[elf-girl-63]

Nuinyulma looked up in surprise as Falowik, Falco, Doderic and another entered the common room. Quickly, she bowed her head, not wanting to embarrass herself. She still felt guilty about deciding against the trip, it was to help a Rohan man. Why had she decided against it? Deep in her heart of hearts, she knew. Rohan was a place of pwerful memories- memories she had not told anyone. She had meant to, meant to tell many people. But the subject had never come up so she had just spoken around it. It was true that she had left Lorien and journeyed over far and distant lands but there were events inbetween that.

She could never have gone. It would have been disasterous if the man had recognised her. She could barely speak to Aman even though she had never even heard of Nuinyulma before she arrived at the inn.

Nuinyulma looked up again, Uien and Falowik were in deep conversation and had obviusly not noticed her. So she decided to go and find Pio, maybe they could finish their conversation and maybe she could reveal the truth. She slipped through the common room and opened the kitchen door. There sat, Pio, Mithaden, Aman and some others as well as the twins. Well, she couldn't talk now. She was about to leave when Pio's voice rang out.

"Nuinyulma! Come and join us!"

She blushed and walked over to the group and sat down.

"Let me introduce you to Mithaden, my husband. I believe you know the rest."

Nuinyulma blushed again, nodded and held out her hand to Mithaden.

"Another elf. This is becoming almost like the Last Homely House Aman. How many more can we expect?" He grinned and Aman frowned, though in a friendly way. Nuinyulma and Mithaden both sat down.

"We were just discussing the party for the twins. The actual naming ceremony will be quiet but we should have many celebrations before and perhpas after."

Aman nodded in agreement and then suddenly sprung up. "My, my Pio! You would have been talking about parties and the like when I should be running this inn. Honestly! Ruby! Buttercup! Come! You need to start serving some food and drink. Folks don't come here to sit around by themselves."

And with that she left the kitchen with Ruby and Buttercup trailing behind. The three that were left smiled while the twins cooed. Mithaden smiled lovingly at them and Pio while Nuinyulma watched. He soon got up and spoke to his wife.

"I'll be back later my dear. But I wish to walk around for a little while and then may have some ale in the common room."

She nodded him away and turned to Nuinyulma who sat silently.

"So, are you going to tell me your story?"

"Well, I am originally from Lothlorien but when Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn left so did I. Since then, I have been wandering. I have passed through Rohan and Gondor and Arnor to the north. I did not visit Eryn Lasgalen for I fear there is noone there although I hope I am wrong. There is little left in my home as well. I arrived in the Shire for no particular reason. I suppose since Frodo and his companion journeyed with the Ring I have had an interest in it."

She sighed in contemplation and the elder elf stared into her eyes as if she didn't quite believe her. To break the silence she offered to take the baby girl and gladly received it. They both rocked the babies for several moments.

"The Shire is an interesting place. Much more than many believe." She turned away remembering the past.

"Now you have heard my story Mistress Piosenniel. Tell me yours."

[ October 19, 2003: Message edited by: elf-girl-63 ]