[Arien]

Three days had passed since they had set of, and two had gone since they had left the southern gate. Ceros’ eyes glanced towards every noise his delicate ears sensed. His feet lightly padded the ground next to Ihwesta. Arië brought up the rear, her keen tracking skills picking up any thing Ihwesta may have missed or dismissed. Now they continued to walk along the uneven and broken Elven path, it had not be tended to in many years and the things that now infested Greenwood had without a doubt damaged the path. Ihwesta, who was ahead of the company halted, the rest followed suit.

She beckoned for Arië and Ceros to come forward. She bent down and traced her hand lightly over the footsteps that were imprinted on the ground. Ceros could see they were made by heavy iron, metal of some sort but the foot print could not be made by Dawaves, they would not even travel her, they had no reason to. The other two had obviously thought the same thing to but dismissed the idea as quickly as Ceros had. This was the first sign of the enemy.

“I believe we have found a sign of the enemy,” Ceros sighed, “ Arië, Ihwesta what do you make of the prints. We are agreed they are not Dwarves?” The two of them nodded, but did not replied to what or who the prints belonged to. In the back of his mind Ceros had an idea of what the prints belonged to, but did not want to say. The company continued onwards silently. Ceros thought about those who had joined him.

Ihwesta he knew fairly well, she was his best friends younger sister and he had known her for some time. She had always shown compassion towards Ceros’ ideas and always believed in them. Arië was a surprise to Ceros, she was younger than he had whished to be, but she was still respected and most of all willing to accompany him. He respected herself even more for this, as there had been many more skilled Elves than her at the council who had turned the plea down. But she had accepted.

Taurëwen, Ceros had seen around the realm but never really met her. He knew she was and expert in herb lore and he was grateful for her accompaniment. He had heard from others she too was as serious as he about the threat that Greenwood faced. Gilbereth, was another matter. Ceros, although gratified that he had chosen to come was not sure that his motives were entirely for their Greenwood. But still they needed every elf they could get. Ainemetion was quiet and Ceros was unable to gather much information about him. But in his eyes Ceros saw something, a strength, something willing to prove itself. Hopefully this would be a good asset.

Eruwen was also a younger elf than Ceros would have liked to accompany him on the journey, but she was high spirited and Ceros had now gained new reverence for her. Reynion Ceros did not know too well, he was not very social with others, but maybe this would not be a problem. Lastly Airelómë, Ceros knew well, he was lively and Ceros liked him. He was glad to have him as a part of the company as he was trustful and honest.

Now the company continued on at a slow pace, soon they would stop and make a fire. Get rested then continue.