I placed my glass of wine beside me, on the bench, and kicked off my shoes. Estarfin put his wine on the floor for the moment, and stretched out his long legs. It was good to relax.
“The Hall of Fire is so empty now,” said Parnard, with a hint of wistfulness.
“It has struck me how quiet it is since we arrived in the Valley,” I agreed.
“It is not a high day, that is no surprise.” Estarfin looked around at the few others in the Hall.
“Few folk travel this time of year, unless needful, but I cannot ever recall it this empty. Where are the Old Houses? Are their people all out on patrols?” I mused, a little confused.
“Folk might have sailed,” Parnard suggested, twirling a flower he had plucked from a nearby vase.
“I have not heard it said, but I do wonder if some of the folk are deployed further East? Either that, or we chose to pay a visit in less sociable hours?”
Estarfin sighed, and took up his glass again. It was time to change the subject.
“I have heard from some of the guards there are reports the goblins are not as active this year. The harsh weather has even turned them to their caves and holes in the ground."
“I have heard tales of dangerous beasts lurking in the Vales of the Andunë, ” said Parnard, with something nearing concern, and raised the flower to his nose to savor its scent.
“That the goblins are not as active is good news at least.” I spoke of the easier matter, for in truth I had been a little concerned how Parnard would fare in the Anduin Vale from the time the journey was first mooted.
“It will not last. It never does.” Estarfin replied to my report. I knew such was truth.
“If they can manage to hide away for another week or two I shall be most relieved,” I swirled the small amount of wine left in my cup, then rose to my feet and saw to the refilling of all three glasses.
“That Vale is unfriendly to travellers. The Bear-Men are still men.” Estarfin nodded his thanks to me, then looked at Parnard. “Bear-Men and Woodsmen. None can be trusted.”
The wood elf smiled, a far-away look in his eyes. “I have been pursued more times than I can count by many wild beasts and fell creatures. Each time I foot it featly and escaped without hurt. Why would this time be any different? Besides, you and Estarfin friend will be near."
“We shall all keep a close watch on each other, Cousin,” I said encouragingly as I wiggled my toes in the heat of the fire.
“Oh, and there was news at the Library of a messenger from Lothlorien, seeking an audience with Lord Elrond. It seems they have had two recent attacks on their northern borders.”
Both neri turned to look at me. “Trouble in the Southern Greenwood, no doubt," said Parnard.
“The attacks were turned back, of course.” I added, less there was any doubt that Lothlorien was safe. “But yes, the orcs likely came through Mirkwood.”
“Is that unusual?” Estarfin asked, his dark eyes shadowed for a moment.
I nodded, and sipped at my wine. “For Lorien it is. I could be in error though.”
Parnard leaned forward and whispered, “It is not unusual in the slightest. That Tower of the Necromancer is like unto a beacon drawing forth all wicked things and commanding them.”
I cast my thoughts back to the time we three, and Belegos and Elloen, had entered Dol Guldur to recover my family’s heirloom; the sword Urusse, forged by Mahtan himself. It had been a dark and dangerous undertaking.
“Although I do not suppose beacons command much, usually," Parnard said with an embarrassed cough.
We all paused for a moment as two of the scholarly folk in the Hall came in to speak with Sogadan concerning what wine to serve with a dish of mushrooms.
Once they left I spoke what was in my heart: “Regarding Lothlorien, I trust in the Lady. I may not agree overmuch with her, but she can and will defend her land and people.”
“Do you trust in the Lady, too, Estarfin?” Parnard asked.
Estarfin frowned slightly. “She will do as she sees fit.”
I nodded my agreement. “Indeed. As she always has. She is no friend of ours, Parnard, though neither is she an enemy. She will defend what is hers.”
“Her wood, yes. What transpires beyond her borders is of little concern, but she is not a meddler, and she is friendly towards my King, and that is good enough for me.” The wood elf smiled at us.
“I am uncertain if she will aid the Vale in general, but I believe she will aid the Greenwood."
“She would aid us, at need.” Parnard spoke with confidence. “There is kindred among the Court and her folk.”
“Perhaps, if it suited her purpose,” Estarfin said.
I looked over at him, and nodded solemnly. We were of one mind regarding the Lady Galadriel. We trusted she had the power to act. The will to do so was less certain.
“The last piece of news I have comes from one of the stable hands. I find it concerning, though there is naught we can do about it at present.”
Both others looked at me again.
“Hmm?” said Estarfin.
“It seems a small party were heading along the Great East Road towards Mithlond, and were attacked,” I explained.
“Brigands again?” asked Parnard.
“I shook my head. “The stablehand did not mention so, and we slew so many that I would wonder at that.”
Estarfin was leaning forward. “The roads grow more dangerous. A small group you say?”
I nodded to Estarfin. “All three were slain. Their bodies were found by a patrol out of Celondim. They had likely been dead for a couple of days. Someone had cut their ears off.” The words chilled me as I spoke. “Two nissi and a child around twenty.”
Both neri fell silent for a moment. It was most unexpected news to say the least.
“Cut their ears off? Who would want to do that!" Parnard cried out.
I took a large sip of my wine. My own thoughts were racing; they had been since I first heard the news.
“To what end?” Estarfin asked softly.
“There are no certain answers. All had been slain by a sword. None of their goods were touched, save perhaps jewellry taken?”
Parnard considered the matter further. “The ears are some sort of trophy, perhaps, of a barbarous sort of person," he said.
“Well, yes, Cousin. It is not the action of a civilised person, or a sane one.”
“Strange news,” said Estarfin in a tone that suggested he was considering the matter carefully. I did not want him to become withdrawn pondering my words, and took up my glass as I moved to sit next to him.
“Perhaps it was a way to mark the killings," suggested Parnard.
“Perhaps. It seems Mithlond has doubled its patrols, anyway. And there is naught we can do from here. Those back at Numenstaya will see to the safety of any passing near our home, if I know Filignil. And Ceuro may be there now as well.”
Estarfin looked at me and nodded.
“It leaves a bad taste though," l told him.
Estarfin shrugged. “Why?” he asked.
“Because it sounds to me like the work of Men. Our folk would never do such a thing, neither, I believe, would the Dwarves of Ered Luin.”
“No Orcs have wandered that far West,” Parnard said, but looked unsure.
“And I do not think our Halflings would use their gifts to that end.”
Both shook their heads at me. That was unthinkable.
Still a little concerned at Estarfin’s nigh silence on the matter, I decided to end the conversation. Perhaps he was making the connections I was, perhaps not?
“So that is all my news, scanty and sorrowful though it is.”
There were a few moments of silence, then Estarfin spoke. “It is more news than I have heard, unless you are interested in new Naugrim iron shipments coming in soon.” (We were still not totally of one mind on Dwarven folk, sadly.)
“New Dwarf supplies? What are they for? Is Imladris gearing up for battle?” I asked him.
“The forge folk would be the ones to ask,” said Parnard, glad for a change of topic. “That Ruineth would know.”
Foolish was I, but my heart sank a little at his suggestion. Since we had arrived in Imladris I had been turning the thought over in my mind that I should pay her a visit. My heart sank because I doubted it would be that friendly a visit, yet I felt it keenly that I should at least try and build a bridge of understanding with her. From the way she had looked at me when Estarfin and I had last been in Imlad Gelir, she was hurt, and not a little angry. I would lessen that, if possible. My quandary was, would I make matters better or worse?
Estarfin was answering my question. “Weapons, armour, horse shoes, nails, gates…”
“Can they not take old metal, melt it down and reforge it anew, Estarfin friend?”
“They could. But it is easier to start with fresh material,” Estarfin replied to Parnard, and seeming to notice the glass in his hand, swallowed down wine.
“I do wonder if I should go and speak with Ruineth while we are here, meldanya?” I announced.
“She is usually in the forges,” Estarfin said. “Do you need something for the journey?”
“Nay,” I replied. “I feel uneasy about her situation. I would just try to speak with her, to help her, if she will permit.” I looked at Estarfin. I would not visit her without his knowledge. “You are still her….friend, yes?” I asked him.
He thought for a moment. “I do not think I can still claim that title. We are fellow smiths, so that fellowship at least stands. But little else I think?”
Hearing the conversation turning to private matters, Parnard rose to his feet and discreetly wandered over to Sogadan, and clapping him on the back, said, “Now you old rascal, hand over that bottle of Dorwinion you have been hiding under the table.”
I turned my attention back to Estarfin. “I would help mend that, if it be possible. She was your friend, and your apprentice. I hesitate because in seeking to make matters better for her, I could make them worse. But I do not want her to think I oppose her. I was thinking of telling her she is welcome to visit us at Numenstaya if she ever wishes?”
Estarfin looked surprised. “Indeed?”
“Disappointment, anger….I understand. But I am only guessing at how she feels. I do not know. I would have the friendship restored, the ability to talk with her mentor, if that is acceptable to you both, though it may be easier for her if she does not speak with you at all?”
“That will do, that one will do.” Parnard’s high voice echoed off the walls, and after prising the bottle of Dorwinion from Sogadan’s hands, returned and asked if we wanted more wine.
Estarfin smiled and held out his glass. “Please.”
“You will not know without asking her, I think?” Again, Estarfin held my attention.
I nodded slowly. “Then unless you object I shall try to heal what I can?”
“Do as you wish,” he replied softly.
“I should speak a few words to her as well, but I think I shall merely look on, as a disinterested observer of course, ha ha ha!"
“Then perhaps you should accompany me, Cousin, but stand at a distance unless matters go most well?” Now I had actually spoken my thoughts, I was more at ease with the situation. I would do my best, but if it was not enough, then so be it.
“I shall do it gladly,” said Parnard with a cheerful smile and drank more wine. I was a little surprised at his enthusiasm, given his last encounter with Ruineth.
“And watch us both, if you will?”
“Watch? Whatever for?”
“Anything untoward.”
“Oh! I understand, Cousin. And if that should happen, what should I do?”
“Call the guards,” I answered. “She has a strong punch. Working metal for so long can do that.”
“I know it, I know it!” Parnard said, speaking from personal experience with the heavy-handed Ruineth. “I shall call for the guards at once."
“I, too, have a strong punch, if push comes to shove,” I said with a sigh, mostly to reassure Parnard that he would not be forced to defend me from Ruineth.
Estarfin frowned slightly, and noticing his sudden displeasure, I explained: “Ruineth struck Parnard before; I cannot be certain she will not try and strike me. That is why I asked if you minded."
“All the ladies wish to fight over Estarfin,” Parnard murmured, green eyes wide with awe.
I turned to Parnard, firm of expression. “I am not fighting over him. What is the point in so doing? Either someone wants to be with you, or they do not. Neither do I believe that is what Ruineth would do. Yet it is possible she still holds anger towards me.”
Estarfin shifted slightly. “I do not mind you speaking with her, but it seems a little unkind to jest.”
“It is no jest. She is strong. All I am saying is I shall defend myself at need.”
“You think it would come to that?” Estarfin asked.
“I hope it does not. It is not my wish. If she will not speak with me, then I shall walk away.”
“But who is stronger?” Parnard broke in again. “Both are fiery-tempered ladies! O! the flames of love: none are hotter.”
“Parnard, please!” Most times Parnard was of great help, but this was not one of them.
The wood elf twirled his flower again, and deciding that it would be better for him if he kept quiet, contented himself by drinking more wine.
“I want to make peace, if it is possible. And restore a friendship.”
“You were friends with her before?” Estarfin asked of a sudden.
“I? Nay. She hardly ever spoke with me, but turned her head away if we ever encountered each other. But I feel for her. If she knew that, if and when she chose, we would welcome her visits, would it help her?”
“I cannot tell you,” Estarfin said, looking slightly uncomfortable as the conversation progressed.
Parnard put his hand on his hip, and unable to hold his tongue (for it was loosened by the heady wine), observed how the hearts of maidens are full of 'twisty-turns.'
Estarfin was thinking. “Would it help to commission a work from her? That always brings me good cheer.”
“Have her make a knife, a long eating-knife with bright jewels in the handle," said Parnard.
I smiled at both in turn, thinking the idea was a good one. “Yes! I could begin by asking her to make me something, and collect it on our return journey. Then see how she responds. New boots, perhaps?”
“Boots?” Estarfin asked.
“Boots! Can she make boots too, out of metal?"
I knew what they were implying.
“Sabatons?” Estarfin looked confused.
I laughed. “Yes, whatever you wish to call them. They need a metal spike on the toes.”
“You will sink in snow!” Parnard exclaimed. "They would not be for dancing, that much is certain.”
“I have never tried dancing in such armour, Cousin,” I replied, grinning at the thought.
“Come to think of it, wearing metal boots is not such a bad idea if you ever dance with Hingalas," said Parnard.
“That would be noisy,” Estarfin said, and we laughed.
Dear Hingalas, we were all very fond of him, but his dancing was atrocious, not to mention painful, because when the music started, it would carry him away, and in his exuberance he would leap around and kick others in the shins.
“Very well,” I said, as the laughter died down. “What would she enjoy making that would yet be a challenge?”
“Have her make a sword,” said Parnard.
“I look not to replace Sarphir,” I replied, “But an off-hand dagger would be useful.”
“It should be something that you need,” commented Estarfin.
I nodded. "I have a good knife, but not a proper dagger of the right length. She may refuse, of course.”
Estarfin nodded. “She may refuse, but I would wager not.”
“She should be pleased for the opportunity,” Parnard said.
Estarfin agreed. "That is more likely."
“So a pair of sabatons and a long dagger. If she refuses I shall understand, but I hope she does not. She can visit us, and take commissions from the coast as well as Imladris, but if she prefers never to speak with us, then we must respect that.”
Estarfin smiled at me and nodded, saying, “It better be soon. If the poor weather improves we should be ready to depart.”
I stood up and stretched my arms, relieved we had reached an agreement. “I shall visit her tomorrow morning, if that is suitable for you, Cousin?”
“As you like. Let us hope she is agreeable to your wish," replied Parnard.
I turned again to Estarfin, “I have to do this, you understand. I know what it is like to lose you, and to try and live on with the aftermath. I feel for her. It was a misunderstanding. It was not your fault, nor hers.”
Estarfin continued drinking his wine, looking a little uncomfortable. "Perhaps,” he said.
‘Perhaps?’ He had told me what had occurred. Was he now blaming himself, I wondered? I took up my glass and moved to sit on the floor in front of him, so I could look up into his face. He smiled. “I am not concerned. What will be, will be," said he.
