Elenwe nodded to Mirima and went to her own shaded spot where she sat down. She agreed with Mirima, there was a strange feeling in the air.

_________________

"Without music, life would be a mistake." - Friedrich Nietzsche



"Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come."

Fwee!

A slight rustling of leaves outside her open window woke Mirima early the next morning. She extended her thoughts, and found exactly who she had expected-Illith, her faithful horse. Guilt washed over her, as she was reminded of how long it had been since they had gone riding together.

'Perhaps I was overreacting last evening' she thought as she dressed in the morning light. 'No one else seemed very concerned, and I believe the sensation has faded somewhat. Still, I must go speak with Mithril. This is her land, if anyone has the answers, it would be her."

Pinning her long hair into an efficient bun, Mirima left the house, and finding Illith in a nearby grove, mounted and took off into the woods.

_________________


Thanks Haldir and Gil!
"You said: I know that this will hurt, but if I don't break your heart then things will just get worse..."

Thier meeting was a brief one. Her friends seemed to have thier hackles raised. She greeted them quickly and politlely, but slunk away after a brief chat. Again she shifted to a wolf. Her sences of smell, hearing, and sight were greatly mproved. As she moved slilently through the brush, she heard a soft rustling. She investigated, and found it to be Mirima's horse, Illith. The creature seemed lost, so Avia trotted out to greet him. The horse sppoked momentarily at her wolf shape, until she quickly shifted human again. Ithill recognized her, and calmed down.
"You seem lost." She remarked
"Mirima evades me" He replied. "I lost her sent." Avia smiled and pointed him in the right direction. This time, she shifted to her black panther shape, and walked the forest unseen and unheard.

After a long ride and a good talk, Mirima let Illith take her back to her room.

"So we agreed," the horse said patiently as her rider dismounted, "You will speak to Her Ladyship as soon as possible."

"Yes Illith," Mirima stroked her soft nose, "Don't worry. I'm not a thousand anymore, remember? I can look after myself."

The horse snorted. "I do not question that, Miri. Yet you are too inclined to ignore your own feelings. Your senses are powerful, you know. Trust them, and they will guide you. What would your father say if I let you lose your path?"

Mirima leaned against her old friend, comforted by the hot breath on her cheek. "I love you too."

Illith shook her heavy head in response. "Good day dear one, we shall meet this evening once more?"

"As soon as the first star awakens." Mirima replied and watched Illith melt into the trees. Now to find the Lady of the wood, and some answers.

_________________


Thanks Haldir and Gil!
"You said: I know that this will hurt, but if I don't break your heart then things will just get worse..."