Kiera
As they walked down the long hallway, Kiera felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The wait had been unbearable, and they had even considered fleeing the city over the mountains. Unfortunately, Voronwë told them that idea was impossible as they had very little food and wouldn't make it before being caught. The two boys promised to protect her, and after standing in the center of the room with both of them at her sides, she knew they meant it. Even if they had to fight their way out.
Thankfully, that didn't happen, and they were allowed to stay. The words nearly sent her into a fit of tears, but she remained strong and would allow herself to cry in private. The entire day was a little too much for her, and she nearly crumbled from the stress and anxiety. The fears of dying and not being able to do the things she wanted to do in the future sent her down a dark spiral. It was all over now, and she pushed the thoughts away and focused on the present.
The princess, or Idril as her father called her, led them through the long hallways of the palace. Kiera's eyes wandered to the lavish paintings that resided on the walls. It was quiet for a while as her companions must have felt the same fear and anxiety as her, just moments ago. Eventually, Idril turned back to her and said, "I apologize to lady Kiera for my cousin's harsh words and to you, Voronwë. Though he means well, sometimes he does not think before speaking."
Kiera snorted at that before she could stop herself. She flushed with embarrassment, but the edges of Idril's mouth turned up into a smirk. At least she seemed alright.
"The king has arranged rooms for you all in the guest quarters of the palace. While you are staying here, you are considered the king's honored guests. Maeglin will be paying for your expenses. Please let us know what you need, and we can get it for you. I will lead you to your chambers and bring you fresh clothing."
"After your baths, I will escort you to the king's dining hall, where we will have dinner together. I am most interested in getting to know you both. I have not met many humans, and I have never met a mortal woman before."
Idril smiled back at them, and Kiera thought Tuor fell in love right then. She shared a glance with Voronwë, who, in turn, gave a conspiratorial wink. Idril guided them through the palace and down its lengthy corridors. Her gaze slowly shifted from the tall ceilings to the ornate tapestries adorning the walls. The decor was lavish, along with being crafted with exceptional detail and care.
At last, they arrived at a corridor with doors on either side. An elf stood by one of the doors and held a stack of clothes in her hands. Idril waved to the elf, "this is one of my handmaidens, Narriel. She will be helping you during your stay, Lady Kiera. This will be your room while you are here."
Idril turned to Tuor and said, "your chambers are at the end of the hall. The last room is on the right. We have laid out some clothing for you to change." Then, Idril looked at Voronwë and said, "we did not know if you would stay with your companions or with your uncle in the city. A room has been prepared for you across from Tuor."
Voronwë replied, "I will stay with my companions until they become accustomed to the city."
"I'll be at the end of the hall when you're ready. Take your time. The night is still young," Idril said.
They all went their separate ways as she walked into the room, followed by Narriel.
As Kiera stepped inside, she was met with the same breathtaking beauty she had seen throughout the palace. She found herself standing in front of a huge canopy bed stained a deep brown. On one side of the room, there was a cozy fireplace with chairs surrounding it, and on the other side sat a vanity with a mirror and a small stool.
Behind the bed were two large windows on either side. They were long and tall to let in
a lot of light. White curtains hung from them, but without proper lighting, Kiera didn't think she would be closing the curtains all that much. On the other side of the room were two doors. The first was open, exposing a stone basin in a wooden table; it must have been a bathroom. The other was closed, and beside it was a wooden dresser.
Narriel followed her sightline and said, "that is room to hang up dresses and put away clothes."
Closet, she mused. All in all, the room was very nice. She turned to the elf and stuck out her hand. "Hello, I'm Kiera Sutherland. It's nice to meet you."
Narriel extended her hand and smiled warmly. "I am Narriel and am pleased to meet you. I am to be your handmaiden during your stay here. I have brought some clothes that might fit, and I've drawn a bath. Come and enjoy it while the temperature is still warm."
Kiera trailed her to the bathroom and feasted her eyes on a clawfoot tub filled to the brim with steaming water. Attached to the back of it was a long wooden shelf displaying glass jars. Beside the wooden vanity was a wooden toilet. A side table close by kept leaves in a basket and some towels.
Narriel nodded at her and stepped back towards the tub. After pointing out a few jars for her body and hair, she left the bathroom. As soon as the door was closed, Kiera ripped off her clothes and sank into the water. The bath was heavenly as she took the first few minutes to sit back and relax in the tub.
Once Kiera was relaxed enough, she reached for the glass bottles of soap. After sniffing a few, she settled on a lavender-scented one and scrubbed and lathered herself to get the week's worth of dirt off. Kiera did the same with her hair but let the soap soak in before rinsing. When she was finished, her hair felt so soft and smelt like roses.
After finishing her bath and letting the water drain, she climbed out of the tub and grabbed a towel to dry. They were just as soft as the ones in the guard's house, and Kiera wondered what they were made of. When she was no longer sopping wet, she wrapped a towel around her body and cracked the door open, and called for Narriel.
The elf came bursting into the room with a big smile on her face. "I have never dressed a human woman before. The princess bid me to pick out some clothes for you. I found some that I think will compliment you." Narriel reached for the clothes she had left and pulled the first one out, which was a dark purple corset one. The sleeves were long and puffy. The neckline was heavily beaded, and the skirt was layered. Narriel commented, "the princess gave me some of her old clothes when she was younger. You are shorter than she is and not as thin."
Kiera wasn't sure if she was supposed to be offended or not but settled on saying, "thanks." Then, she stepped into the first dress as Narriel undid the laces.
"I have picked out a few dresses made with corsets and some with flowy material that should stretch to fit. You are quite beautiful for a mortal, and I have never seen hair or eyes like yours."
She nodded at her while she worked to get the dress around her body. The boob area had stiff padding, and even as Narriel undid the laces, the dress was uncomfortably tight. Kiera figured that she probably wouldn't fit in the elvish dresses. Even her B cups were popping out of this dress.
"No matter," Narriel said as she undid the laces at record speed. "I have brought more for this reason."
The second dress Narriel pulled from the pile was a flowy blue and silver dress with short sleeves. The top was fitted but flowed out from the waist down. Kiera stared at the beautiful dress and hoped this one would fit. Narriel slid the dress over her head, and the material stretched across her body with ease. Once it was and the bunches pulled out, it fit snugly.
"Beautiful," Kiera breathed out. "This dress is stunning, and it fits me well."
"It looks perfect on you, as it compliments your eyes. I have slippers for you as well. Come, let us go to the vanity, and I will brush out your hair."
Narriel handed her some soft slippers, and she slipped them on. The dress was long enough to slide across the floor and hide them but not long enough to trip over. The two left the bathroom, and Kiera took a seat on a stool next to the vanity. There were a few brushes, pins, and a small pile of jewelry in a box laid out on the vanity.
Narriel started brushing out her hair as she said, "princess Idril also sent some of her old jewelry for you to have. Is there anything you wish to wear tonight?"
While her hair was being brushed and dried with a towel, she looked over the jewelry in the box. All of it was beautifully crafted and way too fancy for her. There was a simple silver vine and leaf bracelet, and she chose that to match her dress.
"A wise choice, my lady. Your hair is almost dry. I can braid it for you, but you have such lovely hair. I think you should wear it down freely tonight."
Kiera agreed with her, and her hair was draped over her shoulders with soft tousled curls. She took a good look in the mirror, and she could hardly recognize herself. Gone was her usual outfit of jeans and blouses or leggings and shirts. Now, the mirror showed a beautiful woman dressed up to go to a ball. Kiera felt like a Disney princess going to a ball. Which she kind of was.
Narriel told her, "I left a nightgown on your bed. I will wash your clothes while you are gone. I will bring them back tomorrow morning when I come. Someone will bring your belongings now that you have a room to stay in."
In the chaos of arriving, she forgot about her belongings, as they left everything at the city gates earlier. Narriel bid her goodnight and left the room. After glancing one more time in the mirror and taking a deep breath, she left the room as well.
Outside in the hall, Tuor's booming laughter echoed down the corridor, followed by a soft, tinkling laugh. When she arrived at the end of the hall, Tuor was speaking with Idril in elvish and gesturing wildly with his hands. He was wearing a dark green tunic and brown breeches. The clothing suited him well, and it looked just as lavish and well-made as her dress. Tuor's blonde hair was clean and combed and fell to his shoulders in waves. He left his armor and shield, which were probably for the best.
Idril had changed into a white dress with a beaded bodice. Her long golden hair was braided back from her face and cascaded down her back to her waist. The princess was so entranced with Tuor's tale that they didn't notice her approaching. Thankfully, when she stepped into the room, she spotted Voronwë waiting in the corner and smiled.
His dark brown hair was clean and brushed out. His hair had a few braids strung through his hair, but most of it hung straight down his back. He wore a silver tunic adorned with silver jewels, matched with black breeches and boots. He was a very handsome elf.
When his eyes finally noticed her, his mouth fell open in surprise. "Lady Kiera, you look beautiful tonight. I hope you would allow me the honor of escorting you to dinner?"
"Of course," she replied with a blush moving across her cheeks. Voronwë came to stand next to her and kissed her once on the cheek before he offered his arm. When she took his arm, he murmured softly, "you are always beautiful to me no matter what you wear, but you are truly stunning tonight."
What started as a small blush now made her entire face red. She smiled with giddiness and happiness as they approached Tuor and Idril. The two stood for a moment, but they were lost in their own little world. Voronwë cleared his throat to get their attention.
"My apologies, my friends," Tuor said as he spun around to face them. "I did not hear you approach. Lady Kiera, you look lovely tonight," he said with a wink in her direction. Then he turned to Idril and offered his arm, "my lady, will you allow me to escort you to dinner?"
"You may," she replied as she took his arm. "Although I shall be the one escorting you, as you do not know the way," she teased.
Tuor laughed and replied back, "lead on, my lady."
Kiera and Voronwë hung back to give them a little space. When they started walking, she smirked at Voronwë.
"I think someone is in love," she whispered.
"I think they both are," Voronwë whispered back. "I have never seen the princess so taken with anyone in Gondolin."
Their eyes met as they giggled softly together. Then, she commented, "I'm glad everything turned out well for us. I am happy that we get to stay. Will you show me around the city tomorrow or the next day? I'm curious to see it all, and you promised you would."
Voronwë's eyes brightened as he said, "it would be my pleasure to show you around my fair city. I hope to introduce you to my uncle soon."
Voronwë pointed out some features of the palace as they walked. It's only a quick walk before they arrived at the dining hall. The doors are wide open, and she could hear laughing and talking from the hall.
Kiera tensed up with nerves, so Voronwë stopped before the entrance. "It will be alright, Lady Kiera. We are dining with the king and the lords of the houses tonight. I promise I will not leave your side, but you have nothing to fear from them."
His words soothed her a little bit, but they didn't leave her entirely. It was hard not to feel nervous or a little terrified. She was a woman from another land in a room full of elves. She nodded and thanked him, and then stepped into the room. They walked into a grand hall, almost as large as the first one. It was a circular room with windows evenly spaced around, with high ceilings. In the center was a semicircle table with a break in the front. In the center of the semi-circle is one large throne chair, with the rest of the chairs spread around. It was a glorious wooden dining table fit for a king.
Above the table hung a row of tapestries. Each one contained a different symbol, which she assumed were the house symbols. There wasn't much else to look at as the room was empty besides the table. Her eyes focused on the people in the room who were mingling in groups. Most had glasses of wine and were in groups of two or three. Tuor and Idril walked directly over to the king, but Kiera hesitated.
Voronwë gave her a moment to take it all in. A hand waving from across the room caught her eye, and she saw Ecthelion standing next to the blonde elf. She and Voronwë walked over to them, but Kiera was a little in awe of who she assumed was Glorfindel. He was tall and muscular like Ecthelion, and both radiated a soft glow. His golden blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes complimented his beautiful face. He was dressed in a white tunic and brown breeches and boots.
"Well, meet Lady Kiera," he said as she stood in front of him. "I am Lord Glorfindel of the house of the golden flower. You look lovely tonight, and I am honored to make your acquaintance. Ecthelion has told me a little about you." He turned to Voronwë and added, "I am also happy to see you again, Voronwë."
"I am honored to meet you as well," Kiera stuttered. "It's nice to see you as well, Ecthelion."
He wore a dark blue tunic adorned with diamonds and silver gems. He seemed to really like the silver pieces of jewelry as he wore no gold pieces. His black hair was hanging straight down his back, with only a few diamonds strung between the braids. His shiny black hair matched his black boots and breeches.
Both of them were stunning, and even Voronwë looked a little washed out in front of them. Kiera guessed that was because he didn't have the light of the trees from Valinor. They were both incredibly nice, so she just hoped the rest of the lords would be the same.
Voronwë started, "it is good to see you again as well, my lords. My journey was long and full of sorrow, but I am glad to have met lord Tuor and lady Kiera. I am saddened to say that I did not find the blessed realm, but I know I will see it someday."
"I am hopeful that one day we shall all return. But let us speak of happier tidings. I know the lady Kiera spoke of possibly joining the builders, but what will you do now that you have returned," asked Ecthelion.
"I do not know," Voronwë answered honestly. "Perhaps I will join my uncle in jewelry crafting. I have not decided yet, as I was focused so long on my travels and learning sailing and shipbuilding."
"You are welcome to join my house and the guards. We could always use more soldiers in these dark times. Ecthelion told me of your desire to learn, lady Kiera, so the offer extends to you as well, and I would be happy to teach you," offered Glorfindel.
"Thank you," she replied earnestly. "That means a lot. I would like to get settled first and get accustomed to this city before making any decisions. I'd also like to learn elvish, and then I will probably train to defend myself."
"I would be honored to train you or help you learn. Tell me, though, do all humans have hair like yours? I admit I haven't met many humans, but your hair is strange with strands of gold mixed into the brown," asked Glorfindel.
Voronwë laughed, and she chuckled as well. "I guess I'm going to be questioned about my eyes and hair a lot, but my hair is normal where I am from. Many women have similar hair to mine. We have places called salons where specialists can change and alter our hair. I don't know how it all works, but these are called highlights. When my hair grows out, it will disappear."
Ecthelion frowned at that and said, "that is sad, my lady, as your hair is gorgeous and unique. Then he smiled warmly at her and said, "alas, we have taken up enough of your time. You should probably meet the other lords. We will speak again."
"He's right; let's go over to Elgamouth's group. You can meet my lord and a few others," replied Voronwë.
They walked over to a larger group of five elves. A muscular and broad, red-haired elf spoke in a booming voice as they approached. His fiery red hair was beautiful and stood out around the crowds of brown and black. His dark red tunic was simple, but he wore tons of jewelry and rings.
He introduced himself first, "well met, my lady. I am called Rog of the house of hammer and wrath. I am the lead blacksmith of this city, and my followers are craftsmen and warriors. I am honored to meet you, and I must say that I am shocked by your bold nature. Not many women would stand up to an elf lord and a prince at that," he said with a smirk.
Kiera blushed at the praise as all the elves laughed. "I guess where I am from, I was taught to stand up for myself. I'm sorry if that makes anyone uncomfortable, but I won't be talked about in that manner or allow someone to talk about my friends like that."
Rog clapped her on the back hard and said, "that is a good trait to have and teach. I admire your courage, and I think it was about time someone stood up to Maeglin. A woman at that, but I'll let the other lords introduce themselves."
The lord next to Rog was dressed in blue and resembled Ecthelion a bit. He had dark black hair but deep brown eyes. His tunic was heavily adorned with gems, and he wore many pieces of fine jewelry. His mouth held a hint of a smirk as he said, "well met, Lady Kiera. I am lord Egalmoth of the house of the heavenly arch. We are great craftsmen and jewelers of the city. I am happy to see you again, Voronwë. I welcome you back into my house should you wish. Your uncle is most anxious to see you."
Voronwë nodded. Another black-haired elf introduced himself. He had gray eyes and was smiling warmly at her. "Well, met lady Kiera. It is an honor to meet a fellow builder from a distant world. I am called Penlod of the house of the pillar and snow. Lord Ecthelion spoke a little to me of your craft, but alas, we have very little work in the ways of building. My followers only maintain the buildings and also help prepare for winter. I would be honored if you join us, but I fear there is no extra work to be done around the city."
She frowned, and her shoulders slumped in disappointment. It was heartbreaking to hear that she wouldn't be able to pursue her passion here, but she underwood. "I understand. My world was always changing, and we were constantly building new things. I understand that this city is already established, so maybe I will learn something else while I am here. I still wouldn't mind talking to some builders and learning how you built this city."
The other elves all groaned while Voronwë chuckled. Penlod brightened up and said, "I would be happy to tell you all about this city. My builders and I are curious about your world, but we shall leave it for another time."
A brown-haired and green-eyed elf spoke next, "well met, lady Kiera. I am called Galdor of the house of the tree. My people grow the crops and manage the plants and trees around the city. Due to the king's restrictions, I can not offer my house for a craft. I hope you understand but still seek our friendships in my followers."
She smiled at him and said, "no worries. I was never much of a gardener, even though my mother and grandmother were."
He offered her a small nod, and the last elf spoke. He had dark brown hair and gray eyes. His tunic was brown with no embellishments. He wore minimal jewelry and brown boots. "Well, met lady Kiera. I am called Duilin of the house of the swallow. My people are the archers of the city. We would be honored to teach and train you, as we have many female archers."
"Thank you, Lord Glorfindel has offered to train me as well, so I guess we will see. I have time yet, and I just want to get to know everyone and see the city before I decide," she stated.
"Now that introductions are over, tell me, lady Kiera, have you met prince Maeglin yet? I bet he is still sulking from earlier," laughed Rog.
"No, I probably should introduce myself, though. I'm honestly not sure how that conversation will go." Kiera looked around the room but didn't see the sulky prince anywhere.
Egalmoth snorted, "you won't find him here. He hates these types of gatherings. He and his craven lord Salgant are probably hiding in a corner somewhere. He will show up when the dinner bell rings."
Rog laughed, "lord Salgant will show up if only for the food and the wine. Don't be surprised if they and their houses don't offer you a welcome."
Kiera shrugged her shoulders, "not everyone is going to like you. I will be nice to him if he is nice to me. What does his house do?"
"I would not hold your breath," Rog quipped. "He is not known for being nice, and he does not like humans. He is a blacksmith, along with most of his followers. Many of the house of the mole mine metals in the mountains. You would not be allowed to join them, but I do not think you would be welcome anyway. Besides, if you wish to be a blacksmith, I can teach you all you need to know." Rog smirked as winked at her.
Kiera tried not to blush again, but it was useless. Elves were beautiful, and Rog was incredibly handsome. Perhaps, it was because of his red hair that made him stand out. All of the elves laughed at her face, but she didn't mind as everyone seemed friendly and playful.
Penlod rolled his eyes and told her, "don't listen to him. He is a notorious flirt, and he hardly crafts anything these days. He would much rather train with his ax and show off to pretty ladies."
They traded insults back and forth, and it was enjoyable to see them teasing each other. Kiera figured that they have been lords together for centuries and were all friends. She found herself laughing along with them. After a while, Voronwë led her away so that she could speak to the king.
Tuor, Idril, and the king were all still talking together. Tuor was animated as he spoke, and both the king and Idril seemed happy to listen to him. As they made their way over, Voronwë whispered, "you are doing really well. All the lords seem to like you so far, which is good. Eventually, they will come to love you as I have. Hopefully, the king will lift the restrictions surrounding the city, as I want to show you the lake and the flowers."
Kiera mused back teasingly, "you love me, hmm?"
Voronwë's cheeks began to color, so she teased him further. "I like it when you blush. It makes you look so cute." His cheeks turned a bright red, and she found herself giggling.
Tuor saw Voronwë's face and asked, "lady Kiera, are you teasing poor Voronwë again?"
The three of them looked over at her in amusement. She replied, "only because he teased me first."
"I did no such thing," Voronwë cried softly. "Here I am, being a helpful and wonderful friend, and you tease me mercilessly for it."
The three of them bantered back and forth for a moment as the king and princess watched. Finally, the king interjected, "it brings my heart joy that Voronwë has found such wonderful companions. I admit that the task I had given him was a heavy burden. While I am sad that you could not find the shores of Valinor, I am happy to see you safe in my kingdom again. You have done well, and I am sad about the losses of your friends and our kin. We will speak more in the coming days."
The five of them had a pleasant conversation as they waited for dinner to begin. Idril was enamored with Tuor, and even the king noticed. She was constantly asking him questions and eager to hear his answers. They both looked happy in each other's company, and Kiera hoped they would get the chance to know each other better. Tuor deserved some good in his life after all he had been through.
At one point during the conversations, a loud bell rang, and the king bid everyone to take their seats. The lords seemed to have assigned seats and sat down in their places. The only open chairs were at the front near the king.
"Tuor, you will sit next to my daughter and next to lord Galdor. Lady Kiera, your seat is next to lord Ecthelion. Voronwë will be next to lord Egalmoth and lord Rog," the king said as he took his seat.
Kiera caught the sad look Voronwë gave her, but he turned towards his seat. Ecthelion stood and pulled out for her to sit. When she was seated, she finally noticed the empty chair next to her. Just as she realized who was missing, a voice called out behind the chair.
"I am honored to spend this dinner getting to know the lady, Kiera."