Imladris

Estarfin walked over to stand before me, even as Parnard ran from the hall, all but dragging the sobbing Marawendi behind him. There was a mixture of controlled rage and concern on his face. 

“Do not blame yourself,” he said, knowing my thoughts. 

My heart was lightened when Estarfin pushed open the double doors to the outside world. The exit from Moria had been on my mind. I could remember the entry password, a simple utterance of the word ‘friend’, but I could not recall one for departing. 

Upon entering the Hall of Fire, we headed to Estarfin, who was standing conveniently near Sogadan. There were several folk in the place, but it was not yet late enough in the day to be crowded, if indeed it would be. 

Both Estarfin and Parnard had departed the house by the time I rose from slumber. It was still early though, so I had plenty of time to bathe and dress, and make my way down to the Last Homely House for a few words with one of the librarians, before setting off to the forges to speak with Ruineth. 

I placed my glass of wine beside me, on the bench, and kicked off my shoes. Estarfin put his wine on the floor for the moment, and stretched out his long legs. It was good to relax.

“The Hall of Fire is so empty now,” said Parnard, with a hint of wistfulness.

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.

I cannot remember a time when I had smiled and laughed so much. My face ached, but it was worth it, every minute. A serious declaration had it been by both of us, with a nod to the difficulties we had endured to come to this night. But it had also been light of heart and joyful, with no room for any somberness. And he was happy too. I don’t think I had ever seen him quite so content? Indeed, we both embraced this future most willingly.