First Day in Imladris

Our first day back in Imladris is almost over. I am not certain what I think. The Vale is as beautiful as it always was. Little seems to have changed, but then I have not been absent for so very long.

Faces have changed somewhat. There are some I look for who I have not yet seen, and many I do not recognise. But I have encountered a few old friends.

We stay in the Halls of Tham Foroden, to the north of Imladis. No sparsely furnished cold dwelling it is. I had expected it to lie empty and dusty. But it seems our ever-thoughtful Filignil sent a letter some weeks ago to her sister here, bidding her air and lightly furnish the place. And then Elrohir caught scent of it, and gave her an unexpected hand. As a result, our rooms are clean and comfortable. Estarfin stays with Parnard and I, for although he still has rooms in the Vale, he says he has no great attachment to them. 

And so we are all resting a little after our journey. I was the first to awaken and wander a little, down to the Spire of Meeting, up to Hidhuinen, then over to the stables to speak with Ladrochan, and to share with him some of my memories. On my return I encountered the Lady Manadhlaer, who I had not seen for some years. We spoke awhile of times past, and of the present. I told her we planned to ride on shortly to Parnard's home in Mirkwood. Manadhlaer looked well. Fresh of face and bright of eye. I was glad, for she has not always had an easy life.  And after we went our own ways, I was found by Parnard. 

We two went to get a late afternoon drink from Sogadan, and give him our regards. As it turned out, our discussion gave him much inaccurate information, which we forbode to set straight for all of one hour. He was not best pleased with us. But that is a tale for another time. (a)

It is good to be back in the Valley again, but I confess, at this time my thoughts are elsewhere.

(a) A Visit with the Vintner of Imladris, by Parnard