"Eleven years old is so young. But I'm sure your uncle did his best." Seeing that Atem does not really want to talk of that time, Curufin is willing to let the subject drop.

He smiles. "I'll bet he would be proud, if he could see how you grew up, who you grew up to be. Any father would be proud."

And Curufin, who adored his own father, understands very well that love and that loss.