FIFTY SEVEN Several days later, Calaglin entered the talan and started when he saw Dinendal sitting on the edge of the bed. The flaxen haired Elf smiled broadly and a chuckle escaped his lips. “You look as if you have seen a ghost. Why are you so surprised to see me?” “Why would I be surprised? You live here as well,” Calaglin replied hesitantly. Dinendal raised an eyebrow and the smile on his face faded. “Has our friendship deteriorated so much that we are lying to each other now? You *were* surprised to see me, Calaglin.” Calaglin blinked, and then sighed heavily. “I suppose I was. I have not seen much of you since…” “Since we had the disagreement over Haldir?” Dinendal finished. “Yes,” Calaglin answered, sitting on the edge of his own bed. “I assumed you were still angry with me, and that was why I haven’t seen you.” Dinendal frowned and shook his head. “Long have we served together, *mellon,* [friend] but how very little you know of me. Yes, I was disturbed, but only briefly. I have never been one to hold onto things, and you should know that by now. Lord Celeborn assigned to me a task, which is now done. I have returned.” Calaglin looked at him. “Forgive me.” Dinendal smiled. “Of course.” “It was not my intention to upset you then,” Calaglin offered. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” “Your concern is appreciated.” Calaglin grinned. “But, mind my own affairs, eh?” Dinendal laughed. “Interesting you would say that.” “Are you aware that Haldir is currently involved with Saelbeth of Mirkwood?” Calaglin inquired. Dinendal smiled. “He is involved with Tinion as well. Your point?” Calaglin threw up his hands with a sheepish grin. “All right, understood. Are we still friends?” Dinendal stood and moved to sit on the bed beside him, placing an arm across his shoulders. “Always.” Calaglin smiled. “That makes my heart glad. Tell me now of your task for Lord Celeborn.” *************************************** “Enter,” a sleepy Taldor murmured from underneath the sheets. King Thranduil quietly stepped inside the talan, immediately noticing that the other bed in the room was empty. “You had best get some rest, Saelbeth. Staying out so late will begin to take its toll on you, and we could well be leaving Lorien at any time,” Taldor warned. Thranduil smiled. “Excellent advice, sentinel. We will be leaving today.” Taldor bolted upright in the bed, his eyes wide. “Sire!” Thranduil chuckled. “As you were,Taldor. I have come only to enlighten you to that fact.” Taldor shot a quick glance at the empty bed in the room. Saelbeth was still not there. “Sire, I am certain Saelbeth will be returning shortly. He most likely went out in search of breakfast. I could fetch him for you,” Taldor offered quickly, reaching for his tunic. Thranduil’s eyes sparkled, and he held up his hand. “No need. I believe breakfast is the farthest thing from his mind.” Taldor blinked. “My Lord?” “We will be leaving before nightfall you and I, so take heed your advice to Saelbeth.” “Yes, Sire. Wait- forgive me, did you say you and I? Alone?” “Saelbeth will remain in Lorien, as I have decided to extend his leave. Silinde is more than capable of assisting me in Mirkwood whilst he is away.” “Um, perhaps I should inform him?” “Worry not, I will see to Saelbeth. *Quel esta.*” [rest well] Thranduil answered. **************************************** “And where would you be going?” Haldir asked, propped up on one arm watching Saelbeth as he carefully reached for the door. Startled, Saelbeth turned around. “I-I was trying not to wake you.” “That is clear. What is not clear is why you are leaving in the first place,” Haldir replied. Saelbeth sighed, slowly walked back over to him and sat down beside him on the bed. “Forgive me. I feel I must be in our guest talan every morn. King Thranduil has been known to drop in unannounced from time to time.” “Understood.” Saelbeth smiled. “If it were my choice, I would never leave you, nor this bed. But, my Lord can be quite spontaneous. Hopefully I will see you later?” Haldir grinned. “If you wish.” “I do,” Saelbeth replied happily. “Now, I really must be going.” he leaned forward to kiss him, and then darted quickly out of the door. ************************************* “How much longer do we have to come here so early in the morn?” Rumil asked with a frown, as he let a volley of arrows fly toward the targets. “Until we are told not to I suppose,” Legandir replied, sending off a volley of his own. “Is Dinendal coming?” “I assume so, for I heard he has returned. He has always been right here with us before,” Legandir noted. Rumil smiled. “I like Dinendal. He is very pleasant for the most part.” “Why thank you, Rumil. I try to be.” Dinendal whispered softly from behind him. Rumil whirled around, and Dinendal quickly jumped back with a wide grin. “Speedy response, *pen-neth.* [young one] Very good.” Rumil chuckled. “I have no intention of being caught unawares again- by anyone.” “Least of all his brother,” Legandir chimed in. Dinendal laughed. “A very wise decision indeed. Come; let us gather the arrows and start fresh.” ********************************* Saelbeth closed the door quietly behind him, and carefully made his way to the bed. He sat on the end and began to pull off his boots. “No need to be quiet now, *mellon.* [friend] King Thranduil has come and gone,” Taldor whispered. Saelbeth’s head snapped around. “What say you?” Taldor exhaled and pulled himself up in the bed. “I said he has come and gone, so worry not.” Saelbeth blinked. “Did he ask after me?” “No, but then again he could plainly see your empty bed.” “Elbereth!” Taldor smiled. “He was not angry. In fact, your absence did not seem to surprise him at all.” “What do you mean?” Saelbeth asked, his heart filled with dread. “I tried to make excuses, but he would hear none of it. It was as if he knew you were with Haldir.” “Surely you jest!” Saelbeth answered, his blue eyes wide. “Not at all, and he also told me that we would be leaving Lorien today.” Saelbeth’s heart dropped. “Today?” Taldor chuckled. “Fear not, *mellonamin.* [my friend] You will not be going with us. It will be he and I alone. You will still have plently of time left with the object of your affection.” Saelbeth’s brow furrowed. “He *said* that? What of my duties?” Taldor shrugged. “He said Silinde would attend to them.” Saelbeth frowned. “Why would he- ” he eyes widened with realization. “Lady Galadriel! How could I have forgotten?” he stood. “I must find him. Do you know where he went?” “He said something about seeing to you, but I assume he went back to Caras Galadon. He told me to get some rest,” Taldor answered. “I will see you later,” Saelbeth murmured, striding quickly to the door. *************************************** Haldir watched Rumil and the others thoughtfully from the cover of a large Mallorn, wondering if he should surprise them again or release them from the tortureous repitition of the practice fields. He decided on the latter and stepped forward into view. “Marchwarden,” Legandir murmured, the first to see him. Haldir nodded, and then smiled. “I am pleased to see all of you up and so alert. That being said, I now release you from this duty. You are free to go about your business.” Rumil smiled. “Truly, brother?” Haldir nodded. “I am going back to bed- right after I eat,” Rumil chuckled. Haldir grinned. “As you wish.” “Come, Legandir. Let’s go to the common,” Rumil stated. Legandir nodded and sprinted away with Rumil, leaving Dinendal and Haldir chuckling together. *************************************** Saelbeth knocked quietly on the door. “My Lord?” “Enter,” Thranduil called out. Saelbeth stepped into the room. “Taldor has informed me that you are leaving today?” “That is correct.” “My Lord, why do you wish me to stay? Will you not need me in Mirkwood?” “Of course I do, but long has it been since I have seen you happy, Saelbeth. You are long overdue an extensive leave, and I believe now would be the best time for it,” Thranduil replied. “But my Lord, I would never let my personal affairs interfere with my duties.” Thranduil smiled. “I know. And worry not, I am giving you this time- but it will not be forever. Silinde will assist me in your absence, but you will be sorely missed, for long have you been loyal to me and long have you been my friend.” Saelbeth grinned. “I always will be.” “Of that I am quite certain,” Thranduil chuckled. “Come; have some wine with me. I wish to speak with you for a time before we depart.”