[Lyra Greenleaf]

Telpeheled acknowledged the truth of what was said, they had to leave quickly. Privately, though, he doubted his capabilities. Although the pain had lessened significantly, exhaustion and stiffness were setting in. ‘I will walk.’ He thought stubbornly. ‘I have to. Already I have proved myself unworthy, and I cannot remain here, or go back.’

Carefully he got to his feet. ‘Not too bad’ he thought. He tried a little walking. ‘Not great’ he admitted to himself ruefully as he staggered and nearly fell. Bordarigorn approached him. “"May I have this dance?"” he said, and without warning Telpeheled found himself astride the mans’ shoulders. While realising the wisdom of this arrangement, Telpeheled inwardly felt like a child who had to be taken care of. He resolved not too mention this, and to accept the situation with good grace. He made a conscious effort to laugh at the jokes Bordarigorn threw his way. He was grateful, he grudgingly admitted to himself. Laughter was a small price to pay, even if it was the last thing he felt like for once. The others walked in almost complete silence, presumably contemplating what had happened and would later when they reached the cave.

They made a brisk pace, with Bordarigorn leading the way, seeming to barely register the weight he was carrying. Yet when they stopped a final time before reaching the cave Telpeheled saw with concern that the man appeared more tired than he had noticed. ‘I cannot continue to burden him thus’, he thought with a martyr like feeling. ‘And, of course my pride does not like this arrangement at all!’ he conceded to himself.

When Bordarigorn approached him to renew the bandages, Telpeheled decided to ask about walking the rest of the way. Bordarigorn had already said it wasn’t far to the cave. Contemplating what he would say, Telpeheled barely registered the pain of the bandages though he flinched automatically.

Bordarigorn bent to pick Telpeheled up, but he moved away.
"I am not the person to be dragged around like a bag" he said briskly, to show he was not to be gainsaid. However the man ignored him and picked him up.
“Listen Telpeheled. Weather you like it or not, I will carry you. Your wounds are not completly healed. If you tire your self out like that you will soon be dancing with that girl and don't think Mandos will be scared of you much longer. No matter how ugly you are."
“Then, if you please, let me walk” replied Telpeheled, “for I would dance with her rather than you.”
“No matter how handsome you are” he added sarcastically, but it was a token resistance and both knew it. Telpeheled sighed.
"One day I will give the orders" he muttered, and the man chuckled.
"I do not doubt it"

When they were just a few yards from the cave, the party stopped behind an incline. Bordarigorn began to describe the plan of action.

Telpeheled idly ran his fingers up and down the hilt of his sword, only half listening to Bordarigorn's words. He registered the orc arrow the man was showing. We must hope that this works he thought with a sigh.

With a jolt Telpeheled realised that a part of him was actually looking forward to this conflict. It was a feeling that he had not experienced before. He smiled grimly and bent his bow, checking its suppleness with a practised eye. Satisfied, he stretched out his arms and legs, rolling his head to ensure that his neck was healing.

He felt surprisingly well considering the state he had been in. Grudgingly he admitted the wisdom of not walking, but it was still a sore point. Finally he realised he was ready to fight. As ready as I'll ever be! he thought. By the grace of the Valar, we will all survive.

With a shiver of fear mixed with excitement Telpeheled watched as Bordarigorn released the arrow. Predictably the clamour of warring orcs and easterlings increased. Bordarigorn ran forward. To battle.

Telpeheled walked over to Maeralagos. "To battle, friend" he said with a smile, and put his hand on Maeralagos' shoulder.
"If anything...happens." he continued slowly "I am privileged to have known you."

[ February 26, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]