Instadrabbling at the Ribbon-Cutting Event by elennalore

It was a perfect day for picnic. Celebrimbor arranged it all. They had three hours before the Gwaith-i-Mírdain meeting. No time to go outside the city walls, but fortunately Ost-in-Edhil had many parks with sunlit lawns. They spread their blanket under a tree. Celebrimbor took hastily made sandwiches from a basket. Annatar opened wine and poured it in two glasses. Afterwards, Celebrimbor made him a daisy chain and put it on his head.

“You’re such a riddle,” Celebrimbor said. “I’d like to learn to know you better.”

Annatar just smiled. There was much he wanted to say, but not today.

The moment of parting is always the hardest. Then I just ride away. I don’t turn back to see you standing there, smiling encouragingly. We never know if it’s the last time. When I’m with you I forget the war – despite your maimed hand, or perhaps just because of it. We don’t linger in the past; we don’t think of the future. I already miss your warmth when you hold me close.

We both know we must harden ourselves to survive. That’s why I don’t look back. When I cross the first river, I let go the memory of you.