Have a fun chapter here for you! Hope you like it!

Chapter 22

Over the next couple of weeks, I tried to approach Candaith and somehow rectify things, but he was actively avoiding me. If we were forced to interact, it was brief and he was formal and distant with me.

Others were noticing this odd behavior, and eventually Lothrandir approached me to enquire, "Have you two had a falling out? I thought you were good friends."

I shrugged helplessly, not knowing what to say. I wandered over to a bench in one of the many gardens in Imladris and sat down heavily, and Lothrandir settled beside me. We sat in silence for a while, and I appreciated his kindness in allowing me to think without forcing me to speak. The flowers were lovely, but I was unable to appreciate them. I felt defeated, but also angry. What had I done to deserve his ire? Tell him that I intended to continue as I had planned? What right did he have to treat me with such disdain? It was petty of him, but I could not force him to speak to me if he insisted on keeping his silence.

Finally, I sighed and started to speak, "Things have become uncomfortable between us. We had a conversation a few weeks ago that went poorly, and instead of doing the mature thing and accepting my invitation to rectify things, he has decided to avoid me."

"May I ask what it was about?" When he saw me look hesitant, he hastened to add, "Only if you wish to tell me, please do not feel you must on my account."

"No, it is fine. I think speaking about it may help me sort out my thoughts," I laced my hands together and put them on my lap. "I told him I intended to continue to journey with the Dunedain to Aragorn's aid, and he grew angry. He does not wish me to come, and would rather I stay here, hidden away from the danger." I tightly grasped the fabric of my trousers in my fists, frustrated. "I will not abandon all of you when I am needed. It is my duty to see this through, as it has always been my mission to protect the lands of the Free Peoples from harm. Sauron intends to make war on the peoples in the south, so it is there I must go…but he will not accept it."

Lothrandir nodded slowly, seeming to understand. "Candaith is just worried for you, and sometimes that makes people say things they regret."

"He does not seem to regret it. If he did, he would come to me and say so," I replied shortly.

"Perhaps, but perhaps not. It is hard to apologize for things that one feels in their heart."

I looked at him quizzically, "What do you mean?"

Surprisingly a small smile graced his face, "What I mean is that he cares for you, and it made him react out of emotion rather than logic. You must know that despite his sometimes-serious demeanor, he cares deeply for those in his life."

Shrugging, I replied, "I suppose so. I just wish he would talk to me; I would make this right before we leave, as it will be a lot more challenging when we are on the road."

Lothrandir huffed a small chuckle, "That is true." He squeezed my shoulder gently, "Give him time, he will come around. He values you too much to let this go on forever."

I sighed, "I hope you are right." I relaxed my hands and smoothed out my trousers. "Now, I believe there is to be a small feast tonight, to send us off?"

Lothrandir nodded, "Yes, so I hear. May I escort you to your room? We have some hours yet, but I would assume you would like some time to get ready?"

"Thank you, I would appreciate it." Taking his proffered arm, we walked the short distance to my quarters, and saying our goodbyes, I entered my room and closed the door. I gasped as I saw a dress lying on my bed that certainly was not one of mine.

As I admired it, I felt the fabric; it was silky and smooth, gliding through my fingers. The color was forest green, reminding me of my home, and it shimmered in the light. I heard a soft knock at my door, and a musical voice asked if she could enter. I called out "Come in!" and a petite Elleth with dark brown hair entered with a smile.

"I am here to help you get ready for this evening, if you would like?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes of course. This dress is so beautiful; do you know where it came from?"

"The lady Arwen had it delivered a short while ago and asked me to help you with whatever you needed," she replied.

I smiled and may or may not have squealed like an elfling, before asking, "Would it be possible for a bath before I put this on? I would like to be clean before wearing something so lovely."

After a luxurious bath, I slipped on the gown. The maid helped me with the tricky laces in the back, and I smoothed the front of it nervously. It had been some time since I had to dress this formally; my usual attire was leggings and a tunic, so it was odd wearing a dress. I hoped no one would laugh, but wryly thought it unlikely. The twins were no doubt going to make some smart comment about it.

The Elleth offered to do my hair, and I sat down on a stool as she stood behind me. "You have lovely long hair my lady," she remarked, and I smiled but did not comment. Personally, I found it to be a bit unruly, getting in my way during battle despite my best efforts at braiding it back. However, after she brushed it out and twirled it around her fingers, it created soft ringlets. Pinning some of the front portions back away from my face with some light golden clips, she smiled and asked, "What do you think?"

I looked at myself and noted that although I looked quite nice, I still felt like myself, which was I had wanted. The dusting of freckles across my nose, my almond-shaped green eyes, and a small scar across the right side of my forehead that, while faded, was still visible. "I am very happy with your work, thank you," I replied with a grateful smile. "You are very talented."

She blushed and bobbed her head before saying, "You're welcome my lady, I hope you have a good evening."

After she left, I realized I was unsure if someone would come to escort me. I was unmarried, and had no family here. Deciding I would just walk down myself, I paused as I heard someone knock. Curious, I opened the door to two identical smiles. I found myself pleased to see them, but somewhat disappointed. A part of me had hoped Candaith would come, but I dismissed it, knowing there had been no chance of that.

Elrohir seemed to read something on my face and his smile faded slightly, "Expecting someone else?"

I shook my head and smiled, "No of course not, in fact I hadn't been expecting anyone! It is a pleasant surprise to see you both." With that, they each held out an arm, and I took them, walking slowly down to the Hall of Fire as they chattered amicably about nothing important. I was glad of their company, and it helped me let go of some of my nerves.

As we arrived, I looked around to see a larger number of guests than I had anticipated. When I questioned Elladan about it, he explained that Lord Elrond had decided to tell others it was simply a feast in celebration of Spring. "The Elves of Imladris will use any excuse to have a party!"

I nodded, finding the reasoning sound. The twins led me over to the main table and said their temporary farewells; they were to sit next to their father and sister, as was expected. I found myself seated between Halbarad and Radanir. Although I did not know Radanir well, I found his company to be humorous. He talked excitedly about what he had been up to in the Trollshaws, and entertained me with a story about a mishap with an angry bear, "I clearly had interrupted its meal, and I had to run away and make a desperate climb up a cliff to escape its infuriated charge. Luck was with me that day, and I returned to camp without a scratch…but perhaps with a little more fear!" I joined in with his laughter, and my heart felt lighter.

Lord Elrond signaled the beginning of the dinner with a few words of welcome, and we were served multiple courses. I savored each bite, knowing that on the road, we would not be receiving such comforts. Better get used to never-ending lembas. I engaged in polite conversation with Halbarad, and was amused by the Elleths flirting with Elladan and Elrohir. To be fair, they did not discourage them, despite the stern glances of their father. Arwen was looking as serene and beautiful as ever, sending me a kind smile and a small wave when I glanced her way, mouthing the words, 'We will talk later'. It would be nice to have some female conversation before getting stuck with only males on the road. I had tried to catch Candaith's eye, who was across the table and down a few seats to my left, but he refused to look at me. However, I could have sworn I felt his eyes on me more than once.

Once they had cleared away the last of the fresh fruit, the tables were moved against the walls to make room for dancing. The hall was well-decorated, with strands of brightly-colored flowers and plenty of candles. The fires themselves were bright, but it helped to have the extra lighting. The musicians were setting up a variety of instruments, and I knew we were in for a treat.

I found myself wandering over to where wine was being served, and took a fresh goblet, sipping slowly. Dorwinion was very strong, and I did not fancy doing something foolish due to over-imbibing. I looked around the large hall, considering where I wanted to go. I could see the twins laughing merrily at a joke, and I noted I recognized the Elf telling it as Anhebir. We had spoken a few times, and I would greet him as I rode to and from Imladris due to his job of giving directions to travelers on their way into the valley. Elrond was in deep conversation with Halbarad, who was considered the acting leader of the Dunedain in Aragorn's absence. Likely they were discussing tomorrow's travel plans.

Finally, my eyes found Candaith, but he was not looking at me, instead appearing to listen to a story Calenglad was telling; I could infer he was not really listening, and was distracted. I wondered what was on his mind.

As I was considering going over there to try once more and speak with him, the musicians began to play a slow, beautiful waltz. Elrond and Arwen took to the center of the floor and opened the dancing. I knew from experience that generally speaking, things began more formal, but by the early hours of the morning, there was little organization and many drunken Elves. I smiled at the grace of their forms as they glided around the hall. A sad sort of smile was on Elrond's face, and I surmised he had realized Arwen would soon be leaving Imladris if Aragorn was to become King. It would be a hard parting, but for now, they could enjoy each other's company.

More Elves had started to dance, and I heard someone approach me and clear their throat. I turned and was shocked to see none other than Lord Glorfindel offering his hand to me. "Lady Gwinthilnel, would you care to dance?"

To say I was starstruck was an understatement. While it was true we had spent some time together eliminating some threats, and he had helped organize the eventual destruction of Thorog the dragon, he was still one of the most famous Elves to ever live. He looked beyond beautiful in his gold-threaded white tunic, and his hair shone with a soft glow. It was almost like he was more than an Elf. My voice was stuck in my throat, but I managed a little nod before setting down my glass and allowing him to lead me into the mix of other dancers.

As we moved elegantly in a routine that was not too terribly difficult, I noticed he looked almost amused at what must have been a mix of wonder and confusion on my face. "Is something the matter?" he said musically.

"Ah, no Lord Glorfindel, nothing is wrong…I am just surprised you wished to dance with me," I stuttered, internally chastising my nerves. I was acting like a nervous elfling who was barely of age.

"And why is that?" he replied, now definitely giving me an amused smile.

"Well, I am not exactly nobility. Is it not expected for you to dance with someone of higher station?"

At that he raised an eyebrow, before we separated briefly during a part of the dance where only our hands were to briefly touch as we both walked in a clockwise fashion. Once we had come closer together, he asked, "Yes, it is true you are not official nobility, but are you not someone of note? They call you the 'Hero of the Free Peoples'. Some rumors even say you are not even an Elf, but rather a lesser goddess who is invincible!"

At this I scoffed, "Invincible? They would not hold that opinion if they saw me when I came here a few weeks ago!" I smiled ruefully, "I have apparently become some kind of beacon of hope, but I really am no more powerful than any other Elf or Elleth. Unlike you." I smirked and he laughed. "It's true and you know it. You have done deeds told in lays too numerous to count, you have died and returned from Aman, you even killed a Balrog." I was laying it on a little thick, making it clear I was needling him.

"If I am not mistaken, you have also killed a Balrog," he replied with a sly smile.

"Not on my own; there were eleven other soldiers with me plus Glathlírel. I still cannot believe she guarded Thaurlach for so long, all alone," I sighed. "I am not surprised she chose to sail."

Glorfindel nodded seriously. "Nor am I; it grieved me to see her so changed." I had inferred he harbored feelings for Glathlírel, and I was there when she imparted the sad news of her decision.

He gracefully led me across the floor, and I felt like I was floating off the ground. It was such a lovely dance routine, and before I knew it, the song ended. I curtseyed, he bowed, and escorted me to the edge of the dancefloor. "It was a pleasure, my lady," he murmured, flashing a brilliant smile and surprisingly winking before walking away.

After he left, I stood in place, trying to process what had happened. Arwen sidled up to me and was giggling, "Why Lord Glorfindel has you practically swooning!"

I blushed, and lightly pushed my shoulders against hers. "I am not swooning, just a little surprised. It was quite unexpected, and he can be a bit…"

"…much?" Arwen finished for me. "Yes, his aura and reputation are quite sizeable."

"I wonder why he chose to seek me out and dance his first dance with me?" I mused, turning to Arwen. "He dodged the question when I asked."

The Elleth shrugged, "Perhaps he saw you standing here by yourself and wanted to cheer you up."

"You mean he felt sorry for me and granted me a dance out of pity," I replied, a rueful smile on my face.

Arwen gave me a look, "I doubt he pities you."

I pursed my lips and spread my arms around me, "Clearly no one else wishes to dance with me; I hope Lord Glorfindel didn't intimidate them all."

Arwen laughed and took my hands, pulling me out to the dancefloor, "Who needs an Ellon to dance?" It was certainly not common to see two Elleths dancing a formal routine together, but with Arwen leading, we performed the next two dances perfectly. We both curtseyed and I tried not to laugh when I saw Elrond looking at us with some surprise. Arwen had the audacity to blow him a kiss, which elicited a small, fond smile on the Elf Lord's face. I had come to care for Arwen as a sister over the centuries, as I was very close with her brothers; I would miss her when I left.

From then on, I had a slew of partners, some who I knew well and others who were mere acquaintances. One of the most memorable was when Elladan and Elrohir escorted me onto the dancefloor at the same time, twirling me back and forth between them so fast that I eventually became dizzy and almost fell over.

Short of breath from laughing and exhaustion, I gratefully took a goblet of water from Elladan. "Well that was quite…something." I said, gulping down my water so quickly I almost spilled.

"Easy there mellon nin, you don't want to choke," he replied, winking at me. His expression turned thoughtful, and he looked around him before escorting me to a less crowded area. "You know, I had expected to see you dancing with Candaith at least once," My face fell, and he patted my shoulder, "I am sorry if I brought up a sore topic. Is there some way I can help?"

I sighed, "Force him to speak with me? We had a conversation a few weeks ago that angered him, and we have not spoken more than a few words between us since. It is infuriating." Seeing Elladan's thoughtful expression, I hastened to add, "Please do not literally force him; I…I do not want to speak with someone who does not wish to converse with me in return."

"Are you certain? Because I am sure it could be arranged," he replied with a smirk, and I chuckled.

"I am, but thank you for the offer. This is something we will have to work out between us…somehow."

I tried very hard not to make this Mary-Sueish, and I think I succeeded. Hope you enjoyed the party; there will be more of it in the next chapter! Leave a review if you'd like!