Waiting on the Stars

We waited for the stars to show, a sign that Tintalle was watching, was approving of us. We believed that she did. Though beautiful in itself, Anor seemed to take an extraordinarily long period to sink below the western horizon that eve. Then there were clouds, blue-grey with hints of gold, lazily passing overhead. All three of us scanned the sky, and were rewarded with an occasional glimpse of a few stars in the passing cloud gaps. 

"Perhaps one day we will only have starlight again?" Estarfin said. 

'Like at Cuivienan,' thought I, but I said, "Would you like that?

He smiled at the thought. "Yes."

"It would not displease me," I replied, laying a hand on his arm in agreement.

And then came the light, as a sudden withdrawing of curtains at a staged performance...the sky above us was ablaze with stars. 

Parnard stepped back, Estarfin and I stepped forward and faced each other under the still growing light. 

"Dusk departs," I said, sensing undoubtedly the Starkindler's blessing on us. 

(Picture by Estarfin)