“What do you mean they’re not in the Vale?!” Thendryt’s voice was high, and most likely leaking out of Lord Elrond’s library.
“I think you understand me quite clearly, Thendryt son of Mors.” Elrond said with authority in his voice, yet he came across as calm and somehow caring.
“Well where have they gone?!” Thendryt roared. “And you, you must be able to explain something!”
“I’m sorry I cannot be of more help, yet I have given you all the answers I can.” Elrond seemed almost troubled as he examined Thendryt’s face.
Thendryt struggled to control himself. He gave Lord Elrond a final glance, attempted a nod and stormed out. The sound of the door being slammed shut echoed throughout the Last Homely House.
Two Elves were upon him almost instantly. Daegond, Sergeant of Vanimar’s Order of the Hammer, and Annunghil of the Hammer.
“What is this!” Daegond said, the anger in his voice was hard to ignore.
“A question was made, you do well to answer.” Annunghil put it, after Thendryt remained silent.
Thendryt glared at him, but decided to focus on Daegond. He had met the Elf on several occasions, none of which had ended in song. Thendryt walked up to him, slowly, until he was right in his face.
“Why are you shouting, Man of manners?” Daegond asked, with a low growl. “Tired of life again?”
“Eager to find out?” Thendryt replied.
“I am, if you’re so bored with it.”
“You’re in my way, Elf.”
”I am sure Sergeant Daegond can stand there all day. You should be the one to walk aside, there is plenty of space.” Annunghil pointed out.
“I was standing here before your father was born.” Daegond didn’t take his eyes off Thendryt. “And killing your kind before your grandfather walked. Why none of you ever change… What is your malfunction?”
“Is that a threat, Sergeant?” Thendryt growled back. “A valiant knight, come to the defense of the door?”
“I came for the noise, that long disturbs me.” Daegond replied, his words faster now. “Which is your breath. I have come to long the day for its expiry. But it is his lordship's law to be civil within the valley. Maybe you are planning a vacation soon?”
“I'm sure many in your House would, my apologies for disappointing you.” Thendryt said, a slight mocking in his voice.
“You are running out of apologies Thendryt.” Daegond said.
“And you're running out of original threats, Daegond.” Thendryt replied. Annunghil snorted, loudly.
“One day, one of them will be smacked back into your mouth, and when spitting blood with half of an apology, you shall say ‘But what have I done’. Then I will show you this door.” Daegond gestured towards the doors. “Which you slammed in our presence. A door nobler than you.”
“I'm sure the door is most pleased with your words, would you like me to introduce you?” Thendryt replied.
An expression of pure hatred came onto Daegond’s face.
“Now, if you're not going to move –“ Thendryt started, but stopped himself as he saw Lilleduil come up behind the two Elves.
“Gentlemen. Good day to you.” Lilleduil said, her voice calm.
Annunghil turned to greet her.
“Greetings, Lilleduil.”
“Lady Lilleduil.” Daegond said, maintaining his attention on Thendryt.
“Greetings, Sergaent, Hir Annunghil.” She replied.
Thendryt moved his back to Daegond, and lowered his voice.
“We’re not finished.”
Thendryt moved to the side, and walked past the two Elves. He made sure to step on Daegond’s foot on his way past the Elf.
“You should pick your confrontations more wisely, Thendryt.” Annunghil said, as he passed him.
Thendryt stopped next to Lilleduil and greeted her before continuing down.
Thendryt made it down one set of stairs before his next encounter. Picking up the pace as he was descending, Thendryt violently bumped into a plate-clad Elf. Collecting himself, Thendryt found, to his annoyance, that he had to look up to find the damn Elf’s eyes. Raolor, also of the Hammer, was blocking his way down.
“Thendryt.” His voice was cold, challenging.
“Raolor.” The two locked eyes. If there was ever a contest of who could give the angriest look, they would most likely tie.
“Oh, hello, Raolor!” Lilleduil said, and made her way down. Her words seemed to throw the Elf off balance, forcing him to control himself.
“You know my name, mortal.” Raolor said, focusing on Thendryt. “Know, that the only reason why you are still alive, is Faörie of Lorien.”
“Well, there might be a couple of reasons...” Lilleduil said, walking up behind Thendryt.
“I'm sorry to hear you lack of loyalty for Lord Elrond.” Thendryt said, sharply. One would think he’d be the major reason you’d not commit murder under his roof, not you lover. The arrogance of some Elves never ceased to amaze Thendryt.
“Loyalty?” Raolor said. Touched a nerve, did I? Thendryt thought. “You know how I am called, mortal? They call me the stonemason. But I do not only sculpt in stone, I sculpt in bones. And flesh.”
“Really? The smell must be fitting for you.” Thendryt replied, taking a step towards the Elf.
“Hir Raolor, are you going to let us pass?” Lilleduil said, her voice threateningly pleasant. It even sent shivers up Thendryt’s spine. “Or shall we use the other ramp?”
“Lucky you, mortal. Lilleduil is my friend.” Raolor said, and walked to the side. Thendryt never took his eyes off him.
“Thendryt. I want to talk to you.” Lilleduil said, taking her eyes off Raolor.
“Outside.” Thendryt replied, and finally made his way down the stairs.
