As they reached the barracks, Parvon laid his hand on Triwathon's arm.

'You go in, listen carefully to what Govon says about his meeting with Faramir for me.'

'But are you not coming?'

Parvon smiled. 'No, I have another matter to attend to. I will see you soon, love.'

He watched Triw enter the barracks building and turned swiftly away, heading back into the cave complex. Once there, he took a moment to don his formal robes of office and tidy himself before finding his way through the passages to come to a stop outside the door to Legolas and Govon's rooms.

Pausing to straighten his robes and clear his throat, he knocked.

'Who… who is it?'

Legolas' voice sounded faint and tremulous as Parvon let himself into the room. On the floor, as if it had been pushed beneath the door frame, lay a folded and sealed note marked 'Urgent' in Saelchanorion's clear script. He bent to retrieve it.

'It is I, your highness. Are you well?'

'Do I look well?'

The prince was curled in the corner of a settle near the fireplace, wrapped in a blanket. His face was pale, his hair untidy, straw-like. The hand clutching the blanket close made Parvon think of talons. He was shivering despite the heat coming from the fire in the hearth.

'I have seen you look better, it's true.' Parvon sat on the opposite end of the settle. 'I apologise for disturbing you, but I needed to see for myself how you are.'

'I am… not well. The sea-longing, it… it burns in me, it… there is a song, seductive, drawing me to it, and it debilitates me, I cannot think beyond it, I…'

'I have heard it said that it is like to being in love, but with no hope of return.'

'Yes! Yes, that is exactly it! You cannot imagine…'

'I do not need to, my prince. For that particular pain is one I know only too well from personal experience.'

'Yes.' Legolas stirred, shifted. 'But there was hope, for you won his heart, in the end. How long did he make you wait?'

'He did not make me wait; I could simply do no other.' A smile drifted across Parvon's face. 'Hundreds of years; I had already made myself set aside all thought of him decades before a chance encounter after the Battle of the Three Dragons brought us into contact again, and much more time has passed since.'

He spotted a decanter and goblets set on a side table, and poured a glass of wine, setting it beside the prince.

'Try some of this. It may help.'

'Parvon, wine is my father's refuge. Not mine.'

'I am delighted to hear it, ernilen.' He set the folded note on the settle between them. 'This was delivered for you earlier.'

'I haven't moved much all day. Not since Govon was called away this morning.'

'It is important. I can read it for you, if you wish. Unless Commander Govon has been back to see you, in which case you should already know the salient points, but I do not think he would have let this lie if so…'

'What? I don't… no, he's been busy, I expect. He can't just drop everything because I'm ill. There was an emergency… Do you know what it was?'

Legolas' voice sounded distant, almost dreamy, as if he were drugged, or submerged in deep waters, drifting.

'I do indeed, my prince, for it was I sent for Govon. Faramir was here.'

'Fara…' Legolas began to struggle up from his swathes of blanket. 'I cannot let him find me like this, I… he has struggled to understand my Silvans and…'

'It is all right, my prince. He has left. Govon and I spoke with him.'

'What? How did you ever…? He always insists on waiting if I'm not free, but…'

'I simply asked Saelchi, in Sindarin, if we could make up beds for them for the night. It is my understanding that if people believe you think they cannot understand you, they pay more attention. In this instance, it convinced Faramir that you were truly unavailable, while had I simply told him so, he would have continued to insist on waiting. It seemed to work, for Govon was accepted as substitute.'

'Govon still isn't comfortable in Westron, so normally it has to be me – you can see why we need someone with your talent for language! But Faramir, what did he want?'

Parvon explained as briefly and simply as he could; later would be time enough for nuance and detail, when Legolas was thinking more clearly. As Legolas pondered, Parvon gestured to the letter.

'Here is a summary, written from notes take by Saelchanorion. A fuller account is in the files and he will be able to help, when you are recovered.'

'I shall never recover, Parvon, do you not understand? This is with me always to some degree or other, while I am here.'

'When you have mastered yourself, then.'

'Mast… Parvon! Do you seek to tell me to pull myself together?'

'Would you like me to? Would it help?'

Stunned into silence, Legolas stared at his former personal advisor. He shook his head.

'No, and no! I do not want this! What do you think this is, some feeble-mindedness I can resolve to overcome?'

'Not at all, my prince. If it were anything you could simply reject or disregard, you would have done so, I know.' Parvon gestured towards the prince's wine cup, still full. 'You spoke of your father taking refuge in wine. While he undoubtedly has done so at times of great distress, always has he remembered his duty and responsibility towards his people and…'

'My people do not know. They cannot; it would make them unhappy, or doubt my ability to lead them, and then what would happen?'

'At least some are already aware, my prince. I have heard of your condition myself from several quarters. Legolas, your elves love you, they hate to think of you suffering! They do not know why you will not sail. Govon has explained to your hunters, but…'

'Govon? He promised he would not!'

'Did he promise to keep secrets from his command? Did he promise not to put his trust in his hunters, the hunters who love you so much they followed you from Eryn Lasgalen only to find themselves uncomfortably close to Men? All he has done is explain that you are staying for love of them and for the colony, from friendship and duty. They respect and honour that, my prince, as they do you. For all your father has suffered from the losses he has had to bear, he always trusted his Silvans with the truth of himself. The elves who came here love and honour you. Do not make them feel you do not trust them!'

'What makes you think you have any right to speak to me so?' Legolas demanded. Some colour had returned to his face; his cheeks flushed with anger or shame.

'The right of long friendship, my prince, and an awareness that my time here is running out. After tomorrow, I will not be here to advise you, and other aid is a long way off. Forgive my impertinence, Legolas, I would not take such liberties if I had time…'

'Parvon – I can't. I have… no courage for this. It's not something I can just set aside and go on in spite of it…'

'Triwathon talked of how you were, in the wake of the Battle of the Three Dragons. Your father injured and unconscious, Govon missing, with reports of his death abounding. How bravely you carried yourself, how you set your grief aside and ordered things, made others safe and visited the injured, despite your own pain. How you searched through the night for the missing and for your husband's remains. I do not believe you lack courage, ernilen. In fact, I refuse to believe it.'

Parvon rose to his feet. He bowed to the prince.

'I will leave you now, your highness. I hope you feel better soon.'

'It was awful!'

Parvon groaned as he leaned back in the water and relaxed his head onto Triw's shoulder. They had once more put the misleading notice on the doors to the public bathing pool and were spending a gentle hour deconstructing their separate afternoons. Triw stroked Parvon's hair.

'Tell me, then? In what way was it awful?'

'Legolas. He is really suffering, and I… I told him his father wouldn't behave like this.'

'You didn't!' Triw's laughter was shocked, horrified, almost, to think Parvon would talk to the prince so boldly.

'As good as. I didn't seek to minimise his distress, just to show him he doesn't have to let his sea-longing rule him… except I don't know, Triw, I don't know this sickness; can one rise over it? Or does it taint everything one does? Have I been unintentionally unkind? I just don't understand it…'

'Neither do I.' Triw drew his brows together in a frown. 'Nobody I know has suffered from it… they say it's rare for Silvans to succumb, because we have never been to the coast

and didn't heed the call, but then when we do, it's worse… Legolas' mother being Silvan, that might account for it… but did he tell you, what he wants?'

'I didn't ask. In some ways it felt that reminding him he could choose to stay or be free of the pain and sail seemed too simplistic, and I worried lest it perhaps prevent him considering how best to anchor himself here. All I know is what Govon has told us already, that he wants to wait. Well, we can do nothing more for him; I made him angry, at least, and he has his pride; I hope he will rally soon. Come, your turn; how was the debriefing?'

'Hm…? Oh, it was… interesting. I didn't learn much that was new, just how Govon thinks Faramir thinks of him, and Silvans in general… The lord says we're not at all like the elves he's read about…'

'Ai, let him say that to my face and I will give him an answer…!'

'Well, indeed. One thing, though… Govon said that this White Company had been outside their allotted patrol area, and someone asked where, exactly. It seems that when Govon first discuss patrolling, he had mooted including the very region where the orcs were found…'

'Indeed? Saelchi will have maps of the area, and there may even be a record of the meeting…'

'That would be helpful, I think, as Govon is certain he remembers Faramir's advisor saying it was a waste of time…'

'It is not easy for Govon, is it? Or for the prince… it's so unfortunate that Master Hanben does not wish to associate with Men; he and his husband would be formidable advisors here, Merenor has such a sweetly deadly way with him…'

'Parvon. Stop.'

'Stop what?'

'Stop trying to sort everything out! There is nothing you can do and you will only worry…'

'And this is meant to be a private and relaxing interlude. Sorry, love.'

'No, I understand. But if we can leave our worries in the waters, that will be better than taking them to bed with us.'

'Something troubling you, my love?'

'No.' Triwathon sounded close to defiant. 'Not a thing. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, aren't you? To the practice.'

Parvon smiled to himself. That there was something on Triw's mind was obvious, but Parvon could wait; Triw was not one for secrets and evasions. No doubt it would come out, in due course.

'I am, indeed. Alas, I will have to spend time with the scribes – I promised – but I can mention the maps to Saelchi, of course – and we have so few belongings with us it will take but a moment to pack. So we can set all that aside until after the practice, and have a relaxing morning, at least after breakfast.'

When Parvon and Triwathon entered the breakfast hall the next morning, Daehel was waiting for them.

'Saelchi is keeping places for us, well, you did say, Master Parvon, that we would break fast together…'

'I did.' Parvon cast apologetic eyes at Triwathon. 'I did promise, since it will be our last day here.'

'And you are not in your formal robes,' Daehel said, 'so I will not press you with business matters. You are shooting this morning?'

'We are, indeed. We are fortunate to have found friends amongst the hunters…'

'They're nice, are they not? Some of them have talain near our homes. They are fun to have as neighbours, always ready for a little chat. In fact, if we cannot get information from our prince, we can sometimes get it from them.'

'That sounds like an excellent arrangement!' Parvon said as they took seats around Saelchi. 'Good morning, mellon-nin. How is the prince, did the morning meeting go well?'

'It did for Commander Govon,' the underscribe said. 'He met us at the door, took charge of the breakfast, and bid us good morning. I do not think Legolas will appear today.'

'Oh, I see. Does that often happen, that he is absent two days running?'

'No, it is very rare. It is the sea-fevers, of course.'

'Of course. While I think, Saelchanorion, you may be asked for maps of the Brown Lands, particularly the regions patrolled. And if you have any records…'

'In fact, following yesterday's visit, I rather thought there might be interest in the region where the elves were found, so I have already looked them out.'

'Excellent, Saelchi! You have the makings of an admirable scribe and advisor.'

Saelchanorion blushed. 'You flatter me, thank you. I could wish that you were not going just yet…'

'See? The Commander is here!' Daehel said, interrupting before Parvon could do more than just look his disapproval. 'We appear ready to make notes, I suppose, although we have not yet eaten…'

Govon had taken his place and looked at the table where the scribes usually sat. Seeing it empty, he lifted an eyebrow and found them across the hall; Daehel made a point of raising her cup in salute, and taking a mouthful of toast. He shrugged and cleared his throat.

'Good morning, mellyn-nin. Legolas is otherwise engaged this morning, something he tells me is of the first importance, and so I am, once again, deputising… So. Yesterday we had a visit from Faramir and his captain; just a discussion of logistics, and the relevant elves have been informed. Later today, the "Swan of Ithilien" will embark on her voyage…'

Parvon stopped listening as he saw Triw stiffen and then sag. He reached across under the table, sought his hand and was rewarded with a smile that looked almost natural.

'It makes it so real,' he said softly. 'And we have not even seen this ship, yet.'

'We will, Triw. We will.'

'…is expected to leave at the middle-afternoon chimes, so those elves sailing should present themselves, with their luggage, outside the meeting room where they will be met by their escort. Any of you who want to watch the spectacle of the sailing of our first ship to the Undying Lands is more than welcome, just get yourselves down to the harbour in good time, although it will be close to sunset when the ship sets sail. Details will be put on the notices, I hope?'

He glanced across at Saelchanorion, and the underscribe nodded.

'Very good, and that is all for now. Good day to you all.'

But instead of exiting the hall, Govon came over and sat next to Daehel, reaching across to help himself to the fresh stand of toast the server had just set down. Parvon was quicker, and slapped his hand away while whisking the stack out of reach.

'You have already eaten, Commander, so I understand.'

'But that was an hour ago, Master Parvon,' Govon replied with an unashamed grin. 'Come, pass me the toast, please!'

'When our friends have been served, I shall. There. Help yourself.'

'There's only three slices left… Triwathon!' Govon exclaimed, as Triw snaffled one of the remaining pieces of toast. 'That was mine!'

'In fact, it was not,' Parvon said. 'But did I hear aright, we are having an escort to the ship?'

'Yes, have to make a bit of a fuss. Horses and hand-picked outriders – volunteers, no less. In fact, a surprising number of elves offered, and not because they want to watch the ship leave. I think you and Triwathon have become popular.'

'How very kind.'

'But another thing. Messenger came in, Thindorion requests that you arrive early on board. He wants to get the elves who were brought in from the Brown Lands settled in before anyone else, and thought you might like to have time to talk to them first…'

Parvon carefully did not exhale in an exasperated manner. Yes, he could quite understand that Thindo wanted to help and support these newest arrivals, which, of course, was entirely reasonable. But he felt guilty enough about these elves, and he would have to apologise for not receiving knowledge of them in time to meet up on the way...

'I understand.'

'Good. So, we'll see you there. Saelchi, I wanted to ask, have you got any…?'

'The maps of the Brown Lands and the notes from your discussion concerning patrol deployment are already on the desk in the main room, Commander, when you are ready.'

'Oh. Oh, that's good, Saelchi, thanks… Parvon been giving you tips, has he?'

'I am just trying to do my job, Commander,' Saelchanorion said.

'Right. So, Parvon. I'll see you and Triwathon later. You're off to practice with the hunters now, yes?'

'Yes, indeed, Commander. We are both looking forward to it.'

Meeting with the Ash hunters as planned outside the barracks, Parvon and Triwathon made their way with them into the enclosed woods and thence along the trail leading to the archery targets. As they approached, they could hear a slow and steady hiss and thwock from ahead.

Dusk called a halt.

'There is someone there ahead of us,' he said. 'But we were to be the only group working here this morning, we petitioned especially… Hind, identifier and query.'

'Yes, Dusk,' she said, and sprang up onto the lower branch of an oak, to cup her hands and send out the call. But although the sounds of archery paused, no reply came. 'Shall I repeat?'

'No. We will continue, in good order. Be watchful.'

Approaching slowly, the company continued to the edge of the glade. Dusk gestured a halt and stared as Parvon and Triwathon came up to see what was going on.

Out on the practice range, clad in hunter greens and browns, shining blond hair braided back from his face, Legolas let off a shot that buried itself into the heart of the gold amongst a clustering of previous arrows. He lowered his bow and turned towards them with a friendly smile.

'What kept you, mellyn-nin?' he asked. 'I've been here ages.'