"Whereas the Elves remain ... "

Prickles chilled my spine as the subtle touch of … breeze … brushed my cheek.

Only one cheek - a touch strangely cool in this warm place; this timeless wood where age weighed so heavily that I must draw deep for each breath.

The breeze whispered now, from beside me, from behind.

I turned.

A glimpse … ancient beauty, strength beyond compare, eyes that glimmered with the wisdom of Ages.

A flicker … nothing?

I felt like a child, not joyous and buoyant, but as one who’d gleefully snatched a cookie yet quivered, expecting reprimand.

He smiled, brilliant, captivating and nodded.

Gone.

Did I dream?