Danel

We had made our words known to our witnesses. We had exchanged rings. It felt to me as if we were the only folk left in Arda. My heart was racing, yet I had an overwhelming sense of rightness about what finally was; a sense of peace.

Estarfin stepped closer. "Racarne," he breathed quietly, laying a hand on my waist. 

He lay there in the bloodstained snow, barely able to move his broken body, even to writhe in his agony; barely able to draw breath. And that warg had dare have hold of him, crushing his leg as if he were a deer it had brought down for lunch, while its rider cackled and prodded at his neck and chest, through the rend in his armour, with its spear. I could have screamed out my rage to the stars above, but no! I held both our lives in my hands. I would not fail him. 

(Quenya) " Yes, oh yes. My heart is overflowing. Most willingly and humbly do I add, before Eru Iluvatar, and our witnesses, that I have loved you from my youth, and that I will have you until the breaking of the world, and beyond."

It was just us, with Parnard and Marawendi as our witnesses. We called upon Tintalle, Lady of the Stars, and Eru Iluvatar, as our people before us had done. Our words were simple and short, we needed no long oaths from each other. 

(Quenya) "Before Tintalle, and humbly, before Eru Iluvatar himself, he who awakened our people on the shores of Cuivienan, I ask you to be my wife, until the world is broken and made anew, and beyond. Will you have me? "

Filignil and I had both changed into our gowns. The afternoon was wearing on. 

There was no sign of Estarfin!

I asked Barahirn if he had seen him, to be told he was working at his forge earlier, but Barahirn did not know where he was now. 

We spent much of our time at Numenstaya, working on the the walls and  general 'light fortifications'. It would never be easy to take us unaware again. Ceuro, Barahirn, Yrill and Filignil all helped. Parnard gave much vocal encouragement. The girls gave assistance where they could.

But when we were able, Estarfin and I, and sometimes Parnard, took short rides out in Ered Luin, and to the edges of The Shire, which we loved. Just being together amid the beauty of the lands, and under the stars was rest for us. 

(Picture by Estarfin)

Parnard straightened up and cleared his throat. "The Witnesses are ready." he said. 

(Picture by Parnard)