She approached him slowly. Hearing her soft steps in the snow beside him made Raefindan look up.
"Mellonin."
"Raefindan. It would seem I owe you my life?"
She could not help but smile at the expression that crossed his face. She sat beside him, stealing a glance at the swamp-elf. Raefindan saw her shudder.
"It's all right, " Raefindan assured her. "You are in no danger from him now."
She hesitated, then smiled. "Very well. Of all of us, you would know. You were brave to do what you did. Thank you."
She watched him and wondered why he did not answer. Then hastily she covered his hand with hers. "It is all right, " she said. "You have been through much. It is good that you are here, and you are well. It is better than I dared to hope. I am content."
Raefindan smiled at her, a distant look in his eyes. Then he glanced around the camp. "Erebemlin sent the two rangers and an elf. Where is the wild boy in elvish dress?"
"Nethwador?" Mellonin glanced around, and then sighed. "His horse is gone. Well, since the danger is here with us, I will not fear for him."
*****
Celegaer paced steadily through the snow. Nethwador dared not cry aloud til he was well clear of the camp, but traveled in ever-widening circles keeping the camp on his left.
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