The oncoming storm

They stood together overlooking the valley that housed the stronghold of Esteldin, her hand resting on his as they spoke of what was to be, of the hunt that must now happen and of how Filrean would be of help to him, despite not being able to go along on the hunt. It had started the night before when she had entered the camp and noted him speaking with another man near one of the fires, she walked behind the tents and carefully stepping over the guide ropes drew close enough to hear without being seen. She could see by the set of Amlarad's shoulders that he was not at ease with this man and on hearing what was said she began to learn why. Shortly after another man approached and the conversation intensified. From the expressions on the first man's face she could tell he was enjoying what every predicament Amlarad had found himself in, almost gloating over it. She frowned heavily and took an instant dislike to the man. She needed to get closer but worried about their previous encounter and how he had almost accused her of still following under Candaith's orders. Quietly she stepped closer, as if to appear in want of the fire's warmth more than to listen to the conversation. It appeared to have worked for she was paid little attention, keeping her head bowed within her hood and slightly facing away from them. She caught small amounts of what was being said, an elf maiden lost on the watch of a north man, talk of failure and orders given. She continued to listen until Amlarad moved away from the group and walked across the camp to another fireplace, the weight of trouble evident in the set of his shoulders and movement. She waited just a short time before following him and speaking of what had just occurred, they had not spoken long before the disagreeable man approached and to Filrean's disgust he attempted to persuade her to keep him company for the evening. She did not take long to let him know he had made a mistake, and left to rest for the night. So it was that the next day Filrean sought out Amlarad from his preparations for the days ahead and lead them to be standing on the outcrop above the the far buildings against the valley wall. They talked all through the night, he about his mistake in losing track of the elf-maiden and her in reasoning with him, building him up with her own admiration and what wise words she could give in the hope of breaking him from the melancholy that seemed to surround him. It was not until dawn that his mood finally broke and he appeared to regain his former self, stroking the back of his hand with her thumb she was satisfied that his morale was restored and knew she could continue on in her own task that he had set her. It would be some time until they next met, but she would keep hold of the departing smiles exchanged and his words, "I shall look for you on my return..."