[Daniel Telcontar]

Thelian heard Anwanelme's voice, and at first he thought it was inside his head. But then he saw her and realised she had really spoken. He thought of his beloved Melost, and controlled his hatred and
bitterness:

"You treat this as a game, do you not? You try to create as much mischief and sorrow as possible! Stay away with your pretty face, that is merely a mask for your devious tricks! If I befriend a man, what matters it to you? He is more honest than most, and harbours no evil, unlike many elves. I had never thought I would say this, but your actions make me wish I was his kind!"

Anwanelme's face did not reveal if his words affected her at all. She merely continued whispering:
"Well, I will not interfere in your business with men. I know from personal experience how enriching a friendship with them can be."

Thelian froze, and his self-control shattered. He grabbed the hilt of his short sword, and flung it out of the scabbard, point turned towards Anwanelme. If he was going to strike her he never found out, for a strong hand closed around his own.
"Let go of your weapon!" Arthain said with a hoarse voice.
"You defend her? Do neither of you feel any kind of remorse? Do you not realise what you have done?" Thelian's eyes were alight with pain, and neither were sure what would have happened, had not Dorlas interfered.

"Arthain, remove yourself. Thelian, relax. Neither of them is worth that you spill their blood."
All looked in shock at the young man, who seemed to have grown taller than all of them.
"Dorlas," Arthain said with a voice ladden with pain," do you abandon me now?"
"You give me little choice. You have allied yourself with the witch twice now, and Thelian is innocent in all of this. I will not allow you to harm him, nor that he take any action he might regret later."

"You will not allow?" Anwanelme laughed, though it was a false laughter with no joy in it, and her face revealed a flash of fear.
"Dorlas is stronger than any of you, and he has seen further than any of us." Thelian replied quietly, and dropped his sword. He removed Arthain's grip on his wrist, and then he slowly turned, walking away with Dorlas.

[ July 17, 2003: Message edited by: Daniel Telcontar ]