All paths part in the end
Mor’Avel took out flint and steel, and struck fire. Dry wood caught easily and he blew at the reddening twigs, encouraging the shy flame. In but a moment it danced merrily, bright like the eyes of happiness, warmth-giving like a heart in love. The knight of Mor lost himself within its spell, his gaze possessed of a light of its own. Sun-lit aisles of mind bid welcome. Through them he strolled aimlessly, passing doors of light that led to the most cherished of memories. There were not many, and seldom did he visit them. He was not sure why… Perhaps to keep them priceless, valuable… Yet more probably because he lived in the present, and though the past held much which was dear, his heart was light and at peace.
None could know if the same was true of the Necromancer. The ancient Man was across from the Elf, standing, and the warm light of the fire did not reach him yet. His head was thrown back, grey eyes searching the stars.
Yet I like to think that in this moment the Necromancer returned to one particular memory from his long, unended existence. I like to imagine, that in the luminance of the night sky he saw once more his meeting with Liliana when he finally realised who she was to him. He had gazed into her starbright eyes and she lit and cried, seeing that at last he recognised her. He snatched her up into the air and twirled quickly. They laughed and laughed, unable to tear their eyes apart, reignited with happiness. The love that was the string of fire binding Ether and Void, it was dawn and dusk at once, the lights of day and of night, sun and moon. Finally reunited, they embraced.
“We part tonight,” said the Elf.
“At dawn,” the Man nodded. “The light of gold will guide us unto our separate paths.”
“Very well. Come, sit with me. Let us eat and share the silence.”
They sat side by side, warmed by the fire. They were lost in the dance of the flame, but they were lost together. Neither slept that night. Neither spoke. And come dawn they grasped hands in farewell. Two cold, round objects bit into Avel’s palm, so cold they stung. Mrok held him, captivating with dead yet frighteningly intense eyes. The metal of the objects sipped warmth from the Eldar’s flesh until its cold bite was gone altogether. Only then did Mrok release him.
His sight dropped at once to his open hand. Upon the red of frostbitten skin the steel shine of twin rings stood out. Their pattern was a surprising union of the wildness of Orcs and the grace of Elves. On each were carved two Eldar runes, one for a howling wolf and one for an ear of grain.
Avel was short for words. All he could do is look at his old friend questioningly. Yet the Necromancer said only, “Light of Nymbus guide you at day, peace of Mirthros welcome you at night,” and mounted his shadow steed.
The knight of Mor nodded and jumped swiftly into his own saddle. “Sleep soundly, old friend. Thank you for everything.”