Birthday Party

A birthday party for princess Findulas' 400th year.

Finrod comes into the hall from the stairs below. He is wearing his clothes from Valinor, dressed as Finarfin's son.

Gwindor enters the hall through the great doors, taking a moment to glance about the room and note the folks in attendance. Smiling to those he passes and exchanging brief words with some, he begins to make his way toward the king.

Almar stands near the fireplace once more, dresses again in his mail and uniform of Hador's guard. Oddly he wears a fine sword on his belt, but is bound closed with a lether thong. He seems to be chatting with a few others who have gathered here to await the start of the evenings festivities.

Finrod approaches the human and says as he stands behind him, "I see you are feeling better, Almar of Dorthonion?"

Almar, Gwindor, Finrod and others of the court and its visitors are present in the Great Hall, chatting and mingling. Finduilas has not yet made her appearance.

Gwindor walks over to join Finrod and Almar, just in time to hear the king's question. He waits quietly to hear the Adan's reply.

Orodreth. crosses the Silver Arch and enters the room with long, measured strides. Before proceeding any further, he halts and regards the room and those within it with flickering eyes. "Suilaid" he calls in a gentle tone "Greetings and good eve to all."

Finrod looks over to his brother and nods a smile to him, though he is vastly more interested in the human and quickly returns his attention to him.

Almar turns as he hears his name and then bows deeply, "Aran, it is an honor to see you again, and yes I am better with much thanks to you." He smiles then, "But I am of Dorthonion no longer I fear, for I am returning to the lands of my birth. I could not remain with so many things there that will never come to pass." He takes a breath to supress some rising feeling, and his smile remains steady on his face. "I have rejoined with my people once more and they have taken me in as if I never left."

Keladar comes walking through the great door, his approach forewarned by the sound of footsteps on the stair. As he enters the hall full of people he stops and nods to those closest, exchanging greetings and well-wishing. At Orodreth's appearance he turns towards him and raises an eyebrow, his eyes carrying nary a hint of merriment as he is on duty.

Gwindor looks over at the greeting from the Warden of the Tower and smiles, dipping his head respectfully, before regarding Almar once more. Almar smiles and bows to Ododreth as he calls his greeting, "Greetings m'lord."

Finrod nods, with some sadness, for the King has always held the men of Dorthonion closest to his heart. He says, "I understand. I was a prince to three peoples. And I know your loss has left you little in the hills of Dorthonion. I grieve still, and shall until the world is remade, as I do for all of my friends of the Secondborn."

A brief look of sadness crosses Gwindor's eyes at these words from both Almar and Finrod, though it lasts but a moment. "We are very pleased to have visitors from your land, Almar. I hope that you might tarry here for a time, after the celebration, that we may get to know one another better, for I fear that I have had too little contact with your folk."

The flame in Orodreth's eyes flickers for a moment and cloud darkens for a fleeting moment his expressions as his brother expresses once again his love for the House of Beor "You have friends and kin among your own kindred, brother and king of mine..." His tone is more sad than stern.

Almar nods, "I thank you for that too m'lord. I shall always remember the bright days I had in your halls. Still lord, this is not a time of sadness. We are to be joyful and merry, so when shall the feast begin?" Then smiles to Gwindor, "I would like very much to stay a while here, and in fact I have been commisioned by a bard here to do some work on her sword. That should give me enough excuse to remain here for a while longer anyway."

Finrod turns to Orodreth, forgetting a moment Almar to whom Gwindor now speaks. He says in a lower voice to his brother, "I have been loved by humans for all of their life. The Firstborn are young yet and know not what devotion is. How can I not love the House of Beor with the same devotion in which they love me?"

Keladar steps to the side of the great door and stops there, standing tall as he watches the proceedings with a hint of merriment dancing in his eyes, a smile upon his lips. He, however, does not talk with people nearby, preferring to be silent on his post this day.

As if in answer to Almar's question, a soft gong is heard, summoning the revellers to the long tables that have been set up for them. The finest china, silver and crystal adorn the tables. Wine is poured as the guests begin seating themselves in preparation for the first course to be served.

Finrod moves to the head of the table and stands. A chair for Orodreth is on the right and one for Finduilas on the left.

Orodreth. steps further inside the room, his garments shifting hues under the lights with each movement. He smiles or nods to those in his path until he reaches his brother's side "For all of my life I have loved you as well. And that love started even before the Mortals awoke in the East..." He answers in the same low voice, but the gong interrupts him and he lets his words trail off.

Gwindor smiles and nods. "That is good news indeed. I shall look forward to see the work that you do. Perhaps you will be able to work with our own smiths here, to the delight of both of you." He smiles once more and gestures politely for ALmar to precede him to the table.

Almar hears the gong and nods at Gwindor's words, "I would like that indeed, but seems the time has come at last." He then makes his way to the table and he then looks about as if unaware of where it is proper for him to sit.

Keladar stands impassively and watches as everyone moves to be seated, his face turning expressionless and his eyes seem to go a bit distant as he fixes his gaze somewhere.

Finrod smiles and puts his hand on Orodreth's shoulder. 'This I know...and father loved me before that. Fear not, whatever befalls us in these lands, our natures shall not change. You and I shall one day walk beneath the boughs of Lorien long after we are forgotten in these lands." He then motions for one of Finduilas' ladies-in-waiting to fetch her.

Orodreth. sits by Finrod's side and allows himself a smile at his brother's comforting words. A smile, however, tinged witha a certain sadness "I know, or at least I hope. Yet I can feel a doom in your words... and I fear for a time we shall we parted" He stops as his daughter enter and his smile grows warmer and merrier for her. He gestures to the vacant seat.

Finduilas arrives in the great hall in a gown of the finest grey velvet in these lands. A light tiara set with the shining opals from the beaches of Valinor flash fire from her golden head. She swiftly moves next to her uncle, at her father's indication, giving him a warm smile as she passes.

Gwindor follows, moving to a place to the left of Orodreth and saying quietly to Almar, "Please, sit here next to me." The servers wait near the tables with carts bearing soup and bread, ready to serve after all have been seated.

Almar sees Finduilas as she comes into the room and for a few moments he is dazzled by her and the reignment she wears. Hearing Gwindor he turns away and takes his seat to the left of the elf. Leaning over her whispers quietly, "She looks magnificent tonight does she not lord?"

Finrod sits down, not answering his brother verbally, but casts a look to him that is one of resignation. However, this look quickly vanishes when his niece enters and he smiles at her. "You look radiant" he says to her and motions for her to sit.

Gwindor barely hears Almar as he watches Finduilas enter the room. He stands still, his eyes following her to the table, a small, warm smile on his face. He nods distractedly to Almar before taking his seat. "Yes, she certainly does", he says, his eyes never leaving the princess.

Finduilas sits and smiles at everyone at the table, her eyes lingers a bit longer upon Gwindor. She says nothing yet, hiding her smile as she takes a sip of wine.

"Be welcome, daughter." Orodreth greets Finduilas with eyes filled with pride "Like the light on the pools of Ivrin, thus you come to illuminate this gathering. And it will be a more joyous one now" He states with a lingering, absent smile.

As the final guests are seated the servers come forth with the bread and a soup of fresh harvested squash, spiced with cider and ginger.

Almar sits quiet now and looks about those gathered at the table. He seems to note the looks between Gwindor and Finduilas, but then his attention goes to the food being brought out.

Keladar turns his head slightly to watch people still coming into the hall from outside, those hearing the gong. His gaze lingers on each for a short while, before moving onto the next, watching, waiting. The turn of his head is all the motion which he makes as he stands and watches the table quickly fill, his gaze especially lingering at the top where the king, his brother, and the King's niece sits.

Gwindor hears the words of Orodreth, smiling at the metaphor of Ivrin and turns a bright, conspiratorial smile on Finduilas as he listens. As the servers start to bring around the food, Culiavaswen slips into the room late, trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible as she looks about for an empty place at the tables to sit.

Finduilas blushes at her father's words and reaches for her food. Her mother is seated to her left, with Finrod on her right, but she seems subdued next to the elven king.

There is much conversation and laughter from the assembled guests as they enjoy there first course. The servers tend to the needs of the diners expertly, never letting a plate sit empty or a glass unfilled.

Finduilas eats and speaks softly with her mother, only so often stealing a peek in Gwindor's direction.

Gwindor chats amiably with Orodreth to hsi right and Almar to his left, smiling at Culiavaswen as he happens to glance up and notice her entering. With an empty seat next to ALmar he gestures her over. "Please, sit here, mellon."

Finrod eats his first course rather daintily, but seemingly happy that he welcomes the humans at his table once more. He seems more at ease than in recent weeks, but ever is there in his eyes the shadow of his deeper thoughts.

Culiavaswen smiles as she sees Gwindor wave to her and moves over to take the indicated seat, nodding greetings to those she passes. As she sits down she looks to those about her and says, "Forgive me for my tardiness...I was working on a piece of weaving and lost track of the time." She settles herself in her chair, leaning back slightly as one of the servers come forward to place a plate in front of her.

Almar seems to be enjoying his soup very much, but after a time he leans over to Gwindor again. Speaking softly, "I see the lady has her eye on you more often than many others." and he smiles brightly before returning to his soup. Hearing Gwindor's invitation to someone he looks that way and smiles, "Yes please, do sit down and enjoy this wonderful soup." After she sits he speaks quietly to her, "Mae govennan, I am Almar and it is a pleasure to meet you."

As the soup is finished by the diners, the bowls are cleared and the main course brought out. Each guest is presented with a beautifully roasted quail, stuffed with bits of fruit and bread. Alongside are fresh vegetables wild rice. The wine glasses are refilled with the fragrant red wine of Nargothrond.

Orodreth. looks about the gathering as all around him the merry din of those congregated in celebration rises and starts gaining volume. The clear elven voices ring musically in the Hall and the bejewelled cups and jars and polished silverware cast off glints of light, almost alike those coming from the elven eyes, as they are moved. Orodreth contemplates all this and remains silent, drinking slowly from his cup. His gaze lingers for a moment on Gwindor after he catches one of the exchanges of looks between him and his daughter. But he smiles to himself and drinks again.

Finrod leans over and asks Orodreth in a low voice that does not carry, "So you accept the relationship of your daughter and Hir Gwindor, brother?"

Culiavaswen starts to eat some of the soup, but then turns with a smile as Almar speaks to her, replying, "Mae govannen Almar, 'tis a pleasure to meet you as well. I am Culiavaswen. I hope you do not mind my taking this seat here?"

Gwindor smiles as Culiavaswen is seated, though he actually blushes very slightly and briefly at the words of Almar. "Perhaps, mellon, perhaps", he says quietly. He turns his attention once more to his food, in order to collect his thoughts as Almar and Culiavaswen speak.

Orodreth. pauses briefly before he answers "I believe, brother, that Hir Gwindor is as worthy a Lord as can be found outside the House of Finwe in Middle Earth" He replies in the same voice "Well you know that the Princes of our own House are too close kin to be married to my daughter... But if you have any advice to offer, I will gladly and gratefully partake of your wisdom"

Almar chuckles as the food is brought and the remains of the soup is taken away, "I mind it not, for I prefer company to an empty seat any day." He does not seem to drink much wine, but asks a server for a glass of water as well. Then seeing Gwindor in thought he looks back to Culiavaswen, "So you say you were weaving. What sorts of things do you make?" He then looks at the next course with anticipation.

Orodreth. pauses briefly before he answers "I believe, brother, that Hir Gwindor is as worthy a Lord as can be found outside the House of Finwe in Middle Earth" He replies in the same voice "Well you know that the Princes of our own House are too close kin to be married to my daughter... But if you have any advice to offer, I will gladly and gratefully partake of your wisdom"

Finrod nods, "He is a fine lord, and quite worthy. I only fear they shall suffer great unhappiness...but I have no advice for them that I have not already counseled. I cannot see what time will have in store for them..."

Culiavaswen smiles and perhaps chuckles softly to herself for a moment as she glances to Gwindor and catches his slight blush at something Almar had said to him. She then turns her attention back to Almar as the next course is laid before her, her soup having been only half eaten before she signalled the servers to take it away. She shrugs slightly to him as she picks up some food on her fork, saying, "I make many different sorts of things...cloth for clothing and other items, and woven rugs and tapestries...currently I am at work on a small tapestry like piece that shall become a pillow top when it is finished."

Gwindor clears his throat slightly and essays to speak to Finduilas, across the table form him. "You look quite lovely this evening, my lady. I hope that you are enjoying your celebration so far."

Finduilas turns toward Gwindor's voice and offers him a warm smile. "I am indeed, my lord. A lovely way to celebrate my anniversary." Her eyes tell him more than her words.

Orodreth. nods at the King's words. Slowly and darkly, and his gaze rests once again on his daughter, radiant as she converses with Gwindor "These times are uncertain ones. Ill suited perhaps to think of marriage. Hir Gwindor is a brave warrior. Aye, fearless... and if they marry and he falls... What shall become of my daughter? Death is unnatural for us..." he whispers, shaking his head as his smile vanishes.

Finrod nods in agreement, "A tragedy, to be sure. I have told them I will not allow it within my kingdom, but they know in their hearts it cannot be at this time. I only wish it could be otherwise..." Finrod shakes his head, though having never married himself, perhaps his words were meant toward more than Gwindor and Finduilas.

Almar starts to eat the second course and sip his water after it is brought out to him. After a short time he again speaks to Culiavaswen, "I am not sure what I have to pay you with, but I would be interested in seeing some of you cloth later. I have need of better clothes I think, and a friend who makes them. All I need is something to make them out of now." and he gives a friendly smile as he turns back to his food.

Culiavaswen glances over toward Finrod and Orodreth and a word or two of their conversation comes to her ears from time to time. She quickly averts her eyes once more though, and ignores whatever she hears, turning instead to Almar with a smile, "You are of course welcome to come and view what I have available. I am afraid I do not have much here, as most of my work was left behind in Nargothrond when we journeyed north. If you had an idea of what you wanted, I could perhaps make you something to order though."

Orodreth. sets his cup back on the table and rubs his chin, considering Finrod's speech "We all wish it were not so... Aye, thus the fire that blazes in Aegnor would be, perhaps, less fell..." He sighs and drinks again and struggles to produce a new smile "But today should be a day of joy... One of our House grows in age despite all... There is hope"

Almar hears Finrod and Orodreth's words and can not supress a feeling of sadness that rises once again. He stares at his food for a time without speaking a reply to the elf maid's responce, and in face seems not to notice much around him at all.

Finrod smiles, "Yes, there is always hope indeed." It is likely, though, that Finrod's hope is not the same of others'. The king stands and raises his cup, "I would propose a toast..." he says, waiting for the room to calm.

Gwindor hears a bit of the talk between Orodreth and the king and his face clouds for a moment as he considers their words. He cannot seem to be kept down for long however, since he smiles once more at those around them as the king raises his glass.

Orodreth. holds his cup and, with an expectant smile, falls silent, waiting for the King's toast. The others in the room imitate him and the din subsides.

Culiavaswen nibbles at her food, not immediatly noticing Almar's sudden silence beside her. After a bit though she realises he has not responded, and she looks toward him and notices his sudden sad appearance. She seems about to say something more to him, but just then Finrod rises and calls for a toast, and she leaves off whatever it is she was going to say, and turns her attention to the King, waiting expectantly to hear what it is he will see.

Almar glances up at Finrod's call for a toast, but still seems less than joyful as he takes his wine in his hand for the toast.

Finrod says, looking down to a blushing Finduilas, "I propose a toast to my favorite niece, upon whom Varda has cast her light, Yavanna has cast her beauty and Este has cast her gentleness. She is the youngest of the House of Finarfin, our future and our joy. May flower spring forth at your feet and the stars sing your praises from their lofty heights on this most beautiful day." He sips his wine after finishing.

Finduilas blushes more profusely at this praise from her Uncle, but her eyes show her delight.

Gwindor smiles and raises his glass in salute to the king and Finduilas. He takes a drink and looks to Finduilas, hardly trying to disguise the light that comes into his eyes as he looks at her. "Well said Sire, and may your words have the power to bring forth just what you have spoken."

Culiavaswen smiles at the King's words, and raises her wine glass toward Finduilas in salute, before taking a sip

Finrod says as he sets down his cup, 'And now for the gifts... I know many here have vested long hours of work and love into what they shall give to you, so I will let them go first, as to not spoil their efforts with my own present." His eyes glitter with amusement.

Almar simply raises his glass and drinks at the toast.

Orodreth. grins as he observes his daughter both blush demurely and beam under the praise piled on her by the King. His gaze shifts from his daughter to Gwindor as the latter speaks, raises high his cup in silence and then drinks "May the Light fill your days daughter..." he whispers.

The dishes from the main course are taken away and a sweet chilled wine is brought, along with small, individual burnt creams for dessert.

Finrod sits and motions for those who have gifts to present them during dessert as he tastes his own.

Gwindor stands and steps over to the side for a moment, to retrieve his gift, before sitting once more to watch as Finduilas begins opening those of other folk present.

Orodreth. leans back on his seat and looks around waiting for the first one to offer a present to approach. Meanwhile, he toys idly with a pouch hanging from his belt.

Almar's mood seems to lift at the mention of gifts. He rises from his seat and sets down his wine, before moving toward where Finduilas. Standing near her seat he awaits her attention before presenting his gifts.

Culiavaswen reaches into a hidden pocket in her gown and draws out a small package wrapped in a bit of red silk and sets it on the table next to her ready for when her turn to present her gift arises. She sips at her wine, taking bites of the cream inbewtween, as she watches Almar approach Finduilas with his gifts.

Finduilas starts to open her gifts. There are some as impersonal as new slippers or some embroidery threads. Others present silver chains and pins. She give each one her undivided attention and graciously thanks the giver. She then looks to Culiavaswen.

Culiavaswen smiles to Finduilas, and with a look toward Almar who stands by the princess's chair, she rises and walks around the table to hand her the red package, curtsying to her as she holds it out. "'Tis not much my lady, but I hope you shall like it"

Finduilas smiles and says, "I am sure I will." She opens the package. Almar waits patiently as the princess opens her other gifts. He has a small wrapped box in one hand, and a small pouch in the other.

Gwindor looks on with interest as the princess opens Culiavaswen's gift. Orodreth's brow furrows slightly as he leans forward again to look interestedly as his daughter unwraps the present.

As the red silk is folded back, a folded piece of lace is revealed. As the princess unfurls it, it can be seen that it is a scarf made from finely crafted handmade lace. The edges are scalloped and there are little tiny flowers worked through the field of it, and in the middle, done in letters formed from the flowers such as to blend with the general motif and not be immediately obvious, is the name "Finduilas". The whole thing is light as a feather, draping softly across the hands as it is held.

Finduilas smiles in delight at the gift and says to Culiavaswen, "Oh, thank you. I do love it!" She folds it carefully and places it with her other gifts before looking to Almar.

Gwindor smiles and nods approvingly as the gift is unwrapped and accepted graciously. He waits quietly to see what the Adan will present.

Almar bows and steps forward holding out the box, "This first gift is from Lord Andranar who regrets not being able to be here tonight." The parcel is wrapped in bright fabric and bound with ribbon. On unwrapping, the shape is revealed as a small (about 6"x8"x4") wooden box, polished and stained to a high gloss and carved with scenes of somewhat fanciful beasts.

Culiavaswen smiles to Finduilas and returns to her seat to watch as Almar presents his gifts.

Finduilas says with a glitter in her eye, "Andranar of Dor-Lomin? How wonderful!" She picks up the box and looks at it very carefuly, perhaps more carefully than her other gifts so far.

Within the box is a slip of paper, upon which is written in rough tiw (letters) "I have not so much to give thee, Lady, so this I send for you to keep better gifts safe, and something to start the filling of this box. A."

Beneath the card is a ring, made of silver by a mannish hand. The ring's setting is a layerd river stone, pollished to a high sheen to bring out the contrast of the light and dark layers.

Orodreth. nods with evident approval and pleasure at Culiavaswen's gift. As she passes by moving back to her seat he smiles to her "Most beutifully crafted, Lady". Then he turns his gaze to the gifts presented now by Almar. Finduilas looks at the ring and says with surprise and wonder (at having a ring made by humans), "A ring? For me?" She looks at her father, as if to ask if this is alright by him.

Culiavaswen smiles and bows her head to Orodreth in modest acknowlegement of the compliment, murmuring, "Thank you my lord."

Gwindor seems slightly surprised by this gift and he glances down at his own uncertainly. It passes quickly, however, and he smiles at Finduilas's evident pleasure.

Almar remains standing as she examines the box, and seems suprised to see a ring inside. He now holds out the pouch ot her, "And this gift is from me, m'lady."

Orodreth. nods to his daughter, smiling "A beautiful thing, indeed. You may be very grateful, daughter" He turns his gaze to Almar "I am thankful as well, Lord, and I hope you will transmit my feelings, and my daughter's to the Lord Andranar if you chance upon hime before we do" He declares solemnly.

Finduilas nods and takes Almar's gift, loosening the bag.

Finrod merely watches, his face betraying no concern or happiness. Only a pleased expression is there.

As the pouch is empted a single ring comes out to rest in her hand. A golden band, a quarter inch wide, with a smaller thin silver band overlayed on top. There are seven saphires set in the ring. The center stone is cut in an oval shape with many facets, and is set length-wise so the gem reaches from one end of the band to the other. There are two smaller saphires that flank the larger stone near the narrow ends on both sides. The final two stones sit an eighth of a turn down from the center stone on each side. Engraved on the outside of the ring is the scene of the pine forest in winter, with snow on the trees and the ground.

Almar frowns slightly, "I did not know that Lord Andranar was giving you a ring as well. This ring has brought me much joy in the making and in wearing, but its time for me has passed. Yet I hope that one day it might bring joy to you and one you might give it too, or at least for you to look upon from time to time." Bowing again and steping back a few paces he looks to Lord Orodreth, "I will when I see him m'lord, for I think his errand took him closer to Dor-lomin and I shall be following after in a short time." Bowing once more he returns to his seat.

Finduilas takes the ring and looks at Almar, unsure. She says, "You...want to give this to me?"

Gwindor looks with admiration at this newest gift, obviously impressed with the workmanship and beauty. He waits quietly while Finduilas speaks to Almar.

Orodreth. 's eyes seeks his brother's briefly as if checking his approval of his own words, kind towards the Hildor and he guesses that should please the King. He nods again as Almar addresses him and then stands as he regards the human's gift "This is much precious, Almar of Dorthonion and Dor-Lomin. I knew not the jewelsmiths of the Hildor were capable of such skill... Now I see again that indeed our spirits must share many things..." he declares after an admirative pause.

Finrod still says nothing, but looks at Almar with a new appreciation.

Culiavaswen's eyes widen slightly as she look upon the gifts that Almar presents to Finduilas, looking at the rings with open admiration of their beauty.

Almar looks to the princess and nods, "Yes m'lady, if you would take it." He pulls out a silver chain about his neck and holds aloft a similar ring, but with emeralds instead of saphires. "I have the only one that is dear to my heart. I would truly wish that ring to bring joy to someone again, but with me it will never be so. You are yet young amoung your people so I take heart that it might do so in your care." Then hearing Orodreth's words, "I thank you m'lord. It was a labor of love and long in the making. I would not claim to have wroght the gems,only the ring and setting the gems upon it. The gems are from Himring, and a friend gave them to me as a gift."

Gwindor smiles at the princess. "The sapphires will look lovely on you, my lady", he says warmly and encouragingly.

Finduilas looks at the ring and says to Almar, "You will understand if I cannot wear it, but perhaps it shall bring joy one day." She puts it in the box carefully before closing it and looking to Gwindor with a smile, "Then I hope you gave me sapphires..."

Orodreth. bows to Almar "With love your gift is accepted and shall be repaid". Then, he turns and looks at Gwindor, an eyebrow slightly quirked.

Gwindor smiles and laughs lightly, pure joy in the sound. He stands, picking up his gift and making his way around the table to lay it in front of the princess with a bow, that while slight, somehows conveys more respect than the deepest bow given to a monarch. "You will have to see for yourself", he says as he takes a step back.

Finduilas lifts a brow and smiles lop-sidedly as she opens the box.

Almar smiles to Finduilas, "To be truthful m'lady, it was more for you to give one day than to wear. I never thought for a moment that it might ever grace your hand." Then he looks on as Gwindor presents his gift.

This is a cube shaped box, about twelve inches to a side, that is wrapped in fine, sky-blue silk. The folds of the silk are secured with small golden pins that are set off nicely against the silver grosgrain ribbon that surrounds the gift, the ends tied to resemble a flower. The recipient of the gift may wish to UNWRAP the box.

As Finduilas unwraps the gift a box of fragrant cedar comes into view. In its top is set a small gold plate with the name Faelivrin etched on it in flowing script. The box is latched and hinged with gold fittings. Perhaps it should be unlatched.

As the box is unlatched and the lid lifted, a beautiful bird, constructed of precious metals and gems, can be seen resting in a padded lining of sable velvet. The body of the bird is made of purest gold, with a bill and feet of platinum. Its wings are inlaid with strips of lapis and malachite carved to resemble feathers, while two brilliant Finduilas unlatches the box after studying it.

Its wings are inlaid with lapis and malachite carved to resemble feathers, while two brilliant sapphires serve for its eyes. It may be taken out to be looked at more closely.

Finduilas smiles and says, "Oh, Lord, this is wonderful. Did you craft it yourself?"

A small silver stud can be seen near the base of one of the bird's legs. Perhaps it should be taken out and pressed.

Gwindor smiles softly. "I wish I had the skill, but only the case was made by me, I'm afraid. I know how you miss the song of birds when residing in Nargothrond. Please, take it out and press the stud. You will be pleasantly surprised I think."

The bird is taken carefully from the box and the stud pressed. A slight sound can be heard as the wings of the sculpture spread slightly and the bill opens, as if in preparation for song. Indeed, after a moment, from the golden object issues forth the sound of sweet birdsong from what must be a series of tiny pipes hidden inside its body. The song is quite beautiful and goes on for some time before fading away, while the bill and wings return to their previous positions. Closer examination reveals that one leg serves as a ratchet that winds the piece back up to play once more. When it has been fully enjoyed it should be REPLACED in its box.

Gwindor smiles as the birdsong fills the room. He looks at the princess to see her reaction.

Finduilas laughs with delight at the song. She places it in the box and says "Thank you, Lord Gwindor. I shall treasure it always."

Almar watches with amazement at the metal bird and mutters, "That is craftsmanship indeed." He takes his wine and sips it as the festivities continue.

Gwindor bows once more. "I am glad that you like it, my lady. I hope that it brings you much pleasure." He smiles once more and returns to his seat.

Orodreth. nods seriously "Most thoughtful of you, Lord. Most thoughtful... " he says to Gwindor with a bow. He strides forward now, rummaging with the pouch at his belt "Now it is my turn daughter..." He says softly, producing bracelet made of a flattened and polished sheet, some three inches long, of some silver-like metal that gleams brightly under the lights of the Hall. Large blue saphires and white diamonds of many facets are inlaid alternately in the center of the outer surface and they absorb and send back the light that falls on them. Above and below those, close to the upper and lower edges, the words "May the Light fill your days everlastingly" in Sindarin, the Tongue of the Grey Elves, are engraved using the runes of Daeron. In the inside the same words in Quenya, using the flowing Feanorian letters, flank the figure of a Lady of unspeakable beauty and majesty. She is waving her right hand and as if she was unveiling the skies with the movement, a miriad of stars shine in her wake.

Finduilas takes the bracelet from her father and puts it on immediately. She says, "Oh, thank you father, it is wonderful!"

Finrod says to FInduilas, "I will give you my gift later..." ina soft voice. He then stands and says, "The night is old and we must rest. Thank you all for coming!"

Orodreth. waves aside his daughter thanks "May Varda Tintalle illuminate your days. Now lets all heed the wisdom of the King... I for one will welcome rest indeed... Joy can be tiring..."

Almar stands and bows to the others, "My thanks for allowing me to be present for this grand event." He then prepares to take his leave as others in the room do as well.

Gwindor smiles and stands as well, saying his goodbyes to those around him and bowing to the king and Warden before taking a last look at Finduilas and heading out of the room.

Culiavaswen nods at Finrod's words and rises from her seat. Turning to Finduilas she says, "Many blessings upon you my lady." Then with nodded and murmured farewells to those around her she turns to walk from the Hall.

With these words, one last bow and one last smile, Orodreth turns and heads out towards the Silver Arch whence he first came.