[Galadel Vinorel]

Time moved slowly by for Galadel, though probally faster for the others that she sat with, as they talked about what would probally have to be done about the inn. The elf barely heard them or contributed in the conversation, except for an occasional word or nod, for she was lost in her own thoughts. The pain of the wound on her side once again ached. She remembered how she had gained that injury only....two weeks ago! Could it really be that short of time since she had been attacked by the creatures that had waylayed her on the road? There were few thieves left on the roads of Middle Earth, yet the few that there were had somehow found the elven maiden while she was traveling. The memory of that attack echoed through her head, the dark despondent road filling her thoughts.

Suddenly, while lost in the memory of her journey to the Shire, she heard a voice saying to her, "My lady. Miss? Are you alright?" Galadel quickly looked up from where she had been sitting, completely absorbed in her thoughts. Next to her knelt Vathalion, and beside him was Roa. As the elf looked over into the face of the worried Ranger a sudden memory flashed through her mind. "a curse on you and your kin...," she heard a voice that was vaguely familiar say angrily. "It is far from over yet," Galadel thought to herself, "The curse must still run its course. It shall not be good for the one who had the curse put upon them. So much that they may soon wish that they were never born. I fear terribly for the one who it is layed upon. Poor man."

Then the memory was gone, and Galadel was in the real world again, where she was sitting on damp earth, the smell of charred wood filling her nostrils. Blinking her dazed eyes, she looked up once more at Vathalion and Roa, who were both beside her, gazing at her worriedly. "Are you feeling alright, my lady?" said Roa, her voice filled with concern.

The elven maiden smiled at her and nodded. "Yes, I am fine," Galadel responded, clearing her parched throat.

Roa returned the nod, and then stood up with the young man to join the others, who were also standing. "We were thinking of going to get some food and drink, which they are now serving for all in the garden. Would you like to join us, Lady Galadel?"

The elf nodded and stood up. "I would like to do so very much," she answered. Then the five "companions" set off together to where others were gathered to enjoy a good meal of warm stew with one another.