The morning of the festival had finally arrived. Alexa stirred restlessly in the chair while Lalaith painstakingly tried to arrange her hair. Lalaith sighed in frustration as Alexa moved again.
“Alexa, stay still! You are making it very difficult for me to weave this hairpiece into your hair,” Lalaith said in exasperation.
“I am sorry,” Alexa told her. “I do not know why I am so nervous.”
Lalaith smiled wistfully. “Love makes one feel nervous.”
Alexa blushed uncomfortably and changed the subject. “Are you attending the festival with anyone, Lalaith?”
“No, I am not,” Lalaith answered, a sad smile on her face.
Alexa frowned slightly. “But there is someone you wish to attend with?”
Lalaith blushed. “Yes.”
“Who?”
“Lord Orophin,” Lalaith answered softly.
Alexa smiled slightly. “He is very kind.”
“Yes, he is,” Lalaith replied. “I had hoped he would ask me to the festival, but he did not. I hope he will at least ask me for a dance.”
Alexa looked her in the eye. “Ask him.”
Lalaith’s eyes widened in surprise. “What?”
“Ask him to dance,” Alexa repeated.
“I could never do that!”
“Why not?” Alexa asked, not understanding.
“It is not proper. And besides, I would be far too embarrassed!”
“Lalaith, if I can wear a gown, you can ask Orophin to dance,” Alexa said dryly.
Lalaith stared at her for a moment, and then her mouth curved into a wry smile. “You are right. If you can do the impossible, then so can I,” she teased.
Alexa grinned. “Indeed. So you will ask him, if he does not ask you first?”
Lalaith sighed in resignation. “I will try. Now turn around so I can finish your hair,” she ordered with a laugh.
Alexa grinned and did as Lalaith asked. Alexa smiled slightly as she thought about her new friend. She sighed. It was so different socializing with females. She did not know quite how to behave around them, for most of her friends had always been males. She smiled. Somehow, she felt more feminine when she was able to jest and laugh with a female friend. She glanced up as Lalaith finished her hair. Alexa rose and looked at Lalaith.
“Thank you, Lalaith.”
“You are welcome. Do you not wish to look at it?” Lalaith asked.
“I will in a few moments,” Alexa answered.
“As you wish,” Lalaith said and smiled. “I must leave now, and go prepare myself for the festival."
Alexa nodded. “I will see you there.”
Lalaith nodded and left the talan. Alexa turned and went into the bedchamber. She sighed and began to remove her comfortable clothes. She put on the gown and slipped the delicate silver sandals onto her feet. She took a deep breath and walked over to her mirror. However, nothing could have prepared her for what she saw.
Alexa’s mouth opened slightly in surprise as she stared at her reflection. ~This cannot be me!~ She covered her mouth as she stared at the elleth in the mirror. Her hair was partially pulled back and loosely woven into an intricate Elven hairpiece. The remaining length of her hair was immaculately curled and hung loosely about her shoulders. Several loose strands framed her pale face. The fire-blue silk gown fit her perfectly, and made her look like a true Elven noblewoman. She sighed, still stunned. ~Today, I truly am Elyndiriel.~
She took several deep breaths and tried to calm her racing heart. She knew that it was time for her to meet Haldir. She sighed anxiously. She could not ever remember feeling like this before—like a youth, nervous about meeting her lover for the first time. ~I hope he thinks I look appropriate.~ She left her talan, and slowly began to make her way to the garden balcony, where Haldir would be waiting.
* * *
Haldir returned from the borders early the morning of the festival. He bathed and changed into his formal attire. He chose a dark blue silk tunic with gold trim and a pair of black pants. He fastened his dark blue velvet cape around his neck and secured the gold clasp. He rebraided his hair, and examined his reflection in the mirror. He sighed nervously. ~I hope she likes what I am wearing.~ He took a deep breath and left his talan, heading for the garden balcony.
Alexa was not at the balcony when he arrived. ~I am early,~ he realized. He rested his hands on the balcony railing and stared out over the city. It never ceased to amaze him how truly beautiful Lothlòrien was in the morning. The morning sunlight made the leaves of the Mallorn trees glow a radiant gold. He continued in his reverie until he heard a soft voice behind him.
“Good morning, my lord,” the voice said quietly.
Haldir turned as he recognized Alexa’s voice. However, he was completely unprepared for the vision before him.
Haldir’s mouth fell open slightly as he stared at Alexa. She was wearing a beautiful gown that matched her eyes, and her hair was curled and woven into a lovely Elven hairpiece. He could not speak, for she was so beautiful. She looked at him uncertainly.
“Is this not proper?” she asked, motioning to her gown. “Am I not wearing the appropriate attire?”
“No!” he said abruptly. “No. Le Bain.”
She blushed. “Thank you, Haldir. So are you. Handsome, that is.”
“Thank you, Elyndiriel.” He smiled proudly. “You are learning Sindarin quickly.”
She smiled at his use of her Elven name. “I have had a marvelous teacher,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
“It has been my honor and my pleasure.” He lightly brushed his lips against hers. “Shall we go, love?” he asked and offered her his arm.
She smiled and took his arm. He grinned at her, and they began walking towards the festival.
