Danel

Strange, how small, almost momentary thoughts can grant me a measure of rest.

With so much on my mind about what has happened, about what we do now...how to ensure we are safe in the future, yet that we do not live in a cage....those tiny distractions are welcome. It is almost like burying my head in a good book for ten minutes. My thoughts feels clearer afterwards. 

Strange, that my latest distraction was a memory of Ruineth, back in Imladris, that it was a hint of an action that moved me.

Barahirn managed a smile. It was still a bit one sided, but it felt good to him. Danel had finally permitted him to look in a mirror. No more yellow bruises, he could clearly see that. That had been what everyone mentioned when they first saw him.

"Oh, the bruises! Well, they will fade."

He smiled again. No one had wanted to say 'You look terrible', but he had known he did, he felt he did. 

A far more somber celebration than the previous year, some of those at Numenstaya gather for midsummer. Barahirn has food brought to him, and Ceuro is still too dazed by the death of Aearlinn to attend. Filignil and Parnard do their best to make a feast. 

Danel kneels by the grave of her murdered friend and student. Parnard and Estarfin stand close by, paying respects in their own way. 

Estarfin, Danel and Parnard, look over the remains of their home. Marawendi stays back, too shocked by the sight and smell to join them.