[Nuranar]

Tarondo sat back with a sigh and shoved away his empty plate. “My compliments to the cook!”

“Indeed! I have not had such an excellent meal for many long days,” Luinien agreed. “We have traveled far and long, and have rarely met with such good cheer. But the Shire is a beautiful land, and our journey through it has been easy and pleasant. Unlike some other times!” she concluded with a wry laugh. She caught Tarondo’s eye and read his agreement.

“You must agree it has been worth it – our travels, I mean,” he said, glancing at Pio. “Miss Pio, like so many others my sister and I can be termed wanderers. Although we have not been free from grief or trial, we are not driven by our pasts. We wander because we wish to, to see the wide lands and beauties of this world.”

“And we certainly have done so.” Luinien fell silent in remembrance. “I wish Father could see us now.”