[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Inzillomí watched the growing hostility with a calm eye. This must be settled... now rather than later. Just as she made to intervene, Kâthaanî spoke. As her daughter's will became unchangably clear, Inzillomí felt something inside of her disappear. Her eyes dimmed at the thought of losing husband and child. For a second that seemed an eternity, Inzillomí felt utterly hopeless. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply. Aule give me the strength of the land beneath me. Feeling her resolve returning, Inzillomí opened her eyes and ears to observe the captain question Kâthaanî. Inzillomí stepped forward, taking center stage, and spoke. All eyes turned to her.

"Friends of my House, we are gathered today under the worst of circumstances, and yet I rejoice to see you all. Elendil's ships sail when we reach Romenna. With luck, I could hold his departure for a day... perhaps two. Whoever leaves today must leave knowing this: you must ride lightly and swift. The least mistake could mean the lives of self and comrades. You must reach Romenna before me!" Inzillomí paused, looking around. "However, I would have you go not for thought of duty, but for love of Abârpânarú. Any now who wish not to go, leave now, but know that my love and understanding stays with you."

Kâthaanî looked in wonder at her mother. "You would not stay me?"

"To do so would be as trying to stay the River with a sieve. Your wrath is strong, your will stronger, and your love surpasses all. I would rather you ride having my blessing than ride, perhaps die, thinking you did not. My dearest, I only wish I could ride beside you."

The men looked in wonder at the brief exchange, wondering what the next word would be.

"Think, Men of the West. Think of your lives and your loves, and choose your fate." Marsillion stepped forward. "My sister-son, you go with my love. I will be most disappointed if you come back dead." He smiled, kissing Inzillomí's cheek. Azarmanô stepped forward. "Beloved captain, your wife and son are blessed. I thank you." He bowed, eyes never leaving his leader.

Abarzadan hesitated, thinking swiftly. Eyes on him, he stepped forward. "M'lady, I too shall ride."

"Friend," she spoke. "I do not know you, yet now you have my love. If Thoronmir will vouch for you once more, you shall go with my good will upon you." Thoronmir nodded, speaking.

"I speak for him. I shall ride beside him, if it please you. I have much to learn."

Inzillomí nodded, smiling. "Tiru, am I correct in assuming that you would trot behind on your own legs, should I deny you a mount?" He nodded, sheepish. "Then, my friend, you shall complete the party. Please look after my daughter, and the kariborim." Eyes widened all around. Chances of success multiplied with the kariborim factored in.

"My friends, may Manwe bless you with the speed of his winds. Ride now. Ride swiftly, and save my husband!"

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As pounding hoofbeats faded into the distance, Inzillomí fell into the arms of Ziraphel, sobbing. Holding her sister, Ziraphel cried as well. They both had so very much to lose.