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Strange, how small, almost momentary thoughts can grant me a measure of rest.
With so much on my mind about what has happened, about what we do now...how to ensure we are safe in the future, yet that we do not live in a cage....those tiny distractions are welcome. It is almost like burying my head in a good book for ten minutes. My thoughts feels clearer afterwards.
Strange, that my latest distraction was a memory of Ruineth, back in Imladris, that it was a hint of an action that moved me.
He said he used to call me the 'unobtainable Princess in the Tower'. The only part of that which was true, was that I dwelt in a tower. But in those far off days, how was he to know I watched him as much as he watched me?
And now, beyond all expectations, we are travelling together. He will follow where I lead. For now, at the least.
So we met in Imlad Gelair, as planned. Our conversation hopeful, looking forward. Though neither of us fully spoke our mind, we knew...I knew where matters were heading.
After Parnard assured Danel that he would only listen to the conversation, and not say a word, to his surprise Ruineth turned to him, and speaking quickly and quietly, said that she wished to speak with him, alone. Then she led him away to a quiet corner beside a beech tree, and told him:
Upon entering the Hall of Fire, we headed to Estarfin, who was standing conveniently near Sogadan. There were several folk in the place, but it was not yet late enough in the day to be crowded, if indeed it would be.
“He has spoken with me about many things, yes. Or is it something in particular to which you refer? I know he tried to drive you away from him by telling of some of his past deeds? Of the kinslayings?
And I all but bit my tongue, knowing Parnard stood close.
“He has told me all of it,” Ruineth replied, still softly, but loud enough for Parnard to open his eyes wider. “All of the blood that still clings to him, that can never be made clean.” She shuddered. “He reveled in it.”
Both Estarfin and Parnard had departed the house by the time I rose from slumber. It was still early though, so I had plenty of time to bathe and dress, and make my way down to the Last Homely House for a few words with one of the librarians, before setting off to the forges to speak with Ruineth.
I placed my glass of wine beside me, on the bench, and kicked off my shoes. Estarfin put his wine on the floor for the moment, and stretched out his long legs. It was good to relax.
“The Hall of Fire is so empty now,” said Parnard, with a hint of wistfulness.
I will say from the start, I have no great love for Ruineth. By her words was I kept from Estarfin’s side while he struggled to recover from his extensive injuries in the Hithaeglir. By her words did I accept what I thought he wanted, and stay away. She spoke with me while I too was recovering, and still quite blind, that I could not look upon her face and demeanor.