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A few minutes later, Elros spotted Halmir - the last elf that needed to report - and made his way in his direction.

"Last report," he said softly to Lin. "And I'll do my best to make it short, but there are no guarantees with this man."

Elros was surprised - he hadn't realized that Lin had already met Halmir - but he thought seriously about her question.

"Well," he murmured, "it depends on the things they say, and the way they say it. If it's Halmir you mean, he just likes things that are beautiful - no surprise, considering how he himself looks, really. But if he talks about you by referring to something that's beautiful, take it as a compliment - it means he thinks that you are beautiful."

"Well, it's normal for him, at any rate," Elros chuckled softly, waving to Halmir, who was now just ahead of them.

"Report only this time, Halmir, we have to get going," he called out in a serious tone, all amusement gone from his voice and his expression.


Halmir nodded, but instead of giving his report he grinned at Lin, the scar at the corner of his mouth twisting grotesquely. "Hello, little one," he said warmly. "I see you're making your way around our part of the world. What do you think?"

Elros sighed. So much for that approach.

"Halmir," he prompted the man. "Report ..."

Halmir grinned at Lin. "I'm glad," he nodded. "Though of course it would be awkward for our employer's family not to feel comfortable here, or like it here, since of course he is our employer and it all belongs to him ..."

"Distracting me?" Halmir asked innocently. "From what?"


Elros straightened to his full and impressive height, and taking on a military tone, he barked, "Captain! Report!"


As if by magic, Halmir's entire attitude changed. He jerked to stand at attention and stared straight ahead. "All quiet, sir, nothing but wildlife all day," he said almost mechanically.

"Thank you," Elros breathed, once more expressionless and emotionless. "At ease, soldier." And he turned and headed off again before Halmir could get distracted again.

"Sometimes I wonder about Ulrich and Ulani's wisdom in hiring him on," he murmured softly to Lin, "though I won't argue the fact that he's the best fighter here."

Elros shook his head slowly. "You should see him when he's really serious," he replied softly. "Because then ... he's truly frightening, even to those who are used to combat. You are right, though," he smiled, "he is very nice. A bit too nice, some might say, but that's just him."