Findereg finally found Taurion and Findorfin in the wine cellar, happily getting drunk with the Wine Steward, Luinlos. With a sigh of irritation, he fetched them back to their rooms and set them packing. He went around to Elentar, Aenara, and Celebmornie. They grumbled a bit but didn't argue too strenuously.
Luinlathome was there in the morning to see them off. She had organised the wain and the horses were waiting patiently for everyone to arrive. When they had, they took up their positions. Findereg noted with amusement that Findorfin and Celebmornie rode together at the rear of the train.
Luinlathome smiled and waved as they left. After he'd ridden a few yards, Findereg rode back and kissed her goodbye, and she snorted and said, "Go on, now, or they'll leave without you!" This was their ritual and it was a great comfort to both when they separated for days or weeks on his trading missions. With a final smile, he trotted his horse back to where the others were just disappearing onto the River Road.
[ December 21, 2002: Message edited by: Susan Delgado ]
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"Man as a whole, Man pitted against the universe, have we seen him at all 'til we see that he is like a hero in a fairy tale?"
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