Ok so here we are moving more at a steady pace now, its reading a little choppy on my end but I really want to try and push into the story so I can get to the fun stuff


She could feel the light grip behind her and listened to the elves speaking to each other as she was guided through the forest. She eventually felt her feet on a path created by more than just deer. The bag was removed. The light was so bright to her eyes, that at first, she had to hold them closed before blinking furiously till they became adjusted. What she saw before her was truly exquisite, a long bridge loomed over a raging river leading to a tall overarching entrance. It was inscribed with what she presumed was elvish carvings and designs. The area seemed to glow in the late afternoon light bathing the area and the elves in a golden hue. Looking forward and with a little more scrutiny she saw a slightly more familiar face at the center of the bridge. She felt a slight push at her back as she began to walk towards the Elf she recognized. "Fanion, I could barely recognize you without all the blood."

The Elf's crisp white hair stood out from those around him as he moved towards her motioning to one of the elves behind her she could feel her hands be freed. "Sunal," he said bowing ever so slightly with his hand to his heart, "It is my pleasure to welcome you to the halls of my countrymen." he stood, "Please forgive the guards if they were rough in handling you. We have had more orcs than usual come this way." motioning for her to follow him she moved to his side walking together into the halls of Mirkwood.

"No, no, no don't pay too much mind to it. I am simply pleased I was able to find the Woodland Realm." Sunal responded, eyeing each of the elves to see if she could find her bag, not seeing it she looked up at the glowing elf "What would be a great help is if you could tell them to give me back my bag."

Fanion looking down at her as they entered the halls, "The elf brought your belongings to my family home, where you shall stay during your time in these halls, I have sponsored your visit. This is the reason why you are being forgone the usual search." he said tilting his head. "We are headed there now as I am sure you are much weary from your travels."

"Ah I see, many thanks for that." she mused looking around the area, it was not as open with large columns like some of the Dwarven halls had been. Instead of holding up the expense of a mountain, winding roots gave way to arching doors and great staircases leading to many levels where lights hung seemingly from nothing, pathways that seemed to fade into more twisted roots a golden hue seemed to float through the air that made her feel at ease. As they made their way to Fanion's abode she told him of her journey through the forest. She answered how she was able to find them in the great Mirkwood, by telling him of her meeting with the Ent Rootthrough. He seemed truly surprised by this, which pleased her "It is rare for a son of man to meet an Ent in their lifetime, it is unheard of for them to meet two you must have boundless luck on your side." Fanion gestured her through a door letting her pass through first.

As she entered she notices there was now a roof and stairs instead of a giant expanse, the hallways led into beautiful rooms with beautiful brown haired elves rushing about. She noticed an auburn haired elith coming towards her. She had a face that seemed kinder her features seemed a tad less sharp than the rest. She slowed in front of them briefly curtsying "Heru," she greeted Fanion before rising and turning to Sunal.

"Greetings, my name is Doronien. I will serve you during your stay, if there is anything you wish to know please allow me to answer any question you may have." Doronien looked into Sunal's eyes, calmly observing "You have the most beautiful eyes young one, they were blessed with such life." Sunal had an uneasy twinge in her stomach, she did not like the way this woman tried to look into her, she glanced up at Fanion

A small smile graced his face as he bowed his head to her, "I leave you in her capable hands." and he took his leave walking with such grace that she was sure she must have looked like a clomping animal next to him. She looked back at Doronien, who had what seemed a molded smile on her face, a beautiful statue of a wistful friend. "I had a bath drawn for you and I also have some herbs for your leg, young nathal." She said moving down the long halls Sunal looked at the beautiful walls lined with statues and beautiful carvings depicting elegant fights and stories from the elves traveling, making their final journey to the undying lands. Eventually, they made their way to a closed arched door with a hanging light next to the entrance, opening it inside Sunal marveled at the large bed. It had columns at each corner with sheer fabric flowing down each side, beautiful carpets lined the floor and there were tables and other furniture that seemed to be carved out of the wall with more delicate designs on them. She saw her bag and other weapons neatly put on a dresser to the side of the wall.

Doronien led her to a slimmer door to the side of the room, there was a small billow of steam that flowed out of it when opened. Inside was a small yet again beautiful bath, "I fear that I fully underestimated the craftsmanship of the elves, are all homes as beautiful and ornate as this?" Sunal asked, looking at the steaming bath her skin prickled in excitement.

"No this is a home for Sindar elves, the grey elves. Would you care for assistance in disrobing or washing, I know that those of Gondor tend to wash on their own." Doronien said looking at the dirty clothed and the bandaging on her leg with a pitying look, "I will have a full set of clothes ready for you once you are finished with your bath. As well as some clean dressings for your leg."

Slightly confused at the different distinction of elves she thought she should save her questions till after her bath "You are correct in your assumption, I can disrobe and bath on my own. Thank you for the offer nonetheless." Sunal had never had anyone bath her and other than a hot spring she had never had an indoor bath that was warm.

"As you please young nathal. Then I shall take my leave." Doronien politely bowed her head and moved from the room closing the door behind her. Sunal striped her clothes off of her putting them in a muddied pile in the corner taking a bucket she took a bit of the water in the bath and let it trickle over her washing some of the dirt off before extending her leg into the bath. It was warm far from the heat she could take. Settling in she dipped her head beneath the water, her belly glowing as she let out a slow pulse of heat into the water till it started to boil. Shaking out her hair in the water she lifted her self to a more relaxing position using the cleaning tools provided by the elves. She investigated some of the jars, upon opening they smelled strongly of flowers grown in the forests, others of dew, some of it shimmered in the light. She could understand how the elves looked down on the other creatures of this world. Looking around it was truly like nothing she had ever seen.

She remembered the ruins of some of the dwarven caverns and other fallen cities in Gondor, she was sure that even in their days of glory that they were but nothing compared to this. She slowly cleaned her hair before letting it fall out of the bath as she indulged in washing the rest of her body, week-old mud and dirt had left her in no danger of being discovered, her true smell must by now be fully gone. Once done, she stood in the bath grasping a linen from the side and draping it around her. Existing the steaming room she saw the elith Doronien at the side of her bed.

"I have brought some remedies to prevent infection, " she motioned to the bed "Please rest while I attended to your wounds." Doronien moved around as Sunal slowly slid on to the fluffed bed.

"Only the one, wound that is… um… on my leg." the eleith looked up and nodded moving to remove the now soaked bandages. Observing the stitching for a moment she looked back up at Sunal as she attended to her wound. "It is rare for one to venture into the spiders' domain and return, especially one with no party. Do you have any traveling companions?"

Shifting as she felt the chill of wet herbs meshed against her wound she replied, " I do not often travel with companions, I may follow a traveling group or traders from one area to another if I do not know the way. I often find that being with company often has more of a strenuous feel." she remembered soaring over large fields feeling the sun on her wings, something she could not readily do in the company of others. Though she also thought back to all the bands she had at one time or another joined, and all of the lively campfires and stories they would tell over large treks through the wilderness, "When I am with a group of other travelers they are joyous moments, but I find those moments are better preserved in memory instead of growing tired of them in reality. And I do enjoy the solitude, with it comes a quiet serenity." Sunal looked down as Doronien was wrapping clean white gauze around her leg. Sitting up she asked, "I remember you mentioning that this is a home for Sindar elves, are you not all Sindarin?"

Doronien sat up and with a chuckle replied, "No, the Sindar are the Grey Elves, descendants of the Eldar, some of the first and eldest of the Children of Ilúvatar, and considered to be the fairest and wisest of any race of Arda given sapience. They are the elves that chose to remain in Beleriand and not complete the Great Journey. They are called "grey" because they are not Elves of the Light, never having set foot in Valinor, but neither are they Avari, called the Unwilling, since they did accept the invitation and set out on the journey across the sea. Therefore, the Sindar, though counted among the Eldar they do not hold that name. Most elves that dwell in these halls are Avari dwellers of the forest not as blessed by the Vallar. Therefore the Sindar are regarded as kings and the wiser beings in this land above other elves. Out King Thranduil is also Sindarin."

Sunal sat for a moment absorbing what she had heard and acknowledging that though there was a lot of what the elith said that she did not understand, she was beginning to realize that Fanion was the right elf to save, nothing to show she was trying to grasp what the elith said she responded "It seems there is indeed much I do not know of your kind, it is truly fascinating."

Sunal looked up and saw a joyful smile on Doroniens face pleased that her explanation was not lost on deaf ears, "I am happy to tell you the histories and stories of our people, Fanion Heru told me of your wish to learn; and as I am not allowed during this time to teach I was happy to oblige."

"Teach?" Sunal asked, "Yes," she responded, " I am in charge of lessons for many of the young elves here in Mirkwood. Although as I am currently in a time of reflection I am not allowed to teach, or so says our king." Sunal carefully watched the eliths face slowly becoming more readable as she became more accustomed to the features of elves. "But being able to share my knowledge is what brings me joy, passing down stories and histories is a gift, a gift not many elves take the time to instill in the youngest ones or at least in the Greenwoods." Doronien shook her head, "Well young one shall we get you dressed, I have gathered some clothes for you to wear during your time here, and a few options for tomorrow as well."

"Tomorrow?" Sunal asked a brow raised as she lifted herself out the bed, putting pressure on her leg he was surprised that she could barely feel any damage and gave her thanks for that. "I have barely just arrived, I did not realize the elves made plans so quickly."

Dodonies moved towards the large closet in the corner of the room "Just because we have the blessing of time to make decisions at our own pace does not mean that we do not make them, otherwise many would do nothing." She opened the door and a rack of simpering dresses lined the inside. After briefly looking back at Sunal she turned towards the closet, "I think green suits you best, though, I and most Woodland elves are a tad biased to the color. Tonight though I think this is suitable." Dorien pulled a draping silver blue dress from the many options. Putting it on her arm she walked back to Sunal.

"It is rare to see such beautiful fabric, but I am not so certain that it would suit me. As a traveler, there are not many options to wear dresses." Sunal said laying a hand on the fabric even more surprised by its cool and impossibly soft texture, "But there is no time like the present to indulge I suppose." disregarding the cloth that was drying her, and with the aid of Doronien was able to successfully put the garment on. It had many layers of long flowing blue and silver fabric draping this way and that. Once on she could see on each side there were ties so that it could be adjusted to the individual."

"It is fortunate that I brought one of these garments." she said turning to tighten the loose strings, "Your frame is much more… well-formed than most elves. I shall have to have the garment altered for tomorrow." Doronien looked up at Sunal with a cheeky smile.

"Only a few moments in the realm of elves and already I am getting comments on my bust." Sunal joked as she had only noticed that the elves were so statuesque that it never occurred to her that they would ever be lacking in any beauty or temperament department, she could tell the elith was trying to simply connect, and she would happily oblige. They proceded to banter a bit on the intricacies of getting through tight spaces and other precarious situations as the elith tied the final strands together. "Now that the dress is on I hope you don't have second thoughts on it not being appropriate?" Sunal jested. The dress, though layered and light, came to a clean collar below her neck.

"Not in the slightest." Doronien said, moving back to the closet and pulling a long dark blue overdress that had silver clampings in the front, as she put it over Sunal and began buckling the silver, it brought her waist more into prominence instead of hidden under the loose silken fabric that slid over her form, "though I must say stronger colors suit you more" Dodonies continued, stepping back nodding at her work."It is a good thing I chose green for you tomorrow. Your meeting is with the Elven-king Thranduil is most important if you wish to stay much longer than a few days. The elves here are never trusting, and that especially applies to our king."

"A meeting with the king so soon? I would have thought there would be more pressing things to be addressed than a lone traveler." Sunal said moving around getting used to the robes given to her.

"There are often meetings about keeping the spiders at bay, as they have grown more restless over these past few summers, and the issues with orcs comes upon us now and again, but this is currently a time of watchful peace. There is no large threat to this land as of yet." she said moving towards Sunal straightening some of the cloths over her arms, "So strangers take some priority." looking down on Sunal she gave a reassuring smile, "Worry not, you have the backing of Fainion, you saved his and another eliths life. We are very grateful for that action of kindness."

Fainion and an elith? She thought there was a third, "I am sorry to hear that the third did not make it." Sunal replied looking back to her bag wondering if it would be inappropriate to ask for a nicer container for her gift.

Taking the action as a look of guilt Doronien comforted her, "No child he simply passed on to make the long journey. He was already hailing his call to the sea, already on a journey here to say his goodbys to old friends in these lands. As was his sister, though she has lingered longer in these halls resting for the final journey."

"I see, well that is good to hear. I was wondering if it would be any trouble for you to acquire for me a simple wooden box about the size of a small lantern. My gift for the king is only in a small leather bag and I am afraid it is not grand enough." Sunal said changing the conversation and moving to her bag rummaging through she found the pouch, it was enough for two of her hands and attached it to the side of her overdress, quite odd looking on the beautiful fabric.

"Yes, I would be happy to find one suitable after dinner, if you would come with me, as a meal has been prepared," Doronien said gesturing towards the door. They moved through the halls Sunal doing her best to remember the differing paths as best she could. They came to a comfortable large room that spread into a balcony, a large oaken table sat in the middle with what looked like a bountiful feast with many vegetables and different colored foods she had never seen. Fainion sat at the opposite side of the room standing when Sunal walked in. "Please have a seat there is much to discuss." he gestured to a seat at the table. And Doronien backed out closing the door.

They had a lively conversation she told him of her travels through the different forest in middle earth, carefully weaving around any hint or illusion that might bring unnecessary questions. Fainion spoke to her of the adventures he had gone on in the Second age and how he was quite past any need to do so again. As the meal drew to a close the old elf sat back in his chair his hands rested in his lap and he looked carefully at Sunal, who only gave a strained questioning smile back before Fainion began speaking again, "Tomorrow there is a meeting with the King Thranduil, he is a good king here under the Greenwood. He is, as I am sure you have already heard, also untrusting of outsiders like yourself. You say you have a family, what makes you want to travel great and perilous distances alone to be in the company of elves, it can not be simply because we have entranced you?"

Sunal opened and closed her mouth thinking for a moment before speaking and grabbing a slug of sweet wine, "No, I have my father, that is true, and he is the only family I know. But he is getting up in years now and tired, he sleeps most of the time, resting in total complacency to the rest of the world. I am not needed by his side, I am simply his legacy." Sunal looked down into the glass of red, the best fabrications are mostly true she thought, "His legacy cannot live on if I am simply sitting by his side doing nothing." Holding on to the glass she stood from her chair and moved to the Balcony. "To be honest I was always curious about your kind. There are hints of your people all over Middle Earth. Whittled into almost every story and fable, and I was content with thinking of going west and growing stronger and learn about life there, but then I happened upon you and your unfortunate circumstances. Which by the by," she said turning back to look at Fainion, "I thought all elves were supposed to be skilled fighters, a few orcs should not have been too troublesome to you."

The elf lifted his arms outwards, but not fully, after holding them halfway out for a while Sunal could see this strained his body. As he lowered his arms he explained, "At one point, yes, I was a skilled fighter with the bow and sword, but over years of fighting I suffered one too many injuries. I took a crucial wound to my back a foolish sacrificial defense. The healer's even, at that time, thought it would be a critical wound, and that if I ever recovered that I would never walk again." He stood from his chair walking to her, "time can heal many wounds, and though I have healed far beyond any thought possible I will never be what I once was. It is simply a matter of accepting what you can do in this life and what you can not. Though I might not be able to fight as I once was I am able to sharpen my mind and be of help to this kingdom in those areas."

"I am sorry, to have brought to surface unpleasant memories for you," Sunal said, roughly thinking of a way to change the conversation.

"Think not of it. I see on your side you carry a pouch. It is a gift for his majesty? I am curious as to know what you thought would be befitting Thranduil the king of Mirkwood." Fanion sat back down noticing her un-comfort. "I am happy to host you in my halls during the duration of your stay, and the reasoning you told me is sufficient... for me. Tomorrow when you meet with his highness you should also focus on how 'when you saw hints of elves throughout the realms of men' that we seemed ever so much more intelligent. Flattery to him will make you seem untrustworthy, but add a little bit more if you truly want to learn about our kind. Be specific and clean spoken. I will be in the hall as your patron, but not by your side. You aided me in my time of need, the least I can do is sponsor you during the duration of your time here. You should also know that while the king does not care much for ceremonial decorum, he takes great pride in being respected as most rulers do. Be respectful and humble, remember that you are a human in the presence of Thranduil, son of Oropher, the Elven King who rules over the Woodland Realm.