The last notes faded into indigo twilight.
"Well played!" Lenglir took a sip of wine and nodded. "You have improved considerably since I last heard you--and you've learned several new songs I see."
Lathrandir nodded. "Some I heard in the North Downs, some at Tinnudir."
Lenglir tipped his head and studied his son for a moment. He seemed about to say something, then turned and refilled their goblets instead.
Lathrandir accepted his cup and smiled. "Too rustic for Caras Galadhon?"
"I would not say that..."
Lathrandir glanced down at the talan below. Something caught his gaze. Lenglir also peered over the edge of the talan--and chuckled.
"The scenery appeals to you?"
The blonde elf-maid on the platform below glanced up from her task, saw Lathrandir, and smiled. He smiled back and lifted his goblet.
"Yes," he said eventually. "The scenery is...quite lovely." He sighed.
Lenglir's eyes narrowed. "Yet something troubles you."
"Even here, yes." Lathrandir fidgeted a moment, then set his cup down. "Mallenhadh will be leaving the Valley soon."
"Ahhh." Lenglir nodded slowly. "You will return to see her off?"
Lathrandir was silent. His father frowned.
"You and she have been friends, steadfast, since you were but a child."
"I know."
"She taught you how to use a bow--"
"I know." Lathrandir frowned. "I don't want to say goodbye."
"Then it will be a very, very long time before you see her again." Lenglir shook his head. "Lathrandir..."
He held up a hand. "Father, please. I will go to see her off. Just...not yet."
"But soon."
"Yes," he said. "Soon."
