[VanimaEdhel]

Thelian ran out of his tent at all the commotion and noise. He saw a frantic Arthain running around outside. But where was Melost? Usually Anwaelme was with Melost these days. However, Melost was nowhere in sight at the camp.

Thelian ran over to Melost's tent. He looked inside and even rummaged through the bedding, as though Melost would be hiding underneath a blanket. When Melost was nowhere to be found, Thelian ran over to Arthain.

"Where is Lord Melost?" he asked Arthain, beginning to grow frantic. Arthain continued his own frantic plight into what seemed to be a spell of madness at the loss of Melost.

"What has happened?" Thelian asked Arthain, but he still received no answer.

Thelian ran to the woods, calling Melost's name as loudly as he could, still rubbing sleep out of his eyes. Melost was nowhere near the outskirts of the forest where Arthain had been searching and staring mostly.

Thelian started to spread his search out, going both deeper and wider within the forest. He ignored the shouts that came from his friend, Dorlas, to return. Thelian had to find Melost, his Lord.

He felt hands grasp his shoulders. Thelian fought back, trying to proceed deeper into the forest. He thought he had found the hint of a trail, and planned to follow it. Melost was all that mattered. None of those other people, least of all Menelya and Anwaelme, mattered now. The Elf fought back against the hands, but was soon overcome. He spun around to face the person that was hindering his search for his Lord.

"Thelian!" Dorlas shook him, "Thelian! You must return! You are straying to far. You will be lost in this woods."

"Melost," Thelian replied somewhat shakily, "Where is Melost?"

"Melost is gone," Dorlas said, "We must not lose you as well."

Thelian looked at his friend. How could he suggest that Thelian should just leave his Lord like that? He fought again against Dorlas, to no avail. Dorlas's grip was firm and true.

"Come back, Thelian," Dorlas said quietly. Thelian looked at Dorlas again. He realized that there was no way to get around Dorlas's grip, so he allowed himself to be led back to the camp.

Back at the camp, Thelian noticed none of any action that took place around him. He sat silently by the fire with Dorlas, who had taken it upon himself to make sure that Thelian did not wander again.

How can Melost be gone? What has caused this? Thelian wondered. But he knew the answer: Anwaelme. Throughout all of this, Anwaelme was absent. She must have caused this to happen. But what could she have done to make such a great leader as Melost was run from his duty? And why was Arthain blundering so when Thelian first beheld him?

"Oh, what has transpired on this evening?" Thelian queried, putting his head in his hands. He felt Dorlas pat him on the back.

"It will be revealed in time," Dorlas said, "Now we must carry on if Melost does not return."

The words hit Thelian like a hammer. Carry on without Melost? How could they carry on without Lord Melost?

Thelian sat in utter despair at the loss of his master, comforted only slightly by his friend beside him. He silently swore to do his best to remedy whatever had upset Melost, to any personal expense.

[ July 07, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]