"His words are as good as his blades."

"Why should I trust a swordsmith to choose me a wife?!"

"Because your father appointed him. And because he forbade you to go."

"He is most infuriating, Haldir. Why not?"

"Perhaps he doesn't trust you to slip into the lands of men and steal yourself a woman of bravery, modesty and virtue?"

"Shut up Haldir."

Haldir smiled, and taking up his bow, left the porch with Valith still sitting on the steps, fuming over his parents' decision.

***************

"Andros!" Haldir called as he approached the forge.

Andros lay aside a finished arrow-point with the others, and turned. "Yes?" He asked, wiping his hands on his bare chest. "Celeborn has given you leave to take a party of four with you, only four men. They are to be your choice, but my say overrides." He smirked at the last bit, as Andros was an old friend one did not have to be serious around.

Andros handed him an arrow-point. " I shall take Methren, Pariel, Harlos and Brenguil with me." Haldir protested while eyeing the blade. "Nay. You cannot have Brenguil. Take Ustren."

"Ustren?"

"Yes, the short one who keeps third night watch. He's a very good shot in the dark, a rare gift."

Andros narrowed his eyes at Haldir, unconvinced. "Fine. I shall take him." His eyes were determined, but he had his doubts, Haldir could see from the set of his jaw.

"Then it is settled. Need you me to see you off?" Haldir gave him back the arrow-point. "Nay. Thankyou for the offer." He said it wryly, as it was a joke between them, 'seeing' one another off. Truth be told, it was just an excuse to 'accidentally' nock arrows at one another at an informal parting.

*****************

"Mary! Phone for you!" Mother called from downstairs.

Mary sighed heavily and rolled off her bed, hitting the floor with a thud, her artwork falling with her. She stood, stacking her papers on the pillows. "Coming!" She shouted down the hall, hoping Mother had heard.

Nearly tripping over a cat emerging from under the bed, Mary rushed downstairs to get the phone. Sliding in stocking-feet on the landing, she leaned over the rail and asked "Who is it?". Mother's face appeared around the kitchen doorway. 'Aunt Millie' she mouthed soundlessly, with the phone still pressed to her ear. Mary half-slid down the last few stairs, making a close save or two.

Into the kitchen she skated, sliding on the polished hardwood floors. Mom handed her the phone as she fell against the center island, Aunt Millie still jabbering away.

"And so then I told her that she was just being cruel and to get off of it, but then she says to me, she says Millie, you should talk. Would you believe the nerve of that woman? She's practically a seaman's wench living in that shabby little flat a block from the beach and..." Mary interrupted smoothly as her aunt paused for a breath. "Hey Aunt Millie, it's Mary, how are you?"

"I'm fiiine my dear, how've you been?"

Mary twirled her fingers in her hair. "Good. Why'd you call me?"

"I need you to babysit Jeremiah for me tonight from around eight until.....oh hell, just stay the night. I'll pick you up in about an hour, alright?"

"Okay." Mary agreed, having no previous plans.

"Good. Let me talk to your mother, there's a good girl."

Mary handed the phone back to her mother, whose eyes widened and she tried to crawl into the cupboard she'd been peering in when she realized who was on the other end. Stilling her gibbering, Mother put the phone to her ear and said tentatively "...hello?" Millie's jabbering started up again and Mary trotted upstairs to shower.