never take advice from someone who just admitted to being devious and just confessed to treason
There was something about the Phantom that was unnerving, though Roland couldn’t quite place what it was. He did not exude a particularly unpleasant disposition, or display a large amount of emotion for that matter, but some element of his mannerism had the Thief wondering if his intentions were as friendly as they seemed. He had, however, fallen victim to a rather hindering tendency of approaching every new face with suspicion and doubt, and so Thranduil was in no danger of finding himself on the receiving end of prejudice until he had proven to be untrustworthy or otherwise.
In the last few years Roland had become well acquainted with the types of egos that could be found within his trade, harbored by those that used the sharpness of their minds to fight, assuage, and manipulate. He was no stranger to impudence, himself. Surely there was more to the story than what Thranduil offered in response to his question, but he would have to make do with the answer for now. Perhaps in time the Phantom would trust him, and they could share their stories, but the conversation was swept along before he had the chance to offer an eye for an eye.
The Thief withheld a laugh, raising his eyebrows instead as he awaited an explanation. There was nothing wrong with having room to grow in any profession, nor any shame in needing lessons to improve. If he truly wanted Roland’s assistance in bettering himself, then he would be happy to lend a hand; but if the Phantom was as confident in his own abilities as he seemed, then perhaps he was in need of a different form of study material. Roland had been recklessly brazen while fighting the war, but he had quickly come to learn that he was not invincible, and with that realization his overconfidence had waned until he held only the most threadbare of faiths in his own abilities. It helped to keep a clear mind.
Even if the Phantom had some ulterior motive in mind, Roland listened accommodatingly to Thranduil’s request. It was exhausting, to keep a barrier between himself and those that should be his allies, ever searching for the deceiver who held a knife behind his back, and so he looked no further into the integrity of the stallion’s intentions. “I don’t see why not,” he responded finally, though with an air of hesitation. There wasn’t a competitive bone in his body, and if this was to be a contest between the two of them then he would be content to win or lose. Still, he supposed there was no reason to deny Thranduil his challenge, despite the Thief’s lack of enthusiasm for engaging in such an activity. So he gave a nod of acquiescence, accompanied by a subtle shrug of indifference, and fixed a contemplative look upon the Phantom.
“Why not make a game out of it? The festival is coming up, and I’m sure there are many who would be interested in participating,” he suggested, shifting upon his feet. It would be a good opportunity to meet any new Phantoms that had joined their ranks, and a chance to socialize- however reluctantly- with the guests that would attend the celebration. If Thranduil supposed an easy win was within his grasp, he was mistaken. Roland was often underestimated, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
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