"Perhaps it was. It seems odd though, one creature, alone, possibly...running from something? There are few other reasons why a lone individual would be found dead so far from a settlement. And it's without a weapon, without wealth, not carrying any of the things that someone fleeing their home might carry. Instead, all that's nearby is a clock. Interesting. It would imply that this clock, whatever it is, is very important. Yes, very important."

He looked again at the mechanism, assessing its possible value anew. Then his gaze darted back up to Tauriel as he snapped back to himself.

"Yes, this site needs a full archaeological survey conducted."