[Thenamir]

Thenamir waited by Taradan's cot until he awoke rather than risk Aspida's wrath by waking him however gently. After an hour, during which Aspida gave Thenamir a respectful distance, Taradan's eyes fluttered and opened. He tried weakly to raise his head from the pillow, but the sharp-eyed Aspida would'nt have it.

"Here, now, none of that," she spat, hurrying over, "you lie down and rest, even if you are awake. That bonk on the side of your head won't do with too much jostling." She turned to Thenamir, who seemed to be the only one in the crowd who could return her look with a steady eye, "whatever you have to say to him, make it short and easy -- he shouldn't be under too much stress tonight."

"I will," returned Thenamir with a respectful nod, "and thank you." Again Aspida found herself at a loss for a reply, but she covered it by hurrying off mumbling something under her breath and shaking her head.

Thenamir moved around and kneeled at the head of the cot. "You've looked better, my friend," he said to Taradan, who looked over with a half-smirk. "You don't look like the picture of health yourself," he replied in a voice tired, but not weak. "How is everyone else?"

"That's a long answer, but I'll make it as brief as possible," said Thenamir, and began to recount all that had happened since the beginning of the battle, the arrival of the ROhirrim reinforcements, the Dunlending retreat, the addition of the dwarf and elf to their company. "Which reminds me," Thenamir concluded, "the dwarf claims to be an acquaintance of yours -- Dwarin Thunderhammer."

A look of recognition came over Taradan's face. "Yes...yes I know him. Had to forcibly remove him from an impromptu Orc celebration on his behalf..he was having such a good time slitting orc throats with his axe that he didn't want to bid them good evening..."

"He brought you a gift, armor I believe if I'm not mistaken."

"Ah. Better late than never," Taradan responded, sounding tired. Aspida gave Thenamir a look that said, "that's enough" and he nodded in return. "You rest now, and we will talk of our plans tomorrow. If you are well enough, we should leave soon." But Taradan was already asleep. Thenamir walked out silently, put on the boots he'd left by the door, and decided it was time to do a little tracking.