For some time, I have watched these elves in the valley of Imladris, where I lurked all the spring; speaking little to anyone. Most took no heed of me, for I did not encourage talk, and kept myself apart, listening for news of my brother. None was forthcoming. I began to think he was dead, and that by the end of the season, I must betake some other plan of action. But one day, as I climbed in the rocks high over the Valley, I saw below me the mighty Lord Veryacano of the Hammer Order. He was prepared as for a long journey, and gathered round him were some five and twenty elves, and lo! - my brother Parnard was among them! And then this crowd passed south out of the Valley, into the moor, but Parnard, having slothly feet, did not join in the march with the company, and drifted back to the house at a terrible slow pace.
My melancholy thoughts were dispersed at once! No more would I have to lurk and spy like some accused thief - I well nigh had him! – or so I thought. When I advanced up to him, he seemed confused, frightened. I kindly embraced him, and when he saw that it was his brother, his most stalwart guardian, Parnard fell into a dead silence for very joy of seeing me again, and made every sign that he would faint. I believed him to stand in need of my help, so I conducted him with all haste to his chamber. Pouring him water, I said I would never leave him again, and obliged him to go away with me, back to the Greenwood. I was extremely rejoiced to see him, and be freed thus from lurking about and listening at doors, and able to make amends at last, but I fear I was too impatient with him; my surprise visit so addled his brains, that he looked as if he lost his wits, and gave a loud cry, leaping up from his chair. I held on tight to restrain him through this fit of his, until he began to thrash around, swinging his fists wildly. He grabbed a vase, and hoisting it over his shoulder, smashed me over the head. Alas! - it was necessary to give him a light tap on the jaw in return, and he lay sprawled upon the floor, making distressful sounds. I was not departed from him for long, and returned quickly with a few remedies, but found my foolish brother entertaining a guest!
Through the window I could see many wine bottles, and saw that more had just been brought. The Vintner Sogadan opened another case, and was pouring fine Dorwinion into a huge glass. I watched my brother become loud, then weepy, and he carried on for a very long time in this way, until he was befuddled complete out of his wits, and had stretched himself out upon his couch in a vagrant and disgraceful manner, unaware of his carousing friend’s presence, or when he left him. Before I could properly tend Parnard’s wounds, and see if I could get him on his feet, I heard a sharp voice call out behind me.
“You sir, who are you?” demanded a tall, red-haired lady. Then her eyes fell on Parnard, who was still dead to the world, from all appearances. She made a cry, and pushed me out of the way to place her fair hand on his forehead and pat his cheek! Looking upon me with a terrible aspect, she asked me fiercely my name again, and what had happened to Parnard?
I shook my head at this confident display of ignorance, and nodding towards him, said, “We may not look much alike, but I will have you know that you are addressing Parnard’s brother, Culufinnel; however, what business I have with him is a private matter.”
“This is a surprising story!” cried the lady.
“No, my brother is the one full of surprising stories,” I said. I am not such a great talker as Parnard.
My brother lifted up his head, and wailed out that it was as true as the stars, that we were indeed brothers, and little did he expect meeting me this day. How ashamed he was to have the Lady Danel witness the dishonourable and injurious manner in which I treated him, his own brother, while under his own roof!
She looked around, noticing the unkempt room, the broken mirror and furniture, and the ink my brother had flung on the wall in his madness. I told the lady he was full to bursting with red wine, and asked Parnard how many bottles he drank. My challenge of reckoning, I am sorry to say, was never answered by that pitiable scarecrow - my brother uttered the most lamentable groans, appearing fearful of me, and playing upon the Lady’s sympathies, appealed to her for help by laying his head on her slipper, and complained of a headache from being boxed on the head. “Ah, poor Parnard,” quoth the lady, turning to me, “thou little knowest how ill he deserveth this treatment at thy hands.”
Then her charitable, sweet manner vanished, and drawing herself up to her full height, this lady bid me address myself to the Lords of the House, and tell them of my quarrel with my brother, and they would deem whether I be worthy of mercy or wrath. I answered her plainly, and said it was not meet for her to be so concerned about matters of which she knew nothing. Of course, I could have easily justified myself, but I would never open the matter unto these nobles; they would not hear the truth from me, not unless my brother forced me to tell it, for it was the only leash I had that would prevent him from running away again, unless I were to bind his legs up, and that would draw attention. The thought occurred to me to carry him off whilst he was sleeping off wine; which was true, and it was likely a commonplace sight, from what I have heard from these elves. I said I would not leave without him, and commanded that she stand aside. “Well, well,” said she, laughing scornfully, “- just try to move me.” Then she did spring up a knee, and kick me so hard between the legs, that I fell over like one struck out of his senses. But the excellent lady did not stop there, and she beat her fists upon me, coming down with such a hail of furious blows, and making so much commotion with her screaming, that I thought it was a bad place to remain in, else the Watchers be alerted by her noise. I durst not attempt my plan, and so I was unable to bring my brother back secretly to the Greenwood, for fear of bringing more trouble upon us. I quitted my brother’s chambers and fled far into the hills. I am forced to hide in the rocky caves; I must bide my time - war is stirring; with the change in the air, many travelers are leaving the vale of late.
