I run ahead in my retelling of events. Something came to pass more recently that the tale of our wanderings East of the Hithaeglir need wait a little.
Now this happened on the first evening we returned to Imladris. Both of us were in good spirits, though at that point glad for a short respite from riding. Estarfin had gone to report his return. I had gone to my long neglected dwelling, Tham Foroden, as I was want to do. Without the attendance of its old caretakers, the hall was a touch gloomy. It took me several hours to sort things to my liking, even though my heart told me I would not stay for long. So though I had washed my face and hands, and run a brush through my hair, I had not bathed nor changed my clothing when I went early to the Hall of Fire, to have a few words with Sogadan, and a glass or two of wine. Bathing would come later, and a change into something more fitting for the Last Homely House. Estarfin had said we could meet on the following morning, in Imlad Gelir to talk of what we were considering next. Knowing this to be one of his favourite places, I did not object.
The Hall was nigh empty, as I entered. It was just that time before folk began to assemble for music and song, or merely a drink with friends. Sogadan stood alone near the fire. I asked him if he had heard aught from Parnard. I asked the same question of him the previous time I had been in Imladris. And I had the same response. The Vintner shook his head. He knew not where or how his old ‘friend’ was.
I had not expected any news. Estarfin was correct in saying Parnard did not want to be found, though I, and Estarfin, wished it were otherwise.
So I took a bottle of an old favourite, Dorwinion red, and settled myself near the fire. A drink, some indulging in memories, then back to tidying and planning.
The main doors to the hall swung open, and in strode Belegos!
I froze momentarily, wondering if this were but a dream of days past. But no…
“Danel! I had thought to surprise you,” he called the length of the Hall. His face was bright with life, and far from any fading I had feared. He walked straight to me, then stopped. He did not reach out, but regarded me quizzically.
“Belegos! It is most certainly a surprise to me. But you are really here, and looking none the worse for whatever missions you have been on.” And I smiled warmly at him, beckoning him to join me. “It does my heart good to see you again. And what good fortune, for we only arrived back in Imladris this morning.”
He approached, but still stood a few paces away, and that surprised me not, for his garb told tales of its own. Long trails, and hard rides after enemies, And mud, Quite a lot of dried mud.
*Oh? I am sorry I was away for so long, duty, as oft occurs, took me and my party to many places. But I am still under orders.”
I nodded in turn. I understood. I knew why he was away for so long. But that counted as naught just to see him alive and well.
“I am rarely here myself any more, dear Belegos. I dwell now in Celondim. But Estarfin and I have been on a wander around Eregion, then Felegroth in search of Parnard.”
Belegos’ eyes widened and he inhaled sharply. “Estarfin? He is well, he has returned?”
And there was joy on Belegos’ face at that. Old friends were they indeed, for better and for worse.
“He is well. Healed in body from the damage done in the Hithaeglir, and dare I say better in spirit to some extent.”
Belegos laughed, his eyes twinkling. “And Parnard, did you find him?”
I shook my head. “Not as yet.”
For a moment Belegos frowned. Though we had never spoken of it, I believed he held that Wood Elf as dearly as I did. And from some of Estarfin's words in Felegoth, he did!
“And Estarfin would say he was never away,” I continued. “He has been in Imladris almost all the time. It turns out he was away with patrols on a few occassions. They tended to be the times we were here. He loves not to wander aimlessly, but rather to be in one place, he tells me. I am trying to instruct him,”
Belegos smiled.
I looked to Sogadan. “Another glass please” and poured Belegos some wine. I turned and took his hand, and for a brief moment he pulled away a little, then relaxed at the touch and smiled again.
“I am so pleased to see you are safe.” I held on to him a moment longer, then handed over the wine. “Drink a welcome cup, even if you look as if this is but a short visit.”
“You read my thoughts, Danel. I can be here but briefly. Though it may be I can visit again and sooner.”
I nodded. I understood.
And the doors to the Hall swung open again.
Now Estarfin had taken time to refresh himself, and was garbed in…
I waved to him. “Here I am in still in riding clothes, and you are a vision in red.” (I spoke ‘red’ loudly)
He frowned at me, then laughed. Aye, such ‘banter’ as we had on colours was unlikely to be resolved. But he had donned some of his finest clothing, and the red did suit him. And he saw Belegos.
The frown was back as he walked the length of the hall to where Belegos and I stood, then he looked his old friend up and down. I knew not what he was thinking.
Belegos nodded to him in return, then said “ Wait…I….” It was Belegos’ turn to laugh. “Well, well. By the grace of the Valar!”
Estarfin smiled slightly in turn. “It has been barely the blink of an eye. But it is good to see you again.”
I sighed with relief. All was well. Indeed, the two had had their differences, but they had been as brothers.
“Danel’s face is always a cure for my ills,” Belegos continued, and I gasped to myself. “But to see you again, Estarfin, is a joy I thought my heart would never feel.” He paused for a moment, then smirked as he added, “You have put on weight!”
“The rations have improved somewhat of late,” Estarfin replied, while I was thinking 'we have ate little but Lembas these past four months'. “You look as if you have walked through every bog and bush from here to the sea, my friend.”
I closed my eyes, hoping..nay, knowing the Warden of the Sixth Gate of Gondolin, and Caranthir’s prized smith and champion, really were friends.
At that, Belegos looked down at his dirt stained attire, and grinned. “The weight suits you. And this ….you would not be far wrong.”
Estarfin smiled.
“If you wish to remain as you are, we can all three alight to the stables. That may be more suitable? ” That was Estarfin, now having acquired a glass from Sogadan, and drinking the wine. He kept a totally straight face.
“I wouldn’t want to sully your noble clothes, brother,” Belegos retorted, finishing his wine. “Though the stables may do you some good.” Belegos was less want to keep a straight face. He laughed.
Though I was wary of what Belegos might say, it was a very good evening. To see Belegos, and he and Estarfin together as they had often been, was a tonic for me. I asked Belegos if he would be staying long, already knowing the answer.
“I wish it were that easy. But there is much to be done in these lands at the moment. I will return to Imladris when I may, and perhaps for a little longer.
“We will leave messages for you when we…..” I hesitated a moment to look to Estarfin, He nodded. “ ..when we travel to Celondim, or elsewhere. Do not be a stranger.”
We parted merrily that night, but in the Morning, Belegos was gone again, as I had expected. I resolved then that I would speak with Estarfin of what had occurred, and soon.
