That night, the elf had spent her time pacing back and forth in her room, anxiously awaiting the break of dawn. She would go straight to Elrond to ask for explanations. The night helped her calm down, soothing that impulsive and fiery nature she had inherited from her mother. Part of her thought she couldn't challenge the way the elves had decided to handle the situation. On the other hand, there had been a promise of honesty, and a promise was a promise. Lasgalen would never forget one in her entire life. As soon as she had the chance, she went looking for the elf. He wasn't in his chambers, nor in the library, and not even with the King.

"He's probably in the nearby forest if you haven't found him elsewhere" Myria had told her after being asked if she had seen him that day.

Near the forest where the memories of the fallen elves were kept, there was indeed another small grove, less dense, with shorter and slender trees. The young elf headed in that direction until she saw a figure sitting in a tree, writing something on a paper scroll. When she got closer, she confirmed it was Elrond, with that lock of brown hair falling over his face every time he lowered his head.

As soon as he noticed her presence, he placed the paper and pen on his lap and turned to her with a smiling face. Lasgalen returned the gesture with a faint smile.

"You've been quite busy these days" she said, having seen him rarely of late.

"The Buttercup Festival is in three months, but the King seems rather eager to start organizing" he replied.

"Buttercup Festival?" she asked, sitting on a branch, careful not to damage the golden leaves.

"It's just one of many elf festivals where we drink and enjoy ourselves for no great reason" he summarized with a playful tone, noticing how the redhead was holding back in her demeanor.

"Is something wrong?" he asked her right after.

"It's just that... last night, Daenor took me to a place to-"

"Did he do something?!" he asked, standing up and looking down at her.

"No, no, he didn't do anything. He said something" she replied, standing up to face the elf. Elrond rolled his eyes.

"Daenor is a skilled and loyal warrior, but he can be a real idiot sometimes" he replied, imagining what kind of things the blond might have said.

"He told me he was part of the group of elves who brought me here" she cut in, staring at him. Elrond was pulled back to reality, and the shock was visible in his eyes.

"He told me not to be angry with Galadriel because she made him promise not to say anything. Why didn't you tell me? When I wanted to thank everyone who helped bring me away from that place."

The truth was, Elrond hadn't even thought about it. "I... didn't think it was that important to you" he said with a bitter tone. Honestly, he didn't even think Daenor had confided such a thing to her. For what purpose?

"It is important! My mind needs to know who has seen me in my true form. It might seem silly, unnecessary, or whatever you want, but my brain and soul need it. It brings me comfort. Is he the only one I didn't know about?" she asked, not taking her eyes off his. The tone was slightly angry.

Elrond averted his thoughtful gaze before nodding.

"Yes, he's the only one. I'm sorry, Lasgalen, I thought I had introduced you to everyone."

The girl saw a sincere look of apology in her friend's eyes. In that moment, she felt guilty. On one hand, she believed she was overreacting; on the other, she was angry, and perhaps not even due to the incident itself. She sighed before speaking again.

"No, I'm the one who should apologize, Elrond. I'm overreacting, and I overreacted yesterday with Daenor as well" she said, placing two fingers on her eyes as her head throbbed slightly.

"It's just that he said it so suddenly, and I wasn't expecting it. It was like feeling exposed again. When I introduced myself to the others, I was mentally prepared. But yesterday, he caught me off guard, and I lashed out like a child. How idiotic."

Elrond placed a hand on her shoulder with a gentle smile.

"I bet Daenor didn't exactly tread lightly either. Let's say it was a bit of both" he said. The young woman nodded.

"He told me to stop feeling sorry for myself and not to feel different from others because apparently, there are many elves with hidden scars" she said, raising her eyebrows and looking off to the side.

"I can almost picture the scene and hear his voice" the brown-haired elf said, almost amused.

"There's no need to rush, Lasgalen. You have all the time in the world, and you can take as much as you need to move past this. No one has the right to tell you otherwise, and maybe you should let these things roll off your back a bit more. For your own well-being" the elf said, placing his other hand on her shoulder.

"You're annoyingly always right" she said, looking up with a sarcastic smile.

She rested her forehead against his chest, and he rubbed her back with a smile.

"Forgive my bad temper, especially with you who are always here." The elf maintained his smile.

"It was a legitimate question."

Her gaze then fell on the scroll the elf had placed nearby.

"What were you writing?" she asked, pulling away.

"One of the many duties of being the King's Herald, I'm afraid. I write his speeches" he said, receiving a surprised look from her.

"Really? So you're a poet too, huh?" she said jokingly but with genuine admiration.

"I wouldn't exactly call what I write poetry, but I enjoy it" Elrond replied with a smile as she picked up the scroll.

"When was the last time you wrote one?" she asked, curious.

"It's been a while, actually" the elf responded, his gaze slightly lost in thought. He liked his life, but it had taken away much of his free time.

"Would you write one for me?" the redhead asked with a smile.

"A commission? I'm not sure how much it will cost you, milady" he teased.

"Oh, well, as far as I know, I'm the heir to Forlond, so I think I can afford to pay you" she replied with a smile.

In truth, she had never been there, nor had she known of its existence before the news was given to her by Gil-Galad.

"Very well, what would you like the poem to be about?" the brown-haired elf asked, grabbing a small sheet of paper and a pen, ready to write. Lasgalen thought for a moment, placing a finger on her chin and looking up at the clear sky.

"Something about the beauty and light of Valinor" she said, turning to him, her tone decided and enthusiastic.

She had never been great at expressing deep emotions in writing; she tended to be a person without many filters, and spoken communication was the easiest for her. However, she loved reading and admiring others' talents. The elf smiled at her for a few seconds before jotting something down on the paper.

"As soon as it's ready, I'll give it to you" he added, still smiling. Lasgalen handed back Gil-Galad's speech scroll to the elf.

"I'll let you get back to work, and I'm sorry for interrupting" she said, ready to leave.

"You're never a bother, Lasgalen, you know that. And besides, I understand what you went through yesterday. It's not easy to put oneself in others' shoes, but I know how much it affected you, and I don't see why you shouldn't have reacted the way you did. At the same time, I don't think Daenor meant to offend you" the elf concluded before the two parted with a smile.

Daenor had certainly been direct and less than gentle in expressing his opinion on the redhead's feelings, but she, now that she had cooled down, knew he hadn't intended to offend her.

She decided to go and find him to talk.
She hated leaving things unresolved. It was one of the traits that defined Lasgalen most deeply. The frustration of an incomplete mission, of a problem left half-finished, burned inside her like a constant flame.

________

While Lasgalen was talking with Elrond, Daenor was in the indoor training hall, where he had arranged to meet Lindir.

"I think I really messed up" he began as soon as he saw his friend.

"You? How surprising" Lindir responded sarcastically, but when he saw how serious Daenor was, he rolled his eyes and took it more seriously.

"What happened?" he asked, setting down the dagger he had in hand on the wooden shelf beside him.

"Last night I took Lasgalen to see the view from the west tower."

"Oh please tell me you didn't-"

"What are you talking about, idiot! Of course not" the blonde said, giving him a smack on the shoulder.

"Good for you, otherwise you'd have faced the wrath of Gil-Galad, not to mention Galadriel. Actually, probably the whole palace" Lindir said thoughtfully, crossing his arms.

"That's not the point. I think I went too far with what I said to her. Maybe I pushed too deep into her personal feelings, emotions I don't yet have the right to access, given how little we know each other."

"You told her to toughen up and not to worry about being different because of her scars?" Lindir replied, as if he had overheard the conversation. Daenor's mouth hung open.

"How in the world do you know that? It's like you were there."

"I was there, actually. I'd say you were a bit harsh with your tone, my friend. After all, you barely know her. How long has it been since Galadriel introduced her to us? A little over a month?" Daenor looked at his friend, unsurprised but annoyed.

"I didn't mean to offend her." At that moment, Lindir's expression shifted, and he picked up the dagger, ready to leave.

"Good morning, Lasgalen!" said the dark-haired elf, waving with a grin and glancing over at Daenor, who had his back to the door.

The redhead waved back at Lindir with a smile, and now she stood in front of Daenor.

"Um... I wanted to say that I'm sorry for the words and tone I used last night. It's not like me to be so grumpy, and I regret it. However, I'd ask you to speak to me less like you did last night, assuming you know how the other person feels and whether they're ready to take certain steps; I find it disrespectful, especially since you don't even know me" she said all in one breath, while Daenor tried to keep up, his eyes following her lips. Who knows, maybe it was only those who had seen her true form who really knew her. Perhaps she didn't even fully know herself, and maybe not even an Age would be enough for anyone to do so. But in any case, Daenor was no Galadriel or Elrond.

"That's all" she finally added. After a brief pause, the elf spoke, not taking his eyes off hers.

"I'm very sorry too, Lasgalen, and you shouldn't apologize. I provoked you. I'm not exactly known for my tact. I promise I won't use it again when it comes to such matters." Were those words sincere? Lasgalen didn't know, but she decided to believe they were, to avoid overthinking the situation.

"Good" she said awkwardly, extending her hand for a handshake. He looked at it for a moment before returning the gesture.

Even that was a big step forward. Skin to skin. Hands to hands. The more time passed, the prouder Lasgalen felt of herself.

"My father always said a person's handshake says a lot about them" the blonde said with a smile.

"An interesting theory. What does mine say?" she asked, still holding his hand.

"A firm grip. Surely a tenacious and stubborn person" he replied while still shaking her hand.

"You might be right about the stubbornness and tenacity."

"And mine?" he asked, as she glanced at their hands.

"Too delicate, probably because you adjust it depending on who you're shaking hands with. So, I'd say sharp and cunning." The two then let go of each other's hands, and a broad smile appeared on Daenor's face.

"See? It's all true" he said, shrugging.

"Oh, how modest you are."

"I have no problem admitting I'm vain." The two laughed lightly, but they were both distracted by a loud noise from a fight between two elves to their right.

They stood in silence for a while, watching the others train.

"Want to warm up a bit?" he suggested, twirling a sword in the air that he'd grabbed nearby.

The redhead smiled playfully before grabbing a sword of her own.

"Funny way to make peace" she said sarcastically as she took her stance.

"Always with me" the blonde replied as she rolled her eyes, and they began to spar.

________

The next morning, Lasgalen and Galadriel met for breakfast. The blonde sat down heavily next to her friend before starting to eat something.

"Heavens, I can't seem to be reactive this morning. This never happens to me" she said, rubbing her eyes for a moment, trying to wake up. The redhead gave her a gentle smile.

"Have some sweetened tea; you'll feel better" she said, handing her a cup she'd just filled. Galadriel began drinking slowly while looking around.

"Rest days don't do me any good. They turn me into a sack of potatoes" the blonde said, referring to the day when the soldiers had most of the day off to rest and relax.

"There must be something that will wake you up" said Lasgalen as she watched her friend, who, from a lost and drowsy look, suddenly came to life as if a light bulb had gone off in her head.

"How could I have forgotten?! Come on, get up. See you at the east gate. I'll get the others. You get Elrond and tell him that not coming is not an option." Galadriel practically lifted Lasgalen, who felt as light as a feather, as she moved away from the table.

"But where are we going?"

"Another excursion!" shouted the blonde, who had already left the great hall. Well, if the day was as beautiful as the one they had had before, why not enjoy it?

So, Lasgalen shrugged and headed to the library. She hoped to find Elrond there. When she turned the corner and saw his brown, curly head, she felt relieved; she wouldn't have to search the entire palace.

"Sometimes, your habit of always being in the same places is quite useful" she said cheerfully as she approached him. He gave her a sweet smile, but before he could greet her, the redhead was already closing his books.

"May I ask what you're doing?" he asked, puzzled.

"Don't ask me, orders from General Galadriel" she said, taking his hands and pulling him toward the east exit of the palace. Along the way, Lasgalen briefly mentioned Galadriel's desire for an excursion, and Elrond shook his head, amused.

"Do you know where we're going this time?" she asked him.

"Well, there are a few places around here we haven't seen yet, so I can't say for sure what that blonde has in mind." They smiled until they saw Galadriel and Daenor at the east gate.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Herald" Galadriel said to her friend.

"Oh, how could I refuse?" he replied, placing a hand on his chest and striking a theatrical pose. Lasgalen laughed as she watched them.

"Where are Lindir and Myria?" the redhead then asked Galadriel.

"Apparently, the two siblings went to visit their parents in Eregion without telling us. But it's their loss; today is going to be a splendid day" Galadriel said, glancing at the clear sky and the warm, bright sun.

"Let's go, this way" she said, starting to walk past the gate down a forest path.

After about half an hour of walking, they arrived at a place that seemed far from the golden city of Lindon. The golden leaves gradually blended with green ones as they approached a small waterfall that fed into a tiny lake. It continued up as a stream, likely reaching the sea. The view was breathtaking, and the water emitted a cool, slightly humid mist. Lasgalen breathed deeply. The trees smelled wonderful, making the air so easy to breathe.

Sometimes she remembered when it hadn't been that way, and even the trees seemed to struggle for air. The blonde gave her a quick, smiling glance, which Lasgalen returned wholeheartedly. The other two elves appeared to share in the same joy as they took in the stunning view.

They climbed down the rocks of the waterfall until they reached the small lake.

"How come no one is here? It's such a beautiful place" Lasgalen said, looking around.

"There are several reasons, actually: those who are too lazy to go out and explore, and those whom I've deliberately misled to have a peaceful, and sometimes fun, place to be with those I care about" Galadriel replied with a proud look.

"Misleading your comrades, General? What do you say?" Daenor took advantage of Galadriel's lowered guard to push her, sending her into the lake.

Lasgalen's mouth fell open.

"Traitor from behind!" The redhead exclaimed, giving him a little shove on the shoulder while the elf laughed amusedly, and Elrond smiled. When they didn't see Galadriel resurface, they all moved closer to the edge of the lake, and Daenor was grabbed by the legs by the blonde and pulled into the water.

When he emerged, he looked like a wet, shocked chick.

"Did you think there wouldn't be consequences?" said the blonde before starting to splash him, and a battle of great water waves began.

Elrond jumped in next, initially to stop the fight, but then he started to join in.

The redhead sat on the edge of the lake, on the cold rock dotted with bright green moss, watching the trio play like children. She closed her eyes toward the sun and let the light wash over her. Maybe they could live for days like these. Days where they could forget they were hundreds of years old, that they had seen death and wars, lost loved ones, and instead enjoy Middle-earth in the beauty it had to offer them.

"Come on, get in, the water's lovely" Galadriel said, approaching.

"I'd rather stay here, but I'll dip my legs in just for you" the redhead said, immersing her legs up to her calves.

Lakes held both beautiful and horrible memories. She, too, had loved playing in the water as a child and had never seemed able to leave her father alone while he washed, always disturbing him to play. At the same time, murky and toxic lakes had been used by bands of men as pits for rotten animals and corpses to dispose of. The water here was freezing and crystal clear, reminding her of the lake near her old home. The sunlight reflected beautifully on the leaf-shaped brooch Elrond had gifted her, so much so that it caught the attention of a crow, which swooped down onto her shoulder to snatch it.

"Hey!" she exclaimed as soon as she noticed the theft. She managed to knock the bird on the beak, causing it to drop the jewel. Unfortunately, it fell into the water. Without thinking twice, she dove in headfirst, swimming deep until she grabbed the brooch and clutched it to her chest.

When she resurfaced, the three were staring at her in astonishment.

"What?" she asked, still catching her breath.

"I thought you didn't know how to swim!" said the blonde with a smile.

"Of course I know how to swim" the redhead replied, still clutching the brooch.

After trying to hold back their laughter for a while, they all burst out laughing at the scene they had just witnessed.

"I've never seen anything like it; it was brilliant" Daenor said, amused.

"No, it wasn't!" she retorted playfully, splashing water at him.

"It must've been a messenger crow from the dwarves. They love shiny things just as much as their masters do" Elrond chimed in, as usual having an explanation for everything.

Dwarves. Lasgalen had never seen a dwarf in all her years of life. It was something she was actually ashamed of. It made her feel like she hadn't really been born on this land! But she would make up for it; she had all the time in the world.

After spending some time in the water, they decided to head back to the palace to dry off. They ran along the narrow dirt road, and Lasgalen was overwhelmed by a beautiful sense of freedom.

The smiles and laughter, however, vanished as soon as they entered the palace and saw Lindir's worried face.

"Lindir, I thought you were in Eregion. What happened?" Galadriel asked seriously as the others gathered closer.

"We were on our way there if it weren't for a little run-in with some trolls."

"Trolls? Are you sure?" Daenor nearly got punched in the face by Lindir.

"What kind of question is that? Of course, I'm sure. They nearly took Myria."

"When did this happen?" Galadriel asked, her tone serious.

"Last night, we were camped halfway there. I haven't seen them in a very long time."

Trolls were dark, disgusting creatures, created for the sole purpose of mocking the Ents. The fact that they had resurfaced so close to Elven lands was nothing short of exceptional.

All traces of joy left Galadriel's face as she headed inside the palace. Her face darkened inch by inch, making her suddenly appear awake from an illusory dream and catapulted into the usual reality of fighting and the destruction of evil.

"The break is over. I want everyone ready for a reconnaissance mission within an hour. I will go to speak with the King."

The echo of the laughter from earlier seemed light-years away, replaced by the unease of the new danger. Lasgalen followed the others toward the heart of the palace, but her gaze wandered beyond the walls, already projected toward the wild paths where she knew she would soon have to confront what loomed ahead.

Leaving things unresolved; it could be a discussion, a battle, or a decision, it was not for her. She couldn't stand the idea of not having control over the situation.

Quickly, her darkened face infected the others, who separated to go prepare.

"Where is Myria?" Lasgalen asked whispering to Lindir.

"She's fine, but it was really close; she acted as a shield to protect me. It's better if she stays here; the King already knows."

Once inside the palace, she paused for a moment, scanning the sky visible through the open windows. Even then, with the news of the trolls lurking in her mind, she felt that annoying sensation of incompleteness enveloping her chest. There was no time to linger in thought or to procrastinate. She knew that Galadriel, with her steady and resolute guidance, would quickly prepare them for the reconnaissance.

No delays. Nothing left unfinished.