Thanks once more to JessieRose for the kind reviews. However, I think the review is overstating this piece a little. I mean, the 'canon police' are still after me.
Hopefully the reviews are sincere and not just taking the micky out of me. Anyway, enjoy chapter 8a.
Chapter 8 – Preparations for War Late SA3429
The water washed up upon the shore of the estuary. The waves were small because of the constriction of the head lands which narrowed the entrance of the River Lune to just a half mile before it opened again into the wide bay where Santäissa sat. Opposite the white city, about two miles across the bay was the Mithlond and the shipyards. Two shapes sat in the light of the setting sun on a flat rock near the water's edge. The scene was peaceful for a small breeze blew up from the sea, bringing the promise of the winter to come. It was early winter and although there was much work to do, there was still time for pleasure for the soldiers and commanders of the elvish Army of Lindon. Valentai sat next to Milotüré, close but not overly intimate. In public they showed their love in a more refined way, they were expected to perform their duties and if this meant that they would have to be less romantic in public than so be it. Valentai placed a hand about her shoulder and patted it in a friendly way. Valentai was almost informally dressed but not quite, although he did not have his sword, he still wore long semi-formal clothes. And of course he had his gloves on, wherever he went they were on and nothing she could do could make him remove them. Milotüré was much more casually dressed in a long tunic and leggings of white. She was a person who despised the formal dresses and whatever else the other elven ladies wore. She was a soldier and if she was dressed practically on the battlefield she was sure she would be in her normal life.
"It is beautiful is it not Valentai?" She asked and he took her slender hand and patted it in his vague way.
"Just like you my dear." He said vaguely but with genuine emotion.
She looked at him; it was unlike Valentai to say such a thing so openly. He was a person who showed as little emotion as possible, as though it was rationed. Despite this, he was a great companion and she knew that he loved her deeply and she returned it.
"Are you alright Valentai?" She asked, trying not to sound too inquisitive.
"I am tired my dear. Tired." He said it again and she smiled and leaned into him.
"I thought you did not get tired." She stated slyly and he gently brushed her cheek.
"Nobody can work for fourteen hours a day and not become exhausted eventually my dear."
She looked at him, shocked. She had realised he worked hard but never this much. They did not see each other much in the day by necessity of duties but at night he was usually his normal self. She took his hand seriously.
"Why do you do it?" She asked quietly.
"Because I need to." He sighed and then continued. "There is so much to be done." Valentai was now a sort of acting finance manager and staff officer for the High King. To his regret, he was very good at the job and the High King piled more and more things on him. Valentai was evaluation the cost of the war and not liking his conclusions.
"Does the High King know?" She was still worried about him.
"I leave the palace at dusk usually and then go to reconcile the accounts. I suppose he assumes that I have my people doing it." He said dreamily.
"You cannot keep on doing it. You must have some time off."
He nodded after a long while. "I will get myself a half day off a week, for now. I hope Gil-Galad does not mind." Valentai said, his voice concerned.
"If he knew what you do now, he would be shocked. How is your boy?" She asked. She liked Aëorith and believed he might grow up one day into something special.
"He is not my boy. He works for me and he does well. If he has one fault, he refuses to say when he is tired so I often have to carry him to his room."
"Obstinate, just like you Valentai." Milotüré said and smiled. Valentai kissed her and watched as the sun sunk below the horizon.
"Come on my dear. Let us walk back. It will get dark soon." He said and lifted her down. He smiled and led her back along the beach. He had good night vision but he could not see in the pitch black of midnight so he wanted to be going before it totally lost the light from the sun.
Milotüré looked at her companion; to call him a lover would be wrong as he never showed any outward signs of passion or desire but always a strange sense of honour and protectiveness. In many ways, she reflected, it was better than the alternative. Valentai held her hand as he led her back to the ramp to the western entrance of Santäissa. The guards saluted his grim face and her softer smile and then closed the gate.
Valentai led her into his room, he had told his friends that this day each week was his alone with her and they had accepted. Valentai closed the door and waved her to the table. Aëorith was still here and he scrambled to his feet and saluted. Valentai waved the aide down.
"Sit my friend, as usual you may stay or go as you please. I assure we are only going to talk like always."
Aëorith nodded and handed over a stack of written lists. Valentai took them and nodded approval at the figures.
"At least you can add up my friend. The amount of people I meet who cannot add sixteen nine times is incredible. These are good, go and get some sleep. Be here tomorrow and we can start on the supply costs for the cavalry."
"Of course Lord Valentai." The elf said and left the room.
Valentai smiled at Milotüré. "I do not even want to consider the costs of this alliance. Can you credit that the citizens of Lindon pay one percent tax?" He said in shock. "How am I supposed to get money if that is all we have? Where does Gil-Galad get money from?"
Milotüré shrugged. "I do not know. It just appears there. You are raising taxes?" She asked.
"How else am I to pay for this war? A yearly tax income would pay for this army for a week." He shook his head.
Milotüré leaned forward and kissed him. Valentai smiled gently and patted her hand carefully. The elf sighed inwardly; very occasionally she wished he would show a little more emotion. To her utter surprise, he smiled fully and embraced her quickly before pulling back.
"I love you my dear. Never thing that I do not. I hide much from others but never think I hide that from you."
She looked at him with a wicked grin. "You said you were tired. Come to sleep."
Valentai sighed gently and pulled off the covers and lay down. Milotüré lay beside him and rested her head on his chest. Valentai brushed her cheek.
"Now sleep my dear. We both have a long day tomorrow."
Milotüré sighed and her eyes open, slept.
Valentai woke as the dawn light filled the room and gently lifted her black haired head and lay it down on the pillow beside him. She did not wake and he rose and changed quickly. Valentai strapped on his sword and ate some food he had had brought up the night before. The hero answered the door and let Aëorith in who saluted and smiled at the High Captain asleep on the double bed. Valentai smiled at the blonde aide.
"Now my friend, to business." Aëorith was serious instantly and presented a sheaf of papers to Valentai who read through them quickly. He nodded and looked up.
"Who gave these to you?" He asked.
"A messenger from Captain Lauronwë my lord." The elf answered and Valentai nodded grimly.
"I see his signature. This is not good, he says ten Algor a day per cavalry trooper. Is that right? A whole Tanis?" He asked the aide who nodded.
"What with the horse, the fodder, the weapons, the armour and the upkeep it sounds right. Captain Alderána's heavy cavalry is more and the light is less."
Valentai nodded grimly. "So we must find the money somehow my friend. What does the tax statements say? Can we balance it?"
"We might be able to." Aëorith said with the caution of a junior aide being asked about a matter of state security.
"What we need to is to raise taxes, reduce costs and somehow turn this army into an efficient force. I will talk with the High King today. The worst thing is that we do not have final figures for the numbers of troops." He sighed. "I know you hate this but I need you to find Lord Malas' chief of staff and try to get numbers out of him. Gently though, he is prickly." The elf nodded with a little reluctance and Valentai smiled.
"Alright, go and do that and then come and give me suggestions of how to get money out of this city. Expenses are the key Aëorith. Off you go."
Aëorith went out the door and Valentai smiled and looked to the sleeper. He thought of inflicting some terrible trick on her but pushed it aside that was not the recipe for a long life. The hero shrugged and walked over to the bed and sat on it. She said something dreamily and he brushed her cheek. She smiled and he shook her shoulder gently. She started and blinked but relaxed when she saw him.
"Is it dawn already?" She asked tiredly.
"It is indeed. An hour past actually. I have already met with Aëorith and sent him on his way."
She groaned something and got up. She kissed him and walked to the bathroom. Valentai called out to her.
"I have to be going my dear. Talk to you later."
There was an acknowledgement from the other room and he walked out of his door.
Linados saluted as Valentai approached and the hero smiled at the bodyguard.
"Is the High King in?"
"He is and he wishes to speak to you as quickly as you can." Valentai grimaced.
"Not a good sign is it?" He said and the elf shook his head.
"He believes we are behind in our aim of reconciling our accounts for the war." He held up his hands to the hero. "He wanted it made clear that it was not because of you. Nobody works harder than you and that is why he wants to see you. I believe he wants to announce your position."
"Does anyone else know what it is other than me?" Valentai said with a rare flash of irritation and sighed to Linados. "Sorry, I am just tired."
"No offence taken I assure you. I do not even know. Go on, I should not be talking on duty."
"Thankfully he is not that sort of king." Valentai murmured and walked in.
There was nobody visible but Valentai noticed the left hand door was open. He entered and shut the door.
"Lord king?" He asked uncertainly and unstrapped his sword.
"Come in Valentai." Came Gil-Galad's voice form the open room. Valentai strode in and realised this was the High King's personal study and balcony. The room was a square with a pillar in each corner that was more for decoration than support. In the centre of the room was a large three sided table made of dark wood. It was wide enough for two chairs to fit comfortably in the middle. Facing east was a wide balcony and near that on the far wall from Valentai was a door which presumably led to Gil-Galad's bedroom. The walls were painted with red and white and bookshelves and paintings lined it. Gil-Galad looked up from his desk As Valentai entered right in front of him. The elf king smiled and waved him to a chair in front of the table.
"Take a seat Lord Valentai. Elrond is otherwise engaged today so he will not be joining us." His tone suggested that the High King had deliberately ordered the regent away so he could speak with Valentai alone. Valentai nodded a cautious affirmative and sat.
"I am thankful, pleased and even surprised that you have dedicated yourself so fully to our cause. I must say that we underestimated your skill in finances. You and I both wanted to meet today to discuss finance, you go first." The High King sat back. Valentai nodded.
"Quite simply lord king, and I will not mince words, this kingdom is in trouble. We are paying ten Algor, which is a whole Tanis a day for each cavalry trooper. We are paying four Algor for each infantry soldier and three for every archer. This army that you are creating, how large is it?"
The High King seemed shocked by the brusqueness but did not comment on it. "The lists are completed, fifty thousand infantry, seven thousand archers and three thousand horse. In addition there is the royal guard and the like."
Valentai thought for a few seconds. "Total of more than eleven and a half million Tanis a year for this army if one includes extras such as supplies, ammunition and the like. This kingdom has a budget of nine and a half million total a year. We are twenty percent over budget already. With other casualties, problems and the needs of weaker allies, this nation is in danger of bankruptcy."
The High King stared at him. Valentai was looking back and the two sets of blue eyes met.
"You are the financier; you tell me what we do." The High King said. In his heart he knew this proved that Valentai had what it took to fulfil the role he had for him. Valentai sighed.
"You can do one of three things. Two are impossible and one is undesirable. You can cut the size of the army, which you cannot do. You can reduce the cost of the army which also cannot be done or there is the last option. The last option is to raise money. The taxes here are one percent, raise it. If you raise it to ten percent you will have enough equity to drive the economy for a few years. If the war lasts though, forty percent of your population is gone. Taxes will not suffice as those who remain are usually not employed. So what do you do? You sell off assets, privatise buildings and above all you curb costs. This palace is worth one and a half million Tanis a year in costs. That is ten thousand troops for a year. Cut that by half and you have some equity returned. Sell off the ships that do nothing which is most of them. Raise the duty of imports. Need I go on?" Valentai had risen and now paced in front of the door while the High King stared at him in shock and admiration.
"Is that all?" He asked ironically.
"Lord King this country is flowing with money, with wealth. You must be willing to put aside opulence for survival. I have done all I can but I cannot make gold from my hands. That must come. The men of Arnor and Gondor have no such inhibitions; they have a tax rate of twenty five percent and have declared a red alert and rise of prices. They have released gold from the treasury to keep the inflation down."
"An interesting observation Valentai." The High King said and rose from his table. He walked in front of the hero and looked into his eyes. "And of course you are right. No other person in the world would have the courage to come and say that before me."
Valentai stepped back. "If a person is not willing to listen to the truth then they should not employ people whose job it is to tell it. I could easily tell you we were in a perfect position and that we have no troubles, but what is the point? All the liar deceives is himself in the end."
Gil-Galad looked into those bottomless eyes and was reminded of two others in the world that had those eyes. The lady of Lórinand and her councillor had eyes like that. Gil-Galad wished he never had to fight this hero.
"You are perfectly right, you are practical and I am not." Valentai said nothing which meant to the High King that Valentai believed the statement. "War brings change Valentai. My people do not like change, they have lived a certain way for centuries and will be unwilling to change." He smiled. "I can insist though. None of my top commanders understand finance and it is a shame because you and I and Elrond understand that war cannot be won without money or sacrifice. We are lucky in a way in that my subjects live for so long. The weapons and armour can be used again, the farms can be replanted. This war needs experience, both with a sword and with administration. All of them can do one but none except Elrond can do both." Gil-Galad walked forward and would have made the announcement there and then when the door banged.
Gil-Galad sighed and stood back. "Enter." He said with a tone that boded ill if this was not urgent. The door open and Linados entered in front of a person. The High King frowned in irritation. "Yes, what is it Linados? Did I not say I was not to be disturbed?"
The bodyguard saluted. He knew that his master was not to be humoured in such situations. "Of course lord king but there is an urgent message for you."
Gil-Galad sighed. "Is it so urgent that I cannot discuss the security of this nation in peace?"
"It is from Prince Anárion who instructed this man to show it only to you." Linados said like a drill master, every word exact.
"Come forward." Gil-Galad said and the man came forward bowing as though he feared death. It was evident that he had not seen an elf before and the sight of the High King had filled him with dread. He held out the message and Gil-Galad took it gently.
"I am sorry lord king. I did not mean to-" He said, still bowed like an old man. Gil-Galad took his shoulder and smiled into the young man's face.
"Thank you my friend. These are pressing times and even I feel the strain as much as any person." He looked to Linados. "Get this man accommodation until he wishes to return home."
"Of course lord king." Linados said and left the room.
Gil-Galad took a knife from his desk and slit the seal open. The High King read the message. He looked to Valentai and then down again and then he handed it over wordlessly. Valentai took and read the compact, written lines and then he smiled. The High King smiled as well and breathed out a sigh of relief.
"He did it. The first victory has gone to us Valentai."
"It says that Coridius was the real hero of the battle."
"And it also says his friend was slain. Even so, a great victory and a brilliant triumph."
"So Anárion is the equivalent of his father." Valentai said almost to himself.
"It would seem so my friend. This gives us time."
"It says Daguerre has arrived and they have over a hundred thousand men now in the front lines."
"That is good." The elf king commented.
"It is good because it gives us time lord king. Time to organise an army that can defeat the foe."
"Then this will encourage the troops immensely. One problem I had not foreseen is the interaction between the Eldar and the Edain. If there is defeat then there will be troubles, old hatreds."
"I think we know there will be trouble anyway but we can help that at least a little by training and marching them together. Eventually they might mix and who knows?"
"This news will have to be passed on. I shall see to that." Gil-Galad looked at the paper and sat it down. He looked at Valentai. "As I was saying Valentai before the interruption. You are a rare person; I have never met another like you. You are a commander who thinks and fights. It is a rare talent. I shall have need for both in this war and so shall we all. The other commanders, what are your views on them?"
Valentai decided to be honest. "They are all good but they are fighters to an elf and not thinkers. Even Anderónë does not have what it takes to lead a truly independent force. Elrond could and that is why he is regent of Eregion. Malas could not do the job a tenth as well."
Gil-Galad looked at the hero and nodded slowly.
"And you are not afraid to speak your mind." He said.
"You could find any soldier or civilian to tell you what you wanted to hear. You asked me and I told you." Valentai said.
"So I did. And I thank you for being honest. It is the last piece I need. I have decided the role I would have you play. If you agree of course."
"What did you have in mind?" Valentai asked.
The High King did not answer directly but walked behind his desk. "Do you know the most important position in an army Valentai?"
Valentai thought about it. He smiled. "The chief of staff." He said without hesitation.
Gil-Galad turned to him, eyes bright. "I knew you would say that and you are right of course. Elrond was my chief of staff in Eregion but he is regent now. The position is vacant."
Valentai tried to hide his feelings but even his mask of calmness could not hide his thoughts. The High King smiled at this brief show of emotion.
"War brings death also and commanders die as easily as the common soldier. Who do I have that can hold these commands together? To lead them in battle?" He looked at Valentai. "I am asking you, Lord Valentai Dal-Moriath Telequéntai to consider the role I offer you. In peace you would be my chief of staff and in battle you would be an extension of my will, a commander I can trust though I have not fought beside I know has seen more war than I ever will. I am not infallible and neither are you but together we can perhaps share the load of mistakes and help each other. I offer you this position because I think I am wise enough to see into your heart, even a little and know you will not fail me. Elrond is a good commander but if I fall then he will need help from you."
Valentai stared at the king, a mix of happiness and the calm he felt in battle took him and he nodded.
"I accept this position. On the condition that I have my aide with me."
"You may do what you wish in that regard. You answer to me and Elrond only. Beyond that, you answer to Elendil in my presence, not to his sons. I did not need to tell you that, I can imagine if Celedaih tried to order you around."
"He is welcome to try but he would get nowhere." Valentai smiled. "Thank you lord king."
"I think Elrond saw clear when he took you in. He saw you as a boon to us and that you are. You are welcome Valentai, we start tomorrow. I know you can work and work hard but we need more. I will work as long as you, I must set the example."
"The thank you again lord king. I will be here tomorrow at dawn."
"Work in your room, no need to bother coming here everyday. It is more convenient there."
"You are a true friend lord king Gil-Galad. I have too few of them but you are one of them. A person I would trust with anything I possess."
Gil-Galad felt strangely honoured. Valentai was a person who had seen too much to trust many.
"I thank you for that honour." He said gravely.
Valentai walked to the door and had his hand on the handle when the High King called out to him.
"Valentai, there is one matter left. Your coronation."
Valentai whipped around with an incredulous look on his face. "What?" He exclaimed and then smiled when he saw the High King laugh at his show of emotion. It seemed to be a rare thing around Valentai.
"As chief of staff you will be forced to give orders to those under you. Elves and possibly men of high rank. An elf like Celedaih is not going to like it but he will have no choice. However, you need the political power to be with me and to give yourself the legal ability to command those under you. The title of Prince of Santäissa is unused, it has been for centuries. The last holder was Maeldin all those centuries ago but after he died, it has been abandoned. It does not make you a royal of course; it makes you technically the ruler of this city if neither myself or the regent is around. It is purely political."
"I do not want the title." Valentai said flatly and Gil-Galad looked at him curiously.
"Why not?" The High King asked.
"If I cannot do my job without the title then I do not want to pull a rank on people I do not deserve. It is not right that I should have that title, it is yours."
"I offer it to you freely and you refuse? That is the true mark of a leader."
"I cannot take it. I am not even an elf and you would make me prince of your capital?"
Gil-Galad sighed. "Valentai, I would not offer it to you if I did not mean for you to have it. It means nothing, no change to the way things are done. I ask you to take it but I will not force you. I cannot force you."
Valentai looked at him for a long while. Finally he nodded. "Fine, on two conditions. First, I provide the coronet and second, I do not wish to be called by this new title. 'Lord Valentai' is what will stay."
Gil-Galad wondered at the first request but could see nothing wrong with it. He smiled at the thought of the second request.
"Of course, if you have a suitable item then I see no reason why not."
"Unfortunately I do have a suitable item. From another time when I would have been prince, a real prince." Valentai sighed and Gil-Galad saw again, briefly, the person underneath the mask the hero wore.
"As for the second request, I will not call you Prince Valentai unless it is required formally but I cannot make others do the same of course."
"I am going to regret this." Valentai murmured and then nodded at the High King. "Very well. Just a private ceremony is good."
"It shall be done. In three days it shall be. Elrond, myself and whoever else you wish to attend may be here." Valentai turned away but the High King spoke once more. "Valentai, Maeldin was the Prince of Santäissa but he was not a noble. It meant nothing and he was not remembered as such."
Valentai looked back. "It is not really for that reason. It is for a personal reason. A reason I will not speak of."
"As you wish." Gil-Galad said and waved at the door. "Have this day off Valentai, be ready to start tomorrow. Come and see me to know where to start."
"It shall be done lord king."
Linados smiled as Valentai exited onto the top of the palace. The bodyguard smiled.
"All well Lord Valentai?" He asked. He saw a puzzled look on the hero's face and was interested by it.
Valentai turned to the black haired elf. "I suppose so my friend. Unless I have been dreaming, I am now Prince of Santäissa."
The elf looked at him in surprise. "The High King does not jest about such matters. I congratulate you Prince Valentai."
"Don't call me that." Valentai said absently as he walked down the stairs. Linados smiled as he heard the High King call for him to enter. Perhaps this day might become even more interesting.
High Captain Milotüré sat in her room and cursed the paperwork. She had never considered herself a scholar or a desk soldier but always a fighter. She sighed as her aide brought another pile of paper which needed her approval. It was midday and already she felt tired. Her aide smiled and walked out of the room, Milotüré looked at her papers and overwrote a line.
"Since when is nineteen elevens two hundred and twenty seven?" She asked to the empty room.
There was a knock at the door and she looked up, hoping that something might distract her from the hopeless task of trying to organise this army. The real task had not even began, all that had happened so far was that the troop rolls had been drawn up and costs and supplies considered. As yet, not a single one of the mass of elves was in ranks.
"Enter." She said and the door opened and she looked down again. The door closed and she did not look up. "Just put it by the chair, if you can find room."
There was a laugh and she looked up to see Valentai smiling at her. She blushed slightly and then frowned.
"What are you doing here? Don't you have an army to run?"
"As a matter of fact I do, my dear. I have something to tell you, may we step outside?"
She frowned and stood, leaving the paper that covered almost every inch of the desk. She was wearing a light tunic and pants that blew in the breeze as she entered onto the balcony. Valentai took her hand and looked into her eyes. Milotüré saw something different about her companion; he was different, more unguarded in his emotions and strangely sad in his eyes. She felt a sudden chill as she thought he had come to part from her but he offered a different explanation. He paced back and forth along the balcony as he spoke.
"I met with the High King this day and talked to him about the situation with the money. He has decided that a new approach is needed and that he, the regent and I will discuss this at a later time." Milotüré wondered why he had come all this way to say that.
"We received news of a great victory from Gondor. The enemy has been broken there and will not be able to crack the defences for many years, if ever."
"That is good news indeed." Milotüré said, still unable to understand why he was here.
"He also confirmed my role in this coming war, a role which I was surprised about." He looked at her. "Starting tomorrow, I am the chief of staff to the High King."
She stared at him, wondering if this was some joke, it was evidently not. She smiled and embraced him quickly.
"That is great." She said and he smiled. "Is that not what you wanted? You outrank me now." She said the last sentence with mock hurt.
"It is what I wanted because I shall also have the chance to lead the commands if I need to. And yes, now I can tell you what to do, in more ways than one. It is the second most important position in the army but not ranked as such of course. It gets worse though."
She pulled back and looked at him. He looked so sad and what was worse, he was trying to control it. "Worse, what do you mean?" She asked concerned.
"I have been made the Prince of Santäissa." He stated. Milotüré looked at him with an open mouth. Then she managed to speak finally.
"That is incredible. Why is that bad? That is good surely." She said and he nodded slowly.
"It is but it reminds me of the last time such an event happened." He said and she took his arm. He seemed so distant and different from his normal self.
"What happened?" She asked and Valentai appeared not to hear. She was about to ask again when he spoke.
"It was after the War of the Dragon on Palleron. I was engaged to marry the daughter of the elf king. I was crowned prince and then." He stopped and he shuddered. He gritted his teeth and fought his emotions down, back into a façade of cold indifference. "She died. I was not there and the last vengeance of a defeated foe struck me." His voice was emotionless now, clear and cold. "I found him and I killed him, nothing would stop me. I buried her and left that place where I had achieved so much, I could not face her father and know it was because of me that his daughter died." He looked out over the sea.
Milotüré could not move or speak. She had no idea that this pain was in him. He his it so well, even from her. She took his arm.
"I feel for you Valentai."
He looked at her. "It is not that. I have dealt with that incident. I do not want it to happen again. History has repeated in my life enough times to know that such a thing may come true again. I am thinking of you Milotüré." He stroked her cheek. "I do not want to lose you. my dear."
"What are you saying?" She asked with a cold dread creeping through her.
"I love you and you love me. I do not want to see you die before me. Please consider it."
Milotüré looked at him and knew he was actually asking her. "I will take the risk Valentai. I could not bear to be away from you. Not forever more. And if I do fall then I will have rather spent two years with you than two hundred apart from you."
Valentai bowed his head. Then he reached out and embraced her so tightly that she could almost feel her bones bend. He released her and kissed her. "Thank you my dear. I wanted you to know, I wanted you to decide."
"I will always be beside you in life Valentai."
Valentai brushed her cheek again and led her inside. "Now, do you need help?"
"Of course my prince." She said slyly.
Valentai sighed. "Don't call me that." He said.
"Ah, the gallant prince." Valentai sighed. He knew he would regret that meeting with the High King for a long time.
"Glorfindel, I have told you three times today to stop calling me that."
The golden haired elf smiled. "I know. It is just amusing to see you uncomfortable for a change."
Valentai sighed again. In the two days since he had told Glorfindel and knew it would become a common greeting between the two. Valentai muttered some words in a language that the elf did not know nor would have approved of if he had understood.
"Why is so bad? It is a title of great renown and you know it. We are pleased for you." Glorfindel said. "If you want, I will not call you by it."
Valentai sighed. "I am sorry my friend. I did not mean to snap at you."
The elf and the hero were in Valentai's room where he had dressed in his most formal clothes and had the coronet on the table. It was gold and was a thin band that peaked into a upward facing triangle at the front with a ruby dominating it's front. Glorfindel closed the door and came in. he saw it and walked over. He reverently picked it up and looked at it from all sides. He put it down carefully and looked to Valentai.
"It is beautiful." He said with feeling.
"It is nice. The ruby was called the Firestone because she told me that if you held it to the light of the sun you could see fire inside of it."
"Who Lord Valentai?" Glorfindel asked curiously.
Valentai bowed his head slightly. "The former owner of it. The elf princess I was engaged to before she died." It was said bitterly.
Glorfindel, who had been told little of the tragedies of the hero's life, only the triumphs nodded slowly. "Accept my apologies, I did not realise it was so painful."
Valentai clapped the elf on the shoulder in a friendly way. "Think nothing of it. I get carried away sometimes. Are you ready?"
"I suppose that I am." Glorfindel said. He had accepted Valentai's invitation, as had Milotüré. Valentai smiled.
"Come on then. I have no idea what I am supposed to do but I am sure that it will work out." Glorfindel smiled and belted his sword he had been carrying around his waist. Valentai was dressed in a formal light blue and white robe which actually looked practical.
Valentai walked to the door and opened it. He carried the coronet reverently in a bag by his side as he walked out into the autumn sun light. The two of them walked over to the palace, gaining strange looks from those they passed. Finally, right on time, Valentai walked up the stairs with Glorfindel beside him and to the top where Linados and Milotüré waited. It seemed that she had bowed to either tradition or the requests of the High King and wore a formal dress which she seemed to hate. She smiled though and bowed before him. Linados saluted, his face serious. Milotüré looked at him lovingly.
"Lord prince." She said. Valentai gave her a look which seemed to indicate that he would talk to her about that later.
"Good day my friends. Do not bow before me unless you feel I deserve it. And I have done nothing yet to merit such a move. Do not bow on titles, bow on respect."
She blushed slightly at his decree and he smiled and was led inside by Linados. The bodyguard led them through the right hand door in the first room and into the larger council room. Going through the door near the window he led the way down into some stairs into a place Valentai had never seen. Inside was a large white pillared room with great windows facing west and a black and white tiled floor of onyx and jet. The room was thirty yards long and ten wide. At the eastern end was the throne of the High King. Valentai knew there had to be a throne room but had never seen it. It was clear that Glorfindel and Milotüré had seen it before but perhaps not for several years. The roof was painted with scenes of times long lost. There were ten pillars to left and right and the light came in through several mirrored shafts that caught the morning sun and filtered it in. The wall behind the High King was white stone with a large window to the north.
The throne was made of white wood, either painted or natural was hard to tell. On a raised area of floor it was placed and on it was the High King, Gil-Galad. To his left was Elrond, the right, usually taken by Círden was empty. Círden usually saw to the shipyards and did not live in Santäissa.
Gil-Galad rose and walked forward. Linados walked behind Valentai as the two High Captains dropped back.
"Walk to the seal on the floor and bow. Then offer the coronet with fitting words." The elf murmured, almost without opening his mouth. Valentai did as he was ordered and bowed at the seal of the High King on the polished floor. He rose and held the gold coronet out to the High King.
"Accept this gift as my pledge of loyalty lord king." Valentai said in as good Quenya as he could muster. Gil-Galad did not let surprise show on his face but it was visible in his eyes.
"I accept this gift in the name of my father Fingon and the line and rule of my house." Gil-Galad answered also in Quenya. He took it and was clearly pleased by it's quality. The High King switched back to Sindarin.
"My lords and allies, a new war is upon us and in these days we shall need skill with both the sword and the pen. Here is one such person who has undoubted ability with both. In addition to being my chief of staff in peace, he will be my chief military subordinate after Malas. On him will rest the unhappy and great responsibility of doing my will on the battlefield. With this duty comes the surety of high rank and the need to impose order out of chaos. To this end do I resurrect a rank and title long held empty. As we know, the last Prince of Santäissa died many centuries ago and never has there been the need for another. Now, there is." The words held importance only to the elves there. Maeldin, the last Prince of Santäissa had held the rank as a consolation to being placed behind Malas. Although impressive sounding, the title was nowhere as grand as it's name. It merely made them the ruler of the white city in the absence of the High King. It was not comparable with the rank of Archduke of Annúminnas which held true power. Maeldin had also been the regent of Forlindon.
Valentai knew some of this but did not much care as he knelt. Anyone who knew Valentai knew that this was a rare event indeed.
Gil-Galad stood over the hero and held the coronet over his head.
"I crown you, Prince Valentai, Regent of Santäissa and it's defender in the absence of it's rightful lord. Stand and be recognised." The High King placed the gold crown about his head.
Valentai rose and in that moment, he looked the very image of a king. His face was hard and cold and his eyes fierce. Then it melted and he smiled and bowed again.
"Thank you lord king." Valentai said. Then he turned to the small windows that lined the northern walls and put his fist over his heart. He said something briefly in a strange language and then bowed his head. He turned back with a smile on his face. "Thank you again lord king."
"Now the real duty begins." Gil-Galad said and clasped the hero's gloved hand.
Valentai took the coronet from the bag and set it on his table. The three had hardly spoken on the way back from the palace. Having gone to their rooms, Valentai forced himself out of his daze and concentrated on changing and starting work. He would have to leave with the High King tomorrow to reach Elostirion, the city where they would meet the Arnorian king to ratify the treaty. It was just a month away and the roads would be more troublesome in winter than in spring or summer. In the group would be Lauronwë with a hundred escort cavalry, the High King and the regent. Also there would be Malas and Valentai. Valentai regretted going alone but was relieved when he heard Tiraldórë and Gildor would leave from there with Elrond to go back to Imladris.
Valentai changed in his bathroom and came out wearing more normal clothes. Aëorith came in a half hour later and bowed to Valentai.
"Lord Valentai." He said. It was clear that he had made the mistake of calling him prince for he did not mention it.
"Aëorith. Good, tomorrow, as you know we are going to sign that treaty finally. I want you to prepare everything. Then the rest of the day is yours. I know that you have a life outside of work but sometimes you do not get a chance to show it."
"I do not want you to think I am ungrateful lord Valentai." The elf said with a serious tone.
"I know you are not Aëorith. Take as much time as you can. When we march to war, well you know what I mean."
"Of course Lord Valentai." The elf saluted and left the room. Valentai stared blankly at the piles of paper on his desk. He could not summon the energy to do anything more. There was a knock at the door and Valentai looked up, he felt so tired but he had no idea why.
"Come in." He said and the door opened. Milotüré stood there and came in. He smiled and stood and grasped her shoulder. She picked up the circlet on the table and looked at it.
"It is beautiful and when you wear it you look just like a king." She said and he smiled.
"It is not as beautiful as you my dear. Come in. What brings you here?"
"You of course. It is afternoon already and you are leaving tomorrow. I wanted to spend the night with you." She said earnestly.
"I never thought I would say this but I am so tired I can hardly stay awake." He smiled. "Do you wish to talk until I sleep?"
She smiled. "I thought you did not get tired. Of course I will." She smiled and kicked off her boots. She lay on the bed and he followed her. She lay at his side, the two voices calm in the afternoon light that came through the window facing east. After a while he clasped her hand and kissed it.
"I am sorry my dear but I must sleep now. You are welcome to stay of course or go as you will. I will be asleep the whole night I fear."
"You stay with me through the night so I will do the same. I have some brief messages to write and when it is night I shall sleep beside you."
Valentai nodded almost indistinctly and lay back. She watched with interest as he was almost instantly asleep, his breathing regular and his body unmoving. She smiled and went to the table where she wrote her notes and then she climbed in beside him. In two hours he had not moved and Milotüré, a light sleeper usually, almost wished she could control herself so well.
The night passed with a small chill wind blowing in through the screen over the open door which kept insects out in the summer. Milotüré woke as light came in through the skylight above. She yawned and blinked to regain her sight. Valentai was still asleep but he seemed to be concentrating on something else, something very near to him but so distant to Milotüré. She reached over and touched his arm. He nodded but instead of waking he spoke in common. Milotüré was no expert on the language but she could understand it far better than she spoke it.
"I am indebted for your hospitality Captain General Let're. I am Duke Maximus of Ebryrn." He said with a spirit in his voice that he lacked now. There was a wariness and guardedness in his voice these days and Milotüré assumed he must be saying something from his younger days. She had no desire for him to continue so she shook his arm and he started awake. He saw her and relaxed.
"Thank you my dear. I must have overslept. What would I do without you?" He said. She was still standing over him with a puzzled look on her face. Valentai's brow creased.
"Are you alright my dear?" He asked and sat up.
"You were talking. When I first tried to wake you."
Valentai smiled. "So people tell me. I have no idea what I say. I am usually up before you I suppose." He looked at her. "What did I say?" he asked. He was worried he may have said something that she was offended by.
"You said it in common so I did not understand fully. Something about a Captain General Let're and you calling yourself Maximus."
Valentai had been dressing for battle and packing his last things but he looked up at her. He had a half smile and half frown on his face.
"My word, I have not thought of that meeting for years. It was over a thousand years ago. Let're is the second best man I have ever met. The best was his commander, friend and almost brother Carville, and mine. It is good I suppose because they were both worthy men, the best." He shrugged and strapped his sword on. He did not wear the burdensome plate armour but slung the blue cloak about his shoulders. He saw her smile and shrugged.
"I always fight like this. Informality l like but I have fought like this for centuries and I am not going to change now."
She moved in close to him and kissed him. He returned it and after a moment he pulled away from the close embrace.
"Be safe Valentai." She said softly and he brushed her cheek with his hand.
"I will miss you everyday my dear. Goodbye."
Milotüré knew she could not let him leave without telling him. "Valentai. Your voice sounded so much happier, so full of life."
He turned and his face was sad. "I know. I was a different person then as you heard. So much has happened since then that it seems impossible to imagine me there in the same position. Goodbye my dear." He said and walked from the room.
Valentai knew there was going to be trouble when his brain put together the names of Gildor and Lauronwë in the same company. He sighed, instead of having two friends; he had two elf captains who would not speak each other. He knew Tiraldórë would try to keep them apart but there was only so much the ambassador could do. Valentai walked to near where the gate was at the end of the processional way. The cavalry was assembled and at their head was Lauronwë who was presumably trying to avoid Gildor at the back of the column. Aëorith saw him and came over with is horse. As he handed the reins over the younger elf leant close to him.
"You know about the two captains?" he asked quietly.
"I know. Has anything happened this morning?"
"No, not yet."
"The High King and the regent can occupy them I hope."
"I hope so Lord Valentai." Aëorith said.
Valentai mounted his horse and said loudly. "Thank you Aëorith, have a horse handler know when we make camp tonight."
For all his nervousness, Aëorith was no fool. "Of course Lord Valentai."
Valentai nodded and rode over to beside Gildor who was trying to avoid looking at the cavalry around him. He smiled as Valentai approached and Tiraldórë took the opportunity to ride forward to talk with Lauronwë or at least to distract him.
Gildor smiled and held out a hand. "Good morning Lord Valentai, or should I say Prince Valentai?" he said.
"Don't call me that." Valentai said absently and smiled. "I have not seen you for a week and a half. We missed you, I would have had you come to the coronation if you wished but you were away."
"I was, more the pity. I was assessing our local green elf detachments in Arthedain. The king and the duke are wise enough to let them be and so we have a few hundred archers we can pull together."
"And you are going to Imladris afterwards?" Valentai asked and the elf nodded gloomily.
"We have to go to Elostirion and then on. The High King desired our presence for a reason he has not explained."
"Did you hear the news about Coridius?"
"I did, a great victory and a loss for him. It will feel strange going to his city and not having him there."
"Do you know his wife?" Valentai asked.
"I have met her certainly. Not to know if you get my meaning. I only met her once. Tiraldórë might know her better."
There was a clatter of hooves behind and Gil-Galad appeared with Elrond, Malas, Linados and five of the royal guard.
Gildor and Valentai saluted the elf king who smiled at them.
"Good morning to you. I see you are well. If you have no objection I should like to be moving. We have a long ways to go today and the capital of Arthedain is not long but it is difficult. It should not take longer than two weeks to get there. Sign it and be back here before the snow really starts to fall in those mountains."
"Indeed lord king." Gildor said sincerely.
"I had better see to the front of the column." The High King said. Gildor nodded mutely and without expression and Valentai inwardly sighed.
As the new arrivals rode to the head of the column, Gildor turned back to Valentai and his light humour returned.
"I have not had a chance to congratulate you on your promotion or your crowning. Accept my best wishes."
Valentai laughed. "Thank you my friend. In reality it just means I work for sixteen hours a day trying to organise this army."
The elf smiled. "It is madness, this army. I have often said that the human army has an advantage over us in that regard. Their army was set up a hundred years ago; they do not the burdensome traditions or the pride of some of us." Valentai did not miss the eyes flick to where Lauronwë was talking with Malas. "Lord Elrond had the job as you know in the last war. I have never seen him so tired and frustrated at the same time."
"You either have what it takes to be a staff officer or you end up throwing yourself off a cliff." Valentai said, quoting an old friend from long ago and the elf laughed.
At the head of the column, Gil-Galad raised his hand and swept it down. The cavalry raised their spears and rode through the gate. Valentai rode beside Gildor while Tiraldórë tried to keep the cavalry captain occupied. Valentai reflected it could be a very long trip.
The ride was long and, because of the nature of the city, they had to circle around and come at it from almost due east. This meant leaving the main east-west road and cutting across country. Although the city was close, it was contained in the now Tower Hills which made the riders go between two sets of high mountains and then into the valley where the city sat. Of all the elves riding in that column, only Tiraldórë and Gildor had been there before and only a few times. The column wound down from the main road and through villages and towns of men. Being so near the border with Lindon, the people were not especially frightened by the Eldar but the sight of over a hundred armoured riders led by several of such great bearing was awe inspiring to all. On the third night, the riders stopped in the second largest city of Arthedain, Elmator. It was a pleasant town ruled by Coridius' cousin who seemed to have none of his relative's tact or skill.
Ten days after their departure they came at last to where the walls of the mountain opened. Before Valentai as he rode to the head of the column was a great encircling ridge of mountains. Like arms of a giant, the peaks formed a protection from all side except for one. A road ran from the small gap between the mountains and up to the hill where the riders sat. Beyond the small gap between peaks was a surprisingly large open area of relatively flat ground. Beyond that was the city with it's semi-circular walls that thrust out south from the mountains.
Across the mouth of the pass had been built two separate stone walls to protect the entrance. The gap was a mere two hundred and fifty yards across and could be held by a thousand men against an enemy ten times that number. Valentai rode down at the head of the column beside Tiraldórë who had left Malas to distract Lauronwë from Gildor. The elf ambassador rode down the sloping green hills, towards a wide plain that was before the walls of the city. Across this open land of about a mile was a series of military camps. Evidently, all of Arthedain had not been emptied when Coridius marched to war.
Gildor came beside him and Valentai turned to the elf. "I thought that Coridius had gathered every soldier he could?"
"He only gathered his standing forces. Like the other provinces and like us, the forces drawn from the local people are considerable."
"How many times have you been here before?" Valentai asked.
"Three times. That is all. Glorfindel told me it reminds him of his home when I described it to him." Gildor said as they reached the plain before the mountains. It was sunny but cold and all knew it would snow before they left. Men were coming out of their shelters and from beside their fires to look at the riders as they came forward. Gil-Galad rode over and accepted their salutes. He looked to Tiraldórë.
"Will you come with me as we ride to the gate? You are known here are you not Tiraldórë?"
"I am lord king. It may help with introductions."
"Good, then ride beside me. Valentai, stay with the column. We will have you forward in a moment."
"Of course lord king." Valentai said and rode back to where Lauronwë sat on his horse.
The two riders rode forward and were joined by Linados who rode a few paces behind, but close enough to assist the High King if it was needed. They approached a picket post across the road. The vast expanses of the camp were surrounded by a palisade wall which was built high enough to slow down any unlawful entry until the soldiers could arrive. Tiraldórë rode ahead and saluted the guards. The pickets held a whispered conversation and then their leader stepped forward a little nervously. He saluted the ambassador.
"Hail, lord ambassador. The captain of our division has just been fetched. We did not expect your arrival so soon." The man said it as though he expected to be chastised for his lack of preparation.
"Think nothing of it. How is the count of Elostirion?" The elf said as something to say. Soldiers were standing at a distance watching them but then a loud voice ordered them away and a tall captain with the uniform of the twenty third division came forward. A tall man with black hair and a scarred and tanned face strode forward and saluted.
"Ambassador Tiraldórë, it has been many years."
Tiraldórë stared down in barely concealed distaste at this man who had ever disapproved of him when he was in the city. The fact the peaceable elf even harboured those thoughts was unusual for he rarely showed them.
"Captain Farin. A long time indeed. May we enter into the city?" He asked with a strange tactlessness that seemed very strange coming from the mouth of Tiraldórë.
The captain nodded slowly and waved his men aside. "You may enter. The count wishes to speak with you. I assume you know the way."
Gil-Galad had ridden forward and heard Tiraldór's next comment. "Fortunately I do. I would not have you put your self out, captain." He said icily and rode on towards the gate. Linados gestured to the rest of the column and the commanders rode at the head of their troops into the camp. The captain snarled something and turned away. When they were out of earshot the High King turned to the ambassador and spoke softly in Sindarin in case they were overheard.
"Tiraldórë, I have never in all my years heard you speak so. Not to anyone." There was an implied message that the younger elf had best explain himself.
Tiraldórë sagged in the saddle and sighed. "I am sorry lord king, I really am. I have never said such a thing to anyone else."
"Why to him? He was doing his job and there have been more obstructive people." Gil-Galad was just pleased that the elf had not raised the man's mortality, often the worst insult between the two races.
"Ever when I am here does he go against me. Mock me even." He sighed and looked utterly defeated. "It will not happen again lord king, I promise."
Gil-Galad nodded and the younger elf reflected that a few simple words from the elf king were worth a screaming barrage. All the High King had to do was imply that he was disappointed and those around him would instantly try to regain his trust.
Tiraldórë approached the gate across the pass and rode on. The guards saluted and the commanders rode through the gates whilst Gildor, Lauronwë and the regular cavalry turned aside to make a camp near the foot of the mountains.
Valentai rode through and saw that the real town of Elostirion was what lay beyond the mountain's mouth. The walled area was much smaller and contained the palace and the civic buildings but it seemed all the other buildings were in the large area inside the mountains.
Valentai rode now beside Elrond as they rode up the road through the city itself. It was a city of reasonable size and seemed to be prosperous and well off. Coridius was evidently a good administrator as well as a good soldier.
Two hundred yards from the walls, the buildings stopped and there was a wide open area which seemed to be a parade ground of sorts. In front of Valentai was a white stone tower about ten floors in height and around it was several other buildings of white stone. As they entered the wide area, guards came forward and bade them dismount and approach on foot. Valentai walked forward and realised that there was something about this city that was not right. He pushed it aside and walked on beside Elrond as they approached the gate. The gate had been closed but now it opened to reveal a tall, humourless man of indeterminate age. He was tall indeed, over six feet, almost as tall as Valentai or Gil-Galad. He had lank black hair and a very broad chest and a face that was rather darkened by war and tainted by experience. In fact he looked very much like Baron Levan but without that man's arrogance or strange humour. He wore a dark blue set of clothes which had faded from constant use and ragged from constant restitching. The sword the man carried summed him up, big, heavy but deceptively swift. The man came forward and bowed slightly.
"Welcome my lords and allies to Elostirion. I am Leitan Taraldrous, Count of this city and acting ruler of Arthedain in the absence of the duke."
"We accept your welcome Count Taraldrous. What news of the king?" Gil-Galad asked and the man grunted.
"He should be arriving today or tomorrow lord king." He said. It was not he was being consciously impolite it was that he probably treated all people this way. Gil-Galad sensed it and wisely refused to comment on it. The count nodded as the silence lengthened and stood aside.
"Enter if you will. Our best guest rooms are yours. I will send a message to you when the king has arrived. A good day to you." The count said and gestured to his men to show the visitors to their rooms. Valentai looked at the man, not concealing his gaze and the man stared back, his face still expressionless. Finally, Valentai broke the moment and walked up the road.
The room was all Valentai could have desired, it was not the best he had had but it surely was not the worst. After spending so much of his life in a tent near the battlefront, Valentai was pleased for anything that had a roof and a bed that was sleep able. Valentai regretted the duke's absence though for Coridius was a good man and one who doubtless would have been more welcoming to the travellers. Valentai put his travel bag down and made sure it was locked. He had placed a thread in the lock so he would know if it had been opened. After what seemed so long with the elves he almost forgot his precautions in such places. The room was wooden floored with a simple bed and wardrobe near the bed. A simple bathroom was also nearby through an adjacent door. Valentai kept his sword and private belongings to himself and walked out of the door. Closing the door he walked along the hallway until he reached the door of Tiraldór's room. He knocked on the door and the elf smiled as he pulled open the door.
"Lord Valentai, come in." Valentai nodded and looked around a near identical bare room. The elf smiled.
"Nothing to compare to Santäissa or Imladris is it?" The elf asked and Valentai muttered something about distribution of wealth. The elf smiled. "When I was last here, I was give a room to match yours in Imladris. I do not doubt that the High King has the best rooms with Elrond and Malas. What do you think of the count?"
"I think he needs to lighten up a little. He looks a capable man but one with his own agenda. Coridius should watch himself." Valentia said quietly. The elf leaned closer.
"I know. There will be no problem as long as the duke and the king live but when they die he will make a move I believe."
"Does Coridius have a son?" Valentai asked.
"He does but only a few years old. He could be used, you understand." The elf said and then straightened guiltily as a knock happened on the door. Valentai smiled and opened the door.
Standing outside was a respectable human lady with a white dress and black hair. She had green eyes but despite this, she was no Númenorian. It seemed fashionable for Númenorian lords to marry pure bred women and Valentai could not understand why. She started at his presence and held up her hand. Her finger bore a ring of gold with two rubies and a single emerald. Instantly, Valentai knew who it was but she spoke first. Her voice was soft but carried a hint of reserve and sadness.
"I am sorry my lord. I must have mistaken the room." Valentai was about to ask who she had been looking for when Tiraldórë spoke from behind.
"My lady Nantaris. Come in please." Valentai moved aside as she entered the room. Valentai closed the door and watched in amusement as Tiraldórë bowed and kissed her ring.
"Good Tiraldórë. It has been many years since we last met." She said and the elf nodded.
"Not since the day of your marriage seven years ago I believe." The elf said. "I have heard great things about your husband my lady." The elf said gallantly and she smiled slightly.
"You know you may call me Anaine. We are friends. I received his last letter a few weeks ago. Poor Malimar, he was such a good man."
"In that I agree Lady Anaine. He died though where he should though. After all, where should a soldier die but on the field?"
She smiled a little wanly. "If only they need not die at all." She said and looked at the elf who looked a little embarrassed. It seemed that the duchess was one of those people. Valentai saw the situation and stepped forward. Tiraldórë silently thanked him and walked forward.
"My lady, this is Prince Valentai of Santäissa. He is the chief of staff to the High King."
"And pleased to meet you, my lady." Valentai said and bowed slightly. She frowned slightly and asked the relevant and usual question.
"You are not of the Eldar, or are you?" She asked and Valentai shook his head.
"Not really. Not in form maybe but otherwise, maybe." She seemed confused by the answer but nodded and turned back to Tiraldórë.
"I am glad that my husband did well." She said it with genuine feeling. Valentai knew that the two loved each other despite the differences. The door was knocked on again and Valentai muttered something about being porter and opened the door. Gildor, his smile wide bowed mockingly.
"How is the gallant-" He began but Valentai held up his hand.
"Say that last word captain and I will use my princely influence to have you turned over to Milotüré for punishment."
Gildor shuddered slightly. "I though that the High King had outlawed such horrendous punishments."
"I will tell her you said that." Valentai said pleasantly. Gildor looked past him and saw the duke's wife. He stepped forward and frowned.
"My Lady Nantaris?" He asked in puzzlement. She turned and looked at him. It was clear that she had seen him before but could not place it. Then she finally got it.
"Lord Captain Gildor?" She asked uncertainly.
"I thought it was you. How are you my lady?"
"I am very well." She held up her hand with the ring. "As you can see I have put your gifts to good use. My husband was pleased when the ring was finished. Thank you lord captain."
"I am pleased I could oblige my lady. I have not seen you since you were a child." Gildor said and she laughed.
"I still remember you though. You were the one that tripped and fell into the room and brought down the bookcase."
Valentai raised his eyebrows at Gildor. "Surely not sure footed Gildor?" he asked and Anaine turned to him with a laugh.
"Sure enough. My father will wish to welcome you I am sure."
"I hope so." Tiraldórë said and Valentai knew he meant it.
"I am just glad that Captain Gildor has made such a good impression on our allies." Valentai said sweetly and the elf glared at him but the captain's heart was not in it.
"So how is your father Anaine?" Tiraldórë asked and she smiled.
"You know my father." She said as though that explained everything.
Gildor suddenly asked as though he had made a terrible mistake. "I am so sorry my lady, how is your son?"
She nodded, happy she had been asked. "He is three and a half years old. He is taller than most of those that are his age already. He takes after his father in that."
"And your brains?" Tiraldórë asked and she smiled.
"I do not know why you need to ask ambassador." She said and turned to the door.
"If you have no objections my lords, I will depart. I hope to see you after you meet the king." Gildor opened the door for her and she smiled to the captain as he closed the door. Valentai nodded thoughtfully.
"Coridius chose well in her I see." He said and Gildor laughed.
"You mean he chose badly? He will outlive her by years. She is a good woman though I suppose." He looked at Valentai and frowned. "And why are you still dressed like a brigand?"
Valentai shrugged. Tiraldórë guessed the reason. "They can be trusted Lord Valentai." Valentai nodded slowly.
"Then I shall get changed and meet you back here. We may have a long day tomorrow."