A watery sun rose as the companions journeyed east. Sometime back Melost had been forced to slow his pace, as the horses of Arthain and Dorlas were unable to keep up with the Elven horses he and Thelian rode. At first he had wanted to continue on alone, but after a few moment's reflection he decided better of his decision. Anwanelme would still be there, no matter how hard he pushed to get there. Having calmed himself, he rode closer to Arthain, who glanced up and him and smiled a greeting.
"Your squire seems more than a little irritated, mellon. The first campaign is always the worst." Arthain raised an eyebrow at him. "It would be easier on all of us if you could only ride in something other than this accursed dark! You will owe me the price of a new horse if he founders!" Melost nodded in agreement."I deserved that! Forgive me for pulling you from your warm tent, but I have other reasons for bringing you along. Not only did I want your companionship on the road, but I wanted you to be with me when I see Anwanelme again." As he hesitated, Arthain looked at him, startled. "What? Do you think she will not see you? In that event, what help will I be?" Arthain had never seen Melost anything other than confident and it shook him. He thought perhaps once they reached Imladris, he would would corner Thelian and try to find out what had happened to his friend.
Suddenly Thelian gave a great shout and Melost's head jerked up. He looked ahead and beheld the pass leading to Elrond's home. He too cried aloud and the Elves glanced at each other, smiling. Dorlas shaded his eyes as the sun rose fully. "Master Arthain, what is it? Why are they suddenly so happy?" "Imladris, boy! Their eyes are far keener than ours. We're there, at last!"
[ April 30, 2003: Message edited by: Cuthalion ]
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