There was only one thing to do.

Ahead of them, on flat black rock, there was but one figure standing proud. Alone. Ilúvatar knew it as soon as he saw the figure - Talmus. But his instincts were not confirmed until they were closer. Until the traitor was staring at them, face twisted. Eyes seemingly darker with hate. Ilúvatar did not know if that was something that his mind added or something that was actually occurring. Only that, for a moment, he felt something like repulsion at the sight. Only a moment. And then the battle instinct was upon him. Eibhear had the lead, but his steps were slowing, and the look on his face was one of conflict. Even Pol did not seem eager to fight, or eager to confront the one who'd nearly killed them. Fenrir was nowhere to be seen. If he was still alive, he had to be nearby, but Ilúvatar didn't know when or if he would shoot Talmus. DId he want the fellow dead badly enough to strike from the shadows and think about honor later? Or would he strike to Talmus' face? Time would answer that question.

( Time, and a dead body. )

Capes were a fine thing for formal engagements, but Ilúvatar was glad to leave it behind. Equally glad that he wasn't saddled with armor. The coat of his office hung open, collar folded down, and the double-breasted thing was only there to keep out the sudden chill of the night. Despite how cold it was the air felt charged, explosive. And that was mostly due to the danger. Every man who'd come along carried every weapon he could find on his person, because the half-second you took to kick a dead Perub off your sword was the half-second it would take for his brother to skewer you like a pig. Improvisation was essential. Adaptation. Respond to the situation and don't stop moving. Just fight, and kill. Those were the orders he'd given. Along with 'be quiet or I'll end you', it was the simplest set of marching orders he'd ever given a group of soldiers. It was also the reason he'd chosen these men. They knew how to fight as one. And to the last they were all respectful of their new recruit. To suggested that having two lords on one mission such as this meant it was doomed to failure or bound for great success - but no in-between.

( Sometimes he wanted to cut out To's tongue. )