[Kates Frodo Temp]

“Just find somewhere safe and then I can decide where to go from there.”

Elhor started and looked about for the source of the voice. At first he thought he had spoken his own thought! Then he saw her. A pretty lady, she was; there were many of those here! More than in the Vale.

He remembered seeing her now: She had been frightened by the orcs, and Pio had said something to her. Now she seemed calm enough, except for the look that told Elhor she had not meant to speak aloud.

He smiled. She seemed out of place here, sitting alone, talking to herself. Almost like himself, wandering about without saying anything. Maybe they could travel together! But where would they go? Why would she go with him?

He laughed out loud. When had he last done that? Not since he was a baby, probably! Now he was all but rolling on the floor. There was no reason to laugh; he was lost and alone in what seemed another world! But it was a relief from the tension.