(The evening before 'Errand Boy' by Parnard )
I had been speaking with Parnard concerning our need for a visit to Celondim earlier that evening. We had both agreed we would leave shortly after dawn the following morning. I had been in the act of writing a letter to Estarfin, to explain where we were going, when he walked into the house. He looked a little tired, but then I thought he would have been keeping watch for much of that day. Dusk would have seen Yrill take over the charge.
I put down my quill with a smile. It was better to tell Estarfin in person, of course.
“I was writing you a letter, meldanya,”
He tilted his head as he pulled off his gauntlets and stood his spear against the wall. “Why? I am here."
I walked over to help him remove his pauldrons. “But you were not, and I did not know of surety when you would return.”
He nodded, and smiled slightly.
“Parnard and I plan to travel to Celondim early tomorrow. It will only be for the day, and we shall travel both ways with the patrol.” I explained.
“You are seeking materials to buy?” he asked, unclasping his cloak, and folding it over the back of a nearby chair.
I walked to the table and poured him a glass of Dorwinion. Then I looked at him closely. “I look to sell for now. I found seven pieces of my old creations around the destroyed workshop. Perhaps not the most eye-catching pieces I have ever made, but of considerable value, nonetheless.” I handed him the glass, and he raised it to me in a brief salutation before drinking.
“To raise coin in order to craft more?”
“Indeed. And to pay for anything else we need. It may take some months, but we shall have sufficient for our needs before midwinter.”
He looked thoughtful. He was already aware of the issue. “I have several swords that may fetch some gold, only there are few warriors in these lands.”
I ran my fingers through his untidy mane of hair. The action brought comfort to me, and to him, I suspected. “Only sell what matters little to you. As for warriors among the Falathrim, they are there, and many do feel the turning of the tide in matters of oncoming threat. There will be a want for the best weapons soon, alas.”
We walked round to the chairs by the unlit fire. Partly that was a habit, partly it was nearer the wine. I pointed at recently baked venison pies set upon the table by Filignil, and Estarfin moved to the water bowl to wash his hands, then returned and picked up two.
“You have paid for the Dwarves' work on the wall already,” I continued, feeling a deep sense of ease as we sat down together. “But I am afraid Parnard’s Star Castle will have to wait awhile.”
Estarfin chuckled, then offered me one of the pies. I shook my head, having eaten a little earlier. Then I grinned at the thought. “I do wonder if such a castle will ever become a reality, but we can seek to build him a Star Tower. A small Elostirion?”
“It may yet happen,” Estarfin finished one pie, and set about the second.
“I do not dislike the idea,” I mused while refilling his glass, and my own,” But safety is our priority, and then rebuilding trade. As to folk not wanting weapons, I suspect you may have much work in the near future. It may even be wise to train Barahirn, or see if Ceuro will remain here?”
He nodded thoughtfully. He would consider it. “In that case… I can spare four, no five swords. That can keep us in wine until at least winter.”
“You do know Parnard,” I replied, with an arch of my brow. I reached out a hand to Estarfin.
He brushed any crumbs from his fingers then took my hand in his.
“That may just about keep him in wine.” I laughed. “He was showing the Dwarves the armour you made him earlier. He is very proud of it, you know."
Estarfin nodded.
“The Dwarf smith, Sna, said she could better it, but then she laughed and winked. I think she knew she was outmatched.”
Estarfin tried to look modest, but we both knew just how skilled an armour-smith he was.
“I have had more practice,” he replied.
“Well she is not one who was trained by one who was trained by Aule. And yes, you have over six thousand four hundred years on her. But she admired your work. Without giving away trade secrets, I think she would like to speak with you before she departs.”
Estarfin nodded, a wry look on his face. I knew he had dealt with Dwarves before. ‘They will take all the knowledge you offer, and give none in return,’ I had a memory of him saying. But these Dwarves were helping us, for a fair price. He may at least speak a little of Parnard’s armour with Sna.
“Is there anything I can get you from Celondim?”
“Steel,” he replied, without a second thought. “Though it will likely need to be brought by cart.”
I nodded. “I shall place an order. It can travel with one of the patrols when ready. As for my jewellry, I shall see if I can sell any, but I can leave the rest with Curumaito the healer. He has said before he would act as a go between now we travel less often.”
“That is kind of him.” Estarfin stood and started unbuckling his breastplate. I moved to help him and he gave me one of his looks.
“Yes, yes. I know you can manage. But something Parnard said not long ago has been playing on my mind. Fitting and removing armour is not the easiest thing for one person to do. Not for him…not even for you I deem. Let me help? I used to help my father at Amon Ereb, and others at times.”
He looked a little unsure. He was so used to managing alone. But then he nodded and relented, standing so I could be of aid.
And I had some other recent thoughts I would speak of. “Once the walls are built, can we go down to Celondim together, to the hill overlooking the Lhun where the figure of Tintalle stands?” It was one of the places ‘special’ to me. I thought he possibly understood why, but if he did not I would enlighten him when we got there. I lowered my head slightly, “I know it holds some memories of a misunderstanding with Parnard, but it holds a lot more for me. And it is a beautiful place to Starwatch."
“It is. It is a place of the White Queen of Stars, and I would be glad to return with you.”
I finally managed to unstrap the chest and back pieces, and lay down the armour on the clean table. It would need oiling soon, I thought, but that was not for now.
“She has lit our path for some time, I believe. If you will, we could stand out under the stars together this night?”
I knew he was probably tired, and wanting the indulgence of a bath, but I was selfish. I certainly did not expect him to rise early to see Parnard and I on our way, but I wanted to hold on to him for just a little longer that night.
“Of course,” he answered, any weariness gone.
We left the house and walked to the small pavilion in the Lake, a place we had found most welcoming from the first we arrived. We were not disappointed. The sky was dark and clear, and the constellations circled brightly overhead.
“Estarfin looked up. “They are beautifully clear this night.”
I pointed to the Valarcirya, as usual. Our sign that we were watched over. I stood close to him that I could feel the warmth emanating from him. Not that the night was cold, but it was a pleasing sensation anyway.
“I cannot help but think, one day soon we shall have a time of peace again. To be able to watch the stars with you in the years to come … that is a most happy thought.”
He looked at me. He was about to say something, but did not.
I was learning to know him well. “Say it if you wish. We shall soon enough have a war.”
Estarfin sighed quietly. “The stars are peaceful tonight. That is enough.”
“I understand, meldanya. One day at a time.” I lay my head against his shoulder. “But I can see a time when we have no trouble with Men, for a few decades at least.”
“Tell me of where you watched the stars in Eregion,” he asked suddenly.
“Oh…” I smiled thoughtfully at the question. We had sat out and looked at the stars of Eregion shortly after we met at Echad Eregion. That was a good memory. And memories of the early days of my dwelling in that place were also merry.
“I watched from all sorts of places, the sky was huge overhead. The view from the top of the hill by the House of the Mirdan was spectacular, and the stars reflected in the many pools thereabout. It was a popular location.” I looked down at our own small lake. “Stars above, stars below. I suspect that is where I found my love of such things. Though Helevorn was always stunning on a clear night?”
Estarfin nodded, a small smile of memories on his lips.
“My own house...I showed you the ruin…was near the river. I would sit out in the garden, or cross the bridge onto the fields beyond. Fewer folk went there. The stars above were as huge vaults of light, and although I could faintly hear the sounds from the city, it was easy to imagine the display was for me alone. I sometimes danced under the stars there, to the night birds calls.”
Estarfin had closed his eyes briefly, as if trying to picture it.
“The city was always busy of a day, bustling with trade. And the Artisan’s Quarter could be busy of an evening, with several taverns and eating places and singing and dancing. Folk would go to the baths also, they were open to the sky, and just relax in the waters from the hot springs. There would sometimes be storytellers, and performances at the auditorium. There was always something to do. But I loved best being under the stars.”
“You danced with a partner?” he asked, but with no hint of any accusation.
“Always.”
His eyes widened a moment.
“In memory, and of what should have been.”
And then he understood, and smiled at me.
“All I saw about me in the early days was great beauty. I wish I could take you there. The ruins do not do it justice.”
“It sounds wonderful.” But he was looking tired again. This night was drawing to a close.
“I was happy, almost. The village in Lindon where you took me, that had beautiful views too.”
He smiled in remembrance. “The skies were often clear.”
“We have not been denied beauty and wonder in these lands. It is a balm for the spirit.” I stood up tall again, it was time to take rest.
“Yet dawn still comes too soon,” Estarfin took up my hand for a moment, then nodded. “May your journey go well. Perhaps we will watch the stars again tomorrow?”
I smiled. “We shall be home well before dusk,” I replied.
