@tharnachad - cont.Â
 “And a serpent’s mind to match it.”
 Although that is unfair to snakes. They are not malevolent creatures, nor are they greedy and dimwitted; their venom they use only in self-defense, a last resort when bared fangs are not WARNING enough. The guest in question gave no warning before he struck. Nor was he being threatened. Unprovoked he attacked the people of the Woodland Realm, bringing up a grudge — that of his inprisonment when travelling unnanounced and in secrecy through the elven kingdom — long since settled and forgiven. There may be no friendship between the wood-elves and the dwarves, but neither is there HOSTILITY. To bring up such a matter can serve only to kindle hatred between their peoples again, to sow distrust where there need not be distrust — and to bring further damage to wounded elven pride after their failure to keep watch over the creature Sméagol.
 Legolas held his tongue then, priding himself on being the better of the two though sorely tempted to snap back. He is not holding his tongue now.
 “Remind me again why the son of that — savage — is to be part of our endeavour? Surely even among dwarves there are those with more tact.”
    Dutifully, the Ranger heard the words; without interrupting, he allowed the prince his time to vent his displeasure while he worked away with packing his things. They were to leave on the morrow, and it would be early; he doubted he would get much rest this night. Â
    A wry smile was given, scarce, the look sent over his shoulder to Legolas at the words; he shook his head. ❝ The task before us is one that affects all of the Free Peoples; they have a right to send one of their own. I trust in Elrond’s decision. ❞ He slipped a dagger in its sheath, binding it to the outside of the pack with a few short jerks of his fingers. ❝ Though I will not deny that his words had little place in such council. ❞
    Bitter words: You were less tender to me. Old grudges, it would appear, died slowly, even in the face of more pressing concern. ❝ And, âťž he said, wry, a smile curving a corner of his mouth as he laced the bag’s top and set it aside, ❝ You know as well as I that they are a proud and stubborn folk. But: you also know as well as I to not fault the son for his father’s deeds. You do not know this Gimli, and nor do I. Such judgment does not become you, mellon nĂ®n. ❞ There was no ire in the words, though they were direct, as they so often were.Â











