[astarielle]

The failing sun's rays penetrting the forest roof fell on the gound. Astarielle sat in a clearing in which at the centre were the charred remains of a dwelling. The ground there was black and here and there pieces of would that had escaped. The fire had long since died away. A tear rolled softly down the cheek of Astarielle but she made no sound. This was where her house had stood many years ago. The house in which she was born, the house in which she watched her parents die.

Many years ago when Astarielle was a mere 500 years old a troop of orcs came to Mirkwood. They had come for revenge on Asilith (Astarielle's father) for killing one of their leader's whilst on patrol. They came in the dead of night at set fire to the house after barring all the exits. Asilith, when building the house, had created an under floor passage way that led out of the house. However after many years of no use the passage had caved in only leaving enough room for a child to get through. Against her will Astariell was forced trough the passage to safety whilst her parents choked inside. She stood in silence, not beliving her eyes hoing to wake from a dream, as she watched them die unable to save them. They dwelt quite a way from the hall of Tharanduil so when some elves came they were already dead. Astarielle was taken into care of Tholas and there dwelt until she was old enough to leave.

Astarielle had not attened the feast, but sat in reflection of times past and time present and times to be. Suddenly she looked up she had heard something stir in the dense undergrowth. She drew her boe and turned ready to fire. To her suprise outstepped Tholas.

"Anima turinqui, Astarielle, saesa omentien lle"

"Tholas do my eyes dicieve me once more? I thought you perished a long time ago."

"Nay, you are wrong for once Astarielle, I was never killed."

Astarielle ran over to meet him adn embraced him. "Come you are needed back at the hall Astarielle." he said. They mounted their horses and rode back to the hall.