Felix has little experience with warriors, even if Ashura was one as well. It was less a defining characteristic and more an augmentation to the rest of him. Whereas with Thorin, lacking any other context, the smaller man seemed to revel in it. He wasn't sure if he should feel impressed, wary, or repulsed, though all three warred for dominance in his mind. Getting on Thorin's bad side seemed to be a bad idea, though he had no goal to do as such. People could not stand up to a little subtle mockery would never last long as his friend. It was simply the way he spoke to people.

"I don't know the Lady nearly as well as you might believe. Ashura here has a far better relationship with her than I do," Felix answered. It was quite true, in fact. While he counted Galadriel as an ally, ever sense he'd invited her into his mind - even though he'd gained her approval in the process - their relationship had largely been one of cautious but friendly distance. But they had an understanding.

"Did you succeed in taking back your lands?" he said after a brief, slightly stunned, pause.