[Nogrod]

Tom had finally caught up with the others. There were no songs this time.

"My old friend Olorin, please start making sense! You're driving old Ben mad soon! This Gildor here is making sense while you are not! I know your legendarium tells us that you have never been caught unawares during the Nights in tight situations like this - at least not on the first Nights of the unrest. But how can you be so sure you're with us toMorrow to share your thoughts? Now what is this puppetry? Are you trying... do you think you can fool old Tom?"

Tom stared at his old friend puzzled. Then he finally let his gaze to wander off the wizard only to pick the two brothers.

"And you two should give us some explanations as well. You Elladan were my top suspect earlier as you happily bandwaggoned others even if I know you're intelligent enough to form your own opinions... so it was just too convenient? And Elrohir, your actions speak louder than you probably wish. And it's not only your vote but the way you have acted - or not acted to be precise - in general toDay."

Tom seemed to grow in stature and size as he spoke even if there were no rhymes this time. It looked like the everlived-man was finally getting interested and ready to jump the occasion. Even scarily so.

"You have not seen the old Tom angry yet... and it has been rare times he has gotten into that mood. But let me promise you'll not forget it if you push him to it." His nostrils were enlargening as he studied the fellowship.

"Now let's talk serious, my friends", he then added looking a bit more mellow again. "This can't go on like this and we should send one of us away this evening. Now who is one of the traitors amongst us? I agree with the hobbit that we should not pick just anyone but if we don't have better candidates I still suggest we decide on someone who doesn't even want to help us in the goial set by the Council. But the better candidates then?"

No, no Tom... you're getting even more un-Tom all the time... settle down, settle down and become what you are...Think of the lillies, of harebells, of Goldberry...