A/N Again, many thanks to Celridel for taking the time to beta this chapter

The day of the feast had finally arrived. After two weeks of blood, sweat and tears poured into her private dance lessons with Legolas, and the lessons on proper etiquette from Calithilchon–who Thranduil personally hired to teach Estella–she was finally ready.

The night before her final dress fitting, Hwinneth upon looking at her complete masterpiece had beamed with pride exclaiming this was her finest work yet. Estella had to agree and thanked her repeatedly asking her how she could ever repay her. Hwinneth told her the best way she could repay her was to have fun and Estella promised her she would.

Estella then had one final dance lesson just to make her confident she would not trip and fall on her face. Legolas assured her that night after the lesson was over she would be just fine. Legolas found it hard to believe she had such a hard time being graceful in her formal world. Estella told him it was true and the only thing she could think of which would explain her gracefulness now was her Elven attributes were finally coming forth.

Back in her room, Estella paced back and forth almost hyperventilating. If it had even been possible to do so, she would have worn a hole into the floor by now. Raiwen was busy trying to calm her down. She had seen her friend nervous before, but this was worse than anything she had seen.

"Lady Estella, sit down and breathe, you are going to put a hole in the floor," she said for the third time that evening. Taking her friend by the hand and leading her to her bed they both sat down. "Why are you so nervous? You know how to dance, and you have been to enough dinners to know how to act appropriately."

Estella frowned, shaking her ebony head. "I don't know...this one is different. I will be dancing, in front of everyone, with Legolas. Raiwen, what if I fall, what if I open my mouth and say something utterly stupid and humiliate myself in front of everyone! What if..."

"Estella stop," Raiwen said with an amused smile, raising her hand. "Estella, you can say all the what if's you want and work yourself up until you make yourself sick or you can relax and just let yourself have fun. Remember, Prince Legolas will be with you the whole time, and you know he will not let you fall or make a fool of yourself, nor will he mind if you do."

Smiling softly, Estella took a deep breath forcing herself to relax. "I guess you are right. Forgive me for being so foolish."

"There is nothing to forgive, my friend," Raiwen replied squeezing Estella's hand gently. "Now let us get you ready, Lord Legolas will be here shortly to escort you to the feast, and you do not want to keep him waiting."

The two rose to their feet, and Raiwen helped Estella get ready for the feast. After Estella had bathed, she slipped into the dress which was made just for her. The way it fit her showed off every curve of her body, and when the silver threading hit the light just right, it almost seemed to sparkle like the stars in the night sky. Raiwen then proceeded to braid Estella's long hair in intricate Elven braids, keeping it away from her face while leaving the rest to cascade down her shoulders in dark rivulets. Raiwen stood back to admire her handiwork, a huge smile crossing her face.

"There we are. You look beautiful, Estella." Raiwen gently led Estella to a full-length mirror. "Look!"

When Estella observed her reflection, she let out a soft gasp. Her gown took her breath away, clinging to her curves before plunging to the floor in folds of shimmering material, silver thread catching the light, sparkling like a thousand tiny stars. She could barely believe what she saw in the mirror. Instead of the skinny girl; there was a grown elleth–a less careworn image of her mother. Estella had to wipe a small tear from her eye. I am beautiful,she thought to herself. "Thank you, Raiwen, for everything," Estella said, a radiant smile on her face.

Raiwen smiled in return. "You are welcome, my lady."

Just then a knock came on the door. "Estella, may I come in?"

Estella looked back at Raiwen who was hiding a small smirk. "What do I do?"

Raiwen laughed. "Well, you can start by letting him in."

Estella blushed and walked to the door. Inhaling deeply, she turned the knob.

Legolas stopped dead in his tracks as the door silently opened, revealing Estella with a nervous smile on her face. He was utterly speechless, only one thought running through his mind.She is beautiful! Like the stars in the heavens.

In his wonder and surprise, the small nagging feeling he had seen her somewhere before, a long time ago, went unnoticed.

"Estella?" he eventually stammered out. Estella nodded shyly. "You are breathtaking. Hwinneth truly outdid herself this time."

Estella blushed in embarrassment, unable to reply. For some reason, she could not take her eyes off him. Legolas was dashing. Dressed in a white tunic and leggings with silver threading sewn throughout and a silver circlet adorning his blonde hair, Estella could not find the proper words to say to him let alone let him in. It was only after Raiwen cleared her throat Legolas and Estella were brought back to reality.

"Oh, forgive me Legolas. Please come in," Estella managed to splutter moving to the side for him to enter.

"Thank you," Legolas murmured and entered the room, making his way to his usual chair.

Raiwen turned towards Estella. "If you do not need my help anymore, my lady, I will be leaving now."

Estella smiled. "No, Raiwen. I will be all right. Thank you, for all your help."

"Then I shall take my leave. Please excuse me while I go finish setting up for the feast. "My lord, my lady," Raiwen said bowing her head in respect as she left.

When they were finally alone, Legolas set a medium box on the small table in front of him. "I brought you a little something for the feast. I thought you would like it." He smiled nervously, hoping she would, dreading it if she did not.

Estella's blush deepened further. "Legolas, you did not have to get me anything." She reached out and opened it with tentative fingers, letting out a gasp of wonder and surprise–there in the box on a soft velvet cushion was a silver circlet almost identical to Legolas's. The only difference was hers had a small milky white oval-shaped jewel in the middle.

"It is gorgeous," she said softly, stroking the metal with a fingertip, hardly daring to touch it. "I…I do not know what to say. Thank you." She looked at him, her delight evident in her eyes.

"I am glad you like it. Since you are my guest of honor, Father thought it would only be proper for you to wear this and had it specially made for you." Legolas took the circlet out of the box and placed it gently on her head with a soft murmur. "He may not voice it, but he has grown very fond of you."

Estella was not sure how to respond to that. When she first showed up at Mirkwood, she knew the king did not fully trust her and even acted slightly cold toward her, but slowly over the months, he changed his demeanor toward her and even began treating her more like a daughter than a guest. "Thank you. It is beautiful."

"You are most welcome," Legolas said stepping back and smiling his signature grin. "You are truly breathtaking tonight. I will have to keep you close to me, or every ellyn in Mirkwood will clamor after you."

Estella playfully smacked Legolas's arm. "Legolas, stop teasing me."

He laughed in reply. "I am very serious. Are you ready to go? Everyone will be arriving now."

Estella looked at Legolas her earlier fears slowly creeping back in. "I guess so. Promise me something though."

Legolas became serious. "Anything Estella, what is it?"

"Promise me you will not leave me tonight or let me fall," Estella said softly, not taking her eyes off him. She knew she probably sounded silly but inside she was terrified.

"Estella," Legolas said taking her small hand in his. "I swear to you I will be with you the whole time and nothing will by any means happen to you. I will not let you fall."

Estella smiled, and before she realized what she was doing, she hugged him. "Thank you, Legolas.

Momentarily caught off guard, Legolas found himself returning the hug, an unconscious smile spreading on his face. "You are welcome. Let us be going now. Father will be wondering where we are before too long." Pulling out of the hug, Legolas offered her his arm, and the two proceeded down the hallway towards the feast.

When they arrived, Estella could not help but be completely in awe at the sight which met them. The king's main dining hall had been transformed into an elegant feast. It reminded Estella of something she would have seen on TV back home. There were decorations, flowers, leaves of every shape and color, and lanterns of various sizes filling the room with a soft, luminous light. But what caught her attention the most was the tables: several long rectangular tables lined the walls of the hall, each one filled to the brim with food of every kind. She saw cheeses, bread, fruits and vegetables, heaps of meat and fish of uncountable varieties cooked in a myriad of different ways. She could not help but salivate at the sight, not to mention the beautiful smells pervading the air.

In the middle of the room were the guests. Some of the Elves she recognized such as Galion and Beririel who were deep in conversation, Cabrion who was dancing with Raiwen, and Haerelion, Innor, Feren, Lethuin, and Elros. As her eyes skipped over all the faces, Estella realized she had met far more than she thought and began to relax a little. However, there were more she did not recognize, and some of them she heard were visiting from outside of Mirkwood, and as she saw them, she tensed up again. Most of the Elves were either drinking small goblets of wine, eating or were deep in conversation.

Legolas must have sensed Estella tense for he quietly whispered, "Estella, you will be okay, I promise. Just relax and let yourself go. You are among friends here."

Estella took a deep breath and felt herself relax a bit at his words, and he led her to where his father was talking to another high-standing ellon. The Elf in question was tall and had long dark ebony hair which was pulled back half way. He appeared to look sagacious and looked like one who had seen countless ages. He wore a gold circlet on his head and smiled kindly and stood erect when he saw the two approach, interest kindling in his eyes as he looked at Estella. She could not help notice a little tension drain out of the expressions of both Elf-lords as Thranduil turned his attention towards them. Despite her nerves, Estella's interest rose, and she made a mental note to ask Legolas later.

"Ah, Legolas, I see you two finally showed up. I was beginning to wonder what was keeping you," Thranduil said with a mock-disapproving glare.

"Forgive us, Father; I was helping Estella with some last-minute nerves," Legolas laughed. Estella, however, blushed a dark shade of red.

Thranduil nodded in understanding and then turned to Estella. "I see you are wearing the gift I had made for you. Do you like it?"

"Yes, my lord. It is more than I deserve after all the kindness you have already shown me," Estella replied timidly, her mind scrambling, trying to remember what Calithilchon had taught her about etiquette.

Thranduil was slightly surprised and pleased at how the young elleth carried herself. He had had few dealings with her himself but had heard much from his son. It had come as a surprise when Legolas asked for his permission to bring Estella to the feast and Thranduil officially had had his doubts at how she would cope, not having spent much time with her people. "It is my pleasure, penneth."

He then turned and addressed the Elf next to him who had stood silently throughout the exchange. "Lord Elrond, may I introduce you to Estella."

Elrond bowed his head and smiled at Estella, whose own smile was nervous at meeting someone who was evidently very important. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Estella. Where are you from if I may ask?" Something in his gaze made Estella realize this question was significant and she froze slightly, unsure as to what she should say.

Thankfully Legolas came to her rescue. "Estella is a guest here. My patrol found her wandering alone in the northern borders. She was lost, and so we brought her here until we can discover where her kin is," Legolas replied, carefully excluding the fact she was from another world. This was neither the time nor the place to divulge that information, and he hoped Elrond would not notice his discomfort and ask more questions.

"I see," Elrond said noticing Legolas's awkwardness, deciding not to press the matter further. However, her background did nothing to shake his suspicions, only strengthening them further. He longed to ask her whether she knew who her parents were but that was a question for another time. "I hope you find your lost kin. I will leave you be as I see Lady Galadriel is currently unattended and I have some pressing matters to talk to her about." He bowed politely to Estella and left, heading towards an extraordinarily tall and beautiful elleth with a mane of golden hair.

Thranduil turned to the young couple, an unreadable smile on his face. "Why do you two not get some food and enjoy yourselves. I am going to get another glass of Dorwinion before Galion decides to drink all of it."

Legolas laughed and escorted Estella over to a table where the two of them sat down and ate their fair share of food. Estella could not remember the last time she had such delicious food. She even had a couple of glasses of Dorwinion before she began to feel a little tipsy. She leaned back in her chair, groaning a little and as she did so she caught sight of Lord Elrond, and her mind jumped to the question she meant to ask Legolas earlier. "Legolas, why did your father and Lord Elrond seem…tense when they were talking?"

His sharp look made her wonder if she should not have asked, but then his expression grew sad. "I am surprised you noticed, not many who do, do not already know. My father and one of Lord Elrond's sons had a disagreement many years ago and still do not speak." He caught Estella's questioning gaze and shook his head. "That is a story for another day, for it is a sad one, and today is about celebration!" He held out a hand with his trademark smile. "Would you care to dance?"

While they had been talking, the minstrels started to play slower pieces, and many other Elven couples had risen to dance.

"Legolas, I don't…"

Legolas cut her off. "Estella, I promise you, you will do just fine. Remember, I swore to you I would not let you fall."

Estella sighed and took his hand as he slowly led her into a slow dance. At first, she tensed up, but as the music went on, she began to relax and soon drifted away until it was just the two of them left in the middle of the hall, all the other couples taking a break.

Estella laid her head on his chest where she could hear his heartbeat, tightening her grip around his waist. Legolas's smile grew, and his voice was soft. "See, I told you, you would have a good time if you just allowed yourself to."

Estella giggled quietly and looked Legolas in the eyes. For the first time, she noticed how blue they were, like a summer sky on a cloudless day, and she felt herself getting lost in his gaze. Her heart pounded in her chest as he smiled at her while he softly brushed a stray piece of hair from her face. It was at this moment she realized the truth: she was completely in love with Legolas!

Immediately, she tried to deny it.No, I cannot be in love with him. He is the crown prince, and I am…I am just Estella!She thought frantically to herself. She had never been in love before, much less with a prince. The very thought caused a knot of fear to coalesce in her stomach.

Legolas must have noticed a change in her as he looked at her worriedly. "Are you, all right? You seem a little faint."

Estella nodded and went to sit down. She could not tell him she loved him, what if he did not feel the same way back? Instead, her brain came up with an appropriate excuse before going into meltdown, panicking. "Yes, I think I just need to sit for a minute. This is a lot more excitement than I am used to."

Legolas led her to a chair. "I will go get you a drink. Just rest for a minute." He disappeared into the crowd leaving Estella's head swimming. What was she getting herself into? She was already in way too deep. She had no business having these kinds of feelings for Legolas. Estella was so deep into thought she did not even notice Elrond standing next to her. "Are you well, Lady Estella?"

Estella jumped, thankful she did not let out a little shriek. Regaining her composure, she smiled shakily, "Lord Elrond, you scared me. Yes, I am fine. Just a little too much excitement." She could not help but wonder why he had come over.

Now he was here Elrond had to make some small talk. He could not just interrogate this poor elleth, no matter what his feelings were, no matter how strong his suspicions and desire to know the truth. He scoured his mind for a common topic, and it alighted on her undeniable attraction for Legolas.

"I could not help but notice you and Legolas. I must say the two of you look very close."

Estella paled. "What do you mean? We are just friends that is all."

Elrond sat down next to her with a chuckle. "My dear, I noticed the way you two were looking at one another and how he held you as you danced. I too was in love a long time ago. I know what love looks like."

They had reminded him of a different couple dancing countless years before. But maybe that was just wishful thinking, born from a desire to know the truth finally.

Estella felt like the whole world was spinning out of control. If Lord Elrond noticed and could tell, then who else saw them and thought the same thing?

Elrond could tell she was scared and fighting the feelings. "Let me give you some advice. The worst thing you can do is fight it. If you both share the same feelings toward one another, then all you can do is follow your hearts. You never know when the one you love could be taken away from you."

Estella could not help but notice the sad look in his gray eyes as he finished speaking as if he was reliving painful memories. But as quick as the pain arrived in his eyes it was gone. "Just think about it."

Estella smiled gently as Elrond stood up. "Now the night is still young. You should be enjoying yourself not sitting here fretting. I hope you will at least consider what I have said." He smiled and turned away before adding as an afterthought. "Estella, if you should ever wish to leave here, the gates of Imladris will always be open to you." Elrond then smiled and walked away leaving Estella even more confused than before.

Elrond strode away, realizing he had not asked about her parents as was his original intention. He had gotten too caught up in memories, and it was too late to go back now. He realized with a sigh he would just have to hope he saw her before he departed.

Estella was thinking about fleeing from it all when she saw Legolas returning with drinks for the two of them. She could not help the smile crossing her face as she reached out and took one from him. "Thank you."

"What were you and Lord Elrond talking about?" Legolas asked taking a sip from his cup.

"Oh, nothing," Estella lied, not wanting to tell Legolas that everybody except for her knew she was in love with him. Legolas raised an eyebrow. "He was just asking me if I was enjoying my night."

"And what did you say?"

Estella gave Legolas the most genuine smile. "I told him I was having a wonderful time here and tonight was better than I dreamed it could be."

Legolas's grin spread across his entire face. "I am so glad to hear you say that. Would you like one more dance? I hear it will be a faster-paced song, and for once I would like to out dance the older Elves." His grin became mischievous, and Estella laughed, unable to resist.

She took Legolas by the hand, dragging him to the dance floor as the music started. "I would love to."

Legolas could not help but laugh with her as he let Estella drag him out onto the dance floor. As the music became faster and chirpier so did Legolas and Estella. They became so lost in the moment they did not notice the looks and stares they were receiving.

Thranduil, who despite Estella's lack of social standing, could not help but suppress a smile as he watched his son be the happiest he had seen him in thousands of years. Lord Elrond smiled, surprised by how much he realized he liked Estella and was glad she was not fleeing from her feelings.

But the sight did not make everyone happy. A small group of single and very eligible, yet foolish young ellith glared unhappily at the sight, jealous an elleth who had come out of nowhere with no kin could catch the eye of their prince when all of them had failed.