The Tower by Moonlight

[Winter Wind]

A solitary figure stands on the steps of Istari Tower. He leans on his staff and looks skyward, appreciating the silouette of the tower against the moonlit sky with a smile.

His gaze slowly lowers, to the barred door in front of him. His smile quickly fades, as the reality finally sets in. The loss is something akin to the death of a good friend. The irony that this friend is someone he barely met, is not lost on him.

The barred door reminds him of another friend as well. The man that saved his life....the friend in exile. A single tear begins to run down his cheek, but quickly turns to ice.

His brow quickly furrows, and he flicks the frozen tear from his face. A look of determination comes over him, as he walks out of the gate. Something new then. Something different. Soon, he says to himself. Regain yourself first, dream later.