This task my brother Parnard set me to do is not as easy as he pretended it to be. Today, a few of the company searched the swamp by Meluinen, and ventured into a troll-infested cave close by the settlement. Deep within, we discovered a fallen elf, sore wounded and bleeding. Failindo murmured a few words, something about a place called Dol Dinen, and then died. We bore the body out, into the light, and set it on the ground. Belethoriel left us and found the Lord Laurelindo speaking with the settlers. He came over, and looking upon the body, became greatly distressed, saying that Failindo was a close friend of his from long ago. The rest of us set to building a cairn, and when it was done, we stood around in silence, none of us speaking, which is a very ill sign of an ill cause, or of corrupted manners, because the heart can get no comfort, and the dead can get no honour. So I spoke out, and reminded the company of proper custom; I would have said something, but it was not fitting, as I did not know the dead. Then Laurelindo brought out his harp, and began strumming a song that seemed to have no end, it was so long, yet end it finally did, and then the company broke up, each member going his or her own way. I had naught to do, and no orders given to me, so I patrolled the boundary of the camp, making sure the Olog had not dared to follow us. And then, as I was walking past Lord Laurelindo, he put an insult on me, and leaping to his feet, flung himself at me, and did try to pummel me with his puny fists.
Such a challenge was not to be declined, and I would have pitched into him, and thrashed him soundly, but Belethoriel, who had been standing close by uselessly up to this point, grabbed him and held him back, and turning to me, gave me warning, and said I would dearly pay for any consequences, upon my return to the Valley. He treated Lord Laurelindo’s assault so lightly, that it was evident he approved. I hastened away, knowing it useless to argue, for those who do not listen to reason will not be persuaded by argument.
A short time after this cowardly attack, Lord Laurelindo approached, and said he wished to make excuses for himself. Excuses from the afflicted and craven are worth nothing, so I refused them, as well his offer to treat the injury he inflicted upon my face. I said that he might have surprised me before, but if he wished to fight, I would give him a second chance! Then I took off my cloak, and my spear, and my javelin, to fight him on his terms – bare-fisted, as he preferred. I dared him to hit me again, wanting to have the satisfaction of beating him down, when he tried, and laying him out on the mud at my feet. At this his comrades set up a shout, and crowded around, wanting to see a fight – or so I thought – but then one of them, a sharp-tongued dark-eyed warrior by the name of Limiriel , held up her long spear and brandished it in my face. The scout Dolthafaer said little, but called me a 'child,' and gave me an evil look, hinting at what would happen if I raised my fist against his friend.
I wanted peace then, and I meant to have it. So I left Meluinen, before my head was knocked off by one of Lord Laurelindo’s nursemaids, and sought refuge by the outer wall, to calm my rising temper. It was not long, however, until the prick-eared Limiriel hastened up to me. I regretted leaving all my weapons behind in the camp, but such was the extent of my rage, that I forgot. It was necessary to advance with caution. I asked for the purpose of her visit, to determine her intent. To my surprise, she began telling me of her brother, as if I cared to know anything about her, or her family. It annoyed me considerably, and she would not stop talking. Then I saw Dolthafaer sneaked up, and was standing beside me, how long I am not sure, because I was distracted by Limiriel's blabber.
I sorely regretted being weaponless! Very slyly, Dolthafear slipped me a waterskin, and a rag, to clean the blood from my face. I was very surprised at this seeming kindness. Now that I have thought on it, it seems to me that Dolthafaer did not wish Belethoriel to see this gesture, lest he fall out of favour with his leader. And then the cozy pair smiled and chattered away nicely, as if nothing had happened! Listening to their talk, I realized my bad state. I thought to flee from the wrath that was surely to come – for they informed me that they were of the ancient blood-feuding Noldor. Curse my brother for sending me serve with this lot! Surely, their fey mood would change again, and they would find more reason to dislike me, and deem me an enemy, just as the Lord Laurelindo and Belethoriel have. I quickly bid them good-bye, and hurried away, careful not to turn my back to this wily pair, lest I be weaselly back-knifed.
