𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬

𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘧?

Once they stepped out of the city, Lasgalen slowed down, becoming the last in line without reducing her pace. She had with her the sword she had used during her first encounter with Galadriel, a bow and arrows on her back, and two daggers perfectly tucked into her brown boots. Everything was surprisingly comfortable and not heavy at all: Elven blades were unlike any others. She began to grow rather thoughtful: she hadn't left the city since she had been saved by the elves, and seeing it from afar made her feel at the mercy of forces ready to capture her again. Elrond, noticing the girl's pace, walked up beside her.

"It's strange to see you dressed like this, I'm used to seeing you with your head buried in books" she said jokingly. He, too, was wearing the uniform and cloak of the Elven army, like everyone else present, and carried a fine, sharp sword at his side. His hair was more tousled than usual, but the expression on his face was the same as always.

"I hope you won't get too used to see me in these clothes" he replied with a smile. "But I must admit, I do have a certain charm" he added playfully.

After a few moments of smiles, the redhead turned serious again.
"I'm sorry I got you involved, I didn't want the King to summon you as well" she said regretfully. The thought of putting the elf in danger made her feel very guilty.

"Oh, so you don't want my company? You could have said so right away" he said in a mock serious tone, though he was actually joking.

"Oh no! You misunderstood! I meant that it's going to be dangerous, and with Galadriel already risking her life, dragging you into it too, well-" she stopped, rolling her eyes and letting out an annoyed grunt.

"I can't express what I mean" she added, gesturing before being interrupted by the elf, who started walking backwards in front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders. A slight shake. The brunette was in the throes of a hearty laugh. "What you're feeling, Lasgalen, is called friendship" he said, then stepped away and walked beside her again. Lasgalen's cheeks turned as red as apples, and the thought of becoming attached to someone made her as happy as it did frightened, since she felt the same way about the blonde.

"You haven't done anything wrong; the King acted exactly as he should have. There's never any disrespect between comrades. Besides, even though we found you in that situation, this matter doesn't concern only you, but all elves, so you didn't drag me into anything" the brunette tried to reassure her.

"And do you really think I'm that unskilled in combat? You'll see" he said jokingly, trying to lift her spirits. It worked, as the redhead laughed.

"I can't wait to see your warrior skills, Herald Elrond" Lasgalen said, giving her friend a playful nudge with her shoulder as they laughed together.
"Even though I would have preferred to see that at the palace, and not out here." added her.
Without realizing it, this was the first time she had initiated contact with someone of her own free will. It wasn't skin-to-skin, but it was still a milestone. She decided not to dwell on it too much, thinking that perhaps only by not focusing on it, she could overcome the block that kept her from fully interacting with others.

Throughout the day, she had often immersed herself in the beauty of Lindon's woods: the leaves, the scent of flowers despite winter's approach; the clear streams, the birds and cicadas that seemed to sing without pause. The grass was green and soft, brushing against her ankles through her uniform. Along the way, they spotted several foxes and squirrels, and even a mother wolf searching for food. However, nothing there seemed tainted by the darkness of the forest where she had previously lived. The sunlight shone through the leaves, casting a thousand different colors. Dragonflies weren't afraid to land on the water, and the fish swam back and forth tirelessly, as if they had urgent matters to attend to. There was no fear, no dread, only freedom.