The air was crisper that normal, and it seemed to Talia that the seasons were finally turning. Winter was, in her opinion, long overdue. Time still seemed to be flying by though, no matter how long fall had seemed to last. Look at Sherri… she thought, half wistfully, half proudly. She's got her Whites now, and Skif seems not far behind her…Lord of Lights, what did I do to deserve a friend like her? She sighed and traced her finger over the railing of the bridge spanning the Terilee. Breathing in the cool air, she leaned out slightly, eyes closed as she savored the smells and sounds of the evening.

Without warning, Talia suddenly found herself on the other side of the railing, and falling fast. She shrieked as she fell, flailing mentally for Rolan. To her panicked mind, her Companion's reply was terrifying. All she received was as start of surprise, followed by a chuckle.

Then, Talia hit the water. It was freezing. Instincively, she thrust forward and broke the surface. Gasping as the air entered her frozen lungs, she struck out towards the nearest bank. When she was just a couple of feet away, a warm, dry hand grabbed hers and hauled her up onto dry land. She gasped like a landed fish for a moment, then took stock of her surroundings. Her mysterious helper seemed to be standing behind her…

Still wary, Talia staggered to her feet and turned to face the mystery person. It was Sherri, triumphant and dry. The newly-made Herald smiled slyly. "Alberich's orders, sorry. And Rolan's idea, actually. You passed though, congratulations!" Sherri smiled again, cheerily.

Talia growled. Why her, and why Sherri, the cheerfully dry? It was for the best, she knew…

When Sherri extended a hand to help her forward, however, Talia couldn't resist. A combination twist-and-toss later, and Sherri was glaring at the Queen's Own though locks of sopping wet hair. Talia only grinned and grabbed up the horse blanket Sherri had thoughtfully left over a branch. Now, to find a certain Companion…

As she walked away, she could dimly hear Sherri's vehement curses. Temper, temper... was all she thought.