[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Which of you killed one of our own? He was unarmed, and yet you high, noble elves had the nerve to kill? How much honour can your race claim to have if such is the case? And do we not have the right to take one of your own, since you have taken one of ours?"

Telpeheled considered. It was a question he still wished to know the answer to, but he certainly did not agree with the sacrifice of one of his companions for the life of the man, as much sympathy as he had felt. Twice he opened his mouth to speak, twice he shut it again, feeling like a fish gasping for air.

He was considering opening his mouth for a third time when he was interrupted by a groan. From behind a rock appeared Maeralagos. Shame spiralled through Telpeheled once more.
I completely forgot him! he thought unhappily. What kind of a friend does that make me. I was more concerned over an Easterling than Maeralagos, who saved my life.

"I did," said Maeralagos with obvious difficulty.

So this is what my desire for justice has brought me? thought Telpeheled bitterly.

Maeralagos continued. "He was not unarmed when I fired, not that I could see. He wanted to hurt us, he wanted to hurt my friend..."

Ignoring the warning shout of the Easterling covering them with his bow Telpeheled hastened over, glaring behind at the man, daring him to shoot. Maeralagos didn't even seem to register his presence.

"Don't punish all for the deed of one. I wish for no grudge between our people. If Elven blood must be spilled in exchange for Easterling, let it be mine,"

"No" said Telpeheled calmly. He touched Maeralagos' shoulder.
"Lofinnaes, will you please help him?" Turning he addressed the two Easterlings.

"It would sadly lessen your triumph to kill one so badly injured. I do not understand your logic- you demand redress for a man who you obviously disliked, and may we too demand blood for the death of Durelin? You make much of Elvish honour, where is your honour?"

He paused. "Still, if you must have blood, mine seems to be ideal. It was my fault that your, well I do not think 'friend' is the right word, that your companion died. Yet Maeralagos did kill him, and my life is due to him, for he saved it. If this is what your honour demands, kill me. I have no weapons for I put them down when your companion did, so it would be a fair exchange, one unarmed life for another."

With a tight smile, he stood up and faced the man, Cane or something like it the woman had called him.
"Come, I must have your decision. Is Mandos after all to receive the pleasure of my company?"
The memory of the old joke taunted him, reminding him that if he was taken up on his offer it would be the last he ever made.