[Nurumaiel]

Galadh settled back in her chair once more. She was still blushing furiously from singing in front of so many people, and she knew some eyes were still on her. But the sight of the flute had reminded her of past days, when she was just a little girl. Her father would bring out his flute and play sweet melodies, while they all sang together. It was that thought that had made her go and ask for him to play.

The color slowly faded from Galadh's cheeks until there was just a faint blush that was her natural complexion. Her eyes grew soft and dreamy, and she sank her head down to prop it on her fists, watching everyone crowd to the bar to get some ale. Suddenly she smiled and stood up. She could find her brother easily now. He never drank ale, and the room was now empty. She scanned it quickly, and her eyes rested on a man sitting in the corner. She was about to look away, but something in his eyes stopped her. He looked almost haunted… sadness and guilt were in his eyes, Galadh could see it. Standing up, she went to the bar. She shoved her way through the crowd and grabbed a mug of ale, as well as asking the innkeeper to bring her a cup of plain water when she had the time. Then she walked towards the table.

"Here," she said, placing the mug down in front of the man. He looked up at her, startled out of his deep thoughts. "I was always taught to serve a man ale when he came to the house, though this isn't my house." She laughed and sat down across from him, then abruptly stopped her laughter and stared at him in wonder. "Though I was never taught," she said, wonder filling her voice, "to serve an Elf, I suppose I should."

"Durelin, m'lady," he said rather absentmindedly, though she hadn't asked his name.

"Celebgaladhgwend, or just Galadh." She stood up. "I'll go now. I'm probably bothering you, I just thought you looked rather lonely here, and I'm rather lonely myself. I'm looking for my brother." She took a step back, and then sighed. "I'm sorry for bothering you," she said softly. "I do hope you like your ale. Now I suppose you'd like me to go."

* * *

Don stared at the man. Rie's twin? She digged around in her memory, trying to recall if Rie would want him to come chasing after her or not. She could not remember. She ducked her head and mumbled something, pointing vaguely in the direction the thought Rie had gone.

"Thank you," said the man with a little bow. He walked off in that direction. Don watched him go, hoping that either Rie wanted to find her twin, or that she was not in that direction.

[ February 08, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]