[maikafanawen]

When the red-haired she-elf awoke, the sun was still up above the Shire in a firey ball of light. She got out of the muslin, feather stuffed bed and donned her leather vest and slipped her boots back on her feet. Securing a dagger on the inside of her right boot for precautions, she noticed the aroma of dinner that had found its way into her room and led her down the stairs into the dining area. She was greeted by the boisterous chatter of the evening guests, and decided that a plate of her own dinner and a mug or so of ale would be much welcomed.

She surveyed the room for a place to sit and noticed that everyone was engaged in conversation, a few exceptions isolated themselves in a shadow of cowls in the corners. Ani Dao was anxious for some conversation and news of the world since she had left it behind in Mirkwood, and joined two young she-elves near the front of the room.

She bowed and smiled warmly, “May I join you?”

“Certainly,” said one with pale gray eyes, motioning to a chair beside her.

“Thank you. I am Ani Dao of Mirkwood. Well I was of Mirkwood, but now I guess you could say I’m just of Middle Earth.” She left the sentence hanging and beginning to feel red with the odd explanation. She shrugged the matter off. “What names do you go by?” She gestured for a mug of ale and listened as the two elves introduced themselves.

“I am Nevlhachien,” said the elf with long, wavy, golden hair, “and I am Sofiya,” said the gray-eyed one. Both of them looked strong, and learned in the ways of combat and survival. Smiling to herself, Ani Dao listened as they continued their conversations of past adventures, and memories.