[Amanaduial the archer]

As Menelya fussed around him, speaking words he did not really hear, Arthain's mind was far away. He nodded politely, smiling and laughing, or occasionally making a comment where appropriate, but despite wanting to find Melost, or Dorlas, he was too courteous to push away the elven woman. Many things rested on his mind, and since he had seen Melost and Anwenelme together, it had just added more. He hadn't seen much of Anwenelme before, just a flurry of skirts before Melost had enveloped her in an embrace and Menelya had attracted Arthain's attention, but Melost had been so happy as he was reunited with his beloved, whereas Arthain would never be reunited with his own wife. Yilsa had been taken from him by wild men in a wild, impersonal raid, along with his son, Endraen. He would never rush to embrace Yilsa again, and Endraen would never take his place as Arthain's squire...

"Tell me what bothers you, my Lord."

Menelya's imperious voice shook him from his thoughts, and he glanced into her haughty face. He recovered from his astonishment quickly though, forcing a charming smile onto his face. "My Lady, what is't that prompts you to ask such a question?"

"Oh, come Captain, I can see something is troubling you!" She gave a small laugh as she spoke, tapping Arthain's arm lightly, then withdrawing her hand quickly. Not willing to touch a human...

As Arthain sought desperately for a way to answer this elven woman without letting her know of what truly troubled him, he saw Melost emerge from a courtyard nearby, and caught his friend's eye, is eyebrows rising slightly and his eyes rolling to the side, just very small movements, but ones that subtly showed his desperation. He saw Melost stifle a laugh, then turn and whisper to Anwenelme, kissing her hand. Arthain turned his attention to the elven woman...and wondered why he had not noticed her so clearly before. Her smile, though wintery, was perfectly formed through bright, cherry lips, set in a pale, slim face, framed by a waterfall of silky hair. Hair not unlike that of Arthain's own Yilsa...he had a sudden urge to stroke that hair, to run his fingers through it and bring it to his lips, feeling its fine texture against his skin. As she turned, her fine skirts swirling behind her, walking away, Arthain could not stop his eyes from following her. Yes, Melost had chosen well...

He stopped, looking away quickly, shocked at his thoughts. No, what was he doing! Think of Yilsa...think of Melost...

"Arthain my friend, I see you have made the aquaintance of my lady's mother. Nothing happens anywhere in the Elven Kingdoms but that she hears of it, is that not right M'Lady?" Melost's voice brought Arthain back from his troubled thoughts, and his grinned at his friend, but was careful not to let the haughty Menelya see his relief. Melost talked with the elven woman for a while, his voice light, until he politely excused himself and Arthain with some sugared words.

Arthain's amusement at this, and his relief, faded as Melost next spoke. "Arthain, we must speak. I have sensed turmoil in you since leaving the camp of Isildur. We go to war soon my friend and I would not have us at odds with one another. Do not do this. I covet your friendship, even though there are...many things on both our minds."

"What is on your mind then, Melost? And what is't that you think rests on my mind?" Odd, how alike your thoughts are to that of Menelya...

Melost raised an eyebrow and gave a small, half hearted smile. "You are avoiding the question, Arthain. Tell me what is on your mind."

"Tell me what is on your mind..."
"Tell me what bothers you, my Lord." Menelya's words once more echoed, and again it seemed that the elves minds were very close. Arthain knew it was stupid, but he felt alone again. He shook himself back and met Melost's eyes. "I was just thinking about...well, of late I have just been thinking and you, and Anwenelme-" he stopped. Something had flashed across Melost's face, an angry flush of jealousy. Surely Melost didn't think that he...but why not? Said a little voice in Arthain's mind. Why not?

"Are you alright, Melost?"