Chapter 14
Author: Fim
Imlain sat by the fire standing guard over Araréiel and trying his best not to fall asleep. He watched the sleeping pair of elves and silently sighed, thinking it must be wonderful to be loved by the fair elf maiden. His own feelings toward her were very deep although he had never let anyone on to them, hiding them down under his mischievous bravado and waiting to see what happened between her and Legolas. In his caring for her never would he stand in the way of her happiness even if it should not be with him. A friendship type of love would have to do and he would never sacrifice that.
His head began to nod as the heat of the fire warmed his skin and the cool breeze touched his back. Poking the fire some more he realized it was in need of more fuel and rose to gather some firewood.
Araréiel heard Imlain wander off and checked to make sure that Legolas was in deep sleep before she rose. The night was still deep and the moon full. She would have to be careful as not to be seen in her departure. Her father had always told her to be wary of her dreams and she had not been fully truthful in sharing it after waking, but she knew what she must do.
Grabbing provisions of food she walked into the wood calling softly for her horse. On his arrival she whispered in his ear that he should be silent as an eagle in flight, then mounted and began her journey. She must be quick and quiet to set some distance between her and the camp before Imlain returned. She began to ride up the river to hid her tracks.
On the riverbank an Orc scowled and his face contorted into what many would think a hideous smile. He hated being in the forest and would chop it all to bits if he could. He and his companions were tracking the elves trying to obtain the one he saw riding alone in the moonlight. She was a vision of juicy dinner to the Orc.
He signaled to his company and they began to make their move.