Cynraede and Adunabel led the small group along the beaten path way, their horses in a steady canter. They had packed up shortly after the encounter with the guaradan and decided it best to take to the road. Adunabel shook his head looked to Cynraede, who still wore his filthy kilt.
"Why, under all the stars in the heavens do you wear that thing? How can it even be comfortable?"
Cynraede looked over with a beaming smile and nodded.
"Oh yes, quite so, rather breezy for the undercarriage if you catch my...drift.."
Cynraede laughed as the two rode side by side, Adunabel shaking his head with a shocked look upon his face. The hunter turned his gaze to what was in front of them, seemingly surprised at what stood before them.
A company of elven soldiers, their weapons sheathed, but it was clear they were looking for something.
"Friends, we mean you no harm. We've been hunting a group of guaradan that passed this way. I pray you have not seen them, this pack is a rather vicious sort, they have already killed two of my brothers. We do not wish you the same fate."
The elf gave Cynraede look that was wrought with concern as he looked about the company of men.
"I am afraid that we have my friend. I took one down, but the rest fled before we could do anything, there was a strange sounding horn, and they were gone. My apologies for your men, they were indeed brave to stand before such beasts."
The elf tilted his head and looked to Cynraede, smiling slightly and nodding.
"You are the one whom spoke to the lord? I did not recognize you without your hood, I see you have traded crimson for a more earthen color. Tell me, we've seen a great number of your kind go through here, is something amiss in the south?"
Cynraede quietly looked to Adunabel, then to the rest of his company, finally turning his gaze to the elf, one of the other men speaking up before him.
"Thats none of your business pointed ear!"
Cynraede turned sharply, looking back at the man who spoke out over him. Slowly and carefully, he pulled his horse next to the ranger who simply stared at Cynraede.
"Stay your tongue brother, these elves have shown us hospitality and we will show them respect and honor, such the same that you wish to recieve. Do I make myself clear?"
Cynraede stared at the man as he waited for a reply. Frustration could be seen on his face, obviously irritated with how the man handled the situation. He turned his horse back to the elf and carefully dismounted his horse.
"Forgive my brother for his ignorance, it is not willing. I am not allowed to say where our path takes, I am sorry. Tell the lord that we will have words soon enough I pray, fear not. We will find these creatures, and bring justice to them."
The group of elves nodded and bade them farewell, letting the company continue on their journey. They rode for quite some time, before Cynraede turned his horse, finding the man from before.
"Tell me your name, speak quickly and hold not your tongue."
"I am Ardashare of Gondor."
Cynraede stared at the man, nodding firmly and leaning close so no others would hear.
"Ardashare, if you wish to remain in our company you will learn respect and discipline of your tongue. You should think, before you speak. Insulting one who is our host, do you not know where we are? Who's realm we are in? Think, then act."
Cynraede turned the horse around and kissed at her, feeling her start to move as she cantered off to rejoin Adunabel.
