"So you think. Few men will put up with a woman that can best them." she laughed. "I do not mind it. It's much more simple to live a single life."

"I think you are too confident for your own good, Lairiel." Morohtar laughed faintly. "One day you might just meet your match. Off course if he was a true gentleman he would not challenge you, but save you." Morohtar smiled. Quite the romantic, he was. How could he not be, when his heart was practically singing, being so close to Holly.

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"Cobfidence and courage is what saves women in our world, Morohtar. I do not need saving." she dared a wink and a laugh.

"Your confidence is something to be admired Lairiel." He smiled softly. "Besides damsels in distress are getting old. I think women could learn a thing or two from you." Morohtar winked back playfully.

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"I'm willing to teach, if women would be as willing to learn." she nodded slowly. "Most are not. In fact, Holly is better than most male students I have had. She will do well as a ranger."

"Why do you think they have been unwilling?" Morohtar, raised his brows in confusion. He thought that having the skill to fight and the ability to defend yourselves, especially in these dark times, would be what everyone desired. He looked over at Holly with a smile. "I think you're right. I certainly would not want to go up against her."

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"Women get too lazy. Always expecting a man to save them." there was a hint of bitterness in her voice. "Aye. In a few years she will be a match for me even."

"It sounds as though you speak from experience," Morohtar commented quietly. His eyes remained on Holly. Holly was deep in sleep, her body too tired to fight it.

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"I wanted a man to save me. Yet none did. That is why I do not rely on them." she looked down to the ground, memories filling her.

"Then the men were foolish. Foolish not to see the beauty I see. Foolish not to see the intelligence I see. Just simply foolish." Morohtar offered her a small smile. He reached his hand over to clasp her hand.

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"Well...Uh...thank you.." Lairiel didn't really know how to take compliments, so she ducked her head awkwardly.

"I mean it," Morohtar whispered softly, removing his hand from her. "Lairiel...Life is too short to spend it alone. No one will think bad of you if you need someone to help you. We all need a little help sometimes..." He sighed softly, staring out at the open field before them.

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"I've lived alone for many years now. I don't need help." her tone was slightly gruff. Though at his words she did feel a twinge of longing, though she refused to show it. She was a ranger, her own needs or desires were of little importance.

"If you say so..." Morohtar whispered softly. If to be a ranger means to be alone, Morohtar's relationship with Holly was doomed to fail. He swallowed heavily. "Are you feeling sleepy yet?" He asked simply.

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"No. You?" she puffed on her pipe, the old, gruff Lairiel peeking out again.

"Not a bit," he sighed softly. Perhaps it would be a good idea to start distancing himself now. Maybe it will hurt less when Holly eventually decides to go her own way. "When will you start training again?" He asked casually, glancing at her from the side of his eyes.

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