Danel

“I still cannot believe that she does not wish to see me,” said Parnard as he walked in small, aimless circles around the room, the words of Captain Brethenel still ringing in his ears. 

“He did not say she did not want to be betrothed, did he? Only that he would not permit it," said Danel.

“If that is her choice - perhaps she knows that only pain could come from it?” said Estarfin.

Estarfin and I stood before the Sindar Captain, Brethenel, I at least wondering on the point in us remaining. We had accompanied our mutual friend, Parnard, to his homeland hoping he would be able to undertake a betrothal ceremony with his beloved Brasseniel, despite her father previously telling him she would not be permitted to wed until after the brewing war with the Dark Lord.

We sat for a while, each caught in our own thoughts now that Parnard was actually summoned. That we shared the same observation concerning Brasseniel’s apparent lack of interest, meant we both were less than convinced our friend would be successful in his endeavor. 

Captain Brethenel leaned back, elbows on the arms of his desk, face expressionless. His spartan office was in sharp contrast to the cozily-furnished room that Parnard had just left; the only other articles of furniture besides the desk was a large cabinet that stood along one wall and two hard-backed chairs.

“I should put on my armour soon, in case we are summoned," announced Parnard. 

True to his word, Cemmen saw that our horses were stabled and cared for. He directed us to the inner caverns of Felegoth for the rest of that night, promising there would be rooms available for us later in the day. There were a few guest quarters, but he would have to speak with the right folk about them. 

Marawendi peeked through the door to see who was making so much noise. The stranger's face was golden-tan and framed by a fringe of black and silver hair that hung down in loose waves over his shoulders. He wore a close-fitting red doublet embroidered with gold flowers at its edges, worn open because of the heat from the fire, and his loud peals of laughter filled the kitchen and echoed off its walls.