I will say from the start, I have no great love for Ruineth. By her words was I kept from Estarfin’s side while he struggled to recover from his extensive injuries in the Hithaeglir. By her words did I accept what I thought he wanted, and stay away. She spoke with me while I too was recovering, and still quite blind, that I could not look upon her face and demeanor. When I think back, I honestly consider she believed she spoke truth; that she and her Lord were most happy together. She could not understand why I had gone out to rescue him. Later, on our travels nigh the Shire, Estarfin explained the situation to me, that I understood he had by no means knowingly encouraged her. A misunderstanding it seemed, on both parts.
But there is this. Ruineth is not the only one to lose him. I, also, know what it is like to lose him.
It had been a busy day in Imladris. All three of us had spent time speaking with certain others, making plans to travel soon. Estarfin and I had congratulations from those few remaining folk who knew us. There was an encounter with Lady Manadhlaer again; this time she and I stood on the back porch, and exchanged news and general talk. When we parted I know I felt that bit more hope for her situation. I believe she did too.
We took a picnic down to the platform by the falls, and got rather wet as a result. The wind was still strong, and the water was willing to head in our direction. No matter. We had spent a short time remembering talking there before, and many of the walks around the Vale.
Parnard had made off to the market, and returned to Tham Forodren talking about making more food for our journey. It was good that he could turn out such supplies, and while he was skilled with cooking meat, he was no Filignil.
In the afternoon I went to the stable and rode out on Pelorian for a while, that she understood we would soon be on the move again. My mare was experienced with the mountains, knowing what lay ahead. I hoped she would be a steady influence on Norlome and Swan-Hoof.
And throughout it all, I found my eyes returning time and again to the ring I now wore. Turning it on my finger, I admired everything about it. I found myself oft smiling with amazement. I had thought he would seek out a gem smith in Mithlond, not make it himself. But this was so much more personal. I could not have been happier.
As the evening approached, we decided we would again visit the Hall of Fire. Parnard wanted to hurry ahead. He seemed eager to see who was there.
Estarfin was caught up when an old acquaintance from the Hammer came to the door, so I walked ahead.
And the Hall of Fire was bright and glowing, but almost empty. So different did it seem these recent evenings, from when we had been here ten years ago. Dancing and merriment oft continued into the small hours in days past.
I showed the guard by the door I was carrying no weapons, and entered, to be met by the ever pacing Gilfinel. Deftly dodging to one side as she continued her perambulation, I saw there were still a few folk about, and Parnard was standing near his friend, Sogadan, as was expected.
He grinned and ordered a glass of wine for me.
“Make that four, cousin. Estarfin will not be long, and Sogadan and yourself should partake as well.”
Parnard nodded.
“There was a large dog in here, running on the table,” was his opening conversation.
“Alone?” I asked.
“It belonged to a man. They have departed.”
Sogadan looked over to me and nodded confirmation. I patted him on the shoulder. “The wine is thanks for how well you spread good news, friend.”
The Vintner looked just a touch confused. Parnard reassured him to accept the drink. After all, there were no bad feelings towards him. And had we not been wished well by folk from the stables, library, and market? It seemed there were few who had not been informed directly or indirectly by Sogadan of our betrothal.
And at that point Estarfin arrived. He nodded a greeting.
Parnard turned immediately and bowed. “Evening, Estarfin friend. How goes it?”
“I am glad you made it here before the rain arrives.” I spoke happily as I walked round Sogadan to be by his side.
Turning swiftly, Parnard spoke to Sogadan. “Wine! Wine for Estarfin. Pour it out, quick!"
Estarfin smiled at us both. (Yes, we were all still smiling a lot more than usual. Even Sogadan managed a grin.)
“Well enough,” he replied to our friend. “Did I give you the key, Parnard? I forgot.”
Parnard handed wine to Estarfin and informed him that he had not. Then Estarfin patted his pockets with his free hand, finding a small brass key. He held out the key to Parnard and took a sip of his wine.
“The key to your armoury?” I asked.
“Indeed. Armoury is perhaps too grand a term. It is more of a storeroom for weapons and armour.”
I nodded.
“What am I going there for, Cousin? I have both already.”
“For a suitable outfit to traverse the Hithaeglir,” I said to Parnard.
“I thought you needed a doublet?” Estarfin said.
“And some furs,” I added.
“Ah – yes, I forgot about that. Furs will be in there, hmm?” Parnard looked hopeful, and tossed the key up and down in the air.
“Yes, there will be a selection,” Estarfin said. “Some may be old and of no use. But there are some from a year or so ago that are hardly used.”
“Have you heard any recent weather reports from the mountains?” I asked in general, knowing Sogadan may well know more than we did.
"Well, have you, gossip?" Parnard said.
Sogadan shrugged, and went back to considering his wines.
“The winds are chill, I know that at least,” Estarfin stated.
I nodded at his words. “I ask because some I spoke with at the market earlier said there would likely be another heavy snowfall within the next three days. The few travellers coming into Imladris from the mountains have all said the high passes are already most treacherous. It may delay our departure.”
Parnard looked at us with some concern. “If it is ill weather we should remain by the fire and drink wine."
“Our alternative is to set out first thing tomorrow morning and try and outrun the snow,” I suggested.
A few folk on the far side of the room turned their heads at that. Sogadan shook his head.
“I do not know what the weather will do. If it is to worsen, it would be folly to depart.” Estarfin put down his empty glass on the table. “But if we wait overlong it will be spring before we depart.”
“I do not like the thought of trying to outrun a snow storm,” I said softly, looking to Estarfin. “Though I would rather not be here for weeks, I know this time just after Mid-Winter can be particularly bad.”
“Avalanches,” said Parnard, reaching for the open wine bottle to refill our glasses. “Once it thaws in spring there are more chances of avalanches.”
“And more chance of goblin movement,” I added, thanking Parnard for the wine. “I do not want us encountering them, if at all possible.”
Estarfin sighed. “And yet the Hithaeglir is still the safest route.”
Parnard smiled. “It is settled: we must sit by the fire, drink wine, and wait for a more auspicious time to depart the Valley.” He headed over to one of the benches near the fire, carrying a half full bottle and his glass, to make his point.
Estarfin and I exchanged glances. Neither of us wished to waste time, but until the expected bad weather had passed by, Parnard’s suggestion made the most sense. I asked Sogadan for a second bottle of wine, then we went to join Parnard by the fire.
“Have you heard any recent tales in the Valley?” Estarfin asked, making himself comfortable on a chair. “All my tales are old.”
A smiled at him a touch wryly. “Just a few,” I said.
