Chapter 5

"come on, Evie! I want to go now!"

Evie heard Legolas trying to hurry her up the next morning all the way from her bedroom upstairs. She shook her head as she mused that he'd certainly relaxed and become more at home with her.

"I'm coming. Hold your horses!"

She moved in front of the mirror and checked out the outfit she had on. White t shirt, jean shorts and her favourite cowboy boots, with the flower patterns stitched on the side. She quickly tried to braid back her wild hair. Once done, she flew down the stairs, grabbed her phone and keys and proceeded to the front door.

"Got the cookies?" She asked the little elfling, while raking her eyes over his form too. T shirt, shorts and boots. Check.

"Yes." And he held out the plastic contained to show her.

"great. Get in and let's go."

They both got in the ute and clicked their seat belts on. Evie turned on the car and began their trip to Mary's.

"turn up the radio Legolas?"

"ok."

She smiled as Ed Sherran's 'shape of you' came on and hummed along.

"You sing Evie?"

"hmmm? Oh yes I have in the past."

"I haven't heard you do it much."

"no, I…I haven't felt like it."

"well, we must change that. I think you would have a lovely voice."

"I love the vote of confidence honey! Maybe sometime soon." She promised.

"Are you ready to meet Mary?"

"yes. I am interested to know more about this mortal."

"now, you know you can't call her that to her face, right?"

"Yes. She doesn't know about elves. Or about you and your elemental magic. You told me this last night."

"right. Probably best not to mention anything to her about your home in Greenwood, just to be safe, ok?"

"ok."

Conversation faded away to a comfortable silence until Evie began to hum with the radio again and not long after, Legolas joined in. Along they drove, until Evie turned the car to the left and down a long gravel driveway, lined with big green trees on either side. As they cam towards the end, a large 2 story red brick house came into view with a big blue door.

Evie brought the car to a stop, unclicked her belt, got out and made towards the door. She noticed Legolas do that same and followed behind her slightly, his earlier impatience completely gone.

Giving him a reassuring smile, she reached out and rapped on the door a few times.

Not having to wait long, the door swung open and Mary greeted them with a big smile.

Mary was in her late sixties with shoulder length, silvery white hair that was nicely styled. Her tanned face, as a result of extensive time outdoors, was rounded with a dimple on her left cheek and big brown eyes. She stood shorter than Evie, but had a slim build, which indicated that she led a fairly active lifestyle. She launched forward and pulled Evie into a fierce hug.

"Evangeline! It's been too long!" The young woman frowned at the use of her full name.

Upon releasing Evie, Mary moved her sight on the little elf behind her.

"and you must be Legolas, yes? Do not be afraid child, come in."

She placed one hand on the back of Legolas' shoulder and the other on Evie's and gently pushed them toward the open door.

"come, lunch is prepared and waiting for us out the back."

Mary quickly released her hands and quickly took the lead through the corridor next to the wooden stair case, past a bright, homely kitchen and through open double doors that lead to a large deck. On the left it had a outdoor couch set, with bright pillows. The right side sported a big bbq, complete with sink and side wok and right in the middle was a large table covered in a brightly colour table cloth. He could see it was set for 3 and all sorts of bowls and plates of food were laid out, like their own personal feast.

"Take a seat and I'll fetch us a drink. Ice tea ok?"

Evie could see Legolas was a bit overwhelmed and replied for them both.

"yes, thank you, Mary."

Drinks we placed in front of them and the food was handed around for everyone to take a bit. With a full tummy, Evie noticed Legolas relax as he began to contribute to the conversation with Mary and herself. It seemed to flow quite smoothly until Mary asked.

"Now that we're finished, would you like a tour of the farm Legolas?"

"yes please" came the instant response.

"come on then, take my hand." Mary rose and offered her hand out to the little elf, who took it, with only a shy glace at Evie, who nodded and smiled encouragingly.

"I'm right behind you both."

And so they took a tour of the working farm. Legolas was able to see the cows, horses, chickens and goats. He spotted the occasional cat here and there.

"now this is my current pride and joy." Called Mary as she opened a side door of the barn and led them inside. She moved to the side, revealing a large plush dog bed. Inside was a beautiful Golden Retriever, surrounded but 6 fluffy puppies.

"You remember Mia, don't you Evangeline?"

"yes, Mary. She looked great." She moved forward to let Mia sniff her open palm and then scratched behind her ears.

"She loves that. Legolas why don't you try?"

Mary could see the young elf's face was lit with pure joy at the sight of the puppies and was itching to pet them. He quickly copied Evie's actions and gently stroked the beautiful dog. With him occupied, Evie moved to lean again the door frame, her arms folded over her chest as she watched her young charge. Mary silently came over to join her.

"He's a wonderful child, Evangeline." She whispered.

"Mary, how many times do I have to ask you to call me Evie?!"

"come now dear, humour an old lady. You care for him."

"hmmmm. Yes. He makes it so easy."

"He's good for you. You've been on your own too long. Your grandma wouldn't want you to be lonely."

"I'm not lonely!"

Mary gave the young woman a knowing look.

"I'm not lonely" she repeated "but I have enjoyed having the company."

"mmmmhmmmm."

"he has a wonderful way of looking at the world and it brings me joy to see it through his eyes."

"and what happens when he goes back to your cousin?"

"he goes back. That's it."

Mary turned to study Evie for a minute. "But you don't want him to."

"he will be going home." The harsh words spoken out loud made part of Evie's heart break. Inside she knew that she wouldn't know how to say goodbye when the time came.

"he cares for you too." Was the gentle response. Evie didn't know what to say, and was saved when Mary spoke again, to Legolas this time.

"What's a good name, do you think?"

He tore his eyes away from puppy in his arms and looked up at the question.

"Malthen"

Evie nodded her head in approval. "Golden. Very appropriate."

Crinkles formed at the corner of Mary's eyes as smiled widely. "perfect choice. She's yours to take home."

Evie looked at Mary in shock, having not expected such a generous offering. Mary came over and patted Evie's hand. "Consider it a thank you for my favourite cookies. A bonus is that it will bring you both joy, and if what you say is true, then you won't end up alone again."

Evie quickly wiped away the tears that had formed in her eyes. She was touched at her neighbour's kindness. She looked at her watch and cleared her throat.

"come Legolas, it's time we went home. Tomorrow we can get some things for Malthen."

"Yes Evie, come on Malthen."

Evie and Legolas, with the golden haired puppy in tow, followed Mary back to their car, said their goodbyes and promised to visit more often.

In the car on the way home, Legolas spoke up "I like Mary. She's nice for a mortal."

All Evie could do was laugh in response. A success afterall.