Title: Masquerade Night
By: Bridget McKennitt
Pairing: Arwen/Aragorn
Rating: G
Word Count: 1231
Summary: It's time for the ball and Arwen's costume surprises all, including Aragorn.
Contains: No warnings in as far I know that can't be extrapolated from the header itself. Set before Frodo and company left the Shire.
Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings is owned by other companies. They are used here without permission, and for entertainment purposes only. No challenge or infringement upon the copyright is intended, nor should any be inferred.
Arwen Undomiel giggled as her maid Sumiel did an impression of Legolas, son
of the Elven king of Mirkwood. She hiked up her skirts, pretended that there was a
cocked bow in her hands, and searched around the room. "Orcs, where are those orcs?
I see one!" Sumiel let loose her pretend arrow towards the pretend orc. "Ha, another
orc has fallen, and not a hair out of place. Go me!"
Another set of giggles was let out by Arwen until tears ran down her face
with laughter. "Enough! That was just too funny."
Sumiel grinned. "I know. The poor prince of Mirkwood is so lighthearted at
times, that one cannot help but tease him."
"How true. Do you think Legolas will be at father's ball?" Arwen asked.
"I doubt it. Word has it that he is the head guard for some creature. Why do
you ask?"
"Oh, I do not want to be the youngest Elf there. Everyone is just so ancient
and legendary."
"Princess," Sumiel giggled out. "That is a silly excuse for wanting Legolas
at the ball. And you have never been young. You are wise beyond your years, like
your grandmother Galadriel." Sumiel knelt at the edge of Arwen's bed, looking
through her chest. "You shall need a costume for tonight's ball. How about your
light blue, regal looking dress? I could find some flowers and you could go as
Luthien Tinuviel."
"Maybe. What will you dress up as?"
"A human most likely. It would take some work to cover my pointed ears though.
But with enough make-up, I could make a pretty convincing one," said Sumiel. "Will
you help me?"
"Of course." Arwen moved in the back of Sumiel as she sat at Arwen's vanity.
She began brushing Sumiel's long blonde hair. Then she braided the strands to cover
her pointy ears. The design was of a fancy twist which gave Sumiel strands that
curled around her face.
"Pick any dress you want from my chest. I will decide on my outfit later."
"Are you sure? I could help you dress up as Luthien," said Sumiel.
Arwen nodded. "I am sure. I want my costume to be unique." She waved good
bye to her maid and went into the gardens.
This was her own personal garden in Imladris. She had planted every flower
bush and tree. It was also her place to think and relax. Arwen strolled on the
stone path, plucking a red rose from a bush and lifting it to her nose, inhaling
its wonderful fragrance. "What costume should I wear? Sumiel is pushing for Luthien
but I want something different. I am already their Evenstar."
She sat at a stone bench and sighed. This should not be so hard a decision.
It was just a masquerade ball. Yet she wanted to surprise everyone, including her
father. She could dress as a butterfly but that was still predictable for her. So
what was not?
An image of Sumiel this morning came unbidden to her mind. Arwen laughed.
"That's it! I know what to wear."
***
Arwen told no one, not even Sumiel, what her costume would be. She only
gave a sly smile whenever her maid asked. She wanted this to be a surprise.
Night fell and the festivities for the ball began. Musicians played a
pumping beat as costumed Elves danced. Sumiel, dressed as a human, smiled at Ranger
Glorfindel. "Dance with me, Glorfindel. I thought Rangers were supposed to serve."
He laughed. "That is true, Sumiel. I would not be doing my duty if I did
not dance with you." He bowed and led her on to the dance floor.
Elrond and his sons, who came dressed as warriors from the Battle of Dagorlad,
stood on the hall's dais. "Where is Arwen?" asked Elrond.
"Last time I checked, she was still readying herself in her room," said
Elrohir. "I think she is coming as Luthien."
Trumpets blared, announcing someone's arrival. The crowd looked up to see
Arwen coming down the stairs, but an Arwen that they had never seen before. She wore
a blonde wig which covered her own dark tresses. Her clothing was a green tunic and
green leggings with laced black boots. In her hands was a bow and around her back
was a quiver full of arrows.
Sumiel immediately recognized the costume. "Princess Arwen, you came as
Legolas Greenleaf!"
Arwen smiled shyly and did a little twirl. "What do you think? Surprised
that it is not what I would usually wear?"
"Very surprised. Will you look at that, Lord Elrond's jaw dropped and has
not closed since you arrived. So what possessed you to dress as the prince of
Mirkwood?"
"Just a change in pace. I think I will go out on the balcony for a bit. Oh,
tell father that he will catch flies if he does not close his mouth." She winked at
her maid and Glorfindel and maneuvered her way towards the balcony.
She rested her arms on the rail as she let the wind blow through her hair.
She had certainly surprised everyone with her outfit. But after the shock she wanted,
there was nothing else to do. Dancing was never exciting anymore unless it was with...
"Arwen? Are you out here?" She blinked her eyes but did not turn around.
Perhaps she was hearing things, hearing her beloved's voice on the wind. "Sumiel told
me you would be out here." The figure came closer but still she did not turn. "I am
sorry, I thought you were Arwen. Wait, Legolas?"
That was when she turned around. "Nay, it is I, my beloved. Arwen." She
grinned at Aragorn's stunned look. "I came as Legolas to surprise everyone."
"Well, you certainly surprised me, Undomiel." Aragorn wrapped his arms around
her waist and kissed her.
"Aragorn, why are you here? Not that I mind at all, but I thought you were
in Mirkwood."
"I was, but I heard about Elrond's ball and I knew I could not miss it." He
spoke softly. "I was not sure what costume to come in, so I decided on what I will
be in the future. King of Gondor." It was true for he wore Gondor's royal garb and
a small crown on his head. "Or at least I hope to become King of Gondor."
She smiled. "You will, I know it. And I am glad that you came. I am always
glad whenever you come back to Imladris."
Aragorn kissed her again as he led them into a dance. A sweet melody drifted
from within the hall, surrounding the lovers. Arwen felt at peace. She closed her
eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. Suddenly they stopped dancing and Aragorn
stepped away from her.
"My love, what is wrong?" Arwen asked.
He blushed. "Nothing. It is just that your costume, well, it makes me feel
like I am dancing with Legolas!"
Arwen laughed and winked. "Well, if it makes you that nervous, I shall go
and change." She walked a couple of steps away when Aragorn grabbed her hand and
followed her. "If you wanted to come to my room, you should have said so!"
A second time Aragorn blushed but he said nothing. He did though sweep her
off her feet and ran through the night towards her room. They only had a short
time together after all.
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