Elenwë, once clean and dressed, left her room and joined Legolas in the common room.

She sat down opposite him and was surprised to feel his hand on hers.

She blushed slightly and looked into Legolas' intense blue eyes.

-Legolas. Promise me you won't panic, okay?

-Why do you say that?

-I... don't want you to not want to be in contact with me.

-That will never happen!

Elenwë suddenly whimpered and Legolas rose to sit beside her.

He put his arm around her shoulders and looked at her tenderly before placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

Elenwë blushed a little and leaned against him more.

-I learned the truth about my biological parents. My mother was an elf called Anériel. She was very beautiful. Because of... certain circumstances... she only saw her husband about once a month.

-She must have been a brave and strong elf...

-Yes... she was... she... gave her life for me. She saved my life while orcs were chasing us, one day when my father wasn't there... I was only a year old... I don't remember...

-That is normal... you must not blame yourself...

Elenwë took a breath and continued:

-I am in truth only half elf.

-Really? And the other half?

-The man you saw the other night... he is my biological father...

-Who is he? Legolas asked softly.

-His name is... Tilion... or as he is known, Phanaikel. He is one of the great archers, servants of Oromë. He is... the Maiar charged with leading the Moon into the sky... former guardian of the Telperion tree.

-You are... half... Maiar? A bit like Mithrandir?

Elenwë chuckled.

-No.. Mithrandir is a full Maiar.

She squirmed slightly, uncomfortable.

Legolas put his free hand on her face. This had the effect of immobilizing her.

-Elenwë...why are you so worried?

-I don't know, you don't think I'm strange?

-Yes, I do, and it's because you're like no other that I love you so much.

He brought his face to hers and stole a quick kiss, making her blush violently.

Elenwë, reassured, clung to Legolas.

-You don't want me to go away from you, do you?

-No, of course not. Stay by my side.

Elenwë felt tears well up in her eyes.

He loved her enough to rise above his condition.

-I... I thought... you would not want a "hybrid"...

He suddenly got a stern, slightly navy blue look in his eyes.

-Never... repeat that word! It's so reductive. You are so much more than that.

Elenwë smiled and said:

-Thank you... thank you so much for everything...

She stood up and added:

-I'm going to... take a walk... I need to think for a bit... I'll be back in a couple of hours... I promise.

Legolas frowned slightly

-Be careful.

-I promise.

Elenwë left the room.

Legolas watched her leave, a twinge of sadness in his heart.

She left behind a sweet smell of vanilla.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his anxiety.

Elenwë walked for a long time outside Edoras.

She came very close to Fangorn.

Suddenly, a presence startled her.

Something jumped on her back.

She almost screamed.

She found herself on her back and looked at the thing.

A wolf. Huge and white. A she-wolf to be precise.

Her coat was immaculate with beautiful silver highlights.

She wore a beautiful collar of shiny green and blue stones.

-Who... who... are you?

-I... am Ebony. Sent by your father Tilion.

-But... I know what you're saying!

-I'm talking to you in your head. I'm here to help you. To be your mount, your confidant, your friend...

-Erm... nice to meet you then.

She hesitated before hugging the soft fur of the she-wolf against her.

-Thank you. Ebony.