"Oh..." she said almost breathlessly. "That's...what's mirkwood?" she asked him suddenly, her blue eyes inquisitive.

(*facepalm*)

(Actually it is me who has to "facepalm." No idea how, but I have been labouring under a misconception. Which is disgraceful considering the lotr fan I make myself out to be. Lady Galadriel is from Lothlorien, not Mirkwood - At least according to lotr wiki. It has been a long time since I have read the books or watched the films. I am rather tempted to watch the films tomorrow. Anyway from now on, imagine I am taking about Lorien.)


Markus grinned as he was asked about his home. "That is the fairest of all the dwellings of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fall not, but turn to gold. Not till the spring and the new green opens do they fall, and then the boughs are laden with yellow flowers; and the floor of the wood is golden, and golden is the roof, and its pillars are of silver, for the bark of the trees is smooth and grey."

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(hehe I was wondering! Is ok!)

She gasped, staring at him, then panicked. "I can't go there, I'm much too humble, I really really can't..." she began backing away, aware of exactly where he came from now.

(My mistake hehe. Silly me )

Markus reached out and took her hand gently. "Do not fear. My kind are humble creatures too. I would like to help you find out who you are. I believe this is a way I can help you. Lady Galadriel will be more than happy to help you." He smiled softly. "Lady Galadriel is fair. Mithrandir once said: 'Galadriel! Galadriel! Clear is the water of your well; white is the star in your white hand; unmarred, unstained is leaf and land. In Dwimordene, in Lórien; more fair than thoughts of mortal men." Markus stopped in his steps looking to Luna. "Please come with me?"

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She swallowed, suddenly quite nervous. "But...but...I'm just..." she swallowed again, staring at him with luminous eyes. Why did he want her to come with him?

"Come." He said. "There is a town a little further north of here. While there I can have my wounds tended to. We can also rest and quench our hunger and thirst. In the morning if you do not want to come I shall not force you. However it is the route I wish to take and it is the route that I will be taking. I long to taste the sweet elven wine. I long to walk under the golden canopy." He grinned warmly.

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She nodded, a small smile forming as they continued. "I didn't expect you would want me along." she looked nervously at his hand that was still on hers.

Markus reclaimed his hand, sensing her unease. "I would love to share my home with you. Share the beauty of it. Share the peace that comes with it." He smiled to her warmly. "It would be my small way of saying thank you to you."

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She nodded "I thank you, but like I said. You don't owe me anything...I was just trying to do what was right. You shouldn't be treated like that."

"Well you are welcome to come if you would like. It truely is a beautiful sight," he smiled as he reminisced about the times he spent in Lothlorien as a child. They soon were drawing near to a village. There were a few figures busying themselves with their daily errands.

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She looked around, then pointed. There's a Healer's hut." she led him there and stepped in. "My friend needs help, he was attacked by a man with a whip." the healer took Markus to the back where he tended him, then brought him back out. Luna paid him, then took him out. I think we should find an inn so you can get rest."

Markus admired his clean bandages. The healer had used an unusual herb to take away the whips sting. Markus was surprised to find it was working. He chuckled at Luna's statement. "I believe you need the rest more than I. You have been awake for nearly a full day. Perhaps we should get something to eat first..." he mused.

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"You should, I'm not hungry though." she was a bit, but she wanted to make sure he was alright first. Her wants could wait.

Markus shrugged his shoulders, thrusting his hands into his pockets. They wandered the streets for some time before the happened across the town's local tavern. Markus pushed open the door and motioned for Luna to step inside. Once inside, Markus crossed to the bar. He ordered two pints of ale and two dishes of the days special. He paid the bartender and handed Luna her ale. Markus turned and glanced around the room, looking for a vacant table. There was a table in the corner, with a nod to Luna he made his way through the crowded tavern to the empty table.

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She blinked at the appearance of the ale and the food in her hands, then followed him to the table and set her things down, looking at it meekly. "I'm really not hungry..." she suddenlybit back a yawn and started eating.

"Off course you are not," he muttered as he ate. He smirked inwardly. She had seemed more open before. Was she having second thoughts about releasing him? Perhaps he had been too rude. He frowned deeply.

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