[Kates Frodo Temp]

As Ainemetion carried his few belongings with him wherever he went, he saw no need for delay. Carefully, he checked the items off a mental list. His treasured knives, meticulously sharpened and cleaned, hung crossed behind his back; at his waist, he carried a length of rope, a small knife he used for whittling, and a small pouch containing a pair of flints. When sure all was in order, he waited impatiently for the rest of the company. Now that the decision was made, he longed to be off.

There were no tender farewells for Ainemetion. To be sure, his parents heard of his departure, and prayed for their son’s safety, but it was his own life. He had chosen his path, and it seemed the choice was now to lead away from his home. Evien stood in the doorway of her dwelling, to watch her son set out with the rest. It was only natural that a mother should do such a thing. Ashamed of her lack of emotion, Evien turned away.

Ainemetion was nowhere more at ease than in the wood. He resisted the urge to whistle merrily as he might have done under different circumstances. Instead, he thought over the company itself. There had been time enough to study them.

Ceros seemed a fine leader, someone who could be trusted to make right decisions. This was the type of person Ainemetion could serve with unquestioning obedience, and to serve a just master in a just cause was all that he desired from life. He was ashamed of having formed opinions of him too early.

The Elf called Gilbereth was not at all to Ainemetion’s liking. He saw a haughty bearing, a self-absorbed nature, and harshly critical eye. Such a person was nearly impossible for Ainemtion to tolerate. Yet, here he was, and no way out, nor did Ainemetion want any. He knew it was only a matter of time before he clashed with this one.

One Elf, Taurëwen, that was her name, had made an outstandingly favorable impression. She seemed quiet, and thoughtful. Also, he could tell that when she looked at something, or someone, it was not simply because that was where her gaze happened to settle. She had watched him a while, he knew; he wondered anxiously if she was pleased with what she saw.

Ainemetion had an immense respect for everyone in the company, apart from Gilbereth, and their approval was of great importance to him. To please others was once again his highest aim. He found himself angry that the old feelings could be so easily rekindled. Ainemetion had wished to be rid of them forever, and was distressed by his own fickleness. While he was alone, he could live for himself, pretending that no one else mattered. Now he was once again a slave to others, or at least that was how he chose to view it. Still, he hoped against hope that he had at last found individuals worthy of his devotion.

[ July 21, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]