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Friends and allies are made in Mithlond as Naridalis returns to walking the great east road of eriador. The first story of the series Signs Along the Road can be found here: https://laurelinarchives.org/node/65649
In a garden kissed by dawn’s first light,
Where petals whisper secrets to the night,
There stands a maiden, pure and fair,
With snow-white tresses, soft and rare...
“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.
So I spoke with Lord Cirdan, and as it transpired, mostly about my new found and unwanted Sea-Longing. He told me of his. I had not realised. He offered me understanding, and more than a little hope, and was aided in this by the silent but warm company of the cat, Haldil. My life would never be quite the same, but I would learn to live with it, even as he had.
It happened the second time, as I left the Hall of Lord Cirdan. Something I could not explain.
There was a sound of horns in the distance, as of one blowing into great seashells that echoed the music of the sea, the beauty, the yearning for home..aye even home beyond Valinor. True home it was that sounded through the waters.
Estarfin looked down from the stars, watching the dark waves instead. 'You speak cruelly, though I do not believe there is malice behind your words.' he said.
Danel turned to him, confused and wounded by his accusation. Never would she willingly speak or act cruelly to him.
"How so?" she uttered.
'You spoke of slaying babes in arms, the most innocent of us all....'
'I do not think Parnard understands our warnings," Estarfin said as he looked out over the bay.
I nodded my head. I thought the same. "I do not know how the sea longing affects the Nandor or Avari, only that many of the Noldor and Sindar feel the call. It is a dangerous choice for him to make. But if he does decide to come here, I will not stand in his way."
Estarfin turned his head slightly, to watch a ship in the distance.
She promised herself she would not cry. She promised herself she would have been prepared, and strong, and stalwart, and brave. She promised herself she would not beg them to stay.
She was none of those things at the moment. She could barely hold herself from yelling at her mother and father to not board the damn ship. To not leave her for who knows how long. But she decided to stay didn’t she?