Nevrast had a gloomy climate. It rained frequently, the pouring rains only increased the more dank and mellow atmosphere the sea and mountains provided. Yet, this was a place many of the Noldor considered home. It was summer, and Mystarennye and her friend Alasiel had traversed to a less popular region, inland, away from their usual home in Vinyamar.
The feilds were well fed by the constant rain. Tall grasses stained Mystarennye's yellow dress green. The sweet scented flowers were abloom in aroma and colorful display. The winds were gentle as the blonde elf stood in the field, holding her frail straw hat in protection from the burning sun. This fair weather was uncommon, and she was enjoying every second of it.
"Ugh, I'm so hot..."
Mystarennye turned to see her best friend, Alasiel, waving her own hat as a makeshift fan. Her purple dress, also stained by the vegetation, was light and delicate in the wind. Yet, one article of clothing was working to increase her body temperature.
"Alasiel," Mystarennye smiled at the pure blooded Noldor, "You should take off the scarf."
The green eyed elf reached up and tugged at the heavy black scarf wrapped around her neck. She shook her head. Mystarennye sighed, the scarf was something she wore so often, it was like a part of her body. Alasiel's jet black hair was wet with summer sweat. Mystarennye placed her hat on her head, her frown falling. "I will not mind you removing it, mellon. Our friendship would never fade because you removed the symbol of it."
Stubborn as always, Alasiel shook her head, "I know that. But..."
Mystarennye shrugged, starting to clear a patch to sit down in amongst the grass, "I would never be able to convince you otherwise."
As Mystarennye sat down in the grass, she noticed a purple flower near her spot. Was that an iris?
"Alasiel," she beamed, "This flower marches your dress!"
Alasiel stomped through the meadow and bent down to observe the flower, uninterested. "Yeah?"
Disappointment flooded Mystarennye, "When will you learn to appreciate the simple beauty of nature?"
Alasiel plopped down next to Mystarennye with a heave, "Who knows? Who cares?"
Alasiel turned and looked at Mystarennye, "We are older now. I believe they may let us join the military this year."
Mystarennye looked around. The grasses, flowers, and insects tending to the plant life. It was so serene here, so gentle. Yet, Alasiel was insistent as always on the brutal ugliness of war. Mystarennye felt deep sorrow as she returned her gaze to Alasiel, "Were you this restless before we met, back in the days of the Trees."
Alasiel scoffed, shifting her sitting position, "However I behaved then, that was then. I can't go back now, why bother wishing? Anyways, we need to fight Mo-"
Mystarennye reached over and pulled her hand over her lips, terrified that that name would taint their surroundings. She then looked down to the loose scarf and blinked solemnly, "Of course we do. And I will fight beside you, but..."
Mystarennye reached down and started fluffing the scarf, making it to where more airflow would reach her skin without removing the scarf all together, "... When will you learn to enjoy the little things? Flowers, strolls through the field."
She smoothed the scarf out, tender and caring, "The affection of a friend, yearning to enjoy a nice day out with you."
Alasiel took a moment, watching as Mystarennye finished fixing the scarf. Alasiel reached up and faintly brushed her hand on the scarf, then looked up to Mystarennye with a more somber, soft, expression, "Then... What do you want to do?"
Mystarennye felt hope spark then. She arose, above the towering grasses, and gently brushed some loose grasses from her skirt. She pointed towards a single pine tree some ways off, "See the evergreen there?"
Alasiel stood up, not bothering to brush herself off as she glanced and nodded.
Mystarennye turned to Alasiel with a cheeky, warm grin, "Race you there!"
The young hirils bolted for the tree, both laughing as they enjoyed their isolated serenity. Mystarennye relished in the nature and quiet surrounding them. The silence was only broken by the laughter of two young friends.
As the sun started to set, Mystarennye looked down from her seat under an oak tree to see Alasiel asleep beside her. Her scarf had a red wild flower plucked into it. The scarf would soon need replaced, in its harsh treatment from rolling in the flowers, but Mystarennye would not worry about that until later. She rested her head against the tree, closing her eyes and enjoying the cool wind in the shade.
Pleasant weather was rare in Nevrast, and Mystarennye spent the burning summer day with her closest friend. In many ways, she still felt like a child. Sadness and dread snuck up on her when she remembered they would not feel like children for too much longer. When Alasiel would join the military, Mystarennye would follow. Then, they would need to finally grow up.
As Alasiel started snoring, however, Mystarennye smiled. They may have to shed their youthfulness someday, but it was not this day. This day, they played in the meadow.
