Lothriel looked up. The sky was a brilliant blue, framed neatly in the green wreath above her. How she loved the forest. It was as much a part of her as anything. She smiled, and began to sing. The words were of a language far older than anything she could remember, but still she knew the song by heart. It was a song about nature, and life. It spoke of a binding power that flowed through all living things. She closed her eyes as she sang on, a single tear trailing down her pale face as an image of dear Candir entered her mind. She sang on, past the part of partings, and to the part where in the end, all things return to the place where they once began. She opened her eyes once again. The sounds of the forest had stopped somewhere along in the song, as if the forest and all that was in it held it's breath, listening, waiting. She smiled as the sounds slowly returned. She rose softly from her perch below the large tree and turned the way she had come, headed home. She had plenty of herbs for her stocks, and all the twigs and sticks she could carry for crafts she had in mind. She moved in almost a dancing motion, as the song played once again in her mind.

She was to meet with her sister later, but first perhaps she would have the chance to work on a few gifts she had started earlier. It had been a while since she had free-time to share with her sister, for no other reason than to enjoy each-others' company. Her sister always seemed to be training, or leading, or fighting. Never free, and when she was, Lothriel herself was always busy. It seemed to be that way more so of late. And now, Lothriel could also detect something among the other elves, as if something was about to erupt. She knew of the Giant Spider threatening the elves, and that Orks and others of the Dark One were moving closer to elven lands, but there seemed to be more, something that she had yet to be told. For some reason, the normally peaceful, tranquil dwelling of her family had become a bee hive of activity and tensions building. Listlessly, Lothriel wondered if her sister Edlothia knew what the excitement was about. Perhaps, but that wasn't what today was about.

She slowed her pace as she returned to the boarder of the woods, where there were houses and elves moving about their lives. She looked around quickly, checking the faces of the few who passed close by, but seeing none seemed to notice her, she moved toward her home, sticks and other trinkets still held tightly in her arms. She placed them gently on the table as she entered her dwelling, and looked around, as she set to finishing the crafts she had been working on. She briefly wondered where everyone was, but being that it was a busy time of day, she guessed they were likely out doing what ever there was to be done, as she was.

Edlothia breathed loudly as she ran on her way heading to her home, shouting 'excuse me' to every elf blocking her way and giving smiles as an apology. Just came back from her patrol with her hair messed up and her suit soaked in sweat, Edlothia sprinted towards her home with a hot, red cheek, her weapons dangling on her back. She just came back from an extremely patrol, as everything was at peace and she wasn't able to kill a single thing. So the passionate elleth treated the patrol as a training session, crafting on her skills and shooting arrows everywhere all over, making her teammates miserable, which results in herself being more exhausted than ever as she retrieved arrows from tree to tree, on high places, top of buildings, down by the root of plants. Still Edlothia was cheerful to do it, and she was going home for something that she had been scheduling and waiting for for almost a month.

She was going to meet with her sister Lothriel, whom had been given a title by other elves: 'the fair', the well-known young healer, eldest daughter of the family. The sisters loved each other wholeheartedly, while not sharing any interests in daily lives -- Edlothia loved fightings passionately while Lothriel was deeply interested in healing and crafting; Their characteristics had been the same way as well: Edlothia was straightforward and more talkative, while Lothriel was more calm and thoughtful. It was a curious thing that other elves had been talking about, the way Edlothia and Lothriel corresponds with each other, like a freshly-lit furnace burning hot and a tranquil lake in winter time, despite all the differences, both sisters had done well in their fields and made their parents proud.

Ah, what a strange thing is home. A place that you can always seek refuge and create spaces of your own, a place that you are able to open your heart and lay all your burdens down. And it becomes even better when someone was there, waiting for you.

This was a rare chance. Edlothia was unable to spent time with Lothriel often -- as it is, on a battle when fighters are needed, she would be there when her sister would wait apprehensively in safe zones; but after the battle when healers are needed, she went to rest with a tiring body when her sister would be there to heal those who had been injured. Not only in battles, this was also the way it worked in real life. Ordinarily, the sisters would meet when they were home for a tiny rest, or a high-five by the corridors would be all. But today in particular, they had the chance of holding each others hands, and go for a sisterly chat together.

Edlothia banged the door open as she gave a huge grin to her sister, who had been sitting in the crafts table again. "Hi, Sis." She said this as she put her weapons down to the corner where they rest on the floor, then she sat beside Lothriel, giving her a big hug as she stretched moments afterwards. "New gift for me, my dear dear sister? Ah, I'm thinking about asking for a change in patrol shifts -- I want to do it at nighttime, then it's going to be a lot more exciting." She rolled her eyes before sniffing her suit, "I'm changing my clothes, they smell really bad. Oh, most happy thing in a year, Lothriel! Let's talk! What's on your mind?"

Edlothia gasped as she saw the vague shadow of the gift, but soon she changed her mind. She abruptly closed her eyes and pushed both of her hands in front of her body, towards her sister: "No, no, no, Lothriel -- Later. I want to be suurpriiseed." She pleaded in a mystical voice as she lengthened the vowels in the last word. Edlothia was happy though, overjoyed by her kind sister. She cannot help but shiver a bit out of excitement as she kept her eyes closed, touching things around her to find her path towards the closet. Amongst her way she accidentally fetched an apple on the table, and she was very pleased with it. And so Edlothia took a bite of her apple, then opened her eyes with her back towards her sister, and charged to the closet to get a new set of suits.

Changing rapidly while hiding herself in the darkness behind a cupboard, Edlothia answered normally as she heard her sister's question. "What has happened is that I grow some inches, in which I am very thankful for learning that I am still growing. And -- I made new friends, got some new arrows, met the majestic Overseer of our land. What about you, Fair Maiden?" Edlothia teased as she winked delightfully, things that happened in that short period of time before their meeting flashed into her mind. She giggled for a bit before hearing her sister's more serious question. By the time Edlothia had finished changing, as she had put on a dark-blue casual suit. She bit the apple again while tightening the ropes around her leg and waist.

"Danger?" Edlothia scowled, chewing quietly and swallowed her food before continuing her sentence, "Unnamed tension? Never saw it coming, but if there is any, I would kill it with my teammates. Maybe it's the world's ending and we are all going to die without knowing about it, but it is not likely to happen..." She gave an innocent smile and winked, pondering about the things her sister said, wondering that if it would be appropriate to bring up a merrier topic. So she asked, "Hmm, how's mom and dad doing? Haven't seen them in days..."

Lothriel sighed, but accepted her sister's plea. She could wait a little longer. Lothriel stood and placed the gift in a hidden cabinet near where she had been working. Out of sight, out of mind. She then straightened her grown slightly before returning to her seat. She listened intently to Edlothia as she spoke with excitement of her time since they last spoke in such a manner. It wasn't often they had the chance to have long conversations, and go into detail. Lothriel, not one to interrupt, nearly cried out in surprise as her sister ended her exciting flurry. I... You mean, you met... Her thoughts were jumbled, what was wrong with her? Before she was able to clear her mind, her worries slipped out.

I'm serious! Hmm, but perhaps you are right, and I am looking too deeply. She glared for a split-second at her playful sister. In truth her tone and glace were as much as act as her sister playful teasing. She was not mad, it wasn't often something she was capable of, but few dared try to anger her. Good, well as good as one can be when they are so often away from home. Both have been overly busy, but nothing more than what usually happens in times like these. She spoke, curious what they were doing at that moment. She smiled at her sister. So, what is he like? She asked, curious about the Overseer of their land. She had hoped to meet him, but had yet to have such a privilege. Being a skilled healer, she could probably find a reason, but she wasn't one to talk about such things with others. Her sister was the only one who knew she even had any desire at all to met him.

Edlothia sat down again on a stool in the corner, she finished her apple in bites and discourteously threw the remains out of their windows. Then she turned her gaze once more towards her beloved sister, and nodded in an amazed manner. It cannot be! She thought as her mouth turned into O-shape unknowingly, and said in a jocular tone:

"I get it. Our faithful Lothriel wants to meet the Elvenking!" She exclaimed in a high-pitched voice cheerfully, a delightful smile appeared on her face, "I'm sure you'll do at some stage! You are such a talented person, and when the King sees you, he might want you to be the royal physician!

Hearing upon the state of their parents, Edlothia made a crude comment, "Oh, these two bumblebees won't gave themselves a minute to even eat an apple. Our dedicated daddy and mommy. On the other hand," She frowned, "I should not be talking about my parents in this manner. So let's close the care." She let out a bashful smile as she stretched on her seat.

Lothriel's blushing face reminded Edlothia of something. Something quite... special. It would be really gossipy and rude for her to do this to someone else, but... Lothriel was her own sister. Edlothia swallowed and gave a meaningful smile before she hurried to sit down beside Lothriel, putting her arm around her and inquired:

"Hmm. My sister, is there anyone of your interest out there? Did you met some ellons during work?"

It was random and awkward. Edlothia remained silent, looked at her sister in a peculiar way and raised a brow.

Lothriel made a daring face at her sister. It wasn't like that! Her sister seemed to have a one track mind today, and Lothriel wasn't sure she was ready to play along. She was pleased at her sister's praises of her skills, but let the moment pass. She was glad when the subject changed to their parents, but was glad Edlothia was speaking to her, and not another when she heard what she had to say.

To Lothriel's utter dismay her sister returned to the topic she was trying to avoid. At her words, or rather question, Lothriel's face turned as red as a shiny autumn apple. Had anyone else asked, she would have been outraged. And even had Edlothia asked a few years before, she would have burst into tears. She guessed that even the small fact that she hadn't was a sign of healing. In fact, though she wasn't sure she was ready for another to enter her life, she had began to think it a possibility again. Yet, it hadn't happened yet. Why I...! She started, but smiled, as she looked at her sister. No, my dear Edlothia. Yet maybe in time. Have you...? She finished in a calmer tone, and left her question only half asked. She knew well her sister was able to finish her question. Silently Lothriel smiled to herself as her color returned to normal. Yes, perhaps she would find love one day.

"Yes... Of course, maybe in time..." Edlothia smiled playfully, as she noticed the sudden change of tone in both Lothriel's face and voice. It was somehow amusing to see her sister in such a mood, for Edlothia had been unable to make someone turn pink for a long time. She made a frisky little push on Lothriel's shoulders. Smiling broadly with no small amount of excitement, Edlothia was sure that some day, when she has tons of spare time, she would become a real matchmaker for her sister. But not yet, not yet, as the two both needs a little time when no one pushes one another: for Lothriel to buffer from the accident years ago, and for Edlothia to change her perspective towards this curious matter.

Edlothia herself however, was a tiny bit shocked when she heard Lothriel asking in reply. She rolled her eyes for one round, and sat up with vigilance. She turned to Lothriel, tilting her head while looking at her sister solemnly, trying to put off any expression on her face. Edlothia flustered, as she had not prepared for this sudden ambush. Her heart thumped, and she tried to calm herself but made no effort in hiding her situation. Finally, she answered unevenly: "Absolutely not, Lothriel." After her reply, Edlothia crisply swished her hair and gave a huge grin. Her face was bright pink of a peach's, yet she was unaware of that: "Forgive me, but I am utterly not shy about this. I have not had any interest in anyone, for I am to clumsy to be good enough to suit anyone in this realm." She swallowed, but a tiny voice in her heart jumped up and screamed 'it wasn't like that!'. Edlothia was at a blossoming age for an elf, and she indeed has some... Well, secret stuff that she was not going to tell. Hilarious enough for a blunt elleth like her, Edlothia is actually really bashful at this topic. Now she was just praying that her sister would not continue to talk about this. It was indeed an awkward situation for her, yet this talkative girl wasn't able to start another topic. Amazing things happen when people talk about things that you doesn't want to talk about. Thought Edlothia, looking upwards.

Lothriel smiled as it was her sister's turn to be unsure of herself. She wasn't usually one to be so upfront about feelings, and such, although she was more of a lover than a fighter, like her sister she was passionate. But she wasn't one to put such things to words often. At her sister's sudden dismissal, Lothriel burst out laughing. She covered her mouth, but still grinned at her sister. It wasn't often she had the upper hand. Nonsense! She said, although her sister was likely right, she was sure there was someone for her, for everyone, it just took time. Lothriel knew her sister was uneasy with the topic, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to go one, but something inside her whispered to push. Perhaps talking would help them both get over things. I've seen how some of the other young ellons look are you when you train. She said, in an almost teasing manner, but she wasn't lying. She knew there were some who had noticed her younger sister, even if Edlothia didn't believe it.

Edlothia managed to fake up a look as if she was not stupefied. And the blushing kept going harder. She almost threw up at the thought of somebody watching - the trainings - is it really worth it? Edlothia questioned the fact that her sister had actually been to the training grounds at the hours, for Lothriel was never utterly free, but then she recalled that it was herself who dragged her sister so emotionally, giving her all the schedules and begging her to drop by and see her trainings whenever she have time. Well, there you go, a hotheaded mistake. Edlothia started to find this matter slightly harder to deal with, but she would give up anything to have her sister continue to come to see her train... Conjuring up an answer with all her might, Edlothia smiled lightly as she lifted her hands to her hips and made a cunning smile: "Dear me... tell me the names and where their live... I'll deal with them tomorrow morning right away!" Edlothia cast a glance over the armories that she dropped on the ground, hoping that her sister would drop the subject.

But as a matter of fact, Edlothia remembered that this conversation was hardly about her -- Lothriel. Ellons. Marriage. Relationships. And I am being a matchmaker for heaven's sake! So Edlothia skipped up once more joyously and stood herself before Lothriel. She asked mysteriously, "But back to you, my dear sister - what type of 'elf' she made the gesture with her hands awkwardly, "would you prefer? I am sorry to remind you of it, but if you are fond of ellons who are like him - C something -" she looked away, counting with her fingers with difficulty, "Then his brothers, Brandir, Andir, Fandir, Landir would all be likely to suit your flavor."[/b] For all Edlothia could remember, the family of Candir was a big and unusual one, with five offsprings and surprisingly all of them are male, and a more curious fact is that all of their names rhyme... So she smiled innocently, waiting for an answer from her sister.

---

names are what took so long

Lothriel watched her sister squirm at her words. For all her confidence and courage, Edlothia seemed very...vulnerable at the moment. It was rare that Lothriel had her sister in such a state, but she knew better than to push. Edlothia wasn't one to let things go, no the harder the healer pushed, she harder her younger sister would push back. Yet, she was unable to hold back a hearty laugh for all her sister's struggles. Had Edlothia not put on her brave face seconds before speaking, the words might now have cause such mirth, but all things considered, even the quite Lothriel was unable to hold back.

Still smiling she looked again at her sister. She had decided it was time to stop pushing, but knew her turn was about to come again. What can my dear sister have next on her mind? She thought, hoping the subject that had started it all would pass. Though all hope soon fled as Edlothia returned to her cheerful self. Always one to be blunt, Lothriel tried to brace herself for her sister's next words. She failed. Well, not at first. At first she had assumed her sister would stop with the question. One quite impossible to answer, but still simple enough. But no! Edlothia had to return, return to where this all started! The already pale and fair Lothriel indeed became stark white at those words! She gasped, unable to think clearly. Looking down, trying to regain some sense of composure, she quickly gained color, in the form of a deep, rosy blush! Lothriel risked a glance at her sister, only to see the innocent smile, on the little imp! With a deep breath, Lothriel finally regained her cool composure. Well, dear sister. If you must know, I'm not quite sure my, type? did you say. And even so, if you intend to make anything of it, I suppose you would have to ask them their type as well! She said with a smug twinkle in her eyes. She highly doubted her sister would have such nerve to ask such a question to anyone else. They shared a special bond as sisters, but to ask someone out side of the family, more so handsome males? Doubtful! What will you do now, my dear sister?



OOC: I'm really sorry I was inactive for so long! I'm back now, and plan to work on checking in more often and replying quicker.

((No it's okay, and I missed you a lot *cuddles* And please forgive me I couldn't resist... so there's a picture of Edlorion the imp XD ))

Edlothia bit her lower lip and smiled as she watched the crimson climb up onto her sister's face with delight. Her sister answered with care and tactic however, after the moment has passed. Edlothia looked at her sister in a different direction. She bent her waist to the right, and so that she viewed Lothriel in a peculiar angle. "Hmm... Very clever." She said as she nodded, a light of mischief mixed with admiration in her eyes. Iluvatar knows who they like. I don't even know them well. With that Edlothia was left stuck, unable to answer. She figured that it might be just as Lothriel wanted. Her sister always outwitted her, and Edlothia guessed that might be why her parents never let her do anything of utmost importance - visiting respectable friends and family, for a case. Edlothia never forgot the moment when she accidentally destroyed that vase in Wise Arheleth's place two years ago. Her parents had never let her near that old elvish maid since then. Edlothia herself couldn't figure out why she was always so clumsy, as incautious as breaking vases thirty years after her maturity. She simply concluded this topic with a reply as clumsy, "I have no idea, sister... However I figure that everyone in the Woodland Realm would like you. But let's talk about something else."

Edlothia began wandering around the room, moving this basket up and that decoration down, searching without a target. "Er... How's your healing going? Any new... situations?" With a large bang a wooden decorative ball hit the ground. Edlothia picked it up and placed it back onto where it was, grateful for it not being a ceramic. "And what's ada and nana so busy about? It's the quiet time of the year..." She turned around and gave a happy smile, deciding to pick up on their previous topic. As she completed her search, Edlothia walked back to where Lothriel was sitting, "Nope. No food anywhere. I'm starving... An apple isn't enough to stop my stomach from screaming for food." She grinned sorrily as she placed a hand on her tummy.

With that Edlothia looked towards her sister, hoping for an answer. There must be something left somewhere...

Lothriel knew her younger sister was stumped, and could not hold back a quick grin as she gave up. It was good to talk like this, to be able to talk about such things. It had been long since they were able to talk like this, and Lothriel only now realized how she had missed it.

Her smile grew at dear Edlothia dropped the ball she had been holding. She was never one for grace and care, no not Edlothia. She was clumsy, though for an Elf she would still look graceful to any other race. But among other Elves, well, she still looked a child in that way. It goes well. I have learned to use new recipes and to identify new herbs from distant lands. Nothing really important, but good for first aid if I was ever to travel from our boarders. She said this with her normal cool tone, yet her eyes looked away for a moment. She wasn't one to wander, so she had not been beyond the boarders of her beloved home, and doubted a reason would arise for many years, if at all. Yet a part of her was curious, it wanted to see what she had only read about, and from time to time had heard in the stories of travelers. She didn't want to leave home, yet she would gladly go if asked, if sent on some mission or such. It was more Edlothia's thing, but it was also said that distance puts things into a new perspective. Perhaps that is what she truly needed?

And what's ada and nana so busy about? Wouldn't she like to know? I haven't the slightest idea, all they said was they were expected, and might be a way for a day or two as most. She said, thinking as she spoke, yet coming up empty. They had been unusually busy this time of year, yet they acted as if everything was normal. With a shrug she returned her gaze to her scrounging sister. Before she could ask, she had her answer. I have not had time to stock up on fresh food, though I did gather some herbs before you came. You can use them to make a tea that would calm your hunger for the time. She offered, motioning toward her bag. They would not be filling, but they would help settle the stomach until they were able to pick up some food.

Edlothia's hand hovered over her stomach. Hunger was one thing that tormented Edlothia the most, and food was one thing that she couldn't resist. She looked on, hoping that thinking about something else could appease her demanding tummy.

As soon as she heard Lothriel talking about her herbs, Edlothia let out a tiny 'aw'. Her sister had always been so assiduous, always learning about new things. As she talked about the lands beyond the Woodland Realm, Edlothia stood up and leaned on the edge of the table. For a moment she just looked at Lothriel in the eyes, saying nothing but everything. Lothriel was always the one who stayed and kept vigils when they played as children, and for all Edlothia remembered Lothriel did not travel often. She had hoped so for a chance when a reason arise and she and her sister may travel together. Well, they might not need wait for that reason after all. "I'll take you. We'll travel to other places, me and you. But let's hope that you'll never need to use your healing skills..." Edlothia made a jape, hoping that her sister would agree on this notion.

She pondered about their parents for a minute, and then murmured her answer, "Strange strange. Nah, they'll be back as usual..." And then Edlothia let that topic of conversation go. "Oh, please give them to me!" Edlothia pleaded as Lothriel talked about the herb that would calm her stomach. Some of the herbs she had tasted had a strange and pungent flavor to them, often making Edlothia sick; but others had far more pleasant savors that made her want to take more. Right now Edlothia only hoped that this herb would be the latter one. "I'll drink whatever calms my tummy." With that she left searching for the kettle, which must be somewhere in the kitchen... and then Edlothia found it, only after the fall of two other pots. One of them hit Edlothia on the head, which made her a bit dizzy. She stood up finally, and turned around to face her sister, smiling: "Any water in the house? Or do we have to get it from the stream nearby?"

Lothriel had been putting up her fresh herbs, hanging them to dry as she spoke to her sister. She had indeed learned new things, not so much in the way of skills. Instead she had been learning about alternative uses for things she already knew of. In hopes of traveling, since a few things with different uses meant she could travel light, and that she would have what she needed.

She jumped when he sister spoke again, causing her to return from her musings. Taking a breath as she turned, she faced her sister with a smile. "Yes, that wouldn't do at all would it. But to where would we go? I cannot fight, well not so well as you, that is. And we have no reasons to tell the others, they would never let me go without being sent..." She finished, realizing that she could leave, but that would mean sneaking out, and would surely be caught and questioned by dawn. No, they would have to come up with something.

As Edlothia spoke of their parents, Lothriel realized that perhaps that was her way out! They were rarely gone so long, and being so caring, it wouldn't be unusual for her to begin to worry. She could say she was looking for them, and when they returned, just say she got lost? No, they would know better, she would never get lost so close to home...

Lothriel watched the comical display her sister put on, in an attempt to find the kettle. As Edlothia looked her way, Lothriel had to cover her lips with her right hand, trying to hold in her giggle. Her left held a vase of water she had gotten that morning. She failed to hold in her giggles as she walked over to her sister, picking up the herbs needed as she passed.


{OOC: Hi, I'm very sorry that I disappeared *again* and took so very long to come back. My RL went through some major changes, and then everything fell apart, and I have just managed to pick up all the pieces and get back to a normal life. I hope things have been going well for you?}

"We... We'll travel all around Middle Earth, you and I. We'll visit every place and bring wellwishes from the Woodland Realm wherever we go. They'll surely allow us to do that." Edlothia trailed off into a reverie. Journeying with her sister had always been a dream of hers since she was very little, but there never was time. After all they followed such different schedules, and what little timespan of holidays that they share had been devoted to familial joys with their parents. "Life out there would be so strange and exciting at once. We'll go to Rivendell and Lothlorien, then even farther West to the Realms of Men. And when we come back, we could even go a bit farther northeast to the Dwarven Realms and Esgaroth before coming home." Her features dissolved into a genuine smile at what she thought to be a perfect plan. "Of course there'll be perils and dangers, but nothing'll be as great as seeing the wonders of the world outside..." And then, her eyes dimmed before she lowered her head, "If only we had the time."

Speaking of travel, Edlothia's thoughts came back to the subject matter of their parents. Now that she mentioned Esgaroth, a bell rang in her head. Last time Edlothia heard, her father had journeyed to Dale in attempt to trade some of his crafts along with a few other elves. But Meldarion, a friend of hers who is also a guard, did not see her father during his recent trip to Esgaroth. The band of Woodelves would be easy to recognize for their tall stature and foreign appearance... Yet no one had saw them. Edlothia suddenly realized that she should be deeply disturbed by this fact. She decided to not tell Lothriel, since Edlothia didn't want to add on to the loads of things that her sister is already worrying about. Edlothia decided to ask around the next day.

"Lothriel! When did herbs become so funny?" Edlothia smiled and joked again, as her sister giggled from Edlothia's actions. She was glad for this to happen, and Edlothia's heart rejoiced whenever she saw Lothriel smile. Somehow her mind returned to the horrible incident that happened oh so many years ago, and Edlothia was grateful that her sister had somehow moved on from the shadows of the past. Of course Lothriel would never forget, but her smiles was enough to let Edlothia know that her sister is in a better emotional state. "Oh, I couldn't wait for your tea. It's always the best." She smiled and waited.

((OOC: It's absolutely fine! My RL has been really hectic as well haha I'm doing pretty good, and I hope you're doing well too! ))