Idril played a tune on her guitar as she and the others walked along the dusty road. She thought of her friends kindness as she walked, marveling at the level of selflessness that was displayed. In her family, selflessness was rarely shown. Fending for oneself was a virtue in her home, and was one thing that was an obstacle in her making friends in the real world. Of course, learning to fend for herself was a valuable trait, but having a kind nature had been taught out of her. 

Mayabelle, who skipped along beside her asked abruptly, "What song is this?" 

"It's called Alyssum's Midnight Song. It has words to go with it too, but surly my singing would annoy you two." 

Mayabelle shook her head reverently. "I'd love to hear you sing," she said, "but I know it's hard to sing and walk at the same time. Maybe you could sing tonight?" she asked, looking hopefully at the elf. Idril nodded, gratefully surprised at the request. 

For lunch, they ate some of the bread and cheese that Heather and Jericho had given them and Ceaser caught a fish in a small dragonfly infested pond nearby. 

In a few hours, the sun started to disappear behind the purple mountains. The three friends went into the woods, made a fire and set up a small camp. Bedrolls were laid out next to the fire, Ceaser curled up at Ember's feet, Mayabelle started roasting some sort of mushroom to eat, browning it slightly in the flames. 

Idril started strumming her guitar again, picking the melodies to "Alyssum's Midnight Song". The moon had risen in the sky, leading a trail of stars behind it. Bugs started chirping out their own melodies as Idril began to sing.

"Oh deep in the forest when all was still, there came a fine maiden white hair just as silk, and on her pale fingers there rested a ring, a ring of pure moonlight, the finest of things..." 

Her voice floated airily across the forest, like a pleasant enchantment. Mayabelle leaned forward, captivated. Ember leaned against a tree, swaying to the music. In that moment, it seemed as though all was perfect. 

The last few notes rang out, leaving all three in a blissful silence. In a few minutes, Mayabelle had fallen into a quiet, peaceful sleep. Ember sighed happily, but still blinked in the firelight. 

"Don't you need rest?" asked Idril quietly. Ember shook her head.

"I'll take first watch tonight. I'll wake you up if I get too tired." With that, Idril wrapped up in her blanket and drifted off to sleep.