Author's Note: I meant to have this chapter up long before this. But I had a rather bad bout of stomach flu, which knocked me out for a week, followed by a miserable time at work, so… Better late than never, I guess?

Enjoy the chapter!

Part VII

Saeldur, having managed to avoid his parents and Candnaur the previous night, was unsurprised when they were waiting for him, in a solemn deputation, when he came out of his bedroom the next morning.

"What is it?" he said. "I am not going to apologize, either to you or to the Men. You should have said something," he added to Candnaur. "You should not take advantage of Legolas' good nature."

Candnaur smiled, unperturbed by Saeldur's outburst. "We do have a turnabout… I will not pretend it comes as a surprise. Now you are leaping to Legolas' defence. What happened to your complaints of him being too reserved? Were you not saying, Saeldur, that you could not imagine being his friend?"

Saeldur shrugged, unembarrassed. "Perhaps that makes his trust more worth the earning. You have not answered my question."

Candnaur looked regretful. "Master Brynn was unpleasant last night. That is true. But Legolas has long centuries of being a member of the King's court ahead of him – of presiding over it in the King's absence – and he must learn to handle people like Brynn without relying on any assistance. Unlike you, he does not have the luxury of refusing."

"So Legolas must endure being insulted by a Man in his father's hall because he must learn?"

Somewhat to Saeldur's surprise, his mother laughed, while Candnaur said, "How many times do the weapons masters summon you to dawn training after you have had night drills, or keep you on the field for hours without rest?"

"That is different."

"How? They are teaching you that you may not always have a full night's rest before you are summoned to battle. Believe me when I say that being in court is as difficult as being on the battlefield… although the nature of the difficulty may not be the same."

"Now," said their father, "we had best get on with the day."

Celephindeth took Saeldur's arm and held him back when the other two left.

"What is it?" Saeldur asked apprehensively. All humour had gone from his mother's face.

"You seem to be growing friendly with Legolas again."

"I thought that ought to please you. You certainly encouraged me to make friends with him as a child."

"I did. It does please me. Legolas is young, but already he has a strong sense of duty – his parents have made certain of that. And he has not let it cloud his merry spirit as… some others, far older than he… have done. I think he would be a very good influence on you –"

"Naneth," Saeldur protested, laughing.

"But you should remember who he is."

"The son of the King?" Saeldur said. "That has nothing to do with why I want to be his friend."

"Do not be a fool, Saeldur. I know that. If you cared that much about political power, you would spend more time in court. It has nothing to do with why I think he is good for you either. But you should remember that he is the son of the King, and if you are in his confidence, you might hear things that should not be repeated. Anywhere. Not even here. Do you understand?"

"I would never betray a confidence!" Saeldur said, outraged.

"I am glad to hear it." Celephindeth smiled. "And do not worry about Legolas. Brynn is uncontrollable. Matters went too far last night. Norgalad knows it. I intend to speak to him."

Thranduil entered the room to a blazing argument.

"This is your fault," Celephindeth was saying, "yours and nobody else's, Norgalad." Despite the firmness of her tone, there was something about her posture that suggested to Thranduil that she was amused by the situation. "You have spent fifteen years allowing that Man to grow out of control –"

Thranduil cleared his throat.

Celephindeth stopped speaking abruptly and whirled to face him. She did not seem in the least abashed. If anything, she looked pleased to see the King.

"Good, you have come," she said. "Explain yourself to him, Norgalad, if you dare."

"I am not afraid of anyone," Norgalad said coldly. "But considering that Legolas agreed to let the matter go no farther, I see no reason to involve the King. Indeed, I am astonished that you should have mentioned it to Lady Celephindeth, Candnaur –"

"Saeldur would have told me if he had not," Celephindeth said dismissively, before Candnaur, who was sitting quietly in the corner, could say anything.

"Saeldur is far too indiscreet –"

"Yes, yes. We all know that. Saeldur's indiscretion is not the point at issue. Your complete inability to handle this situation, on the other hand –"

"Enough," Thranduil said. It was best to nip this in the bud before Celephindeth got started again. She was enjoying herself far too much needling Norgalad. Thranduil had no desire to spend the morning moderating an argument. "Norgalad, I saw your letter asking that the Men be permitted to stay longer. Is there a reason?"

"Master Brynn has requested it," Norgalad began, but was interrupted by Celephindeth.

"Brynn wants only to cause trouble. If you had not insisted on permitting him to come –"

"What were we to do? Refuse Armad's request that his brother, who is also a senior member of his court, attend him? Besides, I think you do Brynn an injustice. He is resentful of his dependent position – understandably so. If his father had acknowledged and wed his mother, matters might be very different today."

"One Man or another ruling Dale for a few years. What is it to us? The thing we must remember, regardless of the reason, is that Brynn does dislike Armad and Armad is the acknowledged Lord of Dale."

"Legolas may yet make a friend of Brynn," Norgalad said. Thranduil concealed his surprise. He had never thought Norgalad had much faith in Legolas. "We should give it a chance. If he manages it… Well, if Legolas manages it, we will know that we can rely on him under similar circumstances in the future."

"If you intend this as a test for Legolas –"

"I would not call it a test. None of us has made friends with Brynn yet. I would not be unreasonable enough to insist that Legolas should succeed where all our experience has failed." Norgalad shrugged. "As you said, Brynn will not be a problem forever."

"And what about his latest request?" Celephindeth demanded. "Do you not think matters have gone far enough?"

"His latest request?" Thranduil said. "Is this why they wanted permission to extend their stay, Norgalad?"

"Bregolien is planning to take the first and second classes into the forest for an exercise in survival skills – not Esgalorne," he added hastily, when Candnaur looked horrified. Thranduil could imagine why. Esgalorne caused enough chaos when it only involved Elves. "A simple exercise, he says –" He paused long enough to allow Celephindeth to scoff, and then went on, "Brynn thinks the Men will benefit. Whatever you think of his abilities in matters of trade, he is an experienced warrior – experienced as Men see these matters. Armad trusts his judgement."

"Which I do not," Celephindeth said. "The idea of it! Bregolien is not an easy taskmaster. However simple his exercise, I doubt it will accommodate the limited abilities of Men. If you can persuade Bregolien to change it, it will be more than anybody else has done in this Age. You will only make matters worse."

"It will allow Brynn to see more of Legolas –"

"I would hardly have thought that a desirable outcome,"Celephindeth snapped. "Legolas is patient, but you cannot expect him to keep putting up with Brynn's discourtesy… and to no purpose. If Brynn is determined to hate all Elves, what do you expect Legolas to be able to do?"

"Perhaps I have more faith in Legolas' ability to make friends than you do," Norgalad said. "Give him a chance. If it fails, I will accept that Brynn cannot be won and we must simply endure him for the next few years."

Legolas, still fumbling to straighten his collar, skidded to a halt before the doors to the council chamber and stared at Saeldur in open surprise.

Saeldur was standing to one side of the doors, obviously waiting. He was dressed in a formal tunic very similar to Legolas'. Legolas had not known he even possessed such a garment. Unlike Candnaur, Saeldur tended to come to feasts in whatever he had been wearing for evening archery practice.

"What are you doing?" Legolas asked, unable to keep the astonishment from his voice. "I thought you planned to go riding today."

Saeldur smiled wryly. "I did. And it is a beautiful day for riding."

"It will not last," Legolas said. "The trees can sense thunder approaching. It has been threatening for days, but it will come later this afternoon."

"I would not dream of doubting you about that," Saeldur said. "All the more reason to go riding now before the rain starts… Yet here I am. I never thought the day would come when I entered this room willingly –"

"You are here of your own volition? When I saw you I thought it must be Candnaur's doing."

"Candnaur does not know I am here. Nor does my mother." Saeldur shrugged. "I did not know myself that I was going to be here."

"Saeldur, if this is for my sake –"

"Of course it is," Saeldur said briefly. "Candnaur is capable of taking care of himself in court –" He stopped, evidently realizing how that might be interpreted, and went on, "I do not mean that you are not capable of taking care of yourself, only that you… well… I…"

Saeldur trailed off, looking helpless.

Legolas laughed. "I am grateful," he said. "Truly. But you need not put yourself through this."

"I do not intend to put myself through it often," Saeldur said. "But as long as these Men are here, especially the one I saw last night… You should have someone friendly in the room with you… someone who is friendly and not afraid of offending them," he added under his breath. "It is only a few days. It will not kill me."

"If you are certain…"

"I am."

"Then… thank you."

Legolas led the way into the room. So far only Candnaur, Lady Celephindeth and Lord Norgalad were there. Candnaur's welcoming smile at Legolas turned to alarm when he saw Saeldur behind him.

"What are you doing here?" Candnaur hissed. "I thought you were going out!"

"I am doing my duty to the King's court," Saeldur said, in a bright voice that deceived nobody. "The duty which you are always asking me to do, Candnaur. Anyone would think you were not pleased to see me here."

"Nobody is pleased to see you here," Norgalad said forbiddingly. "If your behaviour last night was any indication of what we can expect –"

"If your behaviour last night was any indication of what can be expected of you, Lord Norgalad," Saeldur interrupted, a sharp edge in his voice, "I would not leave my worst enemy with only your assistance to rely upon."

Legolas caught Candnaur's eye and suppressed a smile. Lord Norgalad saw the glance; his expression grew even more sour.

"Celephindeth," he said, "I hope you can control your son."

"I hope I can control my son," muttered Lady Celephindeth. "Oh, sit down, Norgalad. He is here now, and we will have to handle it. We do not have time to argue about this, Saeldur. All I ask is that you keep your peace unless Brynn gives you cause to say something."

Before Saeldur could reply, the guard opened the door and announced, "The Lord of Dale and his companions."

If Lord Armad was surprised to see Saeldur, he managed to conceal it, greeting him with the same courtesy he gave Candnaur. Brynn made an exaggerated bow in Legolas' direction before saying, "Lord Saeldur, how delightful to see you again."

Saeldur went to the sideboard to pour himself another glass of wine. Trade negotiations were unbearably dull. He did not know how Legolas was managing to sit without fidgeting as Norgalad droned on about thicknesses of wool.

He heard someone moving behind him, but paid the sound no heed until he suddenly found Brynn looking at him across the sideboard.

"You seem as little interested in matters of trade as I am, Lord Saeldur," Brynn said, with a mirthless smile. "Shall we step outside? I would very much like to speak to you."

Saeldur shot a quick glance at his mother. Lady Celephindeth's expression did not change, but she gave Saeldur the minutest shake of her head. Saeldur looked back at Brynn, who appeared not to have noticed her gesture. Saeldur opened his mouth, trying to think of a way to refuse Brynn without being rude.

Then Legolas said something. Brynn's eyes flashed in his direction; for a moment they held unguarded dislike. Saeldur stiffened. Surely it was best to get Brynn away so that he could not continue insulting Legolas?

"Certainly, if you wish." He did not dare turn to look at his mother. "Perhaps we could go to the library."

"The library," Brynn said unenthusiastically. "Delightful."

Saeldur led Brynn out of the room without another word. The quickest way to get to the library was to cross the courtyard. As he did, Saeldur heard the rumble of distant thunder. He smiled; Legolas had been right about that.

Brynn looked longingly at the practice fields as they passed them. Under any other circumstances, Saeldur would have preferred those himself. But the fewer Elves Brynn met, the better. Even Saeldur could see that.

Fortunately, the library was empty, even Istuion being busy attending the needs of the guests. Saeldur found a table set well away from the door, took a chair that would allow him to see anyone who entered, and gestured to Brynn to take the seat opposite.

"How may I be of assistance, Lord Brynn?" he said once Brynn had settled down.

"I am no lord," Brynn said coolly. "I expect you have heard that my father refused to wed my mother after getting her with child. She was not highborn enough for him."

He paused.

"Oh," said Saeldur, uncertain why Brynn thought he was interested in the extraordinary domestic arrangements of Dale's late lord.

"He acknowledged me," Brynn went on, a bitter smile twisting his mouth. "I should be grateful for that, I suppose. For some years it seemed he would have no other child and I would be his heir. Of course, that changed. Now Armad is the Lord of Dale. I serve at his pleasure."

"Ah." Saeldur had no idea why Brynn had chosen him for these confidences. He would have done far better to speak to Legolas, who might have had some idea of how to respond.

"Has your brother never felt any ill-will towards the Prince?" Brynn said abruptly.

"My brother feel ill-will towards Legolas?" Saeldur asked, astonished that Brynn should imagine such a thing. Candnaur was fond of Legolas, on the whole, although they were not close friends. "It is difficult to feel ill-will towards Legolas – though I know you do. Why should Candnaur?"

"I have learnt many things in my short time here. Your mother's brothers have no interest in positions in the Elven-king's court. Candnaur, I have heard, was your King's heir before Legolas was born."

"So… you feel ill-will towards Legolas on Candnaur'sbehalf?" Saeldur hazarded.

"I do not care who rules the Elves. I want to know why you do not feel ill-will towards him on your brother's behalf… and why you do not feel ill-will towards him on your own behalf."

"Master Brynn," Saeldur said, growing impatient, "this is absurd. Why should my brother, or I, feel ill-used because the King and Queen chose to have a child? Candnaur has lost nothing by it. It would be a dark day for the Woodland Realm if the King's heir, whoever that might be, ever actually took the throne. And even if that day came… it is a heavy responsibility. I cannot imagine wanting it."

"Perhaps," Brynn said, though he sounded unconvinced. "That explains your brother's attitude. But what of yours?"

"What of mine? If my brother has no reason to resent the fact that he will not be called upon to assume such a terrible burden, what reason should I have?"

"As I told you, I have learnt many things during my time in your realm. I was listening to the Elves talking last night," Brynn said. "You stayed behind with Legolas when everyone else left, but I heard a friend of yours – Arahael, I believe he said his name was. He was very indignant on your behalf. I heard him telling another Elf that it was unfair that you were to be deprived of what should have been your rightful place."

"My rightful place? I have no idea what you mean."

"You are a fine archer… or so I have heard. I was not fortunate enough to have the honour of competing against you yesterday, by Lord Norgalad's arrangement. Your friend said that by rights, it should be your place to command the King's archers when their present commander gives up the position… but that is unlikely to happen."

"If Lord Thorontur should ever give up the responsibility, I daresay it is unlikely that I would be asked to take his place," Saeldur said shortly. "One of those reasons is certainly the fact that I am now about to call you, to your face, a fool, which Legolas would be able to restrain himself from doing. He has far more patience than I do. Even a fool should have noticed that all his efforts to provoke Legolas last night had no effect at all on his archery. He would have outdone me if I had been competing. I assure you, if Legolas is appointed commander of the King's archers, I will have no cause for complaint. I think we should leave before anything else is said."

"Wait," Brynn said, as Saeldur pushed back his chair and got to his feet.

"Lord Brynn, I do not pretend to have Legolas' self-control. It is best that we stop speaking now, before I say something that Lord Norgalad will lecture me about later."

"How do you do it?" Brynn said. Suddenly the mocking tone had gone from his voice. He sounded honest.

Despite his desire to end the conversation, Saeldur said, "How do I do… what?"

"How do you not resent Prince Legolas? Even if you were not such a near kinsman to the King – even if the prince's birth had deprived you of nothing – it would be difficult not to resent one whose existence is the only thing preventing you from being acknowledged as the finest archer of the Woodland Realm. Perhaps the fact that there is good reason for it makes it even more difficult."

Saeldur sat again.

"There have been times when I have not been as friendly with Legolas as now," he said slowly, "but it is practically impossible to dislike him. Surely you have seen that for yourself. It would be utterly unreasonable to blame him for being a better archer than I am. As for your brother…"

"I have more cause to dislike Armad than you to dislike Legolas, certainly," Brynn said.

"You might have cause to be angry about your father's treatment of your mother. Even I can see that your brother cannot be blamed for it, when he had not yet been born."

"I accepted – I did accept – that I would never have the rights of a firstborn, after Armad came. I was ready to command Armad's army. I would gladly have served Dale in that way, since it was all that was open to me. That was taken from me as well."

"Master Brynn," Saeldur said, growing weary of the conversation. "I do not care about your relationship with your brother. I do not know the rights of the matter and I do not care to know. It makes no difference at all to me who rules Dale. But you will leave Legolas out of your quarrel."

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