Through the Forest (Lindethiel)

[Lindethiel]

Lindethiel listened to the girls words, she was very hopeful and her smile did in fact speak volumes as to her keen desire to remain on the very path she was on now. Not a literal path of course, but one that lead her where ever she desired to go be it towards fame and fortune or towards discovering her own type of people, her own kin as it were.
The she-elf enjoyed hearing people speak of what made them happiest in life, she enjoyed hearing their stories of overcoming sorry and drowning it out with the louder cry of triumphant joy. Casswyn had seen great woe in her time but she would see happier times yet, she was young even among the world of men and she would live to see better days, Lindethiel was sure of it.

"I have left no children behind, for the elves do not bring children into a world of darkness and darkness surly has come to the world of elf kind." Lindethiel said. "My husband spoke little of our having offspring, and so I spoke not of it at all." It was true that Lindetheil had left her brothers and parents behind and her husbands family had been left in the Mirkwood too but it was not to her concern, elves once they reached maturity took little heed from their parents, surly they would listen to them and follow their guidance but it was entirely up to them to make their own paths. For the elf now sitting before the human woman it was to leave the forest that she made her life, no one had held her back fearing that it would keep her in grief or that she would die of a broken heart she was not sure but they had sent her to do as she liked and so she would.

"If love were to find me again, I would very much like to have a family to return to when I left to travel, but I am not sure what type of love could find an elf who has lost love once. The elf kind do not marry again often, and while I am still youthful I would like to do so." Lindethiel informed making conversation but also divulging her own personal secret. She would like the chance to marry again.

[cassiopeia]

Casswyn listened carefully, learning much from Lindethiel's soul-baring words. So Elves did not bring children into a world that was filled with darkness and fear? Casswyn considered that very wise indeed, though surely it must pain the Elf to not have the living connection with her deceased husband that a child would have brought. But even Elves could not see all ends, or so it seemed, and the Elven lovers could not have known their fate. It pained Casswyn to think of and so she did not dwell on this train of thought too long, instead drawing inspiration from the Elf's aura of strength and courage. It would certainly have taken both of these traits to leave behind her kin, her home, and to journey into the wide and ever darkening world. Then Lindethiel continued, expressing her hopes of finding love again and perhaps having a family of her own. This brought a warm smile to Casswyn's face. She sincerely hoped that the Elf would find it, find her happy ending. There was so much sorrow and pain in this world, so many trapped in lives of toil and suffering, that to know that one so kind and full of grace as Lindethiel had found happiness would make Casswyn's own heart swell with joy.

“I have no doubt that you will find another to share your life with,” Casswyn replied softly, “Even if it does go against convention.”

Offering the Elf a kindly smile, Casswyn rose a moment, dusting off her tunic and going to over Uvaer. After petting the horse, she turned her attention to the sodden saddlebags, flipping one open and rummaging inside.

“Are you hungry, Lindethiel?” Casswyn asked over her shoulder as her fingertips found the parcels of food which had fortunately been kept dry. Bringing them over, and taking her seat again, Casswyn unwrapped the bundles to reveal some cheese, cured meat, nuts and dried fruit, “I am sure it compares poorly to the fare of Elves but you are most welcome to help yourself.”

[Lindethiel]

Lindethiel nodded when her companion rose and asked if she was in need of any food. "I would be pleased to have some food." She said thankful for the offer.
In fact Lindethiel had become quite accustomed to human food, it was not the elegant nor was it as satisfying but it was hearty and filled the belly with such texture of complex wheat and stringy meat.
"But only something light, I wouldn't want to eat all of your food." Lindethiel said reaching into her own pack and pulling free the elven bread and flask of water from her own bag. "Perhaps we can combine our rations so you do not dwindle?"
She was certain elven kin could last longer with a smaller amount of food,and she didn't want to be cause for Casswyn's going hungry.

Opening the two loaves and setting them up and sat them out putting her own on a small rag and being careful to hand over the one for Casswyn so that it wouldn't crumble. Her own she took a bite of making sure that it wasn't too stale form the time she'd spent on the road. Surly enough it only crumbled for a bit, but it was still soft in the center.

When the food was laid out Lindethiel reached into her bag again and retrieved from it a skin of wine and offered it first to Casswyn. "Would you like some wine? It's just a bit I've brought from my homeland, it helps take the ache out of travel." Lindethiel smiled holding out the flask for a moment before flicking open one end of the stag skin horn.

[cassiopeia]

Casswyn smiled, delighted that Lindethiel was happy to sup with her, and pushed the food parcels closer to her companion. When the Elf went on to say that she did not wish to eat all of Casswyn's food the Rohirrim couldn't help but grin, laughter in her heart. Oh it was a glorious feeling, and one that she had missed this past while! With Lindethiel's svelte figure it was impossible to imagine the Elf ever being in any way greedy.

“You are very kind, but you do not strike me as a glutton,” Casswyn said kindly, “So please eat your fill. And I would be glad for us to share our rations.”

Truthfully, Casswyn was immensely curious of Elven fare and, when Lindethiel passed her the loaf, Casswyn did not hesitate to try it, tearing a little piece off and placing it on her tongue. It was deliciously soft and light, satisfying too. Casswyn chewed and swallowed and was making to thank Lindethiel whenever she was then presented with the generous offer of wine. It was certainly a rare treat to one living on the road, and Elven wine an even rarer one! The hospitality of the Elf maiden was touching and Casswyn returned her smile.

“I would love some, thank you,” Casswyn answered gratefully, taking the skin and taking a sip of the wine. It was fruity and utterly delicious - Casswyn didn't think she had ever tasted anything like it before. More than that, it seemed to soothe her road-weary spirit. Handing back the skin, Casswyn added, “That is exquisite, I can see why you brought it with you!”

Casswyn had to admit that she was rather content, despite the damp weather. It was so pleasant to have company, especially with one so gentle and amicable as Lindethiel. How fortunate that their paths had crossed!