The following is posted on behalf of arelendil who cannot access her computer tonight but has written and asked me to post this for her:
Soronume had left the table for drinks, declining Elwen's offer of help. She knew why he had said no, it did not surprise her for it was the answer she knew was coming.
The table had fallen silent. Niniel who had been watching Soronume at the bar shifted as if to rise and follow him but Elwen grabbed her hand saying, "Give him time, it is hard for him to bare."
Niniel turned to look at Elwen and sat back down.
"Soronume and I" began Elwen, "are just friends. Dear friends yes, but nothing more." Niniel smiled at the star maiden, a slight flush coming to her cheeks.
Elwen laughed. "I can read your face and movements Niniel, not your mind." Elwen sighed and smiled at Niniel. "He does have a way doesn't he?" A teasing smile played over her lips. "He told me once long ago that he could not form new bonds with anyone until he had found what it was he sought. He has been gone a long while but still a cloud hangs about him. I do not think he is yet ready."
Elwen turned to smile at Soronume as he glanced over from the bar where he was waiting to be served. She turned back to the maiden.
"But perhaps I am wrong. The cloud about him is not the same that I once knew. Maybe this is one that the light of the star maiden alone cannot pierce. I leave it to your judgement."
Elwen sat back in her seat, playing absent-mindedly with the silver ring on her left hand.
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