engagement

One month before the drought...

Eira was in the kitchen cooking. The aroma of fresh bread baking and the scents of sweet refreshing berries wafted from the kitchen. Noise flooded the room as Nimraph jogged up the stairs after Dammon. The boy darted towards Eira and giggled. Poor Nimraph tripped, his arms windmilling before he faceplanted onto the ground.

Eira hastily thrust her bowl on the counter and darted towards Nimraph, "Nim! Nim!"

On the bed, Eira cuddled close to Nimraph. He slept soundly as she buried her head in his chest, clenching his silk evening wear as she smiled. She had never felt so much joy in her life. She pulled her head up, uncurling her hand. On her finger dazzled a wonderful ring with a blue gem. Nimraph had proposed to her. Of course Eira had accepted.

Diary,

How is it possible to feel this way? To be elated yet so miserable? I feel as though I am walking on clouds as I drown.

Melowen sits down with a deep sigh, her face posed on her hands. How much stupid was that? And for what, an even more stupid challenge?

If only the Captain weren't so stubborn. Damn him! He even gave me his own ring.

And Gleothain! Oh my, if Valkine really has sent that letter... what did he think? Assuming it's arrived, yes, of course, but still.

Eleven years have we known each other. Eleven years. Since I first saw him during my trip to Rohan. I remember it so well. Little children, we were. I was Seven, he was Nine. He accidentaly poured some water on my dress, but he apologized very loudly as I began crying. Then mother came and took me away, told me that I shouldn't be playing with "riff raff" like that. Oh, how wrong she was.