Finëwen repeated the words, 'needed to leave', like a spell spoken. Falowik noticed that she called it Rivendell whereas Uien called it Imladris, choosing to name it as Humans did rather than as Elves. Why would she feel the need to leave the Elves? To live as Humans live, he supposed. Then she questioned him, driving straight to the heart of the matter on her mind. She lowered her head as if embarrassed by the directness of her question, but her eyes did not leave his face. Falowik allowed himself the shred of a smile. He picked up a dry stick and began peeling the bark away.
"Well asked." He shifted his position. "I will answer your questions, last to first. I do not lead the party because I am less than you think. I have not the skill to direct this one here, that one there and have them be willing. I have been a wanderer for twelve years. I was born in Bree, but fled when falsely accused of thievery. I have no skills save how to keep my own flesh and fëa entwined. And now I have a question for you."
Falowik paused, watching her face; her eyes widened a little, as if she were renewing her guard in case she were attacked. He looked at his naked stick, which still had a bit of moist life in it, and began picking at threads of marrow. He regarded Finëwen again.
"I will not pry, but ask instead what it is about me you name 'leader'?
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