Parnard

Estarfin had eventually arrived, taking Norlome to the stable, and then striding over the large lawns to join Danel and Parnard overlooking the sea. He looked exhausted.

Danel smiled a warm greeting. Estarfin nodded in return.

"Where have you been, friend Estarfin?" asked Parnard, offering up an almost full wine skin. 

"Working the forge. It is time I started earning my keep again."

Parnard blinked as the concept of 'earning one's keep' sank in. "Making swords or suchlike?"

"Shall I make a necklace for your lady?" I asked Parnard. 

I was eager to start work again on my craft, and Parnard was missing Brasseniel. I thought it a sensible option. My Wood Elf friend brightened of mood and looked thoughtful. 

"For her wedding?"

"If you think she may like such? I am a Mirdan, after all."

Parnard pondered my offer for a few moments, then bowed deeply before me. "I know it. Perhaps once her father has agreed to the betrothal?"

Estarfin let out a small exclamation of frustration as he examined the shining metal in the palm of his hand; another flawed attempt after a long day spent before the forge. The alloyed steel was beautiful, but it was still too soft, too liable to be harmed. The delicate inscribing chisels he had created for the task cut too deep, splitting the grain of the metal apart. He held it up to the light once more, wondering whether such a flaw mattered. He shook his head slightly, then tossed it carelessly back into the heart of the forge. Any imperfection could not be tolerated.

Parnard and Danel try their hand at fishing in the Lake. Parnard is an accomplished angler and makes a good catch, while Danel is but a beginner. Parnard also fishes a little as to how a gem can capture light, more specifically starlight. Danel smiles but keeps her secrets, most fond though she is of her companion. 

Estarfin smiled at the scene before his eyes; Parnard and Danel, dancing together in the mid-day sun. He raised his glass in a toast.