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     Urumiriel slowly opened her eyes. She was no longer in the Mystic Forest, but in her own room. Her white curtains gently swayed in the cool breeze that came in through the window and the chirping of birds could be heard outdoors.

     She swung her legs out of bed and put her bare feet on the cool wooden floor. She always loved that feeling every autumn. The cool, crisp air, gatherings around a fire, the beautiful golden leaves, and the feasts. Especially the Feast of Autumn, a celebration of the first day of the leaf-fall. 

     She made her bed before walking to her closet so she could pick out an outfit. As she thought about her dream last night, she picked out one of her favorite dresses. It was a sky blue dress with slip-like material one the inside and see through silk on the outside, making her arms visible through the sleeves. She put it on and walked over to her nightstand, grabbed her hairbrush, and brushed out her long, wavy golden hair. Once she was finished with that she placed her silver circlet (which looked exactly as it had in the dream) on her head.

     A knock came from her door, bringing her back to reality.

     "Come in." Urumiriel called.

     A female elf with more beauty than even the stars walked in. Her hair looked much like Urumiriel's, as it was long, wavy, and gold in color. Young she looked, but in her blue eyes were many sorrows. "Are you almost ready?"

     "Of course! I'm very much looking forward to helping prepare for the feast."

     "As am I. It will be quite a night."

     Urumiriel smiled. "I've been to many Autumn Feasts, but my favorite is the Feast of Autumn." She turned around and looked at the other Elf. "Will the dwarves come for trade?"

     The other elf nodded. "Yes, which is why we must take the whole day to prepare the food. I will wait for you with the maids." She turned to leave.

     "Alright. I'll see you there soon, Sister." Urumiriel said as she braided two strands of hair at the front and one at the back, then combining the three and braiding them down the back in the middle. "Galadriel, wait."

     The elf, Galadriel, turned back to her sister. "Yes, Miriel?"

     Urumiriel hesitated. "Never mind. I will tell you later."

     "Did something happen?"

     "You could say that. I had a strange dream last night."

     "Do you wish to talk about it?"

     "I do not think we would have enough time to at the moment." Urumiriel said as she looked out the window. "We should be getting to the kitchen."

     "Then let us speak of it along the way."

     So as the two made their way to the kitchen, Urumiriel told Galadriel of her dream.

     "And that's how it ended." Urumiriel finished.

     Galadriel was silent a moment before she answered. "It does indeed sound like more than just a dream."

     "Hiril nin." An elf greeted as the two Ladies passed by.

     "Suilad." Urumiriel replied with a smile.

     As the two Elven Ladies made their way down a flight of stairs and walked onto a large, circular wooden platform, Urumiriel observed the many elves. Everyone had a smile on their face and conversed as they worked.

     "My, it seems all of Lothlorien is as cheerful as I am!" Urumiriel exclaimed.

     Galadriel smiled. "It indeed seems that way." She glanced at her little sister. "Will you be dancing this year?"

     Urumiriel shook her head. "I do not think so. I do not like getting so close to so many ellons. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

     "I have heard that Lord Thalion will be there tonight." Galadriel said, watching Miriel out of the corner of her eye.

     "What of him?"

     "I think he likes you." 

     "In which case, no; I do not think I will be dancing."

     "It is time you take an interest in some of the available princes, Miriel. You are already past the age of a hundred."

     "Yes, I know. I know elves typically marry at a hundred or soon after, but I'm just not ready yet. Besides, I am waiting for the right one." 

     "That is indeed a wise decision."

     The two reached the kitchen and entered. Many of the elleths were already bustling about, preparing pies, ciders, wines, salads, fruit bowls and many delicious smelling meals that included chicken, fish and venison. Today was going to be quite a busy day.

     Galadriel went over to the left to help with the meats, fruits and vegetables, and Urumiriel went to help with the baked goods: as they did every year. Many of the elleths would insist they didn't help since they were royal, but the two Ladies of Lorien refused.

     "Just because I am a Lady of Lorien does not mean that I should not help." was what Urumiriel always said.

     So all day long the two Ladies of Light and the maids bustled about preparing the food. There was one incident with Urumiriel and the flour, but they were able to get that all cleaned up, get more flour and get right back to work. By sunset they had finally finished and were all covered in flour: though not as bad as Urumiriel.

     "Ngwe nira col i matil ar suc na i mate marde." Galadriel said. "San im nira lav le na lelya net tiutale ar harya mara sinye." [1]

     The elleths all began cheerfully carrying the food, desserts and drinks out of the kitchen and made their way to the dining hall. Urumiriel picked up one of the apple pies and followed the other elleths, Galadriel at her side.

     They went back and forth from the kitchen to the dining hall several times before they had everything set on the tables, which some ellons had set up while they had been baking. Once they were finished, Galadriel excused them for the evening (it was already six) and they scurried off to their homes to clean up and get ready for the feast.

     "I am glad we are finished." Urumiriel stated. "Now I can get myself cleaned from this floury mess."

     "You always have been a bit clumsy." Galadriel laughed. "Especially in the kitchen."

      "Yes, which is not normal for an elf." Urumiriel muttered. "Growing up many told me that my ears were bad luck."

     "Do not believe any of that. You are just different than many others."

     Urumiriel nodded and sighed. "I wish I knew why."

     "Time will tell."

     "Yes, I suppose you're right." Urumiriel said, taking a step up onto the stone stairway.

     The two walked in silence, Urumiriel imagining what the night would be like. She was so lost in thought that she wasn't paying attention and tripped on her own dress. She almost fell forward, but someone caught her. She, with the help of whoever had caught her, quickly stood up.

     "Oh, thank you." Urumiriel said, looking up. "And I apologize for my clumsiness..." She trailed off when she looked up at the elf standing in front of her.

     He was the average height of an elf and had blonde hair just like any of the other elves in Lothlorien, and his eyes were a beautiful blue. He had the features of many other elves in Lorien, but something about him was different.

     "No need to apologize, my lady." He answered in a gentle voice.

     Urumiriel suddenly became more aware now that she was a complete disaster. She was covered in flour!

     "Miriel, this is Haldir." Galadriel introduced. "Haldir, this is Urumiriel, my little sister."

     Haldir gently took Urumiriel's hand and kissed it. "A pleasure to meet you, my lady." He released her hand and bowed to Galadriel, waiting for her to bow in response before he continued down the stone steps.

     "I assume he is new here?" Urumiriel said.

     "Yes, he is. He and his brothers had nowhere else to go so we allowed him to stay here. In return he and his brothers have offered Lord Celeborn and I his services. He speaks Westron so he will be great help when outsiders visit."

     "That would indeed be helpful. Not many here speak Westron." She glanced behind her, hoping to catch a glimpse of Haldir, but he was no longer in sight.

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     Urumiriel had now gotten cleaned up and put her hair back in the braid it had been earlier. She wore a different dress, however. It looked like Galadriel's, but it was purple instead of white. Since the dress was floor length (all her dresses were) she wore no shoes. She and her sister had never really liked to wear anything on their feet.

     She exited her room and walked down the hallway, turned left, and walked out the door. She walked down the steps that wound around her tree, then turned right onto a stone bridge. Urumiriel walked up another flight of stairs that led to her sister's throne room: halfway there she turned onto another stone bridge and walked up another short flight of stairs to the Dining Hall.

     Many elves were already there, laughing and conversing amongst each other in their own tongue. Urumiriel turned around when she heard the sound of several heavy footfalls and saw Haldir leading a group of dwarves to the Dining Hall. Standing alongside Haldir was a dwarf with a long white beard and white hair.

     Urumiriel bowed. "Vemu, Thane Ezbad Durin." [2] She greeted in Khuzdul.

     Durin bowed in return, his long beard almost touching the ground. "Vemu, Azbad Giliff." [3]

     Haldir looked curiously at Urumiriel. "I was unaware that you spoke Khuzdul."

     "I only know a few words and phrases, but not the entire language."

     "Ai, I see." [4] Haldir said. He looked at Durin. "How long have the dwarves been coming to trade in Lorien?"

     "Ah, too many years to count." Durin said. "I believe we have been trading here since the end of the First Age. It was my father Durin the Deathless who began the tradition."

     "It was originally on the second day of autumn." Urumiriel said. "But we moved it to the Autumn Feast that way the dwarves can celebrate with us; although we sometimes still have to do the trading the second. Will this be your first time here for the feast, Haldir?"

     Haldir nodded. "Yes, and I am looking forward to it."

     "Let's stop with this small talk!" One of the dwarves said loudly.

     "Let's set up our trade and get on with the feast!" Another said.

     Urumiriel chuckled and stepped to the side. "Do as you please. Enjoy yourselves! There is food and drink aplenty."

     So the dwarves all ran off and set up their trade and got food and drinks. Durin went over to greet Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Haldir glanced at Urumiriel's ears before quickly averting his gaze, not wanting to seem rude.

     "I was born with ears more pointed than most." Urumiriel suddenly said.

     Haldir looked up, slightly surprised. "I am sorry, my lady. I was not meaning to be rude."

     Miriel turned to look at him and smiled. "Not at all. Anytime you have a question, feel free to ask."

     Haldir smiled in response and Urumiriel looked past him when a group of elves walked up the stairs. Haldir left so Urumiriel could greet them. He was new here, so he felt slightly awkward.

     "Mae govannen, Lord Thalion." Urumiriel greeted with a bow. "I am glad you and your people could come."

     The Elvish Lord bowed back, as well as the others that were with him. The other elves walked away to enjoy themselves as Lord Thalion began speaking with Urumiriel.

     "A pleasure to see you again, my lady." He said, taking her hand and kissing it.

     Urumiriel smiled. "Come. Our table is just over there." She turned around and he walked alongside her to the table they were to be seated.

     When they reached the table Lord Thalion pulled out Urumiriel's chair for her and pushed her in slightly when she was seated. Lord Celeborn sat at the head of the table, Lady Galadriel at his right, and Lady Urumiriel at the left: Lord Thalion sat beside her.

     "Welcome, Lord Thalion of Greenwood." Celeborn greeted.

     "Thank you, Lord Celeborn of Lorien." Thalion replied. He then looked at Galadriel. "Greetings, Lady of Light."

     "Greetings, Lord of Wood and Stone."

     "Not yet, but soon. Once I have taken a bride."

     Urumiriel couldn't be sure, but she thought she saw him glance over at her, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. She didn't have feelings for him, so she really hoped that he didn't. Things could get awkward.

     "It is time we get this celebration started." Celeborn said, standing up and tapping his wine glass with a spoon, getting everyone's attention. Once everyone quieted he began speaking. "Friends from distant lands, and family from under these very trees, greetings. Tonight we celebrate in honour of Lord Amroth. Let us make a toast in remembrance of the great Elf King who threw himself in the sea many years ago. May he never be forgotten."

     "To King Amroth; may he rest in peace." The elves- and even dwarves- said before they lifted their wine glasses to their lips and solemnly took a sip. After a moment of silence Lord Celeborn spoke again.

     "Now let us enjoy the evening! Feast, drink, and be merry! Let the music play!" He sat down as the room was once again filled with many voices and laughter and as the music on the platform to his right began.

     "How have things been here in Laurelindorinan?" asked Lord Thalion. "It does not seem that anything has changed: except for the color of the leaves, that is."

     "Things here have been rather peaceful." Lord Celeborn said. "Hopefully they will remain that way, contradictory to King Amroth's beliefs."

     "Crazy, I think."

     "I do not think that." Urumiriel said. "He was grieved because he had been separated from his wife and could not find her, and he was unable to get to the Undying Lands, which had to have been grieving."

     "I suppose you do have a point." Thalion looked over at the dance floor, where many elves were now dancing. He looked over at the beautiful elf. "Lady Miriel, would you care to dance?"

     Urumiriel glanced over at Galadriel, who smirked, before answering: "Of course, my lord."

     The two stood up and Lord Thalion offered Urumiriel his arm, which she took, and allowed him to lead her out onto the dance floor. She felt nervous and uncomfortable the whole time. He pulled her close- a little too close for Urumiriel's liking- and the two began dancing. Many of the other elves looked over at the two and smiled. Urumiriel had always been a graceful dancer, as had Lord Thalion. Many actually thought- much to her dismay- that they were meant for each other. Thalion suddenly stopped dancing and looked Urumiriel in the eye.

     "Is something wrong, my lord?" Urumiriel asked.

     "No, not at all. It's just ... you and I have known each other for a long time, Miriel." He said. "And I feel that I have gotten to know you very well. And I hope you feel the same about me."

     "You are a good friend, yes." Urumiriel said, dreading where this was going.

     "What I am trying to say, is, well ..." He got down on one knee and pulled something out of his pocket, extending it to her. "Urumiriel, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

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Name Pronunciations And Meanings:

Thalion = Thahl-ee-on
Meaning = Hero

[1] We will carry the food and drink to the dine hall. Then I will allow you to go get comfortable and have {a} good evening. (Quenya)
[2] Greetings, Ruler (High Lord) Durin.
[3] Greetings, Lady Giliff (Fiery Jewel in Khuzdul)
[4] Ah, I see.

Note: I get elvish from all of my fanfictions from thecouncilofelrond. It has language dictionaries and many useful elvish phrases. The dwarvish I get from a website called Dwarf.it.

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