At the end of a long and busy day, Parvon glanced around what had lately been his office. From tomorrow it would be Master Hanben's once more, should he wish it, and it was important to Parvon to leave all as neat and tidy as possible. So now the desk was clear, the table uncluttered, everything in order. The only unusual note in the room was a large stack of marching packs, a gift from Over-captain Daerdorion to facilitate the preparations of the elves planning to sail.

Parvon's idea of a demonstration from the escort had been mooted to the Over-captain and considered a good use of someone's time, so that earlier that afternoon a most helpful warrior by name of Magorion had arrived at the King's Office. His demonstration – how much kit was needed for a two-month hike, and how best to stow it – had not been the unmitigated success Parvon had expected...

'It's all very well for you,' someone said as Captain Magorion showed how to get two month's clothing and equipment into one backpack. 'You don't have elflings to consider, and…'

'…our bags aren't that big! How are we expected to…?'

'Everyone!' Parvon had sensed a riot on his hands and strode forward to stand between Magorion, the table, and the loud voices from the room. 'Captain Magorion is here to demonstrate how to pack for a two-month journey, not to solve your individual problems! Thank you, Captain, we are most grateful… even if some of us do not seem so!' Parvon had glared at the front row of elves who subsided and looked abashed. 'Good. Now. I agree your circumstances and the captain's are different – you, for instance, do not have to consider making room for formal uniform jackets and kilts, which do not seem to fold easily and which take up a lot of space. I myself have plenty of room…'

'You're only coming to Ithilien,' someone hiding in the middle of the benches called out, 'so you don't have to worry about on the ship or when we land…'

'Although I do have to take formal King's Office robes with me, for the presentation of the Starlight Gemstone to our prince and the Ithilien colony,' Parvon said. 'If you are that concerned, stay here, in the warm, where you can wear whatever you like. If you wish to sail on this ship, however, and travel under the protection of an armed escort, you must follow the king's commands in this. But do not forget, there will be clothes to be had in Valinor.'

'Master Parvon?' Captain Magorion spoke up. 'If I may. This will be my third duty round in Ithilien. It's worth mentioning there is a market there every week. It's organised by some of the human community, but they have cloth, and clothing. Even for children. I think they're aimed at the Mannish children, really, but they seem good quality and would do for elflings, if there were need.'

'Thank you, Captain. And so. Whatever wears out on the road to Ithilien can be replaced at the markets there.'

Parvon had, however, been paying more attention to the elves' concerns than he had showed, and further discussion with the Over-captain had resulted in the delivery of a score or more marching packs, the very same which now graced the space beneath the table.

As he looked around once more to check all was tidy, Parvon shook his head at the packs. No doubt once they were distributed, the sailing elves would complain they were too big and cumbersome and heavy once filled…

But Parvon had enough to worry about at present without borrowing trouble; the arrival of the King's Office elves was, he had to admit, causing him not a little anxiety. After all, once they were here he would have to explain to them, and to his other colleagues, that he was not only escorting the gemstone, but taking ship instead of returning to work. It might seem, to Faerveren particularly, like a betrayal. At the very least, it would be a surprise.

Well. That was not a thought for today, either. More pressingly, he was a little worried about Thindo; the elf hadn't arrived for the demonstration, nor had he been at archery practice, and what was more, had not been in the hall at the hour of the day-meal. So used had Parvon been to having his day punctuated by a few friendly words from Thindorion that he had missed his genial friend more than he had expected.

Assuming that, perhaps, that the dyer had simply been struggling to pack all he needed, Parvon found the best of the marching packs and slid it into a covering bag; he still had much to do, but it would only be a short detour to Thindo's rooms, and if he were absent, the pack could be left with the corridor servant.

But when he knocked, he heard voices from within the rooms and presently the door opened.

'Parvon!' Thindo exclaimed. 'Ah, I've been busy today… did I miss anything important?'

'The packing demonstration, that's all. However, I brought you something.' Parvon smiled. 'I hope it will be useful.'

'Thank you – will you step in?'

Thindorion held wide the door, and Parvon entered, only to halt as he received what could only be termed a glare from the other occupant of the rooms, Thindo's friend Narudorion. The elf had been folding an item of clothing onto one of several multihued piles on the sofa.

'Now, what have you found for me…?' Thindorion opened the bag and laughed at the contents. 'Why, thank you! This is much roomier than the pack I currently have; as you can see, I needed to call in help to sort through my things, and I'm still debating what to take and what to leave…'

'I realise it is different for you – your clothing is also an advertisement for your skills as a dyer, so you need to represent all the colours you make. But perhaps you could just take the banner from your door instead of… how many coats is that there? Seven?'

The dyer gave a smile and a sigh.

'I could do that, thank you. But what, do you think it's too many? How many coats or jerkins are you taking?'

'Oh, I have room for both of them.'

'Both…? You mean to say you only have two coats?'

'Well, yes.' Parvon shrugged. 'I am usually in robes of office, I need far fewer items of clothing than most elves. But you are busy, and I am intruding. I wish you a pleasant evening, Thindo, Master Narudorion.'

'Thank you.' Thindorion grinned. 'Will you be in the Feasting Hall tonight?'

Parvon shook his head. 'I doubt it. The king is dining privately so there is no hall duty, and I have a full day tomorrow, so tonight I will attend to my own affairs.'

Later, shutting himself up in his small rooms and looking around, Parvon allowed himself to concentrate on his own preparations for the journey. Really, the only things he could have wished to take with him were his desk, so recently and lovingly restored, and the starscape of semi-precious stones in the ceiling. But the individual gems were small, would take up no room at all in a pouch in his pocket, so he resolved that, on the last morning, he would remove them with the same care with which he had installed them, long ago. As for his beloved desk, perhaps Baudh could find someone who would appreciate a fine piece of furniture, or maybe Faerveren would like it, for memory's sake.

Thoughts of Faerveren gave Parvon a few moments' sadness; the younger elf was a good friend and had a kind, perhaps a too-kind heart. Undoubtedly it would be better for Parvon to leave before Faerveren could imagine himself too fond of his mentor, and surrounded by his family, he would have all the support he needed as he adjusted to his new position of authority.

It was surprising how quickly Parvon finished the business of sorting through all his belongings. Perhaps this was because, as he had said to Thindorion recently, actually, there was very little he needed to discard or rehome.

In fact, he would be in time for first serving in the Feasting Hall, if he left now...

Still, he didn't feel like being in company tonight. Nor did he feel like packing, not yet. But then, it would only take him part of an hour; everything was folded and sorted ready to go in his pack, a more modest and smaller affair than those donated by the Over-captain.

Instead, Parvon decided to use the time to begin a letter – two letters, in fact – one to Arveldir, explaining his intention and saying goodbye, and another to Melpomaen asking him to pass the former letter on when he returned to Imladris.

'…for while I know I have already entrusted to your care a letter for my friend, there have been one or two developments since, and I wish to say a final farewell and thank you to him. I am charged by my king with the very great honour of accompanying the Lord Glorfindel's Starlight Gemstone to Ithilien. I have decided, however, that once there, I shall take ship myself, and so I will also take this opportunity, Mel, to say thank you for your friendship and I hope that you and Lindir have found comfort in seeing the place where your friend now rests. It is an odd thought that I may, perchance, see him myself in Valinor, once he is restored.

'It saddens me that I cannot say goodbye in person, but then there are many, many people I will not be able to bid farewell; that does not mean I do not care about them, simply that there is no chance for me now to do so.

I also would like to say, Melpomaen, that I hope the friendship between you and Commander Triwathon continues to flourish, and be assured, you have my very best wishes for your future, and, of course, I am glad you have both found some comfort in each other.

'Be well, Melpomaen, and Lindir also,

'Your friend,

Parvon'

He sealed up the letters with a sigh, finding a melancholy mood settling on him. But it was natural, surely, to feel sad about all the farewells he could not say, to feel the weight of loneliness pressing down once more at this, the loneliest of times? For he was going away from company and friends, and although he was travelling with a friend, still, he was leaving behind so much that was familiar, so much that was part of himself. In a way, he was grateful the king had charged him to continue in his role of King's Elf until the gemstone was safely handed over; it meant he had purpose, that he had not quite left his job behind yet; so much of his identity was tied up with his King's Elf persona that he feared he would find it a struggle to just be Parvon once more; in truth, he was not sure he could remember who he was, outside of work.

But this was what he wanted. It was for the best.

It was the only way.

And, once in Valinor, he would have family there, he would have former friends lost to battle or mischance, he would have an opportunity to serve the Silvan's first king, good King Oropher, perhaps. He would be able to busy himself with new tasks and leave the old sorrows behind.

Parvon sat back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling. Here in the main room, he had left it unadorned, natural rock arcing above. It would be odd, to be out, sleeping under the sky for weeks on end. Natural, of course, and he'd done so many times in his life, most recently when he'd journeyed down from the New Palace, but that had been just for a few nights.

No doubt he would adjust.

Just as he was wondering how late it might be and whether or not to go and bespeak something from the kitchens, there was a knock at his door. Wary, for very few people knew he was there, he went to answer it and found Thindorion outside, head downcast, hands twisting together.

'Um…' the dyer began.

'Thindo, come in. Are you well, you look… distressed?'

The dyer sat down on Parvon's small sofa.

'Yes. Distressed. I… sorry, I needed to talk to someone. You. It's… Naru's said it's over.'

'Oh. Oh, I am sorry to hear that. I know you both knew it would be a short relationship, but that's probably not the point?'

Thindo tried to smile, but it looked more like a grimace.

'He said he's been hoping I'd reconsider sailing. And I suppose I was hoping he might suggest he come to Valinor with me, but no.'

'I'm sorry, Thindo; I know you're fond of him.'

'I set the whole day aside for him, I missed practice and the demonstration you arranged, and I didn't take the day meal, just to spend time with him. And then he turned it into an argument!'

'When I came to see you, it did not seem that you'd been quarrelling?'

'We hadn't got that far; it had been building through the day, I think, and it was only… he complained he couldn't find space to sit down because of the clothes, so I suggested he help me decide what to take and that's when it came out; he thought he'd be able to persuade me to stay and… it went wrong after that. I wasn't as tactful as I could have been, I suppose. I said that if I wouldn't stay for Triwathon, then he shouldn't be surprised I wouldn't stay for him…'

'Even I can see that might not have been a good move.'

'Well, I meant, someone I'd known for hundreds of years, rather than just for a couple of score. But he thought I meant someone I'd spent a night with once, and… well.'

'No doubt you tried to explain?'

'I did, but by that point he was just looking for an excuse to leave, I think. I mean, I understand, it's difficult for him, but he was the one started it, after all.'

'How can I help? Would you like me to talk to him?'

'No, it's too late for that. I just… need company, did you eat yet?'

'No, in fact. I was about to go to the kitchens and beg something to bring back. We could eat here, if you like.'

'Let's go to the Feasting Hall. We're not too late for second serving, not if we go now, and… it will look better, not dining privately with you.'

'Thank you. Although of course I no longer worry that you will overstep our friendship. But, Thindo? Is… is this my fault?'

'What? No, how might it be?'

'At one point Naru was worried about the time you and I spent together, and if he's learned that I'm coming to Ithilien, that might have made him anxious again. And, to be fair, he rather ignored me when I dropped off the pack – apart from the look he gave me…'

'He's being foolish. I told him, I did, and if he's not listened, it's not my fault. Nor is it yours, Parvon. But… Feasting Hall would be better, I think.'

'Under the circumstances, of course it would. Well, I am just ready.'

The Feasting Hall was busy, the delineation between first and second servings overlapping more freely on nights such as these, when Thranduil didn't preside over the meal. Parvon found them a table away from the clustering of sailing elves in one corner, somewhere they would be visible enough to be seen not to be trying to hide, but not so central that people would come over to speak or sit with them. Servers came, bringing wine and food and Parvon realised he was hungry. By contrast, Thindorion, usually the heartiest of eaters, picked at his food.

'It's like this,' he began after pushing the same piece of root vegetable round his plate several times. 'I thought Naru was just… well, we've worked together for almost half a century, and he's always been nice, personable, good worker, friendly. But I never thought he looked twice at me until… well, until he found out I was leaving and I started going to archery practice with you.'

'Yes. I remember we discussed whether it was the sudden realisation that had focused his intent, and his intentions more than simply a passing interest?'

'I thought it was. That is, he's not my forever love, I just…' A heavy sigh. 'I don't know. I think it's bothering me that with two nights left, he just decides he's had enough.'

'Perhaps that's it. Perhaps it is too hard to say goodbye to you, so by doing this he avoids having to.' Parvon shook his head. 'In that, his behaviour is not dissimilar to my own reluctance to write to Triwathon, I suppose.'

'You could be right. Except, Parvon, you care a lot more for Triwathon than Naru does for me.'

'That's not the point. But if it bothers you, tell him that it does. He may be in his rooms now, unhappy with how things are, and all he needs is a little coaxing to be reconciled.'

'Yes. If you remember, he turned his back on me before; I told him them I wasn't keen on those sort of games, so if I try to sort this out, then he's won, he's made me play the games I said I wouldn't…'

'Which, then, is more important? His company for two nights more, or your principles?'

Thindo considered for a moment, then began eating as if the plate had only just been placed for him and he hadn't eaten in weeks.

'My principles, of course. What sort of integrity would I have, if I said otherwise?'

Parvon smiled and shook his head.

'My friend, how could your integrity be in doubt? I think, in this, you are right; to pander to another's whims and insecurities is surely likely only to make them expect you always to do so. Not there is much time for him to do so.'

'I know. Well. It's not bad, tonight, the fare. Is there more wine?'

'There is… but do you have much more to do this evening? More wine might hinder you.'

'You mean getting drunk won't help. Again, you're right.' Thindo took a drink anyway, returned his attention to his food. 'I expect you're all packed?'

'Not quite,' Parvon admitted. 'I am ready to put things into my pack, though, so it will not take me long. Most of my work has been preparing the King's Office for the forthcoming changes. The King's Elves arrive tomorrow, along with two families from the New Palace who have come home at the same time.'

'A busy day for you, then.'

'Indeed.' Parvon took a small sip of wine. 'There is also the Starlight Gemstone to place in Healer Nestoril's Quiet Room overnight, but I do not expect to be involved in the honour-watch this time.'

He set down his drinking cup, tidied his cutlery, and prepared to push his chair back from the table.

'And on that note, Master Thindorion, I will take my leave.'

'You haven't finished your meal.'

'Well, no, but your friend is headed this way.'

Thindorion glanced up, looked across to where Narudorion was approaching rapidly. He hunched a shoulder.

'No friend of mine. Not any more.'

'That's a shame, Thindo,' Parvon said as he rose to his feet. 'Goodnight, then.'

'Don't leave on my account!' Naru arrived, his voice harsh. 'Not when you look so comfortable together!'

'Since you insist,' Parvon gave his polite, formal smile and seated himself again. 'Would you care to join us? We are talking no secrets, Master Narudorion.'

'I'm going for more wine,' Thindo said, abruptly vacating his place. 'And it's none of my business who you talk to, Parvon, but I'm not in the mood to be flounced at again.'

'I do not flounce!' Naru said with a toss of the head and dramatic hand gesture. 'And I see you've already found solace…'

Parvon found a flagon with wine in, filled a clean cup.

'Master Naru, if I may, please sit. There has obviously been some sort of dreadful misunderstanding and for my part, I would like to help, if I can.'

'Help? You're the problem!'

'Really? How so? For the friendship between Master Thindorion and myself is that only; I am no threat to you or to any elf who admires him.'

'Why should I believe you?'

'Other than that I am currently Elf-in-Charge of the King's Office of his majesty, Thranduil, Elvenking? Why, indeed, if that does not suffice?' Parvon interlaced his fingers and tipped his head. 'If you are determined to think there is more to my friendship with Thindorion, then nothing I, nor he, nor even the king himself might say, would sway you. Yet consider this: Thindorion sought me out on his return from the New Palace, and in those early days, there were plenty of opportunities for me to take him up on his offers of companionship. However, once he realised such attentions were unwelcome, he ceased, and offered me his friendship instead. I want to let it be known, Master Naru, that never before has my friendship been sought by a disinterested stranger; that is, there have been many who thought having a friend in the King's Office would be useful, until they found otherwise. Most of the friendships I have made have been through close association with people, working together and finding similarities of personality. But to be befriended simply because he thought I looked, as I recall, as if I needed a friend, has been previously unknown to me. I have watched your blossoming romance with satisfaction for his sake, and have learned the news this evening with sadness for both of you.'

'Well. You're going to Ithilien with him. What am I supposed to think?'

'Naru, I am not going with him. We happen to be going to the same place, at the same time, on the same tracks. While I will be glad to have a friend amongst the company, Thindorion is no more appealing to me now than he was when he first befriended me. If you are so worried, come to Ithilien with the company; it will give you more time together and you might find the thought of a sea voyage interesting at the end of it.'

'No.' Naru shook his head immediately. 'I couldn't, I don't want to, I want to stay here. Besides, Thindorion wants me to take over, if I left…'

'Why don't you talk it through with him?' Parvon suggested. 'For it seems to me that while Thindo has collected the wine he said he was looking for, he has taken it from the hall. If I were in your position, I would not waste the two nights remaining to me.'

'I… Don't you see, it's just going to make it harder to say goodbye?'

'Yes, I do see that. But the memory of the two nights you could have will be sweeter than the difficulty. Go after him. If nothing else, you can help him with his packing.'

'All right.' Naru nodded and jumped up. 'Yes, I will, I will help… and help with the wine, too, so he does not drink too much…'

Parvon's meal, when he turned back to it, had by now grown cold. No matter; he was not particularly hungry any longer. It was late enough now that heading to his room would be welcome.

As he turned into the corridor that led away from the public spaces, a voice hailed him.

'Master Parvon!'

Araspen. It would be rude to hurry on, and of all the elves in the palace, Araspen, with her gentle nature, was the one he would least care to offend.

He made sure his face looked pleased to see her as he turned.

'Mistress Araspen! Well met. I was just on my way…'

'Merlinith and I were at supper, but we noticed your meal was interrupted. You are so kind to Master Naru, he is a silly fellow, he knows what he wants but he does not always know the right way to get it…'

'You know Master Narudorion?'

'Oh, yes, we deal with Master Naru for our dyes and yarns. And he has to chat to someone… Now, Merlinith has gone ahead to mull some wine and cordial, we have some honey cakes to go with it, do sit with us for an hour, won't you? After all, if you are travelling to Ithilien, we must have time to say a proper goodbye.'