Manadhlaer

Lomestel ponders redemption surrounded by his fellows inside Pillar Hall.

As night falls, Maedhrathin retrieves his harp from Lindir and improvises some music to delight the companions. After a false start with a sort of "tiddely-pom" rhythm, he finds his muse, and his friends dance by starlight, lamp-light, and remembered light:
You can't start a fire
Can't start a fire without a spark
This sword's for hire
Even if we're just dancing in the dark

A simple fishing trip for relaxation turns into a joy unlooked for: Glinthir, long absent from the pathways of Imladris, has returned and greets his kinmates. 

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.

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.

A trio of bards -- Amrenien, Tantilion, and Talothlar -- provide music for the listening and dancing pleasure of those assembled to celebrate yestarë, the night before the dawning of the new year as the Eldar reckon it. Elvealin is first to dance, while Ealendil, Manadhlaer, and Ailinwen wait to start in time with the music. Also enjoying the impromptu trio were the Woman Lotherwen; her friend Celebreneth; and a third new friend. Veassë, who is included in the celebration as well.

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.