Melost found himself drawn to this quiet young man and he pondered why he was here. The wild certainly didn't suit him, he was obviously well bred and knew the ways of hospitality. He sighed. Too many questions. He felt unusually tired and he knew he had to stay awake. He had seen comrades with severe injuries go to sleep afterward and never awaken...but where had he seen this?
Melost listened to Khalad as he spoke softly, and wished that he could provide the answers for him. He chewed slowly, grateful for even this stale loaf. After a few bites and a swallow of wine, he gave Khalad the rest and leaned back against a tree trunk. arms folded across his chest. His eyes closed of their own accord and he slipped away...
Men and orcs fought viciously, hacking at one another. A shining band of Elven cavalry rode swiftly across the plain to aid the stricken men. One man stood out, a friend? He was about to receive a killing blow and Melost drove his sword through the orc's chest. The man smiled at him and raised his sword in salute...A woman...Elven...she turned to look at him with proud eyes. He went to her and she melted into his arms....A tent, the man and the woman...together in love.
He snapped awake with a cry and Khalad's hand went instinctively to his sword. "What is it, Melost?" he asked with concern as Vlad came walking toward them through the trees. "What's going on? You, Elf, you want to get us killed? We're not exactly on a pleasant journey here. Keep quiet!" Melost looked from one to the other and he was shaking. What did that mean? I knew them, the man and the beautiful woman... I've... held her before, but then, why..was I in love with his woman?"
Melost held his head in his hands and tried to calm himself. He heard a movement and a warm hand gripped his shoulder and he placed his hand over it, grateful once again for the comfort.
[ July 25, 2003: Message edited by: Cuthalion ]
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