When in doubt, jump in head first

3. I do NOT wear dresses

"No," said Laelynn, looking at the dress laid out on the bed, "Absolutely not."

"Why ever not?" asked Arwen, holding up the dress. It was a silky white, with black edging on the sleeves and bodice. The skirt reached the floor, and the flared sleeves nearly did as well. It was a beautiful dress, but ...

"It's just not practical," she said, and elaborated at the other woman's confused look, "I couldn't fight or even move quickly in that. It's a beautiful dress, just not for me."

"Well, what would you rather wear?" asked the elleth, holding the dress up to herself.

"You know the clothes I arrived in," she said, and received a nod from Arwen, "Do you have anything like that?"

"We can definitely get something like that," she said, "Do you think this would fit me?" she held up the dress.

"That would be wonderful," she replied, "I think it would fit you, try it on. Also, where did my weapons go? I'd just feel safer with one, if you don't mind," Laelynn asked.

"All your belongings are at the foot of the bed," said Arwen, pulling the dress over her head, "This looks alright, doesn't it?"

"Arwen, you look lovely," she said, "I could just wear these right? They're clean." She held up her clothes, which actually weren't that bad.

"If you really wanted," she answered, twirling in front of the mirror, "Are you sure I look alright?"

"Oh that's good," she picked up her wand and subtly cast a charm on them. It sank into the clothes, cleaning and repairing them, and giving them a light scent of citrus. "Arwen, you look beautiful. If someone disagrees, they must be dumb and blind." The elleth's face relaxed slightly, "I'm going to wear these, is that ok?" she said, holding up her clothing.

"I'm never going to get you in a dress, am I?" she asked, but nodded. Laelynn sadly smiled.

"No," she said pulling on her boots, and slipping her tree pendant on, "You're not." She extended an arm, "Shall we?" Laughing, Arwen took her arm, and together the two went to the terrace where Elrond would be serving his guests.

When they arrived, the dwarves had already begun to eat. Laelynn detached herself from Arwen, and joined them, shooing the woman to her father's table when she looked like she would join her.

"Hello again," she said to the company, having taken the empty seat at the end of the table, "We didn't meet in the best of circumstances, I'm afraid, but I'd like to remedy that. I'm Laelynn," and how wonderful that felt on her tongue, "It's nice to meet you."

__________________________

Elrond examined the sword Thorin had taken from the Troll horde. "This is Orcrist, the goblin-cleaver. Made by my kin of the First Age, I hope it serves you well." Thorin took it with a nod, while Arwen looked on in interest. He then picked up the sword Gandalf had chosen, "And this is Glamdring the foe-hammer. It was the sword of the King of Gondolin, made to fight the goblins of the First Age."

"What about Laelynn's sword, Ada?" asked Arwen, and as one the four turned to look at the girl. She was laughing at a joke Kíli had just told, cheeks flushed and eyes bright. At Elrond's nod, his daughter called, "Laelynn, my father will be able to tell you the origin of your sword," and the girl stood up to go over to them.

"I didn't know she had taken anything from the cave," said Gandalf.

"Well I was in there for at least an hour," the girl in question replied, "So forgive me if I was bored," she turned to Elrond, "You can tell me about my sword?" she asked, and got a nod. She unsheathed it, and Elrond's eyes widened.