WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[Thinlómien]

"Old Iarwain, although spending disturbingly much time with his wineskin, has uttered words of wisdom. He said

"If someone needs to be sent back from this company let it be one who has not bothered to open his mind as yet. And with opening one's mind I mean actually saying something out of what one could conveniently hide behind - the mask of everyday expectations - or just stayed away from discussions."

Now, sunset is drawing nearer and to my disappointment, neither my eyes nor my heart can see who is the evil-doer among us. Rather than send away someone who is vaguely suspicious, I'd rather send someone who is distinctively unhelpful. But are there even such people? How strong are the shadows of suspicion in my mind? I need to reconsider and pray for Elbereth." Gildor walked on in silence, resting his eyes on the flowers old Iarwain so cherished.

After a while, he continued. "Halbarad then... I would like to call you a friend, but my distrust of you is growing. I do not understand why do you take all the accusations against you so humbly and why are you so apologetic, if indeed your heart is pure? Where is the pride and the fierce flame of the Dúnedain?"

Then the Noldo faced the Grey Wizard, his eyes full of seriousness and even sorrow. "Mithrandir, your conduct grieves me. You set yourself as the mediator and the leader who takes no sides, the ultimate judge. You may have the right to do so in this company, unless your brother Radagast grudges it. Yet it pains me to see you unwilling to share your thoughts with us. None of us is on the mission in vain, all of us has been chosen. None of is meaningless nor devoid of judgement or wisdom of thought." (At this phase he glanced at the Uruk, the grumpy old woman and the hot-headed young Rohir, but said nothing. It was better not to let prejudices reign.)

Still, the wizard's parting words rang in his mind.

"And i will let you know that you were not in my list of traitors, so do not give me reasons to change my mind about you."

"Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger," Gildor recited an old saying. "Indeed it seems so. Even though Mithrandir is known for his temper, this kind of blunt threat both grieves and worries me. It is more like something I would expect from a servant of the Enemy than the gentle Maia who has great love for the Children of Ilúvatar... unless of course he was jesting." But the seriousness did not leave his eyes and his mind was greatly troubled.


edit: xed with Elrohir, Dáin, Dáin, Lobelia, Gandalf, Halbarad and Dáin - action at last!