[Kransha]

As Idruil road, firmly seated in the saddle born atop Ecthelion, he felt his old and familiar cynicism returning as he tried in vain to steady Maen’s fluctuating mood. He could understand her irritation at this incident; it was as ill-timed as unwelcome and seemed to serve no purpose but to hinder them. Of course, Idruil knew that there was more than rash impatience in his leader and the female Crystal, who had also accompanied them, but a more genuine concern. Idruil had no concern to show, as the two of them did. He had no comrade’s bond with the others or anything to make him feel any true sense of danger relating to their plight. He was certainly eager to prove his mettle and help them, but he had been given a blunt assignment which he planned to accomplish and not worry about the others, regardless of the dire straits or foul plight they might be in.

In all honesty, he was unsettled by Crystal’s words. He did not wish to bury a companion of his own new found brethren. They were slowly becoming friends, although he didn’t want to admit that he was letting his stern demeanor slip. It would not, though, be a great blow to him if something happened. He could only mourn in silence, as he had always done. He’d buried too many dear friends and was desensitized to the cold sting of death that lingered on a weary battlefield, ripe with the smell and air of doom.

He continued pulling Ecthelion along, listening as Maen spoke. For all he cared, she was merely letting out all her frustration in the form of complaints. She spoke of a number of things, many of which he couldn’t even hear in the commotion made by alarmed steeds. He responded curtly, “Not to worry, Lady Il Galoth, should worse come to worse you shall still have Crystal and I. Besides, you have two rangers up your sleeve.” He trailed off, realizing that Maen Il Galoth was probably not even listening.

He spoke up again after a few contemplative moments, now speaking more to Crystal than to Maen.

“Worry not about the others,” he said, with more gentility in his voice, “They can handle themselves; each one, and we should not doubt their combined skill. Surely a band of ruffians will not be able to contend with them and they will all return to us in time. For now, let us concentrate on what lies ahead, rather than the vile rogues that trail behind. Soon enough, we will reunite with them and this quest can continue unhindered. Do not fret, all shall be well. Indeed, I am quite certain we will see them again shortly..." he trailed off.

The man of Minas Tirith added, under his breath, "If not in this life, surely we will see them in the next. Illuvitar will judge soundly, and if they fall, it shall not be in vain."

Idruil wasn’t even sure if he believed what he was saying. He realized too late that his tone had become that of patronization as he spoke, but it truly didn’t matter. Petty squabbles were not to be brought up at a tense and uncertain moment such as this and he did not think Crystal would care, though he hardly knew her well enough to guess at such a fact. Dismissing his own words, he rode on near Maen’s steed, hoping deep within that all this hardship would pass in time as a new day dawned with more hopeful prospects for the future.