WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[Gwathagor]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

After hearing the words of Halbarad Galadriel feel deep into thoughts and she seemed like asleep, when she finally spoke her face was full of sorrow.
"You did right in speaking against me, please accept my deepest appologies! I have backtracked my thoughts and discovered that I made a grave mistake in Eregion. . .in my haste I mixed the words of you and Theodred"

"I must be alone with my thoughts for a while and re-analyse the previouse events"

Halbarad thought carefully for a moment or two.

"Lady, I am inclined to believe you meant no harm. I, too, have made honest mistakes and have no desire to condemn the well-meaning."

Nonetheless, Galadriel's sudden change of stance had taken Halbarad by surprise, and he wondered if he ought to be more suspicious of the Lady of the Galadhrim.

Indeed, he thought, such a swift and easy reversal on the part of anyone else would immediately arouse the suspicion of every honest member of the Company.

Though he determined that Galadriel's mistake probably had been honest and was not grounds for accusation, he resolved to watch her closely if he could. Then he smiled, for he had just found a note of humor in that dark day.

"It is curious, Galadriel...you say it was Theodred's words, in fact, and not mine that had originally drawn out your suspicion, and yet it is now Theodred who seems most eager to take your side."

And then grim and stern Halbarad laughed, as he had not in a long while. Theodred had been brashly eager to confirm Galadriel's accusation which was now shown, essentially, to be an indictment of words spoken by Theodred himself. This struck the Ranger as paradoxical, and even funny. However, he soon quelled his mirth, for he knew it was inappropriate in light of the dark events which had thus far haunted their journey. He resumed his usual sad, thoughtful expression. There was work to do.