[alaklondewen]

Brushing a dark curl from her forehead, Alaklondewen paused and gazed into the blue day. It had been a long road and many adventures since she wandered this familiar path that led to the Old Wight's forum. She was running later than she had wished for the celebration, but it is difficult to leave a new husband and family for the journey she had embarked. A soft smile crossed her lips as she thought of their faces and the spring breeze rippling through their hair as they wished her well. But eight years! Eight years is such an accomplishment she knew she must come at once and offer her congratulations to the Barrow Wight in person, and of course, she hoped to see the sparkle of familiar smiles and hear the old tales, along with the new, of her dear acquaintances from years gone by.

Laughter and the merriment of music had tickled her ears long before she rounded the last knoll and the green and black, which felt so close to her heart and yet so distant from the time, filled her vision. Her eyes turned from the old door before her as she heard the cheerful prattle of the famous Hilde Bracegirdle. The sound of the hobbit's ramblings was so suddenly sweet to her ears, Alaklondewen laughed aloud before realizing how uplifted she felt. Turning slowly with one last hesitation, she breathed deeply and walked out to the lawn where she looked upon the faces she had long missed. She ran her hands slowly inside her hood and lowered it, shaking her head and letting the air touch her neck through her locks.

"Dear Hobbit," she spoke with the tone of happiness which is only brought about by the company of old friends. "Did I hear you mention potatoes? I am quite certain we can find kindling for your fire."