Later that day, back at the Thorin's Hall Inn, Tatiania continued to read one of the three books she'd taken with her from the study. At least, she attempted to, but she found her mind wandering to earlier that day.
'Dammit,' she muttered to herself. She really wanted to get into this story – a historical retelling of a famous battle from ages past – yet she found herself dwelling on something else entirely. Trust.
Having fallen asleep reading the book she'd borrowed, Tatiania awoke and looked around the room. 'Where ...' she thought to herself, rubbing her face as she slowly recalled her meeting with Fiontann. With a grumble, she stood and scooped the book up from the floor, and decided to have a look around.
As she explored the new surroundings, Tatiania paused in front of a large map on the wall. Reading the name to herself - Angmar - she began to study it intently, tracing an imaginary path with her finger. Once she was satisfied, she continued on, pausing in front of a map somewhat more familiar to her - North Downs - where she carefully examined the western portion. Furrowing her brow, she began to recite the history she'd read to herself.
"Almost a thousand years ago, the hordes of Angmar swept across Nan Amlug and overran Fornost as part of the Witch-king’s stratagem to conquer the North Kingdom. The city fell. Routed Dúnedain lords fled the land and king Arvedui, escaped to the frozen north but was lost at sea. So ended the kingdom of Arthedain. “
At the end of her recital, Tatiania looked northward on the map, reaching up to tap the name 'Fornost'. She could only imagine that, after so long, there'd not even be much left in the way of ruins. Shaking her head ruefully, she stared for moment longer, then decided to return the book she'd fallen asleep with and perhaps find a new one to read.
Upon entering the main room, Tatiania took little notice of the men standing in the room, other than a quick, wary glance, before heading to the bookcase. Crouching, she returned her book from the night before to the shelf and then diligently began looking for a new one. As she looked over the books, she smiled, probably the only genuine show of pleasure she'd shown in weeks. Pausing now and then to pull one off the shelves and flip through it, she relaxed and sat down. 'If nothing else', she thought, 'I'll definitely like the library here.'
Pulling yet another book from the shelf, she opened it and read to herself. "The Great Armament was the armada of warships and military forces prepared by the last King of Númenor, Ar-Pharazôn, for the purpose of invading the land of Aman to challenge the Lords of the West." Her eyes widening, she stood and took the book with her. 'This', she thought, 'would be interesting.'
As Eredian wandered the room, he caught sight the figure he recognized from the other day out of the corner of his eye, turning to face her with an amused smile, "Enjoying the books?", he asked curiously.
Tatiania jumped slightly at the voice and turned to face the man standing there. "Yes," she said, her eyes narrowing and cautious as she looked at him. "You're the one Fiontann said was – Eredian."
Eredian nodded his head at that, "Indeed. I am new here, just like yourself.", he added to that, politely clasping his hands behind his back, and calmly walked over towards her, his eyes scanning down to the book.
At his approach, Tatiania took a step back, clutching the book against her like a shield. "I am new here, yes." she replied, her voice tense. "'I've only just met Sir Fiontann."
Eredian immediately frowned at her movement, looking her up and down, "I mean you no harm.. I'm simply interested in the book.", he offered gently, regarding her with a friendly smile, "You will need to trust your kin more, if you are to successfully be a part of this company."
Tatiania frowned back at him. "Trust, sir, is earned. And not something freely given. I'll decide when to trust anyone." she bit out, turning to look for a place to sit and read, muttering to herself.
Eredian sighed out at this, turning on his heels, he wandered briefly after her to speak out, "Then do yourself a favor and earn some. Snapping at anyone who attempts to make conversation will not earn theirs," he offered that simple piece of advice, "Enjoy the book."
Tatiania huffed at his words, and opened the book about the Great Armament. Soon she was lost in the fascinating history, paying little mind to her surroundings as she imagined the events from the distant past in her head.
Again, Tatiania huffed derisively at his words. 'How would making conversation earn anyone's trust?' she thought, recalling plenty of times when her aunt's words had only led to lies and broken faith. 'No,' she continued, 'Words mean nothing. Only actions can prove trust. And it's a fool who thinks otherwise.'
Gritting her teeth, she opened up the book and, stubbornly pushing everything else from her mind, she resumed reading.
