The usually noisy forest of Region was quiet. Cicadas where long asleep and some birds have left Doriath to live in warmer parts of the world. Sometimes they noticed a two-colored fox that changed its fur for incoming frosts. Winter made thing certainly more balanced and quiet. It was a time of reflection and planning things for future.

Without any difficulties they passed through the woods and they easily cought a trial leading to splited current of river Aros. Before crossing the first part Oropher called to stop – they will rest in the safe embrace of the forest and within next changes they will move forth and cross the currents.

'You wish to pass through Nan Elmoth?' Faron asked with a bit of surprise as they still watched the lands before them from the backs of their horses.

'We will enter the southern part of this forest. It will give us protection until the edge of the Girdle.' Oropher said 'Then we will pass through Estolad towards river Gelion.'

'I don't think that Eol will see kindly to the strangers in his land.' Faron said and Oropher shook his head.

'Eol may not be fond of strangers, but he won't interfere in our travel. But we must be cautious. Trees that grow there are his allies and we will do well to pass as quickly as we can.'

'As much as we are not welcome there, it would be wiser to camp on the verge of Nan Elmoth than leave straightly to the south of Estolad.'

Oropher was not surprised that Faron had objections about crossing Nan Elmoth. This forest was not known for hospitability and kind gestures. Oropher though for long about the route they should take and passing by Nan Elmoth wasstill safer that riding strightly into Estolad.

'I won't risk our health to the moods of Eol. We will leave Nan Elmoth as quickly as we can.' Oropher said. 'Let's rest now. Faron and Arvellon hunt what you can. We will take care of the horses.'

They did as he said and hunters left at once to track their prey, Celeborn gathered wood for a campfire and soon the flames bursted aroused with practised skill.

As far, their travel was pleasant enough. Celeborn easily cought contact with everyone of his team, Orthon didn't seem grumpy and maybe it was the fresh air that softened his spirit. Arvellon seemed a bit nervous and cautious, even jumpy and keeping eye out on everything, but the more they travelled the more relaxed he became. Within the Girdle they had nothing to fear – only wolves could be of any threat to them since they started to gather back into groups and they began to hunt together. But aside from the wolves they could fear nothing.

Oropher once more wondered about his decision to not rest for long in Nan Elmoth. He knew it would be wiser to let the horses rest before entering southern lands, but he didn't want to strain Eol's good will. Old Eol was not cruel and he wished no harm to befall on any elf, but it was well known he was easily lead by his anger that more than often blocked the right way of thinking. Although, Eol himself was a kin to Elu Thingol, it was no mystery that he didn't have overwarm feelings towards the King nor any other of his kin. Nan Elmoth was his home – he payed for it dearly and he would see that no one stays in it for too long. Oropher was content with his decision – they could not risk to stay in Nan Elmoth for too long.

It was not long for Faron to come back as the first one. He managed to hunt a hare and if Arvellon will manage to hunt something as well it will be a perfect share for all of them. Faron took his hunting knife and with perfect skill he skinned his prey and prepared it to be roasted. It was easily to guess they were all hungry enough to think only about the meat to be ready.

Arvellon came back when a hare was half-roasted. He had a peasant in hand and after getting rid of its feathers it joined a hare on a stick above the flames.

Faron spoke with Orthon quietly and it seemed that usually soft-spoken warrior got interested in the conversation. Faron was easy elf to like – he was kind and helpful, quite understanding if needed, but he didn't let others to make a fool out of him. He would give advice if needed, but he would not throw his opinion on someone if he was not asked. At the same time he was resolute in his orders and precise if he spoke with fellow officer or subordinate. Orthon liked Faron's precise way of thinking and he never took much of his time.

Oropher had to admit that it was Orthon and Alagos who had the most problems with communication. When they were younger and their division was just formed, Orthon easily lost his patience with Alagos who liked to provoke him. Oropherset them straight immediately. He warned them both fairly – either they will calm down or they are both out. He had not wish to calm and mind them everytime and it will the best for all of them if they would learn to cooperate. And with time they managed, but not without occasional disputes and few brawls, that happened even to this day.

Somewhere behind them, deep in the Region forest the wolves were howling, calling each other for a hunt. No one was sure how many groups of wolves lived in the woods, but Region was known to be their sanctuary, just like Neldoreth was asylum for lynxes.

Oropher took the first watch on himself and after the meal his companions were quick to get their rest. He sat alone facing he horses that neighted softly, but they were not nervous and rather some of them seemed to drowse off. Oropher let the fire to burn out and now the fireplace only glowed giving little warm.

Oropher have not expected any company, but it was Celeborn who soon joined him.

'You should get your rest.' he muttered knowing his words were pointless, because Celeborn knew it all too well.

'Arvellon was never so withdrawn from you.' Celeborn said ignoring Oropher's words. Celeborn with ease could guess animosities between the elves and he was able to turn it for his own use. Just as now all too easily noticed a little gap that started to form between his two cousins that was not there before. 'Have you told Arvellon why you were against it that he come with us?'

Oropher was silent for a bit gazing into dense bushes before the forest line.

'No, I did not.' he said 'He doesn't need any explanations.'

'Come now, Oropher.' Celeborn grimaced. 'He thinks you abadoned him! I can see it tough he hides it well. Did he really dissapoint you with his actions?'

'He had never dissapointed me!' Oropher said sharply. 'But he needs to learn to go on despite what others think about him. If he will be discouraged so easily than it's better if he will stay a lower officer of Egnaspen.'

Celeborn was silent for a bit and Oropher again chewed the dark thoughts of his decision. It will be only for the better if Arvellon will learn this sooner rather than later.

'You seem to forget he is not Amdír. And you will do well to stop treat Arvellon like you and Amdír treated each other.' Celeborn said with sudden sharpness that surprised Oropher. 'There is nothing wrong in showing your support. And it's nothing wrong if Arvellon needs it. He is not weaker because of this.'

'I never said that he-!' Oropher started but he was quickly interrupted.

'Don't answer. Just think about it. Don't let you two part so much.'

Celeborn left him then and Oropher turned his angry eyes back on the tree line. He knew that because of his decision he may part with Arvellon, but he was willing to suffer this just to make his cousin a stronger and better warrior. He knew what Arvellon can become and Oropher will do everything to shape him into greatness. It was his decision and he was ready to live with it.

However, can he be so sure that Arvellon thinks the same? He took this decision on his own without asking Arvellon. Was it fair to take such steps for the good of a dear person? Probably not. He never wanted Arvellon to feel abadoned. With all his heart Oropher wished Arvellon to know how proud he was.

Oropher sighted loudly and looked up into dark sky. All of sudden he remembered his dream long ago of the contellations shining brightly on the navy blue sky. He smiled to this memory and then a distant cawing brought him back from his thoughts. A swarm of ravens ominously passed the northern sky. Ravens never left the woods of Doriath for winter keeping themselves close to Region where numerous wolves left a great amount of carcasses. Many believed those birds to be a misfortune – a malicious harbinger that foretold future tragedies. Many called Manwë in many of his names and prayed to be spared from any disaster so he will take the birds away. But Manwë was a Vala with many faces and he did as he pleased.

There were no priests in Doriath and to be truthful, not many Sindar prayed to the Valar nor felt the need to have any assistance from them. Many elves forsook the Valar when they decided to stay in this Dark Land they called home. Some thought of the Velar as usurpers while some held to faith and prayers to be blessed. Oropher never paid much attention to the Valar, neither did his father. He knew Galathil sometimes asked for fortune, especially before the birth of Nimloth he often used to ask the Valar for their blessing. His uncle Edwethon never did such a thing and he kept away from the powerful Valar - it seemed Edwethon stand apart from anything he didn't know. Beyond his family, Oropher knew for a fact that House Talagan and his mother's kin – House Silevon, held to deep faith and praised the Valar for their grace and wisdom. Faineth was also a faithful one, though it never dimmed her way to see things as they were.

The ravens dissapeared, but their sounds were still heard from such distance away. Oropher didn't believed in the sign of either fortune or misfortune. Only he could carve his own path in this word and he needed blessings from no one.

When the Crow costellation shone brightly Oropher woke his companions. They needed to keep moving forward.

Faron was immediately woken up and already on his legs, while it took a little longer for Orthon to wake up. Celeborn and Arvellon as always get a well grip on themselves and they were quickly ready for their further travel.

They quickly gathered their equipment and made the horses ready and when Orthon carefully made adjustments of the saddle, Oropher watched the lands they needed to pass. It was well in their grasp to pass them quickly, but he worried the most about the forest of Nan Elmoth – he was not sure what they will encounter in this place. But until they arrived to Eol's home, he had something else planned.

He turned to his companions and his eyes landed on Arvellon considering him and then he nodded to himself, convinced about his decision.

'Arvellon, I have a job for you.'

His cousin looked at him and blinked a bit surprised, but he approached him by making a few steps in his direction, while Celeborn watched them closely.

'What kind of?' Arvellon asked not sure about his intentions.

'Everyone here is experienced in leading the party through unknown terrain. Except you.' Oropher said briefly patting Hakon to calm him. 'You will lead us until he arrive to Nan Elmoth.'

Arvellon seemed to be dumbstuck by this statement and his surprise was clearly visible in his golden eyes. He prevented himself from looking back on Celeborn and fixed his eyes only on Oropher.

'Are you sure about that?' he asked, but then he shook his head as if he realized the stupidity of his words and he immediately spoke further to wipe out his previous words. 'I mean...I will!'

'Very good. I am sure you learned sufficient theory on this matter, but I am afraid that practice is the best teacher.' Oropher said and jumped on his horse. 'You are also here to learn and I will see to it that you gain all you can from this travel.'

When Arvellon was on his horse Oropher beckoned him to come closer and their horses stood shoulder to shoulder facing the lands before them.

'We need to get to Nan Elmoth.' Oropher pointed at far away spot of trees 'Look at the plains we need to go through. You need to remember all you can and lead your party through the way they are trained and prepared for. We are diplomatic delagation and our horses are a bit burdened. What route will you choose for us?'

Arvellon looked upon the grasslands before them and he watched closely. His eyes were a bit running in all directions and he clearly lacked practise, but it was a matter of experience.

'We will hold to upper ground.' he said. 'We won't tire the horses by going through uneven terrain and we will see incoming enemies.'

'And we will be easily visible on the upper groud as well. How wil you prepare us for eventual fight?' Oropher said and then rised his hand in calming gesture. 'It's a very, very low chance for it inside the Girdle, but we must be ready for every possibility. Including you there are four soldiers and Celeborn is a civil and our diplomat. How will you protect him?'

'But Celeborn-'

'Fine, Celeborn can take care of himself, but what if anyone other was in his place?' Oropher looked at Arvellon with vigilance. 'Think of our advantages. You know your own skills, mine as well. Faron is a great archer, while Orthon prefers to fight head on. How will you dispose us in the array?'

'Orthon on lead, Faron will cover the side facing the grasslands, you will prtect the side facing the hills and I will protect the rear.'

Oropher nodded with content though he would rather place himself on the rear to be sure nothing was following them, but since they were on a safe ground it would be good for Arvellon to find himself in different positions in the array.

'Then give sufficient orders.' Oropher said and he clearly saw a bit of uncertainity that appeared in his eyes, but Arvellon quickly got a hold on himself and did as was expected from the commander.

His soldiers kept their seriousness though he saw a hidden smile of amusement in Faron, but Orthon was grim as always. Oropher knew it can be hard to command warriors who were much older and most often more experienced, but Arvellon did well and soon enough they were ready for the road ahead.

They lead their horses a bit north to avoid the upslope and then they moved only forth towards Nan Elmoth. Orthon on lead easily found the way and there was no need to stop to guess their position. Oropher knew he placed Arvellon in a bit of faked position for everyone knew it was only for his training, though it was always some more experience in giving orders – Arvellon practised not only the use of right words but also his whole stance and own resolution and Oropher believed Orthon, despite himself, was a good teacher for this.

Celeborn looked at him briefly and shot him a half-smile to which Oropher didn't answer. Maybe his older cousin was right that he should change his way with Arvellon, though he feared Arvellon won't ever be independant enough – what if in near future Oropher won't be there for him? How will he cope in the army on his own? Or maybe it was truly Oropher who didn't bielieve that Arvellon was strong enough, despite what he was telling himself.

Still ignoring Celeborn he turned in his saddle to look at Arvellon behind him. He slowed his horse a bit to be closer with his younger cousin knowing well that he was breaking the array, but in Doriath's territory there was very low chance at being attacked.

'You did good.' Oropher said and then he lowered his voice speaking further. 'How does it feel to give a command to Orthon?'

Oropher easily saw Arvellon's eyes lighten up and this was what Oropher lacked in this golden color. Despite themselves they slowed their horses and stayed a bit behind, but not so long distance away.

'I admit, he is intimidating. I have never met such an elf before.' he said with the same conspiratory tone. 'If it wasn't only for show he probably wouldn't have listened to me.'

'He would, he is not a type to allow himself insubordination.' Oropher said and then he winked at his cousin. 'But if he would have refused your order, than it's up to you to make him listen.'

'Please, don't make me train this with him.' Arvellon said with almost pleading tone making Oropher almost laugh.

'If he will be bored, he may do it by himself.' he said. 'In the future you will uncounter soldiers who will like to test you. You must prove you are able to lead them. No matter how powerful their fury may be, you must be stronger.'

'Is this what happened between you and Aenor? You know, I asked my father a bit and uncle Galadhon.' Arvellon said and then added a bit tentatively. 'You seemed like a menace back then.'

Oropher gloomed a bit. He could be sure that Edwethon was not sincere in his opinion, truth be told Erthor would not have been as well – he would try to soften Oropher's past to not interfere in Arvellon's opinion about his older cousin. But Oropher could be sure that Galadhon was subjective and honest with his judgment and he told Arvellon everything that was to know.

'Because I was a menace.' Oropher said. 'I told you that I brought a disgrace on our House and I was sincere in this. But my dispute with Aenor was about something else.'

'But you defeated him. You proved your strength and that you are the best.' Arvellon said and Oropher quickly shook his head. Arvellon can't admire him for what he had done. Not for this particular thing.

'It is forbidden to hurt another elf. It is one of the heavier crimes you can commit in Doriath.' he said. 'Yet I wounded Aenor on purpose. It was not an accident. Only Aenor's reflex saved him from loosing an eye.' Oropher continued with all seriousness, his green eyes refilled with the strength of sleeping forest around. 'I was lucky to avoid being jailed, but I was depromoted without a chance to gain any rank in nearest future. And of course I got punishment for breaking army principles, I got rebuke in my files...but I proved I was stronger. The question is; was it worth it?'

Arvellon frowned at his words and kept his silence, quietly thinking over Oropher's words on his own.

'You must ask yourself Arvellon, what kind of strength you want to develop. There is no denying that you need to show your superiority, but it is about how you wish to show it.' Oropher said. 'Get your own conclusions from uncle's story and trust me when I say that my path is not to be followed. I am no example.'

Arvellon opened his mouth to speak again, but then Orthon called them to stop. Oropher frowned immediately and pushed his horse to trott towards his soldiers. Arvellon was on his heels and they stopped beside Orthon to hear his concerns. In the last moment Oropher held himself back, remembering that he gave the command to Arvellon. Besides, he knew Orthon well and he didn't seem nervous or even alarmed, so it was no need for him to interfere.

'What happened?' Arvellon asked taking Oropher's silence as a sign that he should speak forth.

Orthon glanced through Oropher not even hanging his sight on him for too long and then he directed his eyes to his temporary commander.

'Warg tracks.' He pointed at the ground near him. 'At least three individuals.'

Large paw footprints were glowering and the lone though that such monstrosities existed crawled shivers up the spine. But the tracks were very old and by now the wargs were long gone probably somewhere in the northern lands, beyond Doriath's territory.

'Tracks are old, there is nothing to worry about.' Oropher said, but nontheless he looked at Arvellon.

'I feel shadow coming from this forest. I don't like this.' Faron muttered at this side. Being a Green Elf he was sensitized to possible sickness that trundled the forest, but Oropher believed it was no disease that lurked in those woods.

'Let's go back on the path.' Arvellon said and Oropher exchanged glances with Celeborn. Arvellon's words were too gentle and his supposed order sounded more like a proposition. Oropher knew that Arvellon won't ever learn giving resolute commands with him as a teacher. With Celeborn he won't do it as well - Arvellon was too bonded with them to make this natural.

'Kid, this was an order or request?'

Orthon's sharp voice was unmistakable. He reacted more softly than Oropher suspected and he was not sure if he would rather prefer to throw Arvellon on the deep water and make him face Orthon straight forward or if this calmer approach would be better for his cousin. It will be more peaceful for sure, but it was hard to tell which of those options would actually teach Arvellon. Oropher trusted his soldiers and he knew no harm would ever befall on Arvellon from any of them and they won't threaten him anyhow. Beside this, one of the many things Oropher liked in his soldiers was that no matter with whom they dealt with they always spoke their mind. It was bred in them like their fierceness. Just as now it didn't matter that Arvellon was a Prince and beloved cousin of Celeborn and Oropher.

Oropher moved his horse out of sight and stopped beside Celeborn leaving Arvellon before two old warriors, who had their eyes fixed on younger elf. They knew well how much Oropher cared for his cousin and how he tried to make the greatest soldier out of him. And they will back up their commander in this as well, as they did with everything else.

'But I-' Arvellon finally managed to speak, but he was interrupted all too easily. And he knew he will wait in vain for any aid from his cousins.

'Straight yourself up.' Faron said as he took his long bow and poked Arvellon's arm with one end of it. 'You are a captain or not?'

'I am-!'

'Then make it sound proudly!'

It was now Faron who spoke constantly reprimending Arvellon about the use of right words. Each time he said something wrong Faron interrupted him and in the meantime he poked the elf at any sign of retreat or cowering. Arvellon had a hard time now, that would be rewarded in the future. Soldiers of his division may listen to him - Arvellon was resourceful and inventive, he also fought very well, but his soldiers were as young as him. They listened to Arvellon, because they knew him and he was promoted as their leader fairly and deservedly, which they all accepted. The catch was to make those who don't know Arvellon to obey his commands.

Orthon added few remarks and severly considered Arvellon, who glanced from Faron to Orthon and back and he was not even allowed to finish a single sentence.

'Let's leave them for a bit.' Oropher said after brief observation as he lead Hakon a bit away and Celeborn followed him. 'I saw an apple tree somewhere...here!'

He looked at up and got two fruits, both of them red and probably sweet beyond measure. He gave one to his cousin and took a bit of his own. And he was right, the apple was soft and it would be perfect for a cake or mousse that his father liked so much. Mousee was also their favourite dessert when they were elflings, beside the berry tart.

'Arvellon may not know it but he is lucky. Not many soldiers can train giving commands in such company.' Celeborn asked taking a bit of his own apple. 'It's nice! How long you will let them torment Arvellon?'

'Our cousin won't let himself be tormented for long.' Oropher said as he reached out for few more red apples. Had Galathil been here he would have laughed and probably said that he looked like a racoon. Racoons always reached out their small paws for food. 'Too bad the apples are not more green. I prefer more bitter ones.'

'Not this season, cousin.' Celeborn said trying to overhear the heated discussion that was happening nearby. Then he got into short discussion with Oropher about superiority of pears above cherries, but their conversation didn't last long as it was drowned out by sudden angry voice.

'Enough!'

Oropher and Celeborn glanced back at three soldiers a bit distance away from them. They chewed their apples calmy and awaited for progress. Finally, it seemed that Arvellon had enough. Oropher glanced at his young cousin observing him closely. For his own good he needed to learn that not everyone deserved his kindness.

'Back to array! Orthon on lead and Faron on side!' Arvellon growled angered and shoved away Faron's bow. Oropher could not see him, but his golden eyes probably shone with known sparks. Arvellon had the same eyes like Amdir. 'And don't poke me with this!'

Faron and Orthon glanced at each other as they were both interrupted and now they kept their silence. Arvellon forced them to listen and this was already a huge step. Oropher didn't expect much of reaction from his soldiers, they were both too strong for Arvellon, but they could define how well the young elf was doing and how good was his progression. Faron placed his bow back on its place and shrugged his arms.

'Convincing.' he said turning his horse and Orthon followed him.

'Decent.'

Arvellon was content with what he had done, but Oropher knew his cousin should have ended the dispute once and for all. The last remarks by Faron and Orthon should have been cut near the roots and burned before their very eyes. Arvellon had much work to do, but they will get there step by step. And Oropher was sure he will use his soldiers not once for Arvellon's training.

'Your soldiers won't be intimidated by Arvellon.' Celeborn said and he threw away the remainings of his apple. They walked their horses back to the soldiers who awaited their presence.

'That's even better. He will need to find another way to make them listen.' Oropher said and he turned eyes on gathered elves. 'Are you done?'

Faron and Orthon knew well that this was not a question to be answered. Arvellon still fumed in his irritation, but he stayed where he was, tangling a tuft of his horse's mane in hand. Probably it was enough of learning for now.

'Back on the road.' he commanded and they bid their horses to walk. Celeborn stayed behind with Arvellon and Oropher trotted to catch up his soldiers, who made a place and let him ride between them.

'He has a good heart of your aunt.' Faron said finally, but delicate smile graced his lips. 'But there are seeds of you in his attitude. Your lessons are not for nothing.'

'I hope so.' Oropher sighted keeping his eyes on the path ahead. 'I don't want to rip his kind heart, but there are those who will use it. I want to prepare him for everything.' then he glanced on both of his soldiers. 'I may use you in the future for this. I hope you don't mind.'

'This can be a bit of fun.' Faron smiled and Oropher laughed softly. Then he left them by slowing down his horse and this was a sign for everyone to come back to previous array then left to inspect the warg tracks. Oropher left Arvellon to his own thoughts - his cousin was much more calmed by now, but Oropher saw that he was still exasperated. It was good that Arvellon didn't hold to such negative emotions for long. It helped to make clearer decisions and Oropher had to admit that he was able to hold for long to his own anger which often lead to troublesome situations.

Clear sound of racing river reached their ears and soon they stood face to face with a treshold of the river Celon. At this part the water was stll calm and the river was not broad and deep as it was in the further parts. They will be able to easily pass through water on the other side.

'Refill your waterskins and let the horses drink some water. In few moment we are back on the road.' Oropher said and they lead their horses to cool water and let them drink.

Oropher looked at Celeborn who in turn stared at Estolad that scretched over the horizon and at its very end they would find river Gelion and where the lands Ossiriand began.

'Now it looks more like tundra.' Celeborn said. 'Though it's not as harsh as the ones in the north.'

Do you remember, Celeborn? The fire and smoke above Estolad, choking fumes and fear reaching our hearts? Do you remember our first battle?

Oropher turned his eyes to the south and Celeborn watched with him. Where the hills of Andram ended, between Ramdal and seven rivers of Ossiriand there was a single hill – Amon Ereb. They remembered all too well the bitter end of Denethor and his valiant soldiers – the Nandor met their end on this lone hill. Oropher recalled with sadness the farewall to the last King of the Green Elves.

Celeborn looked at Oropher and he immediately knew his cousin remembered this same thing as he did.

'Faron is right to be weary of Nan Elmoth. Eol dearly paid for his right to live there and the trees embraced his bitterness and anger.' Celeborn said. 'We won't pass unseen. And they don't take kindly to any kin of Elu Thingol.'

'Do you think we should change our way?' Oropher asked. He was not present before the Thrones when Eöl and Elwë parted ways in unfriendly manner, but he heard enough stories of this happening. Undoubtedly there was a lone memory of this happening – the sword Anglachel, that none would dare to have at their side. There was malice in this blade, many said, and that it should stay hidden deep in the armories of Menegroth. Oropher didn't know Eöl at all – he had never met him in Menegroth nor he saw his blade Anglachel, but if Celeborn showed his remarks to this Dark Elf, than maybe something was amiss and it would be better to leave the Girdle than pass by unwelcome forest.

'If will will strike off from river Celon the run across the plains will not be that long.' Celeborn said. 'We will be quick to reach river Gelion...and Sarn Athrud.'

Oropher frowned at those words. Sarn Athrud was the bridge entrance to the dwarven road and he had no wish to pass close to it.

'Why the dwarven road?' Oropher asked knowing Celeborn as always had his reasons.

'Simple thing. We will be seen arriving to our kin in Ossiriand. And dwarves at the bridge will be quick to inform Nogrod and Belegost of our meeting.' Celeborn shrugged his arms. 'I don't expect any unpleasant situation. After all we have good relations with the dwarves. But it's your call.'

Oropher knew he needed to make this decision fast. Their horses get their drink and they prepared for crossing the shallow river.

'Gather round soldiers!' he called to remaining elves, who were quick to join him and Celeborn. 'Change of plans. Faron, Celeborn backed your concers with Nan Elmoth. We will pass straightly through Estolad to river Gelion. Faron you will lead us, head to the dwarven road. From there we will walk along the river until the Ossiriand settlements. Now form up! We are crossing the river!'

Briefly they looked at each other with Celeborn and Oropher hoped he was right to listen to his cousin's points. Celeborn knew Eöl better and maybe they were right to avoid Nen Elmoth.

Immediately Faron took the lead, Arvellon and Celeborn fell behind him and Oropher with Orthon behind them. After they crossed river Celon they headed to south-eastern part of Estolad and moved their horses to slow gallop.