[alaklondewen]

Erebemlin peered over the smooth back of his tan mount as he packed his bags. Tharonwe sat on the other side of the fire breaking his fast with waybread. As he felt the other’s eyes upon him, he lowered the bread, looking up. Erebemlin’s gaze was as steel…sharp and penetrating. At first Tharonwe did not respond, instead he just stared back without affect, but then a mocking smile spread across his pale face. Surely, you do not think you can really finish this so-called quest of yours, do you?

You will not poison my thoughts as easily as the mortals, fool.

Oh, come now. I do not seek to poison…you know I speak the truth.

Erebemlin shut his mind to the swamp elf, refusing to heed his words. He finally pulled his eyes from Tharonwe’s and instinctively glanced toward Mellondu before tying the strap securely on the bag. Tharonwe did not miss the momentary look, and he took advantage of pressing the issue with the Lorien elf. “He will not return. It is foolish to hope.”

“Be silent, snake.” Erebemlin’s voice was sharp and reflected his growing annoyance.

Tharonwe continued…his voice was smooth and melodic. “Desist, young one. She has already rejected his affections.”

Erebemlin grimaced at being called ‘young one’, and he swallowed hard before responding. “Do you truly think she would turn from him to love someone as wretched as you?” The elf saw his words sting Tharonwe, and he continued. “You try too hard to end this quest…and that only confirms that you are crammed with doubt.” The Lorien elf turned his back on the swamp elf, without giving him time to reply, and called to the other travelers that it was time to depart. They would continue south…to Nimrodel.