[Nogrod]

"Oh my lady, have I been wrong? Yes, in a way I have been. But unlike you who have voted nice and early so as not to be scrutinised I have stood there at the last hour. Sadly the chances given to me on these two Days have been dreadful (look what actually happened or just check what I told to Halbarad a moment ago if you're forgotten it).

Just tell me, anyone, what you would have done with that kind of choices I faced that would with your criteria not look suspicious? I mean aren't you just saying X is suspicious where anything someone does in a situation that he has not himself produced will be categorically deemed suspicious? And if that is the case shouldn't we turn our eyes to those who specifically try to avoid any situations where they might be looked like that eg. those voting safely early, spreading the vote so as not to be decisive etc.?

And do not be lazy my dear friends either... Go through what has been said and do not talk nonsense. Not doing that is the way the traitors win. If you care to go through what people have said you can disregard the ignorant or malicious misjudgements which so many people like to just pass forwards as it's easy to cling into something someone just said but remembering and thinking is hard work. Of course, if you're not that interested in following the Council's decision then so be it. I can't force you all to think the best for yourselves. And in the end it's a Ring that affects folks like you and the world of yours, not mine. So as you wish..."

Tom seemed frustrated but also a bit tired. He pulled his hat over his eyes to take a nap and talked or moved no more.