Imladris Greenhouse
A wondrous sight greets your eyes as you step inside this long glass
structure. Though it it hot outside, in the greenhouse the air is
cooler,
merely warm, and quite moist; when the air stirrs, the dampness is
quite
refreshing, and is surely the reason the plants thrive so. Plants of
every
variety grow here, most in full flower, and there are even a few small
trees; tall, slender beeches with branches brushing the top of the
greenhouse, and smaller, more squat and round almond trees, branches
laden
with nuts. There is some kind of shelving or tablework here, for the
plants
grow not only on the floor but are somehow worked into layers, each
spilling
down toward the next in a green curtain. Rosebushes fill one corner of
the
structure, and their great blooms form an eye-dazzling rainbow of every
colour.
Further on, past the splendour of the flowers and plants, is a small
work
area. There, shallow wooden trays of seedlings lie on flat tables, and
rough
benches and worktables are available for use by the gardeners. There
are
also racks filled with small ceramic jars, built along and above the
benches. Closer inspection would reveal that these are filled with
seeds for
the spring replanting. There is a soothing pitter patter sound, as rain
falls on the clear glass surface of the roof. There are even a few
nightbirds here, nightingales filling the air with their sweet song.
All is
peaceful, tranquil, here within the greenhouse, on this night.
As night draws to a close over the Vale of of Elrond and dawn
approaches,
activity stirs in the glass greenhouse. Several gardeners tend to
various
plants, while the soothing pitter-patter sound of gentle rain on the
roof
provides soft music to accompany their efforts.
Entering quietly and pushing back her hood, Olvaristdil Glasiel looks
around
for Dinaloss, the head gardener. Not finding the Galthor, she instead
moves
silently toward one of the assistants, murmering soft questions and
receiving quiet replies.
The soft summer rain has apparently failed to cease the curious
wanderings
of at least one of Imladhrim's visitors. A soft yet muddy step and the
light
tinkling of tiny silver bells is heard at the doorway before a dripping
golden head peers inside. Eyes of emerald rung jade gaze curiously
about at
each and every little thing, elf and flower gaining equal attention.
Bringing herself fully into the cool shelter of the greenhouse, Galena
shimmies a bit, casting excess water from flesh and tress.
Looking up from her conversation at the sound of tiny bells, Glasiel
murmurs
something to the gardener before approaching the visitor. She moves
quietly,
smiling pleasantly and speaking with the inflection of one who is
familiar
with the guest's home. "Mae govannen, mellon. May I help you? Or are
you
simply exploring the Last Homely House?"
Galena smiles warmly as she is greeted by an elleth who could almost
pass
for her sister. Her eyes are automaticly drawn to Glasiel's hair and
her own
hand touches the similar intricate weavings in her damp mane. A
melodious
aria of laughter floats gaily from the minstrel's lips and she nods,
hands
clasping now before her. "Aye.. There is much to see here indeed. I
have
heard little of this place save stories here and there. It is lovely."
Her
hand goes to a nearby plant leaf and she smiles wistfully. "I wish all
of
our party could have arrived as safely as I to enjoy your
hospitality.." Her
words trail and her eyes cloud, but just for a moment.
Through the light rain a hooded figure appears. The elleth enters at a
run,
then leans against the doorframe, panting a little and clutching
something
to her chest. Suddenly noticing her surroundings, a blush appears on
her
high, prominent cheeks. "Oh, forgive me for disturbing you! You see, I
was
caught in the rain, and" she looks down to her hands, where she has
just
pulled a book out from the folds of her silver cloak. Her eyes gaze
forlornly down at her rather wet treasure.
Glasiel's own gray-green eyes mirror Galena's amusement at their
similar
hair stylings, and nods at her expressions about the valley. adding her
silvery laughter to mingle with the melody of the minstrel's. As her
expression changes, so does Glasiel's, and worry clouds her features as
well. "Perhaps they will arrive soon? Let us hope for the best."
Her attention is drawn to the door as another enters, and she smiles a
greeting. "Can the book be saved, mellon?"
Galena nods yet again at Glasiel's sentiments and turns her own
attention to
the new come elleth and her dampened book. "Oh, my. Perhaps we should
see to
it immediately. Was the book open when the rain came?" verdant eyes
hold a
mix of concerns and she holds out her arms to recieve the object in
need.
"By the way, I am Galena o nos Laiquendi, Minstrel of the Glirdain and
apprentice to the Healers, at your service."
A deep sigh escapes the elleth's lips, her eyes still resting on the
book as
she hands it to the visitor. "Yes, it was open, unfortunately. Oh, I do
not
know I fear it has been through much these past few days. Why, just
last
week I dropped it in the mud, and the good Ansraer repaired it for me."
And
yes, on closer inspection, Niniell's book seems rather worse off, with
a
stained cover and ripped pages. She glances up, almost shyly at the
visitor
and her companion. "I am Niniell. Again, forgive me for intruding. I am
afraid I have interrupted a personal conversation."
Glasiel looks at the book as well, inspecting the pages. "Truly this is
a
well-loved volume, Niniell, by it's looks." She turns back to Galena,
smiling widely. "Well met, Galena o nos Laiquendi! I am Glasiel, and
while I
do live here in the House of Hir Elrond, my beloved parents still dwell
under the sheltering eaves of the Mallyrn, in Lorien. I am Olvarisdtil
o
Imladris now. Please, tell me how are things in Lothlorien?"
Though her jaw drops a bit, Galena quickly covers her surprise by
turning
her attention more fully to the battered book. "Oh? Lorien is fair and
gail
as usual, her golden boughs unfading and her roses growing ever more
fragrent. I admit for all the beauty of this place, I miss mine own
home
terribly." A half supressed sigh escapes the maid's rosepetal lips and
she
continues in her dulcite tone. "You say your parents are in Lorien?
What are
their names? Perhaps I know of them?"
In response to the questioning, Niniell says in a melancholy tone,
"Yes, it
is quite well loved. My father gave it to me many years ago." Still
glancing
worriedly between the book and her companions, the elleth turns to
Galena.
"You are far from your home. Tell me, are you here alone, or are there
others from Lothlorien visiting as well?"
Glasiel reaches out a comforting hand to Niniell's arm. "I'm sure it
can be
repaired again, just as I'm sure it will require more repairs in the
future.
Such is the way with beloved items. Books are unfortunately mortal,
mel."
Smiling, she adds encouragingly, "You weren't interupting anything,
Niniell.
We were just becoming acquainted, and what is one more friend except
even
better?"
"Aye, I arrived with several companions, though three have gone
astray.."
Her chartruese gaze leaves the book to linger upon the doorway, as if
she
expects someone to enter. Shaking away her thoughts, Galena moves away
to a
nearby table. "Let's put the book here and look upon the damage."
Deep concern flickers in Niniell's eyes at Galena's words, but she puts
the
matter aside and moves with the elleth towards the table. Turning to
Glasiel, she smiles and says, "Aye, much loved things can be easily
spotted
by their shabbiness. I do not really need the book anymore, I know it
by
heart. But that does not take away from its value." She gives another
worried look at the book, then lets out a small laugh. "Ah, if Ansraer
knew
of this he would surely lecture me most seriously."
Glasiel moves now back to Galena, offering her comfort in turn. "Many
eyes
will watch for their arrival, and then perhaps we can both help them,
if
they need the assistance of healers? Only we will hope that they need
no
such help, and were only delayed by some trivial thing." Turning to a
more
pleasant subject, she answers the visitor's earlier question. "My
parents do
indeed still live in Lorien. They are called Finedhel and Ellenna. Do
you
know them?"
Galena gasps in delight at the names of Glasiel's parents. "Why, surely
you
jest! We are cousins! Your mother, Ellenna is my mother's aunt! She has
taught me much in the arts of herbs and healing, it seems borne in the
family blood." Her attention fully flees the book as the apprentice
turns
about, throwing her her arms wide to encompass the maid. As the
pittering of
rain ceases, the tinkling of bells tossed into motion and cascading
cadence
of laughter fills the void.
At the ending of the rain outside, Niniell glances quickly up, then
returns
her attention to her companions. "I should probably put this book near
a
fire to dry it out. I also have some tools for repairing books." She
smiles
rather sheepishly. "I find I have too much use for those tools" Another
smile lights on her face, and she takes each elleth's hand in turn. "I
thank
you for your help. And.." turning towards Galena, "I hope your
companions
are all right." Her eyes fill to the brim with sympathy. She bites her
lip a
little and surreptitiously wipes an eye. Then, grabbing her book, she
waves
and head outside.
Glasiel returns Galena's hug enthusiastically. "Cousins! Why, this is a
gift
beyond my expectations! We have much to catch up on, I see."
She calls after Niniell, offering advice. "Don't place it /too/ close
to the
fire, mel!"
Galena allows herself to take comfort in the embrace of cousins long
unknown. "Aye! At least I know that this good thing has shown itself
through
the worry of the trip. I am glad to meet you cousin! Come, the rain has
stopped, let us walk and I will tell you all I know of your Lorien
family
and you must tell me all of yourself.. including why you are here!" Her
laughter is still tempered with concern, yet she pulls away and looks
into
eyes so similar to her own. "At least I know good taste in hair design
has
trickled down the family tree!"
Glasiel nods, again mingling silvery notes of laughter with Galena's.
"Surely this is so, cousin! I should have recognized you as kin from
that
alone."
Taking the hand of her newfound cousin, Galena leads the way into the
damp
and sunny gardens beyond the door of the greenhouse. "Show me your new
home,
mellon! I am excited to hear everything and become as close as sisters!
Let
us go!" For the moment concern is fled and the golden haired elleth
seems to
bask in the joy of family and discovery. Her steps are echoed by
Glasiel as
they trod the muddy path.