Earendil
“Take me with you.”
I lift my head and give Elwing my full attention. It’s been a hard two weeks. I haven’t had a good conversation with her yet. As one seems about to ensue, I push away my letter and pull out a chair for her at the table.
She looks especially stunning tonight, her hair up, her dress flattering, her eyes earnest. I can see how she’s tried to look her best, and I appreciate her effort.
“Say that again?”
Elwing takes one of my hands in hers. “Take me with you to the Valinor.”
I can’t say anything as to whether this is a bad or good idea, but I am stunned by it one way or the other. “Why?”
“I want this. If I let you go, I will regret it forever. I can’t give you up yet, Ëarendil.”
“Elwing…would you really give this up?”
“Gladly, if it meant you.”
The full realization of what she wants hits me. At the same time, I am finally fully aware how great a sacrifice I am making. That Elwing would leave all this just for me…and yet I don’t think I would have been able to leave her after all.
“Together….oh Valar above, Elwing, yes. Come! It hadn’t crossed my mind. For the Valar, come with me!”
I feel a gentle pressure on my shoulder and Elwing leans her head on my shoulder. I hold her gently. “What about Elrond and Frond?”
“They were yours, never mine to begin with. I will miss them greatly, though. But Elrond claims he’s already wanted to go to the Capitol for several years now. He plans to marry Jade.”
“And Frond?”
“I asked him for permission to go with you. He says he wants to go through with his apprenticeship.”
“He’ll be grown by the time that is done.” I murmur regretfully. “You are way too attached to me, to be leaving them that easily. What happens when I die?”
“You are half-elven. I am not. You will live longer than me.”
“Theoretically.”
Elwing rolls her eyes. “Knowing you, the sea will claim you before then.”
“I won’t let it.” I hug her tighter. “Guess what I named her.”
“The ship?”
“Yes.”
“What?”
I lean into her, so that my lips brush her ear. “For you. Vingilótë.” Elwing’s name means “star flower.”
Elwing smiles. “Vingilótë: foam-flower.”
“It sounds like a riddle.”
“How so?”
“Star foam – me – and sea foam – you – ride in the foam flower through the sea foam.”
It’s good to see her thinking, laughing. “Elwing, will you ever forgive me for all the anguish I’ve caused you the past weeks?”
“I will always forgive you.”
The thought is comforting.
YOU ARE READING
Wanderer
FantasyShe never dreamed that she would have to give him up. He only dreamed of going. Earendil the Mariner is in love with the sea. It dominates his waking his hours and his dreams. It's beginning to take over his life. He's got to choose what's more impo...
