[Lyra Greenleaf]

The elves continued on their way. Telpeheled was still telling his story to Maeralagos when they suddenly saw the army of Orcs and Easterlings passing them towards Lorien. Fear froze his heart. I can't bear to think of them destroying the trees of my home, not to mention my friends! he thought despairingly. For the first time real doubt about what he had done came to him. Should I be at home, preparing to defend the woods? he wondered.

Bordarigorn explained their double purpose to the Elves, and Telpeheled thought with ironyIf we are still alive ourselves!
Mentally he shook himself. You stood up to the criticism of Bordarigorn and convinced him you were worthy. Convince yourself!

"Now, are all of you with Bordarigorn, and I," Durelin looked at the other Elves with almost hatred in his eyes, shocking Telpeheled. "Or must we go alone for the life of Anuion."

Anger bubbled inside Telpeheled. What kind of creatures does he think we are? he thought furiously, about to open his mouth. However Erdaminéon forestalled him. “My friend. Durelin, do you really think so poorly of us? Are we of lesser worth than you?
Just what I wanted to ask thought TelpeheledThough perhaps not so calmly!

Once again, Telpeheled readied himself for speech. This time Maeralagos got there first. "Indeed, I do not question or fear what we must do." This reasonable response took the wind out of Telpeheled's sails. I came to obey, didn't I? he thought resignedly. I suppose being insulted by the wiser is part and parcel of that.

He stepped back a little from the group, and stared hard at the ground, counting to ten and again to 20 until his anger subsided. Stepping forward again he resolved to follow both missions, his own and the groups' to completion.

Soon he saw his first oppurtunity.
"Everybody calm down." said Bordarigorn soothingly. "We will pay a little visit to the cave firsth. We are stong and can not possebly take on that entire army. And no one in this group is better then someone else."

"Except for me that is. I am better than any living creature!" responded Telpeheled.
Immediately he felt the mood of the group lighten a little.

"I am blessed to have you along. Humour is the best weapon against despair."
The praise from Bordarigorn was completely unexpected. Despite the danger Telpeheled grinned.
"Thank you, Gracious leader" he said, with an elaborate bow that no-one could see because of the darkness.

The comment in fact cheered Telpeheled greatly. At last he felt accepted and worthy. It also lifted a great weight from him, and he felt he could begin his usual repertoire of silly jokes, further lightening the atmosphere. At first he walked again next to Maeralagos, annoying him with chatter. It's lucky he's so polite! he thought. However, little by little, other members of the party began to listen too. Everyone needs humour!

Durlein did not pay any attention to Telpeheled. He could see him walking at the rear, alone after Erdaminéon left him. I would like to talk to him thought Telpeheled I believe he needs humour rather more than the rest of us. However I would not interrupt his reverie. Maybe if we pause for a while I will get the chance. I still wish to tell him how unnecessary his outburst was, as well.