[Thenamir]

"Arenia is right," Thenamir said, "we have just come off a sleepless night and hard battle against the wargs. We are wounded and weary. A day to rest and treat the wounded, to recover our strength and prepare for a quick-march north, is something we sorely need. In the absence of a compelling need, we will leave as Arenia suggests, tomorrow at dark. If Nim is the only horse available, so be it."

There were disgruntled murmers of grudging agreement, and they dispersed to their tents to rest and try to recuperate. Elwood's healing abilites were sorely put to the test, but by late afternoon, most of the wounds had been tended and the bites banadaged.

At Thenamir's insistence, Elwood came last to Thenamir's tent. "Thenamir, are you here?" he called from outside. Thenamir who had been napping, awoke, and groggily opened his tent to admit the elf, and winced visibly as he sat again on his blanket. Elwood probed Thenamir's ribs gently, an fortunately none were broken, but there were some dark bruises where the weight of the warg had driven the shield into his chest.

"Elwood," Thenamir began as the elf examined him, "what are we doing here? I know elves seldom give counsel, but I begin to doubt myself. Are we on a suicide quest, to no good purpose?"