Having called to Thelian to follow, Melost rode glumly back to camp. "How could I have said something so foolish?" he thought moodily. "He is my friend and in truth I do not think I truly feel the way I spoke. My irritation caused me to wound him, I will have to atone for my rash words." He watched as Arthain dismounted ahead of him, then vanished into the milling throng of men striking camp. He looked about for his friend but to no avail.
With a sigh he rode on toward Gil-Galad's tent in order to deliver Isildur's reply, hearing behind him Dorlas' voice raised in farewell to Thelian as he hurried to join Arthain. Rapid hoof-beats heralded the approach of his kinsman. Melost glanced at Thelian, who raised an eyebrow in question. "So? What has befallen, that you look so downcast?"
Having asked his question, Thelian rode in silence knowing that Melost tended to be secretive where his thoughts were concerned, therefore he was surprised to receive an answer so quickly. "I was a fool! I spoke before thinking and have offended Arthain. Our fellowship has been a close one, but now, with all this war entails, I had no desire to add to his burden. In time I will seek him out and we will talk."
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