(Eek! I am so behind...)

Elenriel stood alone in the healing quarters; taking a brief respite from her work. She had just finished tending to a patient and longed to do nothing more that rest. Suddenly, her handmaiden and closest friend entered the room. “My lady!” Almárëa exclaimed. “Why do you still tarry here? Have you forgotten the ball?” Elenriel let out a soft groan. Indeed she had forgotten about the day’s event, and now could find no joy in attending. Almárëa looked at her impatiently, her aqua eyes glancing at the princess anxiously. “The others are already there. You must hurry.” she replied as she grabbed Elenriel by the arm and dragged her out of the healing halls before Elenriel could protest.

Alone in her room, Elenriel quickly slipped into an elegant green gown and put on a small silver pendant. Her long raven hair cascaded down her shoulders like a river of night and upon her head she wore a small silver circlet. As she exited from the room, Almárëa gave her friend a warm smile. “You look lovely, my lady.” she said smiling warmly.
Elenriel gave her a worn smile. “Will you not attend?” she asked.
Almárëa shook her head. “I have other duties I must attend to.” she said smiling ruefully.
Elenriel nodded, disappointed that her friend would not attend.
“I must go. Enjoy yourself, my lady.” she replied as she raced down the corridors.
Elenriel drew in a deep breath and she walked to the dining hall. Upon reaching the doors, she paused for a brief moment before entering the room.

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AWESOME set by the AMAZING Lembas!!!

Tur sighed, feeling more in place. "I am sorry, mate. But this hiding place shoulder work for a while...maybe..."

Handion smiled and said, "Elwen is an beautiful name."

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Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

(Writer's block for Legolas, Elen..you can just play him for a while, if you feel so inclined.)

"I hope so.." Aradan said, glancing towards the door. He definitely wanted to avoid that particular group of elleths at all costs.

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"Le hannon..you are too kind." Elwen said, thankful that she didn't blush again.

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"So...what has the royal Elf been up to since I last saw you?" Tur said, smiling. Handion shook his head. "Tis true. So, do you live here?"

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Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

"In short: training." Aradan said, and that was definitely the truth.

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"Yes..with my family." Elwen replied, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

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"Training? Just in case or as......" Tur questioned, wondering if there was an battle unknown to most

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Handion nodded. "It is an beautiful place."

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Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

"Part precaution, part necessity." Aradan responded, not really knowing if he should be discussing this certain subject with anyone.

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"That it is.." Elwen said quietly in response, then nearly groaned, hearing soft music being played.

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(Okay Raven)

Legolas smiled as he saw Elenriel enter. He walked up to her, an expression of mock annoyance on his fair face. "You are late." he said softly. "Quite unbecoming a Princess of Mirkwood."
Elenriel gave him a look of mock contrition, the banter a distraction from her exhaution. "I ask my husband's pardon." she replied playfully. "I was unexpectedly delayed."
"The price will be high." he added a smirk on his face.
"I am prepared to pay it." she replied a soft smile tugging at her lips.
Legolas smiled at her once again, before his expression grew grave. "What was the reason for your delay?"
Elenriel turned from him then, watching briefly the other conversations going on in the room. She had wanted to forget the day, but she knew the Prince would find out sooner or later. "It has been a busy day within the healing ward. We lost two guards from the last assault." she replied quietly. "Though several others we managed to save."she paused then before continuing. "In truth, if Almárëa had not come for me, I would have forgotten all about this ball."
"Then I shall be in her debt for her role in this matter." Legolas replied.
Elenriel gave him a worn smile. "At first, my prince I had no desire to come. I did not know if I could part take in such a convivial affair after today's events. But Almárëa was right. I am glad I am here." she replied as her eyes glowed with warmth for the Prince.

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AWESOME set by the AMAZING Lembas!!!

Tur sighed also as the music was beginning. Handion only grin. "Oh come now...I am surrounded by three amazing Elves all hiding from the party! We must enjoy this night!" He turned to Elwen. "My lady, I must ask for an dance with you. You are welcome to accept, decline, or flat out hit me, if you wish." He said, bowing. Tur sighed again and glanced at Aradan, almost laughing at Handion.

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Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

Elwen herself had to restrain a laugh, and dropped into a curtsy, smiling as she did so. "I accept your offer, m'lord." she said, straightening, before giving Aradan a pointed look, one that he took to say, 'Don't tell me a Captain of Mirkwood is afraid to ask an elleth to dance with him.'

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After this not-so-subtle nudge, Aradan restrained a sigh, then turned to Turwaithiel. "May I ask m'lady to grace me with a dance?" he said, inclining his head and offering his arm.

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Tur was so suprised and she had to blush. "I accept your offer, m'lord." She said, bowing, and taking his arm.
Handion smiled happily and said, "My Lady, I am honored." He took her hand and lead her out.

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Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

Legolas gazed affectionaly at Elenriel. "May I have the honor of this dance, my princess?" he asked her, offering her his arm.
Elenriel curtsied before him. "The pleasure shall be mine." she replied, smiling at him as she took his arm. With that Prince Legolas led her to the dance floor.

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AWESOME set by the AMAZING Lembas!!!

Handion lead Elwen towards the dance floor, seeing Legolas and his beautiful wife heading there as well and seeing Aradan lead Turwaithiel behind them. He smiled happily and whispered to Elwen, "My cousin likes Aradan...don't tell anyone, though." He said, winking.

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Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

Elwen smiled ever so slightly in amusement. "I won't tell anyone..and I believe my brother likes her, as well, unless I'm greatly mistaken."

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"Well then...." Handion said, stepping onto the dance floor and facing Elwen. "You look beautiful, Lady Elwen."

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Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

Elwen smiled gently. "Le hannon.." she managed to reply, then took a calming breath while waiting for the music to begin anew. It seemed the musicians were waiting for a few more couples to step out onto the dance floor before beginning again..

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Just as Aradan started to lead Turwaithiel out onto the dance floor, however, the music began again, and he stepped back. "We'll have to wait until the next dance, I see.."

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