[Annunfuiniel]

"You are a good man, Annunfuin. I am glad that you came. My prayers have been
answered in many ways. I have also asked that there would be souls that were as
valiant as those that have died defending the forest, to help me now" Laurel fell
silent and Annunfuin turned back to her. He couldn’t find the right words to answer
although they were there in his heart. "In truth, good sir, you bear a spirit like my
father. He was taken from me long ago, to the same Wildmen we fight now. His
good heart and smile are like yours and…" Annunfuin felt Laurel’s pain as if it was
his own but his tongue was still tied. And Laurel drew back; he could tell she
regretted showing her emotions. "And so, at dawn after a council we leave for
that place. I sense that my grandmother needs me" Tears on her cheeks
shimmered like jewels reflecting the light of the full moon. "This is not like me at all
Sir. Forgive me, and, fair rest to thee" She turned to leave but then finally
Annunfuin got his words back.

"Laurel..." Annunfuin whispered in a thick voice. Laurel halted but she didn’t
turn to him. "Milady...", he continued, "I’m more practiced in using my sword than
words and now I feel helpless. I didn’t mean to bring back painful memories for
your burden is heavy already. But now I know why I had to join this quest." The
voices in the wind! Now I see. "This is not the first time I hear your prayer. I
heard your call a long time ago but didn’t understand what it meant. Still I had to
follow it and now I’m glad that I did." And as he had said this it was like a dry
stick had been added in an almost burnt out ember and the fire rekindled. Annunfuin stepped closer to Laurel who had now again turned to face him.

Her eyes were green and sparkling like emeralds as the tears still made them
gleam. Annunfuin reached for his pocket and drew out a fine linen kerchief
with silver and blue leaves and the letter 'L' embellished on it. He set it in Laurel’s hand. "My heart is now lightened and I thank thee for it. We have both lost those we loved, they are gone... But their words and faces, their love still lives in your heart as in mine. And the tears you shed while you remember them are blessed."
Annunfuin bowed his head and then lifted his eyes once more to meet Laurel’s. "I
believe it’s time to retreat to rest or the sun will meet us in the same place where
it left us." Laurel stood in silence but then nodded reluctantly. Annunfuin knew her feelings for countless questions stirred also his mind; but now was not the right moment. "May Lórien guard your dream", he spoke and then returned to the shadows from where he had come.

[ March 22, 2003: Message edited by: Annunfuiniel ]