#49 A Simple Delight
Mandos, the keeper of the slain, let out a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. How long had it been since he had a break from keeping watch over the dead which wandered his Halls? Weeks, months, years? Mandos knew not, only that he needed a break and to get out of these Halls.
With that in mind, he arose from his seat and left the Halls of Waiting to visit Manwë and his wife, Varda. The fëar here would be okay without him as no one could leave these Halls without either his or Manwë's permission.
Mandos was greeted by his good friend Manwë and Varda upon arriving. "Mandos, it has been far too long since we have last seen you. You are in those Halls of yours far too long!"
Mandos gave one of his rare smiles, sat down at a table and helped himself to some fruit. When Manwë returned, he was carrying a bottle made of pure crystal and sat down. "You look as though you could use a pick me upper so how about we partake of some Miruvórë?
Varda smiled and handed a glass to Mandos and then took one herself. When the three were sitting down, Mandos could not help but feel the stress leave his body. It was the simple delights such as these which made it possible to continue working as the Doomsman of the Valar and the keeper of the slain.