[Annunfuiniel]

'I have to get to the inn tonight' said Mayla to herself while standing up and looking on the shadowy road ahead. She straighted her blue dress and then - as always - touched her necklace, just to make sure it was still there. And again as always the relief reflected in her eyes which now looked blue because of the colour of the dress she was wearing. Wind swept her fair hair to her face.

The roads from Annúminas were new and easy to travel but if you don't know exactly where you are going even the easiest passages may become overwhelming. Mayla had wandered around for maybe just over a week but the time felt ten times longer.

She was no unwearying elf nor a tough dwarf but she was used to travel long distances with light baggage while looking for healing herbs and roots. But this time everything was different. This time I won't go back.

This thought gloomed her mind as she continued her journey. She had met some other travelers in the morning and asked if they knew a place where she could spend a day or two (or maybe longer), sleep in a real bed for a change and have a decent meal. They were kind enough to tell her the way to a inn called the Green Dragon.

Mayla walked in silence and tried to concentrate on what she saw along the road instead of letting her mind wander free. She didn't have the strenght think about the past nor the future.

Finally after long hours of lonely travel she saw the inn near ahead and quickened her pace. Everything looked to be in good order and she sighed with relief. There were only few people moving around the inn and the stables but she guessed there would be quite many inside the house.

As Mayla entered in and smelled the food she finally realised how hungry she was. Suddenly a warm meal was all she could think of and so she headed straight to the counter. She dodged a hobbit child that was running around his mother. Mayla smiled to the woman who carried another child in her lap.

'What can I get you', asked the innkeeper when Mayla reached the desk. 'Something to eat is all I need right now but if you also have a room to spare I would be forever grateful.' The innkeeper looked amused and informed her that the room would be ready when she had finished her meal. 'Oh, could I have a cup of hot water, please? So I can make my own drink.', asked Mayla. She had picked up some herbs near the inn that she knew would help her to sleep without dreaming. For dreams were the last she wanted to see...

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: Annunfuiniel ]

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: Annunfuiniel ]