Morfindel met them as they passed through the gate.  He took Keren from Starfoot and bore her quickly to the house of healing which for many years had seen no occupant.  Lurisa brought all her healing potions and ointments and followed by her ladies in waiting, guided her husband to a room.  There, Morfindel lowered Keren to a couch and left so the lady could examine her hurts more closely.  Starfoot stood silently outside the door as Morfindel came out.  Disturbed by the goblins attack and the measures Starfoot used to save Keren, the elven lord looked Starfoot long in the eye and sighed.

    "Walk with me, Elendal," he said in the elven language.

    "Yes, my lord."

    They walked in silence until they came to a lonely place which Morfindel reserved for himself and those with whom he would speak in private.

    "My friend, what have you done?" the elven lord asked sadly.  "What have you done?!"

    Starfoot understood it was no question.  Morfindel was not asking for fact and excuse.  He knew already what was done, and where it led.  A kiss may be just a kiss between two mortals, but between elf and mortal, it was so much more - a binding of spirits not to be broken, except by death.  He had glimpsed the paths of the past and seeing sorrow upon sorrow brought on by elf and mortal together, loss upon loss, heartbreak upon heartbreak and now, with a simple, single act of mercy, Starfoot had begun, once again, the cycle of gaining only to lose forever.  Such a small thing, yet such far reaching consequences.

    "You will not pursue her," stated Morfindel.

    "Pursuit was never my intention, my lord."

    "I know.  And perhaps there are workings here beyond my ability to perceive.  I know not how to instruct you, much less how to command you.  Her doom and your bereavement are written in your eyes for all to see."

    "My lord, she was dying.  I had no other means to prolong her life until we should reach the house of healing.  What would you have had me do?  Had I done nothing but borne her here, the measures needed to save her would have themselves killed her.  Again I ask you, what would you have had me to do?"

    "I know not.  In your place, I should have done as you and regained a daughter.  For a while.  Only to lose her again.  But this I would know.  Was it not you who counseled my daughter to never allow a mortal to approach her, be that mortal man or woman?  Was it not you who spoke against allowing her to bring her husband here, when he was old and stricken in years?  And yet was it not you who mourned with her when he died?  You are ever like your name.  A host of paradoxes reside within your breast, for of you have I heard songs of wondrous mirth, coupled with unsurpassed sorrow.  And on this day, again, you have astounded me by binding this mortal woman to you, and to her doom, and yourself to endless sorrow.  You know the risks of mere friendship with the Atani."

    Starfoot nodded, acknowledging the truth of what the elven lord said.

    "And what will become of you?" continued Morfindel.  "I know not what chance occurrence may come of this but still your choices remain.  Would you leave also when there is yet so much which must be done?  Shadows grow.  Goblins prowl again.  Rumor of the Enemy stirring in the east. Will you also take ship, this world gone gray and no longer a thing of joy to be found in it?  Like my daughter? "

    "I think not my lord.  It is only now that I understand your daughter's choice.  And yet I will not go that way, for it is too perilous.  Keren would have a long life, were she to live among other mortals in peaceful times, but not with me.  And as for me, you say I am to be bereaved, but I am bereft already.  My heart is bound by a love I may never express yet whatever sorrow may fall on me, I will not repent of doing what I could to spare the life of so valiant a maid, be it only for awhile until some other fate catches her."

    Morfindel shook his head and looked away, deep in thought.  "My friend," he said at last, not turning, "I have seen so many paths, so many crossroads and been undismayed, yet here at a simple fork in the road we stand, and either way I see only another fork, and other forks leading on endlessly.  For you.  But for her...  Time is so short.  We must not shorten it further.  You know what you must do, or rather what you must not do.  Would it ease your burden if I command you in this matter?  Or would it only add to it?"

    "I have ever been yours to command."

    "That is no answer."

    "My lord, knowing what must be, and that you wish it so for it is best, is command enough."

    Morfindel nodded and bade his minstrel join the others in their singing and playing, though he knew Starfoot's heart was not in it.  Starfoot obeyed, seeing the wisdom in his lord's command, for he needed work to do and the other minstrels were stumbling over several of Maglor's hardest works.

    The elven lord watched him go, wondering what to do.  The elves of Dor Luin once held much discourse with the people of Barad Lomin.  Jack and Sam still visited back and forth from Eryn Vorn to Dor Luin, gathering news and listening to gossip.  He permitted, and even encouraged it, because it amused Jack, who was such an energetic fellow, and still young enough that he, and his friend Sam, could pass for mortals.  Morfindel used to travel quite often as well.  Perhaps he should not have withdrawn from his daughter’s children but men of the town began to resent the elves and their longevity, and called Morfindel’s advice interferance.  His visits became sporadic for a while until he ceased them altogether.  Though he traveled to Eryn Vorn where dwelt more of his people, he was content to leave things as they were, perceiving that the doom of Mandos was still at work upon his house.  He would rather relinquish all claim to the discendants of Ciryafin than hang on and cause strife.  They had lived peacefully giving advice only when diligently sought after, untroubled by mortal woes for many years, until now.

    Starfoot was in for a trying time, as long as Keren remained in Dor Luin.  She looked so like Eärlina, his daughter, Morfindel was not at all surprised at his minstrel’s feelings for her.  Thinking of duties and errands which would keep Starfoot occupied, Morfindel began to look forward to some future time when they could go on with their elvish lives, undisturbed by such sorrows.

Keren's stay in the house of healing lasted three days. During her period of enforced rest, she and Lurisa spoke at length on many topics.  Lurisa was pleased when Keren expressed interest in the cultivation of plants with healing properties.  Only the lady thought it not strange or a mere reaction to her own hurts. Keren had rather humorously stated that, should her family be attacked by goblins, there would not likely be any elves near enough to kiss their hurts and make them better.

    Thistledown and Iris also were wards of the lady at this time and they continued Keren's instruction in other topics but found her to be more firmly resolved to direct her own studies.

    One day, while both Lurisa and Keren were in the archives going on a parallel study of the preparation of certain medicines, the lady rather quietly said "What think you, Keren, of Holly Starfoot?"  Then she laughed, "and do not tell me you think of him not at all for the flush of your cheeks would put the lie to that statement."

    Keren smiled weakly.  "I hardly know what to say, my lady, other than I try to think of anything else but him."

    "And why is that?"

    "I hardly know how to answer that either," she said with a thoughtful look.  "It seems that, well, he is to me as my father is to his most prized hound."

    Lurisa raised her eyebrows high and looked on Keren searchingly.

    "Please do not misunderstand.  My father is very fond of his hounds, particularly the dam of them all.  He caresses them, might even kiss one on its forehead should it perform beyond his expectations and he might allow one to nestle beneath his arm before the fire or perchance to sleep on the foot of his bed, but for that hound to consider herself the lady of the house, that would be presumptuous indeed.  Though a hound recognize no voice but that of my father, a hound she would remain.  And so it is with me.  Though I run with elves, sleep in the midst of elves, eat with elves, I shall never be an elf and any thought otherwise would be self delusion."

    "Would that other mortals were so clear sighted," said Lurisa.  "Many I have heard rage at their fate and would gladly trade their final glory for fame and renown in the present, or seek to prolong their lives at the expense of future generations.  Elves can not choose to be elves anymore than mortals can choose not to be mortal.  But one thing I must tell you; never would Starfoot compare you to a hound, prized or otherwise.  It is a most difficult burden, harboring a love which must never bear fruit, for you are more than sister or daughter to him, but he is an honorable elf and so must he ever regard you."

    Keren thought a moment, studying a passage on the use of orchids.  "Perhaps it would be best if I returned to my father's house..." she began.

    "No!" said the lady and spun to face Keren, who jumped at such sharp words.  "That you must not do!  Go to your mother's people, but do not return to your father's house."

    Keren was troubled by this stern warning.  She said nothing however, and nodded, waiting for the lady to explain, if she would.

    "Forgive me for being so adamant, and I do not mean you should never see your father again, but I foresee great harm if you return to your father's house too soon.  Please, go to live with your mother's people who still abide near Lake Evendim.  We know and are known to them.  Perhaps I am selfish and merely wish you to remain close by, but the thought of you returning across the river brings a shadow to my heart."

    Keren again nodded, remembering her mother had said elves often have premonitions which should not be ignored.  She determined not to ignore this one, but also she resolved to visit her family across the river sometime soon.  Nearly a month had passed and she thought her would be suitor had surely abandoned her, or at least suffered the effect of the delay.

*******

Several days journey from the elven realm, on the road south of Barad Lomin, two figures approached each other across a dark path in the woods outside of town.  One was tall and wore a hat and dark cape.  The other was, well, it can best be described as grotesque.  It's head was large and seemed set upon its shoulders where it swiveled as a ball in a socket.  It too wore a cape but this one had a hood which at the approach of the other was cast back to reveal a face with mouth full of sharp, protruding teeth, large, bulbous eyes and a flat crooked nose.  It's skin was pale and greenish yellow, a creature of the night having seen the sun but rarely in its long existence  A low bell tolled from the tower, but not the hour.  The grotesque figure sneered toward the sound, then spoke to Millerson.  "Greetings, Millerson.  I've some news that might interest you."

    "Oh?" asked Millerson, looking about in all directions then turning to the goblin and saying smoothly, "pray tell what is this, news?"

    The goblin laughed harshly.  "To hear you use the word 'pray'!  Wait until the others hear."

    "The news?"

    "Very well.  I know where is this woman you seek."

    "What woman?"

    "The one called Keren Woodman."

    Millerson fixed his whole attention upon the goblin, then lead him to a shack not far from the path.  There he indicated a chair, which the goblin refused so the man sat.  He took a pipe from his pocket and tended it, eying the goblin suspiciously and said "Well, tell me."

    The creature laughed, then growled "She is with elves."

    Millerson laughed.  "Elves!?"  He almost lost his seat in his mirth.  "Oh please!  Elves!  They are so far estranged from us, it is not likely.  They'd merely let her lose herself in the woods..."

    "In that case, we'd have found her.  I know where she is, and that she is out of our grasp."

    "For now," murmured Millerson.  "Only for now.  She will return.  The elves will see to that.  And when she does, we will wed.  A broken engagement is more than old Woodman can bear, once I have the townspeople on my side."

    "You've been none too successful there.  The man is convinced his daughter is dead, and blames himself for arranging a marriage she did not want.  Deny it not! It  is plain, even to me."

    "It is not plain to me."

    "Then you are a fool."

    "Am I?  And what does that make you?"

    The goblin laughed hideously and leaned toward Millerson, who pushed his chair away from him.  "It makes me hungry," laughed the ogre, "very hungry, and you are nice and fat.  Though not so fat as before.  Work has been good for you."

    "We had an agreement."

    "Yes and if you continue to insult me I'll see to it that you are brought before the Master before your time.  You’ve talked your way out of trouble for now.  But you’d best find a way to get what the Master wants.  He won’t wait much longer.  We need a stronghold near this river.  If you can’t provide it..."  The creature flexed its claws and licked its lips.

    Millerson thought a moment and grimaced.  "No need of that.  I've no desire to be your next meal..."

    "You needn't fear just yet.  We still haven't got what we want.  You're safe as long as we know you can provide it."

    "Well," Millerson cleared his throat.  "About the woman.  She may not be so far from our reach as you think.  You’ve overrun elven realms before."

    "When our numbers were greater and our master was stronger.  As yet that master is still making ready, for we have become scattered, even more than the elves, for they pursue without mercy and when they catch us, they kill us."

    "As do you them."

    "Not always," said the goblin with a foul leer.

    "I see," said Millerson and again sat thoughtfully.  Then he laughed.  "And this is the price I pay to become the most powerful man in Cardolan, to whom even kings and princes would bow the knee?"

    The goblin snickered, then peered at Millerson with a cunningly quizzical face.  "One thing I would know.  Why her?  She's not the fairest wench.  Really, she's a plain thing, compared to some I've seen."

    "Oh?  Is she.  And what would you know of wenches?"

    "Don't you know?  There are places in this wide world where my master holds full sway.  We can demand, and get, fairer than she to roast for our table."

    "Roast!"

    "Yes.  The idea that one should perish for the preservation of all is a well known doctrine.  We are able to use such notions to our advantage," the ogre said in tones both soothing and chilling.

    "I'm sure you are."

    "Also, I have not told you about my mother, have I."

    "Do not disgust me!  You still need my assistance, do you not."

    "Yes we do, but it amuses me that you can be disgusted.  The tale of my mother might amuse you.  At any rate, it amuses me to tell it.  She was a fair creature, wed to our king.  She produced many fine soldiers over many years but then tried to escape.  We ate her for breakfast the next day.  The flavor of elf flesh is not unlike..."

    "Beware of my disgust!  How did you find Keren and why could you not get her?"

    "My troop was in search of food, passing through the woods north across the river to join those I left here when they came upon some elf women as they wandered.  They pursued the creatures who fled until we could no longer get at them.  Elves have some spells we are as of yet not able to break.  When the elves started shooting at us with their arrows, we fled while they pursued, I thought to make an ambush, but..."  The goblin broke off speaking and aimed his glower toward the north, muttering obscenities and shaking a fist once.

    "I find your change from 'they' to 'we' interesting."

    "And well you should.  I alone of 100 strong goblins escaped.  If you want our help, you must find a way to get us past those elves."

    "Seems elven magic is not to be trifled with."

    "Would you instruct me in my business?!"

    "No, no, of course not.  I was merely thinking aloud.  You've still the original 20?"

    "Of course.  No elves seek them here.  And they came by a different way."

    Millerson sat in thought a while.  "I wonder, if it is possible to spread a rumor that my intended is being held captive by the elves.  Perhaps..."

    “Men and elves have become etranged in recent times,” the ogre said with an evil grin.  "The townspeople may turn to your side after all."

    "Leave me a while.  I must consider what's to be done and how to go about it."

    "I'll leave you, but ONLY for a while.  Since you've bade us cease gleaning off your town, which we have done, it becomes harder to find enough to satisfy our hunger."

    "You've already ruined me," said Millerson bitterly.  "And not yet delivered on your master's promise.  If I’d known your masters agents from Rhudaur would foreclose, I’d have never borrowed from them.  Have your 20 spread out and find sustenance in other towns and the countryside.  Duinbar across the river, Millbank and Fieldbrook are all prosperous.  It shouldn't be difficult to feed only 20.  Or better yet, there is a ravine between Millbank and Fieldbrook.  Several caves in the area.  Look into it."

    "That we will do, but mind you, be at the marker at our appointed time.  Or I'll come looking for you."

    "No need of that.  If I can't come, I'll see to it that someone does."

    The goblin laughed wickedly and passed through the doorway, into the night.

    Millerson remained in the shack for a while, thinking, planning, and cursing Keren for her flight.  He’d only wanted her for revenge, but any other woman would do just as well.  Time to forget her and look into other prospects.