Dawnstar and Friend

Eleanor’s POV
I was right.
That ominous sounding ‘give the ladies time to prepare’ meant that it took all day for us to get dressed.
We were woken slightly later than usual, thank heavens, and fed some fruits and a type of pancake similar to Breton crepes. Afterwards we were taken to bathe.
Instead of going to our ensuites, we were led down to a larger communal bathing chamber, which I find out is still restricted from the general population so only Ginny, Miriel, and I are there.
The bathing chambers are like those of the Arab baths in Granada, which are also quite similar to the often seen Roman baths.
We first sit in a cold bath and drink this mint tea from little silver and glass mugs. Then we soak in the hot bathing pool, a shallow pool only just deep enough to cover our bodies when we are lying down. At first it is hard to lie in that pool until we get used to the temperature, but when it is time to get out we really don’t want to.
Next we go into the warm chamber, with a small central swimming pool that infused with scented oils. Round the edge are several massaging beds and there is another doorway. Some silent female elves give us each a long massage with oil that is just heaven!
After our dip in the pool and massage, we go through that other door to a sauna. It is strange to go into the beautifully decorated room that is so different from earth saunas. Finally, after a manicure and pedicure, a thick milky liquid is rubbed into our nails; it gives them the most beautiful pearlescent sheen.
Once we have finished this extended bathing process, it is nearly lunch time so we eat early.
Once I get back to my room, I am allowed to look in the mirror before I change and I am amazed at how much nicer my skin looks after that bath. I glow like the women in makeup adverts, though I had always believed this to be a myth of computer generation.
Because this do is a ball, the dress I am put in is made of the lightest silk-satins and gossamers.
First goes on a fluffy petticoat of light blue, hemmed in gold with darker blue shadow work on it. It is probably the most ornate petticoat I have ever seen.
Then there is an under-dress which is tight and acts like something between a bra and a corset as well as another petticoat. This is made from a pale gold fabric hemmed in dark blue and is a lot like one of our strapless dresses that are worn as evening gowns at home.
Then on goes a darker gold satin under-dress that has a long train behind it which has sapphires embroidered into the complicated vine pattern that goes up from the hem until about knee level.
Then the over-dress finally goes on. It is of royal-blue, what other shade would it be? The dress is made of fine silk-gossamer that fishtails into a train which rests on the under-skirt. At just above knee level, the skirt moves from satiny gossamer to lace that is embedded with amber, sapphires, and diamonds.
The dress has a raised waistline that is marked by a satin sash that goes round the back of the dress into a bow that lies on the train elegantly.
The neckline of the gown curves elegantly from the tops of my shoulders to the top of my breasts. Both the sash and neckline have diamond embedded embroidery that is a cross between vines and Celtic-knots.
The sleeves of the dress are of the same silky blue gossamer that the main dress is made of and with nothing underneath it, my arms are clearly visible. The sleeves are quite tight until just above my elbows when they bell out and, like the main dress, become lace with embedded amber, sapphires, and diamonds. The sleeves flow to the floor though the top part does not flow much past my wrists.
Two delicate gold arm bands are placed over the dress sleeves and are the final finishing touches the dress needs. Once I am dressed, I am sat at my dressing table while Aniya dresses my hair.
Ornate braiding is used to fix the circlet that Elrond gave me into my hair as well as a very fine net that makes it appear as if there are jewels floating in my hair, that is in a rather over-elaborate variation on the half ponytail style.
The royal necklace that I was given rests on my chest elegantly, filling the space of bare skin above my dress and complements the gown beautifully. I also wear a new set of earrings, made especially for the occasion. It took a while to get the jeweller to make them as the idea made him as queasy as Aniya, but he also liked the idea of the challenge of creating a style of jewellery that he had never made before so he went all-out with the production of the decorations. The earrings are gold drop earrings that, though they are not chandeliers are still elaborate and very decorative with their vine like design and embedded sapphires, amber, and diamonds.
When I finally look at myself in the mirror, I realise the one thing missing. The elves do not wear make-up, but I definitely do. From my pack I take out my make-up bag, which has been slimmed down for travel, but still holds exactly what I want. I have this wonderful, subtle eye-shadow that is usually white, but shimmers gold and a similar one that is just gold. I carefully apply these so they are subtle, but make my eyes glitter. Then I add very dark brown mascara which looks natural, but extends my eyelashes hugely.
I don’t bother with any other make-up as the effect the extended bathing from this morning means that foundation and blusher would be pointless and I have no lipstick with me that would do the job.
Once I have finished, I finally look at myself in the full-length mirror and conclude that I look stunning. I then grin when I think of the reaction Legolas will have when he sees me.
I then go out to my sitting room to find both Ginny and Miriel waiting for me. The moment Ginny sees the make-up I’m wearing, she insists that I go and get it so they can share in the fun.
Ginny applies her own make-up, but Miriel obviously has never come across the stuff so I apply it. When I have finished I get her to stand up a do a twirl.
Her dress is similar to mine, but in a dark, forest-green. There is no bow at the back of the dress and the design of both the embroidery and the lace is more reminiscent of trees than of vines. The jewels of the dress are emeralds and diamonds and match her jewellery. The gossamer of her dress is also shot with silver and matches the silver circlet that she wears as well as the jewellery, which is all silver and emeralds. The lighter combination set off her rather paler complexion.
I also notice that the cut of the neckline of her dress is rather more conservative than on mine. Whether because she is the King’s daughter or because she had yet to reach her maturity I don’t know, but I’m inclined toward a combination of the two, more strongly influenced by the former.
As I turn to Ginny to look at her outfit, there is a knock on the door and, seeing as this is my room, I open it to let three males in.
Apparently while we were getting ready, the males were selecting who was going to escort us to the ball.
Glorfindel is my escort for the night, as he is my knight. His outfit reflects mine in colour scheme though is rather less complicated. Ginny gets Erestor, who seems to have taken her under his wing and regards her rather protectively.
Miriel, rather surprisingly, gets Maedhren. When she expresses the same surprise that I feel, it is explained. Since there are no lords here of suitable station to escort her to the ball that aren’t relatives, and Thanduil will not allow his daughter to be escorted by any member of the Peredhil family, the elf-seer got selected.
It then occurs to me that Legolas will not see me until I enter the hall where the party in being held and I get a rather evil idea.
“You guys. I have an idea.”
They nod cautiously at me, clearly weary of the wicked grin covering my face.
“Thanduil has suggested rather pointedly that I look at Prince Legolas as a potential husband and I can tell you for free that his highness is definitely interested in me as his wife.”
I carefully do not notice the evil grins both girls wear, largely because of a rather embarrassing incident not that long ago.
“I was thinking it would be rather amusing for me to flirt with my lovely knight over here and pretend to be absolutely smitten with him, as I have no doubt many of the ladies of court are already, and enjoy watching both father and son’s reactions.”
All in the room are, by now, wearing identical evil grins and they all agree to help out with the deception.
When we get to the hall the ball is to be held in, we are led into an ante-chamber before being announced. I find out that I will be the last person to be announced for some complicated reason of etiquette I don’t bother to work out. This means that everyone will already be in the hall when I enter.
When it is my turn to be presented, Glorfindel and I are led out the other side of the ante-chamber to stand behind some delicate translucent and highly decorated glass doors, which Glorfindel informs me will have only been closed for my introduction. I hear a trumpet fanfare and a loud voice announce first Glorfindel and then me.
When my name and full title is read out, any noise from the hall stops and the glass doors swing open. We step out onto the landing at the top of some marble stairs. Almost everyone in the hall is staring up at me in shock and I remember that my presence in Thanduil’s halls has been kept low-key.
After a suitably stately pause, Glorfindel and I precede down the stairs at a stately pace, then across the room through the crowd, which parts for us and everyone bows deeply or curtsies in the formal style of the elves. I have no doubt that the honour is purely for me and the legend that I am to the elves.
At the other side of the room we meet Elrond, Thanduil and everyone else I know, all dressed in formal robes, doublet, and hose.
Thanduil then announces that the ball has started and everyone rises as the music of a band begins to play.
Instead of a formal meal, food and drinks are carried on trays by servants; I pick up a glass of white wine to calm my nerves.
As I finish the glass, Glorfindel takes it from me and places it on the tray before bowing elegantly and asking me for my first dance and I accept. As he leads me to the rapidly forming dance floor, I see a look of jealousy flash across Legolas’ face.
It is apparent that I am to start the dancing off from the lack of anyone else on the floor. I am eternally glad that my lessons include dance lessons.
When I return from that dance, Legolas is frowning with a look of pure jealousy on his face and Thanduil does not look to happy. Judging from the slightly mischievous expression on Maedhren’s face I think he said something about Glorfindel and me. Before anyone can drag me off to the floor, particularly Legolas, I pick up some food from a passing tray.
After I finish the pastry, I smile softly at Glorfindel and lick the crumbs off my fingers. The looks from elf-king and son deepen.
I dance with various people, though with Glorfindel most and flirt, sometimes subtly and sometimes not so subtly, with the gorgeous blonde and enjoy the looks from Thanduil and Legolas.
Part way through the evening I am dancing with Elrond when he looks at me with an unreadable expression before asking me a question.
“What are you lot up to?”
Yup, Thanduil was right, he never misses the point.
“Thanduil suggested that Legolas and I would be a good combination and Legolas is definitely interested in the idea, so we decided to needle them a little bit by suggesting that Glorfindel and I make a good couple and for me to flirt with him a lot. Watching their faces fall off is rather amusing.”
Elrond grins wickedly and I find that he and the twins soon join us in our little game.
Towards the end of the ball, Thanduil manages to get a dance.
“Why do one week you seem favourably inclined towards my son, but the moment your knight gets here you swoon over him? I had thought you had rather more substance than to fall over a handsome legend who I generally considered impossible to get.”
“Oh, but Thanduil, you know full well that I can get him. Anyway, why wouldn’t I be attracted to him, when he’s absolutely delectably drop-dead gorgeous?”
Ginny who is dancing nearby with Elrond, tries to turn her smirk into a hacking cough.
“Oh, do excuse me.”
Thanduil does not look at all happy when we part after the dance. He soon joins Legolas and the prince’s face becomes like thunder.
Not all that long after that, Glorfindel informs me that it is late enough for me to be able to plead weariness and not long after that I do exactly that, mostly because it is clear that I will no longer be able to avoid a dance with Legolas for very long and judging by his expression, that would be a very good thing to avoid.
Shortly after I get to my room, I am joined by my co-conspirators, including Elrond and his twin sons.
“So did you enjoy your first ball then?” Elladan asks.
“I enjoyed irritating the blonde club more.”
We all laugh and talk a little more before going to our respective rooms to bed.
Before he leaves, Elrohir turn to me with a look of worry.
“Be warned, Legolas can be dangerous when angered and for some reason he is rather possessive of you. I doubt he will be able to leave this be. Fairly soon he will do something about it.”
“I’ll be on my guard, though I didn’t really expect him to take it lying down.”
He leaves me to prepare for bed.
My sleep is slightly disturbed by thoughts of what the blonde and extremely jealous prince would do in revenge.
Ginny’s POV
Despite the fact that today is the Welcome Ball and I will get to wear another gorgeous gown, I’m not really looking forward to this day-long giving-the-ladies-time-to-prepare ritual. It’s a shame that for all their magical powers, elves haven’t worked out time travel, otherwise I’d zip right forward to the beginning of the ball.
Aeyana again brings me breakfast-in-bed.
“Aeyana, how come it’s going to take all day to have a bath and dress today when it only took the morning yesterday?”
“Ahhh, you shall see. I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“Well I know I’m going to be bored out of my mind.”
Once I finish eating, I get up and begin to walk over to my bathroom, but Aeyana stops me and holds out my dressing gown.
“Not in there today, Ginny. Follow me.”
I meet Ellie out in the corridor. She’s looking just as puzzled as I am.
“Do you have any idea what’s going on?” I ask her in a whisper.
She shakes her head and shrugs in reply.
On our walk through the palace, we meet Miriel who seems to be very excited. She laughs at our expressions.
Miriel laughs still more when we are led into the most beautiful communal bathroom I’ve ever seen. The walls are made of white marble with a green tree relief carved all along the ceiling and twisting around the marble pillars. The floor is covered in a cream and emerald-green mosaic in a style very much like those found in Roman baths. In fact that’s almost what the bathing process is like; that and the Arab baths in Granada.
I’m sure you already know enough about Roman bath houses, so I won’t go into the process. All you need to know that it is complete heaven – especially the massage towards the end.
“Why can’t the elves have posh dos like this more often? I’d go to one everyday if I knew this was the standard treatment before hand!” I ask.
“Or you could just move to Granada.”
“Yeah, but I get it free here.”
After an early lunch, we go back to our rooms to dress. On the way, I can’t help but stare at and feel my skin. It’s so smooth and literally glowing, so is my hair which feels like silk. I also feel so refreshed – all light and airy.
Yet again, the dress I’m wearing is very formal and sophisticated. Over the two sets of ornate underclothes, lies a high-waisted under-dress of midnight-blue silk shot with a paler blue and embroidered at the hem of the train with pale gold thread, woven into a delicate vine pattern. The neckline is a Tudor-style square and the sleeves are long and tight.
The over-dress is made of a fine, baby-blue silk-gossamer. The embroidery is of the same thread and design as that on the under-dress, but it is also encrusted all over with seed pearls and amethysts. The over-dress is cut away at the front and has floor-length bell-sleeves.
I’m wearing three pieces of jewellery; one is a delicate, gold filigree belt with long ends that hang over the gown in a style reminiscent of the belts worn by wealthy Tudor ladies. The others are a pair of amethyst earrings in a tear-drop shape and a small matching pendant, which sits glinting between my throat and the top of the gown.
As I was so fond of the way Aeyana styled my hair yesterday, she does the same thing again, only this time she embeds amethysts all over the bun and twists a string of them around the lock of hair that hangs on my shoulder.
Ellie and Miriel’s gowns are very similar to each other, except that each is dressed in her own colours and the neckline of Miriel’s is level with her shoulder line. Thanduil evidently doesn’t want his daughter to get a/ give him a bad reputation.
When I see what Ellie has done to her eyes, I exclaim:
“Oh Ellie, do go and get your make-up – I want to share in the fun too!”
While I apply white and gold eye-shadow and pale brown mascara, Ellie sets to work on Miriel. It’s a scene very similar to sleepovers back at home.
After Miriel has given us a very shimmery twirl, I stand up to do the same, but am interrupted by a knock at the door. Ellie lets in Glorfindel, Maedhren, and Erestor. Apparently, they are to be our escorts for the evening.
When Erestor sees me standing in the middle of the room, he smiles gently, and immediately comes over before taking my hand and kissing it.
“You look beautiful.” He whisper, almost reverently.
“You guys. I have an idea.” Ellie, the wander nut, interrupts.
We all turn to face her – she’s suddenly looking very mischievous.
“Thanduil has suggested rather pointedly that I look at Prince Legolas as a potential husband and I can tell you for free that his highness is definitely interested in me as his wife.”
I grin at Miriel, who grins back knowingly.
“I was thinking it would be rather amusing for me to flirt with my lovely knight over here and pretend to be absolutely smitten with him, as I have no doubt many of the ladies of court are already, and enjoy watching both father and son’s reactions.”
Everyone’s grinning now, particularly Erestor – who, for all his retiring nature, does seem to have a slightly impish side, very possibly influenced by Elladan and Elrohir. I like him even more.
Erestor then takes my hand and lays it over his in the formal style. All three males then lead us from the room.
We are led to an ante-chamber, where we wait to be announced. Miriel and Maedhren go first, followed closely by me and Erestor. All the elves in the hall bow or curtsy deeply as Miriel passes. They do the same to me, but not so deeply. I can also see some wearing slightly shocked expressions as if they can’t believe that Thanduil has let a human stay in his palace. My grip on Erestor’s hand tightens slightly.
Ellie and Glorfindel have not followed on behind us, but still wait behind the now closed glass doors.
Once we have taken our places alongside the royal family, trumpets are blown, and a dark-haired elf calls out.
“The Lord Glorfindel of Gondolin and Imladris and the Aranel Eleanorof Gondolin, Daughter of Turgon, King of Gondolin!”
Everyone watches as the glass doors open and Glorfindel and Ellie make their way sedately down the stairs.
When they eventually reach us, Thanduil calls to the musicians to begin playing. Ellie then takes my hand and pulls me over to the side. We both take glasses from a passing elf and sip daintily. I don’t usually drink, but I feel I need something to calm me down. Not that I’ll be drinking much of this elfin alcohol which is very, VERY strong.
Elrond then leans over and whispers quietly.
“I wouldn’t accept anything my sons give you.”
Ellie and I look at each other.
“Why?” I ask the million dollar question, figuratively speaking.
There is a sudden commotion behind us, we turn and see a stately-looking Mirkwood elf lying comatosed on the floor, an empty goblet lying beside him. Elladan and Elrohir are nearby, trying, though failing miserably, to look innocent. As several servants rush over, we turn back to Elrond, who’s wearing a wry smile.
Right – point taken!
When we have finished our glasses, Glorfindel bows to Ellie and asks to have the first dance. Remembering Ellie’s plan, I walk over to Miriel and Maedhren, who are standing not far away from her father and brother.
“Awww, look – he’s taking her for the first dance!”
“They make a very handsome couple.”
Thanduil and Legolas look at each other, their faces the epitome of bruised and angered dignity.
Erestor asks me to dance the next dance with him; he then dances with Ellie while I dance with Glorfindel. I was right; I can feel Glorfindel’s muscles through his robes. It’s that and his gentle, yet firm hold on my back which sends a shiver of pleasure running down my spine.
Part way through the evening, I see Ellie dancing with Elrond. Who afterwards goes over to his sons and whispers in their ears. Judging by their wicked grins, I can tell Ellie has let them in on our plan.
Later on, Thanduil makes his way over to me.
“Excuse me, Lady Virginia, may I have a word?”
He leads me over to a quiet corner; even though his touch on my elbow is light, I can feel the strength in his fingers.
“Now then, tell me. What on the earth is the Aranel doing with Lord Glorfindel?”
I look over his shoulder.
“Dancing with him at the moment.”
Thanduil purses his lips.
“I mean why is she not paying my son any attention?”
“I thought you elves didn’t believe in political marriages, only those of love. Besides what right-minded girl wouldn’t flirt with Glorfindel? He’s a soldier, a famous Balrog-slayer, and he’s bloody gorgeous. Compared to him, I don’t think you little elfin prince-ling has much going for him.”
Thanduil’s eyes flash, he leans forward menacingly. He opens his mouth, but then straightens up. Two hands are rested lightly on my shoulders; I look behind me and see that it’s Elrond.
“Anything the matter?”
“No, Lord Elrond, everything is fine.” The tightness in his voice give away that that was a bit of a political lie.
“Good; then you won’t mind if I have a quick word with Ginny.”
He leads me away and I heave a long, low sigh of relief.
“Are you sure you’re OK?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
Elrond nods, but doesn’t look convinced.
“Well, let’s see if we can’t find my sons; they’ll soon put a smile back on your face.”
Elrond was right, within five minute I’m crying with laughter as Elladan gleefully relates what happened when they slipped Poison Ivy into Thanduil’s crown of foliage. When the resulting hiccups eventually die down, Elrond bows deeply and leads me on to the dance floor.
Looking around I can see that Thanduil has managed to get Ellie to dance with him. When Elrond and I sweep past them, I catch a little of the conversation:
“Oh, but Thanduil, you know full well that I can get him. Anyway, why wouldn’t I be attracted to him, when he’s absolutely delectably drop-dead gorgeous?”
At this, I smirk, snorting loudly and Elrond deftly leads me to the opposite side of the dance floor.
Not all that long after that, Ellie informs everyone that she’s going to bed. As she takes my arm, she whispers.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to avoid Legolas for much longer.”
Looking round, I see Legolas’ angry and jealous expression as he watches our retreating backs.
We are soon joined by Miriel, Maedhren, Erestor, Elrond, Elladan, and Elrohir.
“So did you enjoy your first ball then?”
I nod.
“I enjoyed irritating the blonde club more.”
Everyone laughs. Finally, our little party breaks up as we all wander back to our respective rooms.
***
As Aeyana closes the door behind her, I snuggle down into my pillows. I should be tired after today, but I lie awake thinking; thinking about my encounter with Thanduil. The darkness closes in around me. I shiver and think about this palace full of elves – I have never felt so isolated in all my life...