A young dark blond haired elf stands under the golden leafs of Lothlórien in a battle ready stance, his spear resting over his shield, fear can clearly be seen in his dark green eye has he looks over the battlefield. He takes a deep breath and looks down the line of Elves, looking closer he sees none are acting like him. Their eyes forward, no fear can be seen in their eyes as their breath steady has a calm sea, waiting for the attack to begin.
Curundar head snapped back as he hears an orc-horn from the north, his eyes widen as he sees a small force of Orcs come down the hill towards them, snarling, grunting, and shouting in Black Speech as they charged. Curundar's spear hand became sweaty as he watched the horde run down; he starts to shake as he looks on in terror. “Hold!” A shout came further down the line from a red cloaked elf. “Let none pass! Don’t break rank!” Curundar looks back to the charging horde as it came closer to them, wielding cruel looking weapons with stained blood.
Curundar’s feet start to slowly move back the more they came closer until at last fear took over his heart. He shook his head, tilted his spear upright before turning quickly and running back to the talan. “Curundar! Get back into formation!” His Commander, Ryruil shout, but it fell on deaf ears as the young elf ran for his life. As he reached the talan he turns and sees Ryruil move swiftly to his spot in the line just before the horde crashed into them.
Later that night as the Elves returned from the battlefield Ryruil took Curundar aside. “Why did you run, Curundar?” he asked, watching the young elf closely. The young elf’s eyes lowered in shame. “I-...Fear gripped my heart, Commander. One Orc maybe two I could handle but a whole horde?” He shook his head slowly. “No, I just couldn't take it... I am sorry, Sir.” Ryruil watched as the Elf speaks before shaking his head with a sigh. “I am sorry Curundar, but perhaps it is best if you seek a new profession, or even gathering training elsewhere. We can’t have this happen again. I was lucky that I could jump into your place in time before the horde engaged.” He sighs again. “We could have lost someone Curundar...I am sorry, but there is nothing else I can do for you.”
The young elf’s head snapped up at Ryruil's words. After a moment of shock Curundar lowered his head again, accepting the decision of the older elf with a small nod. Ryruil sighed again before slowly walking closer to the shamed elf; he places a hand on Curundar’s shoulder and shook it gently. “I hope you can find what you are looking for; I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide.” He pats his shoulder before leaving the elf to his thoughts.
