Danel

‘Beautiful hair’, his mother had called him, and rightly so. Though it had a will of its own, when brushed and combed out it was a thick wavy mane that any would be proud of. 

“It is like dry twigs,” he had said to me when I first set comb to it. Nay, it took but a little patience to restore its vitality. 

He has been on my mind again of late. Just a passing thought, here and there. I miss him still. Yes, I disappointed him. And how I wish I had not. But he judged Estarfin poorly at Amon Ereb, and I could not merely stand by, as I should have. I challenged my patron, my protector...my friend? I know I would do the same again. I would speak up for Estarfin regardless. But perhaps with more grace and respect due to my Prince. I wonder if he ever really forgave me?

(Picture by Estarfin.)

Parnard oft calls me 'cousin'. We are, of course, not actually related in any way. It has become a term of endearment that I use in turn for him.

He learned I had no family in contact for almost two Ages, my parents having been slain, my cousins travelling their own path. 'Then I shall be your cousin,' he offered. 

We have been friends for some time, he and I, even though we are so different. Yet the longer I know him the more he seems like actual family to me. 

The festival has ended and we three must make ready for our journey to Mirkwood. We shall stop a short time at Imladris however, to take stock of what we need in crossing the Hithaeglir this time of year. Our purpose after that is to see Parnard reaches his home, and if at all possible, she to whom he would be betrothed. 

I remember...

Home, before the Dagor Bragolach, before the fire and the dragon and the armies of orcs. Before retreat, unthinkable until then, before riding to whatever sanctuary could be found in the lands of Ambarussa. Before so very many were lost.

And then, the day before the last of the festival, out of the morning mists walked Belegos. 

"Just a fleeting visit," he told them "And to remind you I have my eye on you. Both eyes when I can."

He was warmly greeted, and asked how he was, and how his mission progressed. There was ever hope he would be free to spend some time at Numenstaya, but his three friends understood. 

"Someone has to save Middle Earth," he said to them, with a grin, knowing all of them did their part when needed. 

“You doubt his love for you?” Parnard asked of me.

“No Parnard, I do not,” I replied without even thinking. Why should I doubt that? Estarfin merely said he wanted an apprentice. Am I wrong in not welcoming Ruineth?

Seating himself more comfortably on the grass, my wood-elf friend took up his flagon of wine, and had a few sips. “With all the talk of bringing that maiden here?”

I shook my head. “If he loved her, he would be with her. Not planning betrothal with me. I do not doubt him.”