"You never told me where you would. Make a home for yourself, that is." He had asked, seemingly nervous.
He has told me many a time, how one day he will build a home, in the hills of Evendim. A home that overlooks the glittering waters of the wide lake. A home where he can observe the sun climb and then sleep over the mountains.
If I had known what home looked like, I would have spent less time wandering the world in search of something that held no meaning.
He queried if I would remain here, in Imladris. Nay, it would not be so. As if my answer could have been anything else other than with him. And when he asked if I would come with him? To reside in Evendim with him?
My response, in that bumbling way of mine, was to tell him that I would always accompany him, that my home would be with him, no matter where that might be.
"I could take you to Tinnudir proper, and introduce you to the Dunedain there." He said. Though his words were giddy, even full of excitement, he had a bearing of worry.
Of course I asked him what worried him, as I am often want to do. His reply sent me into a state of confusion.
"Simply thinking that introducing you to the Men of Tinnudir as 'the one whom I am courting' is a mouthful."
Perhaps I should inform you that I can be obtuse, or even naive at times. For I honestly had no idea what he was implying. I could not have known what he would say next.
" I should think that 'my betrothed' is a more fitting title." If the words were not surprise enough, he pulled out a small box, clearly meant to hold a ring.
Perhaps it was my nerves. I must have been shaking terribly. And Valar, I stood there with my mouth hanging open, almost like a fish found out of water! In all of the ages, I do not recall ever feeling so pleasantly shocked. Maybe I should have expected it sooner or later. He and I have spoken many times of exchanging rings. That, and I knew of his plans with our dear friend.
After carefully taking the box, it took me longer than it really should have to remember that I also carried a small, identical box. One that I needed to give HIM.
He was stunned, shocked, and I must say I found it charming how he fumbled for words. And though I had his ring already safe in my hands, I have never felt so nervous when I pulled out the one I intended for him.
"I, may have accidentally heard a discussion between you and Hiril Celossiel about the matter. Though I was a little unsure if I was correct in my assumptions."
It was a moment of purest happiness, giving each other the rings. The water from the falls tumbled in a consistent beat down the rocks near us. Birds sang a tune of harmony. And the sun shone brightly till dusk came.
And under that summer moon, we lovingly placed the rings on each other's index fingers. The starlight shone and reflected off of the symbols of our new connection.
We shared our joy in words with each other for long hours, not wishing to part from each other.
"Verily, we shall be as one; in this world and the next." He said as his parting words.
From now on, we go together, always. What is that men say? That we will be two sides of one coin? Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine must be the same, for I have never felt so at home.
There is no doubt now, that we will have countless nights by the hearth together. We will drink wine and braid each other's hair. Stories will be shared, as will our lives.
He might not have been my first love, but he is the first love that makes me forget any others.
