[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel and Estelarion watched the different people.

"Is that a...Wight?" Menelduliniel asked Estelarion.

"I believe so," Estelarion said, laughing, "We certainly attract a diverse crowd here, do we not?"

"I wish that the Huin-en-Lhuig would stop by the tavern," Menelduliniel said.

"I do not think they would be well-received," Estelarion said.

"We would be kind to them," Menelduliniel said.

"Yes, well that is because we, too, are exiles in our own lands. We have travelled with them. Many think they are cold-hearted murderers. All of them have committed crimes, remember."

"Well, so have I, but people do not flee from my presence. And there are women physically as young as I am with the Huin-en-Lhuig," Menelduliniel said, "Anyway, once everyone heard their music, none would truly desire to drive them away, would they?"

"I do not know," Estelarion sighed, "People are funny about others who have murdered."

"I murdered," Menelduliniel said, looking like anything but a killer.

"I think of that more as a temporary lapse of judgement," Estelarion said, "You are not like Calenagarwaenion. He killed because he desired to do so."

"And what was Bran's crime? Tell me that?" Menelduliniel demanded.

"He killed his Lord, Menelduliniel!" Estelarion exclaimed.

"Now that was an accident," Menelduliniel said.

"Well, so was what you did to Poldorawen," Estelarion said, "And you see where that got you today."

"Comfortable and in a warm tavern?" Menelduliniel said, avoiding the subject.

"No, seeing the one you lust after in the street, crying and running after him, and getting brutally thrown back by his guards," Estelarion said, not letting his voice show any emotion, "You must let the past die. It is over. You will most likely never be allowed to return home."

"But he loves me. I know he does," Menelduliniel said, stubbornly.

"Has he ever told you that himself? Or showed it?" Estelarion asked, skeptically.

"Well, no," Menelduliniel said dejectedly.

"My point is proved," Estelarion said, sitting back and drinking his mead. Menelduliniel followed suit and did the same, listening to the tales being told...