“As you requested, Elisbeth.” Khalis said as he dismounted. The ride to Echad Dagoras had gone smoothly, even for Thendryt. Then again, his wounds were healing nicely and they weren’t severe. Bovad had appreciated the ride, he could tell. Poor horse had been in a stable for far too long.
“And how did you come to this place?” Elisbeth asked.
“On horses, Elisbeth.” Khalis replied. Thendryt tried, very hard, not to laugh out loud at that remark. Elisbeth did not look amused.
“Swiftly.” Lilleduil put in, before things got worse.
“Yes, on horseback.” Caleniel added, as to complete Lilleduil’s statement.
“Swiftly? You all thought that a wise decision to make?” Elisbeth asked, while giving them all a slow glance.
“Yes.” Khalis said, shortly.
“I didn’t see a problem with it.” Thendryt continued.
“You both believe that the correct decision?” Elisbeth asked, looking at Lilleduil and Caleniel.
“I believe so.” Caleniel said.
“I kept watch. He didn't fall back. If he had, we would have slowed our pace.” Lilleduil replied, looking briefly at Khalis.
“So it was the correct decision, Lilleduil?”
“Yes.” Lilleduil started, but was interrupted by Khalis.
“It was my decision. Elisbeth.”
“I had no doubt it would be, Khalis.” Elisbeth said, her eyes lingering on Lilleduil for a moment. “No doubt trying to prove Thendryt was incapable of keeping up.” She gave Khalis a hard look. “I was hoping all four of you could have reached a joined decision. Rather than simply following an order. No matter, either way serves our purpose.”
“With all due respect…” Thendryt said.
“No one can doubt that Thendryt is capable.” Elisbeth said, interrupting him. “I will hear no more talk of sending him back to Imladris. It clouds our purpose.”
“Taking orders is what we do here.” Thendryt continued. “I’m used to following the Captain’s….”
“It feels right to me, thank you, Lady Elisbeth.” Caleniel cut in, interrupting Thendryt yet again, as if he was about to say something he shouldn’t.
“Blindly following orders is not what will ensure our survival. Surely, we have all learnt that in the past.” Elisbeth was getting angry, it was the first time he’d seen it.
“It wasn’t blind.” Lilleduil said, looking very uncomfortable by the whole conversation.
“Really, Lilleduil? Did any of you question or discuss other possibilities, other than a swift ride?” Elisbeth remarked.
“No.”
“Did you weigh up other possibilities? Was there a need to ride that particular journey so swiftly? Could energy be conserved for when the need was greater?” Elisbeth took a breath and seemed to calm down. She smiled, gently, at Lilleduil.
“The possibilities were much more varied.”
“We are Eldar. We are strong enough to ride night and day without rest, Elisbeth.” Khalis said, folding his arms.
“Not all of the company is, as you know well, Khalis.” Elisbeth said, turning her attention to the tall Captain.
“I know, he’s slowing us down.” Something seemed to snap in Lilleduil at that moment. The look she gave Khalis made even Thendryt shiver.
“Captain.” Lilleduil said. “Just so you know, I will be discouraging Eirallyn from joining the Warband.” Khalis turned slightly towards her, just enough to be able to see her from under his hood.
“You told me to bring promising individuals to your attention. Any such I bring to you in future will be Elves.”
“Elisbeth, a word?” Thendryt said, tilting his head away from the group.
“Before we go any further, I will not tolerate prejudice against menfolk... By any of you.” Elisbeth said, firmly. Her gaze remained on them for a moment before she walked away from the group beside Thendryt.
“Sir, you have done nothing but talk of the superiority of the Eldar for days now.” Lilleduil’s voice could be heard even from a distance.
“Yes, Thendryt?” Elisbeth said, with a slight sigh. Thendryt leaned in and lowered his voice.
“That has to be enough. I appreciate what you’re doing for me, but I am very capable of handling this myself. I don’t need your name and trust to be judged because of me.”
“In front of Thendryt!” Lilleduil’s voice could be heard all the way back to Imladris, he thought.
“I won’t tolerate any prejudice in this Warband” Elisbeth whispered back. “Not by anyone.”
“I value men for their insight and short term vision, LIlleduil.” Khalis was busy defending himself, it seemed. “But we also have to accept they are weaker than almost all of our kind!”
“I think I know why he’s acting like this, Elis.”
“And there you go again! You make my point for me!”
“Let’s just get this mission underway. He’ll be better once we’ve traveled further, I’m sure.” Thendryt whispered, as retreated slightly.
“Thus, when wounded they should rest and recover, rather than be lost through unrequired stubbornness or bravery!” I heard that, Captain. Thendryt thought, making a face.
“And how much of this stubbornness is caused by your attitude?”
“Let’s just get this over with...” He said to Elisbeth, turning back towards the group.
“Who would not wish to prove themselves in the face of such remarks?” Lilleduil commented.
“I will keep my own council then, from hence forth!” Khalis said sharply and walked over to his horse.
“We ride south!” Elisbeth commanded.
You may fool them, Khalis. But you do not fool me. This has nothing to with me being a Man, nor my weaknesses. You’re afraid. You’re afraid I will die. Azgarzir is missing, presumed dead, Gaufwin is wherever he wants to be, Aeradin you have staying in Bree with Killandra, Dimie is also missing since his last patrol, Eireden and Hirvengost are away on personal travels, Lisca hasn’t been seen in months, or even years, and even on this mission, the newest human to join the Warband got a spear in her chest. And then the largest Man in the Warband collapses from blood loss into a river, almost drowning, because of your orders. You don’t think I saw the look on your face at my funeral? You don’t think I see the pain in your eyes every time one of my Kin falls to the ground? You don’t think I understand why you want me in the safest place you know?
There’s only one problem, Captain. I make my own fate.
