Hello Everyone! Sorry I've been gone for so long, I planned on updating this last week, but it just didn't work out. I had a 3 day conference then a 2 day softball tournament. The conference was a blast and my team finished second, we lost 9-8 in the championship game *sad face* but it was a good time. I'm just really sore from playing 8 games in one day.

Anyways, I know I promised the Festival this chapter, but I didn't quiet get to it completely. But I didn't want to cut it short or have a 5000 word chapter, so it will start officially next chapter.

Enjoy!

Chapter 5: Dinner and Escorts

Dinner was awkward, well for me at least. They mostly spoke in elvish. I tried my hardest to follow and occasionally, Arwen would whisper translations to me discreetly, but I still was lost for most of the conversation. I kept stealing glances at Legolas; he was very handsome, even for an elf. But was it more for my curiosity of the elven prince or physical attraction? Was Tolkein right about his part in all this as he was about everyone else so far?

I also noticed Elrohir smiling at me a lot too throughout dinner. I definitely enjoyed my time with the twins despite almost dying. I still am in wonder by the fact that I actually opened up to Elrohir a lot these past few days. Since I was young, I never felt trust as I do with him and his family. It feels weird, but a good weird I suppose.

I was so lost in thought that I almost didn't hear Elrond address me.

"Evangelina, you have been quiet this evening." Elrond asked in elvish drawing me out of thought.

"Just a lot on my mind today, my Lord." I answered, praying I said it correctly.

"I see. How did your lessons go?" He asked it as if there was no visitors were in the house.

"Not too eventful my Lord." I said with a knowing glance to Arwen and the twins. They knew very well of the boring nature of Erestor's history lessons.

"How about your riding? I heard you attempted your first ride a few days ago."

"It was interesting say the least." I said dropping my eyes.

"How so?" My face paled. Is he really going to make me relive my embarrassment?

"She managed to stay on the horse when it reared up while I could not. It was quiet humbling for me." Elrohir said saving me humiliation and taking it
upon himself.

"Ro, you've been riding longer than I and you fell from a horse?" Friel asked laughing. I was more than thankful that they drew the conversation from me.

I slid out of the dining hall and back to my room as soon as I was excused. I went back and bathed, enjoying the hot water.

The next morning, I was walking towards the library to meet Arwen for a short lesson on festival manners when I ran into someone. I looked up to see the young princess of Mirkwood.

"Pardon me Princess! My apologies I was not paying attention to my surroundings." I said bowing quickly.

"No need to apologize, Evangelina correct?"

"Yes."

"Perhaps you could help me. It's been nearly a century since I was last here and I have forgotten where the library is."

"I am actually on my way there now. Please follow me, my lady."

"Friel, just Friel. I hate being called Princess by an equal."

"I am far from an equal." I said looking down.

"Maybe to yourself but to the eyes of Middle Earth, you are as much a Princess of Rivendell as Arwen Evenstar."

"I cannot agree with that statement."

"As you see it, but still call me Friel either way. It's nice to have someone closer to my age than Las. You can't be more than 1500 summers old."

"No, far from it actually!" I said with a crooked smile. Luckily, we reached the library and a waiting Arwen before she could inquire further.

"Let's not waste time. We must get started. We're to meet my brothers for dancing lessons after the mid-day meal." Arwen seemed to be whirling me around the library practicing small talk elvish and other etiquette I would need for tomorrow night. Soon enough we were in the court yard waiting for her brothers.

"Where are those two they didn't even show up for lunch?" I asked as I sat on a bench. I wasn't looking forward to this anymore than they were but still, I showed up.

"Well, I know the first place to look since Legolas is here." I didn't even have to ask. The Archery fields.

We reached the fields a few minutes later and sure enough, three princes stood opposite targets firing arrows at incredible speeds. It took them almost twenty minutes to notice our presence, but it was unbelievable to see them all in action. Especially Legolas, according to Tolkein he was one of the best archers in Middle Earth. He was certainly living up to that statement.

"Arwen, Lina? What are you two doing here?!" Elladan asked, being the first to see us.

"I believe the same question can be asked of you since you were to meet us in the court yard nearly an hour ago!" Arwen pushed. Both twins paled at the angry Arwen and slowly lowered their bows.

"Sorry, sister. We'll be right there. However, we can't promise it won't happen again." Elrohir said smirking before disappearing into the forest path.

"Legolas, you are more than welcome to join us, we are teaching Lina some dances for the festival." Arwen offered.

"I will pass my ladies. I have prior engagements to attend to." He said followed suit after the twins.

Surprisingly, the dances weren't that difficult, until you tried to do them at the speed of actual music. It took nearly all afternoon to get two styles done, but that's two I won't forget for tomorrow night. Well, Elrohir's feet won't at least. I feel bad for him. He insisted on being my partner for the lessons.

Dinner was much like the night before and I soon found myself back in my room and trying to sleep. However, as exhausted as my body was, I couldn't find the rest it needed. I soon found myself in the gardens sitting on my favorite bench near the roses. My world found their way to my thoughts and how much I've changed over the last months. I was considered a princess of Rivendell but why? I am but a commoner, no one knew of me until the twins found me. I am from a whole other world. I was human with a life not worth living. Now, I am an elf sitting in Tolkein's Rivendell watching the stars.

"My Lady, it is late. What are doing out here?" I looked up to see the Prince of Mirkwood standing before me on the stone path.

"One could ask you the same, your highness." I said bowing my head in respect.

"I could not sleep. These gardens have always calmed me over the centuries. What brings you here?" He answered.

"I like to watch the stars. It helps clear a troubled mind."

"How could a maiden as fair as you be troubled? Perhaps a listening Prince could help ease it." He said sitting beside me.

"It's mainly about my previous home honestly. My Lord, I'm sure you have better things to do than sit and listen to a commoner's problems." I said switching to English. I started to stand, but he put a hand on my wrist.

"It was my understanding that you are a charge of Lord Elrond. That makes you far from a commoner."

"I suppose so." We spoke briefly of his time here in the city so far. He was gracious and left my troubles aside. He especially enjoyed telling me stories of his competitions with the twins. We stopped talking for a while and just let the stars calm our worries away.

"Is anyone escorting you to the Festival tomorrow night?" He broke the silence.

"No, I am actually still trying to find a way out of attendance." He looked disappointed.

"Would the beautiful, Lady Evangelina of Rivendell allow a humble prince of Mirkwood the honor of escorting her to the Summer Festival Feast?" What do I do? I can't turn down a prince! But Arwen would kill me if I rejected his offer. However, going with him could make it better, more tolerable I suppose. He seems very much the kind, caring elf portrayed in the movies.

"It would be a true honor, My Lord."

"Legolas. Please call me just Legolas."

"It would be my pleasure to attend with you, Legolas."

"So what troubles you Evangelina? You hardly speak at dinner. Except when Lord Elrond drags it out of you and I have been the one talking tonight."

"I honestly fear saying something improper. You all speak in elvish, but I am still only learning the language. I didn't wish to embarrass myself by mispronouncing something or switching to the common tongue."

"You are not familiar with the language of our people?"

"That dear prince is a story for another time. All I will say is I was not raised among elves."

"I understand. It can be hard to share one's past."

"Thanks for understanding. I have had a lot of change in the past nine months. I'm still finding my place here." I said smiling.

"Change is not always easy, nor is it always bad. See it as an opportunity to better yourself. Live for happiness, be it family, friends, purpose or love."

"Wise words for a prince; thank you for the advice

"I hope to spend much time with you Lady Evangelina."

"Lina. Call me Lina." He smiled before standing. He took my hand and kissed it gently then bowed.

"Until tomorrow Lina." He said disappearing further into the gardens.

I sighed and tried to stop the blush and grin that was most likely becoming prominent on my face.

"What am I some Twilight fan girl!?" I said shaking my head. I was more worked up over this Prince I've known for barely a couple days, than any human crush I had back on Earth. I just looked up at the sky. The stars were shining bright. It brought some peace to my mind. The Valar sent me here for a reason. I just need to figure out that reason like Legolas said, change isn't always bad. I closed my eyes and the next thing I know I was waking up in my bed under the covers, but still fully clothed. I shot up and about screamed.

"How the hell did I get here?" I saw a red rose sitting on my pillow next to a small slip of parchment.

"I found you sleeping on the bench. I thought it best to bring you back to your chambers. I await our time together at the Festival. –Legolas." I smiled at the paper as Arwen entered my chambers holding a book.

"Arwen it is too early for lessons!" I said hiding the rose and note under my sheets.

"What was that?"

"What was what?"

"You stuffed something under the covers!" She said with that devilish smirk of hers. Next thing I know she yanked the sheets off revealing what she sought.

"A rose?! You have an admirer! Who Lina? Please do tell!"

"He's no admirer. We just..."

"Who is it from Lina?"

"Legolas." Her eyes widened and her smile got brighter. Great, all I need is Arwen blowing this way out of proportion.

"Tell me everything!"

"Hold still! Your hair won't look right if you keep squirming." Arwen said holding my shoulders down once again. I was never one for dressing up this much. Yes, I wore dresses from time to time, but not prom style ones with a full makeover. She had insisted even more so when I told her Legolas asked to escort me.

"Next he'll ask Ada for permission to court you! Then before you know it you'll be Princess of Mirkwood!"

"Getting a little head of yourself there Arwen?" I said glaring at her through the mirror.

"Legolas has never shown an interest in a maiden much less ask to escort her to a festival without his father twisting his arm."

"Really?" I said honestly shocked.

"Indeed, between his parents and sister he has
had no desire to even take part in courting for nearly a millennium. He likes you Lina. Don't let him slip away."

"I hardly know him!"

"Then spend time with him and get to know him. He is a great elf." She said as she stepped back finished.

"Now let's get you into your dress."

What do you think? I hope it was worth the wait! I loved writing the scene between Legolas and Lina. I can't wait for the festival!

Real quick poll, how many of you guys have a Twitter? I'm playing with the idea of making an account for Lina as an adjunct to add to the story by posting different things from Lina and the other characters.

Let me know what you think!

Until next time! Remember to Review, Follow, and Favorite!

-B