Falowik thought that Thoronmir seemed capable enough, though he wished he knew more about him. He laughed at himself, though his face did not show it. These others must think the same of me! Looking around the table, Falowik saw three factions made up of race: the Elves, the Hobbits, and the Humans; and he realized that he and Uien were the only ones situated to bridge the gap between any two of the factions. So far, Master Falco seemed to have alienated Gorby and Anson, so the Hobbits would not become a faction. The Elves seemed, each one of them, to carry a cloud over her head, at least as dark as the one he'd carried himself, and they seemed willing enough to overlook racial difference. Thoronmir seemed to be the one to pull them together, especially since he knew the area. Doderic broke the thread of his thoughts.
"Seems to me," said Doderic, "that Lady Eswen here - may I name you so, Lady?" She nodded. "Lady Eswen has said that she'd lead if no other spoke up and would rather not if someone did. Is that the way of it then, Lady?" She nodded again. "My thanks. That leaves Master Boffin and Master Thoronmir, unless there are any who would say otherwise." Doderic waited.
Falowik wondered why Doderic was hesitating; then the Master of Buckland's right hand hobbit glanced his way. Did Doderic think he should lead this group, just because he was the eyewitness? Falowik decided that he might as well come out with it.
"Master Doderic, did the Master of Buckland tell you who he wanted to lead this search party?"
"Aye. He said that the yoke of leadership should go to you if you'd take it."
Falowik bowed his head and his shoulders sagged. He lifted his gaze level with Doderic.
"I do not seek the burden, Master Doderic; unless these here would thrust it upon me, though it seems clear enough to me that Master Thoronmir is more able and quite willing."
Falco bridled and rose. "I have something to say!"
[ October 27, 2003: Message edited by: littlemanpoet ]
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