[Mithalwen]

Erenor, though she disagreed with Berethil on bearing arms, thought that they might be in accord on this at least. All the Noldor remembered the Helcaraxe even if they had not made the journey themselves. Those who had roots in Gondolin had special reason to remember that dread journey.

Erenor focused her mind on those of the other Rivendell elves, especially that of Berethil who immediately preceded her as they made their way to the North gate. She hoped she would receive the words the words Erenor could not utter, knowing that the would increase the anxiety of the mortals: This path is folly. It will lead only to death for all, one way or another. All choices are perilous but, if we aim south,at least we need not add the weather to the list of our enemies -and there is a chance we might meet aid from our kindred. We should try to change the king's mind and perhaps if he refuses we should deem our embassy to be at an end

Erenor knew this thought was selfish but she did not see what could be acheived by following the route North to death. The elves would endure longer. They would travel easier, bear the cold better and require less food than the mortals but they were not invulnerable. Death by the sword would be preferable, she thought. Then she shivered;any death would be preferable to capture and thralldom. All the time she could hear the sound of clashing steel, the wails of the dying, the sound of the soldiers feet and she kept her mind open hoping for some response from Berethil before it was too late.