Next chapter, posted at the same time as the last (short, I know):
Elwyn
I turned from the closed door to inspect my room, relieved to finally be able to remove my cloak.
My bed sat against the far right wall, a canopy designed from intricate wood carvings hanging over it. A high balcony protruded from two double doors across the room from where I stood. I walked over to it and pulled open the glass-plated doors, stepping out onto the overhang and leaning against the balustrade to gaze out at the view. Quite different from what I was accustomed to, but no less beautiful, depending on how you looked at it.
I assumed Legolas had returned to my father's side in the Council after he had left me here, and I was almost grateful for that. His attentions were…unnerving, to say the least. I didn't enjoy the way my stomach turned when he was near. It had been a new sensation and it made me feel far less in control than I liked to be.
My thoughts shifted back to the present, to Gondor. I knew it would not be long before my father would begin insisting that I attend these council meetings, to prepare me. I suppose he thought a princess should be involved in her country and it was truly now the Age of Men. It was my place.
But oh, I was young. Too young in my opinion to be concerned with wars or politics. I had barely seen a score of seasons. Most of my life had been spent in the refuge of the dying Elven lands, and never had I seen as much turmoil as my teachers had, nor any of the Men I dwelled with now had.
I considered Legolas again; all that he had been through, all that had happened to his people. Here mine had everything before them and I was complaining to myself.
Regardless of how young I was, perhaps it was time I grew up a little.
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Next post is when some problems start (though not even close to mush yet, sorry to all you hopeless romantics ! ;) )