It was a fact, Parvon noted, that when he was busy – as when Baudh worked with him on his desk – the time sped, but the desk had soon been rejuvenated, Baudh had promised to find exactly the right chair to go with it, and there was still time to fill before Parvon started work, then everything slowed to dragging solitude.

He tried to distract himself with thoughts of Baudh's expressed intention of tearing into the walls of a room opposite to begin work on a decent hygiene room with washing cascade and somewhere to dry off and dress in comfort so that Parvon was spared the indignity of wandering around swathed in towels. ('Although if anyone has the air to carry it off, you do,' Baudh had said with a grin as Parvon shook his head in disapproving fashion.) but his mind would keep wandering, and so, perhaps a little early, he headed for the King's Office to fill the hours with official duties.

Melion was not visibly present when Parvon got to his workroom, for which he was obscurely relieved.; it was tiring, being in company, having to appear to be his usual, calmly formal, self. Best to keep busy, of course, for then his mind could not wander to the New Palace and wonder about Triwathon…

Setting to work, Parvon looked over lists and made plans for those taking the journey to the ship, and drafted a very formal and polite letter in which he petitioned his majesty to permit the use of one of the narrow carts, just for the conveyance of tents, bedrolls and hard rations. There would be game to shoot on the way and plenty of water sources, but there was always the opportunity for mischance and a narrow wagon would make the journey simpler, while not making it much easier for the individuals making the journey.

So carefully worded had his suggestions been that next morning, Parvon was the recipient of a note which granted general permission, on condition that the cart was simply for supplies provided by the kingdom, and not mentioned to the travellers lest it make them overburden themselves. It was at least a minor triumph, although Parvon did wonder what Master Ravomen and Mistress Cullasbes would make of the king's proviso; sadly, he could not ask Master Ravomen, for the elf had already left the Old Palace, to Melion's quiet, angry delight and Baudh's more light-hearted cheer.

'What are your plans for the day, Master Parvon?' Melion asked once the king's permission had been adequately discussed. 'Baudh tells me you have something arranged with him… if I may, you are spending a lot of time together, I did mention to Baudh that I hoped Master Oldor does not object, and equally I hope you are content with the situation?' This was said with a smile to show Melion was in jest, just in case Parvon was under the impression that Melion really thought he might have been flirting with his brother. Parvon did not appreciate the joke, especially while he was still trying to come to terms with his worry about Triwathon. and was privately quite offended.

'Indeed, Baudh has been most helpful.' Not knowing exactly how much Melion knew, or suspected, of the clandestine building works taking place on his behalf, Parvon did not elaborate on how the time with Baudh had been spent. 'We have a tour of the next set of rooms planned for the next group of arriving elves this morning the convoy is due some time on the morrow… and I must arrange a meeting with all the elves who wish to sail for this evening…'

'All at once? Where will you put them all? It is very brave of you!'

'I thought it best they see with whom they will be making the journey. I intend to reserve some of the lesser tables in the Feasting Hall for second serving this evening.'

'Let me bespeak the tables for you… although, I wonder if my mother will be happy, if it is not the top range of tables?'

'Ah. Well, Mistress Cullasbes has already declined her inviation, saying her…' Parvon managed not to utter the word 'husband' '…arrangements are being made separately and she does not expect to actually travel with the rest.'

'Really? Well, my mother can be good company when she chooses, and has organisational skills, of course. But there remains the vexed question of who will accompany the convoy; that is to say, of course I would not really object to the journey myself now, but it would put much on your shoulders, Parvon, and on Baudh's, if I am absent for so long, and yet Baudh is too light of manner to be entrusted… perhaps if my father were to return, he might go, although, if my mother were to decide to join the ranks, it might be unwise... it is unfortunate we have so few underscribes and scribes at present, but…'

Parvon's attention drifted. Really, Melion was quite transparent, it was obvious he wanted to avoid the trip at all costs while being far too polite to say outright that he wanted Parvon to go… more to the point, having stated already he did not consider himself Parvon's superior, he could not order him to, and so now he was trying, it seemed, to steer Parvon towards volunteering himself. At the next pause, judging it to be the moment to say something, Parvon nodded.

'I quite see the difficulty, of course. But does there really need to be a representative from the King's Office? Surely someone amongst those sailing could be entrusted to keep whatever records are required, and send them back with the next courier from Ithilien? The dyer Thindorion is going to sail, he is a respectable elf and quite capable of keeping records, I am sure.'

'Ah. Well, perhaps so, but his majesty has said it is his express wish…'

Both elves sighed at the vagaries of kings. 'Well, we have had a victory over a supply wagon,' Parvon said. 'Perhaps we will be able to bring him to see that asking one of the convoy would be much better…'

'Or whomever drives the wagon, of course,' Melion answered. 'And that is another thing, I do not know whom can be entrusted with the care of my Ada's precious donkeys…'

Parvon decided this was a complication he could not offer advice with.

'Well, I am almost late, Master Melion, and so will see you presently. If anyone wants me, I am inspecting the next set of lodgings for the forthcoming arrivals in corridor South Seven.'

It was not that Parvon did not want to help, of course, he told himself firmly as guilt threatened to disturb his already uneven tranquillity. It was more that, really, Parvon had plenty to do already with the constant supply of elves to resettle, without considering a journey of several months, one that would take him even further away from Tr… from the New Palace…

'Are you well, Master Parvon?' Baudh asked when Parvon arrived. 'You look a little… well, how I look when Melion's lectured me, I do hope my brother hasn't forgotten you're not a Merenorion, too…?'

Parvon was able to smile as he shook his head. 'I am well, my thanks. It is simply… logistics.'

'Talking of which, I asked Oldor to join us, that's all right, I hope?'

'Yes, most certainly. But I fail to see…?'

'He's just in the first set of rooms, here. You see, I know how busy you are, and how shorthanded we are in the King's Office, and Master Oldor, being quite newly arrived, is at a loose end and I thought, and he thought, if you thought it was a good idea, you could perhaps…' Baudh opened a door with a flourish and almost pushed Parvon through it, where a somewhat startled Oldor bowed hastily to him…

'…mentiontoMelionyouneedanassistantandyouknewOldorattheNewPalaceand…'

'If it is something Master Oldor would like, then I am sure we can discuss the matter,' Parvon said calmly. 'Besides, it will be nice for you to have your good friend working with you, I am sure Master Melion will agree.'

'Are you?' Baudh asked, startled. 'Because it would be wonderful if so! He's always saying we need to consider the serious nature of our work, how we represent the king, and he doesn't want me flirting all the time…'

'So having your special friend close at hand would certainly preclude that!' Parvon said, causing Oldor to smile. 'But Oldor, what do you think?'

'I think I could help you, Master Parvon, especially with newly arrived elves; I'm new myself, in that sense, and would be able to reassure and assist with any worries they may have. As for working with Baudh, it would be nice, but I wouldn't expect to work alongside of him… And filing, I understand there is always filing…?'

Parvon nodded. 'It's a constant,' he said. 'Well, let us see these rooms, then! Baudh, you have the list of who needs what? Who is this suite for…?'

Returning to his workroom after the tour had been completed, and leaving Oldor with a suggestion that he join Parvon at the tables that night to talk to the elves who would sail, Parvon paused to knock lightly on Melion's partially-open door.

'I am glad to have caught you,' he began. 'I wanted to let you know that, as I've duty this evening, I will not be in my workroom again today.'

'Oh? Well, of course, you have been working hard over the last few days, outside of your office, much of the time, I have noticed; in fact, there have been persons come with enquiries and nobody but I or the Matrimonial ellith to help, and it is really not appropriate…'

'Indeed. As to that, I've had a thought; it is getting to the point where I am sometimes so busy that I need help, and of course, it is not fair to ask Baudh all the time, for he has his own work, and it seems to have given rise to unpleasant talk already. So I have suggested that Master Oldor act as my assistant here and, if he likes the work, he could join us as an underscribe and help with enquirers; it would solve several problems, not least the fact that people appear to think Baudh and I spend more time together than is fitting. To that end, Oldor is helping me this evening at the Sailing Table…'

'Do you not know why there are so few underscribes at present?' Melion had listened to Parvon's announcement with increasing surprise and took the first opportunity to interrupt his flow. Parvon was not distracted.

'No, I do not, and I must admit it seemed to me very odd when I first arrived back…! People sailing is an obvious opportunity for attrition, and there is the lure of the Ithilien Project. However, Master Oldor is quite happy to start as my general helper, learning by observation as did I… is there a problem, Master Melion?'

'Well, as you know, he and Baudh…'

'This is why it is such a good idea, Oldor can see for himself there is nothing for him to worry about, that it is only work that puts your brother and I so much together, and Baud is less likely to flirt with anyone if Oldor is just a door or so away.' Parvon paused for emphasis. 'I took your words to heart, you see.'

'You really did, did you not?' Melion murmured, and Parvon inclined his head.

'Well, when the Scribe-in Charge of the King's Office makes accusations concerning one's reputation, one must pay attention, do you not think?'

With that he turned away, dismissing himself from Melion's presence with a tight, formal smile.

Intending to head straight out for the comfort of his little room with its gemstone skyscape, he found his way blocked by both Mistress Merlinith and Mistress Araspen.

'Oh, my dear Master Parvon!' Araspen began in her soft voice. 'One could not help but hear…'

'And really, Master Parvon,' Merlinith said, 'we heard what Master Melion said earlier today, of course, about you and Master Baudh, but did you not think he might have been in jest?'

Melion's door was still open; no doubt he could hear all that was passing… it was too perfect an opportunity for Parvon to vent his hurt feelings…

'In fact, I did not; it would have been entirely inappropriate for Master Melion to attempt to joke on such a topic with me, of all people! Respect for his brother aside, he would not dream of taking my reputation so lightly, surely?'

'Oh…' Araspen looked anxiously towards the open door. 'Do you not think you might benefit from a glass of restorative cordial?' she suggested. 'You have been looking rather out of sorts of late, Master Parvon, and you were so kind to think we might be of use in Matters Matrimonial, it saddens us to see you so!'

'But I have a meeting…'

'I'm sure it can wait,' Merlinith said, taking his arm in friendly fashion and pulling him towards their workroom. 'You just come with us…'

Bewildered, Parvon allowed himself to be seated in a comfortable chair and accepted a glass of dark red liquid from Araspen.

'I am grateful… but what is this?'

'Restorative blackcurrant cordial. It is very good.'

'I…' Parvon sipped. 'Mistress Araspen! Is it alcoholic?'

'It is made from fruit, so it is healthful, and good for you,' Merlinith said sternly.

Parvon sipped. The cordial was, in fact, rather good.

'Ladies, it is most kind of you to wish to assist me; I am quite restored now and…'

But even as Parvon set down the cordial, Araspen closed the door.

'Was there something I might help you with?' he ventured as the two ellith came to sit close to him. Merlinith began, her tones low.

'Now, you know I am not a gossip, Master Parvon,' she began, 'but sometimes one hears things and it is for the good of everyone if those things overheard are repeated to the appropriate elf, do you not agree?'

'Ah. It is an interesting point, Mistress Merlinith…'

'Have some more of your cordial, Master Parvon,' Araspen suggested, handing it to him.

'And so,' Merlinith carried on, 'we were in the position of overhearing a conversation between Master Melion and Master Baudh. Melion said, did Baudh think a trip would benefit your health, and Baudh said yes, a visit to the New Palace would do you a power of good, and Melion said, no, the king would not hear of it, but he might agree to a trip to Ithilien for you… and Baudh said that was silly, you wouldn't want to go so far…'

'Then Master Melion said, well, something would have to happen or people would start to wonder at how much time Baudh and you, Master Parvon, were in company… and Baudh began trying to explain, but Melion went on that he'd looked for you, Master Parvon, and looked for Baudh, and you were both missing together, or at least, at the same time…' Araspen added.

'…and so when we heard your discussion with Master Melion, well, we could not help but think perhaps you might wish to have a reply ready should Master Melion ask if you want a trip for your health…'

'I see. In which case, I am grateful to you for your explanation. I think it stems simply from Master Melion's excessively friendly nature, which means he is treating me like one of the family… it is gratifying to think he is so concerned for my health and reputation, in fact.'

Merlinith drew in a gasp of a breath at this, but saw something in Parvon's face that told her not to press it. In fact, while it was not Parvon's wish to thwart the present Elf-in-Charge of the King's Office, he was still smarting from Melion's attempted joke – and now that joke seemed almost a veiled accusation; nor was he pleased to have proof that he was being manoeuvred towards going to offer to go to Ithilien.

'In fact, were I to be invited to make such a trip, I expect I would decline. Please do not think badly of Master Melion…'

'No, it is just he is more like his Naneth than any of his brothers.'

'Well, I am grateful for your kindness.' Parvon sipped at his glass again. 'And for the cordial. I will bear your information, and your friendship, in mind. But I do have somewhere to be, if you will excuse me.'

'Of course, Master Parvon. Just so you know, you can always come to us if you're feeling like a bit of company. We don't have hordes of children or grandchildren running around, either.'

'Again, I am grateful.' Parvon smiled as Merlinith opened the door for him. 'As long as you do not wish to teach me to crochet, I believe I might take you up on your kind offer one evening. Good day to you.'