[maikafanawen]

Wren pushed the thoughts of the previous night away and greeted the morning with a smile. She helped with a tasty breakfast and with the help of Rave and Aerin got Rangar & Co. on the road early.

“On to Gondor!” said the noblewoman not bothering to hide the excitement in her voice.

She had been straining to see the White Tower ever since they entered Gondor. When it had finally peaked the horizon, its flags billowing in the afternoon breeze she was ecstatic.

“The White Tower! You can see it now!” She almost fell from her horse trying to see more of the city. Steadying herself, she resisted the urge to gallop ahead and go home! Yes, home—at last!!

The company was in disarray. There were so many complex emotions running back and forth between them all, it made the noblewoman want to just cast a cheering charm on each and every one of them. Wren, Aerin and Rave were the only three not thoroughly depressed.

They led their horses through the streets, gaping at the assortment of shops and homes. Wren waved to everybody, a foolish smile on her face. She couldn’t help it. They were still a good ways from the Chambria Estate when Wren ran into Domnian, one of Wren’s good friends.

“Wren? Wren! I don’t believe it! We thought you’d absconded up to Eriador. Fallen in love with a halfling we all were convinced!” The noblewoman laughed, and flicked a lock of curls behind her back.

“What makes you think I didn’t?” she said innocently. Domnian snorted and looked behind her. His light-hearted expression changed quickly to amusement and curiosity.

“Friends of yours?” he asked, taking a second glance at the dark eyed rangers and the two elves. Wren nodded and pointed to each in turn, introducing them by first name only.

“Turthôl and Rangar are rangers from Eriador. Énien and Calimir are elves of Rivendell. Ravenne and Aerin are both of Rohan. Tareth and Carmalita are of Bree. And Bregand is of Arnor.” Domnian nodded politely to each and winked at Rave who raised her eyebrows.

“Charming,” he muttered.

“We’re on our way to the house. Care to join us?”

“I have never been so captivated in my life and my curiosity is too much to bear. Will you tell me as we walk?” Wren laughed flirtatiously but shook her head.

“I’m sorry Dom, but it is not my place.” With that, Rangar & Co. now joined by Domnian head towards the estate.

The estate looked marvelous in the autumn atmosphere. The oranges and reds of the trees and bushes really gave the finishing touch to the ebony trim of the red-brick mansion. Two gilded statues of dragons stood on each side of the black iron gate and a magnificent velvet purple sash was draped around the spikes. A path of sizeable cobblestones led up to the entrance of the house. Just as the guards welcomed Wren home and opened the gate, Doralyn came running out of the estate towards Wren followed by a herd of servants. Bracing herself against the collision to come, the noblewoman embraced her mother who reached her first. The woman dropped her usually reproving expression and hugged her daughter tightly. Then her mother backed up and regained her composure with a start.

“Where have you been! We’ve sent messengers, and two track groups! They should be coming home any day now but we were so worried! Two months!! TWO MONTHS!! You were supposed to be back in four weeks with your elven guide!” Wren rolled her eyes and cut in her mother’s bantering.

“MUM! We have guests.” Doralyn peered around her daughter to the motley assortment of companions she had with her, still holding onto the reins of their horses. (Domnian now held Culfin’s). Wren introduced each of the company again and Mrs. Chambria curtsied politely in turn.

“Well you must all come inside and meet Mauriace. He’s in his study writing a letter to the dock master of Harlond. Something about the crew aboard The Chambria, your grandfather’s ship. Anyways, the servants will take your horses to the stables and show you to rooms of your choosing. There you can wash up and ready yourselves for dinner. Make yourselves at home.” With that, Rangar & Co. entered the Chambria estate ready for baths, and a hot meal.