Diary of Olriandis. Entry 1 "Out of the wilderness".
It has been many decades (or centuries?) of wandering and adventuring all around the Middle Earth. Other wanderers were a brief company to me around campfires. I made some friends in the inns. But recently I felt that I miss the high society of elves and really profound long friendships. Do you know how disappointing is it to make friends with the race of men? You just starting to get to know each other, like another person and then he (or she) is dead! Alas, the Men’s age is short. So I travelled to the Last Homely House in Rivendell with the aim to make my comeback into social life.
That is a blessed place. One always feels peaceful and welcome here. I was given a guest room and offered a hot bath. An elven hot bath - in an elegant bathtub with essential oils and flower’s petals. Oh, Elbereth Gilthoniel, such a pleasure! It relaxes tired muscles, mind and soul. On my travels, in the wilderness, I’m lucky enough if there is a river or lake to bathe in - usually refreshingly or freezingly cold. And I can do it thoroughly only if I’m travelling with a companion who can stay on watch for enemies and predators - I bet you don’t want to be caught by them naked in the water, far from your weapons! It’s a little bit better in the inns - they can actually warm up the water for you and put it in a barrel or in an almost proper bath (but only in big cities in the kingdoms of Gondor and Rohan). So, clean and relaxed, I put my favourite dress on, brushed my long hair and entered the Hall of Fire.
It was a quiet evening - just a few elves in. It felt so good to be back to Rivendell, among my own kin, listening to that charming music only elves can play. I’m excited to meet more elves and attend some social events!
