For No One's Crown

The Brightest Star In The Sky

The next night

There I stood in front of my mirror examining myself, I was surprised at how beautiful I looked "Faylen...thank you. How I wish you could be there with me tonight" her head appeared on my shoulder "I will be my lady - in spirit" I grinned like a small girl with a crush "do you think 'anyone' will even notice me?"

Her hands rubbed my arms gently "I think 'they' will have a hard time not noticing you, my lady. And by 'anyone' you mean the prince, I can see the way you act when we speak of him, I believe he will have a difficult time remembering when he last saw such a beauty" of hopeful conversation was interrupted by a gracious knock at the door...only one man knocked like that

I turned as Faylen answered it "it is the Lord, my lady" I smiled softly at Lord Elrond "you look exquisite, fit to rule any of the kingdoms" I blushed hiding my face as I looked in the opposite direction "as do you, but you're already ruling one of them" I said goodbye to my chambermaid before grabbing my white cloak and linking arms with the Lord preparing to pretend to be perfect for the evening.

He aided me onto my usual white steed then he climbed onto his own one before we took a ride to Mirkwood, a different path to the rushed one I'd taken just a few days prior. It felt almost incriminating to return, they had wasted well crafted arrows on me after all - that was usually a threat and if they recognised me...we'd both be arrested

When we arrived, there were guards awaiting our arrival and ready to help us down from our mounts. One lifted me down gracefully managing to keep my hood up before strolling away with my horse. "Are you ready?" My gaze turned back to Lord Elrond "not in the slightest" I looped my arm through his "you'll be alright, my dear" it was a relief to know one of us had faith in my social skills

I gave him a nervous smile embracing his words wholeheartedly "come, they're waiting for us" he allowed us to take our time making our way towards the grand double doors. He knew I was anxious about these events, scared to make a mistake that in my head would draw all eyes to me. I saw him smirk as I drew in a sharp breathe as the doors opened in a painfully slow manor

As we entered, two elves came and took our cloaks "Elrond!" I looked up to see a very formally dressed man stand with his eyes locked onto us "Lord Thranduil, the king" his words were only loud enough for me to hear. We made our way down the steps, I was trying to ignore how many people were staring at us...they could see me, oh how I wanted to turn on my heels and run but that would make a fool of Lord Elrond and I couldn't afford to do that.

"Breathe, my dear" i sighed silently laughing at the fact I'd been holding my breath. I was about to meet the king, someone who I couldn't even dream of making a mistake in front of - for this occasion alone, I'd wished I'd taken on more lessons in mannerisms...or how to be on the mere preset of elven royalty to begin with. My mind rehearsed every class I'd ever been graced with just to avoid making a fool of myself and my company

As we reach the bottom, Elrond greeted Thranduil before making the mistake of introducing me "and this fair elleth (she-elf) would Eiraira" I curtsied as I'd been taught to "its a pleasure my Lord, to be in such a presence as yours" he took my hand gently and pressed a gentle kiss to the back "I believe the pleasure is all mine, please enjoy the festivities" I bowed my head as he left to greet other guests

"I've made a fool of myself haven't I?" Elrond smiled "you have done no such thing. He liked you" I smirked as Elrond got called away by someone else leaving me all on my own. All I had to do was find a corner and stay there for the remainder of the evening until Lord Elrond chose to leave...it seemed so easy, but that wasn't counting other people wanting interaction from me

I wandered around the edge of the party before departing to the gardens to enjoy the peace and quiet in the stillness of the night. As I stared up into the sky, I didn't notice someone standing only a few inches behind me doing exactly the same "stunning, aren't they?" I jumped before turning around only to find the elf prince himself looking into my eyes searching my soul "yes, I suppose they are" my face heated up quicker than any dragon's breath

"I don't believe I've seen you before" I fiddled with my dress in embarrassment "I believe the words you shouted were 'who goes there?' and 'the next one goes into your head - answer me' in a very demanding tone" he raised his eyebrows "I was wondering who that figure was, the one saved my life?" I shrugged "Eiraira" then it struck me...I've just incriminated myself to his face - why wasn't I running? Or even scared?

I could see a small smile that played upon his lips "a beautiful name for a beautiful elleth (she-elf)" I blushed madly at his compliments "ah and who is this fair maiden you speak of? I don't recognise her" I was now fully facing him with a sweet tone lacing my words "From what land do you come from?" I was taken back by his questioning "truthfully? I don't know - but I was raised in Rivendell"

His head tilted in question "I have no status, no knowledge of whom my parents are, or where I come from. I hear orcs take infants from their homes?" I sat on the edge of the fountain leaning on my arms "is that what happened to you?" I nodded admitting to my past "so I'm told. But a mighty elven prince should have no interest in a commoner like me - shouldn't you be searching for a fair maiden from a wealthy tree to joins hands in holy matrimony?"

His hand brushed mine signalling that he 'liked' me "your father will have my head and wear my ears as brooches" he stepped closer as I stood with my back turned to him "Are tye ruce, mime mel? (Are you afraid, my love?)" I shot a scowl his way "you should be worried about your own life" his hand brushed my cheek, it felt so right but so strange in a way. But I wanted more, and I wanted it badly. He'd only touched me for a few seconds and I was already starving for his touch? Get over yourself!

I spun around only to find his lips hovering over mine "don't be a fool" his arm rested around my waist as he smirked down at me "Tye're narwa, Eiaira (you're red)" I chewed my lip to stop a smile from appearing "Ni am vamme (I am not)" I froze as I felt his lips brush against mine "how about now?" Truth be told, I was terrified of being caught with him

I knew this behaviour was abnormal and atrocious but I still wanted to do this "you don't deny it?" I glanced into his eyes "I'll deny it when there's still a possibility of it not happening" I heard him laughing "care to join me inside for a dance?" I went wide eyed for about two seconds before my mind ran over what he said "I'd love to"

He walked me inside and straight into the centre of the room, well there goes my hopes of not being seen. "I trust you know how to dance?" I nodded "I've been taught. But maybe I'll just step on your toes in spite?" I think everyone could see that we were closer than we were supposed to be, we were taking it slow and I liked it that way. I think we'd calmed down from the emotional high that we started at but there was definitely something between us.

When it came to leave, we bowed with a knowing glance hoping we'd hidden our feelings from prying eyes well enough to save our skins. I glanced back at him as I mounted my horse, he had a smile painted on his face again...he must've been drunk. Maybe I just hadn't noticed due to my own deluded fantasies getting in the way? Who was I becoming?! Love h or whatever this was had made me blind...

And oh so curious...