Ralph and the Pixie

‘It is,’ Birin replied.

‘Then I suggest you take this valley to be your own,’ Elgar said. ‘There is a fast-running brook at the bottom, yonder, and a small lake not far downstream. I leave you in peace.’

‘Wait!’ said Birin, ‘I would like to thank you, and to offer the loan of our support at need.’

Elgar smiled patiently. ‘We Outcasts alone outnumber you and yours by perhaps ninety or a hundred to one. Unlike you, we know the way of the land and the seasons here. You would be well advised to reacquaint yourselves with life in the forest, for that in itself will consume most, if not all of your time. Be at peace.’ He turned to leave, but stopped when he remembered something. Over his shoulder he said, ‘It would ease my heart greatly if you would make your peace with Imalwain. That will be thanks enough.’

Birin was a still, silent, lone figure as Elgar left, and it was long before he remembered himself and returned to his fellows.

When they had made camp, Ralph and Malina set up a tent of their own, and had some privacy together for the first time in days. After getting settled in for the night, Ralph told Malina of his encounter with Éha.