Danel

“But you mentioned feasting.” Parnard brought us back to the present.

I nodded. “The evenings are chill, but not bitter. So should we be in the Hall or have a fire outside? What do your folk do?”

I wanted my mind clear to concentrate. This was the most personal work I had ever set my hand to, and it had to be just right. But there were other demands vying for my attention. Parnard’s suggestion of me making rings or wristlets imbued with a virtue to help resist the sea longing was dear to my heart. I wondered that no one had crafted such before? Then again, in the times of Eregion there had been little desire to depart, focusing rather on building our ‘Kingdom’ here.

I heard him move nigh mid afternoon. He had slept long, and I hoped well. I had sat beside him most of the night, watching, questioning myself over what I had done. Oh, he had told me the fault was his. It was not. The reaction was his, but I had initiated the whole problem. Why had I brought a Woman back to our home?

Danel sighed, and turning to Estarfin said, "Perhaps it is time? Time we told Parnard?"

"There are no secrets here."

“I would not make a prisoner of you, no matter your words?” Estarfin had said to me, when we were still in the Caverns in the cliffs, partaking of wine and food with Parnard.

The following day, at the appointed hour of dawn, Parnard met Danel on the street. She seemed lighter of mood than the day before, but her face was wan and her gray-blue eyes, though still bright, were encircled by dark shadows. 

I am not a princess. I never was, despite what Estarfin thought. Treated as a princess, yes, and by my parents. I suspect many a young girl, particularly an only child, was treated as in some way special. It did not help that Prince Caranthir also treated me with esteem, as a cousin. As a reminder. Yes, often as a princess.