Making Decisions

And departing the company of Lady Manadhlaer and the others, we three returned to a place near to Sogadan where Parnard could question him. They really were good friends, and any recent misunderstanding seemed to have gone. The Wood elf grabbed the Vintner by the shoulders and said, "Still dreaming, eh?"

"The tray is outside, Sogadan," Estarfin also addressed the Vintner as he poured himself a fresh glass of wine. "Fetch it when you will." He leant against the table.

I was in something of an arch mood, and turned to remonstrate with Estarfin about his not offering me a glass of wine in the central hall. 

He looked surprised. "The tray was passed round. Would you have drunk from the same bottle after she had drunk from it?"

"I did not get the chance," I replied, though I thought upon his point and decided I had done the correct thing."You could have served me first?"

Parnard intervened. "I was standing at his elbow, as was Manadhlaer. At his other elbow that is."

"You were not standing next to me,"Estarfin explained. "It would have been rude to pass by my neighbours, would it not?"

"And mightily inconvenient," added Parnard.

I sighed at the neri. I was not really offended, and they did have the right of the matter.

"I know the Laws of these Hall well enough, my friend," Estarfin continued, looking to Parnard. "Yet I could not bring myself to drink with her."

"You did well to serve her, " Parnard spoke with admiration in his voice for Estarfin's restraint.

"Serve her?" One of Estarfin's eyes began to twitch. I knew the sign and walked over to Sogadan and ordered two more bottles of wine, and fresh glasses. 

"Estarfin only served you and Manadhlaer, Parnard," I explained. "The tray was passed round. Just not to me."

He nodded at my words. "That is the way of it."

"Let us move on to a different subject," I said, pouring a fresh glass of wine for myself after offering to top up their drinks. "I think we need make some plans this eve."

"Plans for the journey?" Estarfin asked.

"Yes, Estarfin. Plans for the journey."

But I was also thinking that, if Tintalle were willing, that night would be an excellent one for our betrothal.