[Dark Shadow]

Erdaminéon entered the small room, looking about himself almost warily as he had become accustomed to do of late. It was brightly lit with candles, and there was one window, looking eastward. A man, Bordarigorn, sat at a table towards one side of the room. Erdaminéon had, as had many others, heard word of the lost messenger, Anuion. He, by no means considered himself to be one of Lothlorién’s strongest warriors, but he was experienced, and could surely be of some help to the party. Now as he stood in the bare little room, looking upon the one he predicted to be the leader of their party he felt not only respect for the man, but also surprisingly amused at the lack of response to this cause. The man did not look up, but Erdaminéon spoke anyway.

“I see you’re overrun with Elves just waiting to give up their lives,” he said with a wry smile. “Well,” he continued, “it may not be the most popular pastime, but I’m willing to follow you, wherever our search may lead.”

At his speech, the man looked up and met his eyes. “Did you know him?” asked Bordarigorn. It seemed to be the most natural thing to ask in that kind of situation.

“Indirectly. I did not know him as a close friend, although we have spoken.” He paused to think. “He was a good messenger, and a good warrior, and none should be bound to a fate so evil as imprisonment in an Orc army, least of all him.” He continued to watch Bordarigorn closely, waiting for a reaction.

“He was,” Bordarigorn faltered, then corrected himself, “I mean is my closest friend. I am not going to abandon him, but by no means can I rescue him alone.” The man’s face was set. He was obviously speaking the truth about not leaving his friend.

“You have known him a long time,” decided the Elf. “Yes, I can tell, even though I know little of you.” So far the conversation had not dealt with fighting skills, or any skills whatsoever, and Bordarigorn, feeling that this would be an important part of choosing companions to accompany him turned their talk to such matters.

“I have known him all of 40 years,” answered the man. “Now, if you’ll excuse my changing the topic so bluntly, if you are to be of any help on this quest, I must know of your fighting skills and experience.

Erdaminéon smiled softly. The conversation had been bound to cover such things. “I fight confidently with both bow and sword, although I make no claims to be a strong or renowned warrior thanks to either.” A slight laugh escaped his lips, but he suppressed it, and continued, “I do, however, have many years of experience, and I am a good shot long-distance. If you are looking to slaughter Orcs from afar, and then raid their camp, or wherever they are holding Anuion, I’m the one to help you.” He looked to his sword, which after much searching he had recovered in the Green Dragon inn and said, “My sword has not yet failed me. Let us hope it will continue to hold such luck.”

He stepped backward, towards the door and nodded to Bordarigorn. “I hope I will be one to accompany you on your quest. May our paths meet again, friend.” With this parting comment, he turned to the door, and was gone.