"That would make sense, yes."

It seems like maybe they can reach the cliffs on the opposite side of the island before the actual sunset, to get the best view. It'll be the most exercise Leareth has gotten since Angband. 

That seems like a good sign. 

The sunset is marvelous. He makes very soft delighted noises and flops on his back to stare at it. 

It's weirdly touching to see Maitimo so uncomplicatedly happy. And it makes it easier, somehow, to really appreciate this particular sunset, not just sunsets in the abstract. 

Leareth sits beside him for a while, feeling pleasantly tired. Eventually he lies back and sort of rests his head against Maitimo's shoulder. 

- he flinches away. Stops. " - sorry. People might - see, and - Dara thought -" 

"Oh. Sorry." Leareth moves away. Dara thought - oh, she knows Vanyel, and she probably doesn't understand the full extent to which Quendi are generally against same-sex relationships, and she definitely doesn't know that Maitimo already has a boyfriend he is very happy with. :Did she ask you about it? That must have been very awkward: 

Yes, she did. I'm not upset that she asked. It's a good reminder to be more careful about things that could be interpreted in the wrong light, and, well, she was protecting you, I can't be irritated with anyone for that.

Leareth smiles, a little sadly, and then goes back to looking at the sunset, eventually sitting up to watch the last of the reds fade to deep violet, twilight falling, the stars appearing again to his eyes.

He does too, though not as happily as before the interruption. 

Thank you. That was beautiful.

:Is it not? You are very welcome: Leareth yawns. :We ought walk back before I fall asleep on the ground:

Can't have that. He stands up.

It’s dark enough that Leareth borrows Maitimo’s eyes to better see the ground and avoid tripping. The walk back feels a lot longer than the way there; he’s exhausted, though in a mostly satisfying rather than unpleasant way.

Should I stay, tonight -

:I think I will be all right either way? It is up to you. I certainly would not mind if you wished to stay but I know you are very busy:

I think I'll stay. Otherwise he will end up staring at a wall thinking about Vanyel and Stefen.

That earns him a tired smile. It's been a long day and a lot of walking and Leareth is a bit unsteady on his feet with drowsiness by the time they reach his room. 

Do you want help changing for bed -

:I think I can–: He nearly trips over the threshold getting into his room. :Maybe. That might have been too ambitious a walk, but - it was a very good sunset, perhaps it was worth it anyway: 

It was a wonderful sunset but I should have offered to carry you back.

:I managed all right. I think I will sleep very well tonight: Leareth pours himself some water from the jug beside his bed and gulps it. :...Possibly I ought to have brought water for it, it was further than I realized: 

Now that it’s light maybe you’ll be able to walk around more. Learn the island and all.

:I hope to: 

He beams at him. Good night.

:Good night: Leareth is asleep in about thirty seconds. 

He pats him, and makes a note of the day’s events, and then goes to the window to look out at the moon.

The next day, Vanyel does manage to relay a message, via several other Quendi at osanwë range from each other along the way. Stef is fine and fully recovered. They're waiting for Yfandes to catch up before traveling back because Stef doesn't actually know how to ride horses. 

Also apparently he and Stef are 'married'. This is news to both of them but they're very happy about it.