Chapter 23

There had been an underlying feeling of worry all that morning, just detectable behind the usual good premonition that he had felt every morning since arriving at the colony. The last of the orcs had been defeated midmorning the previous day and the rest of it was dedicated to clean up; dragging the foul bodies to a distance where they could be burnt. Today they were to travel to the caves, where his father reigned. It was a scant three days by horseback and he wanted to get an early start.

Lilluil cautiously approached him, trying to appear calm but he could hear the difference in her step and breathing. Her horse was already prepared, he had seen to it first. He placed the brush on the edge of the fence and turned to look at her. She was truly a southern elf.

Her hair still hung free, unbound as was the way of the southern elves who didn't have to deal with the stray branches of the north woods. He would get her to braid it before they left. Her traveling clothes had obvious signs of alterations from what had to be southern design to more enclosing wraps for warmth. It was also obvious from her stride that she was still unused to wearing boots, even after the month or so since he had found her in the forest.

"I'm ready, to go that is." She told him, obviously nervous in his presence.

He grieved the difficulties that had made their relationship so awkward. "That's good. Come the rest of the group is almost ready to depart." He guided the horse forward with a hand on it's neck and started for the rest of the group. Eleven other horses were saddled and ready to go.

He waited to see if she needed aide, getting atop her horse, as she was not as tall as the rest of them. But she managed, using the fence as a step to climb atop with ease. Just as he swung astride Iiten and Tanielle came sliding down the rope to the ground.

Tanielle, to his surprise was not normally the commanding figure he had first met. After the first encounter she had, to Iiten's relief and surprise, switched back into a soft-spoken thoughtful maiden. She came running across the grass a few steps behind Iiten who whistled for his horse. Lilluil dismounted just in time to receive a crushing hug from the slim girl, and proceeded to quietly exchange a goodbye.

Iiten in the meantime was furiously stuffing provisions into one of his belt pouches. Legolas trotted over to him. "What are you doing Iiten? "

The elf leapt upwards and slid a leg across the back of his horse. "Coming with you of course, I was only late because Tanielle dearest wanted to give me a proper goodbye. She and I had a nice long talk and she decided that she had stuff to finish up before she moved into my flet. Naturally I wanted to stay but she convinced me that the group couldn't possibly function without me."

Legolas blinked and glanced at the second of the two women, who was pressing an extra, thicker cloak into Lilluil's hands despite protest and giving some last minute instructions.

"Oh, she also told me a few things that might help you about Lilluil." He started to chuckle. "Of course if you want to know them you better be nice." Legolas scowled, but Iiten continued. "Apparently she's a grand cook, especially in the wilderness and I don't intend on missing out on southern recipes so make sure you share any tidbits you happen to be granted with." He grinned sadistically.

Legolas shook his head in annoyance and turned to check on the ladies again. Still talking, thoughtfully he tuned up his hearing just enough to see the topic.

"…it's real, the guys actually do feel a link, some women have been known to feel it too but they're quite rare."

"I still don't know about this whole thing…despite everything it still seems a little far fetched."

"Lilluil, do you really harbor any real distaste for him? I know that you had a rather bad first impression but they're men, they aren't known for subtly, especially in this area. If you stop referring to what he's done that's silly you'll realize that the two of you are perfect for each other. Besides you look so cute together…"

"Tanielle!"

"Just relax. If it makes you feel any better he's new to this too. Given he's grown up with it happening around him but the guys really don't know anything about it until they find us. Iiten told me all about it last night I can tell you…Legolas stop eavesdropping."

He quickly subdued the spell and looked for a distraction. Iiten's grinning face didn't help much, and he could feel her watching him. Probably with intense disapproval. After another minute or so Tanielle gave her another hug, which she returned naturally. He couldn't help but feel jealous, even though Tanielle was female. Finally she darted back to the colony and Lilluil climbed back on top of her horse.

Holil rolled his eyes. "Let's go."

They rode for distance, to get to another outpost before night fell. In accordance with what Aragorn had told him about her abilities she turned out to be quite proficient on a horse. She kept pace with the group easily and stayed pretty close, occasionally shooting wary glances at the passing wood, although it was probably out of unfamiliarity with the terrain. They made good time and reached their destination an hour before sunset without problems. Once there, they gave the control of their mounts over to Fathiel who winked at him and led the herd to a guarded clearing not far away.

He walked with her as they traveled the last little portion on foot to where they could get high enough to reach the level of the flets. Iiten sidled up beside them walking in pace on the other side of her.

"So how did you enjoy the ride Lilluil, the north is quite different from the south isn't it?"

She nodded. "Quite different, a lot denser."

"I saw you studying the foliage the entire way, how is it you know so much about northern plants for a southern elf?"

She shrugged. "Some are in the south too."

"Like the silver fern? And Sucor?" he pressed.

"No, we have different ones but I learned them all at the same time."

"A learned lady, wonderful! Would you happen to know what the Fostav plant looks like?"

Legolas blanched and swatted at Iiten over her head. "You taint her with your perversions! Go annoy someone else." Iiten ducked the swing and ran off to join another discussion laughing. Fostav was an herb often drunk in wine at festivals and before a wedding night. He didn't want her to think that northern elves were all like Iiten… Unknown to him though she was struggling not to smile under the hood of her cloak.

They arrived at the angled fallen tree which was used to get up to the flet when Holil confronted them.

"We are currently lacking some various items, and since Lilluil is knowledgeable about them we were wondering if she'd be willing to collect some for us."

"It'd be a pleasure, do you have a list of any particulars?"

"Yes actually." He handed her a small slip of paper and a basket, a line of seven or eight trailed down the center of the paper.

Legolas looked over the list as well, recalling one or two. "I'll go with her."

Holil smiled slyly. "Take your time, but some are needed for dinner, so be back before it's too dark." He winked at Lilluil who fidgeted. Legolas smiled and waved him off, leading her into the woods.