Danel

From A Hard Lesson

The eve of the day before we set out for Imladris, I rode down to the shore. We would be far from the sea for some time. It was just something I had to do. I took with me a short-sword I had been gifted in the First Age. Little need was their for Sarphir, travelling through this part of Ered Luin. 

I stood as the gulls circled before taking rest, as the quality of light changed, as anor sank low. And I thought on what lay ahead. 

I was certain of my path. 

The words shared between the two nissi were swallowed by the waterfall behind the Last Homely House and witnessed (if that is the word) only by a loudly snoring dog. None but themselves truly know what was shared in that all-too-brief conversation -- what doubts, worries, joys, and triumphs. The sparkle in Danel's eyes and the lightness in Manadhlaer's step, however, would tend to suggest that both were happy about something afterwards -- perhaps simply the conversation itself.

“It is a glorious evening to see my two dearest friends plight their troth, “ Parnard said, grinning as if his heart would burst with happiness. 

“It is a blessed night. Thank you for being here, Parnard…and you, Erestor” 

We waited for the stars to show, a sign that Tintalle was watching, was approving of us. We believed that she did. Though beautiful in itself, Anor seemed to take an extraordinarily long period to sink below the western horizon that eve. Then there were clouds, blue-grey with hints of gold, lazily passing overhead. All three of us scanned the sky, and were rewarded with an occasional glimpse of a few stars in the passing cloud gaps. 

"Perhaps one day we will only have starlight again?" Estarfin said.