[Elora]

Uien

Between the emptiness of the lands and the peaceful passage of day and night, Uien struggled with both the urge to seek Falowik and his company and the guilt from diverting him from his responsibilities. She would gravitate to him by the fire, or during the day as they rode further north and east. Her horse would fall back until she rode nearby. She would trade a smile for him and ride in silence but for a time, until she felt guilty. Falco made sure that she did not interfere in his watch, muttering about distractions.

Sometimes, all she would permit herself was a glance. Other times, when possible, she find her hand brushing Falowik's. Esgallhugwen's pup was the one thing that eased Uien's thoughts. The wolf cub had drawn the group together in many ways. Even Falco had sucuumbed to the pup's charms, but not before he made mention of the additional mouth to feed.

Through this all, the weather remained calm but for an afternoon shower that washed the heat of the late summer from the lands for a brief respite. The days had a similarity that could be comforting or unsettling by turns. There was no sign of ruffians and brigands, though they continued to set watches through the night and move with caution through the day.

Still, the lands were starlingly empty. It was as though they waited, though for what Uien could not say. To their right the beginnings of the North Downs passed for two days. It was not until the fifth day of travel that Thoromir announced that they would make Fornost the following morning.

This announcement came as they drew in for the night. Esgallenhugwen and Lira gathered around the wolf pup, who was proving both playful and resilient as it recovered in their care. Anson and Gorby were quick to get a fire going, hungry as they were. Uien, for her part, set about preparing the meal for that night.

Falco was up to his usual commentary on the "astonishing good fortune we are having in avoiding ruffians, bandits and kidnappers in the Wild." His meaning was clear. He sat, watching over the meal preparations, explaining it one more time to Uien.

"Very fortunate, we are. Open country, not much cover, and not once have we come across those who may mean harm." Uien gave the pot a stir and let the laddle drop against the side of the pot with a audible sigh.

"Perhaps you would have it otherwise, Shirrif. Would you be happier if we were waylaid?" Her voice held the beginnings of terse irritation. Falco smiled annoyingly at her and waved his hands.

"No, no.... not at all. Mind that broth doesn't burn."

Uien recollected the laddle, swallowed a burst of angry retorts and resumed stirring. Thankfully, it was soon ready. Uien called to the others.

"The broth is ready." Gorby had already fetched the last of their fresh bread and guiltily swallowed the early nibble he had taken from it. He handed it around as people gathered with bowls for their evening meals, watching each piece with some remorse for he was hungry indeed after 5 days of riding. Uien laddeled broth into bowls, one after the other, with a smile and a nod. She had already set a smaller cup aside with cooling broth for the wolf cub. Lira collected it with thanks.

Falowik came last of all, and she took his bowl with a warm smile that she aimed at his blue eyes without hesitation. Filling it, and passing it back, their fingers brushed again. Uien soon took up a seat beside him with her own bowl. Falco, who had been amongst the first to be served, took the opportunity to open discussion as he helped himself to a second serving of broth.

"What do you suppose we'll find at Fornost, aside from ruined stone houses of Men," he asked. His gaze slid past Uien, as if expecting her to bite once again, as he looked around the group. With them all gathered, he thought he'd take his opportunity to see if he wasn't the only one thinking they were on a goose chase. After five days of nothing beyond a wolf pup, field mice, squirrels and birds, Falco was reasonably confident that others would have questions.