In the days that followed, Parvon was surprised to find archery practice to be a sanctuary, of sorts. It provided a reason to be legitimately be away from his desk for at least a few hours each day, away from the awkward, stiffly polite exchanges with Melion who continued to be frostily distant when they could not avoid each other. Having an acceptable duty which took place in public meant there could be no accusations of being difficult to locate and, besides, interest in honing their archery skills amongst those elves who were sailing was high, notwithstanding the fact that they would be escorted by a company of able warriors.

So great was the interest in target practice, in fact, that Parvon had to split the elves into three groups, meeting daily, for there was not room for more than a pair of targets in the Healers' Hall gardens. Thindorion, declaring himself the most abject archer amongst them, used every session he attended as a way to further his friendship with Parvon, much to Nestoril's amusement and Parvon's bewilderment.

That the friendship developed at all had much to do with Thindorion's persistence and Parvon's politeness; he could not help liking the dyer and whether or not there might still be an ulterior motive to his insistent friendliness, still Parvon could not bring himself to refuse to meet in the hall for the day meal before practice, or supper, unless his duties absolutely did not permit him the time.

'There is news,' Parvon began one evening, two days before the next convoy of elves from the New Palace was due in. 'A hawk from Ithilien; word is that winter storms caused one of the ships in the harbour to break its moorings and crash into the Valinor vessel which is building there; it is not serious, but has set the work back by two or three weeks.'

'So I have longer to practice, then? Or what will happen, because if we leave when the relief company wants to…'

'You, and the others, could simply spend the time in Ithilien. But I have made the Over-Captain aware and it is up to him, and the king, to decide if they stay their departure or not. And so at present I will not mention it to the other elves who seek ship. There was something I wished to ask of you, however…'

'Yes?' Thindorion sounded hopeful, although Parvon, shaking his head, could not imagine why.

'There may be need for one amongst the company to make brief daily reports, to be returned to the King's Office with the next returning company; it is not decided yet, but if it is so, would you be able to keep records for us?'

'For you, Parvon, anything.'

'That will not be necessary. Just a few daily notes; we can discuss it properly once I have the king's consent, for otherwise one of the King's Office must accompany the group, and that would leave us short-handed.'

'I see… I think. Will I need training in King's Office methods…?'

'I'm sure you will be fine. We will give you guidelines to follow. Now, tomorrow I will be busy, and so there is no communal archery practice. We can meet informally, if you like, at the hour of the day meal, but I need to look over the rooms for the next group of arrivals first…'

'The palace must be feeling quite empty now, I suppose. What will they do, do you think, gather in the villagers to stay in the main complex?'

'I am not certain.' Parvon shook his head. 'The formal communications go to Master Melion, and he has not passed on any information; I used to pick up such non-procedural news as there was from… from Triwathon's letters, but…'

'But he didn't have time to write with me being there, and now it feels awkward, maybe? I wrote to him after all, it felt… difficult, somehow, though. Besides, he won't answer. I'm sure he won't answer… don't you think?'

Parvon rather thought Triwathon might answer a letter from Thindorion, whereas he could not bring himself to write to Parvon, and the thought stung him.

'I could not say; he is likely to be busy, I expect, and it may be difficult for him to find the time. Well, as soon as there is news of the convoy, I will let you know,' he said, and turned the subject to the matter of Thindorion's apprentices, and how they had adjusted to the news of their master's forthcoming departure.

Next morning there was news of another sort; Master Melion, who had been keeping as low a profile as possible following an uncomfortable meeting with Thranduil some days before, gathered the entire King's Office together, including Merlinith and Araspen from their temporary post in the Matters Matrimonial office, to hear a pronouncement from the king.

'His majesty has empowered me to inform you all that we have had news from Imladris,' he said, his voice formal and his gaze going over Parvon's head as if he were not there. 'A message has been received by hawk to say that we are in expectation of a deputation returning the starlight gemstone with which their recently-deceased seneschal was honoured. It will come here first, and once those elves for whom it is relevant have spoken their memories, it will go to the New Palace for those there who knew the elf who died…'

Parvon, realising how much this would hurt Triwathon, to see the stone returned and to have to speak his memories, perhaps without a friend to support him, felt his heart clench in his chest… if Thranduil would relent, would let him escort the stone, then surely it would be better for Triw than if strangers took it…

'…Celeborn, kinsman to our own king, leads the party, along with the elder son of Elrond and two others of the household… we do not know when they will arrive, but they hoped for a swift passage of the mountains and to be here, we estimate, before the departure of the elves for Ithilien. Ideally, there would be time for the gemstone to then go to the New Palace and return here, to then proceed onwards with the relief company of warriors to the colony, for Prince Legolas must wish to speak his own memories, given that he travelled with the deceased during the War of the Ring…'

'Master Melion, do we know the names of the others in the party?' Parvon asked.

'I will speak to the Over-Captain to see whom amongst the guard company can be entrusted with the task…' Melion continued on as if Parvon had not spoken. Baudh cleared his throat.

'Master Baudh, what is it?'

'Who else is coming with Celeborn and Elladan?' he asked.

'Did I not say? I have the names, Lindir and Melpomaen, whomever they might be…'

Parvon swallowed. He knew the names, he knew from Triwathon's stories of time spent in Imladris, that Lindir was their chief bard, and he knew from more recent events that Melpomaen had been Glorfindel's latest lover… ai, that would be awkward for poor Triwathon, perhaps more awkward than Parvon had found greeting Thindorion… but there was nothing he could do to help… the elves' coming to the Old Palace first, though, that would be difficult in itself, no doubt the news would go up with the next returning convoy carts, and all the commander could do would be to wait… no, it was not good…

And no real idea when the little group was expected; the hawk had been sent three days since, and so it was possible the travellers were over the mountains already… or perhaps snowed in on the passes… it was difficult to know, at this time of year, and while the weather had been mild and damp over the forest, that was not to say the same would hold true for the passes of the mountains.

But as it was, Parvon had other matters on hand.

He spent the rest of the morning with Baudh and Oldor, inspecting the accommodations for the next convoy, due at some point the following day.

'How will we divide the duty?' Baudh asked lightly, as if it was of no matter to him, but the very lightness of tone suggested it might be significant.

'I have archery practice with the sailing elves in the early part of the afternoon, so if the convoy arrives early, I will be on hand at the Healers' Hall should I be needed... if they come later, I should be free, of course. I was most grateful for your assistance last time, and both you and Master Oldor were spoken of with much praise and appreciation… do you have a preference, Master Baudh?'

'Master Oldor and I would be happy to escort the elves to their rooms, whenever that might be, but as for attending them during the welcome session… we are happy to be introduced, but following that, I may be needed elsewhere, especially in the evening…'

Parvon closed the door to the chamber, gestured to the seating provided.

'Perhaps this requires proper discussion, then, Master Baudh. Of course, I am aware that your department suddenly needs to find formal guest chambers for four guests of some standing, at short notice, and yet without any real knowledge of when they will arrive…'

'It is one concern, yes. You see, when the king told us we might take over the previous guest chambers for use, there was a plan to make more, better accommodations for visiting dignitaries… but then there came the rock fall, and the need to replace the rooms lost to that, and time passed, as it will for elves, and suddenly there was need to provide new rooms for refugees from the New Palace, Master Parvon. It is not an excuse, it is simply that there has been no need of formal staterooms and so our efforts were prioritised elsewhere.' Baudh lifted his shoulders in a sort of a shrug. 'I intend seeking suitable rooms as soon as we are done here, but as I may have just a few days to spend on them…'

'You can have my rooms back, if it helps,' Parvon said. 'I can easily lodge elsewhere for a few days or weeks, it is no matter to me. And, if I might suggest, I remember you telling me that your own chambers are the same as the Balrog-slayer used when he was here…?'

'Yes, that's true… but while it's kind of you to offer your home…'

'It is not my home, Baudh, no matter how I try. However. My point is that Melpomaen was close to the Lord of Gondolin… very close, if you follow… and so I think your rooms, offered with an explanation of their relevance, would meet with his gratitude. Lindir, who was also a friend of the Balrog-slayer, he might be content in my chambers. It would halve your workload, Master Baudh, and I can move my belongings across this evening so that you can begin.'

'I see. That would be a very big help, in fact… I don't suppose, Master Oldor, that I might lodge with you for a few days…?' Baudh tried to keep his expression calmly enquiring but failed magnificently when Oldor nodded. 'Well, that's very nice to know, I am grateful…'

Parvon cleared his throat. 'You said finding suitable lodgings for the Imladris party was one concern… is there something else?'

'There is, it is…' Baudh sighed, his previous smile fading. 'I don't want to admit it, because of keeping family and duty separate, and I do try, but it's a personal issue. A… a favour for Melion.'

He sighed again, more heavily, his head bowing.

'…and I know I ought not get involved, but I have been asked to, and it seems such an unfortunate situation that I must do something, and I am not going to even try to justify my brother, but…'

'I would not dream of prying, Master Baudh.'

'No, you're one elf who wouldn't pry, Parvon, and so… it would be good to confide in you. Oldor already knows, of course, but… well. My honour-sister hasn't taken kindly the news that Melion has been invited to sail with our mother. In fact, she has been so… discomfited by the news that she's decided to take the younglings and visit her family for a few days, so that Melion will know what it's like, she said, to have one's mother put before oneself… and what it might mean to be one one's own…'

'I see. How very unfortunate; I cannot imagine Master Melion will sail, though. He has seemed so set against even travelling to Ithilien with Master Ravomen involved in the trip…'

'Well, Naneth has a way of making it difficult to get a word in, which does make it hard to refuse her. I think, if he'd told Gilrin from the first that he didn't want to go, she would have been less disposed to take offence, but, apparently, he didn't. His first question was if she'd thought of taking the family across the seas… and even then, if he hadn't mentioned Mother…' Baudh grimaced, his expression eloquent. 'Sometimes, he can be such an idiot! However, I said I would visit her tomorrow evening…'

'Does your honour-sister's family live far?'

'In fact, no – just the other side of the palace complex, in fact. Not more than a half-hour's walk through the corridors. Of course, I'm not going to pass on any messages – in fact, I really think she's taken it very calmly, and is doing exactly the right thing to make my brother consider all the implications… I want to show my support for her, really. She's followed Melion up and down through the forest from the start, and he shouldn't keep expecting it of her. So, I'm sorry, it is a personal matter, and I wouldn't let it intrude, but…'

'I can quite see that your intervention might possibly restore some sort of order sooner than if matters were left. Baudh, your family must come first in this; I will manage my convoy, with Master Oldor's help. It is not like last time, when I was… overburdened.'

'Overburdened? You looked as if you were fading on your feet, and I don't know why, and I shan't ask, but I'm glad you're looking better and, of course, I'm grateful. But for the moment, the rooms are ready, and that was a good thought of yours, about the Imladris guests. I can make a start on clearing my chambers immediately, get the housekeepers in to clean, and then look at what top-class furnishings we have available.'

'My own rooms will be vacated by the end of this evening, Baudh. I hope you will pass on my regards to your honour-sister.'

'Thank you, I shall. Of course, if the convoy arrives early, there will be time for me to assist and visit Gilrin as well… I'd go this evening, but I think she needs the time to talk to her family about things first.'

'Of course. Besides, it gives Master Melion time to consider his position. Very well, I think these rooms are excellent, and, Master Oldor, you have the list of whom to put where, in case I am side-tracked?'

'Yes, Master Parvon.'

'Good. If anyone seeks me, I shall be in my workroom, probably. Although I am expecting word from the Over-Captain, and if it does not come, I may have to seek it.'

Before the afternoon was out, however, Parvon had word from the barracks. The Over-Captain had decided that, while the delay to the ship was not relevant to him, his majesty's wishes were that sufficient time be left to allow the Lord of Gondolin's starlight gemstone to have arrived, gone to the New Palace, and returned in order to travel south, and so, although it meant deferring the planned start to the journey, his company would leave in seventeen days, and so everyone had better begin to prepare themselves for the long walk down. For Parvon, this meant visiting all the would-be travellers and making them aware of the planned departure, and reiterating the need to travel as lightly as might be.

It was almost as if reality began to dawn on some of the elves, then, as they looked at Parvon, seated in their various homes, and looked around them at the things on the shelves, the accoutrements of daily life that made things easier, more comfortable, and more than one elf said something along the lines of:

'But Master Parvon, I know you said it would be soon, but I did not think you meant it… we will be travelling in the cold of the year…'
'That was always the intention. But what of your place on the ship?' Parvon asked in reply. 'When you said you wanted to sail, I asked at the time, did you mean it? I ask again, now. Do you still mean it?'

At this point, often the elves would exchange glances, and nod in unison, but at more than one set of rooms, Parvon was asked if they might think about it a while longer…

'Take the rest of the day to consider again,' he had told them. 'That is all the time I can spare your second thoughts, for if you do not wish to take up your berths, there are other elves who waiting for them.'

Finally, just one couple decided they would wait for the next ship, or the one after, or perhaps not sail at all, despite the warnings that any subsequent trip to a port would need to be undertaken by their own efforts…

As for Parvon, busy that night with the itinerary and prospective route as he was, he still found time to consider the journey of the elves from Imladris. The Over-Captain really was not leaving them long to make the trip, although he had stated he was allowing twice the time it would take one of his companies, plus another seven days for the gemstone to receive memories from the Old Palace and the New… that thought led on to another, to whom would the gem be entrusted, and he found himself wondering about Triwathon again, and shook his head fiercely.

A knock came at his door.

Glancing up, he realised that while he had worked, it had grown late, so that really, it was past the usual hours for enquiries.

'Yes?' he called out.

'Parvon?' Thindorion smiled at him from the doorway. 'We have no arrangement for tonight, but you were not at first serving, and so…'

'Work,' Parvon said, tidying his documents and writing implements. 'But, if you have waited for me, I beg your pardon, I am just done…'

He rose from his seat, took off his outer robes of office and let them hang on their stand, trimmed the lamp and went to join his friend.

'Although I will not be able to linger, Thindorion,' he said. 'I still have work this evening; a matter I promised Master Baudh I would attend to.'

'Is it something I could help with?' Thindo offered. 'I know it's convoy day tomorrow and so I don't know if there'll be time for us to outside of the practice session…'

'We will see,' Parvon said, not really knowing himself which part of Thindorion's statement he was replying to. 'Come, I am hungry this evening as I have not been for days. Shall we hasten?'