[Mithalwen]

Losrian's heart filled with emotion that sought release in tears. She quelled the impulse (though her eyes grew too bright for a while), telling herself that this was his grief not hers. But how to express the compassion that she felt so deeply, and the shame that she had ever thought of Galmir as a burden, a duty. Ondomirë had been left quite alone and had it seemed remained so. Before when she had heard he had escaped the fall of Gondolin she had only been in awe of the great events he had witnessed, not equating his personal tragedy with her own. She had not yet either the words to utter, or the nerve to embrace him. All she could do was squeeze the hand that still grasped hers as she rose to her feet.

"Of course... we would love your company; we can offer distraction if not consolation" Losrian stumbled over the words a little... her stomach seemed in such a knot she doubted she would manage to eat at all "in fact I fear you may never be able to rid yourself of Galmir's company. He seems quite at home there ". Her nephew flashed her a mischievous grin before giggling and shaking his dark curls he buried his face in Ondomirë's tunic.

They would have made a fairly unremarkable family group save that the whole camp knew that they were not; Losrian was aware of more than a few interested gazes as they collected bread, cheese and steaming bowls of broth.

Let the gossips stare thought Losrian, realising she no longer cared what the likes of Geldion might think. She held her head high as she walked alongside Ondomirë until they found a quiet spot to sit and eat. Ondomirë managed both to eat and to amuse the children. Losrian smiled as well but took the children's fascination with the soldier to compose her thoughts. Finally as Galmir and Isilmë grew sleepy having eaten their fill, and the stars of Elbereth emerged in the darkling sky, she spoke. Her voice soft and as calm as she could manage she gently laid her hand on his arm.

"You could not save either city but you have saved us - we refugees would have little hope without this guard. Women and children alone in the wilderness? You cannot fire a bow with a child in your arms. ..... it is surely not less honourable to live protecting people than to die protecting a city. " she paused, took a deep breath and continued.

"A long defeat maybe, but there is some virtue in the struggle perhaps? The Noldor have not given up, but regrouped, rebuilt, tried again. Though we have fallen into folly and this latest not the least I fear, there is something that prevents us all seeking the havens... you have not thought of it though you might hope now for reunion with your kin?...." Losrian's voice trailed into silence and she watched Ondomirë's face anxiously.