Hands of a Dealer

Hearing the King's voice within, Elboron hesitated at the door of his father's office rather than entering.

"The audience with the envoy from Rhûn, the meeting with the lord of Lossarnach over the proposed toll on the road, and also next month's courts of appeal... Are you sure this won't be too much on top of everything else, Faramir?"

"I'll cope."

Elboron tapped on the door and entered. The King greeted him cheerfully. He was shuffling a pack of cards. Father, eyes narrow, was watching his hands.

"But we'll play with my deck next time, I think," said the Steward.

For phyloxena

Altariel, 26th August 2018