Tolkienolgoist's Creative Endeavors Hall! [Archive]

Lhunithiliel

11-10-2002, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by Eledhwen
It looks great! Er... Where are the North, South, East and West towers?
:D :D
C'mmon! Use your imagination!
The tower you see is the western - the most beautiful, the tallest...
The eastern is behind ;) looking right up to the mountain.
The others two... look! Do you see them now?... :D
Elennainie : Wow, Lhunithiliel!!! That's incredible! Did you make that all by yourself?
*Lhun ducks and smiles with modesty...... (hiding a devilish look in her eyes :p *
Thank you! Oh! Don't even mention it!
-----------
Serious.... I made the last picture with Corel Photo Paint and it was a REAL PLEASURE to make it!
I have prepared a few more of the sort like:
> Tuor meets Ulmo
> The fall of Gondolin
> The fall of Numenor ....
and there are some other projects I'm thinking over for our Silmarillion discussion! :)
I am glad that you like it!
----------
MORE serious...... Do you remember how Elfwine (sp?) heard all those stories? - At the hour of telling tales at that little cottige on Tol Eressea.
So, I was thinking, when we, folks, finish with making our home comfortable, let's get to "business" and establish for ourselves such a "tale-telling time".......
Imagine: the fire in the huge fire-place is slightly burning and spreading its warmth and soft light....we are all gathered in the hall and one of us is telling his/her story (aka essay, poem...whatever)....
It would be so nice in the long winter evenings and nights that are coming....

Eledhwen

11-11-2002, 09:51 AM

Mmmm! Will there be roast chestnuts? And Limpë?

Mithlond

11-11-2002, 10:26 AM

Hmm, it seems our home will have all the seasons in one! Because the coming evening and nights for me are gonna be nothin but HOT.
Perhaps the four different towers (:)) can represent the four different seasons.

Lhunithiliel

11-11-2002, 11:03 AM

I was expecting this comment from you, our Australian friend! :D

Well, I don't know .... Let's say - some of those nights will be "winter cold nights, when it is so pleasant to sit by the fire..." And other times these will be "violet-blue summer nights, filled with the fragrance of rare flowers and herbs and we shall all gather in the gardens of the Realm of the Tolkienologists... ;)

Like it this way?

Lhunithiliel

11-11-2002, 03:23 PM

I have an idea:
Could someone draw a coat of arms for our Guild? ;)

Elennainie

11-11-2002, 04:17 PM

I have an idea:
Could someone draw a coat of arms for our Guild? . This is a great idea!! :D We can hang our coat of arms above the fireplace. ;)

Why don't we have a contest open to all GUild of Tolk. members? Each guild member can submit a design for our coat of arms here on this thread one week from today. (THis will give people who work enough time to participate.) You can also say what the charger, colors, etc. on your design represent, if you'd like. THen we can have the whole guild vote on what our new coat of arms should be! :) Or we could ask Grond to decide. WHat do you think? I'm going to go get started on mine...

Nenya Evenstar

11-12-2002, 07:03 AM

Hmmm... I think we all should vote since this is a colaborative effort. :)

I would like to add at the moment small green vines with small star-like white blossoms surrounding every arched window.

Also, on either side of each grand collumn there stands a bronze lamp of magnificence. Each lamp has four feet of braided leaves coming to a point in the middle where they meet to form the pole of the lamp. The pole is slightly thick and rises to a height of about five feet and is scrolled on in the tongue of the Elves of Light. The top blossoms out into four large bronze leaves in the center of which is placed a large golden-white candle.

Eledhwen

11-12-2002, 09:56 AM

I would like to add at the moment small green vines with small star-like white blossoms surrounding every arched window. Could they be bunched, like grape blossoms which are tiny green insignificant things normally? Grape vines have such beautiful shaped leaves, and there'd be fruit an arm's length away in the autumn.Also, on either side of each grand collumn there stands a bronze lamp of magnificenceIs the bronze to be browned, polished or verdigris (greened)? I prefer an oil lamp or flaming torch to a candle

Elennainie

11-12-2002, 08:52 PM

Hmmm... I think we all should vote since this is a colaborative effort.
O.K., voting it is then. :) I'll start a new thread for the contest, so as not to hog this one or get in the way of that story tellin' I've been hearing about...:D
So, I was thinking, when we, folks, finish with making our home comfortable, let's get to "business" and establish for ourselves such a "tale-telling time".......

Elfarmari

11-13-2002, 12:39 AM

I don't have any work to contribute right now, but would like to make the nitpicky comment that I don't know of any guild of Tolkienolgoist's.;)

Lhunithiliel

11-16-2002, 08:16 AM

Well, folks, it seems that the hall of our meeting is ready, isn't it.
I also thought that being Tolkienologists we should have a library and a study.
So, Iwent to visit my good old friend Elrond at Rivendel and he was so kind as to let me copy the design of his study. Only, I thought that more fresh green leaves and some sunlight will only make OUR study more comfortable.
So, here it is:

Lhunithiliel

11-16-2002, 08:22 AM

Ohps! :o The picture!

Eledhwen

11-16-2002, 09:41 PM

Gosh, Lhunithiliel, even I could study in that!

Nenya Evenstar

11-18-2002, 07:09 PM

Eledhwen, your changes to my suggestions are just fine. I would like the bronze to be browned. A flaming torch sounds wonderful. :)

Elennainie

11-20-2002, 04:23 AM

Great picture, Lhun. I really dig the living tree growing inside! :)

Lhunithiliel

11-20-2002, 07:37 AM

Isn't it time now to start doing what we have thought of at the very beginning?
I mean, when are we going to "listen" to the first "tale-teller" and his/her tale about ANY Tolkien and/or Middle Earth-related subject...?

This was the primary idea that I had in mind right from the start ;)

Seriously, folks, let's "get to business".

I suggest to "light the fire in the exquisite fire-place in our castle" and gather to "listen" to a tale..... which may be an essay, or a fiction story, or just some opinion, or anything else created by you and inspired by Tolkien.

Nenya Evenstar

11-20-2002, 03:33 PM

I am ready....

Nenya entered the hall and looked around herself with awe - it surpassed even her wildest hopes and imaginings. Everything was exceptionally beautiful each in its own way, and just being in this room was relaxing and rejuvenating. With a deep breath and glance at the magnificent fireplace, Nenya realized what the room reminded her of - The Hall of Fire in Rivendell, of course! Though very different in looks and appearance, the atmosphere was so similar that Nenya thought she had stepped back many years into the third-age. It was exhilarating. She walked up to the round table and took a seat in one of the oak chairs surrounding it and awaited the arrival of her friends.

Elennainie

11-20-2002, 04:52 PM

Elennainië enters through the door leading from the garden, bearing berries of purple and red for her friends to eat. She delights in the warmth of the hall, for the autumn winds blow cold in the garden. She hangs her cloak on a peg near the fire and turns to gaze upon the flaming bronze torches, and then up at the silver lamps hanging from the tree. The sweet scent of the white star flowers growing in the windows lingers delicately in the air. She sees her friend Nenya already seated at the table, greets her and sets the berries and a decanter of limpë in front of them on the table.

Lhunithiliel

11-21-2002, 06:51 AM

Lhunithiliel appears from a door at the back of the hall.
She's carrying a few books.
Lhun greets Elennainie and Nenya and carefully leaving the books on the table, she approaches the fire and streches out her hands to warm them up.
"The air is fresh. It's so nice to have the fire lit!", she says.
"Where are the others? Is anybody else going to join us this evening? ...Look! I've brought you some books. I received them recently. Far away, in lands we long have not visited, there lives a loremaster. They call him The Professor but his given name is J.R.R.Tolkien. He is Atani but he writes like one of our loremasters.
Look! I've brought some of his writings. ..."

Elennainie and Nenya eagerly take a book each.

"The Hobbit", reads Elennainie the title on the cover of the book she has taken. "Strange! Isn't this the name of that little people that we call Perian?"
"Yes, Elennainie.", answers Lhunithiliel. "These are the Halflings. Peaceful people are they, but this tale tells about adventures in times passed long ago..... Say, would you like to study it and when you're ready, we'll be delighted to hear some of your thoughts on the tale?"

"What have you got there, Nenya?"
"The Lord of the Rings", reads slowly Nenya. She shivers." Lhunithiliel, I feel feared to read this tale! Some cold and dark power I sense!"
"Don't!", says Lhunithiliel. "It's an exciting story of how the Free peoples of Middle Earth defied the power of the Dark Lord. If you read it, I am sure you will then have a lot to tell us and share with us!"

"And this book?, says Elennainie and points to the third book on the shining surface of the round table.
"Ah!", says Lhunithiliel, "This is another work. It's called "Unfinished tales". I'm so much interested in it! I think I'll give it all my attention! When I'm through, I'll tell you about it".

The three ladies, open the books with utmost respect and silence fall in the Hall of Fire in the castle of the Tolkienologists.
-----------

:D Girls, this is only a suggestion, up here! If you do not like it - you can always pick up another story. Besides, you can attract disciples to study your books with you and write/create your own the respective-book-inspired works.
It's just a suggestion! :)
------------

BTW, is this an RP?

Melian

11-21-2002, 09:50 AM

Melian,just healed by King's Leaf from her pneumonia,still heavily breathing,enters the magnificent hall of lore and enchantment.Behold!What exquisite columns,what masterpiece of oak furnishing,what a maze of tangled carved details.And lo!Melian rests her astonished gaze on her charming colleague-guildmembers ---the wisest,the most fabulous--Lhun,Nenya,El.They seem to discuss the sophisticated matters of the Books of lore.
'Aw!May Elbereth cast light on your way!',says Melian modestly.
'Heigh-Ho,Maia Queen!Where have you been!?',reply they.'We need a story-teller for our Creative Quest!'
'Oh,do you?Well,I don't see Gil-Galad around.He's got a lot of made-up stories about his connections to supermodel Elvish maids'....

Nenya Evenstar

11-21-2002, 07:06 PM

Nenya laughs. "Welcome Melian! I'm sure that you can be our story-teller if you wish. After all, I don't think any of us would enjoy hearing about such Elvish maids as you have mentioned." Turning to Lhun Nenya says, "You are right about this tale! Already I feel drawn into it... it is indeed magnificent." She turns to her reading again, too interested to leave it for long.

****************************
Lhun, I love your suggestion. I'll be following it, and looking eagerly for disciples. Yes, this is an RP, I guess. I thought it would be best if we did it this way. Just let me know if you don't like it.

*****************************

Lhunithiliel

11-21-2002, 09:29 PM

Lhun looks up from the book she's studying when she hears Melian's voice.
"Melian! Welcome!"
We all hope you are feeling better now!
Come, join us! I have brought three wonderful books. Take a look, Maia Queen! These are tales of old times, of courage and bravery, of sacrifice and struggle against the Dark powers.... So the ladies say."

And Lhun smiles at the two fairies. Then she says:

"My book, I say, is about the history of our lands, woven into tales.... It's beautiful! Yet, sometimes....so sad! I have read almost all of it ....
And I'm willing to tell you about one of the tales soon. Do you like listening to tales, Lady?"

At this moment, they all see that Melian is holding a book herself !

"Your book is the history of these lands, you say, Lhunithiliel", she said softly. "But what I have brought to you tonight is the lore of the Valar-Gods, the tales of the fair Elves and the tragic history of the Atani. Look - this is the story from the beginning of the days of Arda! The Legendarium!... The Atany call it "The Silmarillion"."

The Elven ladies leave for a while their books and look in deep respect at the gift of the Maia Queen.

They talk for a while and then Lhun says:
"I have heard, fair Ladies, that there is another great book by The Professor. He called it "The History of Middle Earth". Do you know anything about it, Maia Queen?"

"I have heard about it too", says Melian. "My husband once told me that the Elves speak of it. They say it is guarded in Gondolin, the hidden city, and that it is well kept behind the gate-seven. It was once, long ago saved by Maedhros the Tall. The tale tells that once the Dark Vala hit such a mighty blow with his Grond at an ancient building that the roof was destroyed. Whe Morgoth looked inside, he saw nothing but books and scrolls, filled with writings. He left it so....and it happened so, that Maedhros came one day by and he found that precious book and he took it and many other manuscripts of old to Gondolin.
Where it is now, I do not know!"

Nenya seemed so excited.
"Don't worry!", she said. Tonight I will look in the magic water mirror and it will tell me who is the keeper of this sacred text.... I wonder, could it be Gil-Galad?... "

Good night, my Ladies!
I'll meet you tomorrow!
*******************

Nenya, do I look like not liking all this? :D I love it!
I hope the boys with the highlighted names guess what I have had in mind ;) :)

Elennainie

11-22-2002, 03:48 AM

They fall back into their reading for a while, until Elennainië's laughter rings out in the hall. The others look up from their books.

"What a delightful chap, this Bilbo! Such manners...trying to dismiss none other than Gandalf the wizard with a simple 'Good-morning'! And such happy little names have these dwarves - Bifur and Bofur and Bombur and the like!!"

Having sat in their oaken chairs for so long reading, Nenya, Lhun., Melian & Elen. stretch their arms and legs.

Elen. rises from the table and walks over to a window. "The stars shine brightly this even. Look - there's Elemmírë, and there's Alcarinquë."

Nenya follows her to the arched window. "And there shine Luinil and Lumbar."

Melian & Lhun. come over to join them. "And behold, Valacirca, the sickle of the Valar," chimes Melian. "...with its seven stars, most beautiful of the constellations," adds Lhun.

"How about a dance?" suggests Elen. I've brought my harp with me and we could use a break from our reading. She begins a merry tune, inspired by the names of the dwarves in the book:
And Dwalin and Balin/ And Kili and Fili/ a-ring-a-ding-a-do/ And Bifur and Bofur/ Came looking for supper/ A-heighty-heighty-ho...

A clapping of hands and a fine spot of dancing followed.

***********
Perhaps we shouldn't put words into each other's mouths. I feel weird speaking for the rest of you. We could just write about our own character - what do you think?

Nenya Evenstar

11-22-2002, 04:06 AM

Nenya laughs as she claps and dances around the fire-lit room. Coziness and contentment are everywhere enhancing the atmosphere, and none of the four Elven ladies can help but to express their deepest joy in their dance. Nenya's mind, however, is still swimming in what she read but a few moments ago. Ah the sorrow that her people had been through! Such a bittersweet life the Elves in ages past had lived, always knowing that they would lose so much of what they had worked for! A tear comes into Nenya's eye - indeed it is still a sorrow in the heart of the Elves even to this day. And she knows that her sorrow is not alone.

****************
I suggest we move each other some, but not too much - only when we know what the answer will be.

Lhunithiliel

11-22-2002, 05:41 AM

Girls, before we go on, don't you think that if this is going to be an RP, we should better open a separate thread for it and ask Grond to move out our latest posts there?
How about a thread called The Reading Hall.... Or does it sound too dumb and boring :o ;)

But, of course, those of you who know how an RP is played should guide us through :)

Elennainie

11-22-2002, 03:02 PM

I think moving the posts starting with Nenya's "I am ready...Nenya entered the hall..." to a new RP thread is a good idea, Lhun. :) Is it only open to our Guild or to anyone? How about calling it "Our First Gathering" or something like that? Because I don't think we'll be just reading in there!! ;)

Don't forget - today's the last day to submit your coat of arms design for above the gate of our dwelling!

Nenya Evenstar

11-22-2002, 03:42 PM

Well, I thought that our Hall was called The Guild of Tolkienologist's Creative Endeavors Hall... or perhaps we need a new name. I think that we should name our thread whatever our Hall is called, and if it is called what I think it is then this thread is just fine. :p I believe this is a closed thread.

Lhunithiliel

11-23-2002, 07:34 AM

****
It's an early morning. The Hall is empty. The dances and the merry fiest had benn long. Lhun smiles at the memory of what a pleasant night they all had!
Lhunithiliel approaches the round table and puts a thin scroll on it.
Then she quietly leaves the hall.

*******
The scroll:

Fair Ladies,
Would you like to hear a Tale tonight? I would love to tell you an exciting yet sad story of two Numenoreans, whose pride destroyed their love! The story is so touching!
If you wish to hear it, I'll meet you tonight in the Hall of Fire of our castle.

Lhunithiliel

*******

Melian

11-23-2002, 11:52 AM

Melian makes her way through the fire-lit hall.The soft hues of the copper flames gives the hall the color of honey.
The Maia Queen looks arond in a quiet bliss( well,for a blink of time she wrinkles her nose unnoticeably though and thinks "Ah!The mantelpiece is in a mess again.How many times should I tell Lhun not to leave her Enya CDs by my china figures...it's such a conspicuous lack of taste!" ).
Then her eye falls on the huge round oak table where a notice is left.She reads it,rests in thought for a while,and her memories flow to an enchanting story she read herself once--ah!--Erendis and Aldarion...what a pity that they had to suffer so much....Melian wonders what tale the fair Lady has in store for them for tonight.She can sense it is going to be another fascinating night!

Elennainie

11-23-2002, 09:36 PM

Elennainië, too, finds the scroll. "Ah...a story I have not yet heard," she murmers to herself. "And yet so sad it sounds. Could anything be more sorrowful than the tale of Turin and Nienor?" And she resolves to visit the hall again that evening.

Nenya Evenstar

11-24-2002, 02:41 AM

Nenya overhears her companions reading the scroll and resolves to be in the hall as well. She, however, gives no thoughts or ideas out which give away what she thinks the story may be about. Her mind and lips are sealed as she leaves the castle to prepare herself for the coming evening.

Lhunithiliel

11-24-2002, 06:13 AM

*** Lhun is walking along the path of the garden. She smiles.

The night was young when she went to the Hall. She had promissed the girls to tell them a tale - a sad and touching story about a battle of two proud hearts.... When she had reached the Hall she could hear music and laughter and merry talks... Lhun entered the Hall just to see it was full of people. The WHOLE (;)) Guild was gathered and the people were talking and laughing.... and tender music and fragrances of strange flowers filled the air... So much joy and delight Lhun could see on the faces of her Guild-fellows! She stood at the door, then she turned away and went to the study. She left the scroll with the tale there. Such a story she could not tell at time of fiesting. She had decided to tell her Guild-friends where the scroll lies and whoever wishes to read it will find it in the comphorting silence of the study.....
Then Lhun hurried back to the hall and she joined the fiest.

Back in the sudy it was quiet. The starry night sky was brigthly lit by the moon. Suddenly a moon-beam pierced through the open windows of the study and fell right upon the scroll. It glowed with a strange soft light and if someone was there at that minute he could here a sigh coming out from the scroll...! Then it began to unroll and if there was someone there at that minute he could read the first lines written in exquisite handwriting....

the TALE OF ALDARION AND ERENDIS - THE BATTLE OF THE HEARTS (http://www.tolkienwiki.org/wiki.cgi?Aldarion__and__Erendis)

Nenya Evenstar

11-24-2002, 05:21 PM

Nenya comes walking up to the castle in the starlit light of night breathing in the evening air, and feeling the fresh breezes upon her face. By chance she is drawn into a garden along the side of the majestic castle as though some voice is beckoning her there out of the past. She obeys, naturally, for her Elven tendencies taught her long ago that such summons could not be easily ignored and that many things, both good and evil, could be learned by following her heart. Thus it is that Nenya finds herself walking the paths of the deserted garden enjoying the night and singing praises to Elbereth, her most beloved Star-Queen. Down one path her feet take her, then down another to a bench covered with sleeping rose petals, and finally towards a window lying low in the stone castle wall. Nenya's feet are drawn with wonder towards the moonlight which seems to descend from the heavens in a piercing swath of light, and then on to look into the window as one discovering a long-awaited secret. The slender moonbeam enters the room and has found its rest on a scroll which is lying on a table. It is partially opened as though some guest, unseen and unbidden, has found it and is indulging himself in its revels. Nenya is drawn towards the scroll and with all speed makes her way out of the garden, into the castle, through all her friends merry-making in the halls, and on towards the dear old study, which she knows so well. She opens the door quietly, afraid to break the magic and secrecy surrounding the room and walks up to the scroll. Her fingers reach out and gingerly touch it, and she begins to read, submitting herself to its power.

Melian

11-25-2002, 08:53 AM

Dawn has come again.Melian,fascinated by the scroll she read last night,enters the hall impatient to join her fair companions and share with them her reflections of it.She knows the story of the two proud Numenorians from before,and yet it has touched her deeply.
In the hall Nenya,Lhun and El are already summoned and they converse ardently about love,sacrifice and restrain.
"Good morning,ladies!",greets Melian,and turns towards Lhun:"Oh,Lhun the Magnificent,I have to confess your tale brought to me mellow sadness and nearly made me cry!You are such a marvellous teller,even when you write your tales on a scroll!
"Fair ladies!I wish you let me show you something...",says Melian embarrassed and blushes."There is something I created myself and prepared for you to hear"...
Lhun,encouraging as ever,says:"What is it,Maia Queen?What is it you've brought--a scroll?"
"Well,yes",utters Melian."Here is a poem I wrote last night.It is inspired by a piece of artwork by Ted Nasmith.Let me read it:

AT LAKE CUIVIENEN
The night was long when Elven songs
resounded in the air;
the velvet sky beatified
the Firstborn with its glare.
Beside the Lake they rose awake
to awe at Helluin.
With crystal breath then Elbereth
blessed the fair kin;
and heavens glowed as she bestowed
lore on their souls.
Her silver flame the Elves retained
in their veins to flow.
They praised her Light and such delight
had Arda never heard ---
the night was long when Elven songs
first came into the world."

Melian finishes her reading.The ladies stand silent...

Lhunithiliel

11-25-2002, 12:39 PM

Lhun's eyes are full of tears!
"It's exquisite, Oh! Maia Queen!!!"

The Hall is so silent and a strange air is to be sensed....
And all of a sudden it gets dark, the walls as if dissapear and appears a vision......

Elennainie

11-25-2002, 08:04 PM

The beauty of the image and the poem touches Elen's heart. She longs to have been present at that first awakening by Cuivienen - so long awaited. Elen offers Melian a rose in thanksgiving for the beautiful poem. She is eager to finish the tale written in the scroll and returns to the study to finish. The sunlight in the study is warm and drowsy. She finds a velvet cushion and begins again...

Nenya Evenstar

11-26-2002, 01:34 AM

Nenya breaks the silence. "Thank you, Melian, for such a beautiful poem! And such a vision!" Words were unfit to describe what she felt. "Ahhh... and Lhun...." Nenya could no longer contain herself, "That story was exquisite! I confess that I have never before read it, and I feel blessed to have finally had the opportunity. It touched my heart so much! It will never cease to amaze me how the Professor can touch the heart with his works be they sorrowful or glad."

Elennainie

11-26-2002, 11:35 PM

Having finished reading Lhun's scroll, Elen. wonders what great power lies behind so intense a sea-longing as tormented Aldarion. What is it about the sea that takes hold of a man's desire so completely that he would forsake his own dear lady and child? Is it like unto a gypsy wanderlust, or is it the sound of the sea itself, such as calls to the Elves? She asks the others their thoughts.

The line spoken by Aldarion, "..hard ground of stone wounds my feet," captured the pain of being separated from his beloved sea perfectly. Elennainie tells her companions that, while she can identify with Erendis -especially her concern for the trees "begrudging to all ships the felling of trees" and her sorrowful abandonment, and even her pride, she can find in her heart no sympathy whatsoever for Aldarion, who abandoned his love again and again.

Nenya Evenstar

11-27-2002, 02:29 AM

"Ahhh!" says Nenya, "Here I disagree with you, Elen, for I find much room for pity in my heart towards Aldarion. As Nuneth said to Erendis, 'Ships he may love, my daughter, for those are made by men's minds and hands; but I think that it is not the winds or the great waters that so burn his heart , nor yet the sight of strange lands, but some heat in his mind, or some dream that pursues him.' This I see as the main reason for Aldarion's seeming lack of love for Erendis. He could not help the feelings that rose up in his heart even though he tried. If Aldarion had been made to stay away from the sea he would have pined away, and if Erendis had been made to go to the sea she would have done the same. I believe that the marriage between the two was simply a mistake on both their parts, for neither could fit into the other's picture of how a spouse should be. Aldarion needed someone who loved the sea and would have been willing to go with him on his voyages, and Erendis needed the same from the opposite end. Neither could supply each other with what the other needed, for both were selfish and wanted their own ways." Nenya clears her throat. "That, however, is how I saw it."

Lhunithiliel

11-27-2002, 07:30 AM

The Atani, my Fair Ladies, worship love so much as we - the Eldar, our duty. They say love is the most powerful force that can both create and destroy... And it seems, it really does so in their lives! Oh! Shall we ever perceive Eru's mind and true intentions at creating the Second-born and their destiny and purpose?!

Who is to judge Aldarion and Erendis, the Sea and the Land.... ?!

I personally feel more sympathy towards Aldarion, however, although I admit he had done mistakes. Yet, Great King as he was, Erendis should have understood that he was not a soul to be tamed and closed within walls. That her Aldarion was Tar-Aldarion first of all and not just an ordianry shepard or a sailor. She was too proud, however and "Never would Erendis take less, that she might not lose all."
On the other hand, it was Aldarion who found the strength to depress his personal desires for the sake of his love to Erendis and for the sake of the wellfare of Numenor MORE THAN ONCE! Erendis could not find enough strength as to trully forgive, nor she ever could cure her pride although she could see it was devouring the true love!
I find Erendis'es mother's words very wise. Oh! She knew her daughter too well!:
"All or nothing, Erendis," said Núneth. "So you were as a child. But you love this man, and he is a great man, not to speak of his rank; and you will not cast out your love from your heart so easily, nor without great hurt to yourself. A woman must share her husband's love with his work and the fire of his spirit, or make him a thing not loveable. But I doubt that you will ever understand such counsel."

You know what touches me to tears.... That scene almost at the end, when Aldarion talks to his father about the refusal of Erendis to come to Armenelos and live with him as the new Queen of Numenor.

Aldarion:

"This was not the way, not even in hate or revenge! She should have demanded that a great house be prepared for her, called for a Queen's escort, and come back to Armenelos with her beauty adorned, royally, with the star on her brow; then well nigh all the Isle of Númenor she might have bewitched to her part, and made me seem madman and churl. The Valar be my witness, I would rather have had it so: rather a beautiful Queen to thwart me and flout me, than freedom to rule while the Lady Elestirnë falls down dim into her own twilight."

These words reveal a real storm of feelings! - bitterness for the lost love on her part, his love - present even after all they have passed through, his hopes for a happy future - destroyed ....

Will we ever understand the human soul?!
************

Ladies, do you have a good story from your books that you would wish to tell us?

Nenya Evenstar

11-27-2002, 09:00 PM

"My dear Lhun," Nenya says, understanding in her voice, "Thank you once more for sharing your thoughts with us!" She acknowledges Lhun's nod and continues, playfully playing with a quill pen lying on the table in front of her. "I do have a story for you ladies in the workings of my mind, but it is not finished yet, nor begun on paper. Perhaps I can give you a glimpse of what it will be about." The Ladies acquiesce at once, and Nenya continues. "I have been very touched by the story of 'The Cottage of Lost Play' upon my first reading of that delightful tale, and have developed in the recesses of my mind a story concerning the Cottage of the Children and a certain man. That is all I will tell you at the moment, for if I tell much more then the story will have lost its potency when I reveal it."

Elennainie

11-28-2002, 05:17 AM

Originally posted by Nenya Evenstar
[B]"Ahhh!" says Nenya, "Here I disagree with you, Elen, for I find much room for pity in my heart towards Aldarion.
Then you are a kinder elda than I, Nenya my friend. I tried to feel for the tormented mariner, but, alas, I could not, not when he broke his promise to stay away for only a short time and Erendis had their home prepared for his return. He could have satisfied his sea longing for a short time and then returned to Erendis for at least a little while.I believe that the marriage between the two was simply a mistake on both their parts Yea, I also believe this to be true. They ought never to have joined hands, for, as his father said, you cannot have two wives and be married to Erendis and to the sea. Marriage is, for the Atani, a promise to take care of one another, and Aldarion should not have promised such a thing, for he cared not for Erendis' need for companionship, nor for his daughter's need for a father. That Erendis was too proud to talk of her concerns, doomed their love as well. They never admitted their problems to one another, so they could not try to solve them.

You know what touches me to tears.... That scene almost at the end, when Aldarion talks to his father about the refusal of Erendis to come to Armenelos and live with him as the new Queen of Numenor. I, too, find this passage very moving, Lhunithiel. Tell me, do you know when Tolkien wrote this tale? And did he ever revise it, or is this its final form? Would it be overly simplistic to wonder if Tolkien looked upon his writings as a "heat in his mind" or a "dream that pursues him"?? :confused:

After further discussion of the scroll's tale, and musings on the promised Cottage of Lost play story from Nenya, a shadow falls over the hall. The lamps seem cloaked in inky darkness, and the fire shrinks to a mere spark in the fireplace. The door from the sea side of the castle blows open with a boom...

Eledhwen

11-28-2002, 10:06 AM

My quill pen has blown right across the room and spilled ink all over my parchments (moves nearer to the fire to get warm again, but instead takes up the empty scuttle and shuffles outside for more logs).

Melian

11-28-2002, 12:56 PM

"I can sense that chill,too",says Melian and rises to shut the door.Her eye falls on her companions.She utters thoughtfully:
"Fair Ladies,I should say that in my view both of them caused their relationship to fall apart in some or other way.Their pride destroyed somthing beautiful.He could not sense her loneliness,and she applied the principle 'treat him mean,keep him keen'.Well,I believe the moral of the story is that tolerance is the base of love."
Melian hesitates for a moment.And then,more assured,she asks shyly:
"My beautiful companions!May I ask you to hear another poem next time?I've almost finished it--it is dedicated to Earendil?...Would it be unmodest if I asked for you attention one more time?"

Nenya Evenstar

11-28-2002, 04:53 PM

Nenya shakes her head. "My dear Melian! It would not be unmodest! Please, share it with us all, for I can assure you that none of us will mind." Nenya cannot help but wonder at the door.

Eledhwen

11-28-2002, 05:28 PM

Melian has only just sat down when the door opens again and Eledhwen returns with a scuttle loaded with logs. A flurry of snow - the first of the oncoming winter - swirls past her as she forces the door to close against the chill. "A story or a poem needs a log fire as fresh meat needs salt. Pray, stay your stories and poesy awhile until the fire is aflame."

Soon the fire is blazing and, as others are attracted to the warmth of the dancing flames, the Hall is full of attentive listeners, though somehow, quiet corners remain for those seeking solitude.

Elennainie

11-29-2002, 02:03 AM

Elennainie assists Eledhwen in mopping up the spilled ink from the table. Warmth has returned to the hall, but something unwelcome has slipped in, unnoticed by the companions, and hides in a dark corner behind a pillar at the back of the room. The ladies await the Earendil poem, unaware of the uninvited guest.

*************

We don't have to continue this way, if you don't like it. I just thought it might be fun to stir things up a bit and introduce an enemy of some sort. We do have a Maia to protect us... ;)

Eledhwen

11-29-2002, 10:09 AM

Melian, Nenya Evenstar tells us you have a poem near completion. The fire is bright and we are ready to hear you, if it is now ready.

(Eledhwen pauses and looks uneasily behind her. Something in the hall does not feel quite right. She shrugs it off and awaits Melian's reply.)

Melian

12-02-2002, 10:17 AM

The Maia Queen clears her throat and begins in a low voice:

The Sailor For Hope

Beyond! And steadily,his gaze
holds ever on the endless skyline.
Beyond the molten jade of waves---
where Hope remains to battle twilight!

Through purple beams and crimson seas
The White Ship slides on boundless waters;
through starry nights and sweeping breeze
her sailor draems to end the slaughter.

Beyound! And heavy is that deed;
yet hope is still withion the bright Stone.
And Doom shall praise the sailor's feat!
Earendil---who brings a new dawn!

Lhunithiliel

12-02-2002, 11:37 AM

***Lhun sighs.
"What magic is this, Maia Queen that your exquisite poems bring vsions alive?! Look!"
And there comes a new vision:

Nenya Evenstar

12-02-2002, 04:21 PM

"Melian," Nenya begins quietly, "thank-you once more for sharing your thoughts with us in the form of a poem. And the vision...." Nenya stops mid-sentence, unable to continue. Each maiden sits for a while submersed in her own thoughts, while the unwelcome visitor in the room tries to melt into the dark and shady corners.

Elennainie

12-02-2002, 04:50 PM

Beyond the molten jade of waves--- "Oh, Melian! I love this line of your poem!", exclaims Elennainie, clapping her hands. "And the visions....pray keep inspiring them, for they are fair to look upon." Unbeknownst to the maidens, the stranger in the shadows has been strangely affected by the beauty of the poem and the vision, which were painful to him, and departs the hall at once, fleeing up the marble stair to hide in the upper story of the castle.

Lhunithiliel

12-04-2002, 08:24 AM

****
Lhunithiliel is standing in the middle of the Hall.
There is nobody around. The fire is out and it is dark and no warmth nor light are to cheer up her soul.....
Lhun looks around. Shadows! Dark shadows have spread their webs in the corners of the Hall ... Black shadows, whispering some unclear but fearful words... Shadows, crawling ahead ..... Shadows, bringing destruction and despair..... Shadows, devouring the light that once graced this holly place..... Shadows, where once shone the light of friendship, creativity and noble endevours!

Lhun shivers. She remember now her former companions were speaking of a mistirious stranger in the Hall... They said they did not see what it was..Then! Now, it was clear! ..... A sudden cold wind swirls around and brings even denser darkness. Lhun looks at the round table. There lie a few books.... all closed and left deserted... She carefully takes them and holds them closely. She can feel some comforting strength and warmth streaming from them... "This deserted Hall is not the place for high words any more."- Lhun utters almost unheard......

But even if she spoke in a loud voice, there would have been NO-ONE to hear!

Lhun leaves the Hall. The only sound she could hear behind her back was the evil whisper of the dark shadows and the wicked laughter of the cold wind, fiesting around the empty place.
******

Nenya Evenstar

12-04-2002, 05:45 PM

But Nenya is there. Her thoughts are sadder than the blowing winter storm, and her mind is plagued with phantoms out of the past.

"Where are the others? Is anybody else going to join us this evening?

"Melian! Welcome!"

"The stars shine brightly this even. Look - there's Elemmírë, and there's Alcarinquë."

Fair Ladies,
Would you like to hear a Tale tonight? I would love to tell you an exciting yet sad story of two Numenoreans, whose pride destroyed their love! The story is so touching!
If you wish to hear it, I'll meet you tonight in the Hall of Fire of our castle.

Visions float before Nenya's eyes, memories of this dear hall, and pictures of fire-lit evenings spent with friends. Suddenly, as though the heavens have opened, a light breaks through the whispering myriads of phantoms, filling the roon with candlelight. Nenya grasps hold of the vision and walks slowly towards a candle suspended in mid-air. She reaches out her hand to touch the light when it vanishes, and the hall is filled with wailing and dark once more. Nenya understands, and a light breaks out on her face. This hall is not forever in the dark! Only with people working together can it remain being what it has been - full of peace and laughter. Nenya will not be one to give up. She will never give up fighting against foes filled with evil. With her breath coming in short gasps, Nenya races out of the Hall searching for her Elven friends so that she can share with them her vision. All was not dark - the darkness simply needed to be moved!

Elennainie

12-05-2002, 03:48 PM

From her home in the forest, Elennainie is startled to see lightening and dark clouds surrounding the usually gleaming white towers of the catstle. She pulls on her cloak and hurries on foot to the castle, anxious for her companions and for their place of meeting. A lament is on the wind.

Upon entering the garden, she finds Lhunithiel, pale and quiet, and with a sorrow in her heart. "Come, Lhun., tell me what has happened." Lhun. remains silent for a moment, such is her grief, then summons the strength to relate the cause of her sorrow. Elen. begins to weep in sympathy, for ever it was in her nature to feel with the sorrows of others. (So she was named "Nainie", "lament".) She places her cloak around Lhunithiel and leads her to the hall, fearing to behold the state of their once fair meeting place.

For a time, all is darkness, then they perceive a faint golden glow coming from near the table where many stories and poems were shared. Elennainie's spirits lift despite the gloom, as she perceives that Nenya is here and waiting for them. All is not dark. A friend has returned here, despite the sadness, and around her is a warm glow.

Elen. turns to Lhun., "Pray summon an image for us, that we may have a bit more light and can see. Then may we determine how things can be mended." Elen. notices the empty seats around the table. "Here may new companions come, as yet unknown, to provide their glow in our hall and to help us ward off the darkness." "Are we not Eldar, who are strong, having withstood sorrows deeper than this?"

And with a hopeful heart, she begins to clear the cobwebs and attempts to rekindle the fire.

Nenya Evenstar

12-05-2002, 05:37 PM

And Nenya was beside Elen lending a helping hand when needed or flitting next to Lhun to help her and give comfort. Nenya was there and her friendship was there as it always would be. She knew that the fair ladies simply needed to bind together, and they would overcome this darkness and see the light once more.

Lhunithiliel

12-06-2002, 12:14 AM

Lhun is still and strangely silent.
There is something she can not forget.
"Lhun, look at us! What is it?", she could hear the voices of her friends. She could sense the comfort of their friendship in the melody of their voices..... Yet her heart was frozen with horror!
She has seen it! The demon that caused all this devastation... She's been there.......Strange! The other ladies were there too... Why do they not remember? Why the fearfull picture of that creature keeps torturing only her?
Ladies, was this only a bad dream .......or was it true? If it was true, how could we, three Elven maidens, chase the fearfull creature away? Ladies, don't you remember it?!

Melian

12-06-2002, 10:30 AM

Melian has emerged quietly and unnoticeably.She whispered:
"My dear Lhun! We all have witnessed shadows creep and ruin all that was fair and magnificent once;we all have lived though times of despair.And yet,we all have learnt that darkness cannot last forever,for it is an evil force that cannot create and bring life and hence is doomed to fade.It is malice and malice can be outdone.
'Come on,dear,please ease yourself.Remember the infamous beautiful verse of our friend Enya?Listen:

"...May it be your journey on to light the day.
When the night is overcome,you may rise to find the sun..."

"So please,do not let your heart be so despondent". Melian turns to her companions:
"Let us help Lhun recover from her melancholy!Let it be a night to remember---I await you tonight in the Hall,and pray come merry and throw that frowns into oblivion!"

Nenya Evenstar

12-06-2002, 03:10 PM

It is evening. Nenya makes her way through the starlit paths towards the Hall once more, unsure of what the evening will bring. Will it bring pain? Will it bring sadness? Darkness? Or will it bring light immeasurable? Happiness? Joy? There will undoubtedly be a presence there that is unwelcome, of that Nenya is sure, but can she and her friends overcome it?

The hall looms up before her, cheery and inviting. Light streams out of the windows in gusts as though to say, "Come in! The light is not fallen! I am still here!" Is it a facade? Is there something greater hiding behind these walls that can not be seen? Where is this ghost Lhun was talking about? Is it still here? Nenya shivers, and opens the door. The light greets her and welcomes her into its embrace.

Elennainie

12-06-2002, 03:54 PM

"I know a way we might be merry and keep things cheery here in our hall," offers Elen, as she enters the castle. "Let us decorate our hall for Christmastime! There is already a beautiful young fir tree out in the garden, planted in a large pot. We can bring her in and use our magic to adorn her as the most splendid of Christmas trees. What ornaments shall we use?"

She mixes up a bowl of apple cider and sets it on the fire to boil. She hands each of the maidens an orange and cloves, with which to make fragrant pomander. Cheery ribbons and sparkling glittery things litter the table's surface.

"Perhaps, if you would desire, I may relate a tale of Father Christmas, a lighter tale which our good professor also made, and for his children. I may have the book around here somewhere..."

Eledhwen

12-06-2002, 05:44 PM

Such a story is the best of antidotes for fear which, as Lhunithiliel has shown, is only a ghost. It cannot be defeated by sword, nor hidden from behind stone walls. It will shake the sword from your hand and join you behind the strongest of walls; but if you face it, eye to eye and, standing your ground, refuse it, then it must give way to courage, which is no ghost.

I, for one, will find a cushion near the fire, for I would hear this tale of Father Christmas from Elennaine.

(Eledhwen tosses some chestnuts onto a shovel and places its head on the glowing coals, then taking up her orange and a handful of cloves, she sits back to listen.)

Nenya Evenstar

12-06-2002, 07:39 PM

Nenya smiles and takes a seat at the table, chair facing the fire and filled with cushions. She leans back lazily, ears open and excited for any new extravagant story that might reach them. The story of Father Christmas written by the Professor himself? She has not heard this story before and is ready to listen. Nenya moves some of the glitter and ribbons from the table and begins to experiment, ears open.

Elennainie

12-07-2002, 11:38 AM

After sampling some of the delicious roasted chestnuts, Elen. begins.

“My tale is a humble, childish one, not of our world, but from the world of the Atani,” began Elennainie, “but I hope you find it a merry one. It was written lovingly by a father for his children. The plot is quite simple, and half the charm of the Father Christmas letters, where this story is found, lies in the appearance of the letters themselves, with their homemade North Pole ‘postage stamps’, quaint little pictures, and their intentionally wobbly handwriting, disguised to look like the shaky hand of Fr. Christmas himself. (See image)

Father Christmas lived at the North Pole with his friends the North Polar Bear, Ilbereth the elf, and a mulitude of Snowboys (sons of the Snowmen, of course). He was quite a busy sort of fellow, as you might imagine, caring for all the children of the world, but he especially loved four dear children named John, Michael, Christopher & Priscilla Tolkien.

Every year Fr. Christmas would write splendid letters to the children, drawing them pictures of the North Pole and telling them tales of the curious happenings there. Polar Bear, in particular, was rather mischevious and found himself in trouble with Fr. C. a good many times. Yet often the two had marvellous adventures together, and here is the story of one of them.

“It all began with the funny noises underground which started in the summer and got worse and worse,” wrote Fr. C. to the children one year. “I was afraid an earthquake might happen. The North Polar Bear says he suspected what was wrong from the beginning. I only wish he had said something to me...”

One day, near the end of November, P.B. (so he was called for short) went out for a brisk winter’s walk. Several weeks later he still had not returned and I began to be worried on his account. On the eve of Dec. 9, I heard a bump and snuffle outside my front door. I jumped up to open the door, expecting to find my lost friend, when, to my wonder, a very different bear stood there – very old (and very fat, it must be said). His name was old Mr. Cave Bear, and I had not seen him in centuries. He had come to warn me that P.B. had fallen down a steep hill and had become trapped in a goblin cave. The goblins had tricked him by blowing out their torches so he could not see and by making strange echoing noises to mislead him in the caves. In the dark, P.B. managed to stumble upon old Mr. Cave Bear, who also lived in the cave and who very politely offered to show my friend the way out.

Now the goblins wouldn’t stand for it, for “Polar Bear had boxed one or two flat that came and poked him in the dark, and had said some very nasty things to them all; and they enticed him away by imitating Cave Bear’s voice, which of course they knew quite well. So Polar Bear got into a frightful dark part, all full of different passages, and he lost Cave Bear and Cave Bear lost him.” At that point, Cave Bear came to find me. Upon hearing me friend was in trouble, I grabbed some of my special “sparkling torches” and set off for a rescue. Despite the maze of passages and the immense number of the caves, we were able to find P.B., who had grown quite thin, having no food to eat for all this time, not even so much as a fried goblin’s tail. We grabbed P.B., fought the goblins off with the sparkling torches, and made our escape. Once we were home, we sat P.B.by the fire to warm himself.

We thought we had seen the last of the goblins, but just two days before Christmas, we discovered nearly all the toys missing from my main cellar! “Imagine my state of mind! Nothing hardly to send to anybody, and too little time to get or make enough new stuff.” P.B. smelled goblin at once, and we discovered the entrance to a dark tunnel which the goblins had burrowed from their caves to my cellar. I filled the tunnel with sparkling magic green smoke, and P.B.took an enormous breath and blew the smoke straight to where the goblins were thickest, gloating over their stolen toys. The goblins shrieked and ran from the cave. But they could not get away, for the Red Gnomes were waiting for them at the exit!

“I had specially sent for them – a few of the real old families are still in Norway. They captured hundreds of goblins, and chased many more out into the snow (which they hate). We made them show us where they had hidden things, or bring them all back again, and by Monday we had got practically everything back. The Gnomes are still dealing with the goblins, and promise there won’t be one left by New Year – but I am not so sure: they will crop up again in a century or so, I expect....I hope there is not the faintest smell of goblin about any of your things. They have all been well aired....”

And here Father Christmas’ letter to the children ends. No doubt it caused them much pleasure to hear, year after year, of P.B.’s and Father Christmas’ adventures at the North Pole. It is not so grand a tale as that of Aldarion, nor so elegant a writing as the Cuivienen poem, but I hope you can see in it, dear maidens, the charm of a story written with love from a father to his children.

(Parts in quotations are taken directly from J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1932 “Father Christmas” letter.)

Elennainie

12-07-2002, 11:47 AM

Here is the image of part of one of Tolkien's "Father Christmas" letters. You may be able to make out Father Christmas' wobbly handwriting! :) If you haven't seen the actual letters, you can find them in Letters From Father Christmas pub. Houghton Mifflin, 1999. The pictures Tolkien drew of Fr. C. & P.B. and their home at the North Pole are quite nice. You can see one of P.B. falling down the stairs and spilling all the presents here: http://www.rado.sk/tolkien/pics/dopisydm.jpg

Nenya Evenstar

12-09-2002, 04:43 PM

Nenya sighs, her eyes staring into the merry fireplace. "It just makes you think of Christmas and hot chocolate, doesn't it?" Looking towards the hot apple cider simmering contentedly on the hearth, Nenya jumps up and runs to grab some milk. Upon returning, she carries a pot of milk and some cocoa. "Now! We can have some regular good hot cocoa! I'm in a Christmas mood. Now, what do you all think? Shall we go tree hunting out in the wood? Shall we find ourselves a tree to decorate this holiday season? Or shall we simply listen to some more stories?"

Elennainie

12-09-2002, 04:53 PM

"Oooh, yum!," says Elennainie, "can I have some of that hot chocolate, Nenya? I'd love to go look for a tree. Let me just warm up a bit with this chocolate before we go out into the winter cold."

Nenya Evenstar

12-09-2002, 04:59 PM

Nenya grins. "Of course you can have some of the hot chocolate! After all, I don't think I could drink it all myself." Elen catches a fleeting glimpse of teasing in Nenya's eyes. "Good," Nenya continues, "I'm glad you'll be joining me. Would anyone else like to come?" Nenya looks towards the other elven ladies who are cozily sitting beside the fire.

Eledhwen

12-09-2002, 06:11 PM

I fain would accompany Elennaine and Nenya Evenstar in the hunt for a tree, if those remaining would set to warming some mulled wine for our return, for surely those of us who are of the secondborn shall be chilled indeed after our foray. Shall we choose a Norway Spruce? For sure there are other firs which drop fewer needles, but the scent of the Norwegian tree is unsurpassed. Mayhap Melian would lay an enchantment on the tree for long life, though it be bedecked and within these fair walls?

Elennainie

12-10-2002, 12:22 AM

"And thy company will be most welcome, good Eledhwen!" The three take down their cloaks from the wall and, waving to the others, venture forth into the night. The forest is still and full of peace. A white rabbit, nearly unseen, hops by their path as the snow crunches beneath their feet. The cold air is sweet to breathe. "Lead us to where we may find such a tree as that you have chosen, Eledhwen." At these words, the moon shone brighter and the stars more radiant, as if to light a path for the three. A trail of moonlight glistened on the snow, leading them deeper into the forest...

Melian

12-10-2002, 08:22 AM

'What a beautiful night!',turns Melian to Lhun.They both remain by the fireplace because someone has to prepare the hot chocolate and the ginger cookies....
'I have an idea for this Christmas.I want us to create a legend TOGETHER!'---Lhun raises her eyebrows with curiosity.
'I was thinking how little is said of the noble Elves from Doriath in the Great Books.So why don't WE compose a story of vallor and grendeur and beauty orselves?The winding paths of imagination might take us to fantastic places....
'I thought about the main character---Sindabeleth---a beautiful Elvish maid from Doriath.Who was she?What did she do?We will create and tell her story :"Of Sindabeleth from Doriath" .And it might be worth some appreciation by Tolkien fans.....
'One of us begins,the other continues and so on.Of course,there will be certain rules in this game...
'But I wanted to ask you something.Shouldn't I post it as a separate thread as it may be longer and more members may take part?Please pm me your comments.Appr. beginning date--Sat/14/Dec.
'And,by the way,I'm composing a poem about Sindabeleth.Even if the game wouldn't take off,be sure you won't get away with my verse :) '

Lhunithiliel

12-11-2002, 08:03 AM

Melian's voice rings with excitement about this new idea and she runs to a bookself and grabs a few sheets of paper and brings them to the round table, and eagerly looks around to find something to write with....
"Lhun!", she said, "Lhun, have you heard what I've said? Do you approve?..... Lhun??????"
Melian's eyes are widely open with astonishment! The place where Lhunithiliel was sitting and drinking quietly her hot chocolate, is empty. Down on the marble floor, just by the chair is standing a mug and the steam of the hot drink is comfortably rising out from it, bringing that sweet smell... But Lhun is not there.... And the mug is full! Nobody has drunk from it!
Mel is startled! She can not understand... She could swear Lhun was sitting there, by the fire, drinking her hot chocolate... Silent she was, true, but she WAS there! What was this mistery?!

Melian

12-13-2002, 10:39 AM

"Oh,Elbereth!",screams Mel."What is it?!How come..."
She runs away scared to the forest where the other companions disappeared...
"HEEEELP!Lhun has vanished!HELP!(And the cookies are ready!)Come back!!!!"

Gil-Galad

12-13-2002, 11:45 PM

Cookies?!I want some!Would you give some cookies to a beautiful and noble elven king as me?....pls...:cool: :confused:

Elennainie

12-14-2002, 02:54 AM

A new friend has come to the Hall! :) Melian grabs Gil-Galad on her way out. "There'll be time for cookies later, elven friend. Right now we must find the others." Gil-Galad drops his in dismay.

They follow the sound of chanting deep into the wood. There they find the others standing silently before the loveliest of Christmas trees. The chanting seems to come from directly above the tree. Its tall and stately form glows with an inner golden light against the dark night. All at once, the chanting ceases.

"Spare the ax on this, my creation, for it is dear to me," speaks a tender voice, seeming like that of Yavanna. "In ages long past its foremother stood in Valinor. This tree I give to thee, as a symbol that the Valar have not forgotten the children of Iluvatar even now. Protect it well."

Nenya, Eledhwen, Gil-Galgalad & Elennainie fall on their knees at the words of that holy voice. Then another voice, pure like silver, rings out. "Accept also my gift, for, though I have not the power to create, I have the power to adorn and to extend this tree's life through enchantment." Out of the night sky began to fall a glittering silver mist which descended like rain upon the hallowed tree. Where the silver touched the branches, the tiniest of stars began to form. The tree was soon covered in living stars.

"Oh, Melian, it's beautiful!" cried Elennainie. Then, although they could not be certain, it seemed to them that they saw the face of Yavanna, who smiled a sad smile, whispered "Namarie" and was gone.

Suddenly, they were all standing back in their warm and cozy hall. The tree stood radiant in their midst. The cookies are still warm, Gil-Galad! ;)

Lhunithiliel

12-14-2002, 08:41 AM

The Hall is warm and well lit by a lot of candles. Laughter and sweet smells fill the air.
The Elven ladies and the beautiful Maia Queen are excited more than usually!
They have the company of the handsome Elven High King Gil-Galad!
And he feels well in their company, too.
The conversations don't ceise....

All of a sudden a strong whirlwind passes through the Hall and puts off most candles .... A shadow flies over and a soft sound of flapping wings is coming from it.... They all look up and see it.... It is a shadow of an eagle! It flies around the hall three times and then, right before their eyes, it desolves into the air... A sharp, but faint, squeal, as if coming from from very far, is the last thing they heard while the eagle-vision has disapeared in the air...

Then the Hall is calm again and the candles are still burning...

On the round table in the middle they saw it...... A feather.... glowing with a strange greenish light.... Yet it was shiningly black with a snow-white point, large and very beautiful... It lay quietly there....

Melian

12-14-2002, 09:43 AM

Melian is so excited that she doesn't notice Gil.
"Dear companions! The Sindabeleth thread has been 'inaugurated'!!!Please,visit and reply!"

Melian

12-17-2002, 09:03 AM

Ladies!One week to go before Christmas and the Hall hasn't been decorated yet!And what about the menu?The music?The tree?Oh,don't be so idle!!!Hurry up.
We may share some recipes,eh?Stay tuned---next time I'll enlighten you on the secret of Maia Christmas Baked Apples!

Eledhwen

12-17-2002, 05:13 PM

Eledhwen is busy making a simple butter shortbread in the shape of Christmas Trees (8oz plain flour, 6oz butter, 3ozs caster sugar), placing the tray out in the snow every now and then until the oven is hot enough (180ºC).

Gil-galad helps the others in with boughs of holly, ivy and mistletoe and they begin the task of decking the halls.

All the greenery glows with a festive light as if it were glad to be chosen for the Hall of Creative Endeavours; all, that is, except for a corner of the hall which seems to refuse the light of the tree and fire. A darkness hangs there.

Eledhwen looks up from her work. Noticing the corner, she frowns. "Is it not strange that the light is refused there? Yet had we not felt a darkness and a foreboding ere we began the bedecking of the Hall? Is there, perhaps, a sorrow unsung or a hurt unhealed therein?

Mrs. Maggott

12-18-2002, 09:50 PM

I am told at the moment that receipes are being exchanged in the Hall of Creative Endeavors which (I believe) this to be. I have a very simple and wonderfully appropriate dish that can be used either as a garnish with fowl or as a "dessert". I will give the "smaller" version. To make a larger amount, just double the ingredients.

Cranberry-Raspberry Sour Cream Garnish

Ingredients:
1 box of Raspberry Jello
1 can of Cranberry Sauce (NOT "jellied" but with berries)
1 small container of sour cream
1/2 bag of chopped walnuts

To make:
1. Prepare Jello up until the step at which you add the cold water.
2. Instead of cold water, add the can of cranberry sauce; REPEAT: DO NOT PUT IN THE COLD WATER - if you do, you'll wind up with soup!
3. Beat with a hand beater or on "low" on an electric beater until the combination is fully blended. Watch this stuff, it has a tendency to "splatter" and it is bright pink!
4. Set in the refrigerator until the jello begins to "set up" but NOT until it is hard - 10 minutes will probably do it.
5. Add walnuts and sour cream and mix again until fully blended. If someone has a problem with nuts, I find putting them into a blender/chopper will reduce them to almost a powder. This keeps the flavor while removing the problem that some people have with nuts and seeds (see diverticulitis and dentures!)
6. Refrigerate and serve cold.

This receipe may be put in a jello mold (preferably one that "breaks down" because it is hard to get it out of a solid mold). If the mold is a "ring", you may garnish the interior of the VERY pink concoction with fruit or mint leaves. Sometimes, however, it is easier to just make it in a pretty bowl and put it on the table with a large serving spoon. It goes so fast that no one will have time to appreciate all your effort at decorating it!

Eledhwen

12-18-2002, 10:45 PM

A recipe from the Queen of Farmer's Wives is definitely worth a go. :p After all, it was surely not only the conversation of the worthy farmer that made Tom Bombadil take the trip upriver to the farm, but also the fare provided by his dear wife (who is not averse to a spot of debating herself!):).

Welcome to The Hall, Mrs Maggott!

Elennainie

12-19-2002, 12:17 AM

The smells of baking and the sound of cheery chatting fill the hall. "Mmmmmm...delicious raspberry dessert, Mrs. Maggott! Glad to see you here in the Hall! :) I'm trying a new recipe for gingerbread hobbits" says Elennainie, who has accidentally spilled flour all over the place:

6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening, melted and cooled slightly
1 cup molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 10 to 12 minutes and let cool. Frost with vanilla icing to make cute little hobbit eyes, mouths (and curly hair of course). :)

Mrs. Maggott

12-19-2002, 01:40 AM

I have another receipe for a "one dish" lamb dinner that is very good, simple to make and may be served with nothing more than a salad on the side (the less dishes, the better, I always say!)

Ingredients:

Leg of Lamb (shank half usually, but you can use either the butt half or even a rack of lamb if you're having a large group)
1 large can of Italian peeled tomatoes (for an ordinary 1/2 leg of lamb)
1 can tomato paste (for the same amount of lamb)
1 to 2 boxes of spaghetti (depending upon number of diners!)
1 onion (uncut)

Directions

1] Place lamb in a LARGE roasting pan on a rack so that it doesn't touch the bottom. Remove the cat from the counter.

2] Score the lamb several times and butter the top with the tomato paste being sure to get it into the score marks. Remove the cat from the counter.

3] Empty the large can of peeled tomatoes over the lamb together with about a half a can of water. If the piece of lamb is large, or if you are having a lot of people for dinner, you may wish to double the amount of tomato used. Put the uncut onion in the juice.

4] Bake slowly at suggested temperature (see your cookbook) until the lamb is done. Be sure to continue to monitor and add water so that the tomato and lamb juices do NOT dry out. If it appears that it is becoming too "thin" and watery, add another can of tomatoes.

6] When the lamb is done, remove and place on a platter for serving when the rest of the meal is done. Remove the cat from the counter.

7] Remove the remains of the onion and add another can or so of water to the mixture of tomato and lamb juices, stirring until you have a "broth". If the lamb was fatty, before you add the water, you may either skim off the liquid fat or place several ice cubes in the mixture. The fat will adhere to the ice and harden which makes it easy to remove. Ordinarily, if the lamb has been trimmed there is not that much fat to worry about.

8] Once you have the lamb-tomato broth, place the large roasting pan on two top burners and bring the broth to a boil. While you are doing that, raise the oven temperature to maximum. Once the broth is boiling, place the desired amount of UNCOOKED spaghetti into the broth and stir until it begins to boil again, poking the spaghetti with a fork to keep the individual pieces separated. If necessary, you may add more water or if you wish, another can or peeled tomatoes. You have to "play this by ear" because there is no set amount. You want the "broth" to be liquid enough to cook the spaghetti with enough left over for a nice "sauce". It is always better to err in having too much than too little broth. If there is too little, the whole thing is too dry and, in fact, the spaghetti might not even cook properly or could burn. If you only add water, sometimes the lamb and tomato flavoring in the cooked spaghetti is not strong enough and the whole thing is "blah".

9] Once the spaghetti/broth mixture is boiling, return it to the hotter oven and allow the mix to boil for the prescribed time on the pasta (usually about 10 minutes). It is wise to stir from time to time to prevent the pieces of pasta from lumping together. However, the tomato-lamb broth usually helps keep the pieces from sticking once the mixture is boiling.

10] When the pasta is cooked, remove from the stove and stir several times to be sure that there are no "lumps" of spaghetti. Again, if you find that it has become a bit too dry, you may always add a little more water or peeled tomatos. If it's a tad too juicy, don't worry about it. For some reason, the pasta seems to continue to absorb the sauce for a while after cooking. At this point, you may remove the cat from the counter, carve the lamb and serve this "one dish" meal with a salad. Usually, Farmer Maggott likes Italian cheese with the dish. This "lamb and spaghetti" dish also heats up nicely the next day!

This is an excellent meal for this cold weather; it "sticks to your bones"!

Nenya Evenstar

12-19-2002, 03:03 AM

Nenya is there. She has been sitting silently breathing deeply of spiced doughs and goodies, Christmas trees, and holiday spirit. But something is missing for her. Lhun still isn't here. Something has happened and no one knows what. Nenya sits in the corner, cold and worried, wondering why no one is worried as she is.

Eledhwen

12-19-2002, 12:26 PM

Eledhwen borrows a kitchen knife and goes out to get a lamb for use in Mrs Maggott's recipe - one pot recipes are always useful when the cooker is a large fire with a cauldron over it. She also opens a 'recipes' folder in her PC.

As she leaves, she wonders what is upsetting Nenya Evenstar. "She's not a vegetarian, is she?" wonders Eledhwen, and wonders if the recipe would work with lentils. Decides lamb is better and goes out anyway.

Elennainie

12-20-2002, 01:42 AM

It is a shadow of an eagle! It flies around the hall three times and then, right before their eyes, it desolves into the air... A sharp, but faint, squeal, as if coming from from very far, is the last thing they heard while the eagle-vision has disapeared in the air...

On the round table in the middle they saw it...... A feather.... glowing with a strange greenish light.... Yet it was shiningly black with a snow-white point, large and very beautiful... It lay quietly there....
"Gingerbread, Nenya?" offers Elennainie, moving to the corner where Nenya is sitting deep in thought, twirling a feather in her hands.

"I too miss Lhunithiel's company here in our hall, but I do not fear for her. I think our friend Lhunithiel has left the Hall of her own will and choosing. I believe the eagle feather was a farewell gift to us, and she was the eagle, for that is the meaning of her name. Perhaps she is needed elsewhere now with her new guild responsibilities. I do not know for certain, of course, for she has not told us, but that is how it seems to me. And her place in the Hall and her companions will always be ready and waiting for her to return when she has the time."

"Don't be sad, don't let the shadow have power over you! Be of good cheer! (and try some of this excellent lamb dinner) ;)" The two walk back to where the others are feasting. Elen. wonders if someone will lead them all in Christmas carolling.... :)

Eledhwen

12-20-2002, 11:47 AM

Eledhwen returns with a lamb's leg. She now notices that Lhunithiliel is absent. She picks up a parchment listing the ingredients for Mrs Maggott's one-pot lamb and begins to gather the ingredients. Whilst working, she comments on Lhunithiliel's absence:

"Our dear sister has many calls on her time, and the hour is late. I fear that this hall is not the only place where she must prepare for the coming festival. Mayhap she will return in Afteryule. Does anyone have a sprig of rosemary?"

Melian

12-20-2002, 02:49 PM

Hey,did you forget my apples?!Oh,you'll be bitterly sorry!
Imagine---appetizing vapours reek from the gold-coloured caramelized apples.Which,btw,are prepared like this:

Take off the seedcases of a few big apples (red ones preferably).Then fill the holes with walnuts,white sugar and cinnamon (optional).Bake them till they have that gilt skin...And---serve with honey!Enjoy---Maia Queens are universally acknowledged as good chefs!

Nenya Evenstar

12-22-2002, 12:52 AM

Nenya smiles. "Thank you, Elen!" she says, "You are very encouraging. I guess I am simply holding on to what I hope not to be the truth... I dearly hope that Lhun will return to us someday." She walks over to Melian and picks up an apple. After one long bite she says, eyes wide, "These are delicious, my dear maia queen! And I think I'm just going to have to try some of that lamb...." At that moment singing breaks through the laughter, and Elen is seen singing a carol bringing tidings of the season.

Lhunithiliel

12-22-2002, 11:16 AM

It’s warm and pleasant in the Hall. Sweet smells are coming from the beautifully arranged dishes, full of delicious meals..… The Ladies are now sitting by the fire, sipping hot coffee from small white cups, having rest after all this cooking and the whole fuss about it….

And then it came….
A soft white mist fell so suddenly all over the place that the Ladies could not even understand where it came from!
It was snow-white …. it was snow-fresh ……it brought the unmistakable scent of snow and pine trees….. They could hear as if thousand of little bells were ringing somewhere both far, far away and yet… as if all around in the Hall…. This sound intermingled with sweet tender music and they could swear they heard quite clearly some merry giggle …. Then they noticed that the mist moved and they looked closer… As if thousands of tiny white feathers were falling softly and quietly…. But they did not pile on the floor… When each feather touched the ground, it sparkled with a silvery-white glow and disappeared…. Only the glow was left ……and soon the whole floor was turned into a silvery flickering carpet…..

Then a light wind whirled around and the mist was gone….

And this is what the Ladies saw.....

Lhunithiliel

12-22-2002, 11:21 AM

“HELLO, my friends!”, they heard and looking at the entrance, they saw Lhun standing there, smiling, looking very, very happy ….
“Do you like it?”, she laughed. “I hope you do!

HELLO!!!!! Oh! I've MISSED YOU SO MUCH !!!"

Oh! And I’ve brought a lot of presents for you, too! Magical they are, my fair Ladies! For I have brought them from my land, from Valinor, the blessed Realm of the Valar. And it was Varda herself who aided me in preparing them for you! Spirits she brought with her – fair and good……. sisters of yours, Melian, Maia Queen… And they all cast special spells and then we wrapped the magic in beautiful packages…. And here they are! Go, pick up! There is a lot for each and every one! “

“The magic of these presents, my friends is this:
When you open a package, think about your dearest desire and …….

THIS IS WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THE PACKAGE!

ENJOY! :D :D :D :D :D

That is IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE PATIENCE TO WAIT UNTIL CHRISTMASS!!! :D

Elennainie

12-22-2002, 02:19 PM

Lhun. is back! The ladies nearly drop their teacups in excitement at the return of their friend and her magical entrance. "Merry Christmas, Lhun., the hall looks enchanting!" smiles Elennainie, glad Lhun. has returned. "And presents from Valinor....we are blessed indeed!"

Nenya Evenstar

12-22-2002, 04:39 PM

Nenya can hardly contain herself. This is a hope unlooked for, a hope answered, and a blessing indeed. "Welcome back, my dearest Lhun! May the blessed joys of this Christmas be yours this day!" And Nenya gets up to dance an elven dance amongst the falling snow of glittering feathers to the tune of a Christmas carol. Happiness reigns supreme throughout the hall bearing tidings of great joy.

Lhunithiliel

12-22-2002, 06:00 PM

And so the ladies dance merrily and it is music and laughter everywhere... And the Hall glitters with hundreds of tiny candles and shiny decorations all over the place...
Oh! Christmas is coming!!!!
*****
Then Lhun parts from her dancing friends for a while. She goes to the table and tastes some of the meals. "Mmmmm! DELICIOUS!!!!", she laughs.
Ladies, I was thinking....

Let's make a Christmas party here for all the GT-members and all our friends from TTF!

We can make special invitations. All of you are welcome with your designs! :) ...
I see there's plenty of food, and we'll talk to some friends to bring some good wine and champagne...
We could even make it a "Mask&costume party"!

And after our feet get tired of dancing, we can gather quietly by the fire and tell stories. I have already prepared one, that I've read in the Halls of the Loremasters in Valmar. It is about Christmas and how it all started.

And we can also tell the tale of Sidabeleth....

Well?????

Nenya Evenstar

12-23-2002, 12:20 AM

Nenya smiles. "It's a beautiful idea, Lhun! And we can use for our main courses and tidbits the wonderful recipies provided by our wonderful ladies. We can make this party a party to remember! But we must not forget the Elven minstrels with their stringed instruments. I shall invite all my friends as soon as I can!" Nenya's eyes glitter with excitement.

Lhunithiliel

12-23-2002, 07:14 AM

Nenya, my dear, I

OFFICIALLY ASK YOU TO BE THE CHIEF ORGANIZER OF THE PARTY - EVENT AT THE HALL

I truly hope you'll accept this offer! :) The rest of us will do our BEST to help you in everything!

Well?

Lhunithiliel

12-23-2002, 08:21 AM

:D :D :D

MERRY COMING CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

Nenya Evenstar

12-23-2002, 08:32 PM

"Lhun, I would be honored to accept such an offer!" Nenya says gladly. "Where shall I begin? Let's see, first things first!" She walks over a to a little shelf that is nestled cozily next to the fireplace and produces a package of green and silver-leafed stationary and a handful of pens. "Now for the invitations! Please, write as many as you would like and let your friends know of the party. And inform them that it will not be only until Christmas - I'd like for this party to continue on until New Years Day. It would be too short otherwise." Nenya hands out the stationary and pens.

"Now," she continues in quiet thought to herself, "we will need someone to coordinate the food." A thought pops into her mind and she runs over to the table and hastily scribbles a little note down. She then sits down and begins writing furiously, coordinating everything that she can think of.

"Melian and Eledhwen, would you be interested in decorating the hall? And Elennanie, would you like to head up the music with Elven minstrels? And Lhun... will you be so kind as to see that all the guests when they begin to arrive feel welcome and entertained?" Nenya's eyes are sparkling even more now with the fun of Christmas and the New Year.

Elennainie

12-23-2002, 08:46 PM

Yay for the party! Elen. scratches her head and wonders if Led Zeppelin would be out of order here... ;) And those presents from Valinor have yet to be opened - ah, so much to look forward to!

Ice Man

12-23-2002, 09:04 PM

Are you kidding me, I am the Led Zeppelin Man in town! Led Zeppelin fits every single ocasion!

Goldberry344

12-23-2002, 09:06 PM

Goldberry steps in timidly. She smiles, clutching her invitiation, "hello all," she says in a calm voice.

Nenya Evenstar

12-23-2002, 09:08 PM

"Presents!" Nenya hits herself in the head and jumps up from her table. She whispers a hurried something to Lhun, and then turns her attention to Arcanjo. "Welcome, welcome! I truly hope that you enjoy yourself! I will see to it that you are comfortable. ;) Feel free to decorate, make music, bake, or whatever! This is a free-for-all, and you can do whatever you like." Nenya bustles over to the table and begins to set out all the baked goods that have been made so far. A delicious aroma fills the air.

"Many a merry welcome, Goldberry!" Nenya calls out cheerfully.

Dwarf Lord

12-23-2002, 09:16 PM

A small dwarf enters holding a boddle of wine. " Hello I was sent a most gracious invitation to this party, and I thought I would join the festivities. And I come bearing gifts. I don't know what year or brand it is because the wrapper was torn off, but I'm sure it will be fine."

Anamatar IV

12-23-2002, 09:19 PM

Anamatar walks in slowly.

"Greetings! Im afraid I have only today to spend at this party but nonetheless-I am here."

Goldberry344

12-23-2002, 09:21 PM

Goldberry smiles at the dwarf. "It has indeed been a long time since i saw you, Master Dwaf!"

Éomond

12-23-2002, 09:28 PM

*Éomond walks in with a invitiation and a bottle of Sparkling Cider*
"Hello everyone! I'm glad to be here and I hope to have a great time, which looks like it will be no problem!"

Elennainie

12-23-2002, 09:32 PM

Welcome everybody and Merry Christmas! "Hey, Goldberry344, I'll try to put some Dead on for ya! ;)" shouts Elen. over Led Zeppellin's "Immigrant's Song"

Aaaaaaaaaaaa-ah
Aaaaaaaaaaaa-ah
We come from the land of the ice and snow....

And Arcanjo, check out:
http://www.rathergood.com/vikings/

Eliot

12-23-2002, 09:33 PM

"Sup' y'all!" Eliot yells.

*Suddenly everybody stops doing whatever they're doing to look at the weirdo who just walked in.*

"Um, never mind" he says.

He goes up to Eomond to talk.

"Hey, what's up?"

Éomond

12-23-2002, 09:41 PM

"Hey Eliot, nothing much! Just enjoying the party! Want some Apple/Sparkling Cider?"

Nefmariel

12-23-2002, 09:52 PM

*walks in from pouring rain, pulls off hood of cloak, but keeps cloak on for a moment, clutches invite in her wet hand* hello, may I join the party if only for a while? Everyone tells me it'll be great, but I must wander again soon.

Nefmariel

12-23-2002, 09:53 PM

oops.

Nefmariel

12-23-2002, 09:54 PM

am I at the right place for the party?

Firnnovien

12-23-2002, 10:30 PM

Hi all. How is everyone?

Nefmariel

12-23-2002, 10:30 PM

good I guess a little rain soaked but other than that fine

Eliot

12-23-2002, 10:52 PM

*Put's his mug forward*

"Sure, Eomond. Fill er' up."

*Takes a big swallow*

"Aahh..... that really warms up the cold body."

"Can I have some more? This stuff is great."

Éomond

12-23-2002, 11:10 PM

"Sure thing Eliot!" *Pour another glass*

"Hi Firnnovien! Hello Nefmariel!"

Nefmariel

12-23-2002, 11:38 PM

hello what do you have to drink here?

ILLOTRTM

12-24-2002, 12:34 AM

Cora steps into the hall, an invitation in her hand.
"Hello, all! I must say, I was very flattered to receive an invitation to this wonderful party! A Merry Christmas to you all! I come bearing gifts! I also have with me the finest bottle of wine you'll find in The Shire! I hope my company will be of some enjoyment while I'm here."
Cora smiles happily and looks around at everyone. Some are friends of hers, and some are people she has yet to meet.

HLGStrider

12-24-2002, 12:49 AM

"I'VE CROCHETTED EVERYONE SCARVES!"

Everyone turns and stares as Elgee rides in on her giant cat, Badger... Badger is followed by oliphant sized Bump, and the smaller Matt, Princess, and Thora.

ILLOTRTM

12-24-2002, 12:53 AM

Cora grins and waves to Elgee and all of her cats. There was one familiar face.
"Hi Elgee! Merry Christmas! Now... what was that about scarves?" :D

HLGStrider

12-24-2002, 01:02 AM

They are magic scarves. They will immediately change to your favorite color when you put them on!

By the way, your name is driving me crazy... it always has been, but I want to get to the bottom of it... WHAT DOES IT STAND FOR?

I Love Lord of the Rings...? Then what's the tm? I love lord of the rinigs too much?

PLEASE HELP!

Eliot

12-24-2002, 01:21 AM

Does it stand for "I Love Lord Of The Rings The Movie"?

HLGStrider

12-24-2002, 01:26 AM

Oh great! I've started the great controversy of the name... sigh...

Well, pepsi anyone? You can have my eggnog... I don't like it.

Nefmariel

12-24-2002, 01:29 AM

can I have some of that wine Cora?

HLGStrider

12-24-2002, 01:32 AM

Elgee rushes to get Nef some wine... What kind would you like? Red, white, or elderbery?

EverEve

12-24-2002, 02:21 AM

*Wanders in at a not-so-slow pace* "wassup, everybody?! You've got scarves Elgee? And you dont want your eggnogg? Ill have it. Im actually fond off eggnog."

Nefmariel

12-24-2002, 03:05 AM

I'll take red Cora

Nenya Evenstar

12-24-2002, 05:44 AM

"Why everyone! Welcome!" Nenya says as she walks into the room, her face full of smiles. In her hands she carries two heaping trays full of cookies. "Chocolate chip and gingersnap," she comments, placing the trays on the round oak table. "How are you all enjoying yourselves? How about a good round of music? Anyone in the mood to dance?" At that moment a sound of enchantment fills the hall as though many elven voices have been raised in song. The hearts of the guests are lightened, and they begin to dance across the floor in front of the crackling fire place. Nenya busies herself with a pot of hot cocoa on the hearth.

Nefmariel

12-24-2002, 05:51 AM

I'm enjoying myself a lot! *goes to get a chocolate chip cookie* so how is everyone?!?

HLGStrider

12-24-2002, 07:17 AM

I'm feeling sugar sick... Don't say cookies... If I have too much sugar even the mention of sugar can make me sick... so be careful... blah...

Where was I?

Don't like Eggnog.

SCARVES FOR EVERYBODY!

Elgee runs around the room throwing scarves around people's necks.

Lhunithiliel

12-24-2002, 07:40 AM

Lhun just cannot succeed in approaching every one that is coming through the door.. She runs here and there... Oh, my goodness!

EVERYONE, WELCOME AND ENJOY YOURSELVES AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AND DESIRE!

"Hey, people, I've seen you around the TTF, but we've never had the chance of "meeting" in person. Where d'you all usually dwell within TTF? You seem to be good friends of Nenya and .... such a jolly company! :D", says Lhun, glowing with happiness to see so many merry people in the Hall.
"Eat, drink and have the fun of your life! :D
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!"
*****

"Mhm... Nenya, can I have a word with you?":rolleyes:

HLGStrider

12-24-2002, 07:46 AM

Nenya invited me... I am omnipresent... except in the movie thread and a few guilds.. It is hard to escape Elgee... I EVEN HAVE FANS!

Imagine... fans!

He he...

Elgee whips out her chinese fans and starts to wave them at anyone who looks hot.

Éomond

12-24-2002, 07:48 AM

"Oh, my scarf is pretty!"

"Hi Lhunithiliel! I'm Éomond! Nice to meet you!I'm usually "dwell" just anywhere, whichever place looks good, but useually in MA, Works of JRRT, SB, GD, Movies, Guilds and Rpgs.

HLGStrider

12-24-2002, 07:53 AM

Glad you like it... What color is yours? Mine is BLUE BLUE BLUE! Elgee fans Eo.. Fan fan fan.

Éomond

12-24-2002, 08:00 AM

Mine is orange! orange orange orange Orange ORANGE!
thanks agian for the orange scarf Elgee!

Lhunithiliel

12-24-2002, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by Éomond
"Oh, my scarf is pretty!"

"Hi Lhunithiliel! I'm Éomond! Nice to meet you!I'm usually "dwell" just anywhere, whichever place looks good, but useually in MA, Works of JRRT, SB, GD, Movies, Guilds and Rpgs.
***Lhun laughs "Dear Eomond, I understood NOTHING out of all those abbreviations :D But at at least I've understood that you're almost everywhere in TTF :D And I'm glad that you are here now! Have fun!

HLGStrider, a fan and a scarf for me? (What's the deal with these scarves, I wonder? They seem to be so desired by everyone! )

Mmmm......What do you have in your glasses? Is it enough? Just don't keep them empty! :D Ther's plenty of food and drink and music and dancing... ***

HLGStrider

12-24-2002, 08:11 AM

The scarves are my presents to you guys... made enough for everybody, crochetted them myself...

Gosh, I wish I didn't have to get offline... sigh...

Elgee swigs her Dr. Pepper and gets ready to leave... not at heart, just in posting.

FANS ARE GOOD!

Éomond

12-24-2002, 08:16 AM

Ok, goodnight HLGStrider!
"Hey gingersnaps! I love these things!"
*Starts to pack cookies in mouth*

Melian

12-24-2002, 09:15 AM

Melian is just about to step inside the Hall.She can hear her companions singing as one:

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOOOOW/
IN A ONE-HORSE OPEN SLEIIIIGH/
DOWN THE HILLS WE GOOOOO......

She 'laughs all the way' to the warm and decorated Hall.Obviously they are all having fun inside.She carries a tray with roasted chestnuts,tea with rum and currant cookies.
"I heard someone was suger-sick?!Well,you haven't tried the chestnuts then!By the way,you make a delightful choir!Shall we sing now 'I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS'?
"I want to say as well that I'm terribly fond of you all!Wish you happiness and much laughter!And please don't change---be the same old know-alls and Tolkien geeks:D How else would I have learnt that female Dwarves were bearded if it hadn't been for this forum?"

Smokey

12-24-2002, 12:53 PM

*Walks in causing people to faint*
Oops..Guess I should have showered...

Lhunithiliel

12-24-2002, 05:17 PM

Don't worry!
Have a drink! Join the dancing raindeers! (You know.... Don't they look exactly.... just like.... some guys around here...?) ;) :D
Oh! Who cares! It's a party and we're supposed to have fun! :D

Elennainie

12-24-2002, 05:44 PM

Cool scarf, HLGStrider, thanks for the present! Elen. tries to meet all the people she doesn't know yet. Hi Éomond, you look terrif. in orange! Hi Smokey - shower's on the next floor up. ;) Nice to meet ya, Nefmariel! Great chestnuts, Melian! She makes her way through the dancing crowd, smiling and meeting new people and taking music requests....what do you guys want to hear?

Nenya Evenstar

12-24-2002, 06:52 PM

Nenya walks into the room once more this time bearing two pans. "Can we hear an Elvish version of 'Jingle Bells'?" Nenya grins. Then she holds out the two pans. "Here we have a Christmas tradition that my family has had ever since I was born. This is our breakfast on Christmas morn, and it is rivvle koocha. It is a food tradition from the Germans who came to the United States from Russia." Nenya shows the guests a delicious-looking pastry with a thick crust, a cream layer, strawberries, and rivvle, a buttery crumble. "And this," Nenya shows her guests the other pan, "is another tradition. We do not eat this on Christmas morning but on Christmas Eve and whenever we go to Grandma's house around Christmas. It is kavetcha koocha." A delicious cream pastry with peaches stares up out of the pan like a pie. "I hope you enjoy! Oh, and Elgee, since your tongue is craving salt I will go make you some kraut birrock (sp?), another German dish in my household." Nenya then busies herself with passing out cookies and rivvle koocha to Dwarf Lord, Smokey, Arcanjo, Goldberry, and those quiet ones of the party. "I hope you enjoy! Why don't you all share some of your Christmas traditions while we listen to 'Jingle Bells'?"