(written from Histealdo's pov)
Histealdo glimpsed the new "resident" of the havens standing near a low stone wall, staring at something that seemingly only he could see. He had a couple brief conversations since the young ellon (Naergon he recalled) came to be a semi-permanent resident of his home. He had no objection when his niece asked to host her friend until he made the decision to sail West. He understood, being torn himself for a time after his brother took the ship.
With a smile, he approached the younger elf. "Good day". Naergon blinked and turned to him "Oh, good day hir, sorry, I was daydreaming. The sea is enchanting" he greeted, and made a gesture that encompassed their surroundings
"Daydreaming? How so when you can see it every day". Naergon tilted his head "It's true, but it is never exactly the same, is it?"
"It is a wonder you are not tired of it, sometimes it happens with those who are not born near it. But you are right... there is no keeping it still. Every wave is different than the next, yet, the water is all the same. It has been since the world was created"
Naergon said, "Tired no... the sun reflects different and the shells it carries on the sand are different and the birds that fly atop it need other fish to hunt each day for their lunch". He laughed, at the less poetic last image that he uttered. Histealdo chuckled himself. "My unruly niece used to chase after them when she was little. Fortunately she grew out of that habit". Both elves laughed mirthfully, as it wasn't difficult to imagine a child Earcalie chasing after seagulls
"But she picked up other unruly habits, and it seems she now picks stray elves from the road" Histealdo said in a jesting tone "You are of course welcome for as long as you like". Naergon blushed and smiled in kind: "And I am grateful for her and your hospitality until a place on some ship is granted to me" he added "I guess.. I am not that sad because of the delay. The places here are beautiful"
Histealdo nodded, "Hm, well... a place is always found for those who's longing grows too strong. It all depends on your resolution"
"The time seems to pass with other rhythm... I guess I was not that... prioritary. I am ready for that adventure but I do not suffer here. Perhaps I needed this time to say goodbye". Oh, how the older elf could relate. In fact, Histealdo mused, he has been biding his time for ages. But he did not regret his decision
"I lived a very long time, and I came to like the... almost lazy atmosphere here. Sometimes it feels like being back at Sirion"
"I know I saw less of this world too but it seems those old enough say there is no comparison to the west anyway"
"... and, you have not said goodbye to everything, or everyone you want I guess" Histealdo became a bit somber at the mention of the West. He wondered how his brother fared. Probably without worry, unlike those who remained, unlike him and this young ellon with a heavy heart.
"My mother and father will never sail. And I have no other close kin, by blood. Kin by friendship... well, fate made it that I befriended mostly... some that will never sail... or sail back, for many. Another reasons but equally strong. They are complicated, but loyal and fair friends"
"I do not think that is odd, the silvans from Mirkwood are... different. I visited your homeland long ago, when King Oropher ruled. I think he didn't have that lovely dorwinion wine yet" the older elf chuckled. "Deep rooted in their ways much like the trees they so love... I admit I do not fully understand". That last remark made Naergon laugh. "My father is a tradesman too but never went that far. I was the first wanderer of my family I guess"
"There is always the odd one out in every family. Oh by the way, did you like that raft in a bottle my niece gave you?"
Naergon smiled. "Who is not odd by someone's standards? The raft is lovely"
"My brother always had a knack for craftsmanship, we were together when we visited the woodland realm and he started to fashion those trinkets"
"Oh, then it shall be even more precious to me, it must be very personal to Calie"
You say, "Always had a knack for craftsmanship, we were together when we visited the woodland realm... ah there are plenty of such trinkets around the house, one less won't make a difference"
"I guess she was old enough when he made it? Otherwise I bet it would get glass broken and watertested in the first hour" That earned an open booming laugh from the older ellon.
"My brother learned to keep his experiments away from her as a kid.. if she were to hear us now, we'd both get an earful"
"She is of a scary pragmatism at times... she's a gold friend but not an arts lover". Histealdo was certain this elf despite his young age was a good judge of character, and with a soul that felt almost... ancient. What happened in his brief life to shape him so, he didn't know and didn't want to ask, for he felt that would be overstepping a boundary.
"Hm, depends on the art. Swords and armor and such things, she loves"
Naergon nodded "Weapons can indeed be both good and beautiful too"
"You'll notice how aside from the wardens, so few here possess them"
He turned pensive "I am more used to Imladris and Lothlorien and Greenwood I guess: I expect them to be just better hidden. But perhaps the peace is indeed deeper here, more.. reliable". Histealdo shook his head "It is for a simple reason really... what need is there for weapons, when one is about to go on a one way journey to the land of eternal happiness"
He still had a soldier's mind, and was worried about the goblin living in the Ered Luin. Histealdo understood this, for someone who has seen battle most of his life, adjusting to a different life was hard. Especially for their kind, so still in their ways. He hoped this young ellon would manage to reach a balance, if not truly peace until he decided to take the final journey. He reassured him again that Falathlorn was safe and that when the time came if he so wished, he could leave his gear in their house. The only reason to take it with him would be sentimental and as he thought, Naergon's answer did not surprise him: "In this, more than the beauty of the sea and trees here I have nothing binding me. And some regrets to leave friends behind". He once again wondered whet happened in this ellon's life to make him say things an older, sadder elf would say, things he heard way too many times from Eldar tired of living.
The old elf motioned for Naergon to follow him. They walked to a quiet corner near the docks, where the waters rolled gently against an intricate steel railing and in the distance, they could see one of the ships docked without sail. "The caravan I run along the coasts of Lindon supplied the wood for that ship. I sometimes like to watch them go. And for once that I have some company..."
Naergon smiled "I wonder.. what you like most about it? I mean... It fascinates me the beauty we put in them. Useless, from a pragmatic point of view, beauty". Histealdo was fascinated at how Naergon could go from poetical to pragmatic in a few sentences
"For me... it is the promise that I shall be reunited with the rest of my family in Valinor. I am also old and I replaced pragmatism with philosophy"
"I guess I don't have family on the other side. It's mostly beauty promise and curiosity..."
"Do tell me if I am boring you by the way"
"No, you are not at all. I am honored you share your thoughts with me"
They watched the ship for a little while before each had to return to their chores. Histealdo was happy his niece had a friend like him. He also wished she would learn some manners and critical thinking from Naergon, though perhaps that was too much wishful thinking. He hoped this youngster would get the answers to his questions, on the western shores if not here. He deserved to be happy
