Tol-in-Gaurhoth revisited (aka Werewolf 2)

[the phantom]

You know, Fordim, your abrasive manner is really rubbing me the wrong way.

I heard a tale about another village that got attacked by werewolves. The day after the first killing, there was a fellow by the name of Anguirel that started acting just the way you are acting, and he turned out to be a werewolf.

Now you might say that a werewolf would be a fool to act like that again, but perhaps doing it again would be the perfect cover. It would be a brilliant move for a werewolf to act like Anguirel did that time.

Singling out one person and going after them like this- others might be inclined to go along with you, thinking that you had some sort of secret ability to sniff out beasts. But why would someone with that sort of gift be so anxious to hint at it so early- before you've had a chance to really use it much? That doesn't make much sense to me.

I certainly don't know you are a wolf. You could very well be an innocent who just wants to hang someone and get this over with, but your behavior is not leaving me with much of a choice on who to vote for.

[Anguirel]

The Smith coughs loudly.

"You're on shaky ground, innkeeper. To my mind Fordim is behaving not like my namesake, but like our village healer's, Feanor of the Peredhil. I would remind ye that suspicion of that unfortunate-stirred up by a laddie remarkably akin to your ain good self-led to the eventual ruin of that wee hamlet. Do not fall intae Fordim's own trap and be sae swift to condemn."

[the phantom]

I would remind ye that suspicion of that unfortunate-stirred up by a laddie remarkably akin to your ain good self-led to the eventual ruin of that wee hamlet.

Actually, if I'm remembering the story correctly, that "laddie" never did get that poor innocent healer killed, he merely suspected her (understandably since she acted just like a wolf), and when his suspicion turned away from her to the true culprit, he was killed in the night. Plus, I would add, that the lad was correct on the first day.

Do not fall intae Fordim's own trap and be sae swift to condemn.

Hey, now, I'm not one you need to warn about that. I'm not the one who's voted to lynch someone.

[Encaitare]

Now, now, what's all this nonsense! Ye young 'uns be quarrelin' 'mongst yerselves 'bout poor Oddwen?? What's all this finger-pointin'?? 'Specially against Miz Fea here, who never did nothin' but help yer sick! Why, jus' las' month she gave me a tonic fer me achin' old joints, she did.

Now, I dunno nothin' about her fella, this phantom. I'm not one te frequent a tavern, not at my age. Maybe back when I was younger, when we danced here 'til the moon wuz high... but there I go, talkin' nonsense too.

Think wi' yer heads, now. D'ye really think a young lass'd be able te do somethin' like that to another person? No, I'm thinkin' it's gotta be someone bigger an' stronger.

[Nimrodel_9]

Nim stared around at the bickering villagers. She was glad her parents were away. Her father had a sharp tongue that could sometimes lead him into trouble without him even knowing it.

Most of the suspicion seemed to lean toward Fordim, Fea, and phantom. Now, if any of us did it, they probably wouldn't be here, she thought. She was about to say so when she realized she could not see her friend Ainaserkewen anywhere. She could never suspect that innocent little Aina would do something as terrible as this. But I could be wrong! What if it is Aina? Perhaps I should just keep my mouth shut for once and wait to see what the day brings. She could only hope it was not Aina. She would hate to lose a friend like her. Unless she really is a werewolf! Perhaps I will just stay away from her. That way I can't get her into trouble if she is innocent. Let the village decide. Nimrodel was just so confused. What else was new?