Band of Brothers

“Thank you for coming out here again so soon, Lilleduil,” Elrohir said. “I know that things are a bit…unsettled for you in the Valley at present.”

Lilleduil, who had just unsaddled and settled Braigsul, approached the campfire and bowed to her liege lord. “I am at your disposal always, my lord. What is it you wished to speak to me about?”

"Firstly, I wish to know how you are doing."

"I am fine, my lord."

"Fine? Elrohir's expression was gently dubious.

"Functional, then."

"Now that I can well believe. If you remember, I told you once that if you had any complaint of Fingolrin, you could apply to me for redress. Do you wish to do that?"

"Complaint? No, I have no complaint!" Lilleduil said hastily. "He is not dead, nor in the West. He is simply in Lindon. And he has not offended against me in the least!" She gave Elrohir a sidelong look. "I had thought that I might go see him in the Spring, did you permit it."

Her liege lord quirked a smile. "Provided the Enemy cooperates, I think that could be arranged. Thank you again for coming. I wanted to speak to you privately about something. Brother is out patrolling. He thought it best, given your former…allegiances.”

That was interesting, and a bit puzzling. Her curiosity was roused. “My former allegiances?”

“Yes. Come sit. There will be stewed vegetables shortly, and bread and cheese for you.” She’d left as soon as Elrohir’s message had arrived, but evening was falling at Thorenhad and supper was obviously being made ready. Pleasant smells filled the air from bubbling pots and there were a couple of rabbits and pheasants sizzling on spits for those without her dietary quibbles. When she had seated herself, Elrohir handed her a mug of tea and took one up for himself.

“I don’t like waste,” he said without preamble, “and I see the very real possibility that Imladris will lose the services of some very good people who have been…cast adrift, as it were.”

Lilleduil thought of Nelnardis, who was contemplating leaving the Valley. Of Adanmiel, who seemed inclined much the same way. Of Faorie, who had been coming and going already-and though Raolor’s presence had been a bit of a reassuring bond, what would happen if he departed, as might very well be the case? Would Faorie follow him? Then there was Thendryt, who had suffered one betrayal too many. And Lilleduil had not even seen Curundar since the disbanding of the Warband. He might very well have returned to Lorien since he had proven his courage to himself.

“Your concern is valid, sir,” she said quietly, sipping her tea.

“I know it is. Therefore, I have a proposition for you, and for the others. I want you all to come and work for me.”

Though not entirely unexpected, Lilleduil felt her eyebrows lifting nonetheless. “Like a new Warband?”

“No. I have something of broader scope in mind. The Valley is safe enough at present, but the Enemy is moving in many places, some more subtly than others. A group of elite warriors, who can move swiftly and with stealth if necessary, who can get in, accomplish a task and get out, might do a great deal more good than their small numbers would indicate. That is what I am thinking of. I’ll provide support and supplies, housing, arms, armament if necessary, mounts and such.”

“Does your father know about this?”

“Of course. As does my brother. But you will be answering to me, not them or the Council. This is something I have been wanting to do for a while, and now seems a Valar-given opportunity.”

“Five isn’t a very large group.”

“No, it isn’t. I have no problem with you all recruiting others you think appropriate from Elves or Men. That Dunadan girl you like so well might be useful for a start. But I can be a harsh taskmaster-make that plain to any you approach.”

“Very well, sir.” Lilleduil drank some more tea as she pondered the proposal. “Am I…supposed to be the leader?” She understood pack dynamics pretty well, but that didn’t match exactly what happened between Men or Elves. Certainly she'd made her share of misjudgments there... Elrohir shrugged.

“Who leads and how you all organize is up to you-so long as it is efficient. I do not want to see any quarreling.” That was understandable, given recent and not so recent events. “And needless to say, I expect a level of comportment appropriate to warriors sworn to my house and myself.”

“Of course, my lord.”

“I have written out my proposal. You may consider it the basis of a charter of sorts, if you wish, Lilleduil, to be added or amended to by you and your fellows as needed. I will give it to you after dinner. And if they wish to speak to me directly, either send them here, or if necessary, I will return to Imladris. I can well understand that they might be chary of new associations, particularly so soon.”

That was the understatement of the age, particularly as regarded Thendryt! She looked at her liege lord over the rim of her cup.

"My lord Elrohir..."

"Yes?"

"It would probably be best if you were to speak to Thendryt Morson directly. I don't think he would be inclined to agree to any proposal that was delivered second hand."

Elrohir regarded her thoughtfully. "Perhaps you are right. And I should like to make my own assessment about his...fitness."

Lilleduil nodded and sat back, cradling her cup. She would feel more confident herself about Thendryt were Elrohir to speak with him, for though her liege was not a healer like his father, he had spent much time among Men and was a good judge of them. In fact, the more she thought about Lord Elrohir's idea, the more she liked it. It seemed they all needed structure of a sort, some more than others, and had been missing it. And they certainly all liked and valued each others’ company! A small, enthusiastic glow began to kindle beneath her breastbone, lifting the chill malaise that had settled there.

“With your leave, I’ll head back after dinner, my lord, and seek them out as swiftly as I may.”

"You don't have to leave so quickly, Lilleduil. I'm not in that much of a hurry."

She looked at Elrohir almost pleadingly. "Busy is best for me right now."

He smiled at her understandingly. “Then of course you have my leave. But come-if you insist upon doing another night ride, let's get a hot meal into you first!”