Chapter 4

Legolas had now been living with Evie for a month and although she loved spending time with him, she felt maybe it was time to introduce him to more people. Broaden his horizons so to speak. She held her iphone to her ear and heard it ring a few times before it made a connection.

"Hello"

"Hello Mary!"

"Oh, Evie. What a pleasant surprise! How are you dear?"

"I'm well thanks Mary. How is the arthritis going?"

"It still pains me a great deal, but the herbal cream seems to help. What can I do for you dear?"

She had thought long and hard about how to explain Legolas to Mary.

"My cousin's child, Legolas, is staying with me and I thought he might like to see your farm. He loves the outdoors."

"yes, of course dear, you are both most welcome. Ohhhh, what good timing! Mia has just had another litter of pups!"

"How exciting! I'm sure he will love to meet them."

"When are you coming?"

"Is tomorrow ok?"

"Yes, dear. How about 11am and you can stay for lunch?"

"yes, that would be great. See you tomorrow."

"looking forward to your visit, Evie! Bye for now."

Evie smiled as the phone disconnected. All sorted. Now just to tell Legolas about it. She placed the phone on the kitchen bench and exited the back door and strolled towards the open barn door.

While not a working farm, like Mary's home, Evie's place had a large wooden barn with big red double doors, which housed two beautiful horses, Willow & Jazz, that Evie adored. She often found Legolas caring for them or just relaxing amongst the hay, calmly chatting to animals in elvish. She sensed that the horses found his presence calming and usually nuzzled him for a treat. She had been hesitant to allow someone so small unsupervised at first, but it quickly become apparent in his actions that Legolas had been brought up around horses his entire life.

"Legolas!" She called as she peeked through the dooryard.

A blonde head popped up with a cheeky grin and peered at her entrance from the hay loft above. "Yes, Evie?"

She couldn't help but smile at the young elf as she ascended the ladder that led to the loft. "Would you like to go on an adventure tomorrow?"

"Yes! Where are we going?"

"You remember me telling you about my neighbour, Mary?"

"Yes, the old lady with the farm."

"Not old, honey, she's a mortal that has seen many years and her body is aging. But yes, that's the lady I meant. She has invited us to visit her for lunch."

Blue eyes filled with uncertainty searched hers. "Are you sure it's a good idea. Father will not like it."

"Well, your father isn't here and yes, I think it would be good for you to meet her." Trying a new technique she added " She said that they've had a new litter of puppies delivered."

Excitement instantly lit up Legolas' face and Evie knew it had worked.

"But before we go, we need to make some chocolate chip cookies."

"What for?"

"Because it's polite to take something when you go to visit someone. And they're Mary's favourite!." She gently tapped the end of his nose and was rewarded with a little giggle.

"Will you help me? You may be able to help taste test"

"Yes, let's go."

Legolas got up and was down the ladder in a flash. Evie laughed at his enthusiasm and followed him a more reasonable pace.

"race you" she called as she took off towards the back door. Momentarily stunned at her behaviour, Legolas was quick to follow suit and met her at the back door, both puffing slightly. Evie opened the door and they both walked into the kitchen.

"You grab the things we'll need and I'll pre heat the oven."

"what do we need for cookies?"

Evie stared at him for a moment, trying to register the fact that he didn't know what was in a cookie.

"self raising flour, butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, milk and of course, the chocolate chips!"

Legolas opened the fridge and began to rummage for the cold ingredients and placed them on the kitchen bench. He then moved on to the pantry for the dry things. Meanwhile, Evie had turned on the oven, retried a bowl and spoon and began to spray non-stick on a baking tray.

"now what?"

"milk, eggs, butter and vanilla need to go into this bowl and mix well…."

Evie was very patient as she explained the steps involved. Together they scooped the mixture into balls, placed them on the baking tray and popped it into the oven.

"Now we clean up as we wait for them to bake."

Evie washed the dishes in the soapy water, while Legolas dried them with a tea towel.

20 minutes later they both hear the bing! Of the oven timer. Evie grabbed the oven mittens, opened the oven door and brought out the tray of fresh cookies.

"They smell so good Evie!"

"I know. Would you like to try one? They are the best while still hot!"

"Yes please!"

"Here, be careful not to burn your fingers."

Shortly after two figures could be seen sitting side by side on the back porch steps, a large chocolate chip cookie held gingerly between their fingers as the nibbled the cooled edge.

"good?"

"mmmmmhhhmm." Came the contented response from a mouth full of cookie.

"can we make cookies everyday?"

Evie laughed at this, wondering how Legolas had never had the experience of baking fresh cookies. It had been one of her fondest memories with her mum. Part of her was very glad that he liked experience as much as she had.

She ruffled his head and replied "Sure, honey, whatever you like."

Once the cookies we eaten, she pulled Legolas into her side and wrapped her arms around him. Together they sat and watched the sun as it slowly set for the night.