In the finish, Parvon agreed to allow Thindorion to help him move his belongings from the formal rooms he'd been allotted, and across to his smaller, modest chambers.

'Give an hour once we leave the table,' he said, 'and I will be packed.'

'Really? Is that all the time you need?'

Parvon gave his small smile. To Thindorion, it made him look knowing and secretive and very, very private.

'Yes. I never really settled in, you see.'

'Well, I must admit, in my rooms, it would take me twice that to tidy up if I was expecting you to call never mind sort out and pack…'

'Do not be anxious, Thindorion. You need not worry about my visiting you at any time soon.'

Thindorion sighed. 'That's a pity. I was going to ask if you'd like to come to supper one night.'

'But the food here is as good as we would have privately, and probably stays hotter,' Parvon said. 'Besides, the Elf-in-Chief likes to know where I am.'

True to his word, Parvon had cleared his cupboards and drawers and had packed everything into two bags and a box, with the exception of his archery equipment which was propped against the now-empty wardrobe in less than an hour. The bed had been stripped, bedding folded neatly for the housekeeper to take away, and the rooms looked lifeless and unloved. And why not? He had not loved them, these rooms were not dear to him.

Thindorion was prompt, knocking gently at the door and lifting a bottle of wine when Parvon opened the door.

'I thought you might like a drink to help the work go smoothly?'

'Thank you. But the work is done, except for the carrying. I wonder why you are encumbered with wine when you know there is carrying to do? but never mind. It is this way…'

'Parvon! Are you not going to ask me in?'

Parvon lifted an eyebrow in unconscious imitation of the king.

'By all means, if you wish, but it is not very comfortable.'

'Really?' Thindorion grinned, and entered, looking round. 'You are right, it's a dismal place, indeed! What a shame I could not see them when they were homely. Now, my rooms are much nicer; I have a window.'

'Yes?' Parvon forbore to mention the fact that a skylight of crystal in the bedchamber let in the starlight, the only thing he liked about the rooms. 'How pleasant for you. So, there are no cups, for I have packed them, I am afraid. Perhaps the wine will keep.'

'I'm sure it will. Is this everything?' Thindorion slid the wine into a box which he then picked up while Parvon took charge of the bags, slinging his bow and quiver over his shoulder. 'No wonder it hasn't taken you long to pack.'

'This way.'

Parvon set off, noting, as they passed Melion's family rooms, that the door was opening. He hurried on, lest Melion come out and address him. Thindorion didn't seem to notice Parvon's hastening steps.

'My rooms are very nice, really,' he said. 'Not only is there a window, but they are spacious, well-placed…'

'It is a wonder you wish to leave, then.'

'Ah, now that is unfair…'

'Forgive me. Sometimes, however pleasant the rooms, one's heart is not there. I do understand.'

'Where is your heart, Parvon?' Thindorion said softly, but Parvon decided the dyer must have been thinking aloud, and so did not reply lest it encourage him in wayward speculation.

Reaching the entrance to the corridor down which his rooms were situated, Parvon paused.

'Thank you, Thindorion, if you would like to set the box down, I can manage from here.'

'Ah, now, Parvon, what sort of a friend would I be if I did that?'

'The sort to respect another's privacy, perhaps?'

'Come, I promise I won't disturb you with unwanted visits, although what in the name of all the stars are you doing down here? This corridor is a mess!'

'It really is not. Mostly, this area is turned to storage, but these were my original lodgings and when I returned, I reclaimed them. It used to be quite charming. Here, this one.'

'There's been work done recently on the other side of the passage…'

'I am some way from a bathing pool here. There is a hygiene unit there, that is all.' Parvon unfastened his door. 'Since you will insist… come in, be welcome, sit at ease.'

Setting down his burdens, he lit the lamp, placing it in a wall niche, and found cups from the shelf while Thindorion looked about him and finally took a seat.

'This is very… compact…'

'Yes. Fortunately, I am not over-tall, and this is the space I was used to. Where is the wine, Thindorion?'

'Here.' Thindorion unstoppered the bottle and poured out the deep red liquid. 'Here's to moving rooms.'

Parvon lifted his wine cup. 'And to travelling in search of a better place to live. I hope you will be happy in Valinor, Thindorion.'

'I'm sure I'll find a way to be so, Parvon. Of course, it would be nice to have a friend there…'

'I thought you were friends with the poacher – that is, Triwathon's lover?'

'Apart from him, I mean. He may still be getting into trouble for all I know.'

'Well, I am sure you will find plenty to occupy yourself. And there is the chance to make new friends on the way to the ship, I think. There are several single ellyn who are travelling.' Parvon swirled the wine in his cup, sipped and set it down. 'Thank you for bringing the wine; it was a kindness, but I still have things to do this evening. I should really go back to the old chambers, make sure they are tidy.'

'Parvon! I thought we were…'

'Friends? We are, of course, and I appreciate your help. But I have a busy day tomorrow, and any work I leave undone tonight must then be added to my schedule and would probably mean I could not attend archery practice.'

Thindorion sighed for effect as he got to his feet.

'I had been going to say, having a nice chat together, but since you think you're busy, I'll walk back with you then, if that's all the company I shall get from you tonight.'

'You are very kind. It is simply unfortunate that I have so many things to do tomorrow.'

So many things! More enquiries from the sailing elves, a final check of the rooms for the next convoy's arrival, word from the garrison that the New Palace the settlers had been spotted and were breaking for an hour, but then proceeding on… that information to take to Nestoril, the archery session (brought forward to late morning) to oversee… Thindorion was at the practice, and greeted Parvon in his friendly way, but didn't push forward, or attempt to demonstrate to the other elves that they were friends, for which Parvon was quietly grateful. Elves did like to gossip, and he had no wish to be part of yet another rumour…

He did, however, manage to insert into general conversation the fact that he would be busy for the rest of the day with relocating elves from the New Palace.

'…it also means I must return to the King's Office, for the dispatches will be in soon.' He glanced in Thindorion's direction, saw the big elf nod acknowledgement. 'If there are any questions about sailing which cannot wait, I will probably be in my workroom for an hour, but after that, tomorrow is the earliest I will be properly available… well done to you all, I am sure you will agree that continuing practice has improved your abilities admirably, my friends. And so, good day.'

A tip of his head in the shortest of bows, and Parvon was able to leave without being waylaid by any of the company. Returning to the King's Office, he saw Melion's door open and tapped lightly on its surface.

'Yes?'

'Master Melion, I will be in my workroom through the hour of the day meal, after which I shall be at the Healers' Hall with the new arrivals.'

'Good, it is helpful to know. Masters Baudh and Oldor are working on refurbishing the rooms in our corridor for the guests – I hope you find your new quarters to your liking?'

'I am sure I shall manage,' Parvon answered, not quite sure if that meant Melion had discovered his return to his original small lodgings or was merely being polite. 'You have the dispatches? Is there anything of significance?'

'A list of names from Master Faerveren – the next set of returning elves. I will see Master Baudh gets it in due course. There is nothing from the garrison concerning their prisoner.'

Parvon had expected it would be so; if Triw had found it too hard to write last time, of course he would not write now… besides, if he had any time for correspondence, no doubt it would be Thindorion who was the recipient…

'Perhaps it is just as well,' Melion said after a pause. 'Given the circumstances. Still, who am I to judge…?'

'I doubt that Elder Gomben is comfortable in the cells, but he is a stubborn individual,' Parvon said, not quite knowing what circumstances Melion meant but not wanting to ask. 'Unfortunately, our king being equally tenacious, if it comes to a battle of wills, I can see the New Palace being empty with just the elder left locked up…'

'I will speak to him myself while I am there. Oh, I did not say, did I? Or you were busy elsewhere when it was agreed… Someone will be needed to bring the Balrog-slayer's starlight gemstone to the New Palace, and accompany any of the Rivendell elves who might want to go along and see where their seneschal fell, and so I will escort them. It will give me chance to speak to Master Faerveren and Master Merenor about Mistress Cullasbes taking ship. I do think Faerveren will wish to return to say goodbye, and so I can cover the New Palace while he does so. It is all arranged.'

'Is it so?' Parvon tried to sound unconcerned, but to have confirmed that he would not be allowed to escort the stone was not pleasant, and to have it all done without a word to him was simply another indication of how unimportant he had become. 'I am sure he would rather hear the news in person, and from kin, Master Melion.'

'Yes, I shall make sure the information is passed on outside working hours, of course. Well, I hope your new living arrangemets work well for you, although I am surprised, but then, it is nothing to do with me…'

'I am grateful,' Parvon said, wondering now how Melion had learned so much about Parvon's rooms so quickly. 'I am used to little space, it is not difficult for me.'

'It won't be for long, of course. Do not let me keep you from your work.'

Parvon had been at his worktable just long enough to have become absorbed in his tasks before he realised he had not properly closed his door; it was Melion's voice alerted him.

'Master Thindorion, are you seeking Master Parvon? He is within, but if I may suggest, you ought to take him off for the day meal since he talks of working through…'

'Thank you, Master Melion, I just want a moment of his time…'

The exchange provided an opportunity for Parvon to clear his papers away and go to the door. Melion was being very odd, all of a sudden, encouraging him to be away from his desk… perhaps it meant he was settling down once more to his previous genial self… it would be a relief, if so.

Parvon got to the door just as Thindorion was about to knock on it.

'Master Thindorion, you have a query?'

'It will take a moment only, but I am charged with taking you to eat, if that suits you?'

Parvon smiled.

'I suppose we could take the day meal together,' he said, 'although I had not intended breaking off… but since Master Melion approves the notion, it would be churlish to refuse. If your matter is not of a private nature, we can discuss it in the Feasting Hall.'

'I know it's a full day for you today,' Thindorion said as they took places at a quite table. 'So I am grateful for your time, Parvon.'

'You are quite welcome, Thindorion,' Parvon began. He made his tone a little less brisk than his usual conversational style, as the dyer looked less cheerful than was usual. 'In fact, I would have sought a way to speak with you in any case. The despatches are in and, I am afraid, there was nothing marked for your attention amongst the letters. Of course, it is possible that a personal letter may have been handed to one of the escort guards for you….'

Thindorion was looking at his plate, shaking his head.

'No, I… I checked with the advance guards myself, nothing. I didn't really expect…'

'But you hoped.'

'Yes. We were friends, I thought… he is busy, though.'

'I am sorry if this disappoints you; I have waited in vain for a letter from Triwathon myself, and so can sympathise.'

'Yes, of course you have, I am sorry, this is foolish of me…'

'Not at all.'

'…it's not as if I wanted anything from him except an acknowledgement, maybe. Something along the lines of, it was nice to see you, hope your journey is fine, but… Anyway, I have found I am not as attached to him as I thought... But still…'

Thindo shifted in his seat, drank from his wine goblet, sat more upright and ate some bread and cheese, taking his time. Parvon left him to his silence and attended his own plate until he thought his friend's composure had re-established itself.

'The New Palace elves will arriving soon,' he said, changing the subject only slightly. 'And I will need to attend the Healers' Hall to address them. It seems…'

Thindo sighed.

'What does it seem, Parvon? That you have to cut our meal short because you must go and waste your energy on these elves who were not actually caught up in the flames or the dragons but who are coming back sooner rather than later in the hopes of getting better lodgings? Or…'

'… it seems.' Parvon repeated firmly, adding a touch of King's Office authority to his words, 'that I have barely time to see one group settled when the next is here.' He smiled. 'I would have been at my desk for a further half hour in any case, and so no, I was not going to suggest abandoning you. Not while you seem unhappy. I well know how it hurts to be needed less than one expects.' Parvon paused. 'It does not only happen in matters of the heart, you know. I can offer you no comfort, unfortunately, but if you need a distraction, I am sure Healer Nestoril would not object if you accompany me to the Healers' Hall… although if you think so poorly of the refugees, perhaps…'

'Ai! Forgive me, I do not mean to criticise them! It was a chance remark that one person said to another! Besides, they will see that there is no favouritism here.'

Parvon smiled.

'They will indeed. Perhaps the King's Office should make discreet enquiries of the New Palace to discover what the mood there is like. It would not do if we had a rush of elves all hurrying after something they will not have.'

'Of course, if they grumble about their new rooms, you could always show them where you're lodging…'

Parvon shook his head, pretending to be stern. But at least Thindorion was smiling again.

'Thindorion, I am very happy where I am. There are memories in those small rooms which I find more than make up for the lack of space. Besides, I am, as I have said, not over-tall.'

'My rooms are very pleasant,' the dyer said. 'Not too large for one person, but not too small for company. You should come and visit, you really should…'

'It is kind, but you will not be there for much longer so…'

'…so you must make the most of my invitation while I have a home to which I can invite you!'