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Dec 25: Rohan
Nethwador was irked to see Argeleafa tending Ędegard; Ędegard didn't deserve Argeleafa's attention because he made her cry. But the words from Bella, and her sweet voice, drew his attention away from them, and he listened, gazing into her eyes, trembling a little.
Taitheneb stood among them, startling Bella a little; elves moved so quietly. Nethwador turned to him and stared.
Taitheneb gazed back at him, then spoke. "Lady Bella, Nethwador's anger is for Argeleafa's tears. He must defend her, for she defended him, and was gentle to him. They are wanderers together, and he will protect her against the strangers."
Bella's eyes went wide.
Nethwador nodded. "Nethwador mellon Bella; Nethwador mellon Argeleafa; Nethwador mellon Amroth..." Suddenly Nethwador turned, glanced at Taitheneb, and ran towards Amroth. Taitheneb followed him, and Bella watched them go.
"Amroth? Amroth, " said Nethwador, kneeling beside him.
The sparkling gaze that Amroth turned to Nethwador was humorous, easygoing, that of a normal man. Amroth chuckled, weary, but awake.
"Nethwador. He called you Mellon, did he not? So my friends named me. You may call me Mellon if you like."
Nethwador stared and stared at Amroth, and fear kindled in his eyes. "Amroth?" He turned to Erebemlin, wide-eyed.
Erebemlin nodded. "He is still here, I hope. But it is as if he sleeps, Nethwador. I do not think we can reach him now. I have tried."
"If I may, I would like to rest, " said the blacksmith. "My head hurts. Nay, it aches. And my body is weary. Perhaps I have a fever?"
Erebemlin nodded, weary in heart as the blacksmith was weary in body. "You have had the fever for many days, " he said.
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