Thendryt closed his eyes as he tasted his first ale in months.
The Campaign in the Misty Mountains was over, and he was eager to return to the Coldfells.
Vanimar had lost an Elf. Not that he was overly surprised, it was a military campaign after all, but it seemed a big deal to the Elves. He hadn’t been at the funeral, he had no reason to. He just wanted to get out of here, as soon as possible.
He let his hand move up to his chest. The chainmail under the tunic felt heavy, even if the wound from Dolthafaer’s arrow was mostly healed.
He heard noises from outside halls of the Warband. His hand fell as the doors opened and a large group of Elves walked in. He heard Faorie’s voice, laughter and Elvish. He remembered something about a birthday party for Faorie.
He remained in his chair until the ale was gone. He starred at the empty horn and sighed. He got up, and grabbed his weapons. Thendryt stopped at the door and looked at his drinking horn again. He turned around, and made his way to the main hall. The Elves were loud, cheerful.
He tried to not make eye contact with the Elves as he made his way towards the keg. He managed the way there, but after his horn was filled his luck ran out.
Khalis spotted him and beckoned.
“Need something, Captain?” Thendryt asked, as he made his way there.
“Expecting trouble?” Khalis asked, gesturing to Thendryt’s weapons. Thendryt noticed some Vanimar Elves and other Warband members looking his way.
“Thendryt!” Faorie exclaimed as she spotted him. “I’m glad to see you made it.”
“I had just noticed that Thendryt brought you many weapon-like gifts, Faorie.” Khalis said, as Faorie joined them.
“I see. He cannot leave home without it, it seems.” Faorie replied, giving him a warm smile. A few new Elves walked into the hall and Faorie quickly excused herself to go and greet them.
“Thendryt, good evening.” Thendryt turned his head and spotted Virthalion, a senior Caun of the Warband, to his right.
“Caun.” Thendryt said, and nodded.
“Are we expecting orcs to the party?” Virthalion asked, also gesturing to Thendryt’s weapons.
“Not expecting Orcs, Virthalion.” Thendryt started. “But I'll be returning to the Coldfells after this.”
Virthalion smirked at his first reply but his face quickly grew serious.
“How fares the Coldfells?”
“Last I heard the enemy was pushing the Hoarwell.” Thendryt replied. “But I've been absent for a long time, I doubt that information is still valid.”
“Then it will do well for you to return, so that you can continue your watch.” Virthalion said.
Thendryt raised his horn and finished it.
“You don't say.”
Moments later Elisbeth joined the conversation. The Coldfells was discussed, and even Norliriel, one of the Vanimar Elves, walked over and asked about it. More and more Elves gathered around him and he felt more and more uncomfortable. When Parnard also moved over Thendryt threw a longing glance over at the keg.
“Greetings, Thendryt. Any reason you are armed?” Curundar said and also walked over.
Thendryt threw the Elf an irritated look and growled in response.
“You sure you want to know?” Curundar took a step back and shrugged, nervously.
“Please, if I could have everyone's attention!” Faorie said with a high voice. “Nelnardis and I have challenged each other... To a spar! Will you all join us outside? I think this would be a good opportunity to show off the skills of all who have attended, as all of you are fine warriors.”
The gathered Elves looked around but quickly followed Faorie and Nelnadris outside.
Elisbeth walked up to Thendryt and handed him a fresh cup of ale. He took it and swept it in one go.
“I'll be able to beat up Elves without question? I better not miss this...” Thendryt said and followed the Elves outside as Elisbeth followed him, giggling.
