So that did explain why her body felt like lead the next morning.
"That means you're getting stronger." Nienna informed the next morning when Tauriel came downstairs rubbing her arms.
"I didn't know getting stronger hurt so badly…"
"You work, tear then heal. And then you repeat the process." Nienna placed a bowl of fruit down for her breakfast and then continued.
"That's how your father got stronger."
Tauriel's green eyes flashed as they always did when he parents were brought into the conversation.
"Really?"
"Yes. there were numerous occasions where he either tore a muscle or sprained something due to work that was considered too strenuous for him. He continued to work until he was valued member of the Guard."
Tauriel stabbed a grape with a fork.
"That means I'm becoming like him." She finished cheerfully.
"Yes, but you haven't torn any muscles. They're just sore. The best way to get rid yourself of their tenderness is to work some more."
Tauriel raised a sceptical eyebrow.
"Really?"
"We elves don't use our healing techqnues for everything. We find little cures for minor nuances here and there. Which is why…" Nienna hesitated but pushed on, "It would be best if you got into classes meant for healing so you can a well-rounded guard."
Tauriel chewing slowed as she considered.
" Like mama?"
"Just like your mother."
A pause.
"…Can I join classes meant for fighting as well?"
"Huh?"
"I don't know if I was allowed because…" She reached out and tugged at a long strand of hair. "…because I'm a female."
Nienna brought a finger to her lip and her eyebrows knitted together.
"There's nothing saying that elleths cannot join the classes."
Tauriel's eyes went wide as she stared up at her grandmother.
"Though you must go to your healing sessions if you wish to train with them."
Tauriel stood up so quickly that she overturned her chair. The crash bounced off the walls and Nienna sighed.
"Sorry…!"
Tauriel's face was becoming as red as her hair from her contained excitement that Nienna couldn't help but laughing. But her expression morphed into a serious one.
"But Tauriel…do not lose hope. Do not get discouraged."
Tauriel tilted her head.
"Why would I?"
Sienna knelt and seized her granddaughter's hands. Gary held onto green.
"There's indeed nothing saying that a woman is unable to serve in the Captain's guard, but still. Some may not be willing to entertain the idea. Some may ignore you, try to break you down with mean words or act cold. Some may even intentionally try to hurt you. You must not give them the opportunity. Keep your head up."
Tauriel tried to swallow the lump that was forming in her throat. When she opened her mouth to confirm, a small squeak was all that she was able to produce. She nodded instead.
"That's my granddaughter. You'll shine above them all."
Legolas, eye-lids half closed absent-mindedly picked at a daisy in the field. He cast a glance behind him to see what his personal servant was doing. Disappointed that he wasn't doing remotely entertaining, he got up.
This was boring. Wasn't there anything he could do for fun?
"Amras, I'm bored."
Amras placed his book down.
"Is there anything that you want to do?"
Now that Legolas thought about it, all he had been thinking about was going outside of the palace and seeing Tauriel. It had been two weeks since he had seen her…
"I want to see the kingdom?"
"Can you repeat that my prince?"
"I want to see the kingdom." Legolas repeated.
"That's not something I can authorize." His voice was laced with untold apologizes.
"You must ask your father."
"Father would never take me outside of the palace walls." Legolas mumbled.
"Well you must ask him first. The king can sometimes be unpredictable. Perhaps he may let you go out this once."