Her gaze remains soft as he continues. A protector from afar. Can she perhaps due the same? Can she fight evil and try to atone for what she has done? Perhaps there will be no forgiveness. It is a sin, a tarnish on her soul that will mark her forever.

Tauriel exhales slowly, letting her shoulders sink and her guard lower. He is no threat. If he meant her harm then that would have been done before his tale even began.

"I do not suppose this wanderer would again like the company of another." She speaks with such assurance and presence in her voice, but underneath is the understanding of rejection. His songs and tales had kept him company for so many years. Why tarnish what is left of him with another who bears the same sin?