She Was So Normal
Farewell to the Fellowship
It was very late, or at least, the sun had set a while ago and Haldir had already gone home when there was a knock on her door. She went to it and saw Boromir through the little beveled glass window and opened it up.
"What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" Renee asked as she stood aside for him to come in.
"Did I wake you?" he asked, sounding apologetic.
"No, I was up still, but it's kinda late. What brings you here at this hour?" she replied.
"We leave in the morning and I feared if I did not come to see you tonight, I would not get to say goodbye to you at all," Boromir answered.
"Oh, Haldir told me this evening. I was planning on coming down in the morning with him to see you all off," Renee said. "Though you obviously wouldn't know that."
"Even if I had, I still would have come up to say goodbye tonight, though I would have told you I was coming first," Boromir said.
Renee nodded. "If Haldir had told me sooner, I would have invited you up. But you're here now anyway, so come in and sit for a minute. Would you like some tea or mead or wine? I think I might even have some beer actually, if that's more your preference."
"What do you have on the table there?" Boromir asked, seeing her cup.
"Wine."
"Then I shall have that also," he said.
Renee got out another cup and poured him some and handed it to him. "Want to join me by the fire?"
"I would," he answered.
They went into the little living room and sat beside each other on the couch. They were quiet a moment until Boromir finally broke the silence and said, "I stand by the decision we made to not pursue things as you are leaving for your home, but I would still like to have things spoken between us."
Renee wasn't sure what to say. She knew he was going to leave with the Fellowship and then… she knew this was the last chance either of them had at anything between them because even if she did go down to the Fellowship in the morning, there would be eight other people plus an assortment of elves around. Maybe she had had too much wine with dinner, maybe she was feeling lonely, maybe she was feeling sentimental as heck, but whatever the reason she said, "I would too."
"I know we have known each other but a short time, but I have fallen in love with you. I might have persuaded you to stay and not return to your home, but if you asked me to tarry here and then go to your home with you, I would have refused to the breaking of my heart, for I have duties here I cannot forsake and for the love of my kin, and I am sure the same is true of you also," he said.
"You are a very noble man, Boromir," Renee said quietly. "I admire that about you greatly. I – I won't lie to you and say that I love you, because I really don't know for sure. I think I might be starting to… I do know I care about you a great deal and I am going to miss you terribly and for all the worlds, I wish we could have given this a chance. Another world, another life – we might have had something, but you're right – you would have rightly refused to come with me, and I don't even know if I can refuse to leave for you. I might not even have a choice in the matter. To be perfectly honest," she said, her eyes starting to mist over, "it's just nice to know I've been loved, even if it can't go anywhere. I thank you for that." She pulled a kerchief out of her sleeve and began wiping her eyes.
"Ah! but now I grieve that I have made you weep. I have done wrong to do so," he said, sounding genuinely upset.
"Don't be ridiculous," she said thickly, mastering herself.
"Pray tell me what I can do to make up for the tears I have caused you to shed," he pleaded, taking her hand in his.
"No really, Boromir," she said, sounding much more her normal self, "I am fine."
"Then at least allow me to give you something remember me by," he said, as he reached into the collar of his shirt and began pulling out something on a chain. Attached to the chain was a large gold ring with a round flat face and something carved into it. He pulled the chain over his head and handed it to her. "Take this."
She took it and examined it. "What is this?" she asked.
"It is my signet ring. I brought it with me in case I needed to prove who I am, but I am nearing home now and with eight others who can vouch for me, so I need it not," he answered.
She looked at the design carved into the gold face of the ring. It was complicated and a little hard to decipher. "Won't you need this when you get home?"
"Nay, it is an old one that no longer fits any of my fingers. I keep it for these occasions when I travel, but I can have another made easily enough. I imagine it shall be far too large for any of your delicate fingers, so you may keep the silver chain also," he answered.
She looked down at the heavy gold ring in her hand and then up at Boromir and said, "I… I really don't know what to say besides thank you. And I really wish I had something to give you in return, but I have next to nothing here but what has been loaned to me."
"I know that well enough," Boromir replied. "But if there was anything I might ask of you, it would be a kiss."
"I could give you that," Renee said.
Boromir looked at her steadily and she could see desire fighting with his sense of honor and duty. "You need not if you do not wish to."
"But I do," she replied.
"Then I shall take it gladly," Boromir said. They leaned in and kissed. He gently caressed her face and then wrapped her in his arms and kissed her again.
Why, oh why did he have to be such a good kisser? And have such strong arms? And be so freaking good looking?
"I ought to go for it is late," Boromir said as he stood. "But I shall cherish your kiss always. Goodbye, fair Renee. Safe travels back to your own world and I wish you good health and happiness. I hope one day you find a man there who is worthy of you."
She stood and followed him to the door. "Goodbye Boromir. I'll never forget you."
"And what better thing could a man ask for than to be remembered by so fair a maiden? Farewell and goodnight," he said and then he kissed her again and left.
She shut the door behind him and slumped into one of the kitchen table chairs. "Well, at least I got a kiss," she mumbled to herself. He was gone. She would say goodbye to the Fellowship tomorrow, but for all intents and purposes – he was out of her life now. At least she knew he loved her. At least she a got a kiss. As morbid as it was – she was sorta glad she knew he was gonna die. It removed the temptation to do something stupid like stay forever and go chasing after him in Gondor later only to find out he was dead and she was stuck.
She frowned as she looked around. She really wanted some company. A few friends, a few drinks…How did that song go again?
Tip it on back, make it feel good
Sip a little more than you know you should
Let the smoke roll, off your lips
Let it all go whatever it is
And tip it on back
I don't wanna lose this feeling
And I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna remember what I'm here to forget tonight
So tip it on back
She finished off her wine and grabbed a cloak and headed out into the lamp lit walkways of Caras Galadhon. She wasn't even sure what she was going to do, or what she wanted or anything else, but she decided she'd see if Haldir or Aranor had any lights on and if they did… she'd figure that out when she got there. She wasn't even sure if she wanted them to be up still or not. What time was it anyway? She made her way over to the houses of Haldir and Aranor and almost turned around and left as soon as she arrived. What was she doing? She was being ridiculous… She stood on the pathway between the two houses stock still for a moment. She should just go home… Was that music?
"Renee! What brings you here?" came Haldir's voice.
She looked around, "Where are you?"
"Look up at my roof," Haldir said. She raised her eyes and saw him and his wife with Aranor up on his roof with a couple of lanterns lit.
"Is anything wrong?" Aranor asked.
"No, I just…" she started then trailed off.
"Come inside and tell us," Haldir said. "The door is open. I will meet you inside."
She gathered herself a little and headed into his house, trying desperately to figure out what to tell him. The house had a few lights lit, but only just enough to see. It seemed that whatever was going on, was going on up on the roof patio balcony things they all seemed to have and it seemed there was definitely something going on up there. She didn't make it too much further than the entryway when Haldir met her, followed by Aranor.
"Sounds like you are having a party," Renee said. "If you are, I can leave-"
"It is a party of sorts," Haldir said. "Several elves from around Lothlórien that speak the Common Tongue are in the city now to aid the Fellowship with their departure in the morning and we invited them here. I would have invited you, but it all happened after I left your house and it was late already. But what brings you here?"
"Oooh… I just… It's nothing. I just felt like a walk and wandered here," she said lamely.
Both of them looked at her, clearly not believing a word of her story.
"Renee, we are friends. You need not hide things from us, but if you do not wish to talk of it, simply say so," Aranor said gently.
"Come in and sit down," Haldir said, taking her elbow and leading her into the sitting room.
She plopped down onto the couch and blurted out, "After you left, Haldir, Boromir came by to say goodbye and-" she balked. "We kissed goodbye and suddenly I felt really lonely and on an impulse just grabbed my cloak and wandered this way and here I am."
It made sense. They understood. "You wandered well. Come up and join us and forget your grief for a little while," Haldir said.
"Alright," she said. As they reached the side door with the stair that led up to the roof, she heard music and singing. There was a little porch just off the kitchen and one set of stairs led down to a walkway and the other led up to the roof. They went up and at the top she saw a handful of elves she hadn't met before along with Elwen.
Formal introductions were made and immediately a drink was placed in her hand, and some very friendly conversation ensued in a mix of elvish and the Common Tongue to accommodate both Renee and Elwen as one or two them talked and played music at the same time. In Renee's opinion, this was like the most low key informal party in the history of parties. It had impromptu friends over for coffee vibes, but with fabulous desserts, a jam session, and bonfire vibes all rolled together. After a few hours Renee decided she was tired enough and had juuuuust enough alcohol in her system to get herself to sleep, so she thanked Haldir for inviting her up and Aranor insisted on walking her home, but left as soon as she was safe inside.
The next morning Haldir arrived bright and early as usual and found Renee already stirring.
"I am glad to find you awake," Haldir said after they exchanged 'good mornings'.
"Oh?"
"The Fellowship is leaving today and I am to go to help them," Haldir replied.
"Guess you're a popular translator," Renee said.
Haldir laughed, "Or there truly are very few of us that speak your language. They are going to need a guide down to the river and some help with learning how to use our boats along with some help arranging things and preparing to leave. I am on my way over there now and I expect it shall take some time. I only stopped by to let you know I will not be here much today."
Renee nodded. "Thanks for letting me know. Do you suppose I could come down there with you to say goodbye?"
"I can think of no reason why you could not. I am meeting them down where they are staying and then leading them onward from there."
"Oh, perfect! Then after I'll just return here or wander elsewhere. Is it cold today?"
"It is a bit cool. You should probably dress warmly."
"I'll go get my cloak," she said before dashing off to her room.
They headed down and over and all the sides of the tent were rolled back and the remains of breakfast
"Oh look – Renee is here!" Sam said.
Renee walked up with a wave. "Hello everyone! I heard you all were leaving today. I want to thank you all again for bringing me here. I'm really grateful you all found me and not anything else," Renee said.
"You are very welcome, milady," Gimli said, breaking away from the work.
"Indeed! And I am glad we have gotten to know you," Boromir added, pausing his own packing so he could talk to her.
The Hobbits all went over to her. "We're glad to have made your acquaintance as well," Sam said.
"We hope you make it home soon," Frodo said.
"And that you don't forget us," Merry added.
"It's sad that we won't see you again," Pippin said.
"We shall certainly miss you," Merry said.
Renee smiled down at them. They might barely reach her chest, but after however long she'd been there, she almost couldn't believe she ever thought they were children, even if only for a moment while half concussed. She fought off a choked up feeling just enough to reply in an even voice, "I'll certainly miss you all as well. You guys have become my friends. Take care of yourselves, okay?"
"We will," they all replied.
Just then Aragorn came up and said, "I shall miss you as well. I hope you find yourself safely home soon. Take care of yourself, Renee."
She nodded and said, "Thank you, Aragorn. You take care of yourself too."
He gave a grin that looked nearly rascally, and replied, "I have been for a long time and I plan to keep doing so."
"And keep an eye on my friend Lothril, too," she added as Lothril and Legolas came striding up.
"I shall, but I am certain I will not be the only one," Aragorn said with a smile and headed back to the boats.
"Friend Renee! How are you this morning?" Legolas greeted.
"Sad to see you all go, but I know you must. How are you?" she replied.
"Well enough. Leaving so fair a place as this is not easy. You are blessed to be able to spend a little more time here," Legolas replied.
"I am starting to consider myself blessed for coming here at all," Renee replied.
"Indeed, you are," Legolas replied.
"Do you know when you'll go home yet?" Sam asked.
"Yes, it's still a little ways off though," she replied.
"At least you know you will get home," Frodo said.
She nodded. "It is a comforting thought." Just then several Elves came up carrying a variety of bundles. "Oh, it looks like the send-off committee is here. I'll leave you all to finish packing. Thank you all again and I hope-" her gaze fell on Boromir and she choked. "Be careful."
"Goodbye, friend Renee," Pippin said.
"Take care!" Merry said.
"Farewell and I hope you are home soon," Frodo said.
"Take care, Miss Renee and don't forget us!" Sam said.
"It was a pleasure to know you," Gimli said.
"It has been honor to know you," Boromir added with a bow, and he gently took her hand and kissed it.
"Farewell Renee, and blessings to you," Aragorn said.
"Take care of yourself and may the stars shine upon the end of your road. Farwell, friend!" Legolas said.
"Farwell, friend," she replied. "Um, Lothril, can I speak to you for minute?" Renee asked.
"Certainly," she replied. "Let's go a little ways away from everyone." Lothril lead Renee several yards away from the main flurry of activity. "What is on your mind?"
"Lothril, is it certain that I will return home on March first?" Renee asked.
"If that is what you were told, then yes. No one spoke to me of your return date, but as the matter does not involve me, I suppose there was not any need. Why?"
Renee frowned. "Well, a month ago, I would have traded an arm, a leg, and a kidney to get home and now… I dunno. I feel like I've gotten some perspective, you know? I mean, I got so wrapped up with stupid, pointless things. Just look at how they live here – no internet, no TV, no cell phones – yet they're so much more connected to each other. I mean, the other night I spent it with a handful elves that I could talk to and we just sat around telling stories and talking about things and they taught me a few songs and it was just really nice being with people, not just occupying the same space. I'm not sure I'm too keen on the idea of going back to a world where people just occupy the same space as me. I've made friends here, and I'm going to miss them horribly."
Lothril was quiet for a moment then said, "I am sorry about you having to leave friends behind, but we both know that's just the way of things – friends come and friends go, but the memories and their impact on our lives remain no matter the space or the time that sunders us. As for the other, that was bad enough in 2004, and I imagine it's only gotten worse. I know it's going to feel like an uphill battle, but maybe you're what the people around you need – someone to remind them what it's like to be connected. I know the thought might not be all that thrilling, but to be honest, neither is the road I am on. I have a part to play in this business and once… things are decided… I've got to go back for a while and help correct the mess that occurred when something decided to punch holes in the universe."
Renee made a face and said, "Well, I certainly don't envy you. It's been a while since I read the books and all, but I remember enough to know, I don't envy what you're going to go through, no matter what road you take. How did Bilbo put it? Something like, 'Nasty affairs, adventures. Make you late for tea.'"
Lothril laughed. "Something like that. What was the date again when you left our world?"
"October fourth, twenty-fourteen," she answered. "Why?"
Aragorn called over to Lothril and signaled they were ready to leave. "Well, it looks like I must leave. Good luck to you, Renee. Farewell!" she said.
"Good luck to you too. And from one nerd to another, live long and prosper," Renee said, holding up her hand in the Vulcan salute.
"Peace and long life," Lothril replied, returning the salute. With that Lothril turned and rejoined the Company.
"And a Trekkie too," Renee said shaking her head and smiling as she watched Lothril walk away. She watched them from a distance for a while and then turned and headed back up to her house. When she reached the last platform from which she knew she could see them she turned and watched for a little while until at last she saw them fall in line behind Haldir and head out. "Goodbye, farewell, and Amen," she muttered.
She felt a bit melancholy as she watched the last one disappear from her sight. She sighed and gathered herself and tried to decide what she wanted to do. Did she want to go back to the cottage or maybe go get some mead? She was standing there dithering when Aranor came strolling up.
"Mae govannen, Renee mellon nin! How are you today?" he asked.
"A bit dem (sad) to be perfectly honest. The Fellowship just left and succeed or fail, I will never see them again. It's a very strange feeling. I mean, I've buried a lot of family and even a few friends over the years, but this is different somehow. I know they'll keep on living, but as of now, I know there is absolutely zero chance I will ever see any of them ever again. It feels like grief, but I know they're alive," she answered.
Aranor was silent for a while and simply stood there and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Partings can be like that at times. I have buried many friends both Elf and Man, and I have said farewell to many yet living and never saw them again, nor will I for it has been many long years now and I know they have died in the years since. And I know when you depart, I shall feel the same. If there is any solace to be found, it is that you were blessed enough to know them at all and in knowing you have friends and are loved by them even after you part."
"Bitter and sweet," Renee mumbled to herself. Her mind suddenly recalled a line from the books about it, but she couldn't remember it exactly. Something about sorrow and love mingling, bitter and sweet, and things being maybe all the lovelier for it. Or something like that. Dang it, it had been too long since she read the books!
"Come with me," Aranor said. "We are both sad now and everyone yet lives. Let us go drown our melancholy and instead celebrate our friends and blessings."
"I don't know, I'm not really in the mood for a crowd right now," she said.
"I would not bring you to a crowd when you are grieving. Instead I will bring you to friends and fair music. Your heart is hurting and I am a healer. I cannot leave someone with hurts unattended," he replied.
"Oh, very well. I didn't have any plans for today anyway," she replied.
Aranor led her in a different direction than she had been yet to a place smaller than the Golden Acorn, but bigger than Seed and Sparrow (which only had about 5 tables that could seat 4). In fact, it reminded her of the bar from 'Cheers'. Big square bar in the middle but with rounded corner and carved trees upholding the bar top with lots of seats, a few tables scattered around, and clearly there was a kitchen somewhere in the place because she could smell food, though she wasn't sure exactly what.
There were only a handful of Elves present, most of them looked like they were in some sort of uniform or other, as everything looked very tailored and practical, if not tactical, and most of them seemed to have some sort of weaponry either on them or next to them. Did he take her to a cop bar? How on earth would she word this to him to even ask that question?
"So is this a popular place with the guards or something?" she asked.
"It is a popular place with any of us who work odd hours as it is open all day and night. Most of these Elves have either just returned from the border or else just got off duty," he replied. "I and the healers have been known to stop here after a long day or night."
She nodded. "I get it. I know a few people who work second shift, graveyard shift, and swing shift. It makes places like this a life saver."
"What are second, graveyard, and swing shifts?" Aranor asked as they sat down at the bar.
"A regular shift is from nine in the morning to five at night, so eight hours. Give or take an hour. Second shift starts at four or five and ends around midnight. Graveyard shift starts around ten or eleven at night and goes until like six in the morning, so sunrise. Swing shift though is wild. Swing shift means you could work any time of day, and a different set of eight or so hours each day. So like, yesterday you might have worked from nine to five, but then tomorrow you could work four in the evening to midnight, but then the next day you could work eleven in the morning to seven at night," she explained.
Aranor made a face and said, "I believe I have worked all of those. At the moment I have nice, regular hours but as soon as the fighting picks up I shall be living at work, or else up near the front. It will depend on how things go."
"Oh! That is a thought. If fighting were to break out tomorrow, what would you be doing?"
"As head healer, it is up to my discretion where I go and what I do. If it is a small skirmish, I am very likely to stay here and send out an appropriate number of other healers to where the fighting is. If it is a full battle, I am likely to divide my healers and send half to the front to treat the wounded enough to get them back behind the army or here where the rest of us may operate on them properly, and if war is at our borders, I am likely to stay behind because anyone who is getting sent back is going to be a bad way. If it is full on war and we are invading, then I will take the better part of the healers with me and be stationed behind the army," he replied.
She nodded and silence fell between them and the barkeeper asked what they wanted and Renee told Aranor to get her whatever he was having, so two beers it was. She was sitting and looking around when suddenly her eyes clapped on someone that for a split second she swore was Haldir. "Aranor, who is that over there that looks like Haldir?"
"That is his brother Orophin," Aranor replied.
Orophin heard his named and reflexively looked around and saw Aranor and the strange woman that had come with the Fellowship. He certainly hadn't expected to see her here, of all places. He waved and came over. "Greetings Aranor! I see you have company. She is the strange lady Haldir and I brought here, though I am guessing you know that already."
"I do know that already. Orophin, se Renee. Renee, se Orophin," Aranor said, introducing the two. (se – this is)
"Suilad Orophin. Gellon len covad, (Greetings Orophin, I am pleased to meet you)" she said.
"Suilad Renee, gellon len covad eithro. (Greetings Renee, I am pleased to meet you also)" With no small degree of amazement he looked at her then Aranor and said, "I never dreamed she would know our language!"
"She knows some," Aranor replied. "Haldir and I have been teaching her and she is proving to be a good student."
Renee looked at Aranor with a raised brow. "Some? I think I am doing a bit better than that."
"So you are," Aranor said with a smile.
Orophin looked at Renee and said clearly, "How do you find Lothlórien?"
She had watched his lips carefully and still had to think a second before answering, "I like Lothlórien. You all have been very kind to me."
Orophin smiled. "What brings you both here of all places? It is morning and most other shops are open."
"We are drinking to the health and success of departed friends," Aranor replied.
"This is certainly the place to do it this hour of the morning," Orophin replied with a grin.
To Renee's relief, that was the last word of it as their mead showed up along with tea and a gloriously thick and creamy potato and ham soup. She hadn't really thought she was hungry until she took the first bite and realized she was starving. Aranor watched her eat surreptitiously with a satisfied little smile gently tugging on his mouth. He suspected a bit of food and drink would go far in cheering her. The grief was real, but sometimes one just needs to eat.
The day after the Fellowship left, Renee awoke, made some tea, and reminded herself that there wouldn't be an elf and dwarf or an ellon and his elleth showing up and having tea with her nor inviting her out to breakfast. Not that Haldir was slacking off in his duties at all, but his visits were now later in the morning and not all day. Though they did frequently end with him inviting her over for dinner or he and Elwen coming over for dinner. Still… the lack of elf, dwarf, hobbits, and men in her mornings was leaving her feeling a little hollow.
She sipped tea and stared out the window and thought about Boromir… He had said he loved her… did she love him after all? She liked him, she cared for him, and he was a really good kisser…but…
She tried to imagine keeping hearth and home and waiting for Boromir to get home from whatever it is stewards of Gondor do... The door to the house was opening and in walked Craig in jeans and a t-shirt saying, "Hey Ren, I'm home! How was your day?" before sweeping her up in a hug and giving her a soft little greeting kiss…
Where the heck did that day dream come from? No, she knew… how long was she going to hang onto that stupid crush? Yeah, they had been really close junior year. And nothing happened. He was probably married anyway. If not to Lindsey, then someone else. What kind of idiot woman wouldn't do everything in her power to snag a guy like him? Oh yeah, the kind that was still crushing on him, in love with him after like seven years, and refusing to find out if he was married or not. That kind.
She finished her cup of tea and determined the absolute first thing she was doing when she got home was figuring out if Craig was married or not, and if by some miracle he wasn't… she was asking him out.
Her thoughts were interrupted though by a knock at the door and Haldir coming in.
"Good morning, Haldir!" she greeted, immediately assuming a smile.
"Good morning, mellon nin!" He returned. "How are you this-"
He was cut off by a knock on the door. It was a messenger who said, "I have a letter for Renee and I am to wait for her reply."
Renee came over and took the letter from the messenger and broke the seal and opened it up to realize she couldn't read it and so handed it to Haldir who translated for her: Dear Renee, please accept our invitation to dine with us this evening as our guest. If you accept we shall send a servant to fetch you at six hours past noon. Signed, Lady Galadriel
"Please tell Lady Galadriel I will come to dinner," Renee said to the messenger.
With that the messenger bowed and left.
"That is certainly an honor," Haldir said.
Renee nodded. "I'm quite flattered, I'm sure. Back home I've not as so much as had dinner with the mayor. Though I did serve him coffee a few times right after I graduated. I was working in a coffee shop and he would come in every so often. But yeah, I'm definitely flattered and honored."
"Would you like me to send Elwen over to help you get ready this evening?" Haldir asked.
"Yes, actually. That would be amazing! I'm very sure I have no idea how to dress up for dinner with a lord and lady," Renee replied.
Haldir left her just a little earlier than usual so he had time to ask Elwen to help out Renee and gather whatever she might want to bring over. Thankfully, Elwen was now good enough friends with Renee that when Haldir asked if she wanted to help, she enthusiastically answered she would and began pulling out some of her nicest hair ornaments and ribbons and even one or two of her nicest dresses in case Renee didn't have anything suitable. She quickly packed them up in a large basket, handed it to Haldir and commanded him to follow her over.
"Renee! I am here!" Elwen said the moment she reached the door. Renee let her in and almost before she could finish saying hello, Elwen asked, "Do you have any ideas what you wish to wear or how you wish to braid your hair?"
"I have no ideas," Renee answered.
Elwen looked rather excited at that answer and immediately grabbed the large basket from Haldir and whisked Renee into her bedroom, Haldir grinning and chuckling to himself as he watched Renee trying to keep up.
About an hour later Haldir was in the living room in front of the fire and playing Elwen's lute which she still had loaned out to Renee when the bedroom door opened and Elwen proudly announced, "Behold! Lady Renee!"
Renee came out blushing and shaking her head. Clearly Elwen was proud of her work and judging by the smile on Renee's face, she thought she looked like nice, but obviously thought the fanfare a bit much.
"Renee! You look very fair!" Haldir said with a smile.
"Thanks, Haldir," Renee said, still bright pink. To be honest though, she wasn't sure how she felt about how she looked. In a lot of ways, she felt like a little girl playing dress up. Despite the fact Elwen was actually a few inches taller than her, she had this lovely smoky blue colored dress made out of some fabric that shimmered ever so softly when it moved. Around the hem were a series of leaf shaped frog closures that could be done up to shorten the hem for dancing and so forth. When done up, they made a floor length dress for Renee, which she would have to remember to pick up when walking outside, but could otherwise deal with easily. Her hair was braided with a series of elaborate braids and held together with a gorgeous silver ornament with some little jewels in it that Renee knew weren't cubic zirconia but couldn't guess what else they could be outside of pale blue. Elwen had also insisted she needed to wear a necklace and before Renee could object, had a silver necklace with a flower shaped pendent draped around her neck and was telling her it was a necklace her parents had given her when she turned a thousand, and Renee had almost choked because she remembered what Haldir said about them being married a little over three thousand years. Which meant this necklace was about two thousand years old and this was basically like wearing something that belonged to a Roman woman. She was wearing a museum piece… Anyway, all this rolled together to make Renee feel like she was playing dress up with museum pieces and designer dresses and like she really, really wasn't qualified to wear any of it.
Before conversation could go any further though, a servant knocked at the door, bowed, and said, "I am here to escort lady Renee to my lord and lady."
Renee grabbed her cloak, bade Haldir and Elwen good evening, and hurried out the door. The servant didn't seem particularly inclined to conversation, though he did readily enough tell her his name and when asked informed her she would be eating with the lord and lady in their hall. It was not a particularly long walk and soon enough she found herself looking at a very large flet with a very beautiful and impressive looking building on it with peaked, arched roofs and the trademark woven vines and branches look that seemed to be the thing here. It was like Art Nouveau perfected. He led her up the stairs and inside to a dining room where Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel were standing and talking to each other, waiting for her. As soon as she came in they turned to her and Galadriel welcomed her.
"Greetings Renee! We are honored you joined us this evening," Galadriel said with a warm smile.
"Good evening, and I am quite flattered and honored you invited me," Renee said, really wishing all the sudden she had asked Haldir for a crash course in elven court manners.
"Come and sit and tell us how you have fared these last few weeks," Galadriel said, gesturing to a chair.
The table was not particularly large, in fact, Renee reckoned it about the same size as her parent's kitchen table. Celeborn sat at the head, Galadriel on his right, Renee on his left. Immediately food was served and they ate for a few minutes before Galadriel asked her again how she has been.
"I have been doing quite well. Haldir has been a great help to me. He and Aranor have been teaching me Sindarin and even Haldir's wife Elwen has been helping me learn it. In fact, she graciously came over and helped me get ready for this evening," Renee said.
"It sounds as if they are your friends," Galadriel said with a smile.
Renee nodded, "I believe we are."
At prompting of Galadriel and Celeborn, Renee wound up spending the better part of dinner discussing what she had been up to and how Haldir and Aranor had been so helpful. Come dessert, the conversation shifted to her soon departure, which they had told her was going to be March first, but since then Galadriel had seen the where and when precisely she would depart. It seemed that she would be departing shortly before noon and from a clearing just outside the gates and that she should return to where and when she left.
"If you wish, Haldir, Elwen, and Aranor may escort you there and we shall also see you off from there. Is there anything you shall need for the return?" Galadriel asked.
"The clothes I came in would be the only thing," Renee said. "Oh, and I might need to keep these shoes. My shoes seemed to have disappeared somewhere between Indiana and the Mirrormere."
"Certainly. You are welcome to keep all the things you have been given and we shall return your clothes to you soon," Celeborn said.
"Oh, thank you! That is very, very generous of you!" Renee replied, deeply grateful and more than a little stunned. She had assumed everything was on loan, but to give it to her… very generous!
After dessert she was invited to come over again for next week, which she accepted, and then she headed back to the cottage.