[Maikadilwen]

As darkness fell, Anwanelme grew more tense and withdrawn, deep in her own thoughts.
She could not stop thinking about Melost and how he was now all alone somewhere, not even having his sword with him so he could defend himself should anything happen.
Everything had escalated in a way she had not foreseen and now she began to doubt her own actions. She had never meant for him to leave the way he had, to completely disappear without a trace but now it was too late to change any of it. What had happened had happened!
With a sigh she looked up and her gaze fell on Thelian who rode ahead of her. Ever had he been like a shadow cast by Melost, only seldom leaving the side of his friend and master.
So why was he here when he should be with Melost, helping him, making sure he would be alright?
Why had he simply abandoned his duty? Was it because that boy, Dorlas, had told him to?

Finally Arthain ordered a halt and a relieved sigh came from the ladies, all of them soon competing about who was most sore from riding.
They set up camp and a good supper was prepared to make up for the very small lunch they had had and soon the crows were well into their usual gossipping.
Anwanelme refused both food and drink, but sat in silence, gazing in the direction from which they had come, a worried look on her usually frigid face.
Noticing Thelian sitting alone, Anwanelme warily went closer and sat down behind him, her head bowed.

"You left him...your master. Your best friend..."
Her voice was quiet but Thelian had no trouble hearing her words and she could see his body grow tense at her words.
"Was it because that boy told you to leave him behind? Have your loyalty turned towards Men now?"