[Maegaladiel]

A cloaked figure entered the Green Dragon. Emerald eyes cooly scanned the bustling tavern, sweeping quickly over the men, elves, hobbits, and occaisional dwarf that resided within. Several faces turned to aknowledge her entry, but soon turned back to their drinks and tale-telling.

The woman lowered her hood, exposing a waterfall of red-gold hair that cascaded down her shoulders and back. She was clad in a forest green jerkin, brown pants, soft elven boots that came to her knees, and the aforementioned green cloak. One delicate hand rested on the hilt of a sword at her side, the other on her hip.

To all outward appearances, she seemed to be nothing but an oddly-clad woman of the race of men. But this was only half-true.
This woman was named Nahai. She was a Skin-changer, one of a race of ancient shape-shifters that were rare and few to be found in that day and age. Her uncle, Beorn, had fought in the Battle of Five Armies, and had actually met Gandalf the Gray and Bilbo Baggins, the finder of the One Ring of Power. Or so he told her. She was never sure if she actually believed him and his fantastic tales.

She approached the bar and ordered a drink. The dwarf at the counter nodded rather cheerfully and obliged. Taking a slow sip, she looked around her.

There seemed to be quite a bit going on in the Green Dragon. Some people told tales, others sang songs, and many were contented to just sit and listen. Nahai for her part took in everything, applauding the story-tellers and minstrels when appropriate. Half of her wanted to be one of those lore-spinners, wanted to share some of the ancient stories of the dying race of the Shifters. Her other half questioned if anyone would want to hear them. At last the first half won out. As the last note of song faded away, she stood and cleared her throat.

"Would anyone care to hear a tale from a lone adventurer?"

[ January 25, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]