[Imladris]

Lira

Lira listened with some surprise as Doderic stated that Esgallhugwen or Falco Boffin would be named as the leaders of the rescue party. For some reason, she had always assumed that Uien and Falowik would end up leading them, despite their protests to the contrary. Falco she could undestand, yet maybe Esgallhugwen? She gazed steadily at the elf: she was strong, and had obviously seen much pain and grief. She did look almost like an elven princess, but the idea of her leading seemed so strange for ever since Lira had first met her at the Inn, she had always hidden herself in the shadows. Of course, Esgallhugwen may or may not end up with the leadership. She looked at Thoronmir, wondering what he would say.

Turning her gaze to Falowik, she studied him: rugged and slightly uncouth. Yet kindness shown from his eyes, and when he gazed at Uien, Lira see the love glow powerfully from his eyes, like a great fire kindled in his soul. He showed great humility in refusing the honour of leadership, and that impressed Lira. She smiled gently at him and then turned her attention to Esgallhugwen. Leaning over, her blue eyes twinkling, she said, “If you receive the leadership, I envy thee not, Mellon.”

A raucous crowing assailed their ears, “Eswen…eswen…eswen!” Corn hopped madly upon the wooden sill, his sable wings partially raised as he continued to screech the elf’s shortened name before he sailed from the edge and disappeared into the stable.