Khalad's heart was gripped by fear, as Vlad put his dagger to the elf's throat. His eyes asked without words for mercy. Vlad removed the dagger, and gave the order to let him be. Khalad's relief was so great, that he could feel his heart pacing at its normal rhytm again.
He felt protective of this elf, though he had no apparent reason. But the elf was unable to defend himself, and who knew what would happen to him if nobody stood up for him.
Khalad pondered why he felt this way towards the elf. The last time he had felt protective against someone was his sister, and that had resulted in his flight north, and it was the reason why he was with these outlaws.
He ended up with a conclusion, that it had to be his background. The Númenorians had always held the elves in high respect; well, at least the Elendili had. And though Khalad and the outlaws were all humans, he knew that he was more akin to the elf than to any other in the camp.
He thought again over the identity of this elf. Arthain he had cried. His thinking was stopped as Vlad gave him a small push to the shoulder and asked:
"What do you make of him? Where's he from, and what is his business here?"
"I cannot tell his origin, only that he must be of noble family. His clothing is of rare material." Vlad's eyes shone upon hearing this remark. "And that name he says, Arthain. It is a name common in Gondor."
"Why would an elf call out for a man? Aren't they to stuck-up to be dealing with men?" Vlad said, but only to make Khalad irritated. He did not doubt the young man's words, and his mind was filled with these riddles, that the elf presented. But, these questions would be answered later when he was rested.
[ July 22, 2003: Message edited by: Daniel Telcontar ]
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