[elf-girl-63]

Nuinyulma yawned, after finishing her conversation lwith Pio last last night, she had wandered to her room and had sat humming old tunes from her homeland. Pio's words still echoed in her mind, if Eryn Lasgalen was home to the elves once more then perhaps she could visit the wood. She stretched out her arms and got up, splashed some cool water onto her pale face and looked out of the window.

The Shire sparkled in the mid-morning sun although there appeared to be some ominous clouds headed the inn's way. She looked down onto the land again and saw some young hobbits playing. Nuinyulma smiled and shook her head to awaken her properly. The stables seemed to have filled up and she thought of her own horse Lainniss. The name suited her well- independent- and Nuinyulma had been meaning to visit her.

She smoothed her dress down and stepped lightly down the narrow stairs to the common room. It was unusual for her to awake to late in the morning and she frowned in annoyance at what she may have missed. Entering, the common room Nuinyulma found an empty table and surveyed the room before her. She had been right. There were many new faces here and both Ruby and Buttercup were flying from the bar to tables to the kitchen and back.

"Good morning Mistress Nuinyulma. What can I get you this morning?" Aman looked rushed off her feet and so the elf decided to be brief.

"Some, coffee please Aman and whatever is left of breakfast. I'm a little late this morning."

The innkeeper nodded, "I'll bring it over as soon as. Though, I can't promise there'll be much left. As you can see," she waved her arm across the room, "we're rather busy today." She escaped to the kitchen to fetch Nuinyulma's order.

Meanwhile, Nuinyulma sighed. She thought of Uien and Falowik and how disappointed they would be. Doran had disappeared and she had pushed Tiruviel away who had also vanished. It was almost 15 minutes before Aman returned carrying some coffee and toast.

"I'm sorry but there were so many orders and Cook's running out of food," she placed the pot and plate on the table, "I'm afraid this is all I could find. Mind, there's plenty of coffee! Folk round here aren't so keen on it." SHe was immediately called away leaving the elf to have her breakfast alone.

Nuinyulma soon finished the toast and drained the cup. She then took leave of the inn and ran to the stables.

"Mellon!" she cried to her horse as Lainniss neighed appreciatively as Nuinylma nuzzled her mane. "You're one the few I have here as well."

Lainniss snorted and stamped her feet. SHe then poked her nose into her owner's pocket and appeared with a cold piece of toast.

"Hmmmmmm. Well you were going to have that later but it appears Rohan horses are particularly intelligent. Though maybe not as others. For example, SHadowfax."

The horse snorted again but this time in disapproval.

"DOn't worry Lainniss, I will ride you again soon. You would've been ridden sooner if it were not for..." She stopped and smiled. Anyway, I'm sure you are perfectly happy with your own kind."

She looked around the stables at the other horses and smiled. Then stroking hers one last time she left them and skipped out into the yard. She found the children and watched them for a while before returning to the inn to think.