[Eladain Moruviel]

They had been walking for some time when Ceros told them to halt. "Running water, do you hear it?" he asked,
they all had. It sounded like a river, a swift one at that, not one of the small ones they had near their homes.
They continued on a little farther, when suddenly the trees stopped at the edge of the river. It was as they all had expected, large, and swiftly flowing. "Now how in Eru’s name are we going to cross that?" Gilbereth wondered
out loud, but before any one could answer Arie was readying her bow and quiver. " Someone, give me your rope" she said hurriedly. After she had gotten about 50 yards of it she tied one end to an arrow, and had shot the arrow
into a tree on the other side of the river.


After quickly running to the other side, and securing the rope, Arie motioned for the others to come across.
Eruwen fastened her pack and bow so that they wouldn't swing and throw her off balance as she went over.
Alright Gil, you next," said Taruewen. The noble elf looked nervously at the bridge and shook his head.
"No, uh, no thanks, I'll go last if it's all the same to you." He smiled shakily. Ever since he was a child Gil had
never been fond of doing this kind of thing, so he wanted to put it off as long as he could. "Fine with me!" Ainemetion said gruffly. He went next, followed by Taurëwen. Next Reynion crossed with Ihwesta’s belongings.
Ceros stayed behind to help Ihwesta. "Ready?" asked Ceros. The tracker nodded. Then, with Ceros walking
before her, they started across the river. “Well, I can’t put this off much longer” Gil whispered to himself, so he
took a deep breath and started across the bridge.

Everything seemed to be going well This isn’t too bad Gil thought to himself, although it was a bit hard to keep
his balance he managed. They were nearly half way across when the tree came.
Spiraling out of control and being tossed in the water it shot from behind the bend towards the trio who crossed
the makeshift bridge. All heads shot in the direction of the coming danger too late. The colossal wood hit the
rope with such an impact that it snapped them forward and the three elves were thrown into the rushing water.

Gilbereth sank like a stone This is it, I’m going to die were the first thoughts that rushed through his mind, but
then something deep inside of him awakened No! I’m not going to die, not like this, not yet! Then using all of his
strength he struggled to the surface. Once he had reached the surface Gil saw that he was about 30 feet
downstream of the others. He tried to swim to them, but even with two hands it would have been hard enough
but with only one, it was impossible. So he relaxed, concentrated on staying above water, and went downstream
with the current. “ I will find them, I will not be separated again!” he silently swore.

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]