Parnard

“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. 

Wanting to be near the stars, and Tintalle, we chose the Haven of Orladion to make our declarations. Already we were of one mind and heart, but it was our way to speak out our intent, and to exchange rings. With no remaining family between us, the Starkindler was our witness, and he who had become as family...Parnard. 

"Dusk departs," I observed.

Estarfin was watching the setting sun. He turned to face me. He smiled. "It has been a long road, but we are finally here," he said. 

And departing the company of Lady Manadhlaer and the others, we three returned to a place near to Sogadan where Parnard could question him. They really were good friends, and any recent misunderstanding seemed to have gone. The Wood elf grabbed the Vintner by the shoulders and said, "Still dreaming, eh?"

"The tray is outside, Sogadan," Estarfin also addressed the Vintner as he poured himself a fresh glass of wine. "Fetch it when you will." He leant against the table.

Our first day back in Imladris is almost over. I am not certain what I think. The Vale is as beautiful as it always was. Little seems to have changed, but then I have not been absent for so very long.

Faces have changed somewhat. There are some I look for who I have not yet seen, and many I do not recognise. But I have encountered a few old friends.