[Envinyatar]

Elrond turned Losrian’s reasons over in his mind for a moment. ‘That more or less confirms what my advisors have offered. And moreso for the fact that you can add the weight of your kin possibly being already in that area. North it is, then. But not until tomorrow. We should have the injured taken care of by then and ready for travel.’ Elrond nodded to Losrian, then turned his attention to Ondomirë.

‘Come to my tent once you’ve set the first watch. We will need to make plans on where to station the troops as our group advances. I don’t know what foe may come against us or in what number.’

Ondomirë watched for a few moments as Elrond passed on to another captain. During his service under Elrond’s command a growing respect and appreciation for the Elf had begun, despite Elrond’s younger years. And Ondomirë had come to see why Gil-galad had sent him as his representative. ‘He will be a great lord among the Elven kindred,’ Ondomirë mused. And in a moment of perceptive clarity he understood that about this Elf would swirl and eddy many of the currents that ran from past to future.

He turned his attention back to Losrian as Elrond passed further on and out of his sight. ‘Well spoken, m’lady,’ he said, nodding in the general direction where Elrond had gone. He leaned back, looking at her speculatively. ‘The first watch will be some of the bowmen and the Dwarves. Shall I put you forward to stand watch? Or will you take your rest? We’ve enough bodies to fill the spots needed, without you.’ He wondered if she might want to spend time with the child that had come in with her, but did not ask. ‘I’ll leave it to you to decide.’ He pointed to where his own tent had been hastily set up. ‘Many of my men have come back from their searches. There will be food to eat, as you wish; and a bedroll can be gotten from the supply wagons so you can stake out your own resting area. First watch will begin just before sunset.

Ondomirë hailed Hensirë, the captain of the spears, as he passed nearby. ‘I’ve got to meet with the other captains for a while. I’ll be back in time to set the watch. See you then . . . yes?’ He gave Losrian a quick smile and hurried away to catch up to Hensirë.