Most of my people departed this morning and now I sit here alone in this place that used to ring with laughter and resound with murmured conversation. Remembering... remembering those I have loved who left, never to return. Whether to Mandos' Halls or Valinor, I could not follow. Did I let them know how much they meant to me? Did I tell them often enough how I cared for them? How often I regret omissions of such things, so wrapped up in the business at hand that I put it off until too late. Now I am alone but for these memories and regrets. One day I will follow them and pray to the Valar I will find open arms and smiling faces awaiting me on those white shores.

Elrond Peredhil, Lord of Imladris