There was a small army of Elves waiting when Thendryt finally arrived in the Vale. Vanimar Elves were rushing here and there, getting supplies, weapons and other things in order. He didn’t know many Elves from Vanimar, but had recognized Parnard, standing somewhat in the middle. Thendryt had been the first Warband member on the scene, but he hadn’t waited long before Virthalion had joined him. Soon after, Faorie, Curundar and Khalis. Elisbeth had taken her time, but made it eventually.
It seemed that Vanimar was ready at that point. Their leaders had arrived, introductions had been made and the Order of the Hammer, Vanimar’s soldier branch from the looks of them, had lined up neatly along the road, in formation.
Thendryt walked in front the formation of Elves. It took more than standing in a line to impress him though. An Elf on the far side was eying him. Thendryt recognized him. Daegond, the two of them had met once before, in the Hall of Fire. Thendryt had walked out on them, through Daegond.
Thendryt winked at the Elf, but Daegond continued to stare. A female Elf bowed slightly to him, but he paid her no mind. He gave Daegond one last glare and returned to the Warband.
The Elves started yelling orders in Elvish, and the company began to move. Thendryt had no idea what had been said, just followed with the others.
They stopped at the northern gate for a final preparation and briefing. Thendryt noticed that Khalis was watching a group of Elves, presumably not with Vanimar. Khalis had told him that these were Elves who had lost companions on the high pass, and that was one of the reasons they were going up there.
Thendryt walked past Khalis and the others, placing himself right in front of the Wood-Elves. He didn’t think they looked out of the ordinary, however one of the female Elves seemed to eye him, suspiciously.
“Thendryt…” Khalis said, as he rejoined the group. “Be friendly.”
Thendryt turned his head just enough for him to catch a glimpse of Khalis from under his hood. The Elf was smiling at him. He turned his head back towards the Vanimar Elf leading the expedition.
“Aren’t I always?” He said, coldly.
They set up dawn at dusk. Thendryt had had enough of Elvish for a lifetime. Being the only Man made him feel out of place, to say the least. Why was he even a part of this? As an obligation to the Warband most likely, but he still wasn’t happy about it. Angmar was pushing the Hoarwell and he was freezing his boots off along with a legion of Elves, set out to find some lost little Wood-Elves? What, were they going to clear the entire goblin network to do it? They’d lose more Elves than they’d save, he thought.
He spotted Elisbeth, seemingly talking to the Vanimar Elf in charge, Veryacano.
“Elis. Anything I can do around here? I'm not going to sit and watch Elves chit chat for an entire night.” Looked like he interrupted them, but he needed to get away from these Elves. At least for a short time.
“And Thendryt here has just volunteered to patrol as well.” Elisbeth said, shifting over to Westron. She looked at him. “You can patrol the area Thendryt. Watch out for Wargs, though.”
“Anything I'm strictly NOT allowed to do?”
“Do not harm any Elves.” Elisbeth started. “And make sure you do come back to rest.” The look she gave him annoyed him, like she knew he was going to refuse.
He turned around quickly, eager to get away from all the Elvish and the constant looks from the Elves. He turned around too fast, for behind stood the female Wood-Elf. He bumped into her and she staggered to keep her footing. She was shorter than him, and it didn’t take much to make an Elf lose balance for Thendryt. Their lack of mass meant that he never had to try hard if he wanted one out of his way. This Elf didn’t seem to like being knocked over. She glared at him, anger filling up her eyes. Thendryt recognized the look, most of the other Elves had it as well. Damn Men.
Anger and frustration boiled inside of him as he glared back at her. He advanced and walked through her on purpose this time, knocking her out of the way again, as he made his way out of the camp.
Better get out of this camp before I get into a fight with one of these Elves…
