Disclaimer: I don't own the Lord of the Rings characters though I would own Legolas. Wouldn't everybody?

Marin was unpacking her bags in her room at Rivendell. There was some sort of secret council that was to be held in a few days. Lord Elrond, leader of the elves, had invited her to stay in one of the east facing wings of the main building.

The windows in her rooms were facing the sun so that the rising sun would wake her every morning bright and early to greet the chirping of the birds. If she wanted to sleep in late, she could just pull the thick satin curtains shut. Her bed had silk covers on it with thin Rohan cotton sheets. It was a four poster bed that had been carved with delicate animal tracery and ivy leaves.

She placed her peach and ivory dress into the top drawer of the cherry tree dresser. The peach and ivory dress was one of her least favorites because it tended to clash with her auburn hair. However, to fix this, she would just use a spell that changed her hair color. Sometimes, she liked to change her hair or eye color on a whimsy.

Gandalf did not exactly approve of her so-called misuse of magic, but she was rather inclined to believe that using magic to improve upon her appearance was a beneficial use of magic. She wasn't a wizard in training for nothing, now was she?

"Marin?" A soft voice at the door made Marin turn around.

"Arwen!" Marin shrieked as she turned to face the dark-haired elf woman. She flew across the room to hug her best friend.

"Marin!" Arwen screamed back as she flung her arms around the human girl. "I can't believe you're here, in person. That's so exciting."

Marin and Arwen had been pen-pals for the past year, sending their letters back and forth with either Gandalf or some bird or other. Their friendship had grown and now both women thought that they knew quite a lot about one another.

Arwen was always sending fashion advice to Marin and Marin would send a few spells to Arwen. She had even sent her a spell about controlling running water to help with Rivendell's occasional flooding problems. Marin had heard that this particular spell had come in handy because Arwen had used it to save a little hobbit a few days ago.

"I'm glad you sent me that spell last fall, it truly came in handy," Arwen said as the two women broke apart.

Marin shook her head, "No, it wasn't a big deal. It is the person using the spell, not the spell itself that makes magic powerful. Or so Gandalf always tells me." She winked at Arwen who gave her a puzzled look. The elf maiden shook her head and nodded to Marin.

"My father wanted me to tell you that dinner will be served in the main hall within the hour," said Arwen.

"I'll be there," said Marin, "But what should I wear?"

"Hmm," pondered Arwen, "Let me look at your wardrobe."

Marin moved back to let the elf look at her clothes. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment; how could her country bumpkin clothes possibly live up to Arwen's standards? The elf woman had been living for hundreds of years; she would definitely know which fashions were old. However, Arwen didn't say anything negative about her outfits.

Arwen picked up the light silver gown with the full sleeves, cinched waist, and two foot train. She also picked out a silver belt and a circlet that was made of silver ivy vines; the last item she chose was a pair of slippers. All of these she placed on the bed before turning back to Marin.

"This should do."

Marin's eyes sparked with admiration. Arwen's choice of clothing was absolutely amazing. "Wow, Arwen, it's gorgeous. I wish I was as brilliant as you are."

"Oh, don't dwell on that, it's a silly talent," said Arwen, a slight frown on her face as if something were dreadfully wrong. She smiled a bit at Marin before going back to the door. "I'll see you soon, you can sit beside me at dinner."

Arwen left Marin to herself in the room. Marin hummed to herself as she dressed, her light soprano voice filling the room as she twirled happily, studying herself in the gilt-framed, full-length mirror. She supposed her clothes shouldn't matter to her, but she had a secret reason for caring, a reason she hadn't told anyone, not even Arwen.

Coming to the council, Gandalf had told her all about the sort of people she should expect to meet, and some of them included fine young men from places like Gondor and Rohan. Not that she was over-eager or anything, but she had always wondered what would feel like to be in love. It could be lots of fun.

Marin carefully pinned up her hair into a series of curls; it was convenient that her hair had such nice body to it. It made it a lot easier to keep up with styles and whatnots. Her last addition was an ornamental brooch; a lily made of pale colors that complimented the silver dress nicely. She rather thought that Arwen would be proud.

Marin was glad that she'd had a detailed tour of Rivendell upon arrival. If it hadn't been for that, she might've made more than the one wrong turn that she did. Entering the Great Hall, she couldn't help but stare in admiration as she had during the tour. It was massive, beautiful, elegant, and well-decorated with rich green hangings and delicate wooden furniture. Tables had been set out for dinner, though everyone was still milling around, chatting and drinking wine wile waiting for the host to announce the commencement of dinner. Elrond and Arwen were both still missing; Marin assumed they'd make an entrance together as father and daughter.

Feeling sort of out of place, Marin turned around, hoping to find someone to talk to.

"Looking for someone?" a smooth voice asked, a slight edge of amusement to the tone.

Marin turned and gazed with wide eyes at the most perfect face that she had ever seen. Strong cheek bones and very, very masculine features were framed by silvery blond hair. His stunning blue eyes met hers, and it took her a moment to register what he had said.

"Oh, umm, yes, but you'll do just as well." She smiled up at him. Any company was good, especially if it was as handsome as this. Gandalf would be perfectly fine without her for a little while.

"Glad to be of service, Lady…" he looked at her curiously.

Marin blushed, "Marin. Though you don't need to call me lady. I'm Gandalf's apprentice."

"Oh, I see. Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Marin, Gandalf's apprentice."

"And I, you," Marin replied charmingly, "Though I am afraid I do not know your name either."

"Legolas. Just call me Legolas," he said.