[maikafanawen]

She had just finished strapping her things back on when he moved to jump. Ihwesta dove at the same time Reynion did. Her hands reached for any part of him she could grab but he lunged into the water seconds before she was able.

"Nooooo!" screamed Taurëwen. She made to run after him but was held back by Ainemetion. "Why!" she whispered to the foaming waters.

"We'll find him!" Ceros reassured her. "We'll find him!" Ihwesta stood, brushing off the leaves, grass and dirt that clung to her wet clothes.

"Let's go!" she called back. Leading them on, her eyes watched both the river for any signs of Reynion or Gilbereth and the woods for enemies. She had decided long before they crossed the river that there were undoubtedly more evil things lurking as they journeyed southwards.

"Any sign?" asked Ainemetion, running up beside her. She shook her head. Then came a sound from the shadowed forest. The two drew their knives, calling a halt for the six elves who were left.

"I saw it!" Ihwesta told Ainemetion nervously. She wasn't sure exactly what it was but something was definitely there. "Ceros. There's something out there. It's not making a move to attack it's just sitting and waiting. It wants us to go farther."

"What do we do?" asked Arië who had come up and heard the tracker's words.

"Go farther," said Ihwesta deprecatingly. "We've got to find Reynion. And Gilbereth. Besides, we'll most likely have to face it sooner." They nodded and moved on, keeping a wary eye on the trees as they went.

"How far do you think they've gone?" Ihwesta asked Ceros. He shrugged.

"They could go on forever. There's not much that will stop them."

"No rocks? Roots?"

"We're looking for two elves here Ihwesta who probably aren't very accomplished swimmers not to mention one is less a hand." The tracker slumped her shoulders slightly. This could take days! They didn't have time to waste!!