*in a tone of gentle admonition* Oh but my lord Ecthelion. To lose something is to imply having had it in the first place.
*slaps you on the back companionably(?)* Perhaps it isn't lost, after all. Perhaps it's only delayed in its response. *gasps as though the thought's just occurred to him* That's a lot like you, isn't it? Putting off sending a rescue team to the Harp? Putting off fielding my various challengeswhich are, of course, made in the finest good spirits of competition? Are you averse to a little friendly competition, my lord? *chuckles* I can understand if you are. So can anyone with ears, I think.