[ElentariGreenleaf]

The sound of Moon's hooves coming into contact with grass was relaxing. The elf had not been to the Shire in a long time, but she loved it here. Everyone was happy, whether they had been drinking or not. The high sun was shining down onto the elf, causing her to become hot under her cloak’s hood. Oh well, she thought. I’ve come this far without anyone knowing my identity. It couldn’t have lasted much longer. She pull back her hood. As she had expected, none in the Shire knew her, but when she got to the Inn, there would be a reunion between old friends.

When she neared the Green Dragon, the elf could hear some commotion coming from inside. She took this opportunity to slip in unnoticed. Dismounting from Moon, she let the horse roam freely, for the elf had no need for saddle or bridle. As she entered the Inn, the she-elf remembered some happy times that she’d had there. Memories kept her alive, as everyday she re-lived one of her adventures in a daydream. She remembered about when she had led a quest during the second age. A group of elves and humans, even dwarves, had travelled to the Blue Mountains to slay a great and powerful dragon there. So many memories, so little time to share them with other people at the Inn. But, then again, she intended this stay to be longer than her previous ones.

The elf looked around for someone who she might converse with. To her left were some hobbits, all very merry with many mugs of ale on their table. In front of her were some people who looked rather agitated, perhaps from the commotion she had heard, so she decided against joining them. As she began to walk toward the kitchens, to see if anyone she knew was there, she saw from the corner of her eye a girl with her hand on the windowsill she sat by. She walked to the free seat an was about to ask if she could join the girl, when she noticed the girl was not looking at her, as if she had not noticed the elf’s arrival. Elves move soundlessly at all times, and when she saw the girl’s staff she put two and two together. This was a blind girl that the elf stood before.

Being careful not to startle, the elf introduced herself.

"Greetings, young traveller. It would greatly honour me if you gave me leave to sit with you. I am an elf named Elentari."

"You may join me if you wish."

Elentari sat in the chair opposite the girl, placing her own staff next to the girl’s.

"May I ask your name?"

"You may. I am named Finduilas."

Elentari smiled as she realised that was what Finduilas ha been tracing in the dust.

"If I am not mistaken," said Elentari, "that is a Gondorian name."

"That is true," replied Finduilas, smiling at the sound of the elf’s voice. "Where is it that you come from?"

"I am from the Wood of Green Leaves," the elf answered. "You must have travelled a long way. How is it you came to be here?"

[ October 13, 2003: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]