Curufin has been responsible for two years, thinking only of what he might do that would be useful to the community and to those he loves or has befriended. And now he has to think of himself, little as he wants to leave anyone behind.

He will miss Fingon. It has been such a little time since they met again, here in this awful place. They have been able to reconcile, and Curufn will always be grateful to his cousin for his forgiveness, his company, his humor, and his recognition of Curufin as family.

He lays his cheek on the top of Maglor's head and smiles, his eyes tearing up. He feared that this would be the end of their days together, and that was a dreadful thing to consider. And now he does not have to fear it.

"Thank you, Macalaurë. Thank you a thousand times!"