[Taralphiel]

...Rudhchamion muttered something inaudible and turned away to other duties.

Taralphiel stood up, and walked out into the forest. The sharp pains in her head did not relent. Crouching to the floor, she could not help but weep

'Why has this come upon me?' she rambled out loud. 'Why can I not find rest and happiness??'

'Some are destined for things greater, and harder than that' said Khelek. Taralphiel stared into the dark eyes of the wolf, and found his wisdom beyond hers.

'You have a task, as we all do. Now is not the time for tears, or pity, but for action. I see you becoming a woman of great strength and wisdom, and a leader of Men, as Haleth of Old. But you must put away your tears, and take up your courage'

Taralphiel felt a hardening come over her heart at his words, and her tears stopped. She saw many thinkgs in her minds eye. A house of beauty on a cliffside, rolling hills, and swans flying gently in the breeze. She saw beyond her time.

Standing back up, she looked at the wolf 'You have changed me for the better, good creature! I will not go back to pity, nor meek whimperings. You have seen the last of that, I assure ye!' The wolf simply nodded.

Striding quickly back to the campfire, she took up her daggers and found a stone to sharpen them on. Anarya stared at her in disbelief, never thinking she would be the type to prepare for battle. Taralphiel grinned, and said to Rudhchamion:

'When do we leave for the stronghold? My fate is calling me good Elf, and I do not wish to leave it waiting!'