Dorain's attitude towards Brogan seemed to have softened somewhat, and she rode at his side with a somewhat chastened aspect, as though her behaviour of the night before shamed her. Lily caught her glancing covertly at Brogan from time to time as they rode ahead of her. When she looked across at Anest he smiled broadly. Moving closer, he whispered, "Those are two of the most stubborn people I've ever met! I could tell you stories about Brogan when we were younger, and
Dorain as well. They've met their match at last."
Lily was surprised. "You knew Dorain when she was younger?"
Anest laughed. "She has several older brothers, you know. She's the youngest of six. Of course, they were always very protective of her, and she, being headstrong, had to try to out-do them all. I hope you meet her brothers some day. For elves, they're a pretty rough bunch, not at all like their southern cousins.
"I first met them in Minden, the most northerly city in Normandon. Twelve of us were pursuing a band of goblins who had passed through Belloc's lands. I was fourteen at the time. We followed them all the way to a farm north of Minden, which they thought to raid. My fellows were part of a company from Brand who were staying at the Garrison on Belloc's lands. Being outnumbered two or three to one, we were hesitant about catching up with the goblins.