[Mithalwen]

Erenor had not trusted herself to speak again before the king and his minister but the second the elves were alone in their quarters her anger exploded. "This is madness - he will lead them all to death in his pride, rather than seek sanctuary in another's kingdom. And that MAN!!! How dare he lecture me - I dwellt at Mithlond when Elendil fled Numenor and I have traversed Eriador oft in the long years since. Does he think me some child to be frightened by his tales of phantasms and goblins? I fear the Witch-King himself less than his stupidity. " Erenor paced the small chamber. In her plain, somewhat masculine travelling clothes she ressembled more than ever her warrior father.

"We must try to speak to the king again - I fear the old fool will haunt my steps and I will be hard pressed to get near the king's ear - but perhaps the Lindon emissary may add his voice to our cause - I cannot imagine they wish to roam the mountains any more than us. But if the king refuses - what should our course be? surely our duty is not to follow to certain death - theirs if not ours? My sire was slain fighting on the slopes of Orodruin and the victory won by his death and those of so many others was squandered in pride and folly - must we too pay the price for the arrogance of the line of Isildur?" . Erenor spat the words at noone in particular .........and spun on her heel to face her companions, her hand unconsciously rested on the hilt of the sword at her hip.

Then calmer she said : "Lady Berethil - I will try to seek contact with the minds of our lords at Imladris - I would you would add your essais to mine since your power is the greater and some are closer in kindred. We may get counsel even if we cannot hope for aid." She sat on a bench and rested her head in her hands, fatigued by her own outburst.