The Vineyard Tavern

[Nurumaiel]

Andhun sat uneasily at his table, unsure of what he should do now that Cynan was gone. He thought he might seek out Rochadan, but he did not know the lay of the Tavern and did not want to risk being lost, just in case his master was still about. Instead he betook himself to the window to watch for Rochadan, and at the same time he watched those who passed by the Tavern, gazing studiously into the face of each. His attention was directed especially to the face of every little girl, trying to decide if she were his sister or not. He remembered her only vaguely, for he did not remember very much from before the fire. Yet he had those vague memories.

When the door opened and a short woman with black hair came in, calling her greetings, and she temporarily caught Andhun's attention. It was drawn away very soon, however, for another woman entered the room, silent and reserved, but with a quick, bright eye and a firm bearing about her. Andhun started and blinked several times, for this woman was almost the perfect image of his mother. Indeed she was the perfect image, save that she was still very young, certainly no older than one-and-twenty. She called out no merry greetings but merriness flowed from her, just as with his mother, who had always been a quiet one but with a presence of cheer and good will. This young woman had, like his mother had, dark hair that was between black and brown, and soft, shining blue eyes that looked here and there with warmth, as if bestowing good wishes to all they rested upon. Her step was quick and lively, and she moved with confidence and grace. Her face was lightly freckled from the sun, but they were also rosy from some recent exercise. As she cast her glance across the room, taking it all in for thoughtful consideration (for it was always what Andhun's mother had done), her eyes fell upon Andhun, and she contemplated his burns and scars, and a cheery smile flashed upon her face, and she winked at him before moving on.

He watched her with emotions swelling up in his heart, and he felt the heat of tears rushing to his eyes and he tried to drive them away. He felt an intense longing to see his mother again, and to put his arms about her neck and feel her gentle kiss upon his head, and to look up at her and say, "Mamma." Was it only a year since the fire, since he had lost his home and family? Since then he had felt a harsh kick in the place of a mother's loving embrace. The tears would not be held back, and so he let his head sink to the table so no one could see that he wept. If his mother were there she would take him and hold him and say, "Hush, my little darling, and don't cry. What have you to weep for, blessed as you are?"

A gentle hand ran through his hair, a tender arm went about his shoulders, and his head was pulled from the table and he was held close to someone. "Hush there, darling, hush," a soft voice said, and as he looked up in amazement his eyes met with eyes like his mother's. The young woman sat beside him, and with her apron she dried his tears, and then held out her hand to him, which was full of little sweets. "I do not know if it will be a comfort to you to eat them," she said, "but I do not doubt it would give you great pleasure to keep them with you and give them to whomsoever you choose." Andhun smiled at this, took the sweets, and put them in his pockets, and looked up at her once again. "Now," she said with no little degree of satisfaction, seeing that she had cheered him at least a little, "what was the cause of your grief?"

"I was just being foolish," he said, "and crying for my mother, who has been dead for some time now."

"Foolish?" The young woman with no little surprise. "It's never foolish, m'dear, to weep for your mother. Isn't she the one closest to the heart of every young boy? So don't be ashamed of that, or think yourself foolish, or any other such nonsense." She smiled in a bright way at him, and then spoke again, saying, "My name is Eacwen, and I will be staying at the Tavern for a little while at least. I do hope we can be friends."

"Certainly we may!" Andhun cried with strong feeling. "And I will introduce you to all those who have been kind to me at the Tavern so they may also be kind to you. My name is Andhun."

[Esgallhugwen]

Thalinar took the clothes that Ædhral had thrust at him, he ensured her that they would fit as he fumbled with his towel. She lowered her haze trying to hide her ever reddening cheeks.

He was about to apologize for yet another embarrassing situation when the clothes slipped from his grasp, he reached out for them as did the young maiden and their heads met with a smack and a hard landing on their behinds. Thalinar's luck held out and he was able to keep the towel in check, barely.

He steadied his gaze to Ædhral who was rubbing her sore head across from him, twice in one day and with the same girl, he wished to get out of this humiliating situation.

I should have stayed in the river.

He thought to himself coldly and stood up from the wooden floor, he clutched his towel tightening it around his waist and gave Ædhral his hand and pulled her up from the floor, he then stooped down and scooped up the dry clothes.

His head started to throb from the impact. "I must say that I am truly sorry, for both incidents, I had no intention to cause you harm or discomfort. Thank you again for the clothes it was very kind of you" he smiled weakly but warmly and closed the door to his room.

He sighed deeply and began to dress himself in the dry clothes, everything was a perfect fit. Thalinar was all too thankful for that, it would mean he could avoid another potentially uneasy situation that he would rather not have.

And if it could be helped he would try to stay in his room for as long as possible. He opened up the window and sat next to it with his goblet of wine in hand.

[Nerindel]

As soon as the door closed Ædhral fled down the stairs, across the common room and into the kitchen, her cheeks still burning and breathing heavily she slumped down on the nearest chair throwing her head into her hands. “Oh! Cook I have never been so embarrassed in my whole life!” cook took her head from the oven were she was checking a batch of biscuits she was baking, to look up at her young assistant.

“Now what is this all about?” she asked closing the oven door and wiping her hands on her apron as she walk over to were Ædhral was sitting, sitting on a chair next to her she took the young woman’s hands, forcing her to look up. Ædhral told cook about the guest and the embarrassing situations she twice found herself in.

“How will I be able to face him again, I do not even know his name!” she sighed disheartedly.

“Oh my dear I am sure everything will be alright,” Cook comforted, “You will probably find that our guest is just as embarrassed as you are!”

“Perhaps your right,” Ædhral smiled weakly.

“Off course I’m right, I’m always right,” cook winked, “Just count yourself lucky that Finnian had not witnessed the whole towel slipping affair, he would be in fits all day!” the older woman laughed,

When Ædhral thought of it that way it did seem rather amusing, she could not help but laugh imagining the roaring laughter and mirthful glint in Finnian’s eyes, so like his father was he at such times that she almost forgot how very young he was and how much responsibility he had taken on rebuilding the inn. Her embarrassment now seemed such a frivolous thing in comparison.

“Now that is the Ædhral we all know and love!” Cook smiled, “Not that sad and unhappy thing who was here just a moment ago, come child there is luncheon to be served and it won‘t serve itself.” she winked jovially.

Nodding Ædhral rose, a broad smile on her lips and her embarrassment for the moment forgotten. She watched cook as they made the final preparations for lunch, for all the woman’s bluster, she was a kind-hearted soul and for that Ædhral was thankful.

Before long Ædhral was again her warm and cheerful self, floating about the inn helping Kannah to serve the soup that was that day’s lunch, the merry elven tune again on her lips as nimbly balanced the soup bowls in her arms.

[Imladris]

Ærosylle crawled under the tables, slowing making her way towards the stairs. "I am sorry for stepping on you," she whispered to the floor boards. "But you were made to be stepped on see, so you oughn't become angry that I am stepping on you. And don't you dare say that I tread heavier than I should," she added angrily.

A board creaked beneath her knee. Ærosylle froze then slowly shifted, putting her ear to the board. Her eyes flitted to the right and to the left as she listened to the plank's wooden whispers.

"Of course you didn't feel the elf," she muttered. "He is an elf and I am a human. He's a good deal lighter than I."

She tossed her head and continued her her turtlish way towards the stairs. Suddenly Ædhral flew down the stairs, her cheeks crimson, a look of mortified embarrassment on her face.

The bottom stair screeched as her foot landed on him and Ærosylle folled the maid with her eyes as she disappeared into the kitchen. "Yes, I too would give a good deal to know what her hurry is," she said vaguely, patting the stair on the back. With a slight shrug, Ærosylle crawled to the top of the stairs and said, "I wonder where the elf has gotten to...I would like to see more of him, you know. I've never seen an elf before.."

She went towards the eastern door because the floor had told her that the room facing towards the west was empty. Freezing in front of the door she listened. She could hear water splash and a soft murmuring. "He is freshening up," she whispered. "Do you mind if I lean against you?" she asked the wall, stroking the sanded wood. "Thank you."

[Chathol-linn]

The green-clad woman bowed in return to the man who approached her. She guessed at once that he was the proprietor; he had both an apron and a sense of authority, of belonging with the tavern. Seregon wished she had her own place, her own apron, and her own sense of belonging.

Oh, well. First things first. “Master Innkeeper, my name is Seregon. I would trouble you for a drink of water, if I may, and a confession. For I came over your back yards yonder and climbed your apple tree. While there I glimpsed a merry show through the chamber’s window, though I did not mean to spy. Who was that pretty maid and the half-clad stranger? And I ate one of your apples. I was so hungry it was like a feast, although a little on the green side.”

“What is my business in Laketown? Well, threefold. My sisters and I heard of the great undertaking to rebuild the town. We wished to have a part in it. With no dragon around, Laketown can be the best place to live in Middle-earth! Then, we have been followed for two days. Being weaponless, we thought we should find a haven, the sooner the better. I do not know who followed, but if it was a beast, it will run from a settlement.

“Finally, we can go no further. We used up our last provisions yesterday. But now we are here, and we have a plan to achieve our desires. Will you just direct me to your Lawspeaker or Mayor or what have you? For we wish to take up residence in one of those unused fields outside of town, with permission. We are from a farming clan and know how to produce the most delicious food.

“Now this is a lot to speak of on first acquaintance and may be you’ll want to take your measure of me. By your leave I will sit among your guests for a while.”

With that Seregon sat – collapsed, really - on the bench next to a young lad with a sad face. Poor lad, she thought, the world should be kinder to children. But then she felt only weariness. She could sleep standing up. Her head nodded. Her eyes had to close.

Just a nap, she thought. With that Seregon slipped onto the Path of Dreams. Her nap did not last long however. Just as the innkeeper was backing away from the sleeping woman, she jumped up with a yelp. “Something grabbed my leg! Something touched my boot! Does your inn have ghosts, sir?”

[Imladris]

It is now noon at the Tavern. A lunch of soup (veggies, left over meat, maybe a bit of barley) and tough wheat bread is being served along with wine or ale, depending on the customers preference.

It is sunny, with a wisps of clouds that scurry before a brisk breeze.

[Imladris]

Finian laughed and said, "No, there are no ghosts here my lady."

As she she shifted her glance around, just to make sure he was telling her the truth, Finian considered what the woman had told him.

She was in need of a job, and he surely wouldn't mind having someone keeping a closer eye on his sister. He felt his stomach squirm uncomfortably as he realized that she had disappeared yet again.

"I do not mind that you ate an apple, Seregon," said Finian, grinning. "I do not know of any lawmen about sleeping in a field, but you can either sleep in the loft of the stables or you can sleep in one of the rooms. However, would you like a job?" he asked earnestly. "I have a little sister who is not mad...but...she has queer moods. I do not have time to look after her."

[Eruantalon]

Noticing the sweet notes that lingered once again throw the tavern he listened. He was welling up with the memories now. He had to ask her for what purpose she had sang these melodies?

Moving closer he noticed she was busy tending to her choirs for the tavern. She noticed his approach and smile. He asked her plainly as he could. “What purpose does singing this particular song have good lady?”

“If you aren’t the one I am looking for then in the end you may be of some help.’ Opening his cloak to reveal the shining on his chest. Giving her a hint at the Armour beneath. Showing her the crest of Gondor on his chest.

“I can not reveal this secret to anyone good lady. But you are singing a song I once sang myself. When I was coming back from a place, I think, that you know?”

Getting down on his knees to meet her in plain sight eye to eye now. He looked at her carefully. “You look like the daughter of some one I knew…if you are her you might be able to help me?”

Mayhap these questions can be answered when you are less busy. Pay mind that I am a patient sort. And that I can wait my turn till your work is done. I will await your answers. As you await mine.

[Imladris]

Ærosylle cocked her head at the elf and replied, "I was listening to the door." She nodded solemnly. "He was telling me you were busy...I came up here for I have never seen an elf before." Her lips curled into a grin.

The elf blinked back at her.

"Do you know why Finian put you in this room?" the girl asked her saucer eyes revolving around the walls where the noon day sun was just slipping away.

The elf shook his head.

"It is because you look so sad and solemn all the time and because he has heard rumours of your kind leaving to the western lands. The east is a new beginning. The west is an ending."

~~~~~~~~

Finian

"I have never stayed in a tavern before. You will give me a roof over my head? And board as well? I am in your debt, sir," said Seregon, bowing.

Finian blinked at her. "Well...what else would I do?" he asked, arching a brow as his face broke into a mischievous grin. "Fine Innkeeper I would make, making you sleep in some old stubby field." He winked at her. "How about a glass of the finest wine to celebrate your job? Hopefully by then my sister will have shown up somewhere..."

He led the way into the pantry and, after a minute or two of serious deliberation, selected a bottle that was relatively new, fetched a small glass, poured the red wine, gave it to Seregon, and said, "Drink up!"

[Imladris]

Let me introduce myself: I am Goldwine, Prince of cats. Some have made the opprobrious howler of presuming to think that I am of the female persuasion, but let me hasten to assure you that that is definitely not the case.

Some of you may remember me as the feline of auriferous fur with bisque saucers that have the apotheosis to serve as eyes. Some may conjure anamneses of how I glided in monarchical effulgence. Those few who do remember must now be marveling at how they find me here.

Well, my vassals, you must understand that in this fascinating world, magic can and does, happen. Thus here I am, to bathe you with my ochroidness, to be a delectation to your ocular lobes.

Is that a bit succulent muscle I insufflate? And -- horrors -- as well as quiescent, cloying, macabre, repugnant, vile, vulgar sprouts that dare call themselves aliment? I wrinkle my nose at it...but, I can pick around the vulgar stuff I daresay.

What's this? A maid is taking the pot off the fire...Joys! She's serving it!

[Nerindel]

Ædhral smiled warmly as the stranger approached, He was taller than he first appeared and his dark eyes gave his grim features a gentle warmth that could easily be missed if one were not looking for it and as he spoke she was surprised, his voice was not gruff but soft and gentle. Before she could answer his first query he continued to speak revelling to her the crest of Gondor upon the shining breast armour carefully concealed beneath his dark cloak. She recognised the crest at once as her Grandfather had oft told her tales of Gondor and the Brave Roquen that protected those lands. Was this man one such knight? she wondered staring wide eyed at the stars set above the white tree.

“I can not reveal this secret to anyone good lady.” he was saying as he pulled the cloak back over again conceal the shining armour from prying eyes. “ But you are singing a song I once sang myself. When I was coming back from a place, I think, that you know?” He smiled gently

Ædhral stood confused and a little taken aback with the strangers words, it’s just a song the elves of Mirkwood sang… Isn’t it? she thought to herself, but just then the stranger sank to his knees those dark eyes now level with hers, carefully studying her face, “you look like the daughter of some one I knew… if you are her you might be able to help me?” he whispered gently.

A little startled Ædhral took a step back , He bore no recognition to her, but he may have known her father, No papa was just a farmer how would he have known a soldier of Gondor? she thought shaking the idea off as absurd, he must be mistaken! She silently concluded.

“Mayhaps these questions can be answered when you are less busy. Pay mind that I am a patient sort and that I can wait my turn till your work is done,” He said as though reading her apprehension. “I will wait your answers. As you await mine.” he smiled with a pleasant incline of his head.

Not wishing to offend Ædhral set down the dishes she had been carrying and gestured for the stranger to stand, as he did so she glanced about the inn to see if one of the others were available to cover her chores while she spoke with this stranger. She caught sight of Kannah across the room rolling her eyes and shaking her head, obviously believing the dark haired fellow was yet another young man trying to win her young friends affections, But she was also busily wiped down the taverns table and collected the empty ale jars. She looked for Finian but he was occupied with another guest. Oh why had she promised cook that she would call Rochadan to lunch! “Just then she saw the young lad who the stable master had agreed to take under his wing, the lad sat alone wistfully gazing out of the open window in the direction of the stables.

With a warm smile she turned back to her guest, “ Off course I will speak with you and help if I can, just let me rid myself of these dishes and see to one last task then I will join you.” The stranger nodded his understanding and thanks then took a seat to await her return.

Picking up the dishes Ædhral walked towards the young boy, “Andhan wasn’t it?” she asked gently as she came up beside him.

“Eh um yes!” the lad fumbled surprised by her sudden appearance.

“you should go down,” she smiled indicating the stables through the open window, “They will not get any closer be simply staring at them,” smiled gently.

“Oh no miss I would not wish to get in the Stable masters way, after him being so kind to me and all!” Andhan replied shaking his head.

“Oh I don’t think you would get in his way and I dare say he would be pleased to know that you are well, but if it would make it easier you could deliver a message to him for me,” she smiled kindly.

The young boy nodded eagerly a pleasing smile coming to his face. “You see I promised cook I would call Rochadan for lunch, he does tend to get rather wrapped up in his work and has to be reminded of time,” she winked, “But something has come up and it would really help me a lot if you could let Master Rochadan know that it is time for lunch,”

“I can do that!” the young boy grinned leaping down from his seat.

“Thank you Andhan,” she smiled ruffling his hair affectionately, “Remember to return with them, cook will give me an earful if I forgot to invite the stable master young friend to lunch,” she winked playfully.

“I will!” Andhan laughed as he hurried out the door, she stood for a moment watching out the window, as the young lad eagerly made his way to the stables, He will fit in just fine and soon find his way! she thought with a warm smile, then turning from the window she moved towards the kitchen stopping briefly to let Kannah know that she would be having lunch with one of the guests, but quickly moving on before the woman could make anything of it.

“Young Andhan has gone to let Rochadan know that lunch is ready,” she told cook as she set the dishes into the stone sink, “And he will be joining them,” she continued wiping her hands on her apron.

“Good, good cook mumbled as she set cookies and milk on the table for the two children.

“Oh and Sallie has a new friend who might appreciate the bone from the soup,” Ædhral grinned remembering the large dog that little Sallie had befriended.” Cook raised in eyebrow. “It’s a dog!” Ædhral laughed as she took two plates from the cupboard and began filling them with an assortment of meats and cheeses. Cook raised an eyebrow again this time at the second plate, “Are you hungry then?” she queried.

“Oh no!” Ædhral laughed, “one of the guests has asked to speak with me and I thought he might be hungry I know I am.”

“Another young man from town making a fool of himself, no doubt, you should tell them where to go and not entertain them my dear,” Cook sighed, exasperatedly shaking her head.

“He’s not from town and he just wants to enquire about a song I was humming,” she replied a little offended by the implication.

“Well, be careful some of these strangers have a bad air about them and could easily lead a young woman like you astray .” Cook warned gently.

“Oh, cook they are just people like you or I, if we where suspicious of every stranger we would not meet anyone,” she smiled lifting the two plates and quickly slipping out of the door before cook could say any more. Stopped at the bar she filled two mugs with sweet cider, when moved to join the stranger.

“I thought you might be hungry?” she smiled setting down the plates and handing him one of the mugs of cider.

“My name is Ædhral and the tune I was humming I heard sung by the elves of Mirkwood as they passed through here returning to their woodland realm after aiding our people in the battle of the five armies,” she said as she took the seat across from him. “My purpose for singing it… I don’t rightly know it just comes to me sometimes, mostly when I am happy,” she smiled.

The stranger nodded thoughtfully but said nothing so she continued, “You said that you thought I looked like the daughter of someone you knew, but I do not know how this could be both my parents were but simple farmers, there farm once stood west of here between the lake and the woods. They died when I was little, My mother died from some mysterious illness and it is said that my Father died in an accident, that same year.”

“Said?” the stranger asked curiously.

“After my mother died I was sent to live with my grandfather in lake town, he told me that lightening struck barn that my father had been working in and that he had perished in the flames,” she sighed sadly remembering pain that had come with that loss, but remembering her guest she smiled.

“But that was long ago, listen to me, babbling on when I have not even given you the chance to give me your name?” she laughed nervously, lifting her mug to her lips.

[Esgallhugwen]

As they walked hand in hand down the stairs to the common room Thalinar lowered his head and kept close to the shaded places, mostly corners. A single nod of his head sent the young girl off towards the kitchen to fetch some bowls of hot stew.

Thalinar shook his head, disgraced by the actions he had to take to see that he wouldn't end up confronting the maiden, Ædhral, again. Ærosylle flitted back to him as fast as she had left, like some Fairy in a children's story Thalinar thought amusingly, she seemed to have that way about her.

"Why do you hide?", the question was innocent enough, but Thalinar was bothered by it none the less. He looked at her wearily and sighed. Gratefully taking the hot bowl of stew from her, "perhaps we should sit over there first", he looked across the room at the far corner, she turned and nodded her head.

They walked casually over to the table, Thalinar keeping a look out for Ædhral, and Ærosylle tip-toeing around the 'grumpy' board. Finally when they sat down he looked at the girl and smiled weakly, "I'm afraid that its a rather embarassing story...."

[Beserker_Warrior]

Umaviel walked into the Vineyard Inn looking for a nice cool drink of wine. He had travelled a long way to get here.Umaviel was 7,000 years old, a great warrior of the Sindarin elves and he was once a lord of Gondolin. Umaviel was a tall, kingly looking elf from Rivendell with long black hair. He had come here because had heard that the Goblins of the Misty Mountains were coming this way.This strange news was told to him by Gwahir, Lord of the Eagles of the Misty Mountains.Elrond had advised that he should try to find out as much as possible about the movement of the goblins. Umaviel did not doubt Elrond and so he went.

The inn was located near Laketown. It seemed nice and joyous though not nearly as nice as Rivendell. "Innkeeper, I would like a pint of wine please," said Umaviel. He needed this because it was a chilly day outside and the wine would raise his spirits." There you go. What brings you here, we don't get many of the fair folk here anymore?" replied the innkeeper. " I am here to find out the truth in rumors that I have been hearing of about the goblins of the Misty Mountains. Supposedly they are on the move." answered Umaviel. "Thank you for the wine," with this Umaviel turned and walked to a table on the far side of the inn.

[Nerindel]

Stoney’s soup was good if not a little too spicy for Ædhral. The others seemed to enjoy it immensely, especially cook, which could only be a good sign. She let Rochadan try hers that he too could offer his opinion. “Hmm very good!” he said nodding his head in approval. A knowing smile meant only for Ædhral spread across the stable masters prominent features, he knew she had not the taste for spicy foods, but also did he know that she would not say so. Especially with the proud and elated smile of satisfaction beaming on the dwarves face and he was right! With an ever pleasant smile and a nod of her dark head she thanked Stoney for the soup and told him that she was sure the customers of the tavern would be glad of such a warm and hearty soup after a hard day’s toil.

The conversation over lunch was a mixed affair with several different discussions going on at once, beginning with Stoney relating how he came to be in Esgaroth? and that he did indeed come from the lonely mountains. Then he and Nell discussed the tavern, the town and food in particular the cooking of, with Finian and Rochadan adding their comments here and there were they saw appropriate. Ædhral however had the attention of Sallie as she told her eagerly of Andhun’s singing and the song of the young woman Rochadan had brought to their table, Earcwen had sung for them, but after a time the stable masters daughter became sleepy and nestled herself into her fathers lap leaving him to pick up a conversation with Earcwen.

Ædhral sat back and listened watching the faces of her friends as they enjoyed each others company. When living with her grandfather before the destruction of lake town she had often wondered what it was like to be part of a large family and now as she sat watching her friends she thought she knew, this was her family and she was happy to be a part of it and share in their lives. A warmth of contentment settled over her heart which showed in the warmth of her smile and the twinkle in her eye, but as she looked over her family she noted that two where missing. Kannah and Ærosylle! Suddenly awakened from her reverie she sat up straight.

“You must excuse me, for Kannah has been on her own too long and will be most aggrieved that she has yet not been introduced to our dwarven friend.” she said nodding politely as she quickly excused herself.

“Wait I will come with you!” Finian said wiping the last of his bread across the bottom of his bowl and popping it hastily into his mouth as he rose. “Excellent!” he murmured again for about the fifth time as he licked his fingers and followed her into the common room.

Reaching the bar Finian drew her a mug of cider and slide it across the counter to her a mischievous glint coming to his dark eyes, “why did you not just tell him that it was too spicy for you, you know you will have to tell him sometime if he is to know?” he grinned as she took the mug and washed away the burning still in her throat. “I know” she smiled “But he just looked so pleased, I did not have the heart to tell him.” Finian just laughed and shook his head “I do not think he would be offended you know!” he said as he picked up a cloth and wiped the top of the counter. “Ok, ok, I will tell him later!” she laughed seeing that she would not hear the end of it if she did not, then sliding the empty mug back at him with a jovial wink she turned and began collecting the empty mugs and dishes of the taverns guests, leaving the innkeeper to usher Kannah and Ærosylle if he could find her off to the kitchen.

[Imladris]

Finian hastily drowned a bit mug of water to cool the tingling burn on his tongue. If anything, Stoney would bring add an interesting and spicy flair to the food. He grinned...that was exactly what the Tavern needed. Something different to make it stand out from the other Inns along the wayside...except that there were no other Inns around...Finian sighed. He wouldn't have minded a bit of competition.

He wondered where his sister was....he hoped that she had not run off again, and was pretending that she was a bird or a fish. That would be very devastating...not good at all...He scratched his scalp...it was exceedingly itchy. He wondered why. It almost felt as if bugs were crawling over his skin. He shrugged. Too many things to worry about it now.

He caugt sight of his sister with the elf. He had dried himself off, and seemed to be shrinking in the shadows, avoiding the eyes of any maidens happening to pass by. Finian grinned, remembering Ædhral's and Thalinar's first meeting. He was probably still remembering it...Finian bit back a laugh as he leaped over the counter, grabbed two mugs of ale, and strode towards the pair.

He handed the mug to Thalinar, bowed, and said, "Hopefully my sister wasn't bothering you..." He tousled her hair, and she leaned her elbow against his waist, grinning at him. "Anyway, I hope everything was to your satisfaction?"