The Grand Hall of Torech Besruth was a place of comfort and warmth on this rainy evening. Within its lamplight and hearth-lit expanse, Seregrían was entertaining Ivorina, one of the newest members of the Household. The two Elves sat at the head of the high table, Seregrían listening while Ivorina poured out a tale of concern.
“That is the situation as it stands, Your Ladyship,” Ivorina said finally. “If it comes to pass, will you accept my plea?”
“Of course I shall,” Seregrían replied, “and if anything should arise that needs aid, if it lies within my power, it shall be done.” She pressed her hand upon Ivorina’s and smiled, Ivorina returning both gesture and grin. Both turned to the corridor leading to the Gallery, where the sounds of someone struggling with a wet cloak and grumbling about the weather could be heard.
“And so begins the meeting,” Seregrían said. “Ivorina, fetch us wine and glasses, we shall receive our guest in the Salon.” The two women rose, Ivorina heading to the Scullery while Seregrían crossed the hall to the salon by the great hearth. Turning to the corridor, she watched as Faenwë entered the hall, shaking off the damp and cold of the summer storm.
“Faenwë, welcome,” Seregrían said in greeting. “Please, join me here by the hearth. Ivorina is bringing wine.”
“Ah, thank you, Seregrían,” Faenwë said, “this hearth is most welcome right now.” Faenwë took a seat closer to the fire, sighing in the comforting heat.
Ivorina approached, balancing glasses under her arm, awkwardly setting them and the bottle on the table. “Here, I hope I chose well?” she asked.
"Ah, the Celondim Red, this shall serve well.” Seregrían said as she reached across the table to pour three glasses, passing the wine around to the others. “Celondim Red is a common wine in these lands - very popular with kitchens and casual settings.”
“Mm, I am glad for it,” Faenwë said, “this will be a good accompaniment to the fire; the weather out today isn’t so hospitable to wandering.”
“Superior to the white wines, I’ll say this much,” Ivorina offered. The three drank, savoring the warmth of the wine and of the hearth. After a silence, Seregrían spoke.
“You’ve been abroad for a time, Faenwë? And you, Ivorina? I myself have been visiting most of Falathlorn.”
Ivorina answered between sips, “I have been abroad, but I always holiday out this way. I’m only this way so early because the passes no longer need watching, I may not have an immediate journey to undertake.”
“The passes, perhaps, “Seregrían said, “but are not the Roads in need of watchful eyes?”
“The highest of Elf-lords and ladies have all but departed, or soon will,” Ivorina said flatly. “I’ve cleared the passes from anything serious. I deem my duties have nearly come to their end.”
“When one’s duty is completed, that is merely a single task,” Seregrían said, “for others await your hand in turn. Take my children, for example: when the duties of caregiving for a child are done, in time the new duty of teaching them needful things begins.”
“Yes, but they’ll be less likely to be standing around in the mountains all day,” Ivorina replied.
Faenwë swirled the wine in his glass, raising it in a silent toast first to Ivorina, where he held his gaze for a moment; and then turned to Seregrían. “I myself am returning from a journey to the lands of Men in the South. I must say, I am glad to be back to the northwest, closer to the Sea." He took a swallow of wine, then went on, “There is duty as long as we live. Perhaps your next duty, Ivorina, will be one of more comfort and perhaps some ease. You have more than earned it.”
“Mm, we shall see,” Ivorina said.
“So many years in the cold passes, wielding axe and bow,” Faenwë said, “perhaps a time of hearths and wine has come for you.” Seregrían and Ivorina shared a look, listening as Faenwë continued.
"I can say for myself,” he said, “that since coming to this valley I have felt a great ease I have not felt in some time. I am thankful for it."
“The Lair, and the Enclave where it sits, have long been a respite from journeys,” Seregrían said.
“A good place for the heart to find haven, yes,” Faenwë said. “Is that your own duty these days, Seregrían? A haven-master?”
“My new roles as mother and teacher have kept me here,” Seregrían said, “but I have also encouraged others to travel far, in search of their own paths. Now, when the chance comes, I also travel in company, but save for our Expeditions, it has been long since I walked abroad.
“I am the first mother in our Household - I trust not to be the last one. Have either of you considered how this House might also serve you?” she asked matter-of-factly, gazing at the two Elves for their reactions. Ivorina’s eyes widened, hiding her expression behind her wineglass. Faenwë nodded, becoming somewhat pensive at her talk of children and new generations.
Seregrían turned her eyes to Faenwë. “Faenwë... I cannot help but notice that, despite your confident words, something behind your eyes troubles you. Come, speak your mind or heart, you are part of this Household now.” Faenwë returned her gaze with a small faltering smile, seemingly struggling to form his thoughts, speaking at last.
