Olriandis

Although Lord Tindir was forced by urgent duty to depart, the revelry following Branalph's Oath-taking continued in the Hall of Fire. Elvealin and Ealendil, long accustomed to making music together, played "Hammerfall," the ancient anthem of the Order of the Hammer. A few present knew why Lady Manadhlaer dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief... but the wine flowed, and Tolmen, newly healed through repentance of past misdeeds, joined the group and essayed a dance or two. Only Sogadan sulked, seeming not to appreciate the rousing battle-anthem.

Having bestowed the Oath and the swan-badge upon Branalph of the Hammer, Lord Tindir calls for a toast to the Order's newest fully oathed brother in arms. Luckily, Lady Ambassador Tingruviel, the House's chief diplomat, always finds the ideal words for such an occasion.

Ever was Quartermaster Golvagor of the Order of the Hammer well-spoken. This evening, once again, he spoke gallant words in witnessing the Oath-taking ceremony of Branalph.

Branalph chooses to take his Oath to House Vanimar in the tongue most spoken in Imladris in this Age. With Golvagor as witness, Tindir accepts Branalph's oath and bestows on him a very special brooch with the image of a swan.

As the first light of the new Elven year dawns, with Arien returning the Sun to Middle-earth, the partygoers step outside of the Last Homely House and set off fireworks -- including some designed to remind the viewer of the flowers elanor and niphredil. All bid one another a peaceful and joyous new year, Branalph's imminent Oath-taking is discussed -- it is the first such ceremony at which Lady Ealendil will be standing among the other cónin. Manadhlaer believes this is a guarantee of good luck.

It is the night of yestarë, the night before the first day of the new year as the Eldar reckon it. Members of Vanimar have been playing a guessing game to ascertain one another's favorite flower: Manadhlaer's are the blue roses that have come to be known in the House as "Themodir's rose." Elvealin's are elanor and niphredil; Ailinwen's are gladiolus, for their resemblance to tiny swords.

After the OAKS concert, Vanimarians rush to be the first to congratulate Lindamar on their achievement. Maedhrathin makes a joke about his legendary "Warg Song," which unfortunately didn't quite work in this set or as an encore! 

Audience members are moved to dance to the stirring melodies and moving lyrics of Lindamar. The concert tells the story of Elves moving from Imladris to the havens of Mithlond on their way to the Uttermost West, so it is somewhat bittersweet -- but that doesn't stop the audience from dancing, or calling for an encore!