Winter Blessings In Middle-Earth

A tall elf cladded in white fur rode into Rivendell. At the approach of the Gate of Imladris, he halted his horse and shook his head once, sending white snowflakes that had settled on his long fair hair flying. The sound of winter silence filled the air - muffled whispers, as soft as snow. The elf smiled at his horse and encouraged it on, along the now snow-covered path into the valley below. Behind the elf, a sturdy pony followed on which a bearded dwarf sat. His long grey beard pocking out under a huge blue hood. 

" We are almost there Master dwarf .It is a lovely day." the elf said.
" Nonsense! It is snowing, " came the grumpy answer. " How can that be lovely ? "

The elf was about to reply when the sound of singing reached his pointed ears. Curiously it was not elvish songs , but rather happy and carefree tunes from the Shire. He smiled widely. " It seems we are not the only ones getting to Rivendell for Yuletide."  The dwarf shrugged his shoulders, shaking the snow off his cloak and mumbling something. 

" Look, it's an elf and a dwarf! " a hobbit cried, startling her old pony. The little horse gave a small jump of protest that sent the hobbit tumbling into the fresh snow.  "Ouch! that was not nice, you are a silly pony. " the hobbit said trying, and falling, to get back on her feet. 

" Hullo, both of you! " the hobbit laughed falling on her bottom again. " It is wonderful to see you." 

"Greetings, Miss hobbit, " the elf smiled. " Well met and good Yule. But let us get out of the cold weather. " The dwarf said looking at the dark clouds carrying the promise of even more snow. 

It took the little company  a while to reach the stables. It was an incredibly cold winter and snow had reached the bottom of the valley, transforming Rivendell into an enchanted winterly village. They were greeted by fair elves. " Mae Govannion! " they cried. " Lord Elrond is expecting all of you. " 

A warm bright fire was awaiting for the guests as they entered The Last Homely House. The halls were adorned with holly and ivy, hundreds of candles and lanterns, and filled with laughter and music. Lord Elrond Half-elven welcomed the new arrivals as they joined the celebration. Later in the night, the great windows were opened to reveal a magical winter scene. Outside, the snow was softly falling, when though a gap in the clouds a single bright star appeared. "Merry Yule to one and all." said Lord Elrond raising a goblet of mulled wine. " May love and peace fill your hearts at this magical time of the year."

Article by Amorey - Laurelin Archives Webteam