[Orofaniel]

The morning came slowly over the elves that were asleep. The sun was slowly moving over the horizon and the sun was shining weakly.

Firiel opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Rostion who was sleeping next to her. Slowly she raised and got to her feet. Her back hurt after she had been lying on a sharp stick. "Oh..." Firiel exclaimed when she picked op the stick. Her eyes turned over to the spot where the elves had lit a fire the previous evening. Tanroth was sitting there, with his head turning down to the ground.

"Tanroth.." Firiel cried. She shouldn't have done that, because it disturbed the other elves that were still asleep. Firiel grinned, and hoed that they would take no heed to her. Unfortunately her inner prayers weren't heard, because both Rostion and Erfalas were already on their feet. Firiel had managed to wake them. She gave a short sigh before her husband reached her.

"What's the matter with Tanroth?" He asked her. " I have no idea. I was going over to him....but I never really..." Firiel said as Rostion interrupted her.

"He looks down," Rostion said and looked at Tanroth over Firiel's shoulders. "Yes, I know. That's the reason I wanted to talk to him." Firiel said and sighed again. "This quest....this quest that The Lady gave to him, is tearing him. I can see it. He isn't the same, Rostion." Firiel confided.

"I can hardly recognize him." Firiel concluded in the end.

"Don't worry dear." Rostion said and clapped her on the shoulder. "let's go over to him," Rostin said finally.

Firil nodded and they went hand in hand over to Tanroth. When he saw them coming he raised his head and put up a weak and tired smile. "Have you been sitting guard all night?" Rostion asked.

Tanroth gave a short nod, "Only the hours after midnight." he said and looked at Firil. "D' you have a good night's sleep?" He asked politely.

"Yeah...It was alright except from the stick that has been torturing me all night." Firiel said and laughed. Tanroth and Rostion laughed as well, even though the atmosphere was tense.