Thendryt was sitting on a stool in Rivendell’s stables, tool in hand. The evening air was chilly, but refreshing.
Bovad complained as Thendryt grabbed his hoof.
“Stop complaining.”
Bovad let out a final grumpy snort before giving in, and Thendryt started cleaning it.
“Thendryt.”
Lowering the tool, Thendryt looked up to find Nelnardis standing next to him, bottle in hand.
“Nel, long time.”
“Yes, it has been.”
Thendryt turned his attention back to the hoof.
“How are you?” She said.
“Considering the circumstances…” Thendryt replied, as he got the last dirt out of the hoof. He grabbed a brush from a bucket next to him. “Fair.”
“I take it you know as little as me about this mess?” He asked.
“Depends if you know a real reason as to why we have all been relieved from our oaths?” Nelnardis took a long mouthful of wine.
“Got word of it.” Thendryt shook his head and dropped Bovad’s hoof. He made his way over to the next one. “But no answers. Not even Elrond shares them.”
“Then I know as little as you. Have there been any sign of Khalis or Elisbeth?”
“Nah.” Thendryt replied, and wiped his face with a cloth. “Seems they're not in the Vale.”
“Hiding.” There was no attempt to hide the disapproval in her tone. Thendryt looked at her, trying to determine just how drunk the Elf was.
“Who knows. I didn’t return until recently.” He said, picking up a hammer. “I arrived with Lilleduil. You’re the first I’ve seen, other than her.” Thendryt pointed the hammer towards her before working on a slightly loosened horseshoe.
“Ah yes, she said some interesting things about you in the Hall of Fire this evening.” Nelnardis said.
Thendryt froze.
“Did she now?”
“Well, nothing much. Only that you have been influencing people.” The Elf almost sounded amused, before taking another mouthful of the wine. “She asked me to keep an eye on you.”
“Indeed?”
“I believe it has something to do with the Vanimar. Though she would not speak of it whilst their kin were there.”
Satisfied with Bovad’s hooves, Thendryt rose. He eyed Nelnardis as he made his way to the side of the stable.
“And this is your way of keeping an eye on me?”
Nelnadris grinned widely at him as she took another sip.
“I did not tell her I would do it.”
Thendryt returned her grin.
“No oath holds you now. You are entitled to do as you wish.” Nelnardis continued.
“True.” Thendryt replied, and cleaned his hands with a cloth. “So what do you think I should do?”
“I think…” Nelnardis started as she started leaning a little to the side. She recovered with a slight struggle, and happily took another mouthful. “I think you should remember the real enemy is out there. Whatever is going on, petty arguments are for children.”
“I’d drink to that.” Thendryt said, and threw a glance at the bottle.
“And also.” Nelnardis began, completely ignoring Thendryt’s gaze. “Even though the Warband is no more, I still don't pay for the wine in the Hall of Fire.”
Thendryt couldn’t help but smile as she held on to the bottle, almost as she was expecting him to try and grab it.
“What are you own plans? Except taking advantage of free wine?” He winked.
“Well firstly.” She said and help up a finger towards him. “I have no idea!” The conviction in her voice made her sound like a general giving a speech. “Perhaps Mirkwood. Perhaps the West.”
“And secondly?” Thendryt folded his arm and leaned on a wooden pillar.
“I remember... a long time ago now. Just as Ebbephant, brother of Forostel set out to ride for The Grey Heavens, I begged Lady Elisbeth to go after him. To say my farewells. She looked into my eyes and said no.” Her voice had changed. “Maybe there is no secondly. Maybe the West is my true path now.”
Thendryt shrugged and picked up a softer brush.
“What will you do now?” She asked.
“I have no idea.” Thendryt said, as he started to brush the horse. “But I’ll think of something.”
Nelnardis took another mouthful, and examined the bottle. She looked at him, and offered him the bottle.
Thendryt took it, and looked at it.
“Hm, expensive.” He said, and drank what precious little was left.
“Free.” She corrected him.
“Hear, hear.” Thendryt said.
Nelnardis broke into a laugh.
“It is the least Elrond can offer us for all we have done.” She said.
“I agree.” Thendryt returned to mend the horse. “I'd advise you to at least speak with the others before you make your decision about leaving.”
“I will.” She said, and nodded.
“Who knows, you might even get the idea of staying.” He said, his back turned to her.
“Now, now, don't get too excited.” She said and smiled. Thendryt snorted.
“Don't get the wrong idea, Elf.” Thendryt replied sharply, but didn’t notice that his movements quickened.
“No, how awful would that be. Good evening, Thendryt. Good luck thinking of something.”
“Don’t trip.”
“I've had hundreds of years of practice.” Nel replied, and waved.
As Nelnardis disappeared out of the stable Bovad turned his head towards Thendryt with a smug expression.
“I don’t need that look from you, you want to get clean or not?”
