Thanks to my beta Luckylily!

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            Eöl and Dίnendal were most surprised to see Jeryn dawned in red velvet.  Her eyes searched around the hall as she made her way toward them.  They both swore they would have never recognized her from across the dining hall if it was not for her moving so awkwardly while wearing it. 

"You look like a girl!"

"That is what I am half wits," she gave them a weary look, shook her head and attempted to sit down.

"Yallume!" replied Lólindir.

"In all sincerity it looks lovely.  But quite a change from what you are used to.  You do not need to try so hard.  We are simply teasing as we always do." Dίnendal whispered to her as she sat down.

             "I know."  She whispered back.  "Now," she beamed turning to them "Did you three leave me anything to eat…?"

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            As the day progressed to night, the group ate and mused over Jeryn's frail attempt to woo Haldir with a dress. 

"It was Lólindir's idea not mine!" She insisted.

Lólindir and Eöl annoyed one another back and forth making impressions of one another.  Eöl was indeed the more serious of the two but refused to coward to such a direct insult.  Jeryn decided to refrain from telling Eöl that Lólindir's portrayal of him was most uncanny.  Dίnendal out of curiosity questioned Jeryn if she was ever planning to give up archery and swordplay for a more ladylike role.  "Perhaps someday," She replied looking off into the distance.  "I am still a lady and the thought of motherhood does not intimidate me.  I would love to have children of my own and settle down though it will prove most difficult to cease my training." 

Lólindir gave a look of absolute shock.  "Give up your training?  My dear cousin, have you grown ill?"  He placed his hand on her forehead as if to check her temperature. 

"It is not that outrageous of an idea.  I have an eternity to continue fighting for our lord.  But what would happen if the ring of power should be destroyed?  In great peace there is little need for my services related to defense.  Could I not settle down for awhile? And what if we were all to leave for the Undying Lands?"

"Still you---"

His majesty Prince Legolas entered the hall suddenly and walked swiftly to Eöl.  He looked troubled and his faced lacked the glow which it usually shone.  "When shall you be returning to my father?" He asked.

"In two days time my lord.  Lord Celeborn wishes to meet again tomorrow."

"Before you leave I request to see you as to hand over a personal letter to give to my father.  It is of no urgency.  I simply wish to write to him not only to thank him for his continuing love but for other matters as well."  He had a crack in his voice.

"As you wish, my lord."

"Are you well heruamin?" Jeryn asked quite concerned. 

Legolas glanced toward Jeryn and his flat expression changed to one of bewilderment.  "My archer has become a princess!  What could cause such a change?  I have always seen thee clad armour and unjustly denied the view of her true grace."

"His majesty flatters me so.  But he does not need to do so, for I would serve him regardless."

"Aye.  But it is my people whom I treasure most.  Especially when I am most troubled and in need of their support."

"What troubles our lord?"

Legolas lowered his head and whispered the name of Gandalf the Gray.  He explained how he tried to hold everything in so as not to trouble the young Hobbits.  "I grieve silently to give them strength at the expense of my own.  First the ring resurfaces, then Gollum escapes from our land and then dear Gandalf falls into shadow."  He began to tear softly and they rose from their seats and surrounded him.

"Your majesty, do not fret over things which you have no control over.  None of it is your fault," Jeryn replied.

"My lord do you wish to retire to a more private place to mourn," suggested Eöl.  "You need to talk it out my lord.  We are very willing to listen."  The others watched in anticipation.

The prince straightened himself up and followed Eöl and Lólindir out of the hall.  Dίnendal went to the table of the Lord and Lady to explain the situation as they had been watching with great worry.  Jeryn left the hall as well but did not follow the prince and the others.  She felt a 'man to men' talk was needed and that was something in which she would not fit in even if they thought she might.

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Night had fallen.  The air was cool and the sky was clear.  Jeryn walked through the city draped in its soft light.  Stopping at the great fountain, she watched as its water fell into the silver basin and then streamed out in columns of white.  The stars reflected off the stream and the golden leaves creating a warm glow. 

She reached out to touch it and lo the water was warm.  Gathering the length of her dress she sat down and looked gloomily at her reflection in the water.  She looked more elegant than she had in years but he had not been present in the hall. 

All this for nothing but a joke…

Reaching into the pocket of her dress, she pulled out her small dagger which she had decided to carry as she felt strange not carrying anything at all.  Jeryn traced its hilt with her finger and lined the grooves of its designs on its handle.

Two elves ran frantically past where she sat and briskly made their way upwards.  They were clothed in grey mail and white cloaks.  A moment later a few whistles blew and several elves climbed down from a set of ladders.  Anxious to find out what was happening, she followed them through the city to the gates of the forest.  There were several guards posting themselves along its edges.  She ran and questioned one of the guards.  He looked at her with wide eyes and insisted it was rather foolish of her to depart from the city. Another remarked that it was no place for a lady.  A third whom stated he had recognized her in the hall of the lord in lady in the morning whispered gently in her ear.   "Have no worry.  There is a band of orcs and goblins making their way through the trees.  I do doubt they will reach the gates but if one so wanders…"

"I wish to assist," she spoke with an air of confidence in her voice, "I can ready quickly.  Please."  The elf considered her request for a moment and motioned her to follow.  Lending her some Lorien garments, armour and a few spare weapons she departed secretly through the gate into the dark.

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To be continued…

Thought this was a good place to leave off.  I don't want people to think that Legolas is weak in any way for crying.  Elves are very caring and emotional beings.  I am trying to show the love that the Mirkwood elves have for their lords and the love that the lords have for their people.

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Yallume! (At last)

Heruamin (my lord)