Danel

Estarfin had eventually arrived, taking Norlome to the stable, and then striding over the large lawns to join Danel and Parnard overlooking the sea. He looked exhausted.

Danel smiled a warm greeting. Estarfin nodded in return.

"Where have you been, friend Estarfin?" asked Parnard, offering up an almost full wine skin. 

"Working the forge. It is time I started earning my keep again."

Parnard blinked as the concept of 'earning one's keep' sank in. "Making swords or suchlike?"

I had taken an early ride upon Arhel, out along the tree shadowed lane towards the Hobbit lands. Not that I had intention of going further than the stone bridge over the stream. But I was light of mood, and Arhel was restless, and it seemed a good way to start the day. 

And as I rode on to the East, there came a faint song to my ears, and the sound of a flute. A female voice, sweet and yet not the most skilled. To me it sounded as if she were sad. So I halted on the path, sliding off Arhel's back, and looked around. 

'I asked my parents to let me train with Forodhir,' I said. 'They refused.'
'Too dirty'? teased Estarfin, with a grin. 

I shook my head, and blushed a little. 'They knew I wanted to train for the wrong reason. I am a Jewel Smith, not a Metal smith.' I held out my hands for him to observe, small hands, meant for fine and delicate work. 'And I only wanted to train there to be closer to you'.

"Shall I make a necklace for your lady?" I asked Parnard. 

I was eager to start work again on my craft, and Parnard was missing Brasseniel. I thought it a sensible option. My Wood Elf friend brightened of mood and looked thoughtful. 

"For her wedding?"

"If you think she may like such? I am a Mirdan, after all."

Parnard pondered my offer for a few moments, then bowed deeply before me. "I know it. Perhaps once her father has agreed to the betrothal?"