Calathen gripped the windowsill tightly, gazing through the crystal-clear glass into the forest. He stared worriedly at the path that led through the city center. The flowers were in bloom and the trees were just beginning to bud. “She’s being reckless,” he thought while running his fingers through his dirty blonde hair, “why couldn't she just listen to me?” Although he knew he was expected in an hour and needed to prepare, he didn’t want to move. He wouldn’t, not until Ethenlia returned. “And not until I talk some sense into her,” he thought angrily. His normally ornate hair fell loosely around his face, and with his eyebrows furrowed together, he almost resembled a human. He stood there for a while, tapping his foot on the sparkling tile floor. but when it was clear she was not returning he finally gave in. Gathering his things, he began to get ready. Looking in the mirror he realized how disheveled he looked. He sighed and picked up his comb sullenly, then he splashed his face with cold water and put on his cloak. He pinned the golden brooch in place and slipped on his boots discontenly. Just when he was about to walk out he heard a quiet knock on the door. He squinted at it, wondering if he was hearing things. But then another knock came, louder this time. So, with his arms crossed he slowly opened his large wooden door. There, standing on the doorstep, with hands folded neatly in front of her, was Ethenlia. He didn’t want to show sympathy but his anxiety beat his pride. Her face was a set in a smile but her eyes told a different story. When at last he could not stand it any longer he reached out and pulled her into his arms. After a second he pushed her back and looked her over. “Was there trouble? Why did it take so long? Are you hurt?” He asked suddenly worried again. She shook her head. “No, no.” He still wasn’t convinced and he squinted at her. “Really I'm fine, I promise.” her bright smile reassured him. But then his anger returned and stepped back into the doorway. He pointed an accusing finger at her, with jaw clenched and said,” I told you not to go! But it seems your ears are shut to the advisement of the wise. Your eyes are closed to the danger of the road ahead. This will be your last warning. Stay here, the council has need of you.” At first she didn't respond, then finally, with eyes cast downward she said, “my mother wishes to see you.” He shook his head in disappointed anger. “You won’t even respond, how deep your pride goes! I refuse to stand and watch! I have responsibilitys anyway.” He said slamming the door behind him and walking briskly past her and down the stairs. After a moment she turned around and followed. with hair streaming behind her she wound her way to the bottom of the large tree and raced after him. He could hear her but he refused look at her. Finally she caught up to him and stepped in his way. “Calathen!” She exclaimed, “Please! You must speak with her!” he sidestepped around her and kept walking, “And why should I do that?” he asked rolling his eyes skeptically and picking up his pace. She grabbed his arm forcing him to stop and look at her. She closed her eyes and said quietly, “She won't let me go without you.” Suddenly he laughed. It was the sad kind, from one who was clearly hurt. “All the more reason I should stay!” He shouted, “Now let. Me. GO!” he exclaimed yanking his arm back. She froze, with eyes wide and mouth dropped open. He straightened his cloak and turned on his heel. He could tell she was watching but he no longer cared. “Someone has to be the voice of reason, and it might as well be me!” he whispered internally. He picked up his pace to a jog and taking a deep breath. His light steps hardly making a sound as the trees flew by overhead. “She’s going to get herself killed. Even if I don't go, she’ll find a way to convince Galentheir.” he had gone about a furlong through the outskirts of the city when he stopped at a fork. He then started to go to the right but once again stopped. “Aghh!” He shouted at the sky. “Fine! You win,” he said, exasperated as he turned to the left. The road smoothed out as he got further in the city and the buildings rose up higher and became increasingly more immaculate. Finally he reached the palace. Its tall pillars rose high above the ground in breathtaking spires. The wood woven by the songs of the elves, shaped the majestic fortress with light. Taking on the appropriate appearance of a noble, he nimbly walked up the stone steps with head held high. He gave an occasional respectful nod to a few passing by, but mostly kept to himself until he reached a large guilded door. Two guards stood at the door with swords at there sides. One spoke, “you have been expected, come and enter.” “My thanks,” he responded and pushed open the door. He walked into the familiar room and shut the door behind him. Galenthir sat, with her back turned to him and beckoned with her hand. “Come near, Calathen,” she said looking out of the large glass window. Her dark hair hung all around her, adorned with a circlet of pearls. He walked stiffly over to the side of the small round table, cloak rustling behind him. “It is truly beautiful,” she said pointing at the large rippling lake before them. “Ah,” she sighed and finally looked at him, “when one looks at the stillness of the water, doesn't it make them contemplate how much we worry? Even the waters are still, so why can't we be?” His face was rock hard, “Normally I have no problem being still, but it seems I have been thrust into a plan that I want no part in.” She nodded and didn’t speak for a moment, then, “please, sit.” He pulled back the chair across from hers and sat. When he was situated she began, “I don’t like it either, and I’m sorry I brought you into this but…” she paused with her bows furrowed in thought. “I worry for her, she has become someone I do not know.” Calathen could no longer hold on to his thoughts, “Thats putting it lightly.” Then he blurted, “She has lost all sense of prudence!” He said waving his arms about. “One trip has turned into three and after each I have chided and pleaded with her sternly. The only response I get is a doleful expression and I simply with not condole her!” Her mother looked truly troubled now and she wrung her hands with worry. Then she spoke quietly, “Calathen, your right.” He was truly taken aback by that and looked at her for explanation. She continued, “But right now she needs your guidance more than ever. She thinks she has found something purposeful but you know better than that. If you let her jump off into the deep, she will surely fail. Go with her. If your with her perhaps you can save her before she falls.” He looked at the ground, still unsure. “I chose you because you have piety to her. And your loyalness is what she needs.” He sighed and nodded, not knowing what to say. Then he looked her in the eye with a new idea forming. “Put me at the head of the group.” He said. “But Ethenlia is…” she started say. Then, “Yes, that could work.” she nodded looking at him. “I always believed you were born to lead. Now is the time to step into your role. Teach her how to follow.” Dispite his frustration he grinned at that. They spoke for long after this. She prepared Calathen for his upcoming role and talked him through his task. When all had been said she excused him. Just before he opened the door to leave, she said, “Oh, and Calathen, we are having Leselnas for the evening meal. Would you care to join us?” He turned to look at her and replied, “I wish I could say no, but since you asked, yes, I will be there.” Then he turned with a swish of his cloak, and clicked the door shut behind him.