[Estelyn Telcontar]

After a few dainty nibbles on a chicken wing (yes, they did have wings, although they did not fly) Merisuwyniel’s bird-like appetite was satisfied. She looked around the assembled company of handsome, yet blundering, heroes and other persons, all of whom seemed more interested in filling their plates than finding a solution for the problem at hand. No immediate course of action was to be expected from them.

Quietly she stole away, fully intending to bring it back when she was finished with it. Gracefully and purposefully she strode to the stable. Falafel whinnied a greeting as she approached, nuzzling her pocket in anticipation of the apple she had stowed there. She stroked his mane absently, then impulsively swung herself onto his back. One word, whispered into his ear, and they galloped out of the stable.

Her long blond tresses flowed behind her like a banner as she headed for the fields surrounding Elven Farm. Falafel needed neither saddle nor bridle, for they were as one, sensing each other’s wishes and knowing each other’s thoughts. Soon they reached the forest path, slowing slightly as the trees grew closer. A slight motion in the shadows commanded Merisuwyniel’s attention, and her sharp Elven eyes discerned a fox trotting away.

Quick! Fit an arrow to me! she felt the bow command.

But why? she wondered. This creature is neither foe nor prey.

But it is up to mischief, came the answer. I can see it in its face. And I say to you, though the fox does not endanger us now, it will bring peril to our mission if we let it live. It is as bad as an Orc, and deserves death.

Deserves it?! Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. On the other hand, some that live deserve life, and some that die deserve death. Woe is me – what ever shall I do? There was a brief interruption as Falafel, who misinterpreted her thoughts, stopped suddenly. Realizing in shame that he had fallen into the pitfall of a homophone, he resumed his pace. Merisuwyniel’s train of thought was not derailed by such a minor stop. It’s such a cute little animal and couldn’t possibly do anything harmful to us. My heart tells me that we may meet again and it may have some part to play in our story. Then again, it may not…

The bow vibrated dangerously, but it could not take action by itself and fell silent sullenly. Falafel turned his steps back to the Farm, galloping once more just to give his mistress the pleasure of feeling her hair blowing in the wind. When they reached the stable, Merisuwyniel leaped to the ground, took fond leave of Falafel and strode back in the direction of the gazebo, hoping that the others had finished their repast by now.

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Estelyn Telcontar ]