned his forehead.

Náriël could hardly breathe.

She finally reached the last step and at that moment, Legolas finally reached Náriël. She stepped down and they just stood there. Suddenly, Legolas finally snapped out of his daze upon hearing a nearby elf's laughter.

"Lle maa vanima," his whisper was so quiet that the wind gently carried away the sound of his voice, for only Náriël's ears to hear.

"I..." but before she could really respond, he took his right hand from behind his back and presented her with a gorgeous, scarlet rose. It seemed to her that it was glowing ever so slightly.

She looked up at Legolas, but his face was once more a mystery to her. As she took the rose from his hand, their fingers brushed slightly and she felt a small blush creep up on her face.

This of course did not go unnoticed by Legolas, who let a small smile grace his lips. Náriël gazed at him and suddenly she found herself lost in his stunning orbs. It was moments like this that she loved. When he didn't hide himself.

Legolas noticed that his breathing and heart rate had pretty much gone back to normal, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to tear himself away from this beautiful young elleth before him.

Taking in a deep breath, he turned so that they were now standing side by side, with Náriël on his left. He held out his arm for her. She smiled and thanked him as they linked arms walked back to the party.

.............

The Lord Elrond sat closely watching the scene that was unfolding before his knowing eyes. He only half heard what the elf beside him was saying, but it didn't matter, for there were others captivated by his story.

He, on the other hand, was captivated by something else.

'She really has finally grown into that elegant, beautiful and dignified elleth that I knew she would someday be.'

He smiled a bittersweet smile to himself.

Elrond quickly noticed the young Elven Prince walking towards his daughter with a total air of equanimity. After carefully observing the exchange between the two, he was reminded of the first time he met his now deceased wife. Taking a shaky breath, he sighed to himself.

He had been monitoring the two for the past few months, and this was the moment that Elrond knew he had nothing to feel perturbed about. Although they did not yet realize it completely, Elrond now clearly saw that it was as if they had been made for each other.

............

The two sat beside each other and talked for a little while. Soon though, Legolas stood up.

"Will you dance with me?" as he asked this of Náriël, he stretched out his hand to her.

She looked from his hand to his face and graciously accepted. The two of them danced a little while, and Náriël had to admit, even if it was only to herself, Legolas was an amazing dancer!

After a couple of dances, Legolas became engaged in a heated, but friendly debate with two fellow elves. Náriël took this opportunity to leisurely walk around the perimeter of the meadow, gently fingering the lunar flowers as she passed them by. She soon came to the bridge, and glancing around, saw that no one had noticed her there. So, she decided to take a short walk.

Once Náriël had reached the middle of the bridge, she stopped and gazed down into the brook below her. The water sparkled under the moonlight and the sound of it rolling over the stones was quite soothing. Lifting her head back up, she saw that she was indeed well hidden from the festivities going on just beyond the trees. Náriël suddenly felt someone else's presence and she snapped her head back to the front of the bridge.

It was none other than...Aniolad.

POV: Náriël

He was the last elf I had expected to see, for we hadn't really seen much of each other since the fiasco with my father. But as he stood there, I didn't feel all that happy, nor excited. Honestly, I was a bit unnerved at the lascivious look upon his face.

He walked up to me, his steps were sure and arrogant; he reminded me something of a predator about to pounce on his prey. I do believe that any other time I would have found this quite sexy.

'Especially if it was Legolas...WAIT. WHAT?!'

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I hadn't noticed how close Aniolad was now to me. I could feel his hot breath on my neck and his left arm snaked its way around my waist. He quickly bent his head down and as he pulled me closer to him, he kissed me with such exigency that I suddenly had the urge to push him away from me.

'Why do I suddenly feel this way? It's not like I have never kissed him before. I mean, he's the ONLY ONE I've ever kissed before...I know that he is usually pretty forceful. Yet...I just wish I was kissed softly and with a sense of...love and compassion. I wonder what that would feel like...'

.....

Making out with people

I hardly know or like

I can't believe what I do, late at night

I wanna know what it's like

On the inside of love

I'm standing at the gates

I see the beauty above

.....

He kissed me harder, slipping his tongue inside my mouth, and I could feel the desperation in his kisses...he pushed me against the railing and slightly ground into me. I decided to just give in and I began to tentatively kiss him back.

I don't know how long we were there but he was now seriously groping me and a feeling of uneasiness was gripping my stomach. I suddenly wanted him to stop. I wanted him to go away. I wanted Legolas.

Then, as if my prayers had been answered, I heard the voice I had grown to adore.

"Náriël?" his voice was solicitous and I suddenly realized that he sounded like he had been worried about me.

As we broke apart, Aniolad stared at Legolas with spite and disgust. I looked up the strong elf and my breath was taken away...the moonlight enveloped him from behind and he looked so regal and absolutely majestic standing there. Noticing the look he had on his face, I was consumed by guilt for my actions; I had, after all, come here with Legolas...and now he found me kissing another.

His face slightly portrayed hurt and a great deal of disappointment. His eyes were once again a shrouded mystery to me, and I felt awful.

"Come Náriël."

With those simple words, I quickly scampered away from Aniolad and past Legolas, relieved that he had come when he did. I turned to look back at a very displeased Aniolad and then, without saying a word, Legolas spun around and stormed off past me with his raven cloak billowing behind him. He gestured for me to quickly follow and I did, though I had to practically run in order to keep up with him.

As we walked back to the party, Legolas turned to me. There was almost a sort of fire in his eyes, and they were darker than usual. I quickly spoke before he could say anything.

"Legolas....please, don't tell my father about this...please?"

Ok, maybe that wasn't exactly what I had wanted to say...I was thinking something more along the lines of 'Legolas, I'm so sorry about what happened, I didn't even want to kiss him, and I was so relieved when you came!' Nevertheless, my pride would not allow me to voice this.

Legolas now looked more displeased than ever.

"Náriël, it is not my business what you do when you are alone." He had now stopped walking and stood facing me. There was a great deal of acerbity in his voice as he went on.

"I cannot stop you and I am no snitch. I do, however, want you to know that I do not like that elf at all. Something about him makes me uneasy and it greatly displeases me that you would put yourself in such a position. It worries me...the things he is capable of. You are still young and naïve; you probably can't even imagine what I am speaking of... (sigh) I just want you to seriously think about what I am saying here. And you know, it's sometimes a good thing to listen to your father; actually, it's almost always a good thing to do so. The point is, we are not telling you all of this for nothing. We aren't doing it to be mean. We have our reasons, you must understand, and it would leave my heart at ease to know that you are not with him. However, the ultimate decision is yours. I just want you to keep our opinions in mind and not completely cast them aside."

With that, he turned and left me standing alone on the edge of the meadow.

A feeling of longing seized me and at that moment, I wanted nothing more than to be held in the security of his arms. I didn't want him to be mad at me or disappointed with me. I didn't want him to hide himself again. I wanted him to look at me the way he had when I first came down those stairs...

.....

I'm on the outside of love

Always under or above

I can't find my way in

I try again and again

I'm on the outside of love

Always under or above

Must be a different view

To be a me with a you...

.....

A/N:

1. I know that elves probably don't really wear make up EVER...but I just thought it would kind of add to the story...you know, Náriël wanted to look pretty for Legolas and it's sort of like the way a girl might act while getting ready to go to a dance where she knew her crush would be.

2. I have no idea if lunar flowers actually exist or not, but it would be AWESOME if they did! : )

3. I know they prob. wouldn't know the Moonlight Sonata, but I absolutely love it and I thought it would be quite appropriate to set the mood.

…..

Lle maa vanima = You look so beautiful

…..

Wow! I think this is the longest chapter I've written so far!!! But I have to say, it's my favorite so far too!! I hope you all liked it and enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I have a question tho, I was having a conversation with a friend about whether or not I had any male reviewers...so if you are indeed a male, would you please let me know in ur review? An odd request, I know, but now I really AM curious! lol.

BTW! The lyrics are from a song called "inside of love" by Nada Surf –great song–

As far as the poll goes, I decided that I definitely am going with my original idea, and I think that's going to come into play, or at least start unfolding, in the next chapter.

Jack-Sparrow-Lover: thanks! And yeah it is fun to write! (grins)

Ara7: thanks so much…I thought I mighta screwed up w/ the speech, but I guess not

Priestess of Shadows: sus? That's so cute! Haha!! Im really glad that you like the story so much, it makes me quite happy : )

The Luckiest: hehe…the other guy…well, now you know what happened to him huh? and he just might show up again (wink wink)

Jazmeanoo: haha! Im not gonna speed it up…and his chest…oooo yaaa….orli…shirtless…naked in troy…o what a sight! O.O the whole song thing is pretty funny, ive nv heard it before tho. Or at least I don't think I have…who sings it?

Princess Shadowcat: yes she is!! : ) well, her father just had a little surprise for her. I thought it was kinda a sweet gesture from him…I suppose it gives some ppl the impression that hes trying to set up Náriël with Legolas lol!

Princess Alexiel: yes! I LOVED writing this chapter! I hope you enjoyed it!

GoOrlandoItsurBirthday: thanks thanks!

ShopGirl1: lol, about the blooper, tis ok, it happens. Anyhoo, I thought that it'd be a good idea if they managed a truce, at least somewhat of a truce, before the ball…so yeah…

Michelle Moonshine: well good, im glad you think so! And I want you to know that I really appreciate your enthusiasm!! : ) its great when I get reviewers like you! So thanks a bunch! So thanks a bunch! Also, thanks for recommending my story! That was awesome!

Green Eyed Elf Goddess: hehe yeah, Legolas was just a bit pissed of eh? hope you liked this chapter!

Kirsten-Inwe: ok, ok!

White Roses For Me: about Elrond, I know…I think ur right that he should be more refined, but im finding it a bit hard to portray him that way…but I'll work on it. As far as modern slang and curse words…well, im not gonna make up Elvish ones! LOL! and as I've said to other reviewers, I wanted to make them a bit easier to relate to and show that they too aren't absolutely perfect. I mean, if they were, it would make for a very boring love story. So im sorry, but that stuff is prob gonna stay. o.o;; but I will try to use it a bit less often.

Austin B: I know! it makes me so happy that im getting all these reviews!!! As far as who Legolas was gonna take to the ball…well he kinda had to take Náriël…not much choice there, lol.

Elven at Heart: thanks! Hope you liked the ball!

Icy Lullaby: YAY! You know what? I love dresses too! And skirts! They make me feel so feminine and sexy! not to mention that I get quite a bit of attention from the guys (winks) LOL!!!!

Silvermane1: thanks…umm…do u ever leave more than one-word reviews? -.-;; lol

Lexi: thanks so much! Its nice to hear that!

Crecy: haha! Well…ur gonna have to wait just a bit longer before Legolas really DOES put his hands somewhere else…if you know what I mean (wink wink)

Beagle: Thanks so much for the review, but you do realize that you left it for the wrong chapter right? o.o;; lol! As far as the "raw style" of writing, im trying, im trying! And I hope that you did think that the ball and Náriël's dress were prettyful. Lol!!

PenMaster6000: well im VERY happy that ur friend told you about it! Always great to get new reviewers! Leggy huh? ive heard that one before, hehe. Anyhoo, im glad you love the story. Thanks for the review!