I met a man. I always do, don't I? I've become finder quicker over this man than the others. I am scared to get too close yet at the same time I don't want to let him go. I know the inevitable will happen– he will leave, taking another piece of my heart and I shall continue my lustful wanderings, searching and yearning.

The company was making final preparations to depart from Bree as the sun rose. Mounts and pack animals were being assembled in the courtyard before the Prancing Pony as Barliman glared from the stairs, Nob hiding behind his leg as if he wished to confirm that the band were actually leaving. The Innkeeper had made clear to Xanderian and Xandilif the night before that if any more damage or upset were caused by the travelers, he would have to put a large surcharge on their already considerable tab.

Fallen is leaf, dead is bloom,

Soon buried 'neath an icy tomb.

The field lies bare with harvest brought,

What once was green, now brown with rot.

But still my hearth, against the cold

Burns hot and bright like stars of old.

My heart, like fire held within

Will keep my strong 'gainst Winter's wind.

Now sky is grey and ground is white,

The sun spreads only feeble light.

It took her far too long to understand those who had risked their lives to save her brother. The brother she remembered as selfish, uncaring, jaded by long wars that he never should have fought in. She thought she would be the only one willing to save him. Even Cardanith showed a glimmer of hesitation when it came to him. But she was wrong.