There was no moon, and the stars seemed dimmed. Wulfwine shifted uneasily. He did not like standing night watch at the gate that faced the Limlight. Stangard had been quiet of late, but he had seen the monstrous things that ranged at the edge of the forest. There was a rustling in the bushes nearby, and the young rohirrim grasped his spear tightly, point at the ready. Two eyes seemed to gleam at him, and he could hear a soft growling as the rustling came nearer. Suddenly, it felt as though a strong wind had reached out to tap him on the cheek and he watched as the wild dog that had just sprung at him fell dead at his feet, a gold-fletched arrow through its heart. He turned to see a cloaked figure lowering a mighty bow.
"Who goes...?" Wulfwine asked, his voice carrying the edge of one who was twice frightened.
"Georne, Wulfwine." said Fairlain as she stepped closer. "He would have made a light supper out of you!"
Wulfwine peered under the cloak's hood and lowered his weapon with a sigh of relief and a grin. "Little Huntress! You've come back!"
Fairlain stooped over the felled beast and retrieved her arrow, wiping it on the ground before placing it in the quiver on her back.
"Only for a short time, friend. I ride north once again."
"Hah! Grimstan still has not forgiven you for drinking him under the table! He is still teased about that..."
Fairlain smiled briefly, then said, "Wulfwine...are the stores of Stanguard still empty? I am needing armour...and I need to ride unnoticed through these lands...if I were to provide provision could we make a trade?"
The guardsman's face became serious. "We are doing better than the last time you were here, but still we often go hungry. The fell creatures of the Limlight have become more bold, and it is perilous to hunt. Many have died trying..."
"I am sorry to hear that." After a moment of silence, Fairlain continued, " If I were to provide enough meat for the next fortnight, would you be able to furnish me as a warrior of Rohan...hauberk, breeches, and helm?"
Wulfwine considered this, then nodded. "Yes...yes, for a fortnight's strength we could do that. I will speak with the quartermaster...but come! Come into Stangard. There is safety, and the others would like to greet you, as well..."
Fairlain shook her head. "I am sorry, Wulfwine, but I travel in secret. Our greetings will have to wait for happier times. Tell only who you must that I am here...and beg their secrecy as well, if you are my friend. Come back here at dusk each night for the next three days and you will find provision, the fourth we will make the trade and I must find my road." Fairlain smiled under her hood. "Until then stand easy on your watch, nothing more will come near you...I promise." And she stepped back from the gate to disappear into the darkness.
