Vinyalonde

“Well? Were you able to find him?” asked Sogadan.

Parnard shook his head. “Pour out the wine.”

The Vintner of Imladris was a sleek little elf, and knowing well the tastes of his clientele, poured out a tall glass of Dorwinion Red, and pushed it across the polished marble table.

The trial being concluded, I approached Lord Estarfin to congratulate him on his victory, but he only shook his head at me and gave me quite a cold answer. I perceive that he takes very ill with me, and thinks me a faithless friend, when I insist that I did all I could to help him.

Estarfin did not acknowledge his friendly smile, and turning on his heel, strode off to speak with Nirhen in private.

I understand from your letter that you wish to receive a commission from Lord Veryacano. I do not know your particular reasons for wishing to join the Order of the Hammer, but it seems fitting, and very favorable; if you are accepted, you will find all manner of honours conferred upon you, which are exclusive to the Hammer Order.

My Lord,

The next morning I sought Nirhen, whom I found by the pavilion overlooking the river, alone, because she is unsociable, and delivered Lord Anglachelm’s message to her, and said I would attend her to the Hall of Fire, where she would await our Lordship.

I had heard some talk in the courtyard of one of the guests leaving very abruptly, having taken sick, and all his symptoms indicated that his sickness was probably due to the food that he ate while in the Hall of Fire, which, it was said, was a seafood repast graciously supplied by my Lord Anglachelm.

The Ambassador inquired whether there would be any objection to his communicating with the prisoner. There was not. Mirdoron and Mallenhadh seemed to think nothing important would likely result, and that the skinny, mild-mannered elf seemed harmless. They waved him aside.

"I should prefer to speak to him alone, in more comfortable surroundings - perhaps the Hall of Fire? No? Well, have it your way, then." Parnard smiled affably.

“No, I must say, they did not seem at all impressed, but seemed very careless about the subject, and even disposed to joke –“ Sogadan said.

“These Noldor,” interrupted Parnard, “never will have sufficient ability to appreciate their Ambassador, whatever he does, or may wish to do; and he will merely receive grief for his attempts.”

We reached the Valley in good time. Lord Estarfin was more quiet than usual, perhaps contemplating the making of the sword he had been charged with crafting for our Lord Anglachelm. Close by the chalk path that leads to the Valley, we met a elf lady, a soldierly-type, by the name of Limiriel.