The Party

The next morning, Spark and Shadelia were the first ones awake.

Shadelia was sitting on the edge of the balcony railing, with her mother standing behind her, brushing and braiding her hair.

"Shadelia, did you get Jesper to ask the rest of them?" Spark questioned her daughter.

"Yes, mother. Once I was done talking to you and daddy, that's the first thing I did." Shadelia said softly.

"What are you planning to wear, because I want it to be nice."

"I don't know. I do not own dresses anymore, and even if I did, they would be back with Aunt Dis."

"I will speak to Elrond about it."

"Ok."

"Come on, it's nearly time for breakfast."

"Coming mother."

Shadelia slipped easily off the balcony, and followed her mother inside.

When they got inside, everyone else was already awake.

Shadelia sat beside Jesper, who reached for her hand beneath the table. She smiled, and blushed, not enough for the others to notice, but just enough for him to.

After breakfast, Shadelia managed to escape to her room. A few minutes later, someone knocked.

"Come in." she said softly. It was Jesper.

He sat beside her on her bed, and put an arm around her.

"Good morning." he grinned.

"Morning." she replied.

"Sooo, what are we doing today?"

"I don't know. The party isn't until tonight."

"Why don't we go for a walk?"

"Sure."

The walked outside, just to run into Bilbo, who didn't look too happy about it. They had been walking hand in hand, and poor Bilbo was jealous. He left quickly, and Shadelia felt bad, really, really, really bad.

They finally got to the river, and sat there to talk.

"Jesper?" Shadelia asked softly.

"Yes, Shadelia?" he replied.

"Are you really going to stay here when your friends go home?"

"Of course I am. I wouldn't be capable of leaving if I tried."

"Ok."

"Why do you ask?"

"I just don't want what I went through with my mother going missing to happen again."

"That's understandable. I would never leave you, I love you too much."

"I love you too, Jesper, but I don't think my dad is too happy about it."

"Your mom will talk to him about it, don't worry."

They sat there, by the river, in silence. Jesper had his arm around Shadelia, and she had her head on his shoulder, and an arm aroumd his waist.

Shadelia was thinking about how much her life had improved since they came to Rivendell. Finally, her father seemed to be less stressed. He was finally relaxing.

Also, she had her mother back, after so many years.

Then, to top it all off, she had found someone who loved her for her, and not her looks. He didn't want to use her for his enjoyment, like so many in Arebor, but he wanted her around. And the best part of all, she loved him back.

There were many boys in Arebor who asked her out, proposed, and flirted, without being inappropriate, but she never felt the same way towards them.

She wondered what would've happened if Jesper and his friends never came, who she would be with.

Probably Bilbo, because if Jesper didn't feel the same way about her, Bilbo would be her next choice.

"What are you thinking about?" Jesper asked, making her jump, because she had zoned out.

"I don't know. I forget." she laughed, because she really did forget.

"Ok then." Jesper grinned, kissing the top of her head.

They sat there for a little while longer, and when they went inside, Spark was waiting for Shadelia, because it was nearly time for the party.

Spark and Shadelia went into Shadelia's room to get her ready.

"How is everything going with you and Jesper?" Spark asked, and Shadelia was changing into the blue dress her mother had picked out for her.

"Perfect," Shadelia replied, smiling.

"Has he told his friends he will not be returning?"

"No."

They sat in silence while Spark brushed and braided Shadelia’s hair. She added a few blue and gold ribbons to match the dress.

Eventually, Spark left so she could get ready.

"Remember, head down to the ball room and 5 'til 7." Spark told her daughter.

"Yes, mother." Shadelia replied softly.

Spaek left, and Shadelia was just waiting for time to leave. She had to wait ten minutes, but at least it wasn't longer.

She took a moment to observe the dress.

It was a long blue halter top, and the where the top of the dress on her back started, not the strap, but the actual dress, started at he waist line. There was a gold star on the front, and a little bit of glitter scattered on the dress.

Finally, it was time for her to head down to the party.

When she got there, every one else was already there. She was trying to figure out why, since the party didn't officially start until 7.

Everyone was silent when she walked in. Then it dawned on her.

"That's what I forgot! It's my birthday!" she exclaimed, and everyone laughed.

Jesper walked over to her, and the went to sit down to talk.

"When are you going to tell your friends you aren't going home?" she asked.

"Once we're out of this place. First day of camp out." he replied grinning.

The rest of the party just went as expected.