In Defense of Lira

Legolas looked first at me, then back at Ella, and sat down with a sigh.
"Knowing the both of you as well as I do," he said wryly. "This will take a while, so excuse me if I sit down." He gestured. "Come, sit as well, then we can all talk comfortably."

Ella and I sat down in silence. We glanced at each other.
"Legolas," I started. "I talked to Lira, and she says that you have joined the Fellowship with the intention to watch her and keep her from flirting. Now wait!" I stopped Legolas from speaking, "I know Elena invited you, I heard her."

"But," Ella continued. "You did say that you intended to keep a watch and supervise her, as well as Vila, very closely."

"You cannot deny that they do not need it!" Legolas broke in. "Have you any idea how many hearts that girls has broken by her careless flirting?"

"Yes I do," I said. "In fact, I have watched her do it. And that is how I know, that this time it is different."

"Oh really?" Legolas raised an eyebrow.

"Yes really. You must account for the fact that women can see things in other women that men, no matter how observant, will never notice," Ella said seriously.

"How can you tell?"

"One way," I answered. "Is that her manner of flirting is more subdude. Yes she is still flirting, but not the way she used to. Lira is not nearly as outspoken, coy or careless as the other times."

"Also," Ella added. "She has talked to me several times about Anarion, before you joined us. She seemed to genuinly like him, as well as admire him. I have also seen her flirt once or twice before, and you could tell she did not care a bit for the poor mens hearts."

"I truely belive," I said, "that she is really serious this time."

Legolas was silent. He looked up, "Are you sure?"

"Look," Ella said. "Why don't you talk to Lira about it. As a friend. No protective fatherly type behavior. Realize that she has grown up."

He thought for a while. "I will do it," he sighed.

"Good." I smiled. "Ella, would you mind walking back to camp with me? We'll tell Lira that her dear friend Legolas wishes to have a heart to heart talk with her." She accepted, and we began walking, arm and arm towards the rest, talking about various things and getting to know eachother more.

I glanced at her. "Ella," I said, "I wish we had met sooner. I have missed out on a beautiful friend."

Lady Rosriel - 42.5 miles