But What is the Question?

Danel had returned from Duillond with artist materials. Her intent was to make more sketches of jewellry that she again set up her crafting and reestablish her good name in Mithlond as a jewel smith. Barahirn came from the stable to greet her, and take Pelorian's head. The horse was a touch skittish, unlike her normal self. 

"Has she been like that on the trip, Lady?" the stable master asked, looking at the mare's fetlocks, her hooves, her legs. 

"No. Just since we rode in."

Dismounting, Danel joined Barahirn in examining Pelorian. The mare shook her head. 'Nothing wrong with her.'

"Perhaps she misses Gilastor," Danel said with a short laugh. "Is Estarfin out riding?"

Barahirn looked down a moment. "Lord Estarfin left earlier. He said to tell you he rides in search of answers."

"Answers? To what questions?"

"He did not deign to inform me, Lady Danel."

She looked again at Pelorian, who rolled her eyes in return.

"Yes, I agree."

Estarfin came and went as he wished, usually to Duillond or the coast. This sounded different. For him to depart without first talking over something he was questioning seemed strange, but even stranger was her mare's sudden mood.

A terrible thought came to her mind. "Barahirn, have you noticed aught wrong with Gilastor?"

((With thanks to Estarfin yet again for the picture.))