[elf-girl-63]

The elf and the hobbit walked slowly down the stairs talking of news from the outside world such as the new King and his bride and other such matters. Finally the chatter turned to Nuinyulma herself.

"Where do you come from Nuinyulma? You have spoken little of your life and I'm keen to hear it. How I'd love to journey around Middle-Earth and see the ancient Fangorn Forest or the White Tree in Gondor."

Nuinyulma was reluctant to speak of her unhappy past but May was so keen- it could be seen in her eyes.

"I come from The Wood of Green Leaves but I left long ago and have ever since wandered by myself visiting the places you have mentioned; meeting many interesting people, races and creatures."

"I wish so much I was you and to meet King Elessar and Arwen Undomiel. I heard there wedding was beautiful. And that all the Fellowship were there."

Nuinyulma fell silent. She wished she wasn't herself but she couldn't tell May why. It would shatter her dreams. Instead she turned the conversation to the wedding.

"The wedding was beautiful. I was there and so were many others- Elrond, Galadriel, rangers and of course the Fellowship. That Age is over now and so is our journey down the stairs. It was nice to meet you May but I would guess you should go home."

May sighed but agreed she should go and left quickly waving as she closed the inn door behind her. Nuinyulma smiled and went over to the bar.

"Some water please Ruby and I wish to buy a horse- do you think you could help me?"

The bar-maid nodded and brought a cool glass over to Nuinyulma's seat by the window. She thanked Ruby and slowly sipped the drink. Occasionally she saw elves she thought she recognised but soon realised she was sadly mistaken.