As I said, I was not expecting it.

All right. I don't have anything else in mind at this time, although I imagine that doesn't guarantee nothing will ever come up.

You seem likely to be good at identifying and mentioning it. Stay over tonight? I have a few more letters to write but I'll probably retire in an hour or so.

Sure. Is anybody likely to notice that I'm not sleeping in my own bed?

Yes, but Elves don't sleep every night anyway.

...do I need to consider the fact that I do sensitive information?

If the people who come by to clean the palace bedrooms hear 'humans sleep every day" they'll probably say "well, ours doesn't". I don't think they'd jump from there to 'he's sleeping elsewhere', but if they did I would hear about it at that stage.

And you're pretty sure you could do damage control.

I am very sure of myself on that front, yes.

Okay. Then I'd be delighted. Should I sneak in through the window or expect to be carried down the hall?

Do you like being carried down the hall? I like carrying you down the hall.

I am not sure I like it as much as you do but I do like it better than climbing through the window.

We can also walk.

I also like it better than that.

So he picks him up. I am hard-pressed for modes of transport you'd like as much as I like this. Flight, maybe. My father says he'll get that worked out someday.

Sounds fun.

If there weren't, ah, practical and moral issues with involving other people in my intimate life, and also orders that no Elf would ever follow, I would habitually have Findekáno dragged to my rooms. Not you, though, you're prettiest when you're being smug at me.

Kib obliges this sentiment with a self-satisfied smirk.

And Maitimo tosses him onto the bed and kisses him.

Kib squeaks when tossed, but is not dismayed enough not to kiss back.

I know you're a lot more fragile than us, do you have a preference for not being handled even beyond that?

Just startled me.

Okay. Kisses.

Kisses! Were you going to write letters? Did I smile too hard at you?

You said you didn't bring any mortal disease but I think you have contagious impatience. I shall have to sneak out after you sleep.