Roll Out The Barrels RPG

[Manardariel]

There had to be a way to get this hair combed! Fouriously, Youlielle dragged the comb through her wet hair. One after another, her hair seperated. After almost half an hout of pulling and tugging, she was done. To avoid another mess, she braided them tightly to her head. Stretching out on the bed in the Innroom she and Aenara shared, she rested abit, when she heard noises. A mingle of rustled noises... she thought to identify Aenara, Findereg and Fin. Well, what was none of her buisiness, she guessed. How wrong she was......

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Taurion remained quietly in the room in which he was to stay in the Inn. He heard noise coming from outside the room. His thoughts strayed to the girl, Youlielle. She was merely in the other room. Taurion considered visiting her, but nay, he should not. It would be deemed improper for him to visit her, he thought, so he should remain where he was.

Taurion forced himself to stop thinking about the girl and he went about brushing his hair, much as the girl was actually doing in her room, except that Taurion's hair brushed fairly easily and was dry.

Finally, he could take the silence no longer. Taurion decided to exit and see what the commotion outside was about...

[the real findorfin]

"Damn it Findereg!" Fin cried, "it should be up to her!"

"She should be with her kind," Findereg replied calmly.

"But perhaps she does not want to be here?" Aenara questionned, remembering the girl's look earlier.

The three were stood in the corridor arguing over the plight of Youlielle. It had all started when Fin had innocently asked, I wonder what Youlielle will do now?

This had sparked an argument between the three and Fin was quickly becoming heated. He could not see why Findereg thought she should stay in this damn town. She should be allowed to go where she wanted, even to Mirkwood?

Taurion opened his door and looked out, "what's going on?"

"Ahh, Taurion you will see my point," Fin cried, "come here my friend."

He pulled Taurion into the corridor and began to explain the situation.

"Do you not agree, my friend?" Fin asked when he hads finished.

[VanimaEdhel]

"I think," Taurion said, thinking quickly, "That we should ask the girl what she fancies to do with the rest of her life."

He looked at the faces around him. Most of them had surprised expressions at Taurion's comment, sure that he was going to favor Youlielle's return with the Elves. Taurion went on to explain that he thought that the best thing for Youlielle would be to ask her opinion, while telling her what would befall her once back with Lord Thranduil. Taurion, of course, was going to enhance the best parts, however, he thought, but he kept this to himself.

Taurion arose and said, "Whatever you decide, I am going to ask the young maiden's opinion now."

Just as he was about to go to Youlielle, she came out of her room, looking around.

"I heard raised voices," she said, "What happened?"

Taurion escorted Youlielle back to her room, explaining that they were wondering what Youlielle would like to do, whether it be stay here or return with the Elves, or whether she had an alternate idea that none of them had thought of. Taurion said that they were deciding the best way to ask the girl while giving her all the facts. He told her of the wonders of Mirkwood in the different seasons and its beauty, and how she could come live there, if it so pleased her. The Elf continued to say a lot of things, trying to bring Mirkwood up past where it was already on a pedestal in the girl's mind, it seemed.

Finally, after speaking of all the wonders of Mirkwood, Taurion turned to Youlielle.

"Now, I ask you, because I believe that you can make your own decisions about you life, where do you want to life?" Taurion asked, hoping that she would want to return with the group.

He quietly awaited an answer...

[Manardariel]

For a moment, Youlielle was shaken, disbelieving. What was happening here? They were discussing her fate, without even asking her? Exept for Taurion, of course. He had asked her! He had asked her what she preffered. She smiled at him shyly, biting her lip.

Suddenly, a fight began inside her head.
"You can´t go with them! They´re elves, you don´t even know what might happen. What if they all turn out to be like that horrible Thaurbar? What if they all hate you? What if they send you away, send you HERE? What if..."

Youlielle shook her head. She didn´t care, what might happen. She knew what WOULD happen. She would come with them. She would stay with the elves. She, who had always adored them, who had spend ages of her childhood peeking around corners to see one. She would live with them. She would see Fin and Aenara´s wedding. She would learn elvish. She would grow up in Tharanduil´s palace. She would live among those who had saved her. Who suddenly meant the world to her.

She took a deep breath, then looked up at Taurion.

"Are you serious? I can stay with you? Really?"

He nodded. "Really Really. So? What´s your choice?"

She grinned, her eyes filling with tears at the same time. "Do you have to ask? Of course I´m staying with you!"

She almost yelled it. It was like a dream had come true. It was like the sun had just set after years of clouds. Pure happiness fllooded through Youlielle´s body, and a single word slipped out of her mouth.

"YIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!"

[ March 07, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[the real findorfin]

"Well, finally that is sorted out," Fin commented happily. "Now, Aenara, would you like to come for a drink?" He slowly slipped his arm around the elvish guard.

Aenara's face flashed so many emotions in a second before Findereg put an end to any plans Fin might have had.

"I think we should all get some sleep now! We have to trade in the morning and the journey has been long and hard."

"of course, Findereg," Aenara agreed.

"Ummmmm, of course," Fin complied, his smile disappearing. "Well, goodnite my darling." He gave Aenara a peck on the check and, with a dramatic swivel on his heel, paced down the corridor and into his room.

[ March 07, 2003: Message edited by: the real findorfin ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Now, Aenara, would you like to come for a drink?"

Aenaras eyes widened and she restrained a gasp. The old outrage, and the intolerance of Fin sped to her mind, but over riding that there was one answer...yes, yes, yes...!

She opened her mouth, but Findereg got there first. "I think we should all get some sleep now! We have to trade in the morning and the journey has been long and hard."

Aenara fought to control a blush threatening to rise to her face. Damn! Aloud, she replied, "Of course, Findereg."

"Ummmmm, of course," Findorfin was not so succesful in controlling his embarrassment in the face of the disapproving Findereg, and his cheeks burnt red. Wow, Fin embarrassed, thats not something you see often...

But the charming courtier recovered his grace and his usual self. "Well, goodnight my darling." He gave her a light peck on the cheek. Aenara could only stare after him as he turned down the corridor out of sight. She couldnt look Findereg in the eye. "Yes, I should, umm, be getting to bed, erm, now..." She stammered before bidding them all a swift goodnight and leaving fast.

Youlielle was behind her though and ran up beside her. "I sense romance!" She cried gleefully, a big grin on her face. Aenara glared at her sternly, then couldnt help smiling, as a mixture of Fin and of seeing the girl smile, the worry lines on her face gone. She didnt reply though, just beamed back, not knowing what to say as they both got to the room they were sharing, but Aenara couldnt get to sleep for a while, just lay there smiling foolishly until she gently drifted into the realms of sleep.

[the real findorfin]

As he closed the door, he clasped his head in his hands. It was all he could do not to smash something, most unelf-like.

Damn that Findereg!

He lay down on his bed and tried to relax, but questions kept running through his mind.

Did she like the kiss? Would she have come with me?

After at least an hour of tossing and turning, he rose and quietly opened the door. He moved down the passageway to Aenara and Youlielle's door and tapped gently.

What would he say? What would she say?

He waited and even knocked again, but no response was forthcoming. He eventually gave up and returned to his room, where he spent a restless night.

[ March 11, 2003: Message edited by: the real findorfin ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Taurion returned and had an ale at the bar, smiling merrily. Youlielle would be returning with them. This was good news, indeed. However, a certain sombre feeling fell over him. He was beginning to feel a definite protective nature regarding Youlielle. What if someone tried to hurt her? Well, Taurion would protect her. It was also probably somewhat his doing that she was going to return. If he had voted for her remaining here, she would probably be safer. But, then again, he did not know what her life was like here. There seemed to be a definite fear of the area that he could sense in Youlielle. Maybe Taurion had hoped for what was best for Youlielle after all...

Taurion looked over and saw Youlielle with the others. He smiled to himself and ordered another drink. After he had finished his ale, he got up and silently snuck back to his room. He began to fletch more arrows, hoping that the trip home (with Youlielle) would be a safe one, for both his sanity and her life.

[Manardariel]

The next morning, Youlielle was shaken awake by an anxious Anenara.

"We´re going trading!"The elf announced. Youlielle noticed she had changed from her travelling clothes into a finer, long gown.

"Am I coming with you guys?," she inquired, getting up. "And what´s that fancy new look for? For the traders?", she added amused. "Is there a slight possibility that one of the `traders´ is called Fin?". Blushing, Aenara stuck her tounge out at her.

"Yes, you´re coming with us," she said. "And no stupid comments, please."

"No fear", Youlielle reasurred her. "I´ll keep my tounge behing my teeth." She too got dressed, and the two left the room.

Fin, Taurion and Findereg were already waiting for them. Taurion seemed in a good mood, but Fin was looking dark and moody, and extremly tired. She bit her tounge, trying not to giggle. "Wonder why he didn´t sleep," she wispered to Aenara. "Probably loaning for you." Aeanara shot her a mudrous look. "Sorry", she said.

"So," Findereg said. "We´ll be off, right?"
"Right," they agreed and left the Inn.

[the real findorfin]

The group of traders left the inn and followed Findereg, who seemed to know where he was headed. Fin wandered along by himself, Aenara and Youlielle far behind at the rear with Taurion. For once Fin was unsure what to do about the situation. well no time to think about that now, we have business.

He swept it from his mind and moved forward to catch up Findereg.
"So, Findereg, who will we be dealing with?" he began, trying to get a picture of the situation they would be in.
"A man called Derek, I believe, yes thats right," Findereg replied.
"I see," Fin nodded.

He looked around, inwardly smiling at the townsfolk who were starring at the procession of elves. Fin puffed out his chest and tried to look a grogeous as ever...then remembered Aenara and deflated somewhat. Thats never happened before!

After many minutes they reached what seemed to be the trading district and came to a stop in front of a large white-washed building. Findereg entered first and the others followed. Inside was a large wooden desk and sat at it was a women, furiously a scribbling notes.
As they entered she looked up and almost dropped her quill. She rose hastily and moved around to greet Findereg, extending her arm. For a second Findereg looked at a loss for the gesture was uncommon amongst elves, but Fin took control and shook her hand warmly.

"Hello, my good lady, could you tell us where the tradesman Derek is?"

[VanimaEdhel]

Taurion followed the others, matching his stride with that of Youlielle. She was smiling too, but remained fairly quiet. He could sense that she had dreadful memories from this place. Taurion debated whether to converse with her, but decided that it would be better not to question her about her past until she offered her life up in tale of her own free will.

They moved through the merry, bustling streets, Taurion looking around as they moved. He had seen such scenes before, so he was not particularly taken aback by the sights, but they impressed him every time, nonetheless.

They made their way to the wine vender and Taurion moved towards the side protectively, prepared to defend anyone if need be. Sometimes negotiations in the area got out of hand, and Taurion never trusted Humans much to begin with...

[the real findorfin]

"Of course," Rhiannon answered to the elf staring at her. She immedaitely turned and almost ran down the passageway to Derek's office. She knocked wuickly on the door.
"What is it?" came the voice of Derek.
"The elves are here...now."
Seconds later Derek opened the door and was down the corridor before Rhiannon could say another word.

Fin stood and waited whilst the human female scurried down the passageway. "Well, lets get this done and we can make our way home tommorrow," he said to no one in particular.

Derek strode around the corner and greeted his trading partners warmly, "welcome my friends, welcome." he continued smoothly, not wasting time to breath. "Rhiannon, get a waiting room sorted for our guests. If the traders amongst you would like to follow me."

The Elven group split, the guards and Youlielle following Rhiannon into a room nearby. Findereg, Fin and the other traders followed Derek.

"I see you like to get to business," Findereg commented, as they paced quickly down the corridor.

"Well, there is no harm in getting things under way," came the reply.

They followed Derek, and he took them through a door which led outside, behind the offices. He led them through a stone courtyard and into a large warehouse.

"Let us begin then," Fin cried, as he entered and spotted the warehouse's contents. Huge casks of wine and ale.

[Garen LiLorian]

"A wise man, to have his priorities straight." Smarmed Derek, stifling his momentary flash of annoyance at seeing this new and unexpected Elf. "Ahem. Now then," he sat down at his large volumnious desk, and gestured at the slightly too-small chairs in front, "please, sit down and we can conduct some business."

There was no denying it, Derek was a petty and mean spirited man. The Elves sat uncomfortably on the small, hard stools he had provided, looking up (as they were forced to do) at the tradesman sitting in his high chair behind his large desk. Derek smiled at the situation, then cracked his knuckles and leaned forward. "So... What have you got for me?" It promised to be a good day.

[VanimaEdhel]

Taurion watched the tension around him as the trading commenced. The talk of money and payment that passed between Fin, obviously the trading expert, and this man was unbelievably fast. The two seemed to nearly be trying to out-talk the other. It was as if the one was trying to con the other, but as both seemed to be equally as slippery in personality when it came to trading, they seemed about evenly matched.

In fifteen minutes, however, the discussions came to a halt. It had seemed that the palace had made certain arrangements with this trader, however the man seemed to deny all promises Fin claimed he had made. The two argued over prices, promises, and, ultimately, pride, in their discussions of business.

As Taurion saw the conversation get more heated, he inched his hand towards his bow, ready to strike if the need arose.

The conversation appeared to escalate to full heat of argument. Taurion listened to the loud talk of the Man and the Elf, the latter of which was showing a side that Taurion had never seen from his jovial friend. Tension mounted as the others got uneasy, as the trader seemed unrelenting in his prices for his precious wine and ale.

[ March 22, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[the real findorfin]

"Done!" cried Fin. It had taken a long time but he had got the prices down sufficiently, and suceeded in obtaining Wine, Ales, Dyes and leather. On the other hand, Derek had managed to get a large sum of jewellry, several bows and some elven arrows. A good deal in all.

"I will make the preparations at once and I shall see you here tomorrow morning for the trade," Derek said, signing the contract on the table.
"As we are not exchanging goods at once, it would seem wise to make this," he explained, handing the parchment over.

"Of course," Fin agreed, reading the document carefully. When he was satisfied, he took the quill and signed his name.
"Tomorrow it is then," he said and, shaking the hand of Derek, walked out of the room, followed by the other elves.

As they entered the Waiting Room the other elves rose and Fin explained that the deal had been made. As the elves left the trading establishment and made for their inn, Fin's thoughts turned from trading to Aenara, what should he do?

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aenara was waiting outside for Fin when he came out. She had done some trading of her own that day, trading with some of the women of the town with jewellery made by the servants in the palace in their spare time. Not a past time the elf guard herself particularly participated in, but she was pleased that she had been able to haggle with the women amiably, and it was satisfying to see the human women marvelling over the elegant carving of the beads and bands, perfected over the ages by the Mirkwood elves. The spirit in this place was not the calm elegance and quiet splendour of the palace of Mirkwood or Imladris, but it had its own life, bright and loud, wanting to tell everyone it was there. The indomitable nature of the place could be seen everywhere and made Aenara smile. Maybe the elves could even yet learn from the race of man.

As Fin came out of the door, Aenara jabbed him under the ribs, making the cocky elf jump, a trick she herself had learned from Youlielle. She grinned as he turned, then checked herself. Was the spirit of the laketown getting to her? Where was the sober, solemn Aenara? As Fin smiled back at her though, her minds protests were knocked aside. She slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow.

"Good day?"

Fin sighed loudly and melodramatically, throwing a hand to his forehead. "Oh well, you know, I may survive. With the help of a beautiful elven guard, I think-" he grinned slyly. Aenara arched an eyebrow, but smiled back.

"Come on, we'd better get back to the inn."

"Aye. Come on, my dear, lets go."

As they set of into the crowds, Aenaras mind was filled with those two words. my dear, he said my dear! She couldnt remember feeling like this and wondered at the same time where the annoying and presumptuous Findorfin had gone. Probably the same place as the stern Aenara. In that place, they would no doubt fight forever more, but in this place...in this place, Aenara walked through the crowds, her arm hooked into Fins, and she was truly happy.

[the real findorfin]

Fin lay in his bed happily looking up at the ceiling. Aenara had actually let down her guard, and let him in. Since their departure from the Tradding Building she had changed and they had been locked together for most of the night. It was now well past midnight and they had only just separated.

They had stayed out well into the darkness, the stars shining brightly and the moon looking down lovingly on them. They had walked and talked, telling each other their feelings. They had found a calm park in the builtup town and lay their for many hours, gazing into the night sky. There they had kissed and he had held her in his arms.

He rolled over and closed his eyes, it was time to sleep, for he had to be ready to complete the trading tomorrow.
He sighed happily and drifted off into sleep, wondering if she was sleeping yet?

[VanimaEdhel]

Taurion lay, at that moment, alone in his bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts strayed back home, to his family and friends, and he grew very lonely. He got up and opened the window, leaning out.

The stars twinkled above as Taurion took a deep breath of the night air. He looked out over the town and up at the moon.

Taurion looked around the room, then leaned out the window again. He grew restless, so he walked around his room a bit. Aenara and Fin had gone out early, so Fin would not be around. The others were asleep.

Taurion finally sighed and made his way to the door. It made an amazingly loud-sounding creaking noise as he opened it into the hall. Only muffled sounds of celebration could be heard from the Inn.

Taurion creeped over to the room next door and knocked.

"Youlielle, are you awake?" he whispered quietly to the door. He stood and waited to see if she would answer, as he just needed someone to talk to...

[Manardariel]

"Youlielle are you awake?"

"Now I am," Youlielle grumbleled, getting up. She had just fallen asleep, when the knock on the door had reawoken her. She crept to the door, and opened. There was Taurion.

He was just standing thre, smiling at her. His intenese, elven eyes were graver than usual, a distant air of melacholy seemed to be around him. It was only now, that she noticed how foolish she looked. Her hair was untidy, she was blinking to see properly, and her nightshirt (Aenara´s, really), was far too big.

"Uh, hi." she finally said.

"Hey," Taurion replied. "I was sort of wondering if you would, maybe, want to talk or something... uh, did I wake you up?"

"As a matter of fact, you did." Youlielle said in mock indignance. "But, now that I´m awake, we might as well talk. Come in, Master Elf, come in." She mooved away from the door, and quickly crept back into bed. It was cold, and the less he saw of her, the better.

"Well then," she said "Talk away!"

He blushed. One could totally tell he wasn´t entirely comfortable, sitting here. Youlielle decided to help him, everything else would have been plain unfair.
"Say, do you have any idea where Fin and Aenara have dissapeared to?" she asked.

He denied it, but then remaind silent. An heavy sort of silence followed. Youlielle waited for him to say somethig but he didn´t. What was this about? She suddenly felt shy and no at all like saying what she wanted to say. As a matter of fact, what did she want to say? She didn´t know, and she felt that Taurion didn´t either. They looked at each other, but neither said a word.

[VanimaEdhel]

Taurion looked out the window. This was not going well. They seemed to have so much to talk about before. Maybe one of the others was awake. Then again, waking one member of the company was enough, he thought. He did not want more than one grumpy friend in the morning.

He looked at Youlielle's slightly disheveled appearance and smiled. Before he could stop himself, he chuckled a bit, shattering the awkward silence.

"What?" said Youlielle, looking up from where she was looking down at the bed.

"Your hair," Taurion said, touching the messy tangles.

"What's wrong with them?" Youlielle said, in a somewhat offended tone. This just made Taurion chuckle a bit louder. Seeing Youlielle's face, though, he quieted himself.

"Nothing," Taurion said, once he regained his composure, "You just look...how do I describe it? I do not mean it in offense, dear Lady, do not mistake my chuckles for that. You just look...cute...like that."

Youlielle smiled brightly, "Really?" Taurion laughed and nodded.

"So, what do you propose you are going to do once you get back to the palace with us?" Taurion asked Youlielle.

"I-I do not know," Youlielle said, "What do you think I should do."

Taurion thought. There was not much Youlielle would be able to do, probably. She could get work as a servant, or she could even attempt to become a shieldmaiden if she proved herself with weapons.

"I do not know. We shall see when you arrive," Taurion said.

He smiled at the girl, hoping she would find a nice life in Mirkwood. He vowed to try to make that desire come true, and to try to make Youlielle's life as enjoyable as possible, as she, unlike him, did not have all eternity to enjoy her life...

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aenara leant against the pack horse's side, making sure everything was in place. She gave one of the straps holding a bag in place a final tug before stepping back. The horse regarded her through dark, heavily eyelashed eyes, everything about its long face telling her it was not impressed with the entire set up. The elf laughed and stroked the moody pony's nose, and felt in her pockets, coming up with some pellets she had placed there for this very purpose. The horse forgot its misgivings and munched on the pellets, apparently deciding that, alright, it supposed it could put up for this, but only if there were more pellets. Aenara smiled, continuing to stroke its nose with her free hand.

"Ready to go, Aenara?"

Aenara turned her head at the sound of Finderereg's voice. She let the pony finish off the pellets and turned to face the other elf. "Yes indeed, Findereg. Ive secured everything in place on the horses, and I think everyones ready to go, once we've- what?" Findereg's expression made her stop. "What?" She inquired suspiciously. Fin simply beamed at her, then shook his head.

"Never mind, Aenara, dear. Im just pleased for you and Fin, thats all."

Aenara felt her cheeks grow hot but she couldnt help the smile that crept onto her face, and she was soon beaming as widely as Findereg. "Thankyou Fin."

"My pleasure. Anyway, are they all coming? We should be going, we are expected back at the palace."

"Yes, yes, we're here, Findereg. Dont worry." Fin rolled his eyes, an expression of fake annoyance on his face as he approached. Aenara smiled at him as he approached and reached out her hand to squeeze his lightly. The rest of the group came also. Taurion and Youlielle were close behind, Taurion with his arm around the girl, and both beaming as happily as Fin and Aenara. Now it was Findereg's turn to roll his eyes. "Honestly!"

Aenara swung onto her own horse, making sure the packs on her saddle were secure; the little ponies alone had not been enough to carry all of the goods, and besides, Findorfin still hadnt regained his horse. He sat with the look of a man who knows he looks a fool and knows everyone else knows it as well, an air of hurt dignity surrounding him. They hadnt had time to attain a new horse for him, so he had no choice but to ride one of the pack ponies or walk. The pony was looking equally unimpressed with matters.

Aenara looked around the crowded square outside the Prancing Pony once more. Quite a group had come to see them off, along with Derek, the trader with whom them had done quite satisfactory business. The old man had a smug little grin on his face and men behind him were packing the goods he had attained into bags and onto a wagon; no doubt he would go on and sell most of it on again. The elvsih traders had done good business with the man, both parties coming out with good deals, but the leaders of both sides seemed to think they had come out with a better deal; Aenara noted the same smug grin on Findereg's face.

The little town was so full of life, but Aenara longed now for the palace of Mirkwood. Turning her horse, careful not to let her proud stallion tread on any of the children playing nearby, she started down the lane behind Findereg. Several of the children waved at the procession of elves as they passed, and the new, improved Aenara waved back at them as the group made its way out of the town of Bree and back to the forest.

[piosenniel]

Manardariel's post

"Close your eyes"

Why?"

"Just close your eyes." Taurion´s voice was as tender as ever, but there was a hint of amused indignance in it. Smiling, Youlielle shut her eyes. To stay on the horse she was staying with Taurion, she leaned back against him. For a moment, they rode in silence, just two beating hearts and the clip-clap of two horses hooves. It was so peaceful, so divine, in a way.

"Open" Taurion whispered in her ear.

Youlielle´s eyes flew wide open. She gasped for breath.

"Oh, my"

They were standing on a hill top. Under them, in a valley, lay the most beautiful place Youlielle had ever laid eyes on. It was a place obviously Elven, obviously blessed and beautiful. A golden- green light lay over what appeared to be a city. She saw many turrets, balconies, and wide streets. Through the valley, the forest-river, green but glittering like gold in the light of the evening-sun, made its way like a precious collier. In the middle of the city stood a high building, surrounded by many pillars and walls. That had to be the palace, its roof decorated with gold and many different woods. Gardens seem to spring everywhere in the city, there were trees at every corner. It was breathtaking.

"Oh, my" she repeated, but it was almost whisper, mingled with a sigh.

"Well," Taurion said, smiling his quite smile down at her. "Welcome home!"

Welcome home. Welcome HOME. Welcome home. The phrase constantly repeated itself in Youlielle´s head. HOME. This beautiful, breathtaking, incredibly Elven city was her HOME. It was where she belonged. Where she could go when nights where cold and lonely. Where she could sit and cry, and the place would comfort her. Welcome home. It was then that Youlielle realized something she had not been aware of until now. Home was not a place on the map. Home was where she was loved. Where the people lived that meant the world to her.

She looked around. Proud Findereg, looked towards the city. Fin, smiled his careless grin, loving everyone, especially Aenara. Aenara herself, who couldn´t seem to decide between her strict old, and her loving new self, but at this point was smiling so fondly into the world- she looked utterly content. And last, Youlielle looked up to Taurion. His caring eyes. His half- smile. Wind blew in her face, preparing her for a new start, a new future, a new LIFE. But she knew, whatever would happen, here in Taurion´s arms, she would always be at home

[Mithadan]

Susan Delgado's Post:

The traders stood on the hill for a while, looking down at their home, so long unseen. Findereg glanced over the company: at Findorfin and Aenara, who'd finally realised their feelings, at Taurian and Youielle, who each seemed happy but would have difficult times ahead, at Thaurbar, who'd most likely be leaving again soon after they arrived. He thought of Elantar, who'd died defending the rest and would not soon be forgotten. They'd stopped on the way back to retrieve the Elf's body and return it to his family; it was currently residing on one of the pack horses. He thought into the future, of Luinlathome waiting for him in their apartment in the cellar and could wait no more. He gestured the company onward and directed his horse down the slope toward the cave-city's gate, where they were well and gladly recieved.