[Imladris]

Iris of Bree

Iris’s eyes dropped to the table as she saw the wondering glances of the women at the table. Her lips twitched as she glanced up again, and saw Elentari and Finduilas trip gaily up the stairs. Finduilas had her hand upon the elf’s arm and her step was firm, not cautious as it had been with her on the day of the Naming.

Her lips tightened into a grim smirk, she drove her nails into the soft wood of the table, her green eyes hardened into dark jade. Shrugging slightly, she gazed into the table, following the swirls of the wood. How could Finduilas be so happy when she couldn’t see a thing, when she couldn’t even the fair elf that guided her? Speaking of that dratted elf, how could she even deem to associate with a lowly mortal.

A hobbit lass, balancing a serving tray in her hands, swept by and served the couple opposite their table. Catching her arm as the waitress passed, Iris asked icily, “A cider --- please.” As she drank, her thoughts churned like a stormy sea. It wasn’t fair that she could have everything and she have nothing . Why was it like this? Why could Finduilas have a friend and she could not. A silent tear escaped and trickled down her cheek.