"Aye,Arthain. It seems Thelian and I are to escort the ladies of Imladris to safety in Lothlorien." Melost turned to Anwenelme and kissed her hand lightly. "Beloved, have your mother and her ladies make ready, for we shall leave at first light." She looked him in disbelief, then her face assumed a look of tolerance. "Yes, my lord, of course. It shall be as you say." Her thoughts turned to ice. "Will it always be thus? Am I never to be asked, merely commanded?" She smiled glacially at Melost, then rose gracefully from her seat. Melost stood as well and drew her close. "We must speak later, Anwenelme. Shall I call on you in your rooms shortly?"
She inclined her head, turned and walked toward her mother's table, anticipating the outraged diatribe she would not doubt have to listen to. She smiled, amused by the discomfort her mother would have to endure.
Dorlas slumped disconsolately in his chair. If Melost was leaving, then so was Thelian. This bothered the young man, for friendship had never come easily to him. To his surprise Arthain leaned forward and began to speak urgently to Melost. "You can't seriously be planning to escort them by yourselves? Dorlas and I would be deli.... we would be proud to assist you." Melost looked at his friend appraisingly. "No doubt.." he thought cynically, but instead he smiled graciously at Arthain. "It would be good to have you at my side again. so be it! Clear it with your captain and make ready." Dorlas leaned forward and winked at Thelian, who grinned back.
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