A single torch burned outside the cell.
Thendryt followed the figure walking up closely, with a dark glare. He was sitting on the floor, with his back resting on the wall across the door. A week he’d been in there, his patience and personal hygiene slowly deteriorating. His hair was a mess, but the swelling had gone down.
“Thendryt? Would you like to get out of here?” He recognized the voice. “Unless you’re having a really good time, of course.”
“Lill? What are you doing here?” He replied, as Lilleduil held up a key. Thendryt noticed that she looked weary, as if she had been riding for days.
“Well…” Lilleduil smiled slightly. “This rather large bird told me you’d been taken captive. You do remember I had eyes on you? And a very good thing it was, apparently.”
Thendryt leaned his head back until it touched the wall and chuckled, slightly.
“I forgot about that.”
“Bovad is saddled and waiting.” Lill said, tilting her head towards the courtyard. “And I gather they are only too happy to see the last of you both.”
Thendryt felt relieved. If Lill had checked up on Bovad, the horse should be alright.
The lock cracked as she opened the door. She beckoned him and he slowly got up.
His weapons were laid out on a table in the middle of the room, and right next to them stood the jailor. Thendryt never took his eyes off him as he equipped his gear.
Lilleduil thanked the jailor as she made her way towards the stairs, with Thendryt right behind her.
“Let's get the horses and get out of here.” She said, as they emerged.
The sun burned, and it took Thendryt a moment to adjust to the light. Lill waited patiently.
“I’ve got food if you need it?”
“They fed me.” Thendryt said sharply, looking around for Bovad. He spotted the black horse next to Braigsul. Smiling for the first time in days, Thendryt made his way over. The horse seemed equally happy to see him, and nearly knocked the wind out of him.
“Check your girth.” Lilleduil said, as she greeted her own steed. “I'm not sure I got it tight enough.”
Thendryt checked it, as well as other straps to make sure everything was correct.
“He was standing in his own filth because they were afraid of him, but they'd fed and watered him.”
Thendryt paused a moment. Petting the horse a final time, he mounted and together they rode out of Ost Ringdyr. Eyes followed them, and Thendryt returned them. Some he even scared off.
“So, are you all right? They didn't smack you around or anything?” Lilleduil asked, a time after their departure. There was a hint of concern in her voice.
“You should have seen the other guy.” Thendryt replied, no hint of humor in his voice. “Guys.” He corrected himself.
The sounds of the female Elf’s soft laughter filled the air as they slowly rode south. Her laughter died out and her tone became more serious, even careful.
“I take it you've heard about the Warband?”
“Aye.” Thendryt’s eyes blankly stared forward, along the path. “That’s the reason I was jailed.”
“You got drunk and tied one on?” Thendryt shook his head.
“I lost my authority, they could do with me as they pleased.” He shrugged. “Apparently they don't like me very much.”
“That’s no reason to lock you up. I want you to tell Elrohir what happened. I'm sure he'll be very interested.”
“If he insists.”
“We'll go home and sort things out.” It almost sounded like she was trying to tell herself more than Thendryt. “I'm worried about Faorie and the others. I've not seen them since the news.”
“I'd demand an explanation, but I doubt I'll get one.” Thendryt replied, a hint of anger in his voice.
“It wasn't any fault of yours, I know that. I've asked around at Elrohir, but he's not being very forthcoming.” Lill’s tone suddenly changed to a slightly happier one. “Just so you know, I'm responsible for you.”
Thendryt snorted.
“How so?”
“Oh, I was supposed to ascertain whether you were still on our side or some such. Actually, I think Elrohir wasn't really worried. But he worded the letter giving me that authority so I could get you out, hopefully with a minimum of trouble.”
“Maybe I should run away?” Thendryt said, laughing softly.
“I won't stop you, if that is what you want to do. I think the blame only falls on me if you go into some sort of wild Mannish rampage in Imladris itself. And I am being facetious, in case you hadn't noticed.”
“Me?” Thendryt smiled and tried to look innocent. “Rampaging around Imladris? That rather sounds like a challenge.”
“Oh dear, what have I done?” Lill replied, mimicking his tone.
“So, where are we headed?” Thendryt said, in a more serious tone.
“To Imladris. Unless you'd rather go somewhere else. I'd like to check on the others. And perhaps we should all talk.”
“You think I'll still be able to be seen around the Vale?”
“Why wouldn't you be? You'd hardly be the only Man there. Eira is back, for one thing.”
Thendryt brought Bovad to a halt and gave Lill a stern look.
“You know what I mean. I'm not exactly the most loved Man around.”
“If you cause trouble, I daresay you'll be dealt with like anyone else would be.” She lifted a brow. “Were you planning on starting trouble? Not that you don't have cause, at least as regards some quarters... I'd rather you didn't, though. It's always more entertaining when you're around.”
“Probably not a great idea.” Thendryt said, turning his head away to hide his relief.
“The others would have come after you, had they heard.” Lilleduil said, her voice gentle. “I just got the news first.”
Thendryt didn’t reply, just picked up the pace.
