Ch. 7
Early the next morning, Elwena and her parents were summoned to the king's smaller hall. This hall was used for more private audiences with the king. While her parents suspected the meeting had something to do with Legolas and their daughter, they weren't entirely too sure. Elwena was positive Moranna had spilled some of the beans to her mother, seeing that they were best friends.
The meeting was actually quite simple. Thranduil appraised everyone of the budding new relationship and then Legolas formerly asked her father if he could court Elwena. Her father asked if she understood all the implications a relationship with the prince could mean, especially one as accident prone as Legolas. Elwena said she did. Her parents and Thranduil blessed the relationship and it was official.
Since there was no time for a formal ceremony to announce the relationship, they were allowed to tell whomever they wished, whenever. Which was just fine with the new couple, as they were content to keep it quiet for a while.
Later, Tauriel and Elwena finished all of their conversations they had previously left untouched.
"You should know…" Elwena hesitated. "Legolas and I …"
"I know already," Tauriel said. Elwena's look of surprise begged more explanation. "I tricked Glorwin into telling me."
"Oh you!" Elwena sighed. "I wanted to have you there. Truly. But with you leaving this morning and the king and the prince having to go with, it happened pretty quickly. Do I have your blessing as well?"
"Yes. Kili … may he rest in peace … has made me realize what I want in an elf."
"Oh so you've chosen a race then? No orc hubby?" Elwena teased. Tauriel smiled.
"No. I want someone like Kili, but an elf."
When they were finally done talking, Elwena gave Tauriel a wrapped gift. Tauriel opened it. It was a small square of fabric only 4 inches by 4 inches. Embroidered in it was the two friends' faces. Elwena took her friend's hand and ran it over the fabric.
"I can hear us laughing!" she said.
"Remember this when you miss me," Elwena said and hugged her best friend. "I'll miss you."
"Me too." They hugged a final hug and Elwena watched her best friend mount her horse.
A hand touched her elbow. She turned to face Legolas. "Don't get hurt too badly. Or not at all," she said.
"I'll try," he said. He pulled her into a quick kiss. "Keep a weather eye on the horizon."
The trumpets sounded a farewell and the company marched off.