Ana opened her eyes. She had woken up in her own house, in the arms of the man she loved. She should be happy. Yet a feeling of dread lay heavy on her chest. The events of the previous day whirled through her mind. She closed her eyes again as she recalled it all, trying to piece together what had gone on, so she could update her diary.
The journey back from Rivendell had been a little chaotic, but everyone made it back safely, which was the main thing. The call had gone out to meet at the Kin house, so Amaken and Ana, dutifully answered, and headed straight there. Anas heart was heavy. After conversations with Daphnee and Furley over drinks in Rivendell, she knew what she was walking into and she didn't want it to happen. This company, this band of misfits and loners had become family. She could not bear to lose another member of her family.
Walking into the room for the first time since the robbery, Ana was amazed at how much work had gone into refurbishing it. It felt comfortable, yet impressive, grand yet still felt like home.
Furley, Deorla and Daphne were already there, though Daph looked uncomfortable and shot a glance towards Furley, who was looking sullen by the table,. He was awaiting the inevitable, she knew that. Ana knew the pain of losing someone and knowing there was nothing you could do about it. She hated to see others go through that.
As other people began to arrive, including some unfamiliar faces, Deorla called them to order, and all gathered around. Ana watched Furleys reactions as Deorla spoke. The company had acquired (or was it rescued?) an elf, from persecution in Rivendell. In Other circumstances, Ana would have been been intrigued and welcoming but she was very much distracted. Deorla congratulated all on the market, but then after Furleys grumblings, as a sidenote, announced that she was leaving. Questions flew around the room, but none were really answered. She said we were to expect a guest and negotiations should go through them. "Guest?" Ana grumbled under her breath, " This would be the moose riding elf that has claimed Deorla as a possession then? " She could feel her temper rising. 'Not now" she thought, and tried hard to control her emotions.
Deorla dismissed the gathering which seemed to frustrate Furley even more.
"Right you lot, listen up and listen good..." He yelled through the chaos and chatter that followed. 'A quick announcement for you all! Celebrate a meagre profit by all means, but what happened on the road to Rivendell was UNACCEPTABLE! And the respect right now shown to the Sergeant from some newcomers was POOR! ' he raged. As much as Master Kildwin amused Ana, with his love of pushups, formations and drills, she was inclined to agree. A level of banter and good natured feather wearing is one thing, but he had always commanded her respect. He knew his role within the Company and was well skilled in it. He wanted to make them the best they could be. 'The roads are getting more dangerous,,' Furley went on, and we need to be better as a unit.Next week, we'll be hosting a tournament in the arena outside the headquarters. The Sergeant here will be in charge. And as you're all business inclined, we'll provide a handsome sum for the champion., So test your skills, and we'll sharpen ourselves up as a unit and for if the need ever arises again. A week from today! He left with gathered group, bombarding Kildwin with questions about the tournament and sat himself down with wine and stilton.
The elf 'guest' arrived mainly unnoticed by the group, who were still discussing the rules and theory of the tournament. Ana noticed however, and she watched her every move.
The next part of the evening went in a haze. It took every ounce of will not to draw her sword on the elf then and there. Negotiations of sorts took place, with a possible solution being the winner of the tournament could go in place of Deorla, therefore leaving her to stay at the company, alongside Furley, who although seemed distant from this conversation, Ana knew, cared for her greatly. This raised something in Ana that she thought she had buried. The realisation that she could go in place of Deorla and save Furley and the Company the pain of losing Deorla. It would mean leaving Amaken, but he would be ok without her, she knew the Company would look out for him, and besides, she might even take her chances with the elf on the road and be back before too long.
It was mainly agreed that the fighters in the Company would take part in the tournament and the victor would take Deorlas place with the elf.
With this negotiation over, Ana watched as Furley stormed out, followed closely by Daphnee. Did he not realise the Company would have made the self same promises had it been his life on the line? He was the one holding this together, she wished he could see that.
Tensions were high in the house when the drinking started. Ana sat back, she couldn't relax neither did she wish to take part. This family she had just gained was being ripped apart before her eyes. She would not allow it, She wasn't sure how, but she would be throwing her all into the tournament to give her the best chance of winning. She watched the others laugh, drink and be merry, until it seemed as though Amaken had his fill.
She guided him carefully back to her house, the cool fresh air calming her as she walked. They discussed the prospect of being separated, but both knew what needed to be done.
Once inside, Amaken started muttering and looking for something. Once he regained his composure, he took Anas hands, and knelt before her "Ana, would you, will you marry me?"
She smiled with tears in her eyes "Yes Amaken, Yes I will." He handed her a beautiful flower he had gathered from his travels. If she had to leave this place, this love, this family, she would do so knowing that this time here had been the best of her life.
