The expected visitation from the captain of the escort happened before Parvon and his companions had finished eating, but after their initial enthusiasm for the meal had settled into appreciation of good food, fresh bread, and cups of wine.

'Interrupting,' Thiriston said, lowering himself to the ground and accepting a goblet of rich forest wine. 'Would say, sorry, but, Master Parvon, you disobeyed orders…'

'I think, Commander, that you will find I do not, in fact, come under your direct jurisdiction. I stayed to be of service to Captain Doronor and his elves, as you well know. Nor is Triwathon under orders to you, officially; he has been helping your company of his own wishes. You know, also, that it was never to my liking for any of the Walkers to get into the boats, since our king wished us to walk the forest. I chose to accept Triwathon's guidance through the canopy, rather than disobey my king, but I would have you know that only dire need will make me board one of those river vessels. Perhaps I expressed myself unclearly to the boat guards.'

'No, think you were clear enough; they said you were sniffy with them, not like you.'

'I suppose not; I am usually more forthright in such cases.'

Thiriston stared for a moment, and then decided it might be better to be amused than angry; Parvon was King's Elf through and through, and a confrontation wouldn't do either of them much good. He gave a guffaw.

'Can't say I blame you for not wanting the boats; Walkers not happy by being floaters. You still want to do this trip the hard way?'

Parvon nodded. 'I have heard that the boats are overcrowded. Although I have been unused to travelling high in the trees, I am learning swiftly and will only improve with practice. It seems to me both practical and reasonable to continue so, meeting up at specified points so you are not overly concerned.'

'Well, fair enough. Dire need comes in three days, though, when we officially run out of Eryn Lasgalen and hit the boundary with East Lorien. They're not bad people, but they'd be a distraction. So we're leaving above their border, and then we have a bit of a portage across to the river. Then we all float down to Rauros, portage again, and on. You'll need a formal escort – Master Thindorion, are you happy enough to keep walking?'

'I am, if Captain Magorion can walk with me.'

'Hmf! You'll need someone else, as well, then. Master Parvon? Pack you up for the day each morning, take your daymeals with you, and meet up for the night camp? And then when the time comes, you join the boats without grumbling. How does that sound?'

'Commander, I think that sounds like a very reasonable compromise.'

'We're breaking camp in twenty minutes. I'll send you an official escort for in the canopy – don't go without him, you hear.'

'Of course, Commander,' Parvon acquiesced with the best grace he could; at least he wasn't going to have to frogmarch Triw to a boat just yet… 'And I hope you know I'm grateful that you've been so accommodating.'

'Hmf. I do now you've said. Right. Back soon.'

He returned within a few minutes bringing one of his company with him.

'You know Tawon, of course.'

'Indeed so,' Parvon agreed, nodding at the elf who now smiled around the group. 'We have foraged together frequently; Captain Tawon is a fine shot.'

'Master Parvon, my thanks.' Tawon bowed, grinning. 'From you, that is higher praise than if it came from many. Are you all ready?' He glanced around the group. 'We have something like five leagues to cover through the forest; it should not take too long, an easy day for you.'

'Easy, indeed!' Parvon shook his head. 'Well, I did say I would improve my canopy skills with practice. Lead on, then, Captain Tawon.'

They went quicker, that afternoon, not only because Tawon knew the swiftest routes and the best paths through the canopy, but also his presence made the thought of dallying less enticing than when it had just been Parvon and Triwathon, and Thindo and Magorion somewhere out of signal range. The trees around them changed; oak to ash to rowan to chestnut to sycamore to oak again. Each had its own habit, its own voice, each was a slightly different challenge; at one point during the run, a sudden creak and crash and a shout of dismay and Thindorion was left dangling by one arm until Magorion and Tawon managed to reach him. He gave a nervous laugh as he was swung to the safety of a sturdy branch, Triwathon reaching out a hand to steady him.

'Well, there you have it; the forest really has become unfriendly towards me!' he said, his voice shaky despite the bravado of his smile. 'But never mind! I do not think it really wants to kill me; after all, then it would have to shelter my remains, would it not?'

'Ai, Thindo!' Triwathon shook his head. 'I had thought you'd have more skill than that!'

'Well, perhaps I am a little out of practice…'

'That's what Parvon said, and he's been doing perfectly well! What is more, he is new to this…'

'But I am slighter,' Parvon put in quickly, for Thindo was starting to grin as if reading another meaning to the words. 'And although our friend Thindorion is not by any means stout, he is rather more substantial than I, simply because of his height and breadth.'

'We will ascend to the next layer up,' Tawon announced, interrupting, intruding, almost, it felt. 'Yes, higher indeed,' he added, when Thindorion protested. 'For it will make you less careless, and the trees will have more chance to catch you should you misstep again. Now. Up!'

Up they went. Parvon was, indeed, less substantial than the other elves, even than Triwathon, and made the slighter branches sway and dip less alarmingly than those holding Thindorion and Tawon. Triwathon showed himself truly a master in the trees, Parvon thought, proud and pleased. He knew, also, it was costing his fëa-mate not to take charge – he had, after all, commanded an entire garrison until recently – but instead he bore Tawon's sometimes officious instruction with good humour, keeping close to Parvon, a reassuring shadow and breath beside him.

Tawon had been correct, however; they were, indeed, more careful, and so lost a little time; they were still in the high canopy when the stars sang out above, bright gems glistening. Their temporary captain called a halt.

'We are still almost two leagues shy of where we ought to be, but the going is easier lower down, now, and there are plenty of strong horizontal branches to speed us on. In another mile or so, we should hit a stand of copper beech. I'll send a signal from there. Now, down to my level, follow with care. Magorion, have a care for the non-hunters amongst us.'

'I shall indeed.'

But there were no more missteps or mishaps, and the signal from the copper beech stand was answered with sweeping, swooping signals.

'The word is to descend to the trails again,' Tawon passed on, although Triwathon and Magorion had also heard the message, and even Thindo had picked up some of the call. 'There is still some little time to supper; we are not yet late.'

Not late, but when they did, finally, come within sight of the torch lanterns and cook fires of the company, nor were they early. Canadion met them, swinging a lantern high.

'Welcome, welcome! We wondered if you had got lost!'

'No, we went the pretty way,' Magorion said. 'The high canopy; the stars are stunning tonight!'

'Our camp is open above tonight; we can see them also. And indeed, yes, the eyes of heaven are so bright they are like diamonds! Now come, Thiriston wishes to speak to you before we eat.'

He led them to a campaign tent where Thiriston was seated behind a folding camp table, dwarfing it.

'Good, you're here,' he said. Billets. We've set you up on a flet tonight, Master Parvon. Master Thindorion, your captain's got duty later; you're billeted with the rest of the Walkers.'

'Yes, I understand. We'll make time somewhere. For talking, and things.'

'Oh, yes. Talking. On which topic, some of the Walkers want to speak with you, Master Parvon. Will you brave them now, or let them spoil the rest of the evening?'

'Better get it over with, I think. Let me stow my pack, and then I'll go over to them.'

A chorus of voices rose to greet him, at least some of them friendly. Several of the elflings waved at him, which was nice.

Mistress Cullasbes gathered herself together, for all the world like a soldier girding up, ready for the fray. The thought made Parvon hide a smile; although Mistress Cullasbes was keen to stress her business credentials, there was a tale that somewhere in her past lurked more than one of the warrior guard… certainly, her son Canadion was more than able as a warrior…

'Master Parvon!' Cullasbes interrupted his line of thought. 'There you are!'

He spread his hands wide in a greeting.

'Here I am indeed. I understood you would like speech with me?'

'Indeed so, for in spite of the fact that you seem determined to neglect your duties – I shall write to the king from Ithilien regarding this – I wish to protest about the way in which you abandoned us to the dangers of the river – we have elflings, we have belongings, and you simply disappeared…! It is most disappointing in you!'

'Hmm.' Parvon considered for a moment, looking around the group. Several of the elves were shaking their heads, shuffling away from where Cullasbes held court, as if distancing themselves from her, perhaps wishing not to be included in her disapproval. 'However, I see you are all well, and nobody appears wet…'

'That is not the point! The point is, you left us!'

'I did think, Mistress Cullasbes, that I had made it plain that my duty as representative to the King's Office was no longer to you, but to the safe carriage of the starlight gemstone of the fallen Lord of Gondolin; I thought I had explained that, while of course I am interested in the company, and prepared to pitch in and hunt, and help, any concerns should be taken to Commander Thiriston.'

'You did, but I cannot help but see it otherwise…'

'Oh? And when you write to the king, will you tell him that you set your will against his, for it was his majesty who instructed me in my duties for the journey.'

'Well, I…'

'Nobody forced you into the boats, did they?' he asked, looking over her head now to the rest of the company. Many looked away, but the more honest shook their heads. 'And you did know that our king's wish was that we walk through the forests for as much of it as we could? Yes, I thought you had not forgotten that. So…' He drew his attention back to Cullasbes. 'So, when you write to complain of my dereliction of duty, are you going to mention your own disobedience?'

'But I… why should…?'

'I thought not. I choose to honour my king for following his wishes for as long as I might. This means that in three days, I, too, will be in the boats. Mistress Cullasbes, it was always going to end in boats – we were always going to float down the Anduin, for the Brown Lands are not yet entirely safe, despite all the efforts of the King of Men and our own enclave in Ithilien. We are well armed and well protected, so you need not fear the river. But really!'

He took a step back and gestured widely, to include them all.

'You were all at the meetings, you were all told how it would be. Granted, this diversion along the new supplies canal was not in my briefings, for it was not known to me until quite lately, when it was no longer my duty to arrange the journey. All else, however – the potential risks, the conditions, the weather, the distances… all was told you. Several times. It is not my fault if you did not listen!'

Cullasbes drew thunder across her brows, but Parvon simply shrugged.

'Now, I am returning to my billet until we are called to supper; unlike you, Mistress, who have been sitting down watching the forest drift past you all day, I have been exerting myself. Good evening to you.'

Canadion was waiting at a near distance to bear him company over to the cook fire.

'You know, Master Parvon, I am sure it does my naneth good to be spoken to in such a way, but I do wonder where you get your courage from!'

'Why, from being in the service of the king for so long, Captain.'

Canadion laughed. 'Of course! Now, lest you find the mood a little low around the fire, Thiriston has just given Magorion his duty for tomorrow, and it is centred on escorting the boats, which means, of course, he cannot be in the forest with you and Master Thindorion…'

'I see. Of course, that will make the forest less appealing to him.'

'Yes, it is intended so.' Canadion lowered his voice. 'Between us, Master Parvon, news of Master Thindo's near-accident has come to Thiriston's knowledge. He has no wish to cast aspersions on either Master Thindorion's skill, or Tawon's leadership, and so has tried to arrange things so that Master Thindo is not absolutely forbidden from the trees, but instead will take the blame himself for ordering Magorion to attend the company.'

'I see. I should be grateful, I suppose, that I am not to be discouraged from entering the forest…'

'Well, about that, Master Parvon… you see, it is more than just caution. The region of the forest you might encounter tomorrow is one which was badly injured during the Battle Under the Trees; it is recovering, but, of course, there are fewer trees hale enough, or alert enough, to stop an unsteady elf…'

'Triwathon will steady me, never fear. If he is at ease in that part of the forest, then I will be at ease with him.'

The mood was, indeed, subdued around their little region of the fire. Parvon decided to tackle the topic head on.

'Thindo, I hear you're not going to play in the trees tomorrow?' he said with smiling sympathy.

'Well, I could if I wanted,' the dyer returned. 'But Mago's got escort duty, and they tell me I can walk along the bank for part of the trip. You don't mind, I hope?'

'What, object to time spent in the trees with my avowed husband?' Parvon cast a quick glance across to Triwathon. 'Where he is, there I wish to be, so unless you're tired of teaching me, Triw…?'

'Tire of being in company with you?' Triwathon laughed. 'That is most unlikely! No, I have had time to read the route we will need, and there are occupied watch flets all the way now that we are drawing close to East Lorien. We will not even need an escort elf,' he added, loudly enough for Thiriston to hear at the next group along.

'Off duty at the moment, Triwathon!' Thiriston countered, lifting a wine cup high. 'Not talking duty for a while yet. Enjoy my food in peace!'

'That sounds like a good idea,' Parvon called over. 'And my apologies for interrupting.'

'Not a problem, Master Parvon.'

Presently, Triwathon set down his dishes and caught up a bottle of not-yet breached wine.

'Well, if you will excuse us, my husband and I will go in search of our flet. Parvon, if you are done?'

'I am done with eating, yes,' Parvon said, rising with him. 'Goodnight all.'

Triwathon took his hand and led him off into the darkness beyond the cook fires, pausing at the foot of the tree which held their flet to press Parvon's back against the trunk, to hold him and kiss him with an intensity, a need that seemed less driven by lust and more by fear. That it was also rich with love he knew, for his senses keened with the golden embrace of the fëa-bond.

When the kiss ended, Parvon tugged lightly on one of his husband's side-braids.

'What's the matter, Triw, love?'

'Up,' Triw said. 'To the flet, to our shelter first. You lead the way.'

'As you will.'

On the flet, in the shelter, the fabric of the tent tied tightly against the night and the world, Parvon helped Triw out of his cloak and jerkin, untied his braids, hoping that loosening his hair would help him loosen his tongue. Triwathon sat patiently while Parvon tended him, finishing by taking off his own coat and sitting beside him, pouring them both wine.

'Now, my love. What's the matter? Can you tell me?'

'It is silly, really. But it is simply that… Thindorion could have died today.'

'I know. And I know he laughed about it, but I am sure he knew how close he came; he will be more careful. The world would be lessened without him, his laughter and his friendship as well as his skill with colours. But, Triw, he will not take such risks again, and you see that Commander Thiriston is taking steps to guard him…'

'It is not that!' Triw burst out suddenly, turning to face him and gripping his shoulders. 'Do you not see? Even Thindo has more skill – no, not that… more experience – in the trees than you! Parvon! It might have been you…!'

'Oh,' Parvon said as Triwathon clung and clutched at him.

'…Tawon trying to do it all, telling you where to step, how to hold the branch, showing off, not paying enough attention to you, nor to Thindo, and I am only glad I was with you because there were a few times when you did not step where ordered or grasp where told and I was so grateful you did not listen to him… but then he told Thindo the branch would hold him and, of course…'

'But the trees were telling me not to, love, I listened to them, and to you…'

'But Thindo listened to Tawon…' Triwathon sighed. 'And it is none of my business, he is in Magorion's care now, and… I was worried about… other things…'

His voice sank and trailed off, and Parvon put his arm about him, kissing the side of his face in the way he knew Triw loved as a gentle demonstration of reassuring affection.

'He may well be in Magorion's care, love,' he said. 'But he is also the friend of your youth; it is fine, you know, if he is also in your heart. Indeed, as my friend, when I did not know I needed friendship, and as one who was a connection to you, it could be said he is in my heart also.'

He gave Triw a little squeeze.

'Not in my fëa, of course. That's where you reside, beloved tree-creeping wizard that you are!'

Triw gave a watery little laugh.

'It is complicated, with Thindo, for he was dear to me. And yet… it is more that, there was one who resented even a friend being dear to me, and perhaps I am too much afraid of distressing you, or angering you, or…'

'Angering me? Triw, beloved, it would take more than an honest friendship with a mutual friend to anger me! And, love, this other was not your fëa-mate, after all! We have that, my love, that you are the other part of me.'

'And I you!' The words almost burst from Triwathon. 'And I was so afraid, after Thindo had slipped…!'

Parvon lifted Triw's wine cup, passed it to him, and sipped at his own goblet.

'If you're saying you'd rather we didn't go through the forest tomorrow, Triw, for you, I will abide by your wishes,' he said softly. 'I would not want you worrying when there was no need.'

'No, it was nice… Until Thindo lost his footing – it was lovely, showing you my world in the trees! I think we will be safer, because I will take care of you! Only I will not allow Tawon to be palmed off on us!'

'I don't think Commander Thiriston will agree to us going without one of his official people,' Parvon said. 'I could suggest, perhaps, that he might like to give another of his company the chance to shine rather than Tawon… Triw, you know many of these elves, and their skills; who would you suggest?'

'Canadion,' he said without a moment's pause. 'He is experienced in the canopy, you know him well yourself, and – most importantly – he has nothing to prove.'

'Very good! If Thiriston will spare him, if they do not mind being apart for the day. I know I would part with you only with very poor grace, and only then at need.'

'Ah, you are sweet to say so!' Triw said, his mood lightening. 'Come, drink some more wine, and then do you think it is too early for bed?'

'Only if it's to sleep, love.'

Triwathon nodded decisively,

'Not too early at all, then,' he said.

The day came with rain and a driving wind.

'This will make boats less pleasant than being under the trees,' Parvon remarked to Triwathon as they stood under the shelter of the trees and watched the confused scramble of the Walkers into the flotilla of river boats. These little craft were intended to carry no more than six persons each and were sprightly, lively things unless laden with complaining naneths; now, with covers hastily arranged and elflings told they needed to keep still under the boats' awnings, they seemed as subdued and sullen as the reprimanded younglings themselves.

'It will be well.' Magorion came to stand at their side for a moment. 'And do not fear for your friend, Master Parvon, for we have agreed to go with some of the company on foot along the bank from time to time. It means we will have to run to keep up, but it will be safer for him. I will not risk my new found love again to another elf's care, even if he has had the same training as I!'

'We're glad to hear it,' Parvon said, touching Triw's arm to include him in his words. 'Our thanks to you.'

'Ah, I am simply being selfish! He brings me joy.' Magorion beamed with delight. 'He brings such joy to my heart! Do you know, there was a rumour that I might be in the running for a promotion, soon? It was all I could have wished for, and then Thindorion looked at me, and now I do not care that I will be resigning my post and sailing with him, for he is my life now.'

He turned his bright gaze on Triwathon.

'But you know how it is, my brother-in-arms, for you have found your own completion in one not of the ranks. And so, our habit of service to many becomes service to the one we hold dearest, and that makes it all the sweeter, to make sacrifices for them, does it not?'

Triwathon looked not a little bewildered by this, but nodded.

'Indeed, being Parvon's has brought me such delight…'

'But, Triw!' Parvon interrupted. 'I don't want you to sacrifice anything for me – is there something? Because…'

'I did not mean anything in your husband's life,' Magorion told him quickly. 'But that I know he understands from a particular perspective. And yet, you too, Master Parvon, are an elf of service. To be honest, I would rather face a horde of orcs than our king's displeasure! Well, I understand you have asked for Canadion to escort you today? He will join you soon. And I, and Thindo, will see you at the supper fire.'

'I'll get our packs,' Triw said, leaving Parvon alone. He was rather glad of a moment, because Magorion's words on sacrifice had reminded him of his own, personal, guilty fears that Triw was not ready to leave the near shores yet, that all this unease with the river and with boats might simply be a reminder of the longer journey, the larger vessel awaiting them. Yet Triw had not complained, had not said anything other than to understand why Parvon still wanted to leave, to accept his reasons. Until he said something, until the subject really came up, what could Parvon, really, do to address his concerns? He had done so much for Triw, he had worked with him, supported him, listened to him during night after night of Night of Names, he had – albeit accidentally – killed for him. Surely it was not too much to ask that Triw go with him, rather than he stay with Triwathon?

But the guilt gnawed at him and all his arguments seemed wrong in his head…

'Well, here we are!' Triwathon stood in front of him, eyes shining. 'Canadion is waiting at the first trail for us. Shall I help with your pack? Is that settled properly? Shall we go?'