Wanderer

26 - Mariner

Earendil

Now for the packing. Of all the ante-departure rituals I have, this is my favorite. It’s packing the food inside the hull, lugging trunks on board, making the beds, bolting the cupboards to the floor.

Elrond and Frond are gone. It feels real, my departure, now that I have escorted them to the Capitol and left them with Erenion. The king surprised me with a note admitting Elrond to the Elite along with Jade. He had me officially release Frond into his care. Frond didn’t cry, but Elrond did, and I had a feeling Erenion would have too, if he weren’t a king.

When I rode home without them, Elwing came out to meet me. “I didn’t think you were going to be able to do it,” she said, and we both cried together.

Círdan’s gone, too, as are the villagers who helped them. I will miss him. I am eternally grateful to him for the ship.

“My pleasure,” he said, and waved away my thanks.

It will be more than that, though. “I’ll keep an eye on them,” he said. His eyes were mismatched then; one hazel, one green. I have a feeling that Círdan won’t have to be near to look out for them. I rest easily knowing the Círdan will care if no one else does.

I find it hard to sleep the closer it gets towards departure. The house is quiet at night, but more so because it is empty. The seagulls cry all night and in the deep of night, I can’t tell if it’s because they belong to reality or my dreams.

Elwing, however, is not similarly plagued. She sleeps well. I watch her sleep. I’ve heard that everyone looks younger when asleep. Elwing appears the same. I see a young girl beside me, the one I remember courting. I lay beside her and watch the starlight wheel across her face.

One evening at supper, Alaytar emerges from the Vingilótë. “She’s ready.”

Elwing looks up, her roll quite forgotten.

“Tomorrow morning,” I say. There’s nothing I can do. Sorry, Elwing.

Alaytar nods. “I’ll be ready.”

“Elwing…are you sure?” I ask as Alaytar leaves.

“I’m sure, Ëarendil. I’m scared, but I love you more.”

“This is your last night on earth.” I smile. “Are you going to spend it crying?”

I know I’m asking for it, but I’m surprised when I get it.

“Don’t be silly.” Her kiss is soft. “With you.”

*************************************************

Afterwards, Elwing falls right asleep – just my luck! – while I, of course, cannot. I open the window so I can see the moonlit waters through our window. I watch the moon, then the stars, then the flowing waters.

I think of this view – water as far as I can see – and consider waking up every morning to it. The thought doesn’t scare me; nor fill me with dread. I feel a spark ignite – no, leap to height; it was already there – and a thrill makes me shiver involuntarily.

The mariner has made a reappearance.