I was out fishing all morning, and on my way to market met two of our order on the road, the Lords Thedomir and Galahadlas. Both looked mighty fine and noble in their black hauberks, and they were full of jests, and many winks and knowing nods with each other, which I did not understand fully, but it seemed to involve the daughter of Lord Galahadlas, Rildheldiel, and her betrothal to Master Elloer. Then Lord Themodir suggested we go to the Hall of Fire, for a great gathering of Elves was held there. I had never been to one of these affairs before, and in truth was loath to go, not having any fine clothes, but for curiosity, I followed the two lords into the Hall.
It seemed that we were early, for there were only two there, the tall lady Mirineth and the dread Lord Daegond, who was looming in the corner beside the fire, but he ignored me, which did not displease me much, and heartily greeted his fellows of the Order. Lady Mirineth asked me of news of the Greenwood, and I had little to say, because I thought it too dark for the bright hall of Lord Elrond, and not fit conversation for such a time. In a short while, folk poured into the Hall, and it filled up quick.
Some of the company seemed troubled by the presence of two men, but if they were guests of Lord Elrond, it would be unmannerly to treat them with rudeness. It is said, ‘hold not in scorn, nor mock in thy halls a guest.’ I went over to them, and listened as one played his lute, and it was a very lively tune indeed, and then the other man accompanied him on the horn. It was strange to see how one would kick at the other’s leg, to encourage his friend to keep time better, methinks, and though they played skillfully, it was met with little applause. Whereas the Lady Tamaren played her harp, and this was received with much joy, but very few danced and I wondered at that.
It was not nearly so pleasant a time as I expected, but in truth, I should not have expected anything more, being a mean dull figure in a glittering crowd. My attempts to engage the Lady Rildheldiel in conversation were unwanted and met with frowns. How different she was! I would not have recognized her as the happy, fair maiden that danced for me beside the waterfall. I suppose that is how princesses of the Noldor are, but I was troubled to find myself a stranger again, and quite alone, for I was not introduced to anyone else to make their acquaintance, and one fellow I introduced myself to treated me as a sack-peddler, and did not give his name in return, so I gave up.
I was made sore vexed, and the wine did not lift my spirits, as a good wine should, and instead turned my thoughts down a very dark road, the more I drank. So I set my glass down, and left the Hall. The Lady Danel saw me go out, and I fear my face must have revealed my heart, because she followed me outside and asked what was wrong. I told her that the atmosphere in the Hall was stifling, and it was no place for me. She did graciously offer to accompany me to another one of these merry affairs, should I wish to return in the future. I thanked her, but I replied that I would rather be fishing instead, and that is what I did for the rest of the evening.
