Isolation

Part 4…

Having ridden for the greater part of the day and finding that daylight was beginning to wane Glorfindel finally called a halt. Having happened upon a secluded glen not far from a river, he deciding that it would serve as an adequate location for camp. He was thankful that Erestor had opted for silence during their ride, as his own mood had been most foul. He had spent the first hour cursing Elrond in his mind and the majority of the time afterwards had been spent in a very un-warrior like sulk. Signaling to Palia that he wanted to stop, he motioned for Erestor to dismount then did the same.

“I assume this meets with your approval counselor.” Setting his supplies and weapons against a tree trunk he removed Palias’ bridle and blanket. Since there had been two riders Glorfindel had chosen to use a simple blanket instead of a saddle, as there would be no room for both elves otherwise. Speaking a few, gentle words to the mare he allowed her to roam free, confident that she would return when called. Bending to lift his pack before turning to the area he thought best for setting up camp he stopped short. Erestor was already there, and by the looks of it had taken it upon himself to efficiently gather some wood and was expertly arranging stones in a circle ideal for a fire. Shaking his head in disbelief he pulled himself together, remembered to close his jaw, and made his way over to the dark haired elf.

“Are you sure you know what you are doing Erestor?” Even though he could see that Erestor certainly possessed some minor skills he could not stop the question from leaving his mouth.

“Contrary to any of you prior misconceptions Glorfindel, I am more than capable of surviving in the wilds.”

“I find that difficult to believe.” Scoffing lightly Glorfindel slowly laid out the bed roll, frowning at the diminutive appearance, considering it was meant for two, and he had grabbed the largest one too! Brushing aside the issue, he once again focused on Erestor, who had remained unresponsive.

“Honestly, what could you possibly learn about survival from a book? There is nostitstitute for the real experience. Maybe if you are really good I’ll give you some pointers” Casting a trademark leer at the end of his comment he waited for Erestors response.

“The day I need learn anything of import from a miscreant scoundrel such as yourself is the day the Lady Galadriel is seen streaking through the Golden Wood.” This said he went back to arranging the sticks of wood into a perfect miniature teepee. Glorfindel ground his teeth. It never failed, no matter what he did Erestor merely had some witty comeback, and that was it. No temper, no raised voice, no jumping up and down or irrational ranting. It was rather disappointing. After ages of trying to get under the advisors skin he had still to see that famed control snap. A normal elf would have merely admitted defeat, but Glorfindel was far from normal and had never, ever admitted defeat – oh sure, he’d died, dragged to a fiery death by a Balrog, but it wasn’t the same thing. And he would not quite his pestering until he succeeded; Erestor would not win this undeclared, but still understoodivativate war of wills.

“Now if you’ll excuse me Glorfindel, I believe I shall go scout the surrounding area”. With a frosty glare at the blond he retrieved a small dagger from his pack along with an item that Glorfindel was unable to identify, and disappeared into the forest.

“Fine you do that; I’m going to go wash.” Grumbling to himself Glorfindel headed in the direction of the river with the distinct impression that the next week would be a long and arduous one.

TBC...