20. The Meaning of a Moment

They stood on sheer tower that thornlike thrust
From hall on high through the inner airs.
Faces half-fire in lingering light,
They stood together, they stood alone:
- Two flames atop -
- A torch of stone. -

She held his hand still. He stirred,
Turning toward her. 'How strange,' he said.
'To stand beside thee and to be content.'
'I know no names to fit this feeling,'
'Nor do I care
- 'what words apply,' -
- 'if only thou art there.' -

She laughed. 'Is love too simple or too strange
'A word for what we feel? No jealous joy,
'No cruel king, no gemlike jail
'Deserves the name, for no such love
'Is blessed!'
- 'But perfect love continues on -
- 'and passes every test!' -

'I've never known such love,' he said,
'And fear my heart shall fail. But if you can accept me,'
'Nèhaléni, love me, call my feelings love,'
'I shall attempt it. Shall I follow my heart,'
'Though by folly led?'
- 'If so, I must learn -
- 'what it means to be wed!' -

Like waters that waver, that border belief
Over pools as profound as bright moonlight through mist
She stared at him smiling. He turned, she turned
In speechless regard:
- two quiet Quendi, -
- a silent bard. -

'Daeron -' she dared, then suddenly stopped,
Slipped close to him. Her fingers touched his face
And he leant closer. Whoever thinks a moment
Far too short to miss
- has never known eternity -
- in a kiss. -