I was bringing a tray of thin wafers and broth to Rainith, and thinking of a hundred ways to coax my stubborn mistress to eat a bit of this delicate fare if she refuses it, when I happened upon the Lady Danel. Very excellent company she is, this great lady of the House of Fëanor; although she is one of the Flame-Eyed: wise with the ages, but still of a mighty good nature, unlike certain others I could name, and she is full of many kindnesses and good advice. We went into the Hall of Fire for a chat. That knave Sogadan treated my custom most poorly, and refused to sell me wine or speak a friendly word. The Lady Danel would have the reasons for his cold treatment out of me, so I told her of my falling-out with the vintner because I had not enough money to pay for a case of wine which he tells me I drank, but I do not recall it, and even if I had the money, I would not give it to him, on principle. To my great surprise, she drew out her purse, and paid my entire bill, cautioning that I learn from my mistake, and not buy more wine than I can afford. I dare say I will not, because Sogadan refuses to sell any more on credit, this being what he terms “bad business.” I have forgiven him for this latest slight, desiring to be friends again, though he has been pretty brusque.
We staid long in the near-empty Hall of Fire talking most pleasurably over wine, and I thinking she would know, for she has resided in Imladris a long time, asked whom I should speak with in the Valley to arrange my mistress Rainith’s removal to larger rooms. Lady Danel expressed a great sense of curiosity; her eyes were so very large and clear, and their bright gaze was fixed upon me, and nothing else in the Hall, that it made me, I confess, admire her, and it was the greatest importance in the world to me that I explain myself to the lady and share my merriment. So I told her that Rainith’s current lodgings will be sore cramped after she is brought to bed and delivered of child, and very soon! It amazed Lady Danel to hear this, and I find I was mightily pleased to tell it. I offered that we have a celebration for Rainith and Galdorion, and the entire household would bring gifts, and we would have dancing and frolicks, but Lady Danel thought it was not a very good idea. She told me propriety and tradition should be upheld: the parents should be the ones to announce their news when they are ready and willing. I know nothing of this tradition, and my mistress Rainith told me herself, so she has already made proper announcement, but out of honour and respect for the Lady Danel, I said that I would not say a single word more of this matter to anyone else, which troubles me, because that blabbering Sogadan heard our talk; and now he will have the pleasure of telling it to anyone who lays down coin for a glass, when I cannot.
