The Green Dragon Inn - Part 3

[Kates Frodo Temp]

Elhor looked cautiously at the ladies. He felt strange, dreamy. Without thought or effort, he began to speak. He did not know what he was saying, and thought he must have fallen asleep. The others, however, heard him loud and clear, and were shocked at the shy, passive, boy's words.

I am what I am: child of Nahar, wolfkin, bear cousin, brother to the graceful hind. A whisper on the wind, a shimmer on the water, a silent stone, a green shoot. Elvin, starsearcher, Mortal, mighty ruler, beast, gracious protector, lover of the green and growing things. Changeful as the four winds, endless as the blue sky, restless as an ocean wave, mighty as the flooded river, cunning as the dancing shadow. Traveler, lonely, wandering. All this, I am, and more. As you see me, so will I be; as you picture me, so will I become. I am what you make of me, no more, and no less. I will never forget those whom I name as friends, nor ever will they forget me who dare to call me "enemy." FEAR! Yes, fear and be silent, for the destruction that comes is as a whirlwind, and leaves none it intended to kill. And know, then, that this is the end of fear: that you have looked upon me, and yet live!