Like all entries in Norliriel's diary, this is written in graceful yet accurate tengwar, not a tehta out of place.
Tonight, the Hall of Fire was filled with more lively bustle than usual, for the company that had set out for Eregion returned. It was cause for joy, for not only were all of their number alive and unhurt, they had also found treasure in that land we long thought utterly plundered - fair gems, and fine blades of Noldor-make. Alas, the gems are needed for trade with the Dwarves, so I will not be allowed to delight in their beauty for long, nor shape them into things yet more beautiful. But if they can buy the House the goods it needs, then so be it.
Here Norliriel later added a note in the margins: "They also found some tools, which I much desire to see."
Yet no joy could have been greater than seeing Lord Anglachelm return safe and hale. He greeted me with kind words, which did not surprise me, for he is a kind and noble Lord, and we few who make up the sad remnant of Gondolin are precious to another in a way that cannot be explained to those who do not share our sorrow (but then, no explanation is needed here, as I write this page for myself only.) Neither did I take it for granted, though.
Furthermore, in his kindness, he did not hesitate to grant me a place to serve when I asked for such, and the shelter of the Swan House. "I do not foresee what is laying ahead. But for you not so dark I wish to believe," he said unto me. I will keep these words in my heart in the hope that they will prove true, for he is said to have the gift of foresight.
The secondmost cause for joy was meeting Danel, once a fellow jewel-smith of Eregion. Though we remembered each other hardly at all at first, we will no doubt not only renew but deepen our acquaintance in the future. Though I had not known that she was hurt, I was profoundly glad to see her restored to full health. Her recovery could not have come more timely too, as this was the night of her elevation to Caun of Bar-en-Vanimar.
Thus, I must call her Lady Danel now, but I do not expect that she will treat me as an inferior. "If I can in any way be of help to you, sister-mirdan, please ask me," she said unto me, and I treasure those words as well, and begrudge her none of the honour that has been bestowed unto her.
There is another note in the margins: "I have since met Ararusco her kinsman. He is eager to put his skills as a smith - which are said to be remarkable - in the service of the House, and for that he has my respect, as well as for the hard life he must have led, for he was once among those who held the fortress of Himring. I do not know if he still grieves for his copper-haired prince, who took his own life in despair, but if he does, I hope that whatever good he can do here will help assuage it."
Later on, I once again spoke to Lord Ambassador Parnard. Ah, Parnard! I could write much about him. At first glance, he is but an unassuming Silvan Elf, of slight build even for one of the Nandor. He at times seems surprised when addressed with the respect due to his station, as if not used to such honours, and has a nervous habit of tugging on the tassles that decorate his sleeves.
Yet, now I can see the reason why Lord Anglachelm appointed him to such high office - aside from Anglachelm's kindness, of course. For the Parnard I am beginning to know is an honest Elf, humble, and most of all utterly devoted to his Lord, and eager in his duties. Eager in learning, as well. It appears he has even made an effort to learn Quenya, though his pronounciation is - as I will allow myself to write in the privacy of this page - rather dreadful.
He also holds much honest caring for other Elves, even for one such as Estarfin, who - as Danel told me - was once a follower of Caranthir.
The margin note says: "...and who is grim and bitter, an Elf of few words. Though I can hardly fault him for it while he is still suffering from his wounds."
I also met Talkale. He was glad to hear that I would henceforth serve in the House of Healing, and glad to meet another scholarly Elf, for he too is a scholar as well as a stable hand, though I do not know why one such as him would work as the latter.
There appears to be a volatile situation between him and Lord Parnard, wherein each of them seems to take some measure of delight in the distress of the other. I do not know the reason for this, nor is it my place to enquire. After all, the Lord Ambassador is now my superior after a fashion and, as far as I understand, also the superior of Talkale, though the latter takes little joy in this.
Be that as it may, I do not foresee any grief for myself coming from this, since both Parnard and Talkale seem favourably disposed towards my presence, whatever their differences.
