Sindalea leans back against the mossy rocks and stares into the distance. The sun has started to set, illuminating the Twilight Lake with a dim, violet glow. The woman sighs, having longed for this moment of solitude for a while now. For the first time since leaving Bree, she lights up her thin wooden pipe. Sweet, intoxicating smoke fills her lungs. The voices and sounds coming from the Rangers' camp are slowly drowned out of her mind, leaving her to her own thoughts.
I wonder why he came along. I thought I understood, but clearly I do not.
When it comes to the young Ranger Lefwin, the motives are clear as day. His poorly hidden affections are quite endearing. The way he looks at me, he’s like a big, eager puppy. He is putty in my hands and I didn’t have to do anything for it but exist.
But Pedhir, the Gondorian… a war-scarred veteran running from his memories, no doubt. Our very first meeting went exactly the same as with Lefwin before. It was almost comical. I was certain I had him under my spell. But if he ever was, he has now escaped. Or rather, he has been dragged away by Cat’s clawed grasp. They might as well stay away the next time they run off together and spare me the sight of their interactions…
But where is my own anger coming from? It is in part the stolen victory, but… Oh, I am lying to myself now, it is not just that. This hurts not just my ego. Maybe I shouldn’t be asking why he came with me, but why I wanted him to come with me… Bloody hell, I’ve let myself go weak and look what it got me. I should just have gone on my own, instead of dragging other people along by putting on my act.
“Sindaleth, scholar from a distant land. Damsel in need of a brave man's protection. Come one, come all!"
Hah! The mask shall slip any time now.
