Still Sailing…

Triwathon had suspected as much, of course, but to hear it confirmed was still a shock. Parvon was holding tight to his hand, and an air of joy and relief suffused him; perhaps it had not occurred to him how set against taking ship Triwathon really was…

But Parvon had been in charge of the entire New Palace, he paid attention to everything, something so close to Triw's heart would not escape him. And if nothing else, he would know that Thindo had wanted Triw to sail with him, and that Triw refused…

Undoubtedly it was something they would need to talk about, so Triw would have to get his reasons in order; you didn't set about convincing Parvon to change his mind without proper, considered arguments…

Although, when he thought about it, Triwathon couldn't really pinpoint exactly why the thought of boarding a ship to Valinor filled him with so much dread…

Partly, it was from shame – he'd made some bad choices when he was young, the conversation with Thindorion at the New Palace showed him that. His first lover, Red, the one Parvon called 'the poacher' with an unconscious twist of distaste every time he said it, was there, his next partner (a commander who had promised comfort and consolation after Red's death) had lured him in and then dropped him, and had subsequently been exiled to the Undying Lands, and those two, Red and Esgaron, they would be a constant reminder of how silly he'd been as a young elf, how foolish he could still be. In itself that would be embarrassing, but the thought of either of them encountering him and Parvon made him shudder; Red would laugh and pour scorn on his choice, and Esgaron would sneer. If he even remembered how he'd used and discarded Triwathon…

Those two aside, then there was his – no, not his, never his – the Balrog-slayer to face. True, he'd probably be in the Halls of Mandos for a few decades, but there was always his lover, and the thought of encountering a jealous and possibly furious Ecthelion wasn't a pleasant one…

It was more, though, than just sheer shame and embarrassment; there was a latent fear, as well.

Some Silvans believed the Promise – that there would be a home for every elf who wanted to settle in Valinor – did not apply to them, because they never sailed west when invited, and so were not included in the invitation. Some thought that they had never needed the help of the Valar, and so were not willing to accept the aid implied in settling in the Valar's lands; these same elves conveniently forgot that there were tales of Lord Oromë hunting out the evil in their forest, or rumours there'd been a Maia living in the Greenwood in times past. Some Silvans didn't think the Valar cared what they did, so they might as well stay in their forests, and some thought Valinor was too full of Noldor for them to feel welcome.

That wasn't it, though, not really. Triw had met the Lord of the Halls of Mandos in a close-to-death moment, and still saw him from time-to-time, so he knew the Valar were happy to welcome Silvans to Valinor… it was more that, well, he wasn't quite sure they meant him…

But if the elf at his side truly wanted to sail, if Parvon could no longer be happy in Eryn Lasgalen, then what?

Parvon chose that moment to squeeze Triw's fingers, stop, and smile at him.

'If I didn't seem thrilled to see you at first, Triw, I'm sorry,' he said. 'It was something of a surprise, finding you dropping from the canopy to land at my feet. But I am glad to see you, I truly am. Thank you for coming after me.'

'I… Parvon, once I knew what you intended, I could not do otherwise! You must see that I need you, the king needs you, the forest…'

'Triw.' Parvon turned to face him, resting his hands loosely on his shoulders and looking into his eyes. 'Forget the king, he's had more of my years than enough. And the forest will be fine without me. As for you needing me…'

He smiled and flushed, looking down for a moment before lifting his gaze again.

'Well, I hope we'll be able to do something about that later. For now, though, thank you for finding me. Now, I'm delaying us.' He held his hand out and Triw laced fingers with him automatically. 'Let's hurry. They'll be wondering where we've got to.

Many eyes were on them when they arrived at the camping place, still hand-in-hand. Those not in a position to see the interesting event craned their necks, or pushed forward.

Parvon let out a long, low breath that made Triwathon smile.

'What?'

'I have missed that trait of yours, when someone is being tedious and you don't want to be rude and sigh so they can hear! Oh, Parvon, I have missed you!'

'And I you. But we are reunited again. Although I must find my intended victim and convince that one to perform the ritual for us. Why don't you go and say hello to some of your warrior friends? I'll catch up with you at the cook fire.'

'Are you always going to be so bossy? Don't forget I'm a captain and commander!'

'Ah, but I'm the King's Elf, and issuing orders is as much a part of my life as giving commands is of yours. I think you will have to adapt, my warrior, to following my suggestions sometimes.'

'As long as you follow mine, on occasion.' Triwathon grinned. 'I shall have plenty of suggestions for you, later tonight. Especially if I need to prove to you how much I need you.'

With that, he allowed Parvon to retrieve his hand, and strode off towards the warrior quarter with a swagger and a swing in his step.

Once Parvon was reasonably sure he was no longer blushing, he went in search of Thindorion. His friend was in the throes of pitching his tent, so he lent a hand.

'My thanks,' Thindo said, tightening up the guy lines. 'Although I'm surprised you're here. Or have you killed him? You looked almost as if you might, you know!'

Parvon laughed, surprised at how free his heart felt, how light his mood.

'It was the shock! And I thought I had made my peace with the thought of never seeing him again. We have much to say to one another still, and I think some of it may be difficult before we reach a place of peace. No, he's gone to talk to some of his friends in the company; I… wanted to ask a favour of you.'

'Oh?' Thindorion finished fettling his tent and sat cross-legged near the opening. 'You sound uncertain, is something wrong?'

'Not at all!' Suddenly shy, Parvon glanced away. 'It's just… I'm aware, now, that what I'd like to ask of you as my friend, as a mutual friend, might be…'

'Try asking, Parvon, and I might be able to tell you, then! Really, it's not like you to struggle for words…'

'No, I know. I… I've asked Triw to take short vows with me, and I'm hoping you will agree to be our Witness… and then I remembered, you are his friend too, and… it might be awkward, except…'

'Yes, it should be, shouldn't it? Given my past with him and that I tried very hard to win you over to the notion of a little light seduction…' Thindo laughed. 'But I would be delighted, and Captain Magorion is a very interesting chap who has promised to help me with my draw.' He gave a grin that deteriorated into a smirk. 'Amongst other things. Parvon, I'd be honoured to stand as your Witness!'

'Thank you! I am glad you feel you can do this for us; I thought it would be a nice surprise for Triw, as you are his friend and mine.'

'A surprise, is it? When do you want to have the ceremony, before supper, or after?'

'After, I should think. I have yet to… I was not expecting to see him again, ever, and here he is, and… so bringing with me anything to use for a wedding or avowal token did not occur to me; I need to be creative, I think, and so… I had better go and seek my tent, and my pack, and…'

Thindorion shook his head. 'Your pack was given into my safekeeping; I have it here. But I think they are not yet done with your tent. If you need space to work… well, I will take a walk, and look for Captain Magorion.'

Before he could hail the captain, however, Thindo found himself hailed by Triwathon, who broke off a conversation with Captain Thiriston to head across.

'Now, Little-Elkling, you're not looking as happy as I thought you might…?'

'Well, of course I am happy, I am joyous, I am getting m… I am taking vows with my fëa-mate! Short, short vows.'

'And there it is, I think; short vows, not forever-vows?'

'I don't understand why he won't, not if he loves me as he says, not when we really are fëa-mates… it's harsh, Thindo, when I came all this way hoping…' Triwathon shook his head. 'Oh, Thindo, I do not know what I have done wrong!'

'Nothing, Elkling, you have done nothing wrong.' Thindorion shook his head. He should have known that Triw would look to him for support, just as he'd used to when Red, the poacher, had treated him badly. But Parvon wasn't doing this out of unkindness, surely even Triw should see that…? 'Just… take a moment to think about this. You came dashing through the forest in a very romantic fashion, threw yourself at his feet and expected him to just melt in your arms? Master Parvon is not that sort of an elf, Triwathon, don't you realise that?'

'I… no, he isn't, you're right. But… I love him, Thindo. I want to bind myself to him forever…'

'Look at it this way; he loves you, he's always loved you, he isn't going to fall in love with anyone else. What makes you think he doesn't want that, too?'

'Wh…? Short vows, Thindorion!' Triwathon threw up his hands. 'Death or ships, and… he's still going to sail!'

'It's a long way from here to the ship, Elkling. There's plenty of time for you to convince him – or for him to convince you.' Thindorion threw his arm across Triw's shoulders and gave him a half-hug. 'Now, stop being silly and trust to your fëa-bond. And don't forget, as far as Parvon was concerned, he thought he was never going to see you again; give him time to catch up with himself a little. And so, I suppose you've got a ring tucked away for him somewhere? Or is it going to be a warrior token?'

'He was by my side the night of the dragon attack, ready to defend our people, even when I wanted him to stay in the New Palace; of course a warrior band, what else would I do? Only… I came unprepared.'

Thindo laughed. 'Yes, I am sure you did! Well, be assured, I am certain Parvon would have been equally unready! Well, the contents of my belongings are yours to rifle through; I brought plenty of fine silk threads to demonstrate my dyes, and there are some lovely coloured leather lacings there, too… ah, but Parvon's pack was brought to me while his tent was prepared for him, and so I cannot get to my notions without him knowing… or I could fetch my wares to you here?'

Triwathon looked as if he was about to shake his head, but then nodded.

'You have always been a kind friend! I wish I could ask you to be our Witness, but Parvon had an idea and he wants it to be a surprise…'

'Does he so?' Thindo murmured.

'…only Thiriston was asking some odd questions, I wonder now if it might be him? Since he is in charge of the company, it would make sense… and Parvon has worked closely with him, and his honour-kin… but he seemed to know, or to guess, that Parvon and I would be sharing a tent, as he's been arranging it, and… oh. Sorry, I'm not making much sense; I seem to have done nothing but run for weeks!'

'Don't fear, Little-Elkling!' Thindo gave Triw a reassuring buffet. 'I'm sure it will be someone you like. So. Why don't you take a seat by the fire? I'll be back in a little while with some pretty silks and things.'

Wondering if it was always going to be his fate to be a good-natured friend, Thindorion set off back towards his tent, the hopes of a few flirty words with Captain Magorion fading further. He'd not gone far when he found himself joined by Captain Thiriston.

'Got a moment?'

'Of course, Captain. Can I help?'

'I see they're sorted out at last. A bit, at least. Parvon and Triwathon, there. Short vows?'

'Yes, that's so…' Thindorion gave a shrug and decided to put his faith in the captain. 'And Parvon's asked me to be Witness, but as a surprise for Triw… he's got an idea in his head you might have been asked, though, but…'

'No, just being nosey. Don't want things going wrong for either of 'em. But short vows won't suit Triwathon, not now he's made his mind up.'

'I know, and I also know that as his friend – as friend of both – it's probably my duty to have a gentle word with Master Parvon…'

'And see if he knows what he's about?' Thiriston nodded. 'Very brave of you. Don't. I'll do it. As you say, you're the friend of both. Me, I'm in charge here, it's my duty to keep peace in the camp. Anyway, I've broad shoulders if he takes offence. And if you all end up on a ship together, and not good friends…'

'I'm grateful, Captain. I need a few things from my pack, and Parvon is there now, so…'

'Come with you. By the way, young Magorion's taken to you. Is that all right, or shall I have him back off?'

'Actually, it's very much all right… but I don't want to cause disharmony in the ranks…'

'No, you won't. Oh, Canadion's got some daft notion about bunting…'

'Leave it with me, I'll grab my pack and head over to the camp with it. That way you can talk to Parvon, if you must.'

Parvon had found a selection of odds and ends amongst his belongings and was trying to put them together in new ways, ways suitable for a proper avowal token for Triw. There were rings – on his coming-of-age day, his parents had presented him with silver and gold rings 'for when you take a wife' and so they had stayed with him were his parents had not, symbol of his failure as a son. He had thought about losing them, leaving them behind, giving them to the King's Treasury, but finally he had brought them with him, a part of his past that he had never thought would be his future. Certainly, he was not looking for a wife, just a husband. Just Triw.

So the silver ring would be more suited to short vows, keeping the gold for if – maybe even when – he knew forever vows would not cause pain to his beloved. But wearing the ring as a ring would go against warrior tradition, and against Parvon's own inclination.

His wrist-guard – a prize from an archery contest at some point in the past – had a delicate inlay of silver wire around the cuff, and with a little care, he was able to work it free without too much damage to either wrist guard or wire, and with it he made a small, secure meshwork housing for his precious Tiger's Eye gem, the one that held all the colours of Triw's hair and glorious eyes at its heart. This he fastened in the centre of the silver betrothal ring. The ring he bound evenly with bowstring, leaving two strands at either end, and then plaited these, with strands of his own hair and a sacrificial lacing from his best tunic, to form two ties that would go around Triw's wrist or arm. He was just contemplating ways to make it more enduring, more decorative, when he realised there were eyes on him.

'Busy there, are you?'

'Captain Thiriston! Concentrating, rather. I expect Canadion has told you, Triw and I will take short vows tonight… this is for my beloved.'

'Aye. And your other friend wants his pack, said I'd pass it to him. Think you're not the only one trying to make a gift tonight. Just a minute, then I'll join you, if I may.'

Since there was a surety in the captain's manner that suggested a refusal was out of the question, Parvon set down his work and waited for Thiriston to come back from delivering Thindo's pack.

'There, that's better! He's helping your sweetheart with something, and I'm…'

'Attempting to help me with something?' Parvon lifted an eyebrow as Thiriston nodded. 'Thank you, but I think I can rely on Triw if there should be any gaps in my education…'

This caused the captain to guffaw in a very troll-like way.

'Yes, should think so! Oh. Not… not in a bad way, or anything, you understand…'

'Of course not. And so, Captain, what shall we discuss?'

'Sailing, if you like. Don't suppose you're like to change your mind?'

'Sailing, indeed?' Parvon felt a heavy settling in his stomach. He reminded himself it was good that Triw had friends who were prepared to speak out of turn, and tried not to mind this interference in his life before he was even vowed. 'Well, my reasons for sailing are several, not dependent on any one set of circumstances. My job has gone, and I have no kin here any longer.'

'Lost my parents to dragons,' Thiriston said, staring into the distance. 'Elfling, I was. Then the people who took me in, they sailed for her health. Didn't mind, they'd done well by me. Nice people. Then Dagorlad, night before, met an elf. Really took to each other. Next day, I was hurt, when I woke, found out, he'd died. Struggled a bit. Met Canadion, in time, he changed everything. With the right elf, it don't matter if you're alone.'

Parvon nodded, considering his words with care. He'd no wish to offend Thiriston, and not merely because the elf was considerably larger and more dangerous than he was. But he could not let this pass.

'I remember your wedding,' he said. 'Bunting, of course, and flower-children. One of them was your niece, I recall, and your sister was there, too. I do not remember hearing that she had sailed…'

Just for a second, a look of panic in Thiriston's eyes. Then he laughed.

'Should've known you'd remember Bron! No, well, she's still around. She's in Ithilien, in fact. But when I was younger, didn't get on with her.'

'…and then you were welcomed into the heart of the family, I think; Master Merenor took to you at once, and Canadion's brothers…'

'Yes, yes, all right!' Thiriston grinned at Parvon. 'It's different. But… when it's the right elf, it doesn't matter where you are, either.'

'I know Triwathon is the right elf for me,' Parvon said, tidying his pack and rising to his feet. 'It is more that I need to know that I am the right elf for him. I am grateful, though, for the reassurance you offer…'

'Eh?'

'That Triw will be with me wherever I might be. Well, I need to find somewhere secluded where I can change. Please excuse me.'