Millitimed to Jun. 16

[still_golden]

As the evening wears on, Jen takes a moment to wander outside.

She never came here much, not as much as Paul and Kim, and she's not sure she'll be coming back much, either.

It's pleasant out here, in the fading light, and she's smiling. That happens so much more, now.

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[wolflord_andain]

And out by the forest a blurred shape disentangles itself from the shadows of the trees, resolving into the shape of a man.

Winter-grey eyes snap to the building nearby, lines of strain giving way to a faint expression of relief.

Then Galadan, Wolflord of the andain, notices Jen, and goes still.

He had not thought to see her again this side of death. And now--

Well. Now they are here.

[still_golden]

The moment of movement catches her eye, and she turns to look.

Some things can't be forgotten, happy endings or no. Then the only consolation is that they're past, and that there's the happy ending to return to.

Her hands clench in her skirts, unconciously.

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan holds her gaze for a long moment, grey eyes curious and intent.

"Jennifer Lowell. I would not have thought to find you here, not after--"

He hesitates fractionally.

"--Andarien."

[still_golden]

"I did not expect to see you again, either, Galadan."

Not after Cernan gathered his son in; not after she left with her lovers.

[wolflord_andain]

"No."

He does not smile.

"And I can hardly imagine you would not have preferred it so."

[still_golden]

She says nothing.

That should be answer enough.

[wolflord_andain]

One corner of his mouth does quirk momentarily, and he inclines his head in acknowledgment of her point, silent though it may be.

That silence lingers for some small time as he studies her, this Guinevere who is yet the woman in the museum in Canada, in a world so far away from the here and now.

At last he speaks, solemn as he ever spoke to the Paraiko Ruana, whose people he killed with such spare and ruthless brutality.

"I do regret, Jennifer, what hurt you suffered through my actions. Though I find I cannot regret your son and what his birth brought about, not least because there now remains no creature that may set his hand over every living being on Fionavar."

[still_golden]

That startles a hollow laugh out of her.

"There weren't many in Fionavar who understood why I did what I did with Darien. I would not have expected you to appreciate it."

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan's expression does not waver, even as Jennifer laughs. Perhaps it is a reaction he expected, given all that has come before, given what he knows of the minds of men.

"Who better to understand what he was, what he meant? Had he lived, he would have been one of mine."

This is only simple truth.

[still_golden]

"I suppose that's true."

She glances away for a moment, quiet.

Finally -- "And what of you? Where have you gone, now that you are masterless?"

Now that he's released of so much.

[wolflord_andain]

"I have spent time with my father, which you already knew, I believe."

She has seen him brought low. In other days that would have meant her death.

Now--now it is nothing like that at all.

"And as for the rest--I gave my word to see a man and his kin kept safe. I doubt I shall return to Fionavar before I see that finished, however long that may be."

[still_golden]

"I see."

Jennifer still does not trust Galadan, but he does seem to be a being of his word.

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan merely watches her a moment more, winter-grey eyes calm and steady, mouth curving so very faintly.

"Well you might, Jennifer Lowell, I will not gainsay it. I have not the right."

He pauses, then.

"But I do wish you joy, and what peace you may find outside the bounds even my brother knows."

The Wolflord bows then, deep and graceful and sure, stepping back and away before fading into the forest.

There is nothing for him here, now, and his business elsewhere is not yet finished.

There will be other days.

There always are.

[still_golden]

She watches him disappear, and sighs when he's out of sight.

Soft -- "If there's peace to be had, wolflord, I wish you it."

Perhaps he could hear it.

After a moment, she turns and moves back into the light and warmth of the bar.