[Mithadan]

In the Elven enclave of Imladris, the morning dawned quiet and serene. The House of Elrond stirred as the birds trilled to greet the sun. A whisper of wind ran through the trees and in the pine woods to the North, several Elves burst out in song. But within the House the calm of the morning was disturbed by angry words.

In the common room, an Elf stood at a table over a fallen chair. The muscles of his jaw clenched and unclenched making a scar which ran across his cheek writhe like a snake. His shoulders were thrown back and his hands closed into fists. Across from him, Glorfindel sat calmly, looking up at the agitated Elf with clear grey eyes.

"What do you mean?" demanded the Elf. "Speak clearly, for I will not stand for baseless accusations."

"Calm yourself, Nardol," replied Glorfindel mildly. "I accuse you of nothing. I say only that the Battle of Five Armies has brought us but little respite and the days grow dark again. The Orcs of the mountains spawn in great numbers and Trolls wander the lands. It is as if some evil will not let peace lie upon the Northlands.

"We are growing few in number and have need of unity among our people. Too many now merely count the days ere they will pass into the West and grow disinterested in Middle Earth. But you at least claim that you have no wish to seek the Straight Road. You have often enjoyed the hospitality of this House and I merely suggested that you should consider repaying that hospitality with service and allegiance to our causes."

"Repayment?" cried Nardol. "Have I not traded with the Dwarves of the Ered Luin and has this House not seen profit from my journeys? Your causes? You would have me align myself with that rag-tag that call themselves Rangers? Far have they fallen yet never were they lofty to begin with for the Atani have never been trustworthy or deserving of my aid."

"You underestimate the Dúnedain," replied Glorfindel quietly. "And if you will not lend them aid, there are other ways to assist this House rather than wandering about at your own whims."

"Enough!" cried the Elf. "I shall pay for my room and board as if this were an inn if you wish. But my time is my own."

"Enough indeed!" came a voice from the door. Elrond entered the room and stood by Nardol placing a hand on his shoulder. "Put away your purse. I have no need of your silver. But the days rush along to uncertain ends and we will have need of your aid and that of many others besides. Your company is happy to rest here for a time and is welcome. But I will have no hard words in my House today. We are brethren and must act like it."

Nardol glowered at the Lord of the House. "Then what would you have of me? Would you throw me forth like Thranduil and bar me from this place?"

"Nay," said Elrond with a smile. "But you chafe at our hospitality like a horse spoiling for a race. I think that you would benefit from some space and some freer air. Your company is not ready to leave but you are. Thus, would you consent to undertake an errand for me?"

"To 'repay' my debt for your hospitality?" he answered with a glare at Glorfindel. "Yea. I would gladly undertake a short journey."

Elrond held up an envelope and handed it to Nardol. "This contains a letter which I would have you bring to Gandalf the Grey. You know of him, do you not?"

Nardol took the envelope. "The old fool who meddles ever in the affairs of others? Yes I know him."

A flash of anger appeared on Elrond's face. "If you know him, then you know he does far more than 'meddle'. You should learn to use gentler speech and contain your temper." Nardol stood silently and looked down. Elrond continued. "I have heard he may be found in the area of Sarn Ford. Bring this to him and, if your pride will allow it, perhaps you should accompany him for a time for it may be to your benefit."

"Very well," responded Nardol as he placed the envelope in a pouch. "You are right that I would see the open road again. I will find Gandalf for you and deliver this. I leave today." With that, he turned and stalked away...