Kennet and Meldanyel entered the majestic Hall of Fire, the main social gathering place of The Last Homely House. Here and there in the spotless and spacious place were some residents and visitors of the elven enclave of Rivendell. Some were reading or meditating in quiet solitude while others were chatting amicably, the sound of their voices reaching softly into every corner of the Hall of Fire. Kennet had had the opportunity to enter this place before, but not Meldanyel, who was instantly awed. But soon her gaze fell on the only known and familiar element in the whole magnificent place: the dwarven merchant Frimsi, who was chatting with several elves on the other side of the room. So, without hesitation, both friends headed towards that part of the Hall of Fire.
-But aside from me abusing Elrond's generosity I am also expecting some friends... -the arrival of the humans interrupted the words of the dwarf, who responded with joy to their appearance: Ha! Speak of strange chances in Middle-Earth!
The Merchant Guild Leader welcomed the young humans and immediately introduced them with all possible pomp to the elves present in the place. Thus, the scholar Kennet and the cook Meldanyel had the opportunity to meet creatures that had been in existence for centuries, with a multitude of experiences behind them.
On one side stood an imposing elf with a deep scar across her right eye. Dressed in leather clothes more suited for a working environment than for an elegant elven encounter, Hravanis was, according to Frimsi's description, a veteran warrior with the deep knowledge of a great scholar.
There was also a pair of elves, the scout Arradril and the warrior Branalph, in similar elegant garb that betrayed their membership in House Vanimar. As they both said, it was a privilege to be able to serve such an illustrious House, a company of "interesting people" as they defined themselves. Although Frimsi described it with more majesty; he stated that Vanimar was an ancient and respectable order of elves.
Next to them sat the elf Redandir. Dressed in natural colored robes and a red scarf tucked into his hair, the elf introduced himself as a hunter, trap-master and explorer of the wilderness.
They all greeted and welcomed the newcomers with the serene hospitality befitting the elves, speaking in the common language that allowed both dwarf and human to participate in the conversations. Though it was Frimsi, by far, who was most elated and his torrent of voice was heard above the others, while Kennet and Meldanyel participated cautiously.
Gradually other elves joined the gathering. Like the pale Lomeanis, a Noldor of smaller stature than those of her own lineage. With dignified and serene demeanor, she greeted those present and stood next to her friend Hravanis. Or as the silent Nautiel, a raven-dark, thick hair elf who took her place seated on the elongated central table of the room and seemed to enjoy the moment.
The conversation flowed organically to where those present were from, and soon they found themselves talking about the dangerous forest of Mirkwood, from where Lomeanis claimed to have his dwelling.
-I know that place, more or less… -Meldanyel said, but then she added: But… it's a very horrible place, my mother told me some scary tales from there.
The dwarf took the floor and affirmed impetuously: Indeed Meldanyel... nothing more terrifying than the tolls of the Black Forest. Easily the worst of that accursed forest.
Undeterred by the comment, Lomeanis replied: Ai, my home is in the dark forest, infested with beasts and spiders. I have few visitors.
Her words surprised the human, who asked: What, in the forest!?
Haravnis warned at the course the conversation was taking: Be careful there. Redandir here is also a forest dweller. He might be offended.
Scout Arradril exclaimed excitedly: I keep hearing about all those spiders! Sticking an arrow in the eye of one of them would be quite a challenge.
But Meldanyel still wondered: But why would anyone live in that forest?
Lomeanis looked at Redandir and then back at Meldanyel, but it was Arradril who answered after a shrug: It wasn't always like it is now. Anyway... I think it's to hide his drab way of dressing!
Arradril laughed at her own comment, but Hravanis replied in a serious and blunt tone: You're insulting three people in this room with that, Arradril! And two of them don't deserve it.
The explorer tried to smooth things over from her words so as not to offend the others, but by the gestures and looks the damage was already done. The pair of human friends were surprised to witness such a quarrel between the majestic elves. Meldanyel approached Kennet and whispered in his ear: Kennet, I don't understand elves, they are.... weird.
The human replied discreetly and without being too sure of his words: Don't worry... like everyone else, they must have their own... issues.
After a few verbal exchanges, which did not reach anywhere near the intensity or nastiness that might occur in a human tavern brawl, Kennet decided to bring up a topic of conversation that would change the current subject matter. Turning to Arradril, he commented: Oh.... I've... I've just begun to learn the elven language.... I'll remember that word, Vanimar, but I don't know what it means.
-It means "dear home" in the old language -said the explorer. Or beloved home? Home of whom... I mean, of which... oh, bother.
But Hravanis arched an eyebrow at Kennet curiously and, ignoring Arradril's answer, asked: Oh, yes? You've come to study at Imladris, then?
-Yes! I just joined the Scholars' Guild -the human affirmed. I studied in Bree... but Rivendell is the true knowledge point of the region. Everyone present saw Kennet's proud face, but also Meldanyel's uncomfortable gesture after those words.
Arradril replied: That's right, I'm afraid our time in Middle-earth is coming to an end. But it is good to know that we can leave our books in good hands.
But Meldanyel said in an unkind tone: I disagree. I was expecting cookbooks in Rivendell and found none. Well, none in the common tongue, that is.
To the human's surprise, the imposing Hravanis agreed with her: You are more than right. Why we do not write in westron for all to read is beyond me.
In his cheerful mood, the dwarf did not hesitate to point to the human scholar and add: Well, here Kennet can perhaps help with the Westron translation. Once he learns the elven tongue.
And as the conversation drifted to more academic topics, Meldanyel felt someone at her back. When she looked back, she was surprised by a strange elf. She was shabbily dressed in a simple leather tunic that exposed her arms, legs and bare feet.
The dwarf noticed Meldanyel's reaction and stated: Yes, it is a natural response to the ancient beauty that is Hwiltis.
Hwiltis nibbles on a small fruit tart while observing Meldanyel's reaction. But the human seemed uncomfortable in the presence of the strange elf, and whispering she asked the dwarf: Why is she barefoot?
Frimsi whispered back: It's all part of her style. She is one with nature and all that. The woman looked confused when she heard the dwarf's answer, who whispered in her ear again: If you don't like my answer, why don't you ask her yourself? I promise she won't bite! But Frimsi didn't even wait for the human to act and turned to the elf, stating: Hwiltis! My friend Meldanyel has a question for you!
Meldanyel's face showed surprise and indignation at Frimsi's "betrayal". After giving him an angry look, she turned to the elf with embarrassment and discomfort. Hwiltis was confused by these reactions, unsure of what was going on. Finally, the human asked: Ehm, lady elf maiden I... wonder why you are barefoot.
Hwiltis looked at the woman and took a good while to think. I enjoy the physical connection to the world around me -she simply said in heavily accented westron and a calm voice.
Frimsi replied on the spot: See! Just as I said. Part of her style. This comment left both Meldanyel and Hwiltis confused, not quite understanding the whole situation at hand. One with nature! That's why I awarded her the title of "Spirit of Middle-earth"! -added the dwarf in a cheerful tone.
Meanwhile, Kennet continued to comment on his stay in Rivendell and on his future goals: I would like to... in the future... explore some ruins. I don't know if my elven master Idhrenwë will assign me some elven guides, but.... I will remember your name in case you want to help me in my studies -he said to the trap-master and hunter Redandir.
But the elf replied: I do not know this side of the mountains, since I have just arrived. But if we could get some more knowledgeable guides I would gladly join.
The human reacted with embarrassed surprise and said: Oh... sorry for the mistake. I... I thought almost all of you were from here. I like to draw, read and use maps to explore places so, if I don't find a guide, I hope to see all the public maps in Elrond's Library to go myself. At least... all of the ancient kingdom of Arnor!
The others showed strangeness as they listened to Kennet, which worried the human. But it was Arradril who revealed the reason: Old? But... er, yes, the old kingdom. You can hardly keep count. A kingdom appears and disappears again.
Kennet realized their different perspectives instantly, that of the short life span of humans compared to the longevity of elves: Ah.... You're right. For me... even a century ago is very old!
The subject seemed to stir the memory of the elves. Hravanis looks at Arradril and asks: Did you spend time in Arnor at it's height?
Arradril answered, shaking his head: No, not really, hiril.
Hravanis added: I once lived in Rhudaur as it was, even until it fell. To Kennet's curiosity, who asked where her abode was, the elf added: I lived in the capital, Caras Bennas, host to a Court Lady there. The human tried to remember something about such a city, but nothing came to his memory. He was becoming more and more fascinated by the vast life of the elves, who saw cities and kingdoms rise and fall throughout their existence.
Frimsi's voice was once again heard above the others, drawing the attention of everyone there: As I know for sure that I won't improve my connection to nature! Middle-earth needs elves who are connected to nature! Just as much as it needs dwarves connected to metalcraft.
But this time it was the hunter Redandir who from the other side of the group answered: How come? What about being rooted into the mountain?
For the first time that day the dwarf seemed to be at a loss for words, pondering his answer. Though in the end he admitted: I guess you're right. I will consider becoming more "rooted with the mountain" myself.
-And what are humans connected to? -Meldanyel asked with genuine curiosity.
The bold Hravanis did not hesitate to give her opinion: Humans have the wonderful ability to be connected to whatever they wish.
After talking about connections to nature and the mountains, the answer seemed somewhat ambiguous to Meldanyel, who shrugged and said: Well, at least we have the taverns, that's something.
Frimsi laughed loudly after these words, affirming: That's an interesting point. There is a distinct lack of taverns among the elves. I guess it's a mortal thing.
But Redandir disagreed with the dwarf: Who doesn't have taverns? While yours are fun, they differ quite a bit from ours. Maybe we'll just call our elven tavern something else.
Hravanis continued the hunter's words saying: Lindon and Felegoth have a few ale-houses left, but even I prefer those of men and dwarves.
Redandir nodded to Hravanis' words. But then he indicated that it was his wish to leave the Hall of Fire for the night. As he walked toward the exit everyone wished him blessings and good rest, each in their own way or tradition. And Kennet, in particular, did not hesitate to suggest a toast to him as was done in Bree: anything was a good excuse to drink and toast. To the departure of Redandir, who left the place, and to the early arrival of spring.
Mentioning the spring season raised the spirits of elves like Branalph, Arradril and Nautiel. Which surprised Kennet, for as he himself stated: But... It seems it's always spring in Rivendell!
Turning her gaze first to Lomeanis, the sturdy Hravanis answered the human: Yes, a still and embalmed place you have come too.
Arradril was somewhat displeased with that answer: Are we so dull, really? It is a refuge, after all. Quietness is rather the point, I would say!
-The quietness I have no quarrel with -Hravanis replied to the scout from House Vanimar- but I cannot remain here overlong or I fear I will forget what the changing of seasons feels like at all. It is still.
Hwiltis cast a vaguely disapproving glance in Hravanis' direction. But Lomeanis' words supported her friend's arguments: It is a still and unchanging place indeed. I hear that mortals often forget the passage of time here, and for good reason. There is beauty in things that change.
Encouraged by the criticism towards the elven city, Meldanyel took the floor: Well, Rivendell is indeed beautiful but... I prefer Bree. It may not be great, or perfect, but it seems more of a haven to me than Rivendell. This brought to the human's mind a question she had been preparing for days, and that at that moment she asked the dwarf: Master Frimsi, when are you returning to Bree?
The dwarf merchant answered instantly: I plan to leave Rivendell in a few days. I like to test the limits of Elrond's generosity, but not beyond them!
The pale Lomeanis heard these words and did not hesitate to answer: Do you intend to leave so soon? How dull things will be without you, Master Frimsi.
Hravanis seemed to fervently agree with Lomeanis' statement. Frimsi responded to the Elvish flattery: I am flattered and honored! But believe me, even you would be angry with me after a week!
The scout Arradril focused on more mundane matters by replying: Did your caravan need escorting? I believe the House of the Flower-kindlers is also leaving the Vale soon. And my colleague Tuilerië, a name derived from one of our words for "spring," -she said looking at the student Kennet- will be going with her.
Frimsi responded to the offered help: Well, I wouldn't say we need an escort, but more company on the road is always welcome! The mortal lands could always use a little more elven beauty!
The idea of elves in more mundane places than Rivendell seemed to amuse Meldanyel, who asked her friend: What do you think, Kennet? Can you imagine elves in The Prancing Pony?
But it was Hravanis who was quick to respond: You see Frimsi, she has the right idea. Her gaze fell on Lomeanis, who seemed not to know the place they were talking about. It’s an ale-house, famous throughout much of Eriador. It sits at Bree's peak.
Kennet's words followed after those of the elf: Well.... As my father used to say, with a couple of ale mugs, every cat is black. So... human, dwarf or elf, I guess they all have a place in The Prancing Pony!
-The Prancing Pony is the best tavern this side of the Misty Mountains -Frimsi said with conviction. Don't let the hobbits and us dwarves try to convince you otherwise.
Happy and proud to be able to talk about his own home and the tavern where he has spent many hours of his short life, Kennet stated aloud: Well.... Indeed, if we ever meet at The Prancing Pony, I will be happy to invite you and show you some of our tavern traditions.
Everyone present gladly accepted the human's hospitable words. Kennet then noticed that the silent Nautiel had not spoken a word all night, but with her hands she was making gestures that seemed to be a form of communication with the others, exchanging some kind of message with Hravanis. After communicating with Nautiel, the stocky elf even pondered: Perhaps I should try to stop by Bree one more time, I haven't seen it in.... three decades perhaps? It hasn't been that long, but Bree changes at a marvelous pace.
But it was the dwarf who questioned Kennet's words: Traditions like what? Buying a total stranger a drink? Or perhaps standing ominously in a dark corner scowling at everyone?
-I mean... betting on the oddest matters, making fun challenges and planning creative games to make Barliman angry -Kennet replied with a chuckle.
Lomeanis was still mulling over what she heard, trying to picture the place. Mhm, I don't see why this Prancing Pony has to be full of scowling men. It seems rather a waste to go out for revels and spend all one's time brooding.
Meldanyel protested at the pale elf's words: Hey, The Pony is not full of brooding people! Although after a few seconds of reminiscing, she qualified her own words: Not every day at least.
The conversation drifted to alcoholic beverages and how this affected humans, dwarves and elves in different ways. It was not a topic that particularly interested Meldanyel, who began to feel tired and sat down on one of the elegant steps of the Hall of Fire.
But, as Frimsi had related to Kennet weeks before in The Prancing Pony, elves often used to recall and complain about bad things that had happened to them centuries before. That was what the human remembered when Hravanis turned to him and, changing the subject, remarked: You said you wanted to see the old ruins of Fornost? They are far north of here.
The elf caught Kennet's full attention at the mention of what he was most passionate about: exploring ancient ruins to learn their history: Yes. Far away... but I'm sure I'll visit it someday! Do you know it?
Hravanis sighed before saying: Yes, I spent some time there and... I fought in that battle.
Arradril, who was listening to the conversation, couldn't help but look sympathetically at her elder: I've only heard tales... it must have been horrible.
Kennet apologized, feeling guilty for bringing those tragic memories to the present: Oh... I... I heard it was a long time ago. I... I continue to be amazed at her longevity, I'm sorry.
But the veteran elf did not seem to be saddened by those memories: Like all wars... In fact, with Arnor already in ruins, and a victory won, I have fought far worse skirmishes.
Seeing that the strength of the elven warrior outweighed the tragic memories, Kennet ventured a proposal: I'd like to talk soon about all those memories... If you want to, of course! Books are interesting... but words are more so!
Hravanis bowed slightly at Kennet's waist: I am at your service. If we elves spend so little time writing things, it is only fair that we at least be courteous and helpful to those who choose to do so.
A broad, spontaneous smile appeared on Kennet's face, who stated gratefully: Thank you for your kindness.... I'm sure we'll see you around these days. I will be more than happy to have those conversations with you.
The elf did not hesitate to extend that collaboration and added: In fact, if you need a guide and intend to stay here after the snow melts on the heights, I will be happy to guide you through old Cardolan.
Kennet nodded enthusiastically and added: Thank you for your offer, Hravanis. When I have to explore the land, I'll remember that.
Meanwhile, the silent Nautiel had ignored the conversation about Fornost and the past and turned her attention to Meldanyel. Gracefully she stepped down from the table and approached the woman, silently pointing to the human's hand as she herself opened her other hand palm up. The woman did not understand what the elf intended, so Nautiel very slowly took Meldanyel's hand so as to not frighten her. Nautiel set the bag of pine into it, giving it to her as a gift. Meldanyel thought it was some kind of elven tradition, and immediately stood up and thanked Nautiel, bowing hurriedly.
The situation did not go unnoticed by Frimsi, who said in his usual loud voice: Ha! Looks like you have some magic elf seeds to sell now too, Meldanyel!
-What? Magic seeds!? -Meldanyel's surprised expression was accompanied by a fixed look at the enigmatic bag she held in her hand.
Nautiel smiled and turned to Frimsi, giving him a look before shaking her head.
-Well, they are magic if you want them to be! -assured the dwarf. The customer you sell them to won't know the difference! Frimsi winked at Meldanyel in complicity.
Still confused, Meldanyel asked again: But... but... but... Are they or not?
Nautiel let out a silent laugh and shook his head at Meldanyel. Which was accompanied by Frimsi's reply: Well no, they are not. But the customer doesn't have to know that. All he needs to know is that these seeds come from elven lands and are therefore magical. You'd be surprised how much a human or hobbit would be willing to pay for magical elven seeds.
The woman seemed more relieved after the explanation, affirming: Well, I'll plant them anyway. And I'll take care of them, I'm very fond of plants.
Nautiel looked amused, pointed to the bag and mimed eating them. Then Meldanyel understood and nodded her head. She tasted one of the seeds and smiled at the elf. Nautiel grounded and looked pleased, making a small half-awkward bow to Meldanyel that the human tried to mimic.
Next, the silent elf turned to Kennet, reaching this time for something else in her pocket. She made a similar gesture towards Kennet's hand, and the young man did not hesitate to extend his hand towards the elf. Nautiel took Kennet's hand and held out a reddish colored stone with small bands of white into his hand. It was rough, but already somewhat polished by nature. Nautiel looked around, waiting for someone to translate and signed slowly. Lomeanis was the one who spoke for the silent elf: I found it at the bottom of the Bruinen. I thought you might like it because it is red like the mud of the Trollshaws.
Kennet showed a face of sincere gratitude. He looked at the gift made by Nautiel, which he thought might be an agate, and replied after hearing the translation looking into her green eyes: Thanks for your kindness. I'll keep it with me on my travels. Nautiel smiled and made the same little half awkward bow to Kennet, which was answered by another bow from the human.
After seeing the gift his friend received from Nautiel, Meldanyel took the floor to say goodbye. Lords, Ladies, lasses and… elven lads... Farewell. In spite of the uneasiness she had before the meeting, the human affirmed: A pleasure to share an evening. Then she turned to Kennet and said: You can stay here if you want, but I'm really tired.
But the human nodded to his friend and said: No, Mel... I'll leave too with you. And looking at the rest of the people present he added: Yes... I have to leave, too. A pleasure to meet you and thank you for hosting us.
Everyone was kind and grateful for the presence of the two humans that evening, conveying their best wishes to them.
-May the stars guide you, friends -wished them Arradril, who together with her friend Branalph gave them a bow.
-Be well -was Lomeanis' terse but sincere farewell, just before Nautiel said goodbye with gestures and one more bow.
Hravanis extended his farewell further, stating: It was excellent to make your acquaintance, Meldanyel, perhaps we shall meet again in Bree and I will dance on a table for you.
Finally, Frimsi added: Looking forward to our journey together to Bree, Meldanyel! Farewell! Hopefully you have changed this valley as much as it must have changed you!
The couple of friends, very grateful for the pleasant company, waved goodbye and left the Hall of Fire, with their spirits warmed after the evening.
