"Training Holly? When we are in Rohan. They have excellent training grounds. I intend to work her harder than I already have. She shall make a fine ranger. She already has the heart of one. She just has some growing to do." Lairiel smiled a bit distantly.

Morohtar had the sense that Lairiel had something on her mind once more. He knew he had pressed her enough for one evening. "I have heard of Rohan's training regime. It'll be tough for Holly, but she can handle it. I wonder whether they will be able to handle my..." He stared down at his clawed hands with disgust. "I am yet to find a way to cover them up..." He sighed. For once he realised it was not just Holly that was a threat to their safety. He was too. Not many people would give sanctuary to a man with weapons for hands.

_________________

"You need not worry. People will have to come through me first. The people there respect me and know not to threaten my friends or myself." she puffed on her pipe.

Morohtar nodded, although he was not thoroughly convinced. "Do you mind if I get some shut eye?" He asked after a few moments of silence. "We have a long day tomorrow. Would be best to get some rest. Spell me in two hours and i'll take watch again while you sleep if you like?"

_________________

"Very well." she paused, then looked at him. "Sleep well, friend." she seemed almost formal in how she spoke. "Do not feel any less because of what you look like. It does not change who you are. Don't let people take your good heart away."

"It's easier said than done," Morohtar whispered softly before sleep took him. True to his word he woke a few hours later to spell Lairiel. Holly woke up with him. "You have not had enough rest Morohtar," she said simply.

_________________

"Both of you rest." Lairiel hadn't had sleep at all for some time, but didn't show it. She stretched her back against the tree, watching their surroundings.

"You need to take some rest Lairiel. You will be no good to us exhausted. You're not doing yourself any favours by fighting it either." Holly protested. "Now go on and get some sleep. I am well rested and alert enough to keep watch for a few hours." Holly remained standing, leaning her weight against the wall of the cave. Her eyes stared out at the horizon, while she listened to the sounds that were closer to the cave. For the most part it was just creatures going about their own business.

_________________

"This is the only time I really get to think, Holly...please, I know my limits. Get sleep." she mumbled around her ever smoking pipe.

Holly rested her hands on her hips. It was a pose her mother always took with her. She looked to Lairiel, her eyes stern. "You will have plenty of time to think in your life-time. You need your rest."

_________________

"Last I checked, I was the tutor and you were the student." Lairiel's voice had suddenly gone sharp, as did her eyes. "I will not take any arguments on this."

Holly's jaw dropped. "I am rested Lairiel. I cannot remember when I last saw you sleep. I only worry about you Lairiel. You do not always have to be so strong." Holly sank back onto her thin mattress and closed her eyes. She could not fathom Lairiel at all.

_________________

"The last time I was not strong, someone died. Holly, allow me my will, please." Her voice seemed tired as she leaned her head back against the tree.

Holly sighed heavily, allowing sleep to take her once more. Her thoughts were with Lairiel. Holly could not imagine what it was like to lose someone. She was only young when her parents perished. She never really remembered grieving them. Everyone just made sure she got on with her life. They would never speak of her parents after the incident. Some even kept their distance from Holly all together. She never understood why.

Soon the sun took its place high in the sky. Morohtar woke, feeling more rested than he could ever remember. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and got to his feet. He wondered what this new day would bring.

_________________

Lairiel sat slumped against the tree, her back to the small group. Tear tracks stained her grungy cheeks. Her eyes distant, she plucked half heartedly at the grass beneath her, pulling up small clumps at a time. She hadn't heard Morohtar stir.

Morohtar spotted her immediately. He gazed at the tear tracks on her face. He frowned deeply. Silently he moved over and sat beside her. He threw a glance over at Holly's sleeping form. Without a word he held out a cloth to Lairiel. He stayed silent for a moment, before placing his arm around Lairiel's shoulders. "What is the matter?" He asked quietly, but warmly.

_________________