The Edge of Night

Rejuvenation

The hot bath felt lovely after weeks of running and having no choice but to allow the dirt and grime to build up. Her blonde hair shown once again, her pale skin practically shimmered in the moonlight. Elfwyn felt renewed, rejuvenated. And the dress that the elf-maiden had left for her was by far the nicest thing she had ever worn, save for maybe the dress Arwen lent her during her brief stay in

Rivendell. She exited the bath house and looked around, not finding the woman anywhere. However, off to the side was Haldir. "I was instructed by Lady Galadriel to escort you back to the rest of the Fellowship."

She nods before motioning for him to continue. He offers his arm, which she accepts gratefully, not fully sure of her steps in this dress, especially as there were many bridges that crossed the treetops, and not a railing in site. It was beautiful but she was sure that she would trip over it. They are silent for many moments before Haldir turns to her again. "While I am in the city for the remainder of your stay, I am the Fellowship's ambassador to the Lord and Lady. Should any of you need anything, you need only ask."

Elfwyn nods. "If it is not too much trouble, I would love to go for a ride while we are here. I understand if it is not possible."

Haldir looked down upon her, and for the first time in his long life, he felt pulled to something other than his duty and his family, what remained of them anyway. He couldn't quite describe what is was but the intensity was enough to set him off kilter. Little did he know that Elfwyn was feeling the exact same. "That shouldn't be any trouble. I can escort you to the stables in the morning, if that suits you?"

Her eyes noticeably brighten and the smile on her face was the first genuine one she wore in many days. "Yes, thank you my lord."

"Just Haldir, princess."

"Then it is Elfwyn."

"Elfwyn." He whispers, testing her name. "This is where I leave you. You will find your friends just down this path. I will come by in the morning, if you still want to go for that ride." He bids her good night before leaving her to her thoughts.

"I see the March Warden has left an impression on you." Aragorn tells her as she sits down on the bed across from him.

"What?" She asks, having not heard him, her sole focus on her thoughts, and the blonde elf that occupied them.

Aragorn smiles. "The March Warden. He seems to have left quite an impression on you."

Elfwyn shakes her head. "That's not... He just... He has only just offered to take me on a ride. After everything that has happened... I needed some sense of normalcy. Horses... they are my normal." Aragorn nods at her explanation and doesn't push her farther, although Legolas looks like he wants to interject something. She goes off towards an empty sleeping pallet.

"What troubles you, my friend?" Aragorn asks, coming to stand next to Legolas.

"I worry for her."

"For what? It's just a ride Legolas. I doubt Haldir's intentions were anything less than honorable."

"I saw the way she looks at him. And the curiosity in his face when he returns her gaze. "

"Is this jealousy?"

"This is concern for someone who has quickly become like a sister to me. She is mortal. You know better than most what will happen, if she's to continue down this path. Except her ending does not have the possibility to be happy like yours." Legolas says, before walking away.