Hîr Nogmeldir and Plinnlim had been talking almost all night. Both were happy to meet someone of their own kind after quite a long time, and Plinnlim told him about the latest events in Imladris, of her adventures in the Trollshaws and even the gatherings in the Hall of Fire, which made the blond elf smile.
"Maybe I should come back for a night in the Hall of Fire" he sighed, "I am missing it - although these dwarves are capable of making quite decent music." He chuckled and winked at Eywind. Tweggi came over. "These dwarves will now see that this young elf lady is getting into her tent for some more sleep" he said, throwing Nogmeldir a disapproving look. Nogmeldir blushed and excused to Plinnlim for keeping her awake. She smiled - but it was an obviously tired smile. "You can't imagine how happy I am to talk to you" she said and crawled into the tent Nogmeldir had pitched for her.
Saying goodbye was a hard thing, but she needed to hurry back to Imladris as fast as possible. Hîr Nogmeldir and the Gonhirrim had been caring for her so friendly and cordially that despite the short time she had been with them it felt to her as if they were one family. And maybe it felt the same way for them, too. She thanked the dwarves for saving her life and for everything they had done for her.
"Nothing to thank for, young Plinnlim" Lini replied. "We were glad to be of help and to have some company out here. And such a pleasant one, too. You take care to get back home safely!"
"And if all them elves in Rivendell should ever annoy or bore you, you know there is a cold but friendly spot deep in the Misty Mountains where a bunch of dwarves will be happy to cook for you again," Tweggi grumbled. At that moment, Plinnlim could not hold back her tears and she sank down onto her knees and gave him a bone-smashing hug. "Now, now" the dwarf said, "don't do that! What if someone comes around the corner right now? Our reputation will be totally ruined!" But he looked very touched and pleased.
Nogmeldir made her promise to come and visit again - but please being alive and conscious next time. Plinnlim smiled and made that promise with a happy heart. They had drawn maps that would help her to find her way home - and back here - easily. And for herself she had made a list of things they were lacking out here at the Vindurhal camp.
Rochlim was waiting for her, well fed and even bridled. Plinnlim got onto her faithful horse, turned around for one last wave, noticing that it was only the three dwarves standing at the edge of the platform, Tweggi with a large chequered handkerchief in his fist, while Nogmeldir was nowhere to be seen. He was probably inside his tent. She shrugged, a little puzzled, and once more waved at the friendly dwarves. Then she looked at her map, memorizing the way home. And then she left, with a sad and at the same time happy feeling in her heart. She would not have her parents around in future, but she would have some friendly dwarves that within these few days had become as close to something like parents as it was possible. Rochlim's hooves were swirling up clouds of snow and Plinnlim, with her arms around Rochlim's neck, could not wait to get home and see her parents before their departure.
