[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Elwing nodded and said, "Tis alright. Well, I am going to retire for the afternoon, for all my energy is quite taken out of me. Come and rouse me if you like; my room is the fifth on the left. Namarie, nin mellon." Surprised and delighted at how the Elvish unfazed her, Elwing bowed and left the room-through the window, of course, in case the guards were still about.

She stepped into the inn through the main door and was surprised at how full it still was. Looking at the clock, she saw that it was well past three o'clock. But, she knew that these people were of a different nature than the hobbits in the Shire. Of course they ate at unnatural hours; but only unnatural to her.

Elwing bade the innkeeper Bethberry (who was on the patio) a good afternoon and made her way upstairs. Stepping into her room, she cast herself upon the soft, downy bed and fell immediately asleep.

She screamed. Where was everyone? Looking about her, Elwing saw that she was alone. What had happened to her room in the inn? All she knew was that it was dark, and misty, and that she was alone. Utterly alone. She heard a rustling in the forest behind her and whirled around.

Elwing jerked awake, a cry tearing apart her lips. She sat up abruptly in bed, heart pounding and eyes wide. Realizing that she was back at the inn, safe at the inn, she slowly began to calm down her terrified nerves. Her throat loosened and she began to breathe more easily. What had that been about? All she knew was that she had been alone in her dream. She had been terrified. But why? She had never, ever had that nightmare before. It was all new to her. As she sluggishly tried to piece it together, her weariness and will to sleep took over her body and she dropped off again.

[ March 17, 2003: Message edited by: Horse-Maiden of the Shire ]