[Lyra Greenleaf]

Walking along the corridor with Linde, Eäris saw the doorway to the room of Morwen, his wife's maid, open.
"Morwen!" he called in.
"Yes Sir?" she said, appearing at the door.
"Do you know where my oldest daughter is?"
"No, Sir."
"Very well" he said dismissively.

"Very well" he finished dismissively, turning away again and continuing down the corridor.

Upon reaching Asta's bedchamber he discovered she had returned. Unfortunately he also discovered his son-in-law.
"Father" said Asta warmly. "I had wondered where you and Linde were." Hastening over, she took the baby and bustled into her dressing chamber.

Eäris was left with Foronîl.
"Eäris" said Foronîl with an oily, fake smile. "How are preperations for the great departure? going. I suppose you are running around organising everything. Here in Dol Amroth we find it easier to let servants do that"
"Indeed?" answered Eäris shortly. "How interesting.
"Now, Eäris, Father, I know you dislike me, but do you not think we should attempt to rectify that?"
"If you would excuse me, I must find Gilian. Unless you would rather I sent a servant?"
"No indeed. Continue your own way. I find it rather...sweet. Look for the little tomboy by all means. It would be a tragedy if something happened to her. " answered Foronîl. "I look forward to our next conversation though, with great anticipation."
As Eäris left Foronîl smirked.

Talking to Foronîl left Eäris with a bad taste in his mouth. With a face like thunder he strode on his way, cursing at any servant unlucky enough to meet him. He exited the inn and made once more for the beach rode. He had only been going for a minute or two when he saw a figure running towards him.

"Daddy!" said Gilian, and ran into his arms.
"I hope you are back from the beach for good this time?" he asked her with a smile. He loved his tomboy anyway.
"Yes. And I have left nothing behind. I think!"
"Have you finished packing?"
"No. But Papa there were some ships." she looked doubtful, unsure whether to risk his laughter at her.
"Yes?"
"I think they might be...pirates" she said.
"Well, if they are, I'll fight them for you!" answered Eäris with a fierce face.
"You are funny Papa!"
"I was once a great soldier, young lady."
"Once..." she answered with a grin.
"Cheeky girl! Now finish your packing, unless you wish to face your mother angry."
"Yes Papa" Gilian said, and ran away again.

"Where's Rolan?" called Eäris after her, but she didn't hear.
"Here, father" answered Rolan himself, following slightly more sedately.
"Come, we must be ready to be off soon." Eäris beckoned to his son. "Now, have you been telling your sister pirate stories?"
"No, she's been telling me."
"Well you better be off after her, or she might be kidnapped!" said Eäris with a smile. "These old legs can't keep up with you anymore.

[ February 20, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[ February 21, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]