[Maeggaladiel]

Eleniel smiled as Gird spoke.

"Why sir," she said, "I believe I remember you! Forgive me, it has been many years and I did not recognise you at first." She remembered this man working in her father's shop, coming by to drop off goods and showing them to the his boss' brown-haired daughter. She had loved talking to him as he worked, although she was probably more of an annoyance to him than a partner in intelligent conversation.

"You should come back to Esgaroth some time, sir, and see the Raven's Nest. I've long since inherited it from my father, but it has changed very little since he retired. He has seen to that!" She gave a little laugh. The dog that had appeared at her feet wagged his silver tail, making a "thumpthumpthump" noise as it hit the wooden floor. Eleniel reached down and scratched his ears, and the thumping sound intensified.

"This is Arrow, my dog," she said. The silver wolfy-looking beast appraised Gird with a long stare. Then he struggled to his feet and licked Gird's fingers, showing his approval.

"Why did you leave Laketown, Gird, if I may be so bold as to ask? We have missed you."