[Kryssal]

The dark Elves and Annanodolwen were going to leave in two days and there was work to be done.

The first thing that Laurel and Cartil did was put Jesslyn in a coffin for transport back to her home town. All the villagers had put in small flowers that had started to sprout around the forest edge.

The people had to get back to their village and start rebuilding. They needed food and material. While the able bodied village men did most of the lifting and work at their settlement, Lanaey, Galain, Rudhchamion and a select few villagers, including two young boys that Lanaey had started training as hunters, went out to find game. They found enough to keep the settlement good for several days and then it was time for the four Elves to leave.

Annanodolwen frowned at them. "I still think that Gorath needs some more healing time."

Rudhchamion glanced over from packing his horse. This was a now old conversation. "It'll be a simple ride. Besides, he has you to tend if he needs anything."

Lanaey laughed and put a placating hand on the scholarly Elf's shoulder. "Do not worry, they won't let him fall."

Laurel came up and gave Annanodolwen a huge hug while Taralphiel went to give Rudhchamion a hug. The two spoke quietly while Laurel went to the brothers and gave them hugs as well, Galain a strong one and Gorath a gentle one.

"Thank you so much for helping and sacrificing so much for us," her voice sounded a little wavy, but her eyes showed no signs of tears.

Gorath spoke first. "It was an honor. I will remember this town for always."

Galain nodded and Annanodolwen patted Laurel on the arm. "Lead them well, so all we gave continues to mean something."

Laurel giggled and nodded. Cartil went around and shook all their hands as Taralphiel followed with her own double handshakes.

Before Lanaey could stop to think Annanodolwen had her in a hug. The warrior Elf quickly embraced her back. As the broke apart Lanaey's eyes were too moist for her comfort and she blinked furiously. Moving toward the dark brothers she said, "Now, don't you forget. In forty years exactly," and she gave them hugs as well. When she pulled away from Galain she wiped at her eyes.

"We won't forget," Galain promised again.

Lanaey and Rudhchamion simply exchanged nods, but they didn't know each other as well as the others.

Then they were all mounted and Rudhchamion started off with Gorath and Annanodolwen following. Galain moved over to Lanaey and handed her down a small pouch. "For your wounds. Mix a pinch of the powder with a goblet of water and apply every night before you go to bed." He squeezed her hand and then galloped to catch up with his departing companions.

Lanaey looked in the pouch and saw a small ring at the top of the powder. It looked to be made by an amature and she guessed that Galain had made it himself sometime back. She gently blew the powder off of the dark silver. It was much too dark to be normal silver, but Lanaey had never seen the material before and couldn't name it. It was beautiful though, and etched around the band were ancient Elven words that she preferred to keep to herself.

Lanaey, Laurel, Cartil and Taralphiel waited until the four were out of sight.

"So," Taralphiel spoke, "I hear you plan on staying among us for some time Lady Lanaey."

Lanaey turned and looked at the three. Laurel was leaning into Cartil's embrace a bit and all three were looking at her. She nodded and was about to speak when Laurel started.

"Good. Would you like to be in charge of our security?"

Lanaey laughed. "Sure. I'd also like to continue teaching hunting if you don't mind," she winked at the young maiden.

"Naturally. Well, what were you planning on doing these next few weeks specifically?" Laurel continued.

Lanaey considered. "I'm going to get a volunteer group to go with me for scavenging from the camp and then destroying the rest of it."

Taralphiel nodded. "A very sound plan of action," she glanced at her granddaughter. "Laurel and Cartil are going to take Jesslyn back to her home. They'll also have to make a detour for Cartil to give news of Leena and Thagon's death. I was wondering if you'd help me run the place while they're gone."

Lanaey walked over and hugged the two soon to be travelers. "Of course I will, and when you get back we can plan a joining ceremony."

Laurel blushed furiously and sputtered a bit, which made Taralphiel and Lanaey both laugh heartily.