She paused briefly by a large holly bush. It was old beyond years although not of tremendous height. Its silvered branches held swathes of lustrous green leaves and scarlet berries and one Robin safe among the thorns. Yet the Robin cared nothing for the sanctity of years and the greater troubles of the world. He was simply glad to be here and able to sit resplendent on the holly branch to show off his new plumage. Perhaps hope that the worms would not bury too deep to avoid the storm; but that was all. Yet for all his simplicity of spirit his gaze cut through Asthralain as keenly as the wind and shivering she drew her cloak tight about her and she thought of her father.  Now at this time more than any other she would have given anything to hear his counsel...