Nori, on Glamren's arm, left the Halls and entered a large green courtyard.  Many eyes were turned to watch the progress of the Prince's beautiful friend, but Nori's were turned in search of one person only.

"Legolas will be with us soon," said Glamren, reading her thoughts.  "He is with the King.  He asked me to introduce you to anyone you might wish to know."

There were many Nori wished to know, so many she wasn't quite sure where to begin.  As she was trying to decide, they were approached by two Elves that bore a striking resemblance to Legolas.  The male Elf stepped forward and bowed.

"Lady Norusell," he said, "I am Hildir, eldest son of King Thranduil.  It is an honor to meet any friend of my brother's, but especially one so skilled in the fight.  This is my sister, Elunell," he finished, turning to the woman with him.  She smiled warmly as Nori bowed awkwardly to them both, blushing fiercely.

"Welcome to Mirkwood, Nori – may I call you so?" 

Nori nodded, and Elunell continued.

"I hope you are feeling quite well?"

"Perfectly so, thank you.  I have been shown such kindness, I should feel ashamed if I did not."

Elunell laughed softly.

"I am glad to hear it.  Would you care to take a short turn with me before the feast begins?  I am afraid once my father and brother make their appearance, they will have a monopoly on your time for the duration of the night."

Elunell had a gift for putting people at ease, and Nori accepted her offer gladly.  They walked toward a small group of finely dressed elves sitting under an oak, and Hildir followed them, saying very little.  As they approached, two elven-maids ran to meet them.  They were identical in every way except for the color of their dresses, with light brown hair, green eyes, and smiling faces.  Even Nori could tell they were quite a bit younger than the others she had met, perhaps similar in age to Westryn.

"Nori, these are my cousins, Gelthoniel and Tuthoniel.  Cousins, this is Lady Norusell of Dol Amroth," said Elunell.

"It is wonderful to meet you, Nori, for we have heard much of you from Legolas and Glamren," said Gelthoniel, who was wearing blue.  Tuthoniel, in green, repeated the welcome, but in a quieter way.  Nori instantly liked them both.

They sat with the group under the oak, where they were soon joined by Glamren, Faunryn, and Westryn.  Nori became so absorbed in talking with her new friends, that she almost forgot to wonder when Legolas would appear.

Almost.



Finally, a horn sounded, and King Thranduil entered the courtyard with Legolas beside him.  Hildir and Elunell went to meet them, and Elunell gave her brother's hand a light squeeze.

"I like your friend Nori very much, brother.  She's quite the lady, though I don't think she enjoys being addressed as such," she said with a smile.

"It is an honor she hasn't been used to enjoying, though she certainly deserves it. Where is she?"

Legolas scanned the courtyard as they walked to their seats.  He had seen his siblings come from a large oak near the center of the court, and peered carefully in that direction.  He smiled and nodded to his cousins, raising his hand to wave.

His hand stopped in mid-air and his smile faltered slightly, as his eyes came to rest on the woman standing beside Gelthoniel.  She was tall, dressed in green and silver, with dark hair than fell in waves down her back.  Large blue-green eyes stared at him with such bright intensity that he nearly lost his breath.  There was something in that look Legolas found very familiar.

Suddenly, the woman smiled at him, and recognition hit him with the strength of a blow.  This woman, the loveliest creature he had ever seen, was none other than his friend Norusell!  The realization stopped him in his tracks, and he simply stood there, his mind whirling with confusion.

His thoughts were interrupted by his father's voice, addressing him quietly.

"I wish your friend to join us at the head table," said the King.  "From what you have told me of her, I think she would be more comfortable if you invited her, rather than I."

Legolas dragged his eyes away from Nori and looked at his father's face, trying to compose himself.  Finally, he cleared his throat and took a deep breath to calm himself.

"Of course," he said.  "I will go now and ask her."



Nori had a wonderful evening.  She thought Legolas did not seem quite himself, and she found him many times looking at her closely, almost thoughtfully.

"Is there something wrong with my dress?," she finally asked.

"No!," he said quickly, and to her surprise actually blushed.  "You look…very lovely."

Nori looked at him expectantly, obviously waiting for some explanation.

"I just have never seen you in a dress before," he said finally.  "You're beautiful."

Nori blushed, then smiled and shook her head.

"And you're strange, even for an Elf! But thank you for saying so."

The rest of the night was spent eating, drinking, and talking.  Songs were sung and toasts were offered.  Nori danced several times, thankful now for the lessons of her youth.  Her last dance was with Legolas.  When it was over she said goodnight, and went to bed happier than she had ever been.