Hamadmachor

In the middle of trying to sort out preparations for the next leg of the journey, the Elves are surprised to meet one of the very Shire-folk they have been seeking -- a friendly and polite little fellow named Poscoad with an unusually dapper hat. Unfortunately, he also has a talent for getting lost: he is looking for some place called Herne. Man-towns are not Gaerondil's specialty, but she has a try at finding the place on the map, and concludes it must be somewhere to the south.

As the Elves converse with their new Dwarf friend, a small crowd begins to gather -- Men, mostly, but also another Elf, who says little but watches the goings-on with evident interest. Branalph and Gaerondil are mostly interested in refilling the water-skins -- not without a grumble or three from the latter about the dryness of the Lone-lands -- and seeing what fresh food might be available for trade. Hamadmachor, being the forward-looking sort, wants to ensure the group's passage around the Mannish town of Bree and through the many brigands on the Great East Road.

Lirisseya, having consulted one of the most ancient tomes of herb-lore in Master Elrond's library and then obtained a brief personal audience with him, now strongly believes the house needs to undertake a journey to seek an entirely different sort of counsel about the plant. Members of the House begin making plans, but Manadhlaer stops them, having something to say first: Melumatyar, having served the House faithfully and with distinction, has earned a promotion!

Members of Lósengriol gather and enjoy a bit of wine in advance of Lirisseya's revelations about her research into the mysterious flower.

Lord Glinthir leads a company of Elves from Imladris -- Melumatyar carrying healing supplies, and Hamadmachor carrying wool cloth and furs, with Olriandis and Arradril to scout the northern pass -- to resupply Vindurhal. Ulvoin, the master of the small chambers beneath the outpost (oddly well stocked with reading material and a cat, to the Elves' delight), offers some assistance in return -- aid of a more linguistic nature.