Chapter 7

Night settled quickly over the plains, the darkness kept at bay by thousands of fires littering the encampment. Around one small fire, closer to the Free Corps camp, yet still accessible to the elves, sat Ariel, Terrin and Dalhier.

Earlier that evening, just after camp had been made the three had joined the king, his sons, Pindanon and a Stee Jans to go over the battle plans for the following day. Allanon had not joined them, but none commented on the fact. Here the army would split, half going to secure the pass of Halys Cut and the rest going to secure Worl Run. The King would lead one half of the army; Pindanon and Arion would lead the other half.

They had asked for a basic break down of the terrain and the defense and fall back plans. Several questions they asked had the old Warhorse Pindanon huffing, but in the end he saw the wisdom in their questions, realizing that they meant no disrespect, they simply wanted to account for everything possible. Such was the way of those who had lived through several wars, and had experience beyond most people's imagining. Though an avid skeptic of their purpose there, even the old general had to agree they understood war far better than even he.

"So do you really think the king's idea to separate us is a good one," Dalhier broke the silence.

"It is a sound decision." Terrin squirmed on his roll a bit to get comfortable, arms cradling his head as he stared up at the foreign stars. "There are four magic users all together. The three of us have verified our magic works very well here, I'd almost say too well," a small frown marred his face in thought. "The Druid will likely go with the king as he carries the staff from the Ellcrys. Ariel will be better going off with them, as her powers are the most versatile. You and I shall go with the Crown Prince and Pindanon. Our powers complement each other well, and we will be able to cover each other's weaknesses."

"Because I am more defense and you are more offense," Dalhier nodded. "Ariel uses both and can turn her water to ice if need be."

"Not to mention if Terrin and I were together our tempers would likely feed one another's," Ariel chuckled, remembering past occurrences. "With us separated and you there to keep at least one of us calm, there should not be any…incidents."

Terrin simply rolled his eyes though he could not disagree with her assessment. Neither lacked in sharp wits and equally sharp tongues, nor did they spare any from them, regardless of rank, when their tempers flared. Dalhier, ever the peacekeeper, was the one that often kept them in line and saved many from their wrath.

"Regardless we must all remain on guard and watch our backs," Dalhier poked absently at the fire with a lone stick. "I want us to make it through this alive."

"Yes, I wouldn't mind surviving." Smirk plastered sarcastically on his lean face Terrin's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Living is a wonderful thing after all. Besides, I have five bottles of wine waiting for me to collect them upon our return."

"Don't you mean I have five bottles of wine to collect," Ariel corrected.

"In you're dreams."

Sighing heavily Dalhier shook his head at their continued antics. "But wouldn't the bet be obsolete, since this little jaunt has interrupted the time frame you both declared?"

The other two paused considering those words.

"No."

"Unacceptable!"

"Did you not hear us? Five, count them FIVE bottles of wine!"

"Eastern Wine!"

"Yes, I heard you, every word. Winos."

"Just because you never learned to truly appreciate the joys of eastern wine does not mean you should take the joy from us!"

"If you are so worried about it why not just make a trip to the east and simply share the five bottles," he sighed in irritation. "Afterall you'll have to go east to get the wine in any case…" Stopping at those words he realized their actual goal in the first place. "You were planning to go to the east the entire time."

He didn't need to make it a question.

"Well we figured by the time the bet was over those two blue busybodies would forget the whole 'you'll be punished severely if you come back thing'," Ariel shrugged indifferently. "And let's face it, none of us have been particularly happy with the Elven realms. We kind of wanted to go back to what we knew."

"While I don't necessarily disagree, how long were you planning to go back for?"

"We don't know; we figured we'd decided once there."

"And there's no one you wish to stay for," he asked casually.

"Well I'll admit there is someone I fancy," Ariel eyed her friend mischievously. "Though perhaps there is someone YOU don't want to leave."

"Uh, no…well maybe…I mean there's nothing official…"

"Oh ho, someone's blushing." Terrin sat up smirking in delight as he took in his friend's embarrassed look. "What's her name? Or his as the case may be."

"HER name is Vanesse," Dalhier glared at them both. "And we're just friends."

"But you want more," teased Ariel.

"One day, perhaps, but I wanted to take my time. For now friendship is enough."

"You really do care for this elleth," Ariel mused. "Well we must certainly meet her when we get back."

"Yes, we must make sure she is worthy of our friend's affections," Terrin agreed readily.

"I feared as much." Shaking his head he allowed a small smile at the possessive natures of his friends. "Though I honestly believe you will like her."

"Well then, now we all have very good incentive not to die." Lifting her water skin in a mock salute to her friend Ariel grinned happily. "Here's to going back and meeting Dalhier's interest."

"Hear, hear," Terrin crowed happily following suit with his own water skin.

Chuckling at their antics Dalhier once more thanked the Valar that his two friends were with him. With them by his side he would make it through this.