As soon as Nelnardis stirred, she willed herself to her feet and reached for her pack. It was just about dawn, but she searched for a piece of parchment and something to write with. Thendryt was already sitting by the fire when she walked into the main room of the beorning’s house.
She said nothing, making her way straight to one of the tables to begin writing a letter for Elrohir. Every now and then she glanced at Thendryt, as if he knew what she was writing about, as if he could see through the back of his head and read the Sindarin on the page.
He is insisting we travel South, through the Gap of Rohan, though I have no idea why he will not take the Pass. He has said Eirallyn and I are free to take it as we wish, however I cannot let him travel hundreds of leagues alone for personal matters unbeknownst to me, and I cannot force him to take the Pass…
Hearing the sounds of Eirallyn approaching, Nelnardis picked up the piece of parchment so she wouldn’t have a chance to read it.
“Leaving a note?” she asked.
“I am just writing a letter.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” She turned and headed over to the other table, laid with breakfast.
Putting the piece of parchment back on the table, Nelnardis signed it.
“Good morning, Thendryt!” she heard Eirallyn speak, cheerfully. She heard no response from Thendryt, only a yawn.
Peering closely at the ink, Nelnardis was satisfied it had dried, so she folded up the piece of parchment into a small square. She would have to send it off when they were closer to the Trollshaws, or even better pass it to an Elf scout nearby who would take it to Thorenhad. She slid the parchment into her pocket before joining the breakfast table.
“Sithoria left us some food to take with us as well. Kind of her.” Eirallyn commented.
Nelnardis began packing some of the food for the journey. “We should leave soon,” she said.
Eirallyn nodded and slipped some of the food into her own saddlebags.
“I’ll go and see to the horses,” Thendryt spoke, bluntly, “Meet you outside.”
Nelnardis fastened the straps on her pack as the door shut behind him. “I am ready.”
“Not a morning person, apparently,” Eirallyn muttered.
Nelnardis picked up a piece of bread from the table, letting out a small chuckle, “Do you know him well?”
Setting her mug on the table, Eirallyn gave Nelnardis a surprised look, “I assumed you knew him much better than I did – what with being in the Warband together,” she pointed out.
“True, though I never spent much time with him. Most of our conversations have been brief.”
“We've talked a few times,” said Eirallyn. “Stubborn and private is all I really know.”
Nelnardis couldn’t hold back a laugh, “That sounds about right.” It was all she had ever really heard about Thendryt. His stubbornness and his unwillingness to share anything about himself to anyone.
“Though I've noticed he's nicer to me than to elves.”
She grinned, “I do not know what he has against us.” It amused her more than wounded her.
“Which has always been the puzzle,” Eirallyn replied, “For someone who doesn't care for them, he certainly seems to arrange it to where he has to spend a lot of time in elven company.” She grinned, “I like puzzles.”
Nelnardis smiled back, thoughtfully. It was true – Thendryt did spend a lot of time in elven company. Odd, for someone who prefers not to. He had jumped from one elven order, into another.
Eirallyn motioned towards the door. “Shall we?” she asked, brining Nelnardis back from her thoughts. She nodded.
The two of them picked up their bags and walked towards the front door. Nelnardis fastened her new, dark green cloak around her shoulders and exited the house with Eirallyn behind her.
~
“We were travelling back through the Trollshaws, so I thought it best to speak with you in person.” Nelnardis muttered in Sindarin to Lord Elrohir by the campfire in Thorenhad.
He nodded to her, “It has been several days now since you left for Esteldín.”
“Yes, I have written you a letter already as you asked, though I fear it has not reached you yet.”
Elrohir shook his head, “No, I have not received any news from you. How is your journey so far?”
Nelnardis swallowed. “I am afraid it will be a very long, arduous one, hir.” She pulled the small, square piece of parchment from her pocket and handed it to him, “I have explained everything in this letter, though I need guidance. Thendryt is refusing to take the pass to Lothlorien. He is insisting on taking the road all the way South through the Gap of Rohan – and then North to Lorien!” She shook her head, clenching her fists.
“The Gap of Rohan?” he asked, eyeing her.
“I do not understand him. We cannot let him go alone, and it will take us weeks out of our way. Hundreds of leagues…”
“Do it,” Elrohir cut her off suddenly.
She stared at him, furrowing her brow, lost for words.
“I am interested to see where this goes. If he will not be persuaded to take the Pass with you, take the route he insists on travelling. Keep writing to me when you can, though only if it is safe enough to do so. Do not tell the other two you have spoken to me on this matter. I wonder if Thendryt will explain himself to me.”
Nelnardis pursed her lips, “We will see. Le hannon, Elrohir,” She nodded to him as she began to walk away. He nodded to her as she turned her back.
Thendryt and Eirallyn were still standing by the horses when she returned to them. “Are you ready to leave?”
“Got what you needed?” Thendryt asked.
“I’d feel happier if I knew he was all right with our going by way of Rohan,” Eirallyn spoke.
Nelnardis nodded, though she held her tongue. Along with Elrohir, she was also interested as to if Thendryt would speak with him about delaying their trip. She eyed him, however he simply said, “Then take the Pass.”
Eirallyn sighed.
“You seemed adamant on going through the Gap of Rohan a week ago,” Nelnardis stated as Thendryt mounted his horse.
“I'm not forcing either of you to come with me. But I'm taking the southern road.”
“That's what I figured.” Eirallyn replied. “Apparently, I speak ‘Thendryt’ pretty well.”
Thendryt looked at Nelnardis.
“You are not even going to speak to Lord Elrohir about this?” Nelnardis questioned, wishing that he would.
It was too much to hope for.
“What is there to speak about?” he asked. “There is no urgency in this mission. We are to reach a destination.”
Breathe, she heard Thirenion’s distant voice in the back of her head, Be still. “There is no urgency upon the battles raging in Mirkwood?” She found herself saying, a little too forcefully.
“I am simply taking a certain road to it. My arrival won’t affect those battles, you know that.” Thendryt replied.
Nelnardis’ hands curled into fists as she felt her heart pounding. “It may well change the outcomes of them.” And help save some of her kin.
Thendryt chuckled, “You think too highly of me.”
“You underestimate yourself.” Why did he not understand?
“Excuse me,” Eirallyn said as she moved past Nelnardis towards the camp. Nelnardis glanced at her, but then fixed her gaze back up at Thendryt on his horse.
“'Why can you not tell us what is so important about travelling through Rohan?” If he would just tell them, then maybe she could understand.
“Because I don't see how it's your business.” He said bluntly.
“We are on a mission, so it is our business.” Nelnardis said, exasperated, “It's hundreds of leagues out of our way.”
Thendryt leant forwards in the saddle and stared at her. “Either come with, or don’t. Elf.”
She stared back at him, her face hot and feeling her fingernails in her palms through her gloves.
“I don’t much care,” he continued, “And that’s the end of the conversation.”
Eirallyn, who had returned to them, interjected, speaking to Nelnardis, “'Lord Elrohir says the path will serve well enough, Nelnardis. He asks that we keep our eyes open as we travel.”
She bought her eyes to Eirallyn, breathing deeply through her nose. Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded.
Eirallyn turned to face Thendryt, smiling gently.
Nelnardis swallowed, gritting her teeth. “Very well,” she muttered, putting one foot in the stirrups and pulling herself onto her steed. It snorted, uncomfortably.
“Like I need his approval,” she heard Thendryt say, causing her to grip the reins.
She narrowed her eyes at him before squeezing her heels against the horse.
~
It had been just over a week since Esteldín when the three of them arrived at Gwingris, just outside of the Trollshaws into Eregion. The horses were thirsty and tired, and Eirallyn’s had lost a shoe. The ride had been fast so far, and Nelnardis hadn’t been making any attempt to slow them down.
She patted her horse, as it bent its neck down to reach the water, and looked around. Eregion hadn’t changed. It was still overgrown and still beautiful, despite being ruins. She walked over to a campfire on the edge of Gwingris, glad to finally sit down and rest.
“The stable master is putting Yaisaelwen’s shoe back on,” Eirallyn said as she sat down beside her.
Nelnardis nodded. After a moment she asked, “We will never change his mind, will we?” glancing at Thendryt, who had walked straight past them to admire the view of the Trollshaws.
“And no, from what I’ve seen,” she replied.
How selfish men can be, Nelnardis thought, sighing. She noted he did not move from where he stood, so their voices did not carry far enough for him to hear. He just stood there, staring at the valley below.
“I don't mind going to Rohan, but I can see why you would not wish to go there.” Eirallyn broke the silence.
“It is so far out of the way. And with all the dunlendings fighting with each other.” It wouldn’t be an easy journey through the South.
“I gather they're not friendly to elves. I always assumed Lord Elrohir wanted both Men and Elves in his employ because there were places Men could go and Elves could not and the reverse as well.” Eirallyn smiled at Nelnardis.
That wasn’t the only reason. “There is also The Last Alliance from long ago. Elves and men fighting against the enemy, side by side.” She almost smiled then, remembering how often the Warband would talk about The Last Alliance. All memories now.
“I gather Lilleduil knows some people down there, but of course, she wasn't available.”
“Yes.” Nelnardis looked into the flames.
Eirallyn nodded, “That was always my favourite story. Well, second favourite.”
She looked up, “What is your first favourite?”
Eirallyn smiled, thoughtfully, “I am not even sure where it came from, if it is an old Dunedain legend or one we picked up from your folk.”
There were many legends, so Nelnardis looked up at her waiting for her to explain.
“That at the end of days, there will come a time when another evil power arrives, greater than any that have been known. And the One will allow the great heroes of Men of old who died to return and fight with the Firstborn once again. And that if they are victorious, the world as we know it will end, but there will be another where our Kindreds can live together forever.”
“A pity,” Nelnardis exclaimed, “That our world would have to die for a new one to emerge.”
“What are you two brooding about?” Thendryt was striding over to them and sat down by the fire.
“Oh, we were talking about legends,” Eirallyn explained.
“I see.”
Nelnardis didn’t look at him, all the thoughts about the Gap of Rohan surfacing in her mind.
“Our favourite stories. Do you have any favourite stories, Thendryt?”
“I would be interested to know.” Nelnardis couldn’t hold her tongue. Would his stories be about blunt and stubborn men? Were they his idols?
“I don't remember many of them. I remember bits and pieces,” he said, and then chuckled to himself, “There’s this one tale…”
“Well tell us, we have an extra-long journey ahead of us.” As soon as she’d spoken she wished she hadn’t. Being rude and unsavoury wasn’t the wisest thing to do, but she had already tried to discuss the matter several times and it wasn’t working.
“Do, Thendryt!” Eirallyn cried, eagerly.
Thendryt hesitated, “Fine.” He sighed.
Eirallyn began getting out some food from her saddlebags. Some bread and cheese. Cutting herself a piece each, she handed the loaf and cheese to Nelnardis. She nodded a thank you to Eirallyn and cut herself some slices to lay near the fire to warm as Thendryt started to tell his story.
“Long ago, Eorl, the first King of Rohan, tried to tame a horse. But he was not fond of the task, for his father had been killed when trying to do the same. Eorl tames the horse, but felt empty. It would not bring his father justice, nor honour.”
Of course, stories about men always involved some kind of justice and honour. She pulled her wine skin out of her pack and took a few long mouthfuls. Normally she wouldn’t be drinking on a mission, but they were safe in Gwingris. And she needed something.
“But one day, the horse that had slain his father was spotted. There was no mistake about this horse. He was strong, large, and as white as snow. A beautiful animal, in all aspects. But Eorl did not care. He only sought to honour his father's name. So he hunted and tracked the horse.”
“Sometimes,” Nelnardis interjected, “Men care so little for nature.” She finally looked at Thendryt.
“True enough,” Eirallyn agreed.
Thendryt’s eyes met Nelnardis’ and he glared at her. She stared right back at him, raising an eyebrow.
“He finally caught it,” Thendryt continued.
Nelnardis took another mouthful of wine.
“But when he held the spear to its throat, he could not strike the final blow. The horse was so fine; it would be an evil deed to not let it travel the plains.”
It is an evil deed to not let any horse travel the plains, Nelnardis thought, but she kept quiet, staring at the fire.
“But he still had his father's pride to consider. So he made the horse bare him, and only him, until the end of his days.”
Eirallyn finished her mouthful of bread and cheese, “Reparation? Interesting.”
“The horse was renamed Felaróf, and the two were inseparable from that day forth. Any disdain between them faded in time, and they matched like no other horse and rider before them. They fought and lived side by side until they were both slain in a war, decades later.”
“So from sorrow came a good thing.” Eirallyn exclaimed.
Nelnardis couldn’t keep quiet any longer. “He rode that horse to its death?”
“They were both warriors,” Eirallyn said, glancing at Nelnardis.
“Yes, but he could not slay the beast, yet he did so by riding it to battle,” she pointed out.
Thendryt ignored them both, “Felaróf's kin became the Mearas, and continue to uphold their ancestor's pledge, and only carry the Kings of the Mark.”
Eirallyn clapped softly. “Well told, Thendryt!”
Nelnardis said nothing, putting the top back on her wine skin and taking a slice of bread and cheese from the fireside. At least Eirallyn enjoyed it.
“There are tales of a phantom white horse riding in the sunsets of misty nights. Who knows what really happened.”
Finally, Eirallyn took up the loaf of bread and cheese and bought it over to Thendryt, who accepted the bread.
He shrugged, “If you believe such things.”
“Tales usually grow from a germ of truth,” Eirallyn replied.
Nelnardis sat in silence, eating her bread and cheese.
After a moment, Eirallyn casually asked, “What part of Rohan are we going to exactly?”
She looked up towards Thendryt, wondering what he would say.
“We’re going through Wildermore. It’s the fastest route.”
Shaking her head, Nelnardis finished her mouthful. Fastest route. Really.
“Isn’t that the mountainous part?” Eirallyn questioned.
“Aye,” Thendryt said, “But there’s a road through.”
“What is in Wildermore.” Nelnardis exclaimed flatly.
“It’ll take us near Limlight,” Thendryt continued talking to Eirallyn.
“Limlight? Near Fangorn.” Nelnardis put down her piece of bread, staring at Thendryt.
“Lilleduil told me about that place once.” Eirallyn told them, “Said it was full of huge spiders now. Limlight, not Fangorn. She mentioned that she'd met some of the Great Eagles near there.”
“I didn’t say we were going into it, the path will just lead us past it.” Thendryt explained. “It's near the great river.”
Nelnardis sighed, “So we are travelling hundreds of leagues out of our way, not only through Dunlending and Rohirrim infested lands. But now there are giant spiders?” How long was this journey going to take? Months?
“Just in the Gorge, as far as I was told. We won't be going there.” Eirallyn tried to reassure her. She grinned at Thendryt. “And you can help me with Rohirric, Thendryt. It will occupy us on the road.”
Nelnardis couldn’t quite believe this. “Will we be meeting with the Rohirrim now? As far as I know they do not enjoy elven company very much.” That was putting it mildly.
Thendryt shook his head, “Not if we can avoid it.” He paused, looking at Nelnardis, “And I'd recommend you to wear a hood.”
“I would not need to disguise myself in the Pass. Or even in the Mines.” Of course, going through the Mines would be a last resort, but at least she was somewhat friendly with the dwarves there who wouldn’t mind her passing through. The Rohirrim were suspicious folk.
“I tire of your complaints,” Thendryt grumbled, “Pick a road and stick to it.”
“And I tire of your stubbornness!” Nelnardis narrowed her eyes at him.
“I thought we were going to meet your family.” Eirallyn spoke, “Lord Elrohir said that as I'd gotten to visit mine and Lilleduil hers, he could hardly deny you the opportunity.”
That seemed to silence the man. He left the food behind, getting to his feet.
Nelnardis peered up at him.
“Thanks for the bread,” Thendryt muttered. He turned to walk away.
“You’re welcome,” Eirallyn said, though Nelnardis wasn’t sure he was listening.
Nelnardis exhaled, trying to calm herself down.
The two of them sat quietly as Eirallyn nibbled at her food. “Good to know I can still clear a room,” she mumbled.
Nelnardis glanced back towards her, “It was not your fault. Forgive me for my rudeness.”
“No, that is quite all right. We swore an oath to serve Lord Elrohir, as did he, and it's a bit annoying that that oath only binds so long as he doesn't have personal business he would rather do.”
She looked down at the fire again, “I did not swear an oath,” she said quietly before bringing her eyes back up to Eirallyn’s.
“Ah. I am sorry to assume. But I did.”
Nelnardis nodded. “It is honourable to swear such a thing.” But she would certainly not be swearing any oaths anytime soon.
“And had Lord Elrohir not given permission, I should not have gone to Rohan.” She smiled suddenly. Eirallyn smiles suddenly. “You and I could have gone on to Lorien, and it would be my turn to wear a hood.”
Nelnardis smiled a little at that. “You may yet still get the chance.” She finished her bread and stood up.
Eirallyn grinned, “I do so want to see the Golden Wood!”
She nodded, “You will, in time.” Looking over, she could see Thendryt had gone to stand where he had before, to admire the view of the valley. “I should go and make my peace.”
“Good luck!”
Nelnardis smiled, “I will need it.”
If he had heard her approach, Thendryt made no indication of acknowledgement.
“Thendryt,” Nelnardis spoke. He turned his head slightly but did not turn around. “Forgive me, for my rudeness,” she tried.
He snorted. “You think this is new?” Finally, he turned around to face her.
“I am trying to make peace…” she told him, quietly.
“Peace? Really?”
Nelnardis furrowed her brow.
“There will never be peace. There’s always something.”
“There can be peace in our company,” she tried again, trying not to show she was a little wounded he wasn’t going to accept her apology.
“Don’t be naïve, Elf. You don't like me anymore than I like you.”
She stared at him.
He gestured to them both, “We work together. We live side by side. Doesn't mean we have to be friends.”
Nelnardis swallowed, unprepared for this, “I hardly know you. We have not had much time to speak-,”
He cut her off, “You don't want to.”
“We do not have to be friends; it would just help travelling easier. You know nothing of my wants. As I said, we do not know each other.” She was trying and he didn’t even care? As far as she understood humans needed companions and friendship, or even someone to talk to.
“Don't worry. You will blink and I will be long gone. I am but a temporary thorn in your side.”
This wasn’t what she wanted at all. She sighed slightly. “You are only a thorn if you make yourself one.”
“You're right,” he said, “We do not know each other. Nor will we.”
Nelnardis folded her arms, “Why should that be so?” Couldn’t he see he was being unreasonable? He kept quiet, so she continued, “The road is long. There is much time to pass. And time is easily passed by talking.”
Thendryt stared at her, meeting her eyes and for some reason she found herself wondering about the scars on his face.
“I do not know your wants,” he told her. “Nor do I desire to. You do not care for mine. I do not know why you feel the need to carry this kind of conversation. I will do my part, that is all you need to know about me. All you should know about me.”
She did care, but how could she correct him? Maethelyn was more than work, some of the members she would call family. Would Thendryt not be part of this family? “Why must you be like this, Thendryt?” Nelnardis hesitated, “I can know your wants, if you would speak them.”
“Get out of my mind, Elf,” he growled, “It's not a pleasant place to be.”
She could not help but smile weakly, “You believe mine is?” Had he ever been to Mirkwood? She could remember easily the past year, an ambush of scouts, arrows flying past leaves, through bodies already fallen, the blood of her people on her hands as she checked each one to see if they were still alive, the piles of slain orcs ever growing, Thirenion’s voice telling her over and over to breathe as she scrubbed her sword clean of black orc blood.
“Get out of my face, Elf,” Thendryt’s rough voice bought her back.
She blinked, “It's Nelnardis. Do you use my race as if to insult me?”
“No, because in your case that isn't the case. You wanted to make amends. Just leave me be.”
Nelnardis couldn’t find herself to care anymore, “So be it. I'll leave you to your mind.”
She turned her back and sat down by the fire, feeling his eyes on her. But what did it matter anymore? She closed her eyes, feeling the heat of the flames on her face. Feel arda around you. Listen. Nelnardis took long slow breaths, trying to stay calm, trying to be still. After a few minutes, she opened her eyes and drunk the rest of her wine.
“If you truly don’t care, why are you even here?” She could hear Eirallyn talking with Thendryt, “If you don't care for Elvish company, there are plenty of places you could avoid it. Instead, you go out of your way to hang about with them. I think you like having something to complain about.” A small smile appeared on her face at that comment.
She picked up a second slice of warm bread and cheese, eating and looking out over Gwingris as she listened.
“Then why did you show up with Nelnardis? You could have just gone about your business. Without all the dark, broody drama.” She heard Eirallyn say.
Thendryt replied, “I was following orders. Retrieve you, then make for Lorien. That is all.”
“Oh, so then you were following orders.” The woman was right. He was picking and choosing orders as they suited him.
Nelnardis took off her boots as she continued to listen.
“The plain fact of the matter is that none of us are in charge, as I understand it. And since you aren't in charge, it would behove you to be a little more forthcoming about what exactly we would be doing in Rohan.” Please see some sense, Nelnardis thought. “If for no other reason than that we can adequately be prepared.”
Eventually Thendryt explained, “We will pass the Gap, make for the Broadacres, continue through the Entwash, up through the Wildermore, then past the Wold and arrive at the outskirts of the Golden Wood. We're going straight through it. Satisfied?” He really couldn’t tell Nelnardis this? She had to overhear it. Even people who work together tell each other what they need to know. She wondered if he would tell her where they were going at all.
Eirallyn told him, “I hardly think it's a fear of mountain climbing that takes you on such a roundabout route. And if some interesting part of your past might catch up with us there, then Nelnardis and I better hear about it.” Unfortunately, she walked off before Thendryt had a chance to respond. Though maybe it was for the better.
She heard him snort as Eirallyn sat down beside her again.
“Is he less,” Nelnardis paused, “Angry now?”
Eirallyn shrugged. “Since he’s in a perpetually angry state, how can one tell?” she began eating again.
Nelnardis smiled slightly, “This is going to be a longer trip that I thought.”
Eirallyn nodded in agreement, “In more ways than one.”
She finished her slice, “Of all the things I’ve heard about him, I imagined it was mostly exaggeration.”
“I didn’t,” Eirallyn said.
“Then you are wiser than I, mellon.”
She glanced at Nelnardis, amused, “Maybe just better acquainted with the foibles of mortals.” She sighed.
“Elves are not so... unreasonable.” Nelnardis murmured, glancing at the man by the pillars.
