[Arien]

Ceros’ eyes opened hurriedly as breath rushed back into his lungs, the aching in his torso was intense but he did not worry about that, his first instinct was to rise but Ihwesta’s hands restrained him. He looked up into her face and then to those of his companions around him.

“The troll?” He gasped weakly; his breath was still short, although whatever Taurëwen had done was working well, and fast. He was grateful for this but he could not see her amongst the Elves gathered around him.

“It is forever stone,” mumbled Gilbereth moving out from the circle with the rest and leaving Ihwesta by his side. They did it! At least one foe was rid of, but the orcs were a mystery. Where did they appear from, there must be some kind of camp near by of some sort? Even though Ceros dreaded to think of such a thing.

“Thank you,” he said to Ihwesta as she looked down on him.

“What?”

“Thank you for taking me from the clearing, I know for certain I did not end up here. And anyway I was conscious for some parts…” his eyes looked upwards to her fair face and then down again.

“You were…. I mean, there is no need to thank me. It was instinct.” She sighed and helped him to prop himself against a near by rock. As his stomach bent the pain became almost unbearable and his face showed the pain; even if he tried to hide it. Ihwesta saw the pain and impulsively grabbed his hand.

“Is the pain…?”

“It will cease in time,” he replied hastily, although he was not sure how long it would tarry. The group was silent for some time; all reflecting on the most recent battle. Wounds had been received, but no wound was greater than the pain that they suffered knowing what now haunted Greenwood. Monsters for their own selfish means had defiled the once majestic forest, her dignity and greatness had all but disappeared. And been replaced with horror and terror.

He himself found his mind not only thinking about the forest but Ihwesta. He had never felt so strongly about her before; she had always been his best friends younger sister. Never had he dreamed of thinking of herself in such a way. But the journey had brought some kind of new light onto her fair face and he had never witnessed previously. Whether it was for better or for worse he could not tell, but whatever happened his own desire could not be pursued.

“We can’t stay here!” Came the voice of Taurëwen, from the front of the cave.

“I know,” Ceros nodded getting up, with a little help from Ihwesta. “We must leave quickly, who knows what other may attack.”

“Are you able to continue?” questioned Arië.

“Yes, I will be fine for now. Let us take our leave.”