WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[Thinlómien]

"Iarwain speaks as if he was dead already... which could be because he's a traitor and traitors always over-estimate the pressure on them." Gildor sighed. "I do not know. I am suspicious of him, yet I'm not. There's a lot in him that does not sit right with me, but on the other hand, he does not seem particularly guilty. And if it comforts you at all, Iarwain, I must say I'm by no means decided on sending you away, you're but one of many options.

Halbarad - indeed, a Radagast-Iarwain-Elrohir trio is possible, one of those I've been thinking about. I thank you for saying it aloud and helping me shape my thoughts on the matter. It would be a foul and deceitful trio, but a possible one. I can see those two nature-lovers turning against their companion who fails to speak up or make a lot of sense. I still hesitate... would this be too easy?

And I must disagree with you, Halbarad, here

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.

for why I suspected her was rather how she declared him innocent and how he slightly defended her.

You also said

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.

to which I would like to say: yes, a traitor called Elrohir would. I do not claim to know him well, but his manner in a thing like this could be as sly as that."

Gildor paused, glanced at the roof and grieved that he could not see the stars. He had never been one to enjoy himself indoors. Then he continued.

"I find it almost scary how much I agree with Halbarad at the present. Either it is because innocent minds often think alike, or then he is a treacherous traitor who seeks to gain my trust."

He smiled.

"Speaking of gaining my trust, it seems like almost everybody here is agreeing with me, calling me helpful and not suspecting me. It seems like people want to be friends with me. Which I would have nothing against if two of you weren't traitors. A refreshing exception to this party of admirers - if I may phrase it in such a comical way - is lady Galadriel, and that is one of the reasons I'm leaning to considering her innocent." He nodded approvingly to his mighty kinswoman.

"On a totally different subject, one thing we have not talked about very much is Éomer's death. I know our journey in the dark draws near its ending, but I still must see if this awakens any discussion. We have been so delighted by his braveness that we have forgotten about an important aspect of the happenings at the gates of Moria. Why was he killed? Someone said he might have suspected toi be the seer. If I have spare time, I will indeed have a closer look at it because it indeed might give new insights to this situation."


edit: xed with Uglúk