[Arien]

When he had finished aiding Taurëwen with Gilbereth and she had gone, Ceros returned to Ihwesta stayed by her side with Arië. Then when Arië left it to see what had happened to Gilbereth he still stayed. Arië was distressed you could see it in her tear filled eyes, although she tried to hide her defiant tears you could still see. Ceros’ eyes drifted upon Ihwesta, her eyes were softly shut as if in a dream. He lifted his hand and carefully stroked her cold cheek. What would he do if he lost her? Although he could not stand thought, she nearly was lost and it was worse than any thought in his mind. Even that of the Wood. He felt he had a not only a duty as a leader to protect her, but as a friend and as a guardian. He had remembered what Orodhin had said to him. It wasn’t some immense lecture that he had given him, just three words: I trust you. And as a friend he did, he had trusted Ceros to watch over Ihwesta, whether her sudden stubbornness allowed it or not, he would watch over her.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered over her frail for that was lain in front of him, now brushing her smooth hair from her face, “I’m sorry….” In truth he was sorry to all of them, he did not know it would be this bad, he had not known what to expect. But it certainly wasn’t this! Sometimes ignorance was bliss. He looked down on to Ihwesta just as her blue eyes flickered open. He smiled and beckoned Arië over. She came over and started to talk to Ihwesta while he administered sage infusion. Ceros decided to leave Arië and Ihwesta to talk , so he rose and retreated to the refuge of Gilbereth.

The two, Arië and Ihwesta, seemed to have made quite a bond between each other and it was comforting to see a friendship spring in such a hostile environment. And he found now he was on a new level of respect for the young Elf. She had now over come battle and many in her situation would have shown dire signs of breakdown. But she appeared strong, stronger than he had anticipated.

And what of the others? Eruwen seemed to still be overcoming the effects of the poison, as she was sat by herself looking starry-eyed over her companions. Ryenion had drawn back into the shadows, and he too looked over the camp, in deep thought. Taurëwen had as well gone into the darkness beyond the clearing. The rest were gathered in the glade, with the wounded.

As he looked on the stump that once was Gilbereth’s hand he became frustrated with himself, firmly believing he could have done better to protect his companions. When in reality he had done his best even if he did not realise it..

“Ceros?” He looked up, it was Arië, “Ihwesta is awake, and she says she is feeling better than she was earlier.” Ceros nodded in thanks, “has he gone back into an unconscious state?” she queried.

“Yes, I think it was the pain,” Arië nodded and took over the guard of Gilbereth while Ceros came to Ihwesta’s side.

“Why are you sorry?” she questioned in a soft voice.

“Don’t worry Ihwestaieleva , you have to rest now….” he replied.

“And when do we move out?”

"We will stay here…”

“But we cannot stay her!” her voice rasped, she sat up, but feeling the pain she lay down again. “It is too dangerous!"

"I know that, but what can I do?!" he hissed, "Would you have me leave you here? You are in no state for fighting!" Ihwesta looked away in frustration, and Ceros hung his head for being so short. "We will stay here for the night."