"Alec," she called softly, her wispy yellow hair lay in tangles upon her shoulders, slightly tousled by the wind. "Alec," she called once more, before her fair face twisted into sorrow and grief, and she turned. With quick, nimble steps, she had disappeared from the clearing in mere seconds. 1

I stood there, unmoving, as if frozen in an era of endless time. The sun dropped, lower and lower until it vanished completely. My feet were numb, muscles burning as my body struggled hopelessly to keep me standing. 2

When I could bear the pain no longer, I let myself fall to my knees. A droplet of water fell onto the dirt, staining it black. I wondered dumbly if it was raining. Then, I realized I was crying, sobbing uncontrollably as giant teardrops rolled down my cheeks, down my chin, and into the dirt. 3

"Why? Why her?" I screamed at the heavens and dug my fingers into the damp soil. 4

I didn't know how I long I had been laying there, weeping and wailing, but the moon had already arisen when I broke out of my stupor. Smothering another moan, I heaved myself up and took a deep breath. I wiped my eyes with muddy fingers and glanced around. 5

The forest that had seemed friendly and open only a few hours ago seemed dangerous and cruel. 6

'Hoo, Hoot!' An owl screeched as it glided by on silent wings, a bloody mouse clutched in its talons. I jumped, then cursed silently. 7

My heart was heavy, and my hope was slim. It was past midnight and she was likely long gone. Still, I couldn't give up, couldn't throw away all the years, all the memories we had. I thought of her laugh, so sweet and full of joy, and was instantly comforted. The heavy weight that had been pressing on me seemed to lessen. 8

I began to run, to sprint, leaping through the trees. "Lalaith! Lalaith," I cried. 9

Suddenly, the trees disappeared and I came to a bare field. The moon shone brightly, casting a silvery blanket of light over the grass. The scenery was beautiful, but I had not the time or the heart to truly appreciate it. 10

I was too late. She was gone. Long gone. I scanned the land in desperation but I knew it was a futile effort. The field was flat and bare, save for a few lone wildflowers that bloomed in awkward clumps of two's and three's. One could spot an army from miles away in complete darkness. 11

Lalaith. Gone. Forever. I repeated to myself in utter disbelief, refusing to believe the naked truth. I stumbled backwards, blindly, as I choked back the screams of heartbreaking agony. My foot slipped and I felt myself falling. I landed on my stomach, hard. 12

Grunting in pain, I slowly opened my eyes. Unable to comprehend what I was seeing, I stupidly gazed down at a ravine, at least a thousand metres below. 13

I was on a cliff. More accurately, my head -and most of my torso- was dangling off of a cliff. I stared downwards, aware of every sharp boulder that lay a thousand metres below. 14

I could end it, this misery. Just one tiny nudge from my foot and it would all be over. The horrible misery would go sailing over the cliff edge and disapperar. Lalaith, how does she fare? If only I could see her face one last time...15

'Lalaith, know that I love you, know that..." I whispered. Tears blurred my vision. Then, I dug my boots into the soft dirt and pushed. 16

I was free now.