The Green Dragon Inn - Part 4

[Maegaladiel]

Together the three friends returned to the main hall of the Green Dragon. Nahai's legs felt wobbly as she pondered the words of her friends. Was this elf a friend or foe?

Morwyn nudged her gently in the ribs with her elbow. She gave a slight nod towards the table where the elf in question had seated himself. Swallowing hard, Nahai walked over to him, false confindence being forced into each step.

The mysterious gentlelf's face was turned away from her, staring blankly out of the window. He looked injured and travel-worn, but she reminded herself that appearances could be decieving. One hand placed on the hilt of her sword, she gathered up her courage and approached him. She cleared her throat to get his attention.

The elf turned to the noise. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, both said nothing. Morwyn and Annalalaith watched as their faces turned pale, almost as though they had seen a ghost.

"Nahai?" the elf said in wonderment. Tears formed at the corners of the Beorning's emerald eyes.

"Celecu." she whispered. He rose from the table, and in one fluid movement, they fell into each other's arms. For several long, beautiful moments, they remained like this, blind to the stares of other patrons. Finally Nahai pulled away, trying to get a look at her long lost love. He held her at arm's length, doing the same.

His face was just as she remembered. Dirtier, perhaps, and now decorated by a thin white scar on one cheek, but it was the same old Celecu that she had met years ago in Mirkwood. Her gaze swept him up and down, landing on his injured leg and tattered clothing.

"That looks terrible!" she exclaimed, not quite realizing what she was saying. He smiled, all traces of age and weariness melting from his fair elven visage.

"Nice to see you too," he commented in his musical voice. They laughed. Suddenly, Nahai remembered Morwyn and Annalalaith. They stood behind her, somewhat uncomfortably.

"Forgive me," the Beorning said, "This is my love, Celecu. Celecu, these are my dear friends, Morwyn and Annalalaith." He bowed politely to them, giving a traditional elven greeting.

"Forgive me if I seemed to stare at you earlier," he told Morwyn, "But that flute you had, it looks just like one I gave to Nahai."

Waiting for the women to reply, Celecu's hand slipped into Nahai's. They had both found what they had lost.