S T A R L I G H T

C H A P T E R 18

C H A P T E R 18 - Perhaps I do not know you, perhaps only my heart does

~her purpose~

"Have you finished fastening it?" the blonde elleth wondered, her hands on her hips, holding her breath.

"Not quite, hold on..." Tauriel muttered with gritted teeth, finally tying up the back of the corset in place, "finished."

She breathed out loudly, "I fear there are too many pieces to this assortment,"

"I fear you are simply to used to human clothing, any Ellon could get you out of this in mere seconds," the auburn elf advised cheekily, watching her friends jaw drop.

"Watch your tongue... I suppose it is unfortunate how much I look like one," Simbelmynë proclaimed, unconsciously reaching for her ears and tracing the scars left over on top of them.

Tauriel took her hand away, instead moving her to face the mirror, "I do not think you look like a human. You are an elf, tonight you will look like a queen even."

"Somehow, that worries me more," Simbelmynë frowned, playing with the ends of her light wavy locks.

"Why do you say such things?"

"Do you not fear it? Being looked at one way when you know you are complete opposite?" the blonde simply questioned back, staring deep into her eyes to see any sort of fear or worry. Surely, it was a worry feared by all.

"It is strange, Simbelmynë, you are the last elf I thought would harbour such worries of judgement," Tauriel spoke, moving away and picking up the jewels they picked out earlier, bringing it back to the blonde and fixing them on.

"I am surprised myself, though I suppose I have been alone for quite some time," she thought aloud, fixing the earrings to her ears.

"You are not alone now, and have no fear, they will all think you to be the most beautiful elf they had even laid eyes on."

"Thank you, Tauriel," Simbelmynë spoke  sincerely, "I know I have been here little over a week, but I must tell you I have appreciated your friendship these few days. You have been kinder than you have need be."

"You have been a friend to me as well, my lady," Tauriel agreed, the two smiling at each other brightly.

With all of the gems in place and looking over her garments once more, Simbelmynë declared, "I suppose we shall have to go?"

"I will meet you there," she announced, waving her off as she begun reaching for her own gems and equipment.

Simbelmynë smiled, waving slightly at her and whispering a quick good bye before striding out of the room. Her bright blue eyes relished in the halls of the beautiful castle, taking in every detail as much as she could.

This would be the last time she saw it after all.

She had gotten word from Bilbo and he had a plan. While everyone was busy with the festivities above, Bilbo would free the dwarves and lead them through the castle to the wine cellar. There was a certain room they used to discard empty barrels, once in there they would hide in the barrels, roll off the platform and float down the lake to freedom. Simple as that.

All Simbelmynë had to do was keep the king busy, keep him occupied and assured that nothing was wrong, leaving the thirteen dwarves and one hobbit enough time to escape before the elleth followed suit on Solmyr.

She was excited to finally be reunited with the band of miscreants. Nevertheless she was also deeply saddened to leave the place she had involuntarily made herself so comfortable in.