”Here!” Faorie shouted.
Thendryt brought Bovad to a halt. His hood and cloak were gently blowing in the wind, the Vale was quiet.
“Come down.” Faorie smiled as she looked up.
Thendryt looked at her for a moment and dismounted.
“Something you need?” He stroked Bovad’s mane and turned to face her.
“Come with me.” Faorie turned and started walking beside the river. “Hurry up now!”
Bovad pushed Thendryt.
“Yes, yes. Don’t get cocky.” Thendryt grumbled and sneered at the horse.
Faorie led him further along the river, past the waterfall and into Imlad Gelair. The water of the small ponds were still, it seemed like the entire Vale was still asleep.
Faorie sat down on a bench, and gave him a warm smile.
“So…” She started, “You chose to follow me.” Thendryt removed his hood and took off his helmet. His gaze lingered on the surrounding buildings.
“I wasn’t sure you would. It was, of course, a matter of choice.” She threw him a teasing look. “I’m glad you chose to follow me.”
“I had some time to kill before I head back.” Thendryt said, his eyes meeting hers.
“To your duties in the Coldfells, is that right?”
“Aye.” He paused a moment. “It’s high time I returned.”
“When will you be departing?” She asked.
Thendryt looked up towards the sky. The stars were still visible, but the sun was about to rise.
“A few of hours, maybe.”
“So soon? I see.”
“What use am I here?” Faorie’s smile faded a bit.
“It was nice to have company, I suppose.” She tilted her head slightly. “You look like you’ve improved.”
“Improved?”
“Yes. You seem less… Angry. The shadows of your heart have long left you spirit. I understand that there are still demons to be fought…” She gazed up at him. “But you are a Warrior, a victor. Is that right?”
Weakness.
Thendryt went still. He closed his eyes.
“Are you alright?” Faorie said, her smile completely faded.
“Of course.” Faorie gave him a concerned look.
“I suppose you’re right, in a way.” Thendryt opened his eyes and looked at her. “But don’t trust too much in your thoughts.”
Faorie blinked.
“Trust… That’s a most interesting word. It seems rather particular work of speculation as of recently.” She scrutinized him. “Tell me, why should I not have faith in what I’m seeing? Or rather, what I think I’m seeing?”
“Everything in this world is subject to change, myself included.” Thendryt hesitated. “But I appreciate your words.”
Faorie rose from the bench, her eyes remaining on Thendryt. She took a couple of steps towards him, with a determined expression.
“Speak honestly, Thendryt.” She folded her arms. “Is there anything I should know of?”
Thendryt observed her for a short time. She looked like she was expecting a straight answer.
Weakness.
She wouldn’t get it.
The helmet he held in his left hand went over his head as he turned away from her. He took a couple of steps before he stopped, and turned his head as much as he could without turning back.
“Perhaps…”
And as the first sunrays emerged over the treetops, Thendryt drew his hood over his head and walked out of Imlad Gelair.
