[Amanaduial the archer]

Arthain thanked Melost, not noticing his slightly guarded expression. He saw Dorlas wink at Thelian and the elven squire grinned back, and couldn't help smiling himself.

Standing, he nodded to Melost. "I will do so now. Thankyou again, my friend."

Leaving the room, he went to ask Isildur whether he could go, although he didn't doubt what the answer would be. For men and elves to escort the ladies of Rivendell to Lorien would further be a proclamation of the friendship and trust which had grown between the two races, and would no doubt bode well for the relationship between the two leaders as well. As he passed Anwenelme, he heard Menelya spluttering, outraged while still trying to remain dignified. Melost's beloved grinned at him as he passed, rolling her eyes, before turning back to her mother, a look of impatience on her face as she tried to get a word in. Arthain smiled back, winking at her.

He didn't notice the way Melost's expression darkened when he saw this as he left the room, where the elf sat, alone. The elf's thoughts were as dark and uncomfortable as his expression and, curtly making his excuses to the two squires, he left the room through a different door from Arthain.