maidenofnanelmoth:

Naeriel pouted at the amusement flickering briefly on his face, though her annoyance was more for show than anything. Her eyes danced with laughter and despite the outcome of the events that had led to her falling in the lake, she could not really come to regret anything. It had been a too long time since she had allowed herself to act in such a  c a r e l e s s  way.

“Thank you! I appreciate the help,” she said, taking his hand and staggering to her feet, dripping water everywhere around her. “But you shouldn’t have. Now you are wet as well.” With a half glare turned in the direction of the forest, she added under her breath. “I cannot believe Brethil managed to  t r i c k  me thus.”

“Worry not, my lady fair,” Bard laughed as he helped the elf to her feet and guided her to shore. “I am in a state much worse than this at the end of my day, and such is the case near every day. Find me a man or woman dry by then, and I will not call them one of Esgaroth.”

He smiled kindly at her; she was not like other elves he had encountered on this side of the lake. Warmer, she seemed, with an open face and bright eyes. He briefly wondered at her age. “Brethil– he is a friend of yours?”