Abiding
– They mourn for you the way they can. (Mark Strand)
Was Lady Nerdanel the last who understood? Often she visited you, lifting the tools of the forge, exchanging the secrets of smithcraft. It lightened her loneliness. And when the tools were laid away, and the fire went out, she and I shared our grief. Silently together, while outside there was song, union and reunion.
So many years. And finally she, too, is gone from here; her love has been returned to her. For the Eldar, there is an end to durance in the shades, however long they must wait. And now alone here I continue not to wait for you.