In which I give Lio an update.

[finrod]

Ecthelion: *finally remembers he has a phone; calls Finrod*

Finrod: *winces when the damned thing starts beeping* Hello?

Ecthelion: *still hasn't quite got the hang of the phone* FINROD? IT'S ME, LIO.

Finrod: *winces again* Hello, Lio. You don't need to yell, I can hear you...

Ecthelion: Oh. Sorry. Still not used to this.

Finrod: It's alright, neither am I.

Ecthelion: I need to talk to you about this arson thing.

Finrod: Yes, I was just coming.....

Ecthelion: Oh good. So we don't have to do it on this phone thing.

Finrod: Yes, I'll be there in a minute...

Ecthelion: Okay. *hangs up and waits*

Finrod: *a short while later, knocks on the door*

Ecthelion: *lets him in* Hi.

Finrod: Hi. *hair still damp and braided back*

Ecthelion: What is going on?

Finrod: It might be easier for you to tell me what you know already.

Ecthelion: I know about the arson. *shows him the letter from Gwaedhon* Theoden thinks he may be a suspect.

Finrod: *skims the letter quickly* Theoden is not exactly at the top of my suspect list... I can't tell you much more than is in this letter. I've told Gwaedhon to begin with the guards present when Nuala was arrested, and focus on those most involved.

Ecthelion: *nods* Okay. But no real suspects?

Finrod: Nothing conrete.

Ecthelion: *sighs* I need to get back to work.

Finrod: *noncommittal noise* Mmm.

Ecthelion: ... what?

Finrod: *trying to keep an uncharacteristic irritable mood in check* Not before you're well.

Ecthelion: *studies him* Is everything all right?

Finrod: Yes, everything's fine. I mean, considering.

Ecthelion: Considering the arson? Or something else?

Finrod: The arson.

Ecthelion: Okay. Can I get you a drink?

Finrod: A drink would be nice.

Ecthelion: Something cool? Or something hard? *thinks Finrod seems a little wound up*

Finrod: Cool is fine.

Ecthelion: *pours him some lemonade* Here.

Finrod: Thanks. *takes a drink* How ARE you feeling?

Ecthelion: Better. I really am thinking about coming back.

Finrod: Is Celegorm aware of this?

Ecthelion: I'll talk to him about it.

Finrod: I want it on the record that I neither suggested nor encouraged this.

Ecthelion: *smiles* Don't worry.

Finrod: Did you get a chance to enjoy any of the festival yet? Besides your speech I mean.

Ecthelion: I did. I got a fish for Turu. He named it after me.

Finrod: Turu did mention that.

Ecthelion: And Celegorm and I had a nice time.

Finrod: *nods* Good...

Ecthelion: Did you enjoy yourself?

Finrod: I did, yes.

Ecthelion: What did you get up to?

Finrod: I wandered the art stalls mostly, had some fair food... Heard your speech.

Ecthelion: Well, at least that was enjoyable. Aside from my speech. *joking*

Finrod: Well, at least it was short and sweet.

Ecthelion: My forte.

Finrod: *finishes his drink* I should get back.

Ecthelion: *nods* Thanks for coming. *feels awkward*

Finrod: *nods* Of course. I'm sorry I don't have more information to give you. *but, it did only just happen*

Ecthelion: That's okay.

Finrod: Thanks for the drink. I'll be by again soon, I'm sure!

Ecthelion: *nods* Thanks for everything.

Finrod: You're welcome.

---

Time to sort out those interview deadlines, and arrange to hear Boromir's report. Then food - I'm thinking something unhealthy - and tea with Turgon.