Nimgileth

The Wood-elves generally conceive of their woods as their world, and the rare sight of stars shining through the branches of the trees is their great delight, for it is always dark in shadowy Mirkwood. Game animals are still plentiful in the northern part, and so the elves are comfortable and well provisioned with meat and skins. As they do not keep herds of animals, nor are they skilled at raising crops, having no cleared land fit for this purpose, the Wood-elves have abundant leisure time, which they spend in feasting, singing, dancing, and playing games.

The dangers one encounters on the leagues between the Lone-Lands and the Ered Luin, and the wretched aspect of the inhabitants cannot be understated. The principal way through the Bree-land is upon the old highway, built by one of their kings, and is long-neglected and crumbling away: it seems the people have retained nothing of the activity and energy of their ancestors, for good roads encourage trade into remote provinces, and this encourages industry and enforcement of order.

This day I came to the Bridge, hard by the Spire of Meeting, where my retinue gathered. There I saw three of the Fountain’s guards, with shields and spears in their hands, and beside them stood my clerk Sorontar, who carried a stack of papers, and was dressed all in somber black cloth, as if he were part of a mourning procession.

The tapestry was finally finished. It had taken Nimgileth far longer than she thought to gather the right materials for the project. She was sure that her tutor Merindiel serving Elrond's halls had given up hope of receiving a result from her by now, but after a short conversation in the Hall of Fire one evening not long ago, Merindiel had assured Nimgileth that she would be expected to provide quality first and foremost. She would have the time she needed to complete her work. 

Sudden change in wind and the leaves blew the other way. Autumn was truly here and had been for a long time now. The light sifting throught the window hit the embroidery she held in her hands. It was only partially done. A grand piece it would become! Golden threads interweaving with blue and white, creating birds on the chestnut brown, silken fabric. You could almost hear them sing, if you listened closely.