[Elora]

Uien had been quiet since first nearing the Inn and Falowik gracious in allowing her her thoughts. His presence by her reassured her that indeed she was back at the Inn. How odd time was. Had she really been away for as long as it felt she had. The sight of Aman had cheered her beyond measure, and it showed in Uien's fond embrace of the Innkeeper that had taken her in only months ago. Only months, Uien mused, and so much had happened. She looked to Falowik, alive and filled with the joy of the moment, trading smiles and comments, quipping even with Falco Boffin. Yes, much had happened indeed and Uien felt close to bursting with it all. Buttercup emerged, all bustle and business and not short of a quick retort, just as Uien recalled. Ruby followed soon after. Cook would be in the kitchen, muttering about absconded stable hands. Uien caught sight of the formidible woman at the kitchen door, peering for herself at their busy table. Uien smiled and lifted a hand. Cook nodded and smiled a little herself before the stove called her back.

Eodwine was in fine form, regaling all who would listen with events. Falco was chipping in, not one to be left out of any conversation (including ones that may not involve him). He did indeed seemed changed and Uien found herself warming to the Shirriff. Finewin seemed quiet herself, but she was a woman who kept her own counsel or so Uien believed. As the events surrounding Eodwine's abduction and rescue were told, Uien tried to anchor herself in the moment. Her hand crept to Falowik's and curled around it. She unobtrusively continued her search for the familiar faces that had come to mean so much to her. She was struck by one absence. Where was the Stable Master?

"Something amiss, Uien," Falowik whispered quietly in her ear. Uien shook her head, "No," she replied and fell silent. She would ask Aman when she had the chance. Oh, but did they all look well and hale, Uien realised as she looked about the table once more. Fire light on smiling faces, no shadow of doubt or fear or suspicion. Eyes bright with curious interest, merriment.... peace. Uien never had thought to feel so at rest surrounded as she was by kindreds not her own, Men and Hobbits. As Eodwine skirted around the identity of the malice responsible for his attack, the conversation lulled somewhat and facts were absorbed. There was a lot in this telling, and more to be said than had been spoken already.

Uien's gaze came back to Falowik, who was in his own turn sipping at an earthen tankard of ale. Yes, much had changed indeed and again the sensation of being filled to bursting with all manner of lightness spun through her mind and whispered over her face. Falowik must have noticed her steady, regard, lips curved into a smile. He looked at her in askance, an answering smile lighting his golden features, question in his blue eyes. Perhaps he would walk with her beneath the stars they had met under a little later. She squeezed his hand and decided to ask when the full telling had unfolded.

But the exchange of expressions between the two, Man and Elf, had not gone unnoticed. Uien discovered Aman was grinning softly at her from across the table, and a telling faint rose blush came to Uien's cheeks. Between that, her smile and the own brilliance of her star-dark gaze, the matter was clear between the two women. That too would come later, perhaps even tonight if all went well beneath the stars. Uien shifted a little closer to Falowik and returned her attention to what was being spoken around the table.