Elanorièl sat outside, nestled away in a remote, grassy corner behind the main Hall, away from the busy goings of daily life. The brilliant sun peaking high in the sky beat down upon her head while the fresh breeze beat against her back. Not even the ideal spring weather could cure Elanorièl's current predicament. Elanorièl had to face it; she was bored.
Two days since Gandalf and Pippin. Two days since her boredom began. Her friends and acquaintances were quick to scatter about, each mindful of their own business. They would only look for her company for a brief time, especially Legolas, who was too busy with his tree daydreams. Left to herself, she tried to make herself busy. The Rohirrim kept little in the way of books, and those they did were in their native tongue, and she scarcely knew the language (nor did she feel up to the challenge). The training grounds provided a brief respite... until Gimli came along, challenging all who dared to oppose him (leaving Elanorièl ignored). She even went as far as to offer her help with chores and duties but was swiftly declined. With no use, no responsibilities, and nothing to do but to wait until Gandalf gave his signal.
Hence here she was, in this far corner, by herself while sharpening her swords. Her hands were slick with oil from the whetstone as she glided against the metal, a scrapping sound following the downward strokes. The blades required attention after the gruesome fighting at Helm's Deep. The metal cut through bone and flesh numerous times, leaving its edge quite dull. It was a mindless task, but at least it gave her something to do.
"I wondered where you would be."
Elanorièl twisted up. Her eyes narrowed, squinting at Legolas as the sun darkened his figure. Her hand shifted to shield her eyes. "And is this what you expected?"
"Rather a book in your hand than a sword."
"If I had any understanding of their language, then it would be true. Otherwise, I have to disappoint you." Elanorièl shrugged her shoulders and picked the sword up again. "Though you standing here is not what I expected either."
"No?" Legolas leaned down, "Then what were you expecting?"
"Floating about the city and reminiscing about being in a tree."
Legolas crossed his arms in front of his chest as he loomed over Elanorièl. Elanorièl, in turn, returning the glare with equal force as the one he was giving her. The two glared hard and long, unwilling to allow the other gain victory. They willed their faces not to move, knowing even a single twitch meant forfeiting the contest.
They stared... then the corner of their mouths curled up. They broke into a fit of laughter, their loud bellows carrying into the Hall.
"Aye, true as there are too few trees to begin with," Legolas said, taking a seat next to her. He reached behind to pull out his daggers. "May I join you?"
"Not enjoying the company of Gimli?" Elanorièl asked, handing him some supplies.
"He is mincing words with Éomer about the Lady of Lorien."
"Sounds rather entertaining," Elanorièl laughed, "He may wish Lord Éomer to become acquainted with his ax should Éomer disagree. Alas, the elleths in my family are troublesome."
"Elaborate."
"A grumpy Dwarf spews poetry for my grandmother despite claiming his hatred of elves. In turn, he received three strands of her hair as my grandfather is nearby. Then you have my sister, called the Umdomiel." Elanorièl rolled her eyes before placing her back against the wall. "The countless suitors she had. All of them contending for her hand with their endless, irritating crooning. The witless bunch just as unimaginative as their declarations of love. Never giving me a day's peace even as she only yearns for one. Though I do find it pleasing, the one she did pick is the gruff Man who looks unlikely to have bathed in months."
"Then what trouble did you cause? Undoubtedly your sister was equally annoyed with yours?
"Suitors? Me?" Elanorièl huffed, "No, if there were any, all but one failed to find me tucked away in my tree with a book."
"Who was it?" Legolas said. His voice wavered on the last word.
"Oh, someone of great renown. An adventurer who confronted great evil and emerged triumphant after the battle. But alas," Elanorièl leaned against his shoulder, hand to her forehead, "the Halfling broke my heart when he said I was a delightful friend.
Legolas shrugged his shoulder, brushing the elleth off. He returned the now clean daggers to their holder and set them aside, resting back in the grass.
Elanorièl, laying in the grass beside him, laughed: "No response? Have all your questions ceased? I was beginning to enjoy our one-sided conversation."
"It's one-sided as you have yet to ask me anything."
"You haven't given me the chance to."
"Then I will return the favor. Ask me what you will."
Elanorièl rolled onto her stomach. Her movements stilled as she pondered for a moment until she greeted his eyes. "Is it true you once called Gimli- what was it? 'a horrid creature? A goblin-mutant?'"
Legolas shot up to a seat. "How did you hear about that?"
"Gloin!"

A/N: Heads up! This chapter is being broken up into smaller parts so I can get it out faster. Otherwise… we're going to be waiting forever for my brain to work.

This chapter is going to feature our other characters in Rohan besides our lovebirds. Lets face it, its nice to love on our other characters and to explore their relationships to other characters besides the main ones. Just expect their stories to be a bit shorter than our main characters's. So hopefully that means I can get the rest of this chapter before the end of the week.