Thalestel made her way quickly down to the rocky beach on the skirts of the city.  She was nervous and upset, and had to force herself to slow down, so as not to fall.

As she went, she thought over the previous night.  Calenmir had been with the Prince, and all had been quiet and peaceful, until Nori came home.  Thalestel's heart ached when she thought of her friend's red, puffy eyes and trembling hands.  Thalestel had gone to her and persuaded her to sit down, sitting with her and holding her hand quietly.  She had let half an hour go buy, before finally asking why Nori was so upset.

She had hoped for, but had not expected an answer.  She was, therefore, surprised when Nori told her not only of what had happened that day, but of what had passed between her and Legolas in Mirkwood and Ithilien.  When Thalestel heard of the love that had grown between the two friends, her heart rejoiced.  But her joy was quickly replaced by pain and grief when Nori told her of The Vision, and explained what she had done on the seawall.

By the time she had finished, Nori had been sobbing hysterically, with her head in Thalestel's lap.  Thalestel had helped her into bed, and once she had finally fallen asleep, had gone to bed herself.  When she awoke, she decided to speak to Legolas.  Though she knew it was not her place to intrude, she had left early in search of him, and soon discovered that he had been seen on the beach.

Now, as she stepped onto the sand, she spotted his familiar form, standing alone about twenty yards farther down.  As she approached he looked up, and she could clearly see the pain and confusion in his eyes.

"Thalestel!  What do you do here?," he asked.

"I felt like an early walk today," she answered, assuming a casual air.  "I spotted you from the road, and thought I'd join you.  Do you mind?"

"No, not at all," he said, and Thalestel thought she detected a slight reluctance in his tone.

They stood for a few minutes in silence, gazing at the Sea.  As she had looked for him, Thalestel had decided an indirect approach would be best.  Now, she took a deep breath and turned to the Elf.

"When do you return to Minas Tirith?," she asked lightly.

"I think we shall leave in two days' time."

"So soon!  Well, I must admit, I am a little envious of you.  I miss my old home very much!  I think of my mother everyday, and Queen Arwen is often in my thoughts.  Such a kind, beautiful woman, and a good friend!"

"Queen Arwen is the best of women.  I'm sure she would like to see you again, as well."

"Well, though she is a Queen, I think of her nearly as a sister.  I have considered inviting her to Dol Amroth, or at least adding a personal invitation to that of the Prince.  But I do not know that she would accept.  I sometimes think being so near the Sea would be painful for her."

Thalestel held her breath, waiting for his reply.

"Why do you think so?," he asked quietly.

"Only because, as I understand it, looking on the Sea can awaken a longing in the heart of an Elf that cannot be overcome.  Am I wrong?"

Legolas looked at the water for a long moment, and then sighed.

"No, you are not wrong."

"Then, I think for Queen Arwen, being in Dol Amroth would be especially difficult.  She and King Elessar love each other more than any two people I have ever known, but with that love came great sacrifice.  Arwen gave up her chance to sail into the West, and coming here would only serve as a constant reminder of that, a reminder I'm sure she doesn't need.  Such a sacrifice could not be forgotten, no matter what kind of happiness it might bring."

At these words, Legolas finally looked up.  Thalestel gazed at him sadly, then leaned forward slightly, so that he found it impossible to drop his eyes from hers.

"But, I suppose I could be wrong.  I do not pretend to be an expert in this area.  Nori is much more familiar with Elves and Elvish lore, as I am sure you are aware.  I think she would understand this kind of thing much better than I shall ever hope to."

Legolas could not help but catch the tone in which these words were said, nor the look that accompanied them.  Comprehension dawned in his mind, and a look, almost of horror, came across his face.

"Nori," he said, his voice a whisper.  "Surely she doesn't think…?"

Thalestel, seeing that he understood, gave a slight nod.

Legolas stood abruptly, his body stiff with tension.

"Where is she?," he asked.  His voice was harsh with agitation.

"She's at home.  Alone."

Legolas bent and, taking Thalestel's hand in his, kissed it lightly.

"Thank you," he said, more gently now.

With that, he turned and ran up the beach, toward the road.  He didn't stop running until he had reached Calenmir's door.