He was gone when I woke the next morning. I rummaged under the pillow to retrieve Rage, and my fingers brushed across something hard and square. I pulled a small box out along with the Blade and scabbard; opening it, I found a square of parchment folded around an exquisite silver ring. The parchment was covered in a few lines of elegantly formed Westron, Legolas's concession to my halting familiarity with his language.



This ring belonged to my mother. I would be deeply honored if you would consent to wear it. Remember that I am not far away.



I slipped the ring on the third finger of my right hand, where it fit as if made for me. I turned my hand in the early morning light, watching the watery sunlight glint off the carved band. It was a pretty bit of filigree, a delicate chain of leaves and vines twining around my finger. I stroked the cool metal, smiling to myself.



I peeled off my sleeping tunic and tucked it into my bag with the rest of my garments, then pulled my traveling robes over my head. As I fastened the dull metal buttons, I scanned the room to make sure I hadn't left anything of importance. The rest of my things would be sent to me later, but I disliked the idea of Varyar or his cronies pawing through my treasured possessions. I raked my hair back from my face, weaving it into two braids that I pinned tightly to my head. I picked up my cloak and travel bag, looked around the room one last time, and tucked Legolas's message into Rage's scabbard-pocket as I walked out of the room.



Hellebore was waiting for me in the courtyard, long with another horse already loaded with my bundles. I worried that such a heavy load would slow us needlessly. I strapped my traveling bag to Hellebore's saddle and was about to mount when a clear, familiar voice stopped me.



"Would you be wanting a bit of company, sister?"



I turned, surprised to see Sára, dressed and mounted, less than a yard away. She grinned broadly at the confusion on my face.



"I convinced Varyar that it was folly to send a single Walker cross country alone, especially someone with no magic or combat skills. He threatened to send me away- I told him that was fine as long as he sent me to Storm Keep with you. He obliged."



I shook my head, grateful for the company but concerned for her. "Sára, I appreciate your offer, but I could not ask you to leave your home."



She broke into my protests. "Then it is a good thing indeed that I volunteered. Saves you the trouble of feeling guilty. Come on. We have a hard ride, and I for one would like to be gone before Varyar decides to see us off."



~***~