Too much fire in the hall

Yestereve I left Araenion absorbed in the library. For once a gathering of the Eldar did not tempt him, curled up as he was by the study fire, lost in maps of the East. In truth I was pleased, I had not the heart to tell him that the invitation had only been extended to me, that for this one time Men were not allowed. A suprise then, to reach the Hall of Fire and to see Arohm and his cat there. A pleasant one, and much later Araenion was pleased to go in search of his friend. But of mine, there was dear Galvathalion as ever courteous, kind and as vast and untroubled as the depths of the sea. Cironael greeted me, which was kind of him, but the press of folk was so great that I found it hard to talk to either. I found a place by the great fire, close enough to listen to news though not to talk. Anglachelm seemed to be holding a small court! How his reputation has grown. And how I recall him, before he re-established his house, how we argued, how he made my first long sword ... those dreadful hats ... and how he so often lectured me on, ah... what is now so obvious to both of us. I spent much of the evening with Anglachelm and with Fromrandir and, from his accent, a Man I judged to be from the North. I do not know what fey mood overcame me, but it seems I have a wager with him! Perhaps it was his accent, or the dour set of his jaw, or the raincloud eyes... I found myself trusting something in him... and yet, perhaps all he is is an echo of the Star of the North himself. How I miss him. This unneamed newcomer pulled me back into memories of Luinil's light on the lake Evendim, and the strong quiet presence that always rests in his grey eyes. Northern Star. But, I will not be melancholy here! With Vallandur it is always no news is likely to be good, and I believe that I will know when the story of his life comes to its end. But of stories ending... Anglachelm gave me a rather worn letter ... he really does not understand some things. To give me a letter bearing such news in such company. I was hurt and I was angry and so saddened by the news. Whatever Fromrandir says of the news of Beodric's death... I do blame myself. And then, hard of the heels of one thing, another... Anglachelm, I finally began to understand, is leaving. And leaving soon. I ... found that I do not like it. I suprised myself, that I do not want him to leave. As for his personal news, I was speechless. Oddly.. I find that.. ah.. do do not like that either. What a fool I am. With him gone, for however long, at least one thing is clear. There is likely to be little opposition for my hopes with Araenion. ... Imagine, when Anglachelm is returned, to present to him a child of my own. How he will shout! hmm... perhaps I should not find that so amusing. I would not wish to lose a friend ... but, I cannot bear to lose the one I love.