[Galadel Vinorel]

Autumn smiled at Nariah and looked sadly over at Ned, who was looking out, with tears in his eyes, towards the trees of Chetwood Forest not far away. A memory from the battle flashed through the lass' mind, and she tried to shake the horrible image away; it was an image of Ned lying in the grass, his face very pale. Blood covered his left arm, and, not far from him, stood the wolf had just tried to attack Autumn. Looking over at Ned, the hobbit wondered if Ned was thinking of the battle as well.

Crossing over to the lad, Autumn stood next to him and whispered in his ear, "What's wrong, Ned? Do you want to talk?"

Ned turned towards Autumn and looked sadly into his face. A tear dripped down his face and then fell onto the grass. "Was Elfred's death my fault, Autumn?" Ned asked, his voice shaking, "I just know it was. If I wasn't such a weak and braveless hobbit then he would still be alive."

Autumn stared surprised at the hobbit lad, and then put her arm (left one) around his shoulder, and smiled at him. "It wasn't your fault whatsoever, Ned. Don't ever think that. You are one of the bravest people that I know. You jumped right in front of that wolf without hesitation to try and stop it from attacking me, even when you were hurt yourself. Only the wargs and wolves are to blame for Elfred's death. Not you, Olo, Nop, or me are to blame. Don't ever think that, Ned. Ok?" said Autumn staring into the sad face of Ned.