[Mithalwen]

Elfthain was relieved that he would not need to find his uncle to fund his meal - or still worse his mother, who, nervous of overindulging her surviving child was much stricter about anything that might be regarded as unnecessary expenditure. Elwin was very attached to his sister-son and, acutely aware of the losses the boy had suffered, felt no need to deprive him of anything that might give him pleasure. The source of so many sweetmeats and extra pocketmoney was unlikey to have refused to have bought his breakfast but the timing of the request would not have been the best and thing were getting so interesting here he did not want to leave and risk not being permitted to return.

However he had been humbled by Lys's words and actions. This boy who had nothing had understood all too well the fear of not being able to pay one's way and was trying to insist that Elfthain took the lion's share of the food he had garnered from the kitchen.

Elfthain's first instinct was to refuse Lys is offer but he had wit enough not to act on it. His very temporary lack of food and means had equalled them and he accepted Lys' generosity resolving to repay it with interest as soon as the opportunity arose. Sitting at a little table the physical differences were minimised and Elfthain listened to Lys' reply, though it was hard not to be distracted by everything else that was going on.

Elfthain had heard Eodwine's name before and more than once, but he had never really paid attention. He did seem to be important though and he clearly meant a lot to Lys. He did not know how to reassure the older boy. How could he say that he was sure Lord Eodwine would return when his father had gone with the King and the King of Gondor to fight rebels in the far southlands, and had not returned? Part of him felt that it was inevitable to lose those you cared about and he bit his lip. However he did realise that Lys' admiration meant he could ask the question he really wanted to know the answer to and he spoke with slight hesitation.

"Try not to worry, Lys ... they probably are already on the way to him already". He craned his neck for signs that might confirm his assertion, then lowered his head and asked more shyly, "How did Eodwine save you?".