[Ransom]

“Let the stories begin.”

The Daughter of the River’s voice seemed to take a life of it’s own, fluttering from gust to guest. Everyone heard it, from the smallest animal to the dreaded Play Wight. Even the animals seemed to hear it, for all manners of fowl and denizens of the wild answered the call. The voice seemed to draw the guests toward the fire, promising much but revealing nothing.

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Ransom considered Elenna’s request. He did not believe the People of the Wood competed in the same games as his own people. The memories of rough wrestling matches and mounted hunts reminded him of his home. But none of these games were suitable for a lady. He didn’t think she would appreciate being tacked and having an eye gouged out. Humph. These savages.

At the exact time, a very different set of thoughts were running through Revanas’s mind. He had never viewed his martial skills as entertainment or fun. He fought for the Feanturi, his blade brought release in the name of Mandos. He had always considered the use of martial skills as a waste of time. On the other hand, he had quite a bit of time to waste.

“Let the stories begin.”

So there was the hostess. She seemed unearthly in the dark, a cross between the Banshee and the Angel. Her words echoed through his head, compelling him to drop his conversation and come sit around the fire.

Revanas and Elenna followed Ransom’s lead. Revanas borrowed a few choice dishs from the tables while Elenna set up a small picnic area. Ransom tried to help, but it quickly became apparent that he had no idea on the ‘proper’ way to set a table. Sara skipped over and joined the group.

Elenna left the curiously heavy brown bag at the bottom of the basket, figuring that she had no business poking through Ransom’s personal items. Revanas returned, bearing much meat and other necessities of life. Ransom bowed to the east, chanting in a tongue never before spoken in the Old Woods. Revanas settled for a short prayer to She Who Weeps. Sara clumsily imitated her father. The odd quartet began to eat, making conversation before the stories started.

Ransom enquired of Elenna, “Lady, what part of the Dark Woods do you live?”