The small campfire went out as darkness fell over the hill and the broad valley underneath. The Dunadan lied seated on the soft grass with his back leaning on a thick tree trunk, hugging his sheathed swords which lied between his stretched out legs as his consciousness was slowly fading towards a light sleep. Yet, his eyes were still fixated on the back of his companion. The woman favored keeping her hood on, taking little sleep and the constant use of black speech, which Angelnarth detested to a good extent, for it felt an insult to anything that he loved and cared for. The tongue of the Deceiver himself.
Assaj dared even mention the name of the Greater one, the one they named Morgoth. Angelnarth knew little of the true incarnation of evil, but his very being shivered at the mention of the name, for he recalled the stories of the Noldor that had reached his ears over the years. Moreover, she would openly show her dislike, and even disgust at times over things that Angelnarth has said and done during their long ride towards the north. He struggled to offer her the warmth of his compassion, because for all his awkwardness and solitude of heart, Angelnarth possessed the gift of kindness through extreme politeness and sincerety that little men could demonstrate the way he did.
Nevertheless, none of it worked with this one. The woman was clearly as scarred from the inside as she was in flesh, if not even more. She was a challenge, yes, the Swordsman did view her as such by now. Many times he found himself losing his patience, though he did try his best not to show it. He reckoned he had grasped the concept of patience by now, even mastered it to a certain extent, but little did he know for real. Still he was assured that this savage of a girl held some goodness in her heart, and all he had to do is search for it further. His thoughts went back to his own mentor, he wondered if he ever felt the same way. But he was Noldor, not a mortal. This had to make a difference, no less.
He gently wrapped his thick cloak around him, holding his swords close to his chest and finally closed his eyes shut, determined to not let her go another night without getting any sleep. He would wake to take up the second watch. "I shall surpass my limits for you...I promise. Goodnight.", he lisped, before his last defenses fell and he finally fell asleep. Their destination was close.
