Hello everyone! I'm so sorry I've been gone so long! But I have my reasons…I am officially a REGISTERED NURSE! I've been studying so hard all summer for that and I am very excited! Also, I started back to school for my bachelor's degree last week and the job hunt is in full swing so I've been busy! Thanks for being patient and I promise to keep updating when I can! These next few chapters are some of my favorite, so hopefully, I'll be able to get them out quickly.
Chapter 6: Summer Festival
I looked in the mirror and my jaw about hit the floor. My hair was a combination of loose curls and intricate braids. A borrowed, sapphire pendant hung at my neck. My dress was unbelievable, the light blue silk hung loosely on my body, before flowing at my hips. Beads outlined the bust and waistline, where it met a silver chord acting as a belt. The sleeves, well they really weren't sleeves. The silk split at my shoulders and fell to my waist freely. I had silver shoes that were like slippers crossed with flats. They actually were quiet comfortable. Arwen put on the Middle Earth form of eyeliner and a hint of blush to add color to my pale cheeks.
"Legolas won't be able to control himself!" Arwen said as she patted some rose oil on my wrist and behind my ear.
"I'm not out to court a prince! I barely know him!"
"I know, but…"
"Arwen stop!" She is ridiculous. She's known that Legolas asked to escort me less than 12 hours and she already has me married off! Not what I expected from the graceful princess of Rivendell that is in love with Aragorn!
"As you say Buzz Kill." She said shaking her head as she pulled on her own shoes. There was a knock on the door and Arwen ran to answer it.
"Legolas, she is…" She stopped in her words.
"Arwen, why were you expecting Legolas?" I knew that voice better than any other, Elrohir.
"He asked to escort Evangelina to the festival." I peeked over her shoulder to see the twins dressed in black and maroon robes, looking very much the princes they are. But the look on Elrohir's face broke my heart. He looked devastated. But why?
"I will see her at the festival then." He turned on his heel and left before I could even get in a word. I felt guilty that I hadn't told him, but he never asked either. He should know better than assume. Until Legolas asked, I was looking for ways out of the festival. There are many things I can screw up tonight. My mind started listing said things. Suddenly, I really didn't want to go even more. I sat on my bed and pulled my knees to my chest.
"Lina what's wrong?" Arwen asked.
"I don't want to go tonight! There's just too many things for me to mess up! My elvish is still sketchy, my dancing is mediocre at best, my etiquette has much to be desired and to top it off, I'm going with an Elvish PRINCE! I can't do this! I don't belong here!" I fought the tears threatening to leave my eyes. I was on the verge of letting out months of frustration and insecurities.
Arwen knelt down in front of me with a smile on her face.
"Evangelina, in the short time you've been here, you've left a mark on Middle Earth. Yes, you are still very new to all of this, but you do belong here! My family wouldn't be the same without you here. My father was so withdrawn before you started dragging him from his study to show him your improvements. All my brothers wanted to do was kill Orcs! I have a friend who I feel I can tell anything! You've given Rivendell hope we haven't had since my mother sailed! Please do not belittle yourself!"
I didn't have time to respond before there was a second knock on my door. Sadly, this time it was most likely my escort. Arwen rose from her spot and went to answer the door for me.
"Legolas, you look very handsome this evening. Evangelina was just finishing up. She'll be out in just a moment."
"Of course, I am slightly early." I heard him said quietly.
She shut the door and turned to me.
"Are you ready?" She asked holding out a hand to help me up. I looked in the mirror and took a deep breath. To think 9 months ago, I was trying to end my life. Now, I'm in a situation that most people would die for. Hell, I'm going to a elvish festival, with a prince that I read about in books!
"As I'll ever be I suppose." I said turning towards the door.
"Relax and be yourself; you'll be fine." She said opening the door. I stepped out and smiled as I saw Legolas leaning against the wall opposite my door. He was dressed in green robes, with a black tunic underneath with black boots. They were definitely royal garments just by the fabrics used. There were leaves and branches embroidered along all seams and he wore a silver circlet on his brow.
He looked up and then smiled.
"Your beauty shines brightly this night." He said taking my hand and kissing it gently.
"Thank you my prince. You are looking rather handsome as well." I said curtseying to him. No matter how much I learned translations and grammar, elven vocabulary and sentence structure will take me years to get better at.
"Many thanks for your kindness, but there is no need to call me by my title, leave that for the other elves. To you, I wish to be only Legolas." He said pulling me up from my curtsey to face him.
"Shall we?" He offered his arm and I smiled as I linked my arm with his.
We made our way to the grand hall were the first feast of the festival was to be held. As we entered, I took in the beautifully decorated room around us. We weren't allowed in previously to get a sneak peak; much to the twins' dismay. Banners and bright cloths hung from the ceiling and pillars with elegance. There were tables of food and wine, since the summer festival is first and foremost a celebration of the harvest. Lanterns and candles were strategically placed to give the room the appropriate atmosphere. Many elves were already sitting at the numerous tables while others were mingling around the various social circles. Some people I recognized from Arwen's introductions at dinners and others just looked at me with confused faces.
The door attendant quieted the hall at Elrond's request and started the introductions.
"Lady Alywen of Lorien escorted by Haldir, March Warden of Lorien." The two blonde elves made their way down the steps.
"Children of Elrond, Lady Arwen and Lord Elrohir." The two stepped from their place next to their father and started down the steps. There was applause but it was short and brief.
"Princess Friel of Mirkwood, escorted by Lord Elladan of Rivendell." There was the same reaction to their entrance to the crowd.
"Lady Evangelina of Rivendell, escorted by Prince Legolas of Mirkwood." As we took our turn down the stairs, the room remained quiet. Not even a single clap. Everyone's eyes were locked on me. A stranger who didn't belong at the side of a Prince. I swallowed hard and tensed up. We took our seats and Legolas gave me an apologetic look like it was his fault. He was a prince, loved by all elves. It was because of me we didn't get a proper welcome. No one wants to clap for a no body.
"Finally, the overseer of this great festival, Lord Elrond of Rivendell." The hall erupted in applause but was soon quieted by the wise Lord.
"Welcome Elves, to our decade celebration of summer and harvest. It is an honor to host a living tradition such as this. Nevertheless, we must not forget the reason for such festivities. We are blessed each year by the Valar with a plentiful harvest, for we have not always had such gifts. We must appreciate that which is given us. Tonight let us enjoy the feast prepared by our finest cooks and share in merriment."
Soon, plates of food were sat in front of us. Meats, vegetables, stews, and breads; anything I wanted was right in front of me. But, I didn't really have much of an appetite. I hardly lifted my eyes from my untouched food. As the servants cleared the table, I lost my distraction and looked up at Legolas with sorrowful eyes.
"I'm sorry. I'm not very good company tonight."
"It is understandable. It is your first festival. They are unnerving to most at first. It is partially my fault as well pulling you into the light of attention." He took my hand and squeezed it gently in encouragement. I tried to smile the best I could. Soon soft music started to fill the area. Some people stood and left, while others remained sitting and conversing.
"Is it not tradition for the lords of the realms to start the dancing, Lord Elrond?" Legolas asked.
"Indeed it is Prince. Shall we, Arwen? Would you like to dance?" She nodded and rose to meet her father. Soon I felt Legolas' eyes on me.
"Lina, would you give me the honor of a dance?" He asked, holding out a hand. He looked at me with those cerulean eyes and a smile that left my knees weak.
"It would be me having the honor to dance you, my prince." I said taking his hand as he led me away from the table to the dance floor. He took my right hand placing his left on my waist, while I placed my left on his shoulder. This dance was much like the traditional dances from Earth. The more complicated dances would be later on. The music wasn't fast but it wasn't slow either. The medium tempo was definitely the best place to start for me. I somehow managed to pull off the first dance without stepping on his foot once. I was very proud of myself.
The second song was a different story. It was a more upbeat dance that involved me spinning away to another partner for a few steps before returning to Legolas. The children of Elrond, tried countless times to teach me the transition and I managed to do it once or twice in practice but I would most likely end up with an elf I know nothing about for a dance I wasn't comfortable with. But, we were in the middle of the crowd, with no escape.
The first minutes were fine; moving back and forth switching hands, but the transition was coming. Legolas smiled as he spun me out to my new partner who thankfully was Elladan. I took his hand and met his stance but not before, I felt his foot under mine. I frowned at my defeat. If he felt any pain, he masked it well and just smiled at me.
"I see the Prince of Mirkwood is escorting you." He said with a strange undertone that I didn't have time to dissect. It almost sounded of suspicion. I was thankful to be back with Legolas though as he gracefully pulled me back to him.
"That wasn't so bad was it?" He asked.
"I stepped on his foot, I feel horrible."
"Ah, but at least it was Elladan not some stuck up noble." He said with a knowing smile. I had to stop myself from laughing at his antics.
"This is true. Can we take a break after this song?"
"We should do one more for tradition's sake then we can take a break."
The third song honestly scared me because I didn't recognize the music at all. I saw the elleths putting their hands on the ellons shoulders and I looked at Legolas.
"Um, I don't know this song at all!" I said as my eyes widened as he put both hands on my waist.
"It is a fun song. I will lift you three times before we go back to a more traditional dance, then I'll lift you three more times to end the song. Just follow my lead." He whispered in my ear. I swallowed hard unsure of what this dance would hold.
It was actually fun, almost exactly as Legolas explained. It was a few steps forwards and back, then he lifted me, doing a slight turn. We did this three times until we were facing our original direction. Then we did more of a waltz style, but he pulled me fully against him. I looked down briefly enjoying the feeling and trying to avoid a blush. Then we repeated the lifts once again and it felt amazing. Soon the song came to a close. I smiled and hugged Legolas tightly as the music ended. I felt like I was just on an episode of Dancing with the Stars!
There you go! I hope you liked it! A little fun fact, the festival is five days! This is just the beginning! On another note, 97 Days until Legolas takes the big screen again in the HOBBIT PART 2! I'm pretty excited, not gonna lie!
Anyways, please review, follow, and favorite! They encourage me and give inspiration to write when I'm busy!
Until Next Time!
-B