[Nerindel]

Tallas

Darkness, fades and three strangers approach, two men and one woman, as the picture clears it becomes apparent the woman is an elf, fair of face, but eyes brimmed in sadness and sorrow.

Darkness returns, then clears once more, Clash of swords ring through the forest, the elf maids eyes close, silver tears trickle down her pale cheek.

The wood stands silent, the elf woman now before him he lowers his sword and falls to his knees, whispered words for her alone, then realise from this life!

Tallas' eyes snapped open, "So it is come." he whispered "I am ready!" he smiled raising from the wooden chair he had fallen asleep on, looking for the last time at the sun rising above the trees, Smiling as the light warmed his age ravaged face, Death was his gift for his long years of service in the name of all things good and he was more than deserving.

Their where no preparations to make, he had no regrets, no wrongs to mend and no loved one to leave behind and his friends though he knew they would mourn would also honour his life in songs and tales long ere he was gone from the world, "Tallas the old, father to all" he laughed wistfully, Remembering the elven twins Léspheria and Lóthaniel giving him that title.

As he wandered the ways of the woods that had been his home in this life, the grass, flowers, trees, animals and birds all seemed more alive to him than ever before, closing his eyes he breathed deeply soaked in every ounce that some memory of it would follow him onto his next journey.

Once returned to his hidden home he propped his staff by the wall, close to hand and sat himself down on the old wooden rocking chair by the door, it squeaked quietly as he rocked it back and forth, waiting for his visitors to arrive....