[Novnarwen]

The dark grew as the Elves finished eating. The tense atmosphere could hardly be noticed, probably becuase everyone had been able to relax at their new camp. There was heavy smoke from the fire, which annoyed Tanroth. But he wouldn't argue, the fog was already thick. No way, enemies could find them by the smoke, right?

****

They called the night, making arrangements for the night. "I'll stand guard, for a period of three hours." The others nodded, making ready to sleep. "Erfalas, do you mind, coming with me?" The male elf had no objections, and while the others wnent to sleep, Tanroth and Erfalas walked a few paces away from the camp. Here they found a nice spot, where they could lean back to a stone. "I hope I haven't been to harsh as a 'leader'," Tanroth said innocently. Erfalas waved his hand, as if not hearing what Tanroth had said. "You haven't," Erfalas replied, looking into Tanroth's eyes.

"In fact, it's relieveing to have a 'leader' who is determined. It makes it easier for us, when you take the important decisions. I, still am a bit questioning to your issue about the camp, but Iwe won't discuss it now." Erfalas was serious, but nevertheless, gave a small grin. Tanroth grew happy by this, but didn't show Erfalas that. However, it was good for the two of them to have cleared things up, or at least, talked about it. Tanroth had never disliked or had any kind of objections towards this elf, and Tanroth was glad this remained his idea of the elf.

They leaned back, muttering whether they were to see the stars tonight, or if the fog would hide them. Tanroth sighed, enjoying the silence. "Do you think we will reach the ship?" Erfalas suddenly asked. By this question, Tanroth needed to think. To reach the ship, was surly, his goal. But if the group would, that was another question. The Lady Galadriel had told him what the consequences would be, if the war fell on them, sooner than expected. The Lady had by all means warned him; the ship would leave when the war started, even though the group hadn't reached the Havens.

Tanroth opened his mouth to answer Erfalas' question, but hesitated. What was he really to say? This elf, or rather, everyone including himself, would want to reach the Havens. The ship was almost their only way in surviving the coming war. In the war against Sauron and His Servants, they didn't stand a chance. Well, there was always hope, even though Frodo was just a hobbit from the Shire. Tanroth snorted, thinking about this young Hobbit. How brave it was, to set out for Mount Doom, to destroy something which was ...... impossible? What also, came to his mind, was the fact the Tanroth felt running away from a problem, a war! How could he do that? Tanroth straightened up, reminding himself that he wasn't running. He was leading a group, going to the Grey Havens. They deserved this, all of them.

"This is all depending on the war, and the Ring-bearer, perhaps. None of this lay within our power. But we can and will try to do everything we can. This is something we all want, then let's make it together." Tanroth said these words, not just to reply to Erfalas' question, but also to find comfort himself.

[ October 30, 2003: Message edited by: Novnarwen ]