<BR><BR><b> At the Eldars, then at the Followers of Eru . . . </b><BR><BR><BR>Scribbles went out of the kitchen door with a feeling of immense relief. Once outside, she scanned the Eldar Estates grounds for any sign of the returning riders, odd shifts or anomalies or other TORC Moderators. For the moment, it appeared they had a little time.<BR><BR>She heard Wisteria come up behind her and turned. Nessa and Katie too, had grabbed what provisions they had packed and left the Eldar's kitchens with the pretty weaver. Wisteria gave a mischievous wink then started down the path to the back gates of the Estate. The other moved to follow, but Scribbles put up a hand in the age old and universal signal to stop. Wisteria turned back and beckoned. "Come on, we're running out of time!" she called.<BR><BR>Still, Scribbles hestiated. Something told her that it would not do for the group to become separated again, as they had before when Bardhwyn, Leoba and Elenath had gone off and she herself had gone to look for them. No. They *must* all stay together, well, except for that insufferable character of the Master Archer. *Him* she could happily leave to his own fate, especially since there was something very suspicious about him. She hoped Bardy would be able to get Big, Blonde and Gigantic off their tails.<BR><BR>"Wiste, wait!" she called to the weaver, who stopped but remained where she was, impatience clear on her face.<BR><BR>Scribbles turned back as the rest of what remained of their company trooped out into the early sunlight. Vana was helping Guruthostirn, who was walking but still looked weary and slightly pained. Leoba followed and after a quick visual scan for SmaugsBane, smiled as Edain slipped out of some underbrush and re-joined the little band. Scribbles dropped her voice low. "Much as we need to hurry, we will not split up again. No matter how odd it may look to anyone else, this group *must* stay together now. To separate now will only increase the opportunities for the Mods to pick us off, one by one. You all know what we are up against."<BR><BR>As she finished speaking the kitchen door swung open again, and she sighed inwardly as Lysandros appeared with the sheet wrapped body of Lindon cradled in his arms, carried as easlily as if she were a sleeping child. Though the face of the Master Archer was calm, Scribbles caught a hint of something in his eyes. Confusion? Dread? Revulsion? Desperation? She couldn't be sure, but the peredhel side of her senses hinted to her that the man was uncomfortable. Still, she wished he was anywhere but here.<BR><BR>Bardhwyn followed and murmured their plan to cremate Lindon's body as she passed the tall peredhel. Scribbles nodded, then motioned for Wiste to re-join them as she, along with the rest, followed along behind the Master Archer.<BR><BR>Everyone pitched in gathering and stacking the pile of wood scraps and dead, pruned branches into a rough pyre. Once Edain and SB had placed the body, Lys turned to Scribbles with one raised eyebrow.<BR><BR>Without a second thought, she closed her eyes, drew a quick, steadying breath to prepare, then opened her eyes and stepped up to the pyre. Licking her thumb and forefinger, she reached into the pile to grasp some of the finer branches. With a whispered command, "naur", the wood burst into flame.<BR><BR>They all stood silently for a few long moments, watching the dry wood roar into quick, hot life. Soon the flames all but obscured the small, shrouded figure, and Bardhwyn leaned against Lysandros even as the Master Archer put a steadying arm around her waist. Scribbles whispered a quiet elvish verse to speed Lindon to the Halls of Mandos, then bit her lip and turned to the group, purposely avoiding the eyes of the Master Archer.<BR><BR>"Right. No more delays, we need to get moving or, uh, the game might be lost. Next stop, Followers of Eru. Absolutely no one leaves the group, understood? And do try to look casual?"<BR><BR>Without waiting for a reply, she picked up her pack and headed for the rear gate, Wisteria quickly coming to walk on one side of her. They moved through the gate and into the main thoroughfare of the Alliances Forum and keeping a moderate, unhurried pace, made their way past other Guild Houses and Alliance tents.<BR><BR>Someone tugged at her sleeve and she turned to see Vana, smiling apologetically at her elbow. "Scribbles, I know you cannot stop but I really do need to attend to a tiny bit of business here," the other pretty half elf said softly, nodding her head at a small but well built Guildhouse. "I will be quick, and I will join you at the Followers of Eru's tent, trust me."<BR><BR>"Vana," Scribbles started, only to be stopped by Vana putting a slim forefinger to her own lips and shaking her blonde head slightly. "Hush, I know what you would say, but don't worry."<BR><BR>"I cannot help but worry," Scribbles answered with a slight smile. "All of us will worry about you, this is no ordinary journey through TORC."<BR><BR>Vana nodded. "I know, I know."<BR><BR>"How long should we wait then," Scribbles asked as the last of the group passed them, following Wisteria who has confidently heading towards the large, white tent that housed the Followers of Eru. Vana shrugged, then reached out to squeeze Scribbles' forearm in a comforting gesture. "If I am not there in oh, an hour, leave without me."<BR><BR>"No Vana, we will leave no one behind, it is not safe," Scribbles insisted quietly.<BR><BR>"Scribbles, trust me, I shall be safe. Don't ask me how I know, but I do. One of the benefits of good Elvish blood, I suppose," she finished with a smile.<BR><BR>Scribbles realized that she had to trust the other peredhel, after all, would she not expect the same from Vana if their positions were reversed? She drew a deep breath, then took Vana's hands in her own and squeezed them gently. "I understand. An hour then, and no longer. And if we are to be parted here and now, keep your head down and stay safe my friend."<BR><BR>Vana's smile widened and she laughed softly, a light, silvery sound. "Oh, we shall meet again my friend, no matter what. And if this is indeed our parting, then I wish you all safe journey as well." Vana let go her hands and turned into the doorway of the Twilight Guild with a farewell wave.<BR><BR>Scribbles hurried to catch up with the rest as they paused at the massive flap of the white tent, desperately trying to formulate answers to questions that she knew would be asked.<BR><BR>