-You fought in an exceptional way, that is why, we offer you to drink with the men the wine of the victory. Said Theoden looking at Elenwë. This is the first time that a woman has had the honor to participate in this event.

-I thank you Theoden. I dare to hope that this will lead men to look at women differently.

-Traditions are not things that are easily forgotten, but certainly, from now on, some of my people's women will be able to learn the craft of arms if they wish.

-I am happy to hear that. Said Elenwë looking at Eowyn.

King Théoden had followed her gaze and looked at her again:

-Eowyn knows how to fight. She defends herself well with a sword.

-But... you did not allow her to participate in the battle?

-She is the first lady of Rohan. My son is dead and she is my niece. If I die, she will defend the people and lead them, seconded by Éomer. It is my will, and yet it will be the first time in Rohan's history that a woman has led. She must stay alive.

-Does she know that?

-I do not think so. But she has the right to know if she ever wonders.

At that moment, Eothain arrived, carrying a large decanter filled with a blood-red liquid.

Theoden addressed his men.

-The time has come to drink for the fallen men.

The wine was served and Elenwë lost her gaze in the liquid in the cup in her hands.

-To victory!

The men raised their cups and Elenwë followed suit. She noticed that Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas as well as Gandalf had also had a cup.

The men had all drunk when Elenwë realized that King Théoden, Eomer and his four companions were watching her.

-Well... Elenwë, are you still with us? asked Aragorn.

She gasped.

-Err... yes, sorry.

Bringing the cup to her lips, she was at first surprised by the bitterness of the drink.

It was strong.

Far from hating the taste, Elenwë was apprehensive and felt her eyes sting.

A single tear rolled down her cheek as she finished her cup.

The king, Eomer, Eothain, and the young Elleth's fellow travelers looked at her with concern.

-Didn't you like it? Eothain asked. It is true that this drink is peculiar...

-No. It is much more than that. I only understand why you drink it on this occasion only. It reminds me... of the bitterness of loss. The sadness of seeing men fall in battle to defend their land, but also the pride I feel for their sacrifice.

The men around her looked at her in amazement.

-I am... amazed... that you have found the meaning of this tradition alone, my Lady. said the King, amazed.

Elenwë rose and said:

-She is quite suited to this situation.

The King smiled at her and turned to the rest of the room.

-The festivities are on!

Soon, music sounded.

Legolas stepped forward and looked at Elenwë with admiration.

-Lle naa vanima.. You look lovely..

-Uh, Hannon, Legolas.

-Where did it come from, this dress?

-Everything I wear is a gift from my father Elrond. He slipped it into my things without my knowledge.

-Do you miss it?

-Yes, I miss him.

-Let's go out for a while.

-I'll follow you.

Legolas took Elenwë's hand and led her outside.

They stood for a few moments without speaking, enjoying the silence, the calm after the battle.

Suddenly, the Prince of Mirkwood looked at the young Elleth and said:

-How about a little dancing?

-It depends with whom! She replied with a hearty laugh.

Legolas grabbed her by the waist and whispered in her ear:

-With me, of course.

Elenwë, pressed against Legolas, felt his breath tickle her ear and felt her heart racing. The young elleth's heart was also beating in all directions and she felt terribly good right there in his arms.

He.. Well, anyway.

She looked at him and smiled as she answered:

-With you, I'm fine with that.

Legolas smiled, grabbed her hand and led her inside the room to dance.

The dance was absolutely magical.

The people in the hall, most of whom had never seen elves, were now watching a dance.

Carried away by the music, the two elves were lost in each other's eyes.

They were very close and danced with a truly extraordinary elegance and grace.

When the dance ended, both dancers blushed as they noticed that almost everyone in the room was looking at them with admiration?

As for Aragorn, Gimli and Gandalf, they were smiling, a tender glow in their eyes.

Slowly, Elenwë and Legolas separated and went in different directions.

Elenwë went to find Eowyn while Legolas joined Gimli.