Asking the Elves

So the Lady Filignil came out ter speak with me and Tolbold. She asked me ter come into the house with her, and Barahirn came with us too. Tolbold remained with Ceuro, discussing weapons and tactics an things like that, I supposed. I would find out from Tolbold later. 

But the Lady Filignil wanted ter talk food, which is a good enough topic most days, save less so when we was worried about our friends. 

Tall and thin she was, of body and face, with lighter brown hair swept back in combs. She wore a pale peach coloured gown. She spoke clearly, an slowly, making sure I understood. Sometimes she frowned, but there was a kindly light in her eyes.

"I am a cook, not a Lady " she told me when I kept addressing her as 'Lady'. "I find enough nobility in that profession, if done to the best of my ability. But to matters of import. You plan to travel in search of your friends? You must have sufficient food and drink for a long journey."

So I told her about the meat pies and cheese pies, and dried fruit and boar meat, and bacon I had packed. And she gave me, well Tolbold an me, some different dried fruit, some golden honey coloured cakes, ('Only eat one at a time', she warned. They will fill you up. I chuckled silently at that.) and a bottle, small and square. "Take a couple of sips from the bottle at need," she said."If your strength wanes, it shall be renewed for a few hours."

"Miruvor," she sounded out slowly. "Sips only, please. I do not hand this to you lightly, but I know the Lord and Lady value your friendship."

Well they valued Tolbold, and Henepa and Gaisarix I guessed, so hoped they wouldn't mind me.

I summoned up me courage and asked her if she would advise us on our decision to pursue those who took our friends. I had heard from those few Hobbits who knew of Elves  the saying 'Go not ter Elves fer advice, for they say both yes and no,"(1) I wasn't too sure I would get a reply. 

Filignil rose gracefully from the chair she had been sitting in. She towered above me. But I didn't feel looked down on.

"Perhaps, Mistress Lithea, you have also heard 'advice is a dangerous gift, for even the wise know not all outcomes?'"

I shook me head. I hadn't heard that one.

She sighed and frowned again, sucking in her cheeks. 

"I...we here only know a little, and surmise more. Anything we could tell you would be based on incomplete and perhaps inaccurate knowledge. Is there a link between your missing friends and ours? I know not, although it is possible. Where are the rough Men heading, again North seems most likely from what has transpired, but where north, and to what end? The only advice I will give, and the advice Ceuro is likely giving to Tolbold, is take the greatest of care. Do not assume anything. Walk in the Light wherever you may. And look to the stars."

1) Quote from The Fellowship of the Ring'. JRR Tolkien