"If this beast seeks out our magic essences he will find precious little in me." Radagast sighed aloud as he gathered his own things together. As the others packed they heard him clearly whether he intended them to or not.
Calentoliel tapped upon his shoulder. He turned and looked down upon her pale but living face. Her eyes were sad indeed but some fragment of their vibrancy remained. Her wound was bound and although she looked drawn it seemed her strength returned with every moment she was upon her feet. She gave the old man a fragment of a smile and touched his withered cheek. Radagast felt a tear well up within him and could not check it from descending from his eye. She wiped it away with her thumb. Calentoliel knew that Radagast had stayed with her througout her night of torments. He had used magic so strong it had cheated death itself. Radagast was as gifted as the others and was in just as much danger. She turned away from the stationary wizard, picked up his staff from where it lay upon the kitchen table, formally at her side and placed it firmly at his side. Her lips mouthed "You will have need of this" but of course no utterance was forthcoming.
"Come on then old one," called out Mattius who was already at the door. "If you wish me to lead, I am ready to lead."
"Aye young lord of elves and men, lead us on indeed," said Radagast still staring into the silent eyes of his young companion. Was there a little crack in his voice? If there was only Calontiel noticed or perhaps Rothalle who had drifted to his side.
They all proceeded outside and fastened cloaks or swung backpacks onto shoulders.
"Well, Bombadil will you be proceeding with us old friend?" Radagast enquired.
"I think not and I also believe you know exactly why," their host replied.
"Yes, I thought that it would be so. I hope she returns to you soon." said Radagast softly.
"That she will although you may meet her on the road afore I do. Farewell to you all and know that my door will never be barred to any of your company." Tom waved, then turned back within the house, closing the door behind him.
The day looked bright and promising but they had already learned that weather on the downs could not be trusted. The grass was wet and dew decorated all about them. The beacon of the night before was a charred and smoking ash heap. All was silent.
Faye adjusted Olo's pack and looked up to Mattius. "Are we ready then?"
"As we'll ever be Faye," he replied.
The company set off once more, this time in search of Endereth and not the Beast but full knowing that should they find her there was more than a good chance they would come upon the beast too.
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Auriel
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