The young woman listened and understood. Where her mind had been a whirlwind before, it now was tranquil and still. Under the surface, a myriad of emotions swirled but they did not break surface, not yet. Laurie knew she was not in shock, she simply understood and accepted. The fate of the Eldar was ever before them, and through her mother’s past, she was to find her future. Laurie rose calmly and took Pio’s hand between her own.
“Thank you, dear friend. You have made clear much that troubled me. I will ride with you, when the time comes, and then my choice shall be made known.” Laurie’s eyes studied the ageless face of the Elf before her. For some reason, she thought of the beauty and wisdom, the memory of sorrow and sparkling presence of joy that was held behind the cool, grey eyes. She smiled. “Pio, allow me to leave the inn for a few days, I think I shall need much time for reflection. If you need me, please call as... as you spoke to me before. I will return before the twins are born, I would not miss their birth for every jewel hidden in the dark earth or wild sea.”
Pio watched the young woman carefully before nodding her assent with a smile. Laurie rose and bid the innkeeper a peaceful sleep. Pio sat and listened to the steps fade away, the soft sound of the white dress disappear around the corner and she knew Laurie would not sleep herself. The young woman would be gone by first daybreak.
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