The brooch's golden frame glittered faintly under the day's first light, lying in the middle of Angelnarth's palm. He clutched it tightly into his fist, bringing it up to his chin's height as he closed his eyes. "Brother..", he whispered, "..your victory was but a delusion. What am I to do now that I stand alone.". He turned and glanced over at the woman, sleeping on the soft grass while lying on her back. Even now, there was something about her that betrayed her unease. His eyes then turned toward the nearby trees, certain that the elf would choose such a place to rest while watching over them.
There was yet no word of his Order, no sign of life whatsoever and despite used to carrying out missions on his own, this time Angelnarth felt exposed and vulnerable. It was not that he did not have faith or trust in his heart for his new companions, such as they were, but rather, the Swordsman knew that what he felt in his heart was fear. He returned his gaze to Assaj, the woman was truly little better than an orc in human attire, at least when it came down to manner or culture. She was efficient in combat, no doubt of that. Stronger than most men he had met, and with little remorse when it came down to taking a life. Angelnarth accepted the fact that he liked her, for she was truthful and carried a certain quality that common men like to refer to as guts. He even cared about her, indeed, she was his friend. But it would not get in the way of the mission now. Nothing would. Furthermore, the woman's soul was that of a slave, meager and battered.
She took satisfaction in configuring the standing of others compared to her, higher, lower or equals, if such as the latter existed for he, and always based on physical strength and authority, no less. She insisted on having him as her master and owner, until now. Angelnarth had now declared to her that she was free, for good. But he knew beforehand that freedom was for her no simple thing...she was too scared. He did everything in his power, stretched his wit and merit as thin as he possibly could, but little results did he see on her so far. She was too set on her own ways, the orc ways. Putting her through the challenge of freedom through accountability for her own actions was his last resort now, one that would judge her fate after they returned from the north. If, they returned.
And then there was Morwen, the young Silvan. Angelnarth had only met her for a few, brief moments in which they exchanged words concerning their mission. The girl was good hearted and eager to follow orders to serve the best she could, but it was an explicit fact to the Dunadan that she was by far the youngest scout in king Thranduil's service.
His thought went to the sellsword, the boy's brother, man named Bronylf. He insisted that his brother had surrendered to darkness forever...and that he was beyond salvation. But what brother gives up on his own blood like that. Angelnarth had his doubts, even if he kept them hidden from Assaj, and the man himself. Some secrecy was required, even amongst his own companions, for the Swordsman knew that the enemy was both strong and canny this time. Assaj, on the other hand, had no problem punching Pellam's brother in his face, and certainly wished the same with Angelnarth, but contained herself somehow. She was no diplomat after all, and did not value the need for secrecy. It was for the best that she did not know Angelnarth's thoughts thoroughly.
It fell to him now more than ever to protect his Order and by extension everything that he held sacred by assailing the Enemy in his own land, accompanied not by his sworn brothers in arms, but rather, these two. He drove doubt and fear out of his mind, focusing now on the current task at hand, to save the boy named Pellam. Days ago, he recalled how he once led his men to the same place they were now heading, and how that journey would forever change his life. He wondered if this was his second chance, or rather...the fate's cruel way of punishing him. Assaj looked at him, rolling her eyes the way she always did when she found him in deep thought. He noticed her in but an instant, realizing that she was set to continue the road. Time for rest and reflection was over.
"Let's go."
