[Elfhelm]

"Ah, so that is Inwe," Talendur thought to himself. He had recalled occasions when Aerandir had spoken of her, but he had never met this shieldmaiden of Rohan until that night.

"You are lucky to have one such as her," remarked Talendur to Aerandir before he went off to bed. "Few rangers gain the opportunity to love."

This was very true, in the solitary life of the Dunedain, they do not often meet women suited to them. Women other than the daughters of the Kings of Arnor are not ususally found, save by chance or in battle. That is probably why there were fewer and fewer rangers in the Northlands, for many lived out their lives as bachelors. Talendur himself felt a desperate yearning for female companionship at that moment. But Talendur was young and fair of face, and he figured that someday he would meet the perfect woman for him.

After Aerandir and Inwe left, Talendur bid Phervasaion good night as he went out the front door. The air was cool and almost crisp in the late hours, and he took in a long breath. The stars were out, and Talendur admired them reverently. "It feels good to be alive," he thought.

Slowly Talendur made his way into the wood where his mare Caranuial, "Red Twilight"--named for the conditions when she was born--was tied. In a glade he found her grazing on the sparse grass.

"Come friend, tonight you will feast on barley and oats!" Talendur exclaimed. He untied Caranuial, the foal of his father's horse Nimroch and mounted her with one switft movement. Then he rode back down to the inn and safely secured his loyal steed in the stables, after making sure that she had had plenty to eat. Afterwards, he made his way back to his tiny, cramped room and curled up on the sagging cot. His last thoughts before sleep overtook him concerned the safety of Sulohtar, and finding a woman to love.