“I would commission something from you,” I asked Parnard, as we sat together again by the small lake. “A cloak, hooded, so I may hide my hair at need.”
Parnard had called me over to view his latest creation, a new tunic which he said was in the style of King Thranduil’s court. My time spent in that place had been brief, and my mind elsewhere that I had little to comment on style. But it was certainly very finely made. I wondered momentarily why Parnard had not been a court tailor?
He had asked my view as he had been unable to find a mirror. I did not have one in any of the houses, but assured him I would order one from Celondim right away. In the meantime he had to rely on my observations, and his reflection in the lake.
“I can easily make that, Lady” Parnard had beamed at the chance to impress again. “A cloak to hide your hair?”
“Well, I have of late been reminded that my hair colour can be rather noticeable even from a distance. And my tendency to wear my red cloak when travelling does not help with remaining unseen.”
“Indeed. That cloak is a blazing target,” Parnard confirmed Estarfin’s observations, and in truth, what I well knew.
Anyone with any sense knew red was not a suitable colour to don in dangerous lands. Yet I had long since worn it out of defiance, willfulness almost. Not that I sought death, but I would have any who watched me from a distance or close by, know I feared them not. I could deal with any small number of assailants with ease, and…I was of proud spirit. But now……
“I know, my friend,” I replied to the Wood Elf. “And I also know it is past time I did not endanger any I ride with. I would not lead another to their death by my stubbornness.”
“Where is friend Estarfin?” Parnard spoke up, perhaps reminded by my final word.
“I know not where he is at the moment. It may be by the sea again (That thought was beginning to concern me) or at the sanctuary of Tintalle. I doubt he will be long away.”
Parnard sighed.
I looked at him, wondering how in truth he was doing. Then I noticed he had changed the way he styled his hair. I coughed. Parnard nodded and smiled slightly “It looks better this way for now.”
“Parnard,...” I began.. realising the new style was to cover where he had been pulling out his hair…
“He surely loves that temple,” Parnard said.
“It calms him, which is a good thing.” I continued with the conversation Parnard wished for.
“He is a fiery one. But I shall be more prudent in future, Danel…” Parnard nodded fatuously.
“I do think it wise to remember we all bear wounds,” I tried to remind my companion. “And sometimes they can easily be reopened.”
“I shall not speak ill of him again.” Parnard fell into a more serious frame of mind, as he examined the stitching on his sleeve. “I did swear to that. He did what he needed to do, that’s all.”
I felt a weight of concern fully lift from my shoulders. It seemed to me then that Parnard did understand.
“Do you think he believed me?”
I tilted my head at that last thought. I could not know Estarfin’s mind, but it seemed to me he was at the least giving the Wood Elf a chance.
“Parnard, your strength lies in your wit and your word. Do not ever push him to a test of arms. Do not push him at all. “
“Why would I ever do such a thing?”
“That is my point exactly.” I rose to my feet, brushing blossom off my gown, and looking to the darkening sky.
I sighed. “I think he believes you believe it. That you did not mean to insult him. And you have a lot on your mind that could cause distraction. He may be fiery, but he is no fool. Nor is he lacking honour.”
“That is indeed true. All of it.” Parnard also rose to his feet, but looked at the water.
“And forgive me…but there would be little honour in slaying you, or any other so untrained.”
“I hope so,” Parnard chuckled. Then he frowned again and continued. “It’s his self restraint that held him back, but it also keeps him from moving forward. There is always something inside he is trying to quell. I can sense it. I saw a glimmer of it last night.”
I nodded, knowing of what Parnard spoke. I would speak of that no more though. It was time for a distraction.
Parnard himself brought that about. He was still staring at the lake. “I should like to swim in the stars,” he said. “But I would ruin my new tunic.”
“Then we go to the house and change into older tunics?” I suggested, suddenly thinking what a very good idea that was. The water looked inviting, and the constellations shimmered both in it, and above.
Parnard nodded, slightly disappointed….then we both took off shoes and cloaks and lay them on the dry bank. He was already wading out, new tunic or no. I sat on the bank, my dress gathered up at my knees that I could splash my feet in the waters and obliterate mighty Menelmacar, not that I questioned him being set in the heavens.
It was no good. The water was too inviting.
Parnard was already swimming toward the waterfall, hair plastered down and new tunic sodden.
I thought, ‘we should have changed first’ then my mind went back to the days of swimming in the Mitheitel, and then even further back. Many used to swim in Lake Helevorn, particularly in the summer.
Looking at the constellation in the waters a moment, Parnard ducked under the water with a swift dive, and came up in the middle of the Swordsman’s belt.
It was too much. I wanted to swim in the stars again, as I had on mild summer eves so many years ago. I wanted the bright skies and the green slopes, the dark waters and the blossom laid fragrance of home.
I dived in.
