[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Dorlas did not take his eyes off of Arthain for a long while. The squire desperately wanted to know what was wrong, and see if there was something he could do, something he could say. And yet at the same time Dorlas did not want to confront Arthain, and would not confront him at that moment, for any treasure in the world. Something too strong and too powerful for words was needed to heal the hurt, that much was clear. Dorlas could not provide that medicine this time.

"Thelian, this is beyond you and it is definitely beyond me," murmured Dorlas suddenly, feeling like excess baggage that was useless and could not help in any way. "Is there nothing we can do? Besides doing something rash, I mean."

"The best way out of a problem is through it," growled Thelian in reply, sending venemous looks towards Anwenelme. The viper either smiled smugly at Thelian or ignored his glares, which angered the Elven squire even moreso than before. Thelian soon gave up and returned to his conversation with Dorlas. "And still I can't help but fear for Melost."

"My brothers always said that if you feed your hope, your fears will starve to death. Do not fear, Melost is a warrior and will not be overcome by evil easily," Dorlas reassured Thelian. "Anwenelme will pay for her wrongdoing in the end. Fate will not be kind to her, I am sure. It will haunt her."

Dorlas felt more confident hearing his own voice comforting Thelian. It made him feel less scared of everything that was going on and everything that would happen. New hope rose in him as he spoke, and new faith in Melost and Arthain. Maybe there was still a chance that Melost would find them somehow. Dorlas quickly shook this thought from his mind, deciding not to instill false hope in Thelian.

The riders pushed on, despite the constant complaints of the whining women. It was nearing noonday, and several women began using the excuse that they needed to stop for a meal. Dorlas ignored these plights as Thelian began to hand out lembas to the complaining women. The sun was bright through the veil of leaves and trees, and the sky was clear and calm save for a slight wind.

"What will we do when we are done escourting these ladies?" Dorlas asked, and Thelian began to look slight worried at the question. "I mean besides doing something we'll regret by running off to find Melost," Dorlas refined hurriedly, only to recieve an angry glare from Thelian.

"So you think it would be foolish to go and look for Melost? Foolish to try and save him?" Thelian wondered hoarsly, his voice wavering as he spoke. Dorlas raised his hands in defence.

"Save him from what? You do not know what is happening or where he is! For all you know he could be safe and sound back in Rivendell, or even in Lothlorien!" Dorlas shot back. "I just think it would be foolish to go on a wild goose chase to find Melost when he might just be fine!"

"You do not know what is happening or what is out there either! I will not sacrifice Melost to the woods if it can be prevented," Thelian retorted, breathing heavily as if he were tempted to attack Dorlas on the spot.

"I am sorry," Dorlas said, surprising Thelian. "I did not think before speaking. You are right, I suppose. I would do the same for Arthian." After that, the two rode in silence.