Lamaenon led Badhor into the stables nearby as the other elves of Arahen's garrison settled down to eat. Lamaenon had been a courier between Lothlorien and Imladris for years. Yet never had he met one of the Avari in the hills of Eregion, until today. Nor had he ever been on the other end of their ire. For all the patience he had with approaching the nomad, it almost saw him shot for the effort. Nay, that had been a warning shot. He was close enough that if the Avari wanted him dead as opposed to scared off, he would be.
Lamaenon had grown curious after word of this wanderer had reached him through an elleth named Arahen. He met her just outside the gates of Moria. He was ahead of schedule, so a slight delay would be all right. What was a courier if not also a scout for the White Lady?
Arahen had invited him to take supper with her and the rest of her garrison after the encounter with the Avari. Lamaenon felt it was wise to accept given the storm that was beginning to roll in. He had to keep his cargo dry.
The courier overheard Arahen jesting with her comrades. Once Lamaenon's warsteed Badhor was settled in the stable, he made his way to the fire where the rest were eating. The elf had a knowing smirk as he took to his rations and sat beside Arahen.
Let them chuckle. Twas not his fault the lot of them were too dull to notice footprints. That, or the Avari was good at hiding. Still, it boggled him. Nearly four score were stationed here. Not one of them had found the Avari's trail while patrolling?
Regardless of his inner musings, Lamaenon was amicable company and kept his thoughts to himself. He joked when prompted and shared tales with them as they supped. He made a point to thank them for their hospitality before turning in for the evening. As he lay on his bedroll, he thought of how Arahen mentioned she was in the service of Cirdan. The Galadhel wondered if they all were. If so, he felt sorry for Cirdan. The only one who seemed any sort of clever was Arahen. He greatly hoped the Avari was simply quite clever.
