WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[Meneltarmacil]

*Catches up to the rest of the Fellowship* They have a cave troll.

In listening to what Gildor has brought up about our traitorous wizard's dealings, It is quite interesting how Radagast acts like Elrohir and Galadriel are fellow traitors. Interesting also in that he and Bombadil initially did act like fellow traitors until the latter started finding fault in his statements.

Let's see: Radagast could have wondered about Galadriel's silence to throw us off track, that could well be staged. I'd agree that voting for Elrohir would be more risky though.

As for Tom, turning against Radagast is something I wouldn't put past him. He's not the kind that would save a fellow traitor if it meant putting himself at risk. And by doing such a thing, he's effectively distanced himself well.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad suddenly awoke alone in the dark. The others were nowhere in sight; evidently he had fallen asleep and left behind.

I'll never hear the end of it if Aragorn finds out! he thought.

He got to his feet and stumbled off in the direction of the drums. He had a not-so-sneaking suspicion that the Fellowship was over there, but it would take him a few minutes to catch up.

[Groin Redbeard]

The fellowship moved hastily along the stone passages of Khazadum, always followed by the dulll throb of the drums. After a while of running Dain spoke.

"I must find out what has happened to Balin, allow me to linger ahead of you and search for his remains, for I fear that he and his companions are dead, slaughtered by the orcs. I will not stay far infront of you, but I will not be able to hear your council anymore, therefore I will vote now for who should leave.

"I vote for Tom Bombadil to leave. I do not like the way that he has joined what you call the bandwagon of votes during the last couple of days, and when he is not joining the others he focuses on the quieter members of our fellowship who either refuse to speak, or cannot speak, like he is doing toDay. Also I found his constant babbling during yesterDays voting very disturbing, and he contributed to much of the confusion then. Please forgive if you seem fit not to send him away, I vote is in haste for I must go now before it is to late, I must find Balin. Be wary of Durin's bane, I still fear that it lives!"

And with that Dain bounded ahead of his fleeing companions to search the passageways and rooms in the direction that their flight would take them.

++Tom Bombadil

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad finally came upon his companions in a long dark hallway, just catching the end of their conversation.

"I appreciate Gildor's analysis of Ragadast's actions. In some ways, it is the most helpful thing that has been said today. I believe it reaffirms (or at least doesn't contradict) what I spoke earlier, when I said that I found Elrohir and Bombadil the most suspicious.

"However, Gildor also mentions that Galadriel seems suspicious in light of her interaction with Radagast - this I do not understand. If I was to be suspicious of Galadriel, it would be for her poor behavior during the first day and a half, or so, not for her very limited involvement with the wizard. Perhaps I am too trusting, or too dull. I lack Gildor's elven sight and greater experience in these matters.

"I feel as though Elrohir has consistently ignored any attempts to make him speak up, participate, and, especially, explain that irritating first vote, which I cannot forget. Would a traitor not be more interested in appeasing his accusers? I do not know. I must think on it further, but as it stands I am likely to vote against Elrohir or possibly Bombadil - unless Galadriel does something substantial to arouse my suspicion once again."


EDIT: Crossed with Gildor