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Nightfall
As they made camp, Ędegard explained much regarding horses and their habits to Mellondu. Ravion cared for Gond, chatting with Erundil, and occasionally speaking with Aeron. Meanwhile Mellonin was left alone with her thoughts, which did not make her happy.
The pair that caught her attention was the Wayfarer lad and the Gondorian lass. Why the Gondorian lass walked with the Rohirrim she did not know, and what interest she found in the young wayfarer puzzled her. She watched them for a while. As they cared for their horses, Bella saw Mellonin staring. Bella smiled, and Mellonin smiled in return.
They joined her when their horses were settled. Mellonin studied the Wayfarer lad, puzzled by his easterling features and his elvish dress. Bella spoke. "You have met Nethwador."
Mellonin nodded. "Hello."
"Mae... Gonvannen?" he replied.
"Sindarin. Very nice. I did not know the Wayfarers spoke our tongue."
"Nay, but the elves have taught him a little, " Bella answered. "Nethwador was taught by the plains and the wild, else."
"I thought the Wayfarers were a tribe, " Mellonin frowned.
"Amroth said he found Nethwador quite alone, but for his horse, " Bella answered.
Mellonin studied Bella next. "I have heard others mention Amroth, but Mellondu will not speak of him, " Mellonin said.
"Oh, if only Mellondu would welcome Amroth back. I do not know what will become of him now, " Bella said.
"Where did he go?" Mellonin asked, puzzled. "Did my brother send him away?"
"Mellon Amroth!" said Nethwador.
"Your pardon?" Mellonin wondered.
"Yes, I am afraid that he did, " Bella replied. "I think your brother was quite angry with Amroth, for your sake. I am not sure that I understand why."
"Wasn't all that talk about the mad blacksmith related to Amroth? But my brother is not mad, as you see; he was merely lost. What did it all mean?"
"Perhaps, " said Bella, "you should sit down."
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