[Eiz]

Deagon walked silently through the path in the forest. He had just finished with the patrol, and as usual left the group to be alone. The tall elf was aloof nowadays, even from those who were his friends and companions.

He was in deep thought when he caught sight of Gayahithwen and the other kitchen elves. She waved to another elf. He stopped when he saw who it was- Rinurion. And with him was the elf from Lorien, Laryelion.

Rinurion was the one elf in Mirkwood he had constantly tried to avoid. Everytime they crossed paths, he could see in the other's eyes the distrust. And the heavy guilt he bore pained him as much as the helplessness he felt.

He sighed and walked away. To be alone again. Alone since Elenloth was captured by the enemy. It was because of that fact he had tried to trade Gayahithwen and another elf maiden Amaryllis for her release. Rinurion had foiled that, and with Laryelion's aid, had rescued them. There was an argument between him and the orcs. They refused to take him to Elenloth, nor assure him of her release.

Amaryllis and Gayahithwen had persuaded Rinurion not to deal harshly with him. He had been released after being cleared. The elf maiden had said that the orcs had ambushed them. She had not revealed he had led them to the orcs. She had spoken to him afterwards, but he had kept silent.

What could they do even if he told them that his sister had been captured? Should he seek aid, it would endanger Elenloth's life. He had made a bargain, forced upon him. He had tracked down the orcs, but they were many. His companions were killed or taken, but he was released. And he was promised the freedom of his sister if he fulfilled part of that bargain.