The Green Dragon Inn - Part 6

[Elora]

Uien gathered her thoughts in a moment and nodded towards Esgallhugwen.

"You would be more than welcome," Uien replied as one of the horses whickered in recognition. It occurred to her in that moment that she had no horse of her own, a matter that would have to be rectified quickly as well. One hand on the gate to the corral, Uien extended the other to Esgallhugwen with a smile for the mysterious Elf.

"My thanks for your generous offer, Lady..." She left the question of Esgallhugwen's name hanging a moment. Lira and Esgallhugwen exchanged a smile before Uien's hand was accepted.

"Esgallhugwen," came the reply. Uien repeated the name and studied the friends. Yes, a good beginning. These two seemed brave and steadfast, Uien concluded. She softened her open study of them with a smile.

"I think I owe your horse an apology, Esgallhugwen, for not coming sooner to release them to their stalls. He is a noble horse and should not be kept waiting for so long." Uien nodded her head at Morsereg, who regally examined her. Deeming Uien contrite enough, he accepted her apology with a flicker of his ears and a stamp of one powerful leg.

Uien, who had the halters draped over one shoulder, slipped the latch and entered the pasture. She was followed by Lira and Esgallhugwen. As they placed the halters over patiently waiting heads and gathered them to lead back to the stables, Uien continued her endeavour to understand more of both Lira and Esgallhugwen.

"It must be a fine thing," she said, "to have such a friend in each other." Again Lira and Esgallhugwen exchanged a smile.

"It is," Lira confirmed with warmth, leading five horses behind her.

"Are you also a warrior," Uien asked of Esgallhugwen, who had bestowed Lira with the dagger. Esgallhugwen led Morsereg along with several other horses and ponies. Uien herself found her hands full with no less than six ponies. All were eager for their oats and the warm, soft, sweet hay in their stalls and so presented little trouble for the three Elves.

Whilst Uien waited to learn more, her mind wandered over what she would tell them were she asked. She was not a warrior, nor a huntress or tracker. What use a healer on such a venture, or a wood carver or painter? She would instead tell them of Falowik, for that would make more sense. They would not doubt their decisions once the knew of the man they would be joining in this search, his honour. They would be as certain as she was, for they would see as clearly as she did. They were Elven also.