Yrill

“Where is Yrill?” asked Culufinnel.  

“Looking ahead,” answered Estarfin as he adjusted his gleaming armor.

“I was looking as well: up there,” Culufinnel said, motioning above.

 As Yrill and Captain Culufinnel continued their pursuit, he asked again, “You are certain this is the correct way? We have wasted enough time.”

Yrill took the momentary opportunity to reclaim some of her arrows. Ceuro halted nearby, sword ready, poised for the unexpected. “All this area bears Lord Estarfin’s hallmark,” he said grimly. 

They both looked swiftly around the nearby quays at the bodies and the blood. 

“I know not where they are,” insisted Culuninnel, biting back at Estarfin's accusation. “But this cloak means -”

Again the Noldo advanced so that his large horse almost trod on the Captain.

Ceuro took the empty plate and goblet and headed back down from the lookout spot on the ridge. He had endured something of an onslaught from the angry Filignil. She was still on duty, and would be for another hour, and she was not at all amused that she had only just had the day’s happenings explained to her. The Housekeeper-come-Guard was a swift shot with a bow. None would enter Numenstaya without her knowing, and her permission.

She returned nigh midday, to find Estarfin speaking casually with the Dwarven workers about the wall building. He hailed her as she rode past him to the stables. Despite his earlier words, he did not seem particularly at ease.

“Any news, Yrill?”

Swan-Hoof had fortunately suffered no injuries, but she was restless and concerned, not only for Pelorian, but for Parnard and Danel. Both horses were tossing their heads, neighing and snorting. ‘Could the horses but speak,’ Yrill thought, not for the first time in her life. 

Mirdanel took her hand and grasped it reassuringly, with unexpected strength. She had always wondered at how an elleth with such small hands could forge as well as she did. But then for a Mirdan, small hands were a benefit. Istuil had seen the Lady work on larger items too. Though she did not have the strength…nor the skills of a metal-smith, Mirdanel was far stronger than she looked.