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Lunian smiled slightly, lost in her memories.
Legolas stood at the head of the table, one hand raised in a plea for silence. Not a minute passed before every being in the hall was quiet, waiting for the prince's announcement.
"Elves of Middle-Earth," he began, smiling slightly as he glanced at a few who had traveled from Lothlorien, and still did not view themselves Mirkwood elves. "In my time with the fellowship, when the hobbits were separated from the rest of us, Aragorn, Gimli and I came to an ancient wood. The trees are lighter than those of Mirkwood, though they more so show their age. Ents, tree herders, live within the forest still. They would welcome elves in their woods once more." He paused and drew himself up to his full height, his eyes flashing as he looked around the hall. "I plan to remove there within a year. Any who wish to explore that ancient forest, to know it before we all leave these shores are welcome to join me. There is no need for haste in your decision. Enjoy what remains of the night," he bowed his head slightly, concluding his little spiel, and held out a hand for Lunian.
She blushed slightly, not having expected being put on the spot, but she rose beside him, tucked into his embrace while he glanced to his father, receiving a nod of dismissal.
After that, he had taken her back to their room and crawled into bed, saying nothing more than his typical, 'sleep well, my love,' before he fell into a deep sleep.
That had been three months ago, and since then elves had been crawling out of the woodwork to see her, speak to her. The first dozen times she had been knocked for a loop, but she had gotten used to it. When they first came, they said only a few things, asked her a question or two, blinked as if in surprise, and left. They always returned before more than a few days had passed, with more questions or more things to say.
Legolas had said they were sizing her up, and she had to agree. She could think of no other reason they would go from glaring at her coldly from a distance to approaching her themselves.
"Lunian?" a soft voice asked.
She blinked and turned, seeing a she-elf behind her. "Yes, Nallina?"
Nallina's ears flushed slightly and she lowered her eyes. As far as elves went, she was young. No more than nine hundred years. "I wondered if you would walk with me in the gardens," she murmured softly, still not looking at her.
Lunian smiled, her heart leaping up in her chest. "I was on my way anyway. Have you a preference?"
Nallina shook her head. "Not really. I like being outside, but…"
"You don't want to wear weaponry just to be around flowers," Lunian finished dryly.
Nallina's wide blue eyes blinked at her in surprise, and then she smiled in pleasure. "Exactly," she agreed.
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