[Brinniel]

Tallin gathered the others quickly and they all did last minute preparations before setting off.

At the corner of her eye, Raye could see Berethion watching her from a distance. She glanced at him momentarily before getting back to work at adjusting her horse's saddle.

Tallin had also seen Berethion. Raye saw her look over at him again and again. It was obvious that the wolftamer felt very close a friend to Hwesta's brother. Perhaps even more.

Raye understood Tallin's feelings for Berethion. He was a very likable elf. No one, not even a murderess like Raye could hate him. In fact, Berethion was the only one Raye had ever trusted.

Raye was so deep in thought that she was startled when a hand gently touched her shoulder. She turned around to find herself face to face with Berethion.
"I must speak with you, Corrowyn," he said softly, motioning her away from the others.
Corrowyn. Raye's true name. Berethion was the only one who knew it. The only one living, at least.
Raye hesitated, looking at the others. Not one even bothered to take a glance at the two.
"All right," she said and followed the elf into the trees.

Berethion did not stop walking until he was out of sight from the others. Then he turned to speak to Raye.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" was Raye's response.
Berethion chuckled. "I know you, Corrowyn. You don't do quests. Are you up to something?"
Raye smiled. "When am I not up to something?"
"It's not my business what you do, Corrowyn," the elf said, frowning. "But please do not harm Hwesta or anyone you are traveling with, at that."
"Why do you ask me of this when you plan to come yourself, Berethion?" she asked, politely.
Berethion folded his arms. "Who said I was coming?"
Raye couldn't help but laugh. "You wouldn't dare allow Hwesta to go into the Grey Mountains without your aid. You've been on the borders of those mountain yourself. You know what dangers lie within them. I myself almost died in those mountains. I'm surprised you let your sister come at all."
"I'm surprised that you agreed to back into those mountains. Why did you agree?"
"There's a horse in it for me. A good horse, at that. In fact, I haven't yet seen a better one. Besides, I could use another adventure. I do not fear the Grey Mountains or what's in them."
"Neither do I"
"You should not come. Go back into you house and take your sister with you."
Berethion shook his head. "I cannot hold Hwestlaeriel back any longer. And you cannot hold me back."
Raye sighed. "All right. And I suppose I'll be seeing you along the trail, then?"
"Look for me on the night of the seventh day. I will meet up with you then."
"Why not just come now?"
He smiled. "Because if you get into any sort of trouble, it's good to have someone watching your back."
"Trouble before the Grey Mountains? I doubt that."
"You never know. Anyways, don't tell the others I am coming. It is best that they not know."
"All right. I'll promise if you promise not to say a word about...about..." she trailed off.
Berethion nodded in understandment. "I promise, Corrowyn. Have I said a word before?"
Raye pressed her index finger into his chest. "That means you DO NOT call me Corrowyn!"
Berethion nodded, smiling. "All right. Good-bye, Raye." He looked at the murderess straight in the eyes. "Seven days. Do not forget."
"I won't."
And with that, Berethion disappeared into the trees, heading back to his family's cabin.

When Raye returned to the group, they were waiting for her.
"Where were you?" Faryn asked.
Raye only shook her head. Only Tallin seemed to know where Raye had disappeared to, as the wolftamer gave her a glare as murderous as her own.