Mardath tried grinning at Niniel, but she'd have none of it, and drew closer to Soronume, as if for protection. This confused Mardath, as he only meant to be friendly. Of course, Mardath's grin resembled a wolf or a bear rather than the friendly smile it was supposed to be. Indeed, one could certainly describe him as a bear, for he was, distantly, related to the Beornings. He could not transform, as Beorn himself was said to have been able to do, though he often thought that might have been convenient.
Mardath was beginning to wonder if he had better return to his forests. He was finally noticing that none of the people at the table liked him overmuch, and Soronume especially seemed to dislike him. But then, Mardath wasn't the sort of fellow that a noble elf like Soronume usually kept company with. Much less a lovely maid like Niniel.
The last maiden he'd known had married his best friend. Well, ex-best friend now. Mardath occasionally wondered what had happened to him, but usually dismissed the thought. If Jaron had wanted them to stay apart, they'd stay apart. The self-proclaimed Master Thief could certainly take care of himself, without his bumbling "friend."
While he was thus engaged in introspection, Elwen, Dorelnar, and Soronume were trying to reassure Niniel that her abrupt exit hadn't offended any. Concerned them, but not offended. That was when Mardath noticed Niniel's stutter.
"I--I--I'm truly s-sorry. I--I shouldn't have l-left like--like that."
So that was it. "Na, then, Miss, 'tis I who should be sorry. Ye'd think tha' I'd a noticed tha' ye dislike t'talk. Besides, 'twas my," here he glanced at Soronume, " 'errant tongue' tha' chased ye away. But mayhap I ken a way t'help ye. D'ye sing, any 'tall?"
Niniel nodded cautiously, unsure how to take this new approach. He could still be a danger to her.
"When ye talk, Miss, think o' it as singin', ye ken. It'll help."
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