The first stars of the Cougar constellation were shining in the sky and their leave to Ossiriand came closer with each passing Change. Oropher recommended his soldiers to be ready any time for the order to move out.

Oropher had already talked through and resolved any cases that needed his attention and he didn't engage in new ones getting Saida to take care of them. It would be of no use for him to dig into the problem when he will have to leave in a matter of short time.

Also, Changes ago he spoke with Egnaspen, who officialy placed the officer of his banner under Oropher's supervision which meant Arvellon was his soldier now. Oropher ordered Arvellon to his office and he was now awaiting the arrival of his younger cousin. Since the talk after the duel they haven't spoke at all, beside occasional greetings. Oropher knew Arvellon will perform his duty at the Gate as long as he could and after his leave Aglaron will be relocated for another duty – it would not be fair for him to continue the guard alone while Arvellon was away.

Few knocks on the door made Oropher to turn from the sight of training soldiers. As he suspected it was Arvellon who entered his cabinet.

'As you well know you coming with us to Ossiriand.' Oropher said straightly to the point 'Egnaspen placed you under my command and during the ride you are a soldier of my Banner. In Ossiriand you will assist Celeborn with his work. From now on, be prepare to move at any time.'

'Any other orders?' Arvellon asked and Oropher run eyes all over his face. He didn't seem angry anymore and previous irritation dimmed out as quick as it appeared. Instead, there was something else which Oropher was not sure he understood correctly.

It was clear that Arvellon knew he was against the idea of him joining their diplomatic party. Oropher was against it for one reason – Arvellon broke the rules and had his punishment that right now he was being relieved from. For Oropher such situation should have never happened, but as always, Celeborn had his ways to convience everyone to his right. Besides this and even depsite himself, Oropher worried. Arvellon had never left Menegroth for too long – he had never been in farest borders of Doriath, he had never forced his way through thick, fallen snow in the Region forest, he had never experienced a raging snowstorm, he had never passed through dangerous forest routes of the forest of Neldoreth. Arvellon was inexperienced soldier, but Oropher knew he will manage this travel. And he will make sure Arvellon will gain invaluabe experience that will allow him to lead his own soldiers even better. Arvellon knew of Oropher's lack of agreement and it seemed his young cousin believed the reason to be entirely different – he thought Oropher didn't believe in him, that he was dissapointed.

Oropher saw this doubts in Arvellon's golden eyes – that Oropher thought of him to not be good enough. Oropher wondered if he truly failed since his cousin even allowed such a thought to flourish. But Arvellon needed no solace – Oropher will teach him he needed no recognition to feel worthy and to believe in his own skills.

'That's all.' Oropher said and Arvellon took his leave. Adamantly, Oropher kept his silence. Arvellon needed no consolation from him to go on. He needed no comfort.

Oropher drank up the wine he poured himself before and he left his own office. He knew he was leaving everything in good hands – Taranir was as always ready to take any duties and he was sure Saida will manage as well.

He left the military area and headed the apartments of his family and hoping to meet Galathil there. Swiftly he passed through wide and elegant corridors until he entered a comfy area of his family's rooms that was very well known to him. He clearly heard quiet conversation in one of the chamber rooms and he was right – it was Galadhon with Lord Bronwe who were talking peacefuly sharing a glass of wine. Truth be told, Bronwe was no Lord, but he was adressed as such out of courtesy and because of his friendship with Galadhon. Oropher didn't now how those two had met, but they definately shared a passion for horses and for long days they could sit and talk.

Also, Bronwe was a great horse trainer himself – he was very much praised for his work and he was able to soften any steed. In his time, he was a Stable Master, but when he decided to step down someone else took over his place and he became what he wished to be in the first place – he trained horses. Bronwe took under his care representabe horses, but he was also responsible for the basic training of the steeds working in the army and Oropher was always content with the work he did.

For some time Oropher wondered if he should not ask Bronwe to train a new horse for him – Oropher had no time to tame and train the horse on his own and there was a chance that after he will be back from Ossiriand his new horse will be ready. Also, Oropher was sure that Bronwe will cooperate with Galadhon in this matter and having an occupation will serve his uncle well.

After knocking few times he entered the chamber room that was not so neatly decorated as previous ones. The fire was cracking and lighted the place nicely and two elves sitting in the armchairs next to the fireplace turned to him.

'Welcome, Oropher. Join us!' Galadhon said immediately and Bronwe looked up at him getting up.

'Well, if it's not our general!'

'Please sit. Don't trouble yourself, my Lord.' Oropher said and Galadhon gave him a glass of wine. He sat down on the third armchair and quickly decided to press his matter forward to not be drawn into some conversation he wanted to avoid. 'Actually, it's convenient that I met you here. I have a request.'

Bronwe's eyes lit in interest and Galadhon sipped his wine silently and Oropher gave a try to his own topic.

'What can I do for you?'

'As you know or maybe not, my horse suffered an injury and he won't come back to his duty.'

'Yes, so I heard. Poor Kairon is too young for retirement.' Bronwe nodded to his words. 'But it can't be helped.'

'This leaves me with my two other steeds, who are not what I expect. I wonder if you would feel up to finding and training a new horse for me.' Oropher said. 'I have no time to do this on my own and my leave to Ossiriand only complicated this. I would ask no one other but you.'

Bronwe pondered for a bit as if he already had in mind the plan and possible horses he could recommend and then he focused again.

'Truly a responsible task.' Browne said and his eyes clouded again in his own thoughts. 'But I already have few candidates in mind who would fill right in with your request. Yes, a truly magnificent younglings. I feared they would be wasted with some noble, but now it's a different story.'

'I would be obliged if you will agree to my request.' Oropher said immediately when Galadhon opened his mouth to say something. As much a Oropher liked those noble animals he found no interest in digging into their bloodlines. The horse was either of use to the army or not.

He drank up the rest of his wine and got up, excusing himself with tide of work that still awaited him. He said again his acknowledgements to Bronwe, said his farewall to Galadhon and then he was gone leaving them with new topic to talk about.

There was no one other in the royal apartments. Erthor and Edwethon had their duties to the King and the Council, as had Celeborn. Arradis spent her time with other Ladies on the court and Galathil with Faineth and Nimloth were most likely together in some of the numerous gardens of Menegroth.

Changes ago Oropher prepared his necessary belonging, packed them and placed in the stable, near his horse's stall and the bags awaited him there and the time their travel will begin.

It all came down to a problem that no one knew when it will be exactly. The stars appeared as they wished and they could only assume the possible time. The first winter constellation was a Snowdrop and everyone glanced at the sky from time to time to see if winter has arrived. As for now there was no such luck or rather bad luck.

Oropher left the apartment wing of his family and now walked down the corridors closer to the Court and the gardens. The nobles wandered around peacefuly, enjoying their time and conversations. They outfits enraptured with colors and form - Lords shone with grace and Ladies mirrored excellence. They became blossoms on their own replacing those asleep in the gardens among green grass.

He felt like a moth in his dark military garments, but this particular outfit he wore on himself was one of his newest. He wanted to be well prepared for the travel and none of his equipment could fail him. Thanks to this he only looked like a moth and not like deflated bettle.

He exchanged words of acknowledgment with some elves he encountered, with less he convered for a short time, but most nobles chose not to accost him and only greeted him acordingly to his rank.

'It's a rare sight to see you here, General.'

The elf didn't try to sneak or startle him - instead he approached him straight forward and Oropher stopped his tracks near an embellished pillar with hanging plants.

'Chief Saelon.' he greeted. The elf had perfect sense to nab him a distance away from the nobles where they could talk in solitude. 'What can I do for you?'

'I think we both know exactly what.' Saelon leaned his hands on the handle of his sheeted sword. 'I have not backed the proposition to arrest one of your soldiers, but treat this like a good will of mine. What you and your soldiers presented is unacceptable and next time it will happen I will lock you down. In chains if needed.'

'Don't play with the fire or you will get burned.' Oropher growled will his sheer will preventing himself from lashing out at the elf. But Saelon would not be intimidated that easily. Besides, Mablung will have his hide if he will say one word too much and make an enemy in Saelon. Oropher learned to respect Mablung's wrath and avoided it if there was no need to face it.

'You are first a soldier and I intend to treat you like one.' Saelon said. 'I am doing my job. You are doing your job. Let's not get in each other's way to make it even harder, General.'

Royal Guards were not under authority of the army, instead they served the Council. If Saelon will decide to arrest him it will place his father in troublesome situation.

'If you intend to nurse the poor nobles than teach them also how to behave. Unless they won't, than I can't promise that it won't happen again.'

Saelon eyed him all over and Oropher answered with the same. They were two dogs not really interested in brawling for a bone. Each of them will come back to their own pack and it will be better if they won't cross their paths again.

'I expected no other answer.' Saelon said without a smile and passed by him. 'Enjoy your time at the Court, General.'

Oropher have not looked back to see the elf walking away. Instead, he came back on his own path with a bit mixed feelings. Saelon was hard to read and Oropher have not really learned anything from his words besides that he won't arrest Orthon. Maybe Oropher should consider a few lessons with Celeborn, so his cousin would teach him how to see emotions and thought the elves didn't wish to show.

The Songs of Roses. This garden was as beautiful as its name. Roses, as the only blossoms in Menegroth, did not fall asleep for winter and the garden shone with enchantment all the time. Small steam flew with a calming sound and near it, on a spread blanket, Galathil and Faineth spent a pleasant time with their daughter, just like a family should. For a moment he watched them from the side, all his stirring emotions flying away. Faineth had white roses in her hair that matched her beautiful dress. She held sleeping Nimloth in her arms and Galathil held them both in his arms, embracing Faineth by her waist. A perfect picture, it could be said. Oropher felt rude to even interrupt such a moment, but he wanted to say his farewalls. Just before the travel there won't be time to run the corridors of Menegroth looking for his family.

They quickly noticed him coming closer, but it didn't interrupted their moment and Faineth still leaned on her husband's chest.

'You look like a beetle in this colorful garden.' Galathil said to him straight away and kissed Faineth's temple to gentle her. Faineth was very used to their meanness towards each other, but from time to time she still could shot them a pacifying glance. She didn't like if elves refered to each other with lack of respect. Though, most of the time she decided to not interfere, knowing they were only joking.

'And you always look like a grub, no matter where you are.'

'Your words hurt me deeply, cousin.' Galthil said sarcastically and smiled. 'Why you decided to crawl from your military burrow to the surface? You sniffed up food, didn't you?'

Oropher shook his head and smile appeared on his face before he knew. He sat down on a verge of the blanket. As much as he wished to exchange insults with Galathil, he was short in time.

'I came to say my goodbyes. We may leave any time now and I didn't wish to go without seeing you off.'

'I hoped it was a misunderstanding. That your leave to Ossiriand is a rumour.' Faineth said with sudden sorrow and she straightened up sitting properly. 'But Celeborn came before you. And Arvellon, too. Why would anyone order you to ride into danger?'

'There are reasons for it. Such is our duty.' Oropher said and Faineth shook his head.

'It is no honour to loose life for a duty.'

'You are right.' he nodded in content. 'It's an honour to die protecting your home and family. To do everything to keep them safe. That's what we do now.'

Faineth smiled faintly and looked at her tiny daughter. Her future depended on the strength of Doriath's army and wits of the Council. Every step the councillors took may grant them stronger alliance with Ossiriand. The army kept the enemy at bay. If they will face a war in near future, Doriath must stand victorious. For all they hold dear.

'As you said it's beyond the jurisdiction of the Council.' Galathil muttered. 'It must be something more than a worry about the Green Elves safety in the East. King Elwë and Queen Melian see more and foreknow many things we are not aware of. I only hope they were able to grant you all the safety you need.'

Oropher could not assure Galathil and Faineth of their security. Everything could happen outside the Gridle and Oropher himself hoped to have luck on their side.

Stinged by sudden feeling he looked up. The Snowdrop graced the sky in full glory and stars shone as beautifully as they should in a constellation like this. It was time for the travel to begin.

'We are fearless. And we will get there and back again.' Oropher said and got up. 'It's time for me to go.'

He leaned down to Faineth and kissed her cheek embracing her by arm in consolation, though in won't bring her a lot comfort. He looked at little Nimloth in her arms and he briefly touched her head to not wake her up. Then he got up and embraced Galathil and the gesture was retured.

'We will be back during spring.' Oropher said as he held his cousin at arm length and Galathil sighted.

'Keep an eye on each other out there.' he said. 'You and Celeborn. And you both look after Arvellon.'

'Count on it.' Oropher answered with his usual confidence. Then he looked once more on Faineth and Nimloth sending them a smile and he left, quickly leaving the Court and coming back to his usual surroundings.

Well known sounds of neighting horses, clinging weapons and working forges made him come back as General. He called few nearest soldiers who stood up seeing him approach.

'At ease!' he said 'Get the officers Faron, Orthon and Arvellon of the Wolf Banner to the main stable. Officer Faron may be at home with his family. Tell them to ready their horses. And ask Lord Celeborn to arrive as well.'

'At once, general!'

The soldiers went off, each of them in different direction and Oropher himself directed his steps to the main stable to ready for the journey ahead.

When he entered the building as always few heads popped out interested, but Oropher immediately approached and opened the wooden stall where Hakon stood and he lead the horse out. His most needed equipment waited for him in a place he left it and right now he only needed to get it into bags attached to the saddle.

He carefully prepared Hakon and made sure he had no grazes. Then he took his raid saddle and got his horse ready. His equipment was splitted up and bags were strongly belted so they won't fall off. Oropher also placed his quiver at the front side of the saddle and straightened the weapons on his back. He and Hakon were ready to move out.

He lead his horse out and they passed by with Faron, who arrived to the stable as the first of their party.

'Already prepared?' Faron said without surprise and Oropher smiled delicately.

'I am waiting near the Great Gate.' he said and with Hakon at the side he slowly made his way to the corridor leading up to the gateway.

There was no reason for rush. He walked with his horse shoulder to shoulder climbing up the not well lightened corridor. He didn't want to prolong their leave, but also he didn't want the atmosphere to be nervous. They were all well prepared and there was no reason to be anxious.

When he climbed up the sandy circular courtyard before the Gate he saw a well known figure. Erthor waited patiently for him to arrive and Oropher approached his father, who turned in his direction hearing sound of hooves on the sand.

'I hoped to see you before your leave.' he said and Oropher easily noticed his father probably left some metting for he was dressed in elegant toned robes. 'The time arrived much quicker than I wished. Rhiw is not merciful for travellers. Be careful.'

Without a word Oropher came closer and embraced his father firmly who returned the gesture more delicately. He felt Erthor smoothering grey hair that fell down his back and his father most probably wanted to soothe more himself than him.

'And I hoped you would see me off.' he said. 'Don't worry, Adar. I will always come back home.'

Oropher stepped back and held his father at arms length. He remembered his unpleasant meeting with Saelon at the Court and he realized he had not spoke with his father about the matter with House Brasson. He smiled at his father, a bit apolegetically.

'House Brasson will look at us wryly for next centuries. I am sorry for what happened with Lord Curuon. Lord Raevon will hold to his animosity.'

'Don't bother yourself with this.' Erthor said, but then he realized it was not exactly what he wanted to say and as he spoke further his tone changed to more firm. 'I know you wouldn't have behaved that way without a reason. And I strongly believe Orthon's action was exagerrated by them as well. Which does not change the fact that you shouldn't have said such words to young Harnor. And scaring him so.'

'I know.' Oropher muttered, but at the lone memory of the insolent mug of Harnor his blood boiled with renewed anger. He wouldn't have taken back his words for nothing.

'But no one can fully tame a wolf.' Erthor said smiling a bit. 'No one would have ever managed to make you or your cousins a cushy Princes. You caused troubles, of course, and my problems only piled up when you were on deck, but I would have traded it for nothing.'

'Well, Lord Curuon said you should be ashamed of me.'

'Did he?' Erthor said and Oropher all to easily recognised the stone lilt in his father's voice. It foretold troubles. 'Now, that's interesting news. Anyway, be cautious of Celeborn during this ride. If only you could see what he is doing in the Council!'

'What do you mean?'

'If things will go this way, he will soon take my place as the Head Councillor. He can as well lead every hearings from now on! He has such vigour and impetuosity that it's a pleasure to listen to him.' Erthor said and shook his head 'This travel will either tire him down or liven him up even more!'

To Oropher's surprise it was Arvellon who first showed himself on the courtyard and Erthor called him to come his cousin was near them Oropher observed him closely – his clothes were adjusted to travel, he had weapons on his back, he wore high boots and gloves as well and his horse was groomed and well prepared.

'Arvellon, wonderful to see you!' Erthor greeted warmly his nephew and embraced him. 'Your parents should arrive shortly and I am sure Galadhon will say his farewall as well.'

'Thank you, uncle.' Arvellon said but before he added anything more his brown horse docked a pile of buckets nearby and Hakon spooked jumped away and perked ears at the horrible sound refusing to come closer while Arvellon's brown Lass was more interested about Hakon's reaction than the fallen buckets.

'Don't mind him.' Oropher muttered before any objections would rise about taking a timid horse for a travel. He looked at Arvellon standing beside his father. 'Do you have everything you need?'

Arvellon looked at him and for a bit he was silent while Oropher wondered if he was wondering about the equipment or he began to be irritated.

'I guess so, yes.' he said tentatively which told Oropher that he wondered about his belongins.

Oropher reached out and he efficiently adjusted badly fastened swordbelt on Arvellon's chest and then he straightened a bit his cousin's outfit.

'Much better.' Oropher said content with his own work and Arvellon cleared his throat.

'Thanks.'

'Oh, here goes your parents.' Erthor said seeing approaching elves. 'And Galadhon too! We will leave you with them, Arvellon.'

Oropher and Erthor took their leave a bit to the side and stood now a bit distance away. Oropher passed by his uncle with polite neutrality that was returned, but with Arradis they greeted each other with a smile. She immediately cought Arvellon in warm embrace, but then she let him go realizing that a serious soldier like her son would not wanted to be treated like this. Arradis was clearly taken over by this whole situation. After all, Arvellon had never left Menegroth for so long and she kept asking him if he was well prepared for the journey ahead. In a split of second Oropher wondered if his own mother would have been ovetaken as well or she would rather show calm regality House Silevon was known for.

It was Celeborn who arrived as next. His white horse looked briskly around and Oropher smiled as he rarely saw his cousin in such attire.

'Hunting clothes suit you, cousin.' he said and Celeborn tilted his head.

'I look good in everything.' he said and then he looked around 'Oh, I see only your soldiers are missing.'

Oropher admitted both Faron and Orthon were slacking around, but he decided to give them a moment before he would kick them to fasten up. Celeborn greeted Erthor and then approached his own father to say last words before leaving.

'Is uncle actually pleased about Arvellon's new duties?' Oropher asked Erthor who stood at his side and observed the elves of their House. 'I am not sure he is happy that Arvellon is leaving.'

'He is not.' Erthor said. 'But neither he had anything to say. The final decision was made by Egnaspen and there was no compromise since then.'

Then he looked at Oropher at the tip of his eye and lowered his voice.

'We both know he would rather tie Arvellon to the chair in the Council if only he could.'

Oropher knew about it. The leave of Amdír stucked down the hearts of Edwethon and Arradis. It has been centuries since they saw their oldest son and although Amdír was not gone from this world, he had not made any contact with his family either. Oropher wondered if this was not even more painful - knowing that your child was somewhere out there and not bothering anyhow to get in touch.

Orthon and Faron trotted into the courtyard ready to leave and Oropher weighted them with his gaze. Their party was ready. Now they only needed to say their farewalls.

Oropher embraced his father once more, both of them knowing that next words were a goodbye.

'Safe travel, my son.' Erthor said and Oropher smiled though his father could not see it.

'It will be. Don't worry.' he said and when he pulled away he called for Hakon, who obeyed and approached his rider.

Oropher jumped on his steed and everyone took it as a sign to move out. Arvellon and Celeborn were already on their horses and Oropher turned to his soldiers.

'Bid the guards to open the gate. We are leaving as soon as they will do it.'

Faron and Orthon lead their horses to the standpoint and Oropher once more looked down on his father, but without words they just smiled at each other and Oropher heard a click of the heavy gates.

'Prepare for the move out!' he called and turned his horse to face the gate.

Celeborn and Arvellon said their farewalls and lead their horses to Faron and Orthon. Oropher passed by Galadhon and they clasped hands in warrior's gesture and then he lied his eyes on Arvellon's parents.

'Uncle, aunt Arradis.' he slowed down his horse. Arradis was full of anxiousness and despite himself Oropher felt the urge to calm her. All the more that she always showed him kindness and never blamed him for Amdír's leave. His next words were directed to his aunt. 'Arvellon is well prepared for his duty and he will manage everything. There is nothing to fear.'

Arradis smiled at him and reached out to catch his hand.

'Come back home safely. All of you.'

Oropher smiled to her once more and then looked on Edwethon who stood behind Arradis. They nodded in well known politeness that was always between them and when Arradis stepped back Oropher joined his team near the gate.

'Arvellon and Faron on lead. We will fall behind you.' Oropher said and without further ado they formed up an array. They didn't fasten their horses too much and their steeds walked steadily, leaving the protective caves of Menegroth.

The air was not yet chilly, but a known smell of the forest brought consolation. Stars shone brightly as always, showing them the way and trees sensing their approach managed to greet them, although they were sleepy with the coming of winter.

Neither of them turned back to see their family. Once you said your farewalls you had to go forth.