02/18/2021 09:05 PM  Hiding in the Music Elanor glanced over her shoulder for what was probably the twentieth time since nearing the far end of lake. Her sanctuary had been a secret for a few years now, and she'd like to keep it that way, thank you very much. Carrying her guitar made her stand out more than she thought. Seeing that no one was near, she slipped into the reeds that consumed the area here.  Careful not to trample any plants, Elanor stepped into a large rock that jutted into a small pond. The reeds seemed to encompass the area perfectly, blocking the sight of anyone who may be near the lake. The growth was tall enough that it wasn't obvious there was a clearing here.  Sitting on the edge of the rock, with her feet in the water, Elanor began tuning the guitar. She did so quietly, not wanting to attract the attention of any of the numerous hobbits at the other end of the lake. She was near the woods here, and her neighbors rarely went near it. 'Too much like an adventure', they always told her. That's why this place was perfect, and all hers.  Once the guitar was tuned, Elanor started playing a song that had been stuck in her head and heart lately. It was one she might even play for her friends one day, to show them how much she cared. That day was far off. She wasn't good enough yet to perform in front of others, and she was sure her friends would tease her if it was too bad. Thinking of her two dearest friends, Elanor smiled before she started singing.  I've been alone Surrounded by darkness I've seen how heartless The world can be I've seen you crying You felt like it's hopeless I'll always do my best To make you see Baby, you're not alone 'Cause you're here with me And nothing's ever gonna bring us down 'Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you And you know it's true It don't matter what'll come to be Our love is all we need to make it through... Now I know it ain't easy But it ain't hard trying Everytime I see you smiling And I feel you so close to me... And you tell me: Baby, you're not alone 'Cause you're here with me And nothing's ever gonna bring us down 'Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you And you know it's true It don't matter what'll come to be Our love is all we need to make it through... I still have trouble I trip and stumble Trying to make sense of things sometimes... I look for reasons But I don't need 'em All I need is to look in your eyes And I realize... Baby, I'm not alone 'Cause you're here with me And nothing's ever gonna take us down 'Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you And you know it's true It don't matter what'll come to be Our love is all we need to make it through... Oh, 'cause you're here with me And nothing's ever gonna bring us down Cause nothing, nothing, nothing Can keep me from lovin' you And you know it's true It don't matter what'll come to be You know our love is all we need Our love is all we need To make it through... Slowly removing her fingers from the strings, Elanor smiled again. Maybe she'd get teased for all this talk of love, rather than her playing. Setting her instrument off to the side, she relaxed back on to the rock to watch the clouds pass her by.  (Not Alone Music & Lyrics by Darren Criss  If you have never heard this song please do look it up. It's saved my life.  ) 0 Comments

02/16/2021 07:45 PM  Stargazing, Memories, and an Overdue Farewell Elanor waited until it was the darkest part of the night before climbing to the top of her smial. This had been a long time coming, and she could only imagine the talk that would spread around town if she did this in daylight. Still, she was glad to be far enough away from her neighbors to avoid bothering them.  As she reached the top, she sat down in the grass before looking for the star she had been avoiding the last ten years. Even after all this time, it did not take her long.  "You'd probably call me an idiot if you were here right now. Holding on to all that anger and pain for so many years." She spoke quietly, still gazing upwards. "And even though I'd argue with you, you'd be right. You always were and yet you would still listen to my weak arguments." She sighed, "I wanted to hate you, you know. For not standing your ground, for not taking me with you. Especially for never coming back. Cassie went to find you. That day broke her as much as it did me. I still couldn't bring myself to feel hate towards you. I guess deep down I knew it was the best thing for you." "I was broken for so long. Never leaving our smial unless absolutely necessary. I avoided holidays. I couldn't bring myself to be around the happiness the others had. I think I scared Mum there for a while, but she never pushed me. I'm thankful for that." Elanor smiled softly before continuing. "Everything changed this year. I had started to get out more, but my heart was never in it. Suddenly everything started to change. I was finding joy in the smallest of things, like a butterfly on a newly bloomed flower, or the smell of fresh bread. I rekindled the friendships I had with several of our old friends. I even made some new ones! Nelly, Violet... and Milo." She blushed slightly, thanking the Valar it was  so dark out. "They all made this past weekend more enjoyable than it's been in years past." Elanor leaned back, before getting more comfortable before once again looking at the star. "I think I've finally moved on. I know, took me long enough right? Someone mentioned you the other week, and it wasn't the crushing heartbreak it one was. Just a small ping, like a small rose thorn.  I want to open my heart again. To feel everything that I haven't dared let myself feel in so long. Somehow, I really don't think you'd mind that." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, gathering the courage to say this last bit. "I won't forget you. Even if I wanted to, it would be near impossible. But I'm finally ready to let you go. So here goes." Elanor looked back up at the star, their star, fondly. "Goodbye, Fast. May you be happy wherever you are, and thank you for the memories. May we meet again in the beyond." As Elanor started her way back down the hill, she saw a shooting star. With a small laugh she closed her eyes and made a wish.  May all my friends find peace and their happily ever afters. 6 Comments

01/30/2021 10:51 PM  Pastry Party! Current mood:  excited Elanor ran around adding finishing touches to the place settings before stepping back and taking a look at everything. The Pastry Party was to be held in the gardens today, since it was so nice out. She set up a lounging area along with the table, both low to the ground when everyone inevitably drank too much. Nearby, there were a few tables set up. One was empty for the pastries others would bring, some had all sorts of pastries, and the last held the two pastries that she baked special. Today was a special day after all. Miss Serenity and Miss Violet had birthdays today, so she set up their special treats. One Chocolate Raspberry Cake for Miss Serenity and a Blackberry Pie for Miss Violet. Off to the side she had set up casks of ale and bottles of wine and sparkling juice for the guests. She looked over everything then nodded. "It's party time!" 75 Comments

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