"That certainly is a perk of taking the long route." Sirel grinned. "Rohan is much prettier than Mordor."

She closed her eyes and dipped her head. "Yes, milady."

"Please, just Sirel. There's no need for formality." She blushed. "Besides, I'm not really a lady... my mother is a maid in Lord Elrond's house, so my social status is probably lower than yours."

She jumped back "No! Nononono! Please do not say that! There's no way to know!" she cried out, dropping to her knees and kneeling at Siriel's feet. "I can't possibly be of a higher status! No way at all!"

Sirel was shocked by this reaction. "What? I- I'm sorry, it just slipped out." Confused and not knowing what to say, she cast a beseeching glance at Markus.

Markus watched the two women curiously. Suddenly Luna fell to her knees in front of Sirel. Markus' eyes widened. "On that note..." he cleared his throat awkwardly, a perplexed expression upon his face. "I think we should get moving. It will be dark soon and we need to find a safe place to camp for the night."

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She slowly stood and followed the others, her mind working. She felt horrible that Siriel felt as though she was low in social status. The other elf woman was sonpretty, that just wasn't right.

Markus continued on down the path. He thought they should maybe think about walking through the woods to hide their tracks from unfriendly eyes. Then again, who knew what creatures hid in the dark woods waiting for prey to wander on by. Either way had a measure of danger, but what one was more safer. A man and two women were easy targets walking alone through the woods. Markus knew he could fight. His old master had used him in many battles over land and ownership over other slaves. He was skilled with hand to hand combat and with blades. What of the two women? Would he be strong enough to defend them both? Did they need defending? Markus started to realise how long their journey would really be.

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Luna followed them, her mood turning serious. She was determined to reach Lothlorien. She fingered a small knife at her waist, slightly nervous. What if they ran into bandits? Or worse? She looked at the two ahead of her, wondering about them.

(srry it took me so long to post this)

Sirel fell into step beside Markus. He looked concerned - which wasn't surprising, considering the par of the woods they were currently traveling through. The other day another traveler had told her there had been warg sightings in this area.

She watched them both, slightly amused at herself. She felt like playing match-maker all of a sudden. She smiled mischievously. "Siriel, did you know Markus is an absolutely amazing hunter?"

(it's ok Gil!)

"Siriel, did you know Markus is an absolutely amazing hunter?" Luna said.

Markus glanced over his shoulder at Luna, his brow raised. What was that about? He shook his head, knowing it would be a lost cause to decipher the games of women. He looked to Sirel. "I am indeed a good hunter. At least the three of us will not go hungry." He smirked slightly. "Did you know Luna is quite the heroine? Saved me from my former master. It is he you can thank for my skills in hunting...among other things." He grimaced slightly. He knew indeed, he was a dangerous weapon.

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"Pish-posh! I did nothing!" she said, "And neither did your master. The skills you have are yours, not his. I wouldn't thank him for anything. The scumbag..." her hand went to her arm where his grip had left bruises. "I'll...let you two chat." she cooed out, hoping her plan would work. She couldn't deny, he was handsome, and if she saw it, then Siriel could see it. She glanced down at the ring he had given her, marveling at how it sparkled.

Sirel was glad that they had an experienced hunter in the group, but Luna's next words shocked her.
"Master? What do you mean?" the elf gasped.

"Yes, Master. I would say Markus needs some loving care after what he's been through." she pulled an apple from her pack and rubbed it on her sleeve before taking a bite. "Lots of it." she said with a mouth full of apple.

"I'm sorry." Sirel laid a hand on Markus' elbow and gave a light squeeze. She didn't fully hear the underlying message to Luna's words, and unwittingly did exactly as the other woman had been intending.