[Eorl of Rohan]

As Aelimur left, Ferethor instinctively realised that someone was gazing at him and whirled to meet her, his blade half drawn. "Crystal?" He asked in amaze, sheathing his slender knife. "What troubles you, lass?"


"I won't hurt you." Crystal said, boldly. "I would hardly place myself in danger of my life from you, Crystal." Ferethor seemingly chuckled, as if amused, while he analyzed her movements and weakness under the cover of laughter.


'Trained as a rider of the Mark would have.' The thought flashed through Ferethor, noticing that Crystal did not let her hand stray out of the reach of her sword even though she was not holding it. 'Offspring of Dorian - I should've known. But what is the cause of this enmity?'


"I just want a truthful answer. What dealings have you had with General Dorian of Rohan?" Asked Crystal, trying to keep her anger at Ferethor's seeming derison in check.


'So it was true that she fled from Rohan to escape General Dorian.' Ferethor thought. betraying no humor, assumed or geniune, he said, "With Dorian of Rohan? I faced him in a chance meeting, if it be chance, at the edge of the field of Calanedhron. I've come to value his valor and loyalty to the realm of Gondor."


Crystal was about to reply, when the others came back one by one. "This may be fun," Ferethor thoguht grimly, surveying the company one by one, "If I survive."


Ferethor suddenly noticed the man Maen had introduced more closer. Undoubtably an easterling. Instant distrust pervaded his mind, which he effectively quenched for a better analysis of the man. Shifting eyes, tense attitude, wary movement... Ferethor shook his head and turned away. "I am being prejudiced by the build of the man." He said to himself and joined the company.