[Orofaniel]

Galhardir sighed as he heard Annû's question; first of all, he knew less about it than other men of his kind, second; it frightened him - even speaking of it made him anxious.

"The cave of the dead..." Galhardir muttered while looking at his nephew. Of course little Rodhal had been spared for all details when it had been talked of earlier; it wasn't appropriate to speak of such a place before such young ears. Annû noticed Galhardir's concerned look, but took no heed of it as he seemed curious about the cave. "Rodahl, you don't mind taking a short walk around the ship, do you?" Galhardir then asked him. Rodhal shrugged, but thought it could be quite exiting as he had never been on a ship before. He therefore gladly accepted this deal, and went for the door. "Be careful now, boy, and don't get into trouble," Galhardir then said, teasingly, as he knew how polite and kind his nephew was. The small boy smiled broadly as he left. "I'm sorry..." Annû then muttered. "No, it's alright," Galhardir then said. "I just don't want to frighten him, that's all," he continued.

"Well," Galhardir started nervously. "I know less about this cave then many of my kind, just so you are aware of it," he claimed. "I've been told many stories; however, few of them are true." Annü listened carefully while Galhardir was talking. "They say that the narrow, dark paths will make any man frightened of what really lies within the cave. It's very dangerous as rocks are falling down from the walls. Some say they fall down from "nothing", as they can't see it because of the great darkness. It has been said that as you walk the path disappears under your feet, which makes it difficult, or even impossible to return the same way you came. But since there are many small paths you still have a fear chance...but only if you find the right one. Those who venture within the cave cannot be sure to ever come out...That's for sure."

Annû swallowed, while Carandû gazed at him. They had been listening carefully to everything Galhardir had said and they were obviously not keen about it.

"Well, that's what they have told me," Galhardir then said, looking at the two elves, who hadn't said one single word after Galhardir had finished explaining. "I, personally, do not believe in it fully, although I do think some elements are true," he then stated. "Do not be afraid; most of it is probably made up by those who were too frightened to enter," he said, laughing a bit as he trying to seem more relaxed about it than he really was. The two others were still silent and amazed by what he had said.

"Y-you're probably right...." Annû then managed to mutter, looking at Carandû, who nodded politely. "I do not see a reason why people should lie about this cave though..." he then said, looking at Galhardir. "Nor do I," he then answered. "But some things are just made up, or exaggerated a little...or some times; quite a lot..."

Galhardir wasn't allowed to finished his sentence before Rodhal stormed in. "Uncle, it is amazing!" the boy said enthusiastically, dragging Galhardir by the arm. Galhardir laughed. "I knew you'd like it!"

"I almost fell over board!" Rodhal then exclaimed, merrily. "No you didn't!" Galhardir said teasingly as the boy laughed. "I'm joking uncle," Rodhal then giggled. "Oh..you almost had me there! You frightened me!" Galhardir then replied, smiling widely.

Annû and Carandû had then finally started to think about other things and joined the conversation; "You liked it then, eh?"

"Yes, sir!" Rodhal said politely.

"But, Rodhal, it's time to go to bed now, don't you think?" Glahardir then said, looking at the boy; he was tired, he could tell by the boy's eyes. "Oh..not now uncle! You must come with me and see the ship!" Rodhal exclaimed, horrified by Galhardir's suggestion. "And I will – tomorrow perhaps," Galhardir said. "But now you and I must rest – as well as these two gentlemen," Galhardir then explained the boy, while his eyes were turned to Annû and Carandû. The two elven brothers were still amazed and utterly curious about the cave and Galhardir’s story, or so it seemed. And yet, this was only the short version….