Since arriving in Rivendell, and handing over her weapons, Ana had felt like something was missing. She did not enjoy the feeling of being totally unarmed, so had kept a small dagger upon her person, for her own peace of mind - although she had no intention of having to use it.
Without her sword and shield, her usual attire made her stand out far too much for her liking.
Seeing Deorla in her dress during an evening in the Hall of Fire, reminded her, that she too had a dress packed in the bottom of Snowys pack. She wondered if the time had actually arrived to try it on for the first time.
Walking up to the stables, she remembered the events leading to her receiving the dress. It had started when meeting the girl, Calandria, by the town well, noticing her sadness and listening to her story. How she had ended up living in a strange part of the world, with no friends and family, just the 'companionship' of her captor. She had so wanted to leave, but she had neither the means or the strength to break away or escape. Ana knew she could help her. Afterall, she had found herself there, and if her journeys had ever taught her anything, it was that there was generally a reason why she ended up where she did. Calandria had nothing in the form of gold to offer in return for her aid, but that mattered little to Ana. She had saved up where she could, and did not have expensive tastes. What was important to her was that when she could, she helped others in need.
Calandria however did not want Ana to go away emptyhanded, after fighting off the man's guards and leading her to safety. Once back home and safe, she made Ana a beautiful dress, by taking the materials of the dresses she had packed hastily before she left the confines of the keep. Ana of course, gratefully accepted, however she had no need of a dress, no matter how beautiful and intricate it's embroidery. She packed it in the bottom of her pack, thinking that maybe she would find someone who would need it more than her. And now... Well, she seemed to have need of it herself.
Trying it on, with a little tweaking here and there, it fitted near perfectly. It also provided more cover for her dagger, which she now strapped to her thigh. She packed her armour away in her pack, and returned to the tranquillity of the waterfalls. She had spent most of her free time near the water, or watching the stars. It was here that she felt happiest. Was it because this was also where she felt closest to Amaken? After all, they had discovered this place together on their first assignment for the Company, and spent many a happy hour looking at the scenery, and counting the stars.
It seemed fitting, maybe fate, that this is where he found her when he returned to join the Company. Although he did not instantly recognise her, dressed as she was, his smile when she turned around made her heart leap. They chatted nonstop as the sun began to set, before Amaken suggested they head inside for good wine and and to continue their conversation. On the way indoors Ana asked Amaken if he believed fate, as it was playing on her mind. For her, she was beginning to think that there must be a reason that she felt at her happiest, at most peace, with him. But she wondered if he at all felt the same way.
Over wine, they discussed their past, the Company, and what the future might hold. As they both relaxed, and Ana rested her head on Amakens shoulder, they were able to share some of the feelings that had been kept hidden, protected, for some time. As they got closer, and opened up to each other, they admitted this had moved on much further than friendship. This was something even more special.
Amaken and Ana left the Hall that night hand in hand. Ana was happier than she had ever been, and Amaken seemed to be walking ever so slightly taller. Neither of them wanted the night to end, so once again they returned to the gardens to sit and count the stars. Over the next few days they would be meeting up with the rest of Company, and this, this most interesting new life as someone not alone in the world, but as part of a partnership, for the time being would need to be put to one side, as there was much work to be done. But for this night, under the stars, it felt like she was finally starting a new chapter of her life and moving on from her past.
