In the fourteen years that had passed since her father's death, Norusell had grown into a strong, proud woman.  She had completed the journey to Dol Amroth where she had been welcomed warmly by her uncle, Thalion, an advisor to Prince Imrahil.  His son Calenmir and daughter Aurrin had come to love their little cousin as a sister, though Aurrin was sometimes embarrassed by Nori's insistence on dressing and acting like a boy.  But these peculiarities endeared her to Calenmir, and she quickly became his best playmate and friend.

Her uncle continued the training her father had begun.  Her skill with the bow increased until she could match any bowman in the Prince's army, and she was taught to fight with a sword and throw a knife with precision.  She had an insatiable curiosity about history and other lands and peoples, especially Elves, and would sit for hours listening to tales of Mirkwood and Numenor.  Thalion was proud of her talents, but prouder still of her character.  He had feared she would prove too much like her mother, reckless and irresponsible beyond control.  When she first came to Dol Amroth her grief made her ill-tempered and stubborn.  But time had proved her to be Feredin's daughter, with a noble heart and kind manner worthy of a lady, even if she refused to dress the part.

One early spring day, Nori woke with a start.  Although she had not been plagued with any of the strange dreams that sometimes disturbed her rest, she had not slept well.  She had been looking forward to this day for many years, and had lain awake long into the night with her heart full of anticipation.  Today Calenmir returned from Minas Tirith, bringing his new bride with him.

It was not merely the fact of Cal's marriage that made Nori so happy.  The wife he had chosen was none other than Thalestel, an old friend of Nori's whom she thought of almost as a sister.  Thalestel and her mother had gone to Minas Tirith nearly four years ago after her father had been killed in the war against Sauron.  Calenmir had also fought in the war, and had returned to Minas Tirith many times since.  On this final trip he had married Thalestel, whom he had loved since childhood, and was finally bringing her home to Dol Amroth.

Nori jumped out of bed and quickly dressed in her usual mannish attire.  After braiding her hair and putting on her boots, she went in search of breakfast.  She smiled to herself as she remembered the other reason this day was so special: today was her 24th birthday, and tonight there would be a party.

As she reached the door to the dining hall she paused and frowned slightly, hearing voices on the other side.  Then suddenly her smile returned, bigger and brighter than before, and she threw open the door.

"Cal?!?"

The people in the room turned toward her, and a handsome young man with dark hair grinned at the surprise in her face.

"Surely I haven't been gone so long that you don't recognize me?," he said.

"Cal!," Nori squealed, throwing her arms around his neck.  "I didn't expect you until this afternoon!"

Calenmir laughed and hugged her tightly.

"I am glad you haven't forgotten me, Nori, but this display isn't very lady-like," he teased, releasing her.

"When was Norusell ever lady-like?," asked a woman's voice in the same tone.  Nori turned, and laughed with delight to see Thalestel.

"I see you are as wild as ever, Nori.  I'm glad things have not changed much while I've been away," she said, embracing her friend.

Nori blushed slightly, feeling a little foolish.  Thalestel had grown into a beautiful and graceful woman while in Minas Tirith, and Nori still sometimes got the feeling that people thought her own boyish ways very strange.  For a brief moment she wondered if people would compare her to Thalestel and think less of her.  Then Thalestel squeezed her hand, and Nori forgot her worry.  She was so happy to have her friends safely home, nothing else mattered.

Aurrin soon joined them and they sat down to breakfast.  Norusell enthusiastically joined in a discussion of King Elessar's continuing efforts to rid Middle-Earth of Orcs, of which Cal knew much as he was friends with both the King and Lord Faramir of Ithilien.  King Eomer of Rohan had recently been in Minas Tirith, a fact which peaked Thalion's interest, as Eomer had married Lothiriel, the daughter of Prince Imrahil.  After that topic was exhausted, Nori turned to her cousin.

"Tell me all the news of Ithilien.  Have any more Elves come there from Mirkwood?"

Calenmir laughed.

"I know what you really want to ask.  Tell me all the news of Prince Legolas.  This is unlike you, Nori.  You are usually so straightforward. Or has my wife made you shy?," he asked, a twinkle in his gray eyes.

"I don't know what you mean," said Nori, blushing a deep red.  "I will not deny that I have a great interest in the Elves, but I have never thought long on any one Elf in particular.  I hope Thalestel is aware of how many of the things you say are nothing but foolishness," she finished, tossing her head.  Thalestel stifled a laugh but said nothing.

"Calenmir, do not tease your cousin," said Thalion, smiling himself.  "It is her birthday afterall."

"I have not forgotten, Father.  As for Ithilien, I will only say that it is more beautiful than ever.  No more Elves have come from Mirkwood, but there are plans to bring more down once some improvements are completed.  Legolas himself will travel to Mirkwood and bring them down," he added, smiling wickedly at his cousin.

Before Nori could reply a messenger came in to call Thalion to the palace.  It was decided that Calenmir should join him, and the others would join Thalestel on a walk through the city.  As he was leaving Calenmir took Nori's hand.

"I meant what I said about your birthday, Nori.  I brought you some presents from Minas Tirith."

Nori's eyes lit up, and she instantly forgave his teasing.  Cal gave wonderful presents.

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**In case anyone was wondering, Norusell is in no way based on me.  Norusell is a rough translation of 'fiery maiden' into Sindarin, and I shortened it to Nori simply for my convenience, since I wrote the whole story out by hand before posting it.  My pen name, on the other hand, is a shortening of Ennoriel, my username on a LotR message board I visit. ~ Nori