Continued from: A Letter to the Lords Anglachelm and Veryacano; An Errand Unto Thee; A Hard Lesson; Unexpected Aid; The Shifting Paths; A Display of Character
Busy all morning getting ready for the journey, and setting things right in my chamber before I leave. By our meeting last night, it was decided that we would bring provision for a week, resupplying along the way; and Lord Belegos told me to bring warm clothing and furs, but travel lightly; and so I will bring my heavy tunic and my fur-lined cloak. Now I am at a loss as to what else to bring, besides my sword, and my little book of Quenya, and my embroidery, which should be a good diversion for the road. Lady Danel was there, and she was very plainly dressed in brown, but it made her even more handsome I think, excepting the dark purple and black bruises lying stark against her fair cheek, but she said they will heal soon. She seemed in good spirits, though very distracted she was, I suppose by the talk of the journey. Lord Belegos looked somewhat doubtfully at me, and hoped that I would be able to carry my own supplies. It made me a little vexed that he would say this, especially before the two ladies present, and I asked that lord why he thought me unfit for this duty, and he replied he did not, so I had to let it pass.
They seemed afeard if the warrior Estarfin will not be granted permission in time to join us on our venture; nothing being heard on this matter from Estarfin or Lord Veryacano, and we would not prolong our delay with the cold weather. It is likely that Estarfin will not come, and I was glad to hear it, and mightily surprised when Lord Belegos seemed to read my thought; for he said that I was likely made happy by this news. I perceive that he has spoken to Estarfin, and by his discourse, Lord Belegos has been unfairly turned against me.
Rainith said if there was discord amongst the group, it should be brought to light before we left the Valley. I had a great mind to lay it all out before them, and tell them what happened at the camp of the Vindurhal, but dared not, because of Lord Belegos’ friendship to Estarfin, and it did not matter anyway, as Estarfin would not be coming along, so I quietly let all pass. Then the talk turned towards the paths we would take, and Lord Belegos looked at me, and asked that I tell him of the Greenwood. To which I replied, I could tell him many things of my home, and said the lord would need to be more particular. He did not wish for me to talk of the colour of the leaves, or the best way to cook deer-meat: these were his words, which I thought very strange, because everyone knows the leaves are green in the summer and brown in the winter, or should be if they are not black. Then he desired that I show him the paths I took in the South Forest, and led me over to a map on the wall. I told him that I did not know where I was in those dark woods, having no map, and did advise that nobody should go thither, but as that is where we must go, I thought that I could find my way back. My answer seemed to satisfy Lord Belegos, and then Rainith drew him aside, and spoke privately about matters, how long I know not, for I left soon after.
