The next morning, the birds seemed particularly cheerful and chatty. They hadn't stopped chirping since dawn, and Lasgalen watched them with a smile as she lay on the bed with her arms relaxed on her stomach, looking out the open window. She glanced up at the ceiling. She felt calmer than the night before. She didn't know why, and she didn't want to think too much about it, to avoid being thrown back into that whirlwind of horrible emotions. She had promised Galadriel one thing: to get up and make an appearance. Even though every fiber of her being longed to stay lying down and alone, she wouldn't stand her friend up.

So, she sat up on the edge of the bed, rubbing her eyes. She needed to wash her face, so she headed to the bathroom to freshen up and brushed her teeth.
She sat down in the chair in front of the bathroom mirror, the same spot where Silwen and Idril had helped her get ready for the first time. She picked up the brush next to the mirror and started brushing her hair while observing her reflection.

Her eyes were no longer dull, irritated by smoke and dirt; her skin, always fair, had regained its delicate amber tone, no longer the grayish hue that had once covered it; her lips, once chapped and cracked from the cold and thirst, were now rosy and soft, just like she remembered her mother's to be; her fingers, which had been dirty, bony, and full of scratches, now appeared long and smooth-skinned; and her hair, the same as her father's, had returned to its vibrant color, no longer tangled, frizzy, broken, and dusty. Suddenly, in place of that pleasant image, Lasgalen saw something else: her face from the time of her captivity, with those shameful, mutilated ears. Terrified, she quickly looked away, turning her face and torso completely to the left. She bent forward, resting her elbows on her knees. Despite knowing that what Galadriel was encouraging her to do through indirect gestures-move forward-was the right thing, after that episode it had become imperative. If she didn't let go of the past, if she didn't allow time and the future to wash away the sticky pain she carried like rain on her body, her past would torture her until it consumed her. And there would be nothing left of either Yesenia or Lasgalen. She thought of her father and how angry he would have been if she had thrown away the gift of life like that. Especially after they had died. It was easy for others to demand. Demand that she put it behind her, make peace with the fact that those men were gone, that she was safe now, and to focus only on the positive. Everything always seems so much easier when it's not happening to you. But Lasgalen didn't know if what had defined her was strength or not. What determines that? Had she been strong for surviving a little more than two hundred years in slavery? Or would she have shown her strength by rebelling without stopping, day after day, even at the risk of being killed? In any case, whether it was a trait of hers or not, the redhead knew she would try: to find the true strength, the real courage, to take the first step, then the second, and the next one after that, hoping that one day she would start running fast again.

Yes, she definitely needed to get out of that room. She stood up and walked toward her wardrobe. When she opened it, she found the same three dresses she had worn during her stay at the palace. One green, one pink, and one turquoise. She opted for the turquoise one, which was characterized by a fine silver chain to wear around her waist. She put on her shoes and, after taking a deep breath, took her first step out the door. She closed her room and headed towards the large dining hall reserved for the inhabitants of the palace and the Training Camp. It was a hall with an extremely high ceiling, held up by four supporting columns. There were many long, majestic wooden tables, with long benches with backs made of the same material. As soon as she timidly crossed the threshold, she immediately began searching for Galadriel, whom she found sitting across from Elrond, in the company of other elves. She walked toward them with a smile, and along the way, she greeted Silwen and Idril, who waved back calmly. As soon as Galadriel saw her, she gave her an open smile. She had the expression of someone who hadn't quite believed the redhead would actually show up. Lasgalen sat down next to the elf, offering a smile to everyone.

"Seven o'clock, just like we said" the redhead said with a small smile, addressing her friend, who smiled back.

"Good morning, everyone" she said to those present. She and Elrond exchanged a sweet smile, and both extended their arms to each other, holding them for a moment.

"Lasgalen, let me introduce you to Myria, Daneor, and Lindir" Galadriel said to the redhead, turning her gaze to the other elves present.

"Very nice to meet you" said Myria, an elf with brown hair and hazel eyes. Daneor had long blonde hair, almost white, and elongated blue eyes, while Lindir had brown hair like Myria and brown eyes. In fact, the two could have passed for siblings.

"The pleasure is mine" Lasgalen replied with a smile, while the other two nodded with a smile.

"Oh, look at them, how calm and well-mannered they seem" Galadriel said jokingly, looking at Daneor and Lindir, followed by a laugh from Elrond.

Even Myria smiled amusedly before the two could respond.

"Well, you've just ruined the surprise effect" replied Daneor with a theatrical wave of his hand, followed by his friend.

"Always the party pooper" Lindir said as he sipped juice from his glass.

The table was laden with all kinds of fruit, along with eggs and sweet bread.

"Hurry up and have breakfast, we have a trip afterward" said Galadriel as the redhead had just bitten into a sweet, juicy plum.

"What trip?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Do you want to know everything beforehand? Come on, finish up" she said, placing a slice of bread on her plate.

Lasgalen looked at Elrond with a raised eyebrow as she continued to chew.

"Don't look at me" Elrond said with a smile as he finished eating the bunch of grapes on his plate. The others all laughed and finished breakfast amidst light conversation.

She discovered that Lindir and Myria were indeed siblings, and Daneor was like a relative to them. All five of them had studied and trained together, finding a special connection. She asked Elrond how Syrìa was doing, and her friend replied that the wound had improved significantly in just one day and that in a couple of days it should be fully healed. Daneor's parents had died during the War of Wrath, and he, being very young, had stayed with Gil-Galad. Who knows, perhaps his parents and her father knew each other. Lindir and Myria's parents, on the other hand, lived permanently in Eregion, a realm created by Celebrimbor, a descendant of Fëanor and a blacksmith of astonishing skill. Given the excellent martial skills the two siblings had shown, they had chosen to depart for the Grey Havens and join the army of the High King.

After the meal, they all went outside. Except for Lasgalen, everyone seemed to know where they were going, leading her while chatting. Galadriel looked back and saw Lasgalen smiling, surrounded by her friends, with Elrond by her side, looking serene and amused. She turned back ahead with a satisfied smile. Maybe that elf truly possessed an enviable willpower, as Elrond had said. She knew that behind that smile there was much struggle, but she was still there, and that was what mattered.

Soon they found themselves a few steps from the palace exit. Waiting for them were six beautiful horses: a white one, Galadriel's horse, two brown ones with white spots for Lindir and Myria, a grayish one for Daenor, a black stallion without a mark, and a horse with brown, white, and black patches. Lasgalen smiled at the sight, as each of them approached their horse. Galadriel took the one meant for Lasgalen and calmly brought it to her.

"When I saw her, I thought you might like her" she said with a wink, handing her the reins before heading to her beautiful snow-white stallion. Lasgalen was utterly in love. The mare was stunning and had begun to sniff her curiously.

"Hello there, beautiful. You're so gorgeous" whispered the redhead, gently scratching her.

Everyone mounted their horses, and so did Lasgalen.

"And where will these beautiful creatures take us?" she asked, moving closer to the blonde as they left the palace.

"To tour the city, of course" said Galadriel, turning with a smile. The smile quickly spread to the others, who seemed to like the idea very much.

"I haven't taken a ride through the city in far too long" said Daenor with a grin.

"Maybe because you always cause trouble when you go there" added Myria, who moved alongside him.

"Don't you dare ruin this day; it's for Lasgalen!" Galadriel said playfully, pointing a finger at the blond, who raised his hands in surrender.

"Oh, what do you take me for?"

"Someone who would be capable of it" said Lindir, giving him a light tap on the back of the head before starting to gallop. Everyone laughed at the scene as Daneor chased after him.

These guys must be crazy, but in a good way
She thought as she laughed, watching the scene. They were some older, some younger, and she was certain that life hadn't always been easy for any of them. Yet there they were: running on horseback, playing with the wind, laughing at trivial things, and allowing themselves to be carefree when they could. They were something beautiful to behold, radiating pure light just by existing, and it was a breathtaking sight for Lasgalen, who watched them, mesmerized. Elrond was beside her, watching her with a calm smile. They had made it through. They had certainly endured pain, loss, and confusion-the limbo where you can't figure out who you are. And yet, just by looking at them now: carefree. That feeling seemed so distant and almost forgotten to the redhead.

"It will be a beautiful day" the brown-haired elf said, looking ahead. The redhead smiled, curious about the parts of the city that were starting to come into view.

"I've never visited the city" she said in an enchanted tone, with a slight hint of fear but also a good dose of curiosity, the kind she'd always had.

"You'll like it, I'm sure about it" he said, looking at her. Describing those emotions seemed almost impossible. Lasgalen's gratitude towards those two elves never stopped growing, and a strange feeling told her they would always be part of her life, and that thought excited her. Whether it was her parents who had led her to them, or the Valar, or simply fate, she could never repay that debt.

Smiling, she looked at Elrond, then spoke shortly after:

"Oh, heavens, what is that? It's stunning!" the redhead exclaimed, her eyes filled with wonder, looking to the left.

"What?" asked Elrond, turning.

Lasgalen then grabbed the brooch Elrond wore on his chest and playfully ran away. After a moment of surprise, the elf started chasing her, amused.

The redhead knew that feeling. It was just something from a long, long time ago. Clouded by fog and mist. But now there was the sun, a bright blue sky, and she could run and laugh as she remembered how to do. The moment they stopped, she realized the shape of the brooch: it was a yellow leaf with golden gems of extraordinary beauty, a leaf from the golden trees of Valinor. She tried to return it to Elrond, but he told her to keep it safe until the evening.

The day was splendid: they visited the town center with the large fountain, admired the architecture of the houses, and saw the many streams. There was never silence; wherever they went, there were musicians. It almost felt like a festival, yet it was just another day. Lasgalen then wondered what an actual holiday would be like. They ate, drank, and laughed, sharing old stories. Lasgalen didn't have much to share, but it was lovely listening to the others' adventures.

When they returned to the palace, evening had fallen, and the sun had set. The horses seemed eager to be rid of their riders, walking quickly to drop them off as soon as possible. Daenor, Lindir, and Myria left first, and Lasgalen approached her brown-haired friend before departing.

"Here you go" she said with a smile, handing him the brooch she had taken, which the elf had asked her to keep safe until their return. He smiled, leaving his horse to two guards.

"Keep it, as a gift" he said, turning fully towards her with the gentle gaze he always reserved for friends.

"Oh no, I could never" she said, wondering what it meant to him, or how precious it was; she couldn't keep it.

"I insist, it's a gift," he repeated.

"That's not a gift; I stole it from you" she said with a light laugh.

"Alright" the elf replied, taking the brooch from her hand and then placing it back in her palm. His gaze was amused and satisfied.

"Now I've reclaimed it and have deliberately decided to give it to you."

The redhead raised an eyebrow as she glanced down at the brooch, gently brushing the bright yellow gems with her thumb.

"So every time you look at it, you'll remember that days like this exist" he added, encouragingly. Lasgalen looked up, incredulous. It was a beautiful gesture, filled with meaning. She could never have imagined that the Valar had such good fortune in store for her.

She hugged Elrond tightly, and after a moment, he returned the embrace, cautious and gentle in his gestures.

Galadriel was the last to leave, and Lasgalen had waited for her by the exit.

"How can I ever thank you?" the redhead asked, arms crossed, looking at the blonde with a grateful and happy smile. Galadriel smiled and walked toward the exit where Lasgalen stood, and together they headed inside.

"Well, by staying alive and always trying to remember that there is beauty in this world, even if it has given you every reason to believe otherwise." Lasgalen looked down, relaxing her shoulders with a shy smile, which faded into a calm expression as she looked up. She felt almost embarrassed for having made her friends worry so much about her life, but after all, she had reacted the only way she knew how, and she couldn't change that or blame herself.

"Your friends seem like good elves."

"They are. They have their flaws, like everyone, but I've known them for many, many years, and I must say, they've never let me down."

A guard interrupted their conversation.

"Lady Lasgalen, the King requests your presence in the council chamber." The redhead wasn't too surprised; she knew Gil Galad would want to see her, though she hadn't expected it to be that night.

"I'll see you later, or tomorrow" Galadriel said, bidding her farewell as Lasgalen followed the guard. Galadriel had probably expected this, or perhaps she had known all along since that morning. It made her slightly nervous, but there was no avoiding it.

They arrived at the doors of the chamber, and the guard opened them once permission to enter was granted. Gil Galad was seated, reading something that appeared to be a letter.

"Good evening, you may go" the elf said to the guard, who closed the door.

Lasgalen began rubbing her hands together nervously, hiding the gesture by placing them behind her back.

"My lord, how may I assist you?" she began, bowing her head slightly in a show of respect.

Gil Galad stood, tall and proud, and walked toward a cabinet at the side of the room.

"I've been thinking a lot today about the old times I spent with your father. And in reflecting on those times, my mind has cleared" he said, pulling an object wrapped in a dark green cloth from a drawer. He closed the drawer and walked over to Lasgalen, standing before her.

"Back then, it wasn't so uncommon to do this sort of thing, and it pains me to think that I had forgotten. But I believe you should have this."

Lasgalen did not understand. No one could from those few words, but as soon as she discovered the object the King was giving her, a violent flashback surged through her mind.

"Ada, who gave you that pendant?" asked little Lasgalen as she swung on a tree branch.
"Oh, this? It's a very special object; it signifies a deep bond. There is only one other like that, and my found brother possesses it" he said, amused by his daughter's curiosity.
"A found brother? Did you lose him?" she replied, confused.
"No, no, I didn't lose him" he laughed, entertained. "When you grow up, I hope you'll have one too."
"But does that mean I have an uncle??" said the excited little girl.
"Exactly, and one day I will take you to meet him, I promise."

The fact that the found brother was the High King, was truly the last thing Lasgalen could have imagined. She looked at the King in shock, her mouth slightly agape and her brows furrowed.

"It's cruel that I spent more time with your father than you did. But before we parted, we promised each other that we would take care of each other's families if anything ever happened, in whatever way we could. I'm sure he would want you to have it."

She paused for a moment, observing the silver jewelry with a pendant made of a green gem.

"And what will become of your bond?" If he had given her the bond with her father, what would remain for him? But in the moment their gazes crossed, everything became clear: it was her. She would take the place of that pendant. She was the new bond between the two elves.

"I don't wish to keep you in places where you don't want to be; however, I want you to know that if you ever need anything, I am here, even if you don't know me and you don't know if you can trust me, because that is what torments you when dealing with others" he concluded. Yes, he was right. It was all true.

"My father trusted you. And I will trust you too, my lord" she said, tightening the pendant in her hands.

"Thank you." She looked at him with a little smile, which was returned by the elf.

After being dismissed, Lasgalen went to her chambers, closed the door behind her, and the window she had left open. After lighting two lanterns, she headed towards the wooden dresser near her bed and placed Elrond's pendant and Gil-Galad's pendant on it. The past and the future. She had both before her. She could have both. She could take the best from each. It was all in her hands.