[Arien]

“And as the last notes of the last chord is strummed. The breeze settles back into its nook and the forest creatures nestled back into their crannies, ready for night’s diamond studded velvet blanket to tuck them in now that its lullaby was through.” Ihwesta whispered. Her head fell to the ground and then faced up towards her audience. Ceros smiled intently at her, his heart was indeed lightened as it always was by her performances and the sadness he had felt earlier seemed to be a little more relieved. His eyes lingered upon her face long enough to see rebellious tears forming in the corners of her eyes. He did not think they were tears of sadness, but left her to her own devices as the rest of the company settled down for a few hours rest after the ordeals that had been had earlier.

He left his place by the fire side and climbed up to the rocks were he had been seated earlier. The sky was still opened wide, not a cloud in the sky. And the moon, oh the moon! He was bright tonight. So handsome in the sky. But tonight didn’t feel like a night for marvel at the skies, it was a night reserve Airelómë’s memories in their hearts. Ceros watched over the rest of his companions, what a imprudent mistake he had made letting Airelómë wonder off into the forest alone. Without company. He could kick himself for his grave misjudgement which now had ended with a death. But now he had learnt from his mistake and hoped that the same or similar would not be made again.

His eyes glanced over to Arië who had just left her place by the fireside. She seemed disturbed by the whole affair, more than most of the company was showing at least. After all she had seen Airelómë die at the hands of the enemy and he was no doubt the first she had seen to die ever. She was young, and yet her lack of experience concerning death did not lead Ceros to disrespect her. She was some what innocent and had the unfortunate duty of witnessing the death of a friend, something no one should have to witness. She left to seemingly change her soiled clothes as she picked up her some on departing. Ceros waited a little while giving her due time to change and then slipped off of his high perch and followed the path she had taken behind a few trees.

“……I know a stag like you near to where I live." Ceros could hear her faint voice through the trees. As he came closer he brushed against a few branches causing something to jump and run. He came closer and into full view of Arië who had her bow drawn at the ready. The sight was met with surprise from Ceros who immediately lifted his hands in a pleading gesture as if Arië was about to shoot. She lowered her bow and loosened the arrow from its notch.

“So you found the stag?” asked Ceros. Leaning against the nearest tree.

“Yes I did, but you seemed to have scared him away…” Arië replied, while placing the arrow back into it quiver. Her eyes met Ceros’ and he could see a little amount of distress in her eyes.

“I take it is the first time you have seen another elf..” he was cut off by Arië’s expression. She wore one of pain, and of confusion.

“Ceros,” her voice was slightly shaking, “Indeed it is the first time I have seen an Elf pass from this world, and I wish never to see it again. But you talk of it so indifferently, as though it is something that you encounter almost everyday.”

“No,” he sighed, “I talk of it so offhandedly because I prefer to hide my feelings. I have seen Men die, Dwarves, Elves. You can never cease to forget everyone you have seen die, it is a permanent mark upon your memory that will never fade.” Arië looked shocked, but Ceros continued, “I guarantee you will see more deaths and I wish that you could not encounter any, but this shadow seems to have brought this threat upon us and we must deal with it as best we can. We are skilled warriors, trackers, scholars, healers and if we pull together we will be able to defeat this. Arië, you are young to have come on this journey and I may have had my doubts, but you came and you have shown me your skills, dealing with death is one of them. So remember Airelómë in your heart and cherish his memory, but I am sure he would not want you to dwell upon it and have it distract you from uncovering this shadow…”

She nodded, and smiled in thanks towards Ceros, and so the two returned to camp.