Estarfin the Wise

It was late. It was dark that few noticed we two walking through their village, with our horses following closely. Those who did moved away, their eyes wide.

"We mean you no harm," Estarfin tried, having first spoken to them in quenya.

We stopped by a stone wall, and looked over the well tended fields. These folk certainly loved their land. 

"I cannot easily believe that Eru intends folk like these to suffer." I mused aloud, thinking of possible wars ahead... thinking of a contingent at Fornost in the past.

Estarfin shrugged. "I do not know His intentions, nor will I guess at it."

I looked still out over their lands, and at the river and forest beyond. The stars began to appear. 

"You are wise, Estarfin," I said. 

He looked at me solemnly, then he laughed loud and long at me.

I laughed too.