[VanimaEdhel]

"Taurion! Daro!" shouted a voice.

Taurion halted in his tracks as the voice commanded him, expecting it to be one of his commanders. He let out a sigh of disappointment. The commanders said they were going to give him a day of rest.

Rest. That he worked so hard that he needed rest was a depressing thought. His parents told him of purer days, when one could wander in the beautiful forests without a weapon. But it was a better possibility that he would be able to prove himself, now that the woods were perilous.

"Taurion!"

Taurion turned and saw a messenger that he knew.

"Ai! Greetings, Lagordal!" Taurion greeted, smiling brightly, "What news?"

"Findereg has requested your audience," the Elf said seriously.

"For what reason?" Taurion asked.

"Have you not heard?" Lagordal asked, incredulously.

"I have been patrolling," Taurion admitted.

"Ah, well most likely it is for supplies. Wine and the like."

"Wine, eh?" Taurion smiled a little.

"Not for you, Taurion. Now get over there," Lagordal said, still frowning a little.

"Ai! Be merry!" Taurion said.

"These are not merry times. And I wish you would be more serious," Lagordal warned, "Your jovial nature will be your downfall."

Taurion laughed and departed from his friend, who stood, shaking his head a bit.

*****

"You requested my presence?" Taurion said respectfully. He had finally found Findereg.

"Ah, yes," Findereg said.

"About supplies, yes?" Taurion said.

"Yes, you have heard. Well I was-" Findereg began.

"Well, my answer is that I will most certainly accompany the mission!" Taurion interrupted. He looked and saw Findereg did not seem to appreciate being cut off.

"I am sorry," Taurion quickly apologized.

"Yes, but you accept?" Findereg asked.

"Of course. Why would I not?"

"Well, many have refused," Findereg said.

"They are cowards," Taurion said, bluntly, "So I take it I was not your first choice? Never mind, do not answer that. I do not want to know. I will be ready in a few hours."

"Well, we need-" Findereg began again, but Taurion had already left and was making his way towards his quarters merrily.

*****

Taurion sang gently to himself as he made his way back, smiling.

"Taurion!" came another voice, this time female.

Taurion turned.

"Lady Mereniel!" Taurion smiled at the Elf maiden.

"Where are you strutting to so quickly?" she asked, smiling at the Elf.

"Nowhere that you should know about," Taurion said.

"Would you mind if I accompanied you?" Mereniel smiled even brighter.

"Why?" Taurion asked, honestly puzzled why she would want to do so.

"I do not wish to walk alone," Mereniel said, obviously desiring to accompany him.

"I shall not be the best company," Taurion said, beginning to walk faster.

"Oh, well...maybe another day," Mereniel said, disappointed.

"Yes," Taurion said briefly. He sped up a bit more, and the Elf maiden stopped, allowing him to pull far ahead.

Taurion came to his quarters and quietly opened the room and slipped in to begin packing...

[ December 13, 2002: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]