Daegond

Stormy weathers were rare in Rivendell but not unseen. That was quite a stormy night and while the atrocious winds have waned they left quite a lot of broken branches and dislocated roof tiles in its wake in the valley. A calm dawn was breaking. 

I do not know where to start. At the first glance Daegond might have been strange, crude and even mean to a person who did not know him, but he had more than meets the eye. Profound loyalty to those he protects. The reasons why he was behaving the way he did. A softer side which the Noldorin (or any) warrior tries so hard to hide under their shell of steel.

All I have in my mind are the scenes of meeting him.

Estarfin shook his head, scarcely able to believe the news. The Hound of Vanimar, fallen? It could not be. How had his stout armour failed him? How had his mighty hammer missed the mark? He smiled, trying to convince himself that the Hound was again trying to trick them all, yet knowing in his heart that the terrible news was true. Running his hand through his hair, he poured out a glass of wine, raising it to the air in memory of his friend.

"Of old he was an Elven-king,

A lord of tree and glen,

When golden were the boughs in spring

In fair Lothlórien.

From helm to sea they saw him leap,

Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing?
They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow;
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow.
Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning,
Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?

There is little to trouble my life these days. I have moved on to a quieter, more peaceful existence than I have long known. Lelyar and Arnone tend the Halls, while I am mostly in a smaller dwelling on the coast, so that I may look out each day over the sunken lands that were once my home. I remember!

It was once his home too.....

I can see you now, flowers in your hair, laughing and dancing in a far green country, under a swift sunrise. Your passing is leaving a trail of tears, but I will tell them to smile and remember you instead, because I know this is what you would want. Be happy and rest well my tall friend. I will keep you in my heart always and remember you every time I see a flower.