'Are you ever going to finish for the evening?' Baudh asked from the doorway. 'Because Oldor's still new enough that leaving while the Elf-in-Charge is still working seems a little daunting…'

Parvon looked up, trying to hide the fact that Baudh's voice had startled him from his work.

'I… there is much to do at the moment. Is he there with you?'

'Sir, I am…' Oldor eased in front of Baudh and bowed. 'Please, do not…'

'Come in – both of you. And sit down.'

Parvon waited for Baudh and Oldor to find seats.

'Thank you. To start – Master Oldor you do not need to address me as 'sir'. My usual form of address is fine. Next, yes, I am currently Elf-in-Charge, but it is the office I am in charge of, not your comings and goings… as long as someone is present during the working hours, that's all we need. Finally, Baudh – yes, I am going to finish for the evening, hopefully before the morning…' He paused to smile. 'Fortunately, there is no top table tonight, so I can get ahead a little here before we find ourselves welcoming Masters Faerveren, Merenor and Hanben home in a few days. I am trying to organise my work for when I move offices; if I can get do so before Master Hanben returns to find me making free with his workroom, so much the better…'

'You'll move into Melion's office, of course. What about his desk?'

'I… suppose I will have to be in that room.' Oddly, he hadn't considered where he'd end up working; he'd assumed a desk in the outer office, but really, if he was sharing the lead with Faerveren, then Melion's office was the best solution. 'Faerveren can use his father's workstation, though; I will find another to sit at… I may need to find another space for the sailing paperwork, the maps take up so much room… but that is not an issue tonight. Thank you for your hard work today, Baudh, Oldor; the King would be grateful, if he knew.'

'Are you sure?' Baudh asked, causing Parvon to really smile. 'Because I haven't exactly broken into a sweat today… Oh. Oh, it's that, isn't it? Are we formally, officially, back to Arveldir's Rule?'

'Not officially, but I hope to combine some of Arveldir's practices with some of Master Melion's procedures to the benefit of all our procedures. Master Oldor, one of Arveldir's requirements was that the Chief Elf, at day's end, should thank his staff for their work. So, thank you, both of you. Now, that's all for tonight, enjoy your evenings.'

'Um… Parvon?'

'Master Baudh, are you still here? And on your own time, too?'

'Just wondered if you were meeting Thindorion for supper tonight. We could sit together in the hall, if you like, the four of us? Or if he isn't, then the three of us? We can wait for second sitting…'

'That's very kind. In fact, Thindo's spending the evening with other friends tonight. As for me, I'll probably eat while I'm working, but I am grateful for the thought. So, I will be here early tomorrow, then at the breakfast meeting. After that, it's the Public Audience, although Mistresses Araspen and Merlinith will preside, so…'

'Come on,' Baudh nudged Oldor and grinned. 'He's talking work again, we'd better leave before we start volunteering! Goodnight, Parvon. We'll see you tomorrow.'

It was a relief to be alone again, to return to his work; Parvon's day had felt difficult, although to anyone watching it would have seemed merely busy. But on top of the king's breakfast meeting, and talking to Baudh about accommodations for the next group of returning elves – fortunately a reduced number this time, to take into account the presence on the wagons of three members of the Palace and King's Offices – there had been the problem of where to put Merenor, Hanben and Faerveren when they did arrive back in the office, and then he had barely had time to give thought to that when he had to head across for archery practice and a swift day-meal after, shared with Thindorion.

That scant half-hour had been a welcome break, for he had found the morning particularly trying; it must have shown on his face, or in his bearing, for they had not been seated at table for more than a few moments when Thindorion had poured him a larger than usual cup of wine.

'Drink up, my friend, for there's something in you that needs it. And feel free to talk about what's bothering you.'

'Nothing, there is nothing, other than work. But it has felt hard today, when it should have been easy; I am welcoming back three excellent King's Elves to the palace in a few days' time, which will make the work go more easily, and then Master Melion is no longer here so his majesty is… I will not say in a better mood, but certainly he was a little more relaxed this morning. I do not know precisely what's amiss. But I appreciate your concern.'

At the end of the meal, when Parvon was ready to rise and return to the King's Office, Thindorion stayed him with a friendly hand on his arm.

'If there is something… anything, ever… well, I know I am leaving soon, but you take my meaning… I will gladly hear you. Tonight, though, I am having a party with friends, in my rooms, to celebrate my time here. You are welcome, if you're free, even if it's just for an hour.'

'Thank you, that's kind. As, too, is your invitation; I am not sure what my evening holds, but I am grateful.'

'Well… try to make a little time for fun!

Parvon had smiled.

'I shall endeavour to do so.'

Now, as he tidied his workspace and filed his papers, Parvon realised that an increasing sense of misery had been growing in him through the day, and it had been this which had been weighing him down and making his various duties feel more difficult. The mood had lifted a little with Thindorion's support during the day-meal, but he was still at a loss to work out exactly why he had been feeling so sad. Perhaps it was the growing realisation that soon the elves would be leaving for their ship, taking his newest friend with them, but then, he had always known his acquaintance with Thindo would be brief…

No. On reflection, it was more that he found he could not stop thinking about the other journey, that of Melpomaen and Lindir to the New Palace. They would have arrived by now, of course… yesterday, in fact, if the snow had not caused significant delays.

Suddenly his thoughts went out to Triwathon as he considered how the arrival of Glorfindel's gemstone would reawaken the commander's grief; it was even possible, he supposed, that Parvon's own low mood had been merely a reflection of how Triwathon had been feeling; for however bad Parvon's day had seemed, undoubtedly his friend was having a far more difficult time of it.

Instructions had been sent to say that the visitors should be permitted to go wherever they wished, to visit where their friend had died, and been lain, even to go to the damaged villages if they should so desire, this being something the king thought Lord Celeborn might wish to do… but to revisit those places would only bring with it a return of the horror and loss of the night… and as commander as well as participant in events and witness of Glorfindel's death, Triwathon would be expected to go with them, to talk about what had happened where it had happened, and that would be devastating…

Once more Parvon wished he had been permitted to accompany the memory stone, so that he could be there to help… if Triw would have even wanted his help; after all, he'd not written, and not written, and kept not writing, and no explanation had been forthcoming…

That had been the worst of it, really, the not knowing what had gone wrong, why the letters had stopped… of course, Parvon might have been imagining it, there could be nothing wrong and Triw had just been too busy, too… too content to write, not realising how important his letters had been…

Well. There really was nothing Parvon could do to help Triw, or anyone at the New Palace now.

Deciding he'd done all the work he could usefully do without taking a little time, Parvon closed up the office and headed towards his rooms. There being no corridor servant, since the area was considered unoccupied, he bespoke a dish of winterstew and a small loaf of bread from the kitchens on his way. Glad to light his lamps, he sat at the worktable to eat, and then gave thought to Thindorion's invitation…

He did not really wish to be part of a large, social group at present, but he had thought it fitting and not inappropriate to make a small farewell gift for his friend. The party seemed an ideal place to offer it, in presence of other people so that there could be no mistaking the spirit in which it was offered… besides, knowing when else would provide such a good opportunity was difficult.

That being so, he removed his formal robes of office and selected the least-dull of his tunics for over his shirt, a garment of the same hue as the leaves of beeches in high summer. It was decorated with two lines of gold stitching at the collar, so while hardly gaudy, it made him feel more like an off-duty elf than he did in any other of his clothes. He took the box containing the gift for Thindo from his desk – actually two boxes, for there was an official, King's Office present as well, and set off to knock on his friend's door.

Expecting a hubbub of voices, Parvon was surprised that only one or two voices could be heard when the door opened to him. But Thindorion laughed and welcomed him in with a sweeping gesture.

'Parvon, it's good to see you! When we spoke earlier, I rather thought you might be determined to be busy all evening, step in!'

'Oh, there is plenty of work waiting, but then I thought… the work will still be here in a few days, and you, my friend, will not.' Parvon smiled, trying to take any sadness from the words. 'And so, I am late, I think, or very early?'

'Most people came for a drink or two before going to dine, or have promised to come after, but Naru is here, and some mutual friends…' He turned to call across the room. 'Araspen, Merlinith! Look who I've found!'

Araspen gave a wave from her seat on the sofa; Merlinith called a greeting across. The two ellith were seated either side of Naru, who appeared to be wedged into place by their hips.

'You'll find some of our archery friends over there,' Thindo waved to a table holding drinks and wine cups, 'and Nestoril was here earlier. Would you like some wine?'

'Thank you, that would be pleasant.'

Parvon followed Thindo over to the table, accepting a cup of golden fire-wine and joining in the talk; one of the elves was debating his right to be there, since this was Thindorion's leaving party and he, and his friend, would be leaving with him…

'What do you say, Master Parvon?'

'Ah, I say, my title comes off with my robes of office! But well, surely all it means is that Thindo can go to your leaving party, too? It's a good idea, I think.'

'Perhaps we should get together and all of us have a celebration,' another elf said. 'You could arrange that for us, couldn't you, Parvon?'

'Possibly.' Parvon lifted his wine and sipped. 'Remind me of this idea during working hours, and I'll see what can be done. Or speak to Merlinith instead – perhaps you could use her Friendly Rooms for a gathering?'

'Now, that's a good idea! Or perhaps Healer Ness would host us something, that way if there are any hangovers…'

'Well, whatever we do, it will need to be quick,' the first said. 'Word is we're leaving in three days, isn't that right?'

'Approximately three days,' Parvon amended. 'The Starlight Gemstone is returning to the Old Palace and will be available here for the rest of the day on which it arrives, and then it journeys on to the Ithilien colony with your departure. So without the memory stone, you will be going nowhere… however much the duty captain may growl about the delay, these are the king's orders.'

'It still seems like no time at all since we were offered the chance to leave,' the second said. 'I suppose it shows, though, how ready we are, that we can organise ourselves so quickly to be ready.'

'I hope your journeys are smooth and you find what you seek in Valinor,' Parvon said, lifting his goblet in salute.

Merlinith arrived at the table to replenish her drink, and stopped to join in.

'I heard my name, I think. Is it a secret? What is the gossip about Mistress Merlinith today…?'

'Ah, if you could lend us a Friendly Room for a last party of friends and family…'

Parvon eased out of the group. Araspen was engaging Naru in an intense technical discussion about the holding power of pink dyes on woollen fabric, while Thindorion had retreated to a corner of the room. He was leaning against shelves set into the walls, and looked more pensive than Parvon could remember having ever seen him.

'Second thoughts, mellon-nin?' he asked.

'Second? More like fifty-second! And yet always I come back to this; it is time to go.'

'I should remind you, Thindo, it is a long way down to the ship, and you are entitled to change your mind at any point. Perhaps you might find Ithilien friendlier to you than the forest? I hear there are opportunities there…'

Thindorion shook his head.

'I doubt it. But I appreciate the thought. What's that you're carrying, I noticed when you came in, and you've not set it down yet…?'

'Ah. I was waiting for the right moment.' Parvon smiled. 'I think, perhaps, it has arrived. So, Thindo, out of gratitude for your initially enforced friendship, I wanted to mark the occasion.' He handed over a slim, flat package carefully wrapped and tied. 'This is a formal gift on behalf of the King's Office, for your willingness to act as scribe for the records of the journey. On behalf of all of us, we are grateful.'

'Thank you… and what exactly…?'

'You may, of course, open it and find out...'

Thindorion undid the ties and explored the package. Inside was a pouch, and within that various writing materials and a series of smaller pouches.

'And, again, I ask, what exactly…?'

'It was thought that when you reach Ithilien, you may wish to write a last letter or two. There are enough materials for you to write half a dozen letters, and the official envelopes will ensure they are carried and delivered wherever in Eryn Lasgalen you wish them to go, as swiftly as possible. So that if you wanted to pen a final note to Triwathon, or if you have any last-minute instructions for your friend Naru there to do with the dye recipes, it will be easy for you to send them.'

'Thank you, that's thoughtful, and useful. Please pass on my thanks.'

Parvon nodded, and handed over the second box.

'This, too, will need explanation, I fear. It is from me, a wish from a friend to a friend.'

'Oh? Really, this is intriguing! I wish we'd become friends earlier, Parvon, think of all the fun we've missed…'

Thindorion lifted the lid of the box. Inside were several smaller items. He laughed.

'Yes, you really will have to explain…'

'To begin, it is something the human people around Imladris do, so Lord Arveldir told me once; it is a ritual for their dark of the year festivals, but as I understand it, it could be equally valid for new ventures and journeys. If you choose an item…'

Thindorion lifted out a small bundle bound with twine.

'Sticks, Parvon?'

'Kindling. So that you may make fire, at need.'

Thindo grinned, set down the bundle and picked up a small, leaf-wrapped packet.

'I know what kindling is! And this, this is lembas…'

'In case you run short of supplies,' Parvon said.

The final item was a small, stone flask with a tightly-fitting stopper.

'Winter-wine?'

'Indeed.' Parvon nodded. 'Kindling, lembas, winter-wine. Together they are a wish, or a blessing. May you always have warmth and light. May you never know hunger or want. May you always have cheer, and company to share it with. And thus this box is a hope for your future, and a wish that your travels are comfortable. May the road to your ship be easy, and may your voyage be blessed.'

'Parvon…!'

Thindorion touched the items again: warmth, food, cheer. Abruptly, he set down the box and flung his arms around Parvon in a hug that almost lifted him off his feet.

'Thank you, thank you for a thoughtful, personal gift! Now you will be with me on the road, my friend, and be assured, one of the letters I write back from the ship will be to you!'

'I… you are very welcome.' Parvon patted Thindorion's back, startled at how… how pleasant it was to be hugged by a friend. 'Yes. I did not wish to encumber you, but just a small box…'

Thindorion released his hold, stepped away to wipe at his eyes.

'Smoke from the fire,' he said, although the fire was burning politely and gently in the hearth. 'No, this is lovely, I am grateful. Would you like another drink?'

'Let me fetch them,' Parvon said.

When he returned, Thindo had recovered his composure a little, even showing Naru the contents of the box.

'I will need to take care,' he said. 'It would not do to wake hungry in the night, and just reach for the lembas because I know it is there…'

'Ha! You'd be more likely to go for the wine, I think!'

'It's going to be difficult enough waking in the night and not reaching for you…'

The mood of the room changed; it was as if Thindorion and Naru were the only elves present. Parvon looked round for an escape, and Araspen caught his eye and crossed to join him.

'Will you walk us out, Parvon? Merlinith and I would take it as a kindness…'

Collecting Merlinith on the way, they called good night and escaped into the corridors.

'Let us hope the other guests will realise the turn the conversation has taken before good Master Thindorion forgets they are there!' Merlinith said. 'So, Master Parvon, will you come back for a glass of blackcurrant cordial?'

'You're very kind,' Parvon said with a smile. 'But I have one or two things yet to do this evening, and I rather think them better done without the effects of your restorative cordial. But I am grateful.'

He gave a short, formally friendly bow and turned away, heading towards his quarters, glad when he found himself once more back in the sanctuary of his small rooms.

Thindorion's obvious delight in the simple gift had been gratifying; the hug had been startling, but not… not unwelcome. However, no use dwelling on it; Thindorion would be off in a few days, leaving Parvon one friend fewer… although by then the New Palace elves would be back, and no doubt there would be plenty to keep Parvon busy then.

He considered returning to the King's Office to make further inroads into his workload, but decided instead to make use of the washing cascade installed across the corridor and then retire to bed; an early start in the morning would be better than a late night tonight.

Lying on his back in his small alcove bed, looking up at the candle-light glitter of the semi-precious stones in his ceiling, Parvon relaxed, calmed his mind. Yes, a hard day. But perhaps some of it had been the echo of Triwathon's mood, far away in the New Palace. And perhaps some of it was quite legitimate sadness that his new friend would be leaving soon… the hug, though! Alarming, yes, but not nearly as intimidating as it might have been, simply a friendly gesture of warmth and gratitude.

It was with that thought, the memory of the friendly embrace, that Parvon slid into reverie.