Once back out in the alley, we turn towards the wall. Rhuidhen says that he shares his workshop with three other craftsmen. The house next to his is their home which they all share. The workshop is next to their house and it is a long rectangular building. The doors are wide open and I can hear someone working as we enter.

Inside is a dirt floor and stone walls. Fire pits are lining one wall and three large work tables are spread out in the space. Many tools are hanging on the opposite wall and another workbench is under it. There are a few stools scattered around the tables and at one of the fire pits an elf is working.

He sees up come in and Rhuidhen leads us to him. We wait for him to finish his work and he wipes his hands on a towel. He is tall and has grey eyes. His black hair was shorter than any of the elves I have seen and it was tied back with a ribbon. His gray tunic was dirty from working and he was covered in black dust and grime. His breeches were no better, but when I finally caught his eye he gave me a large smile.

"Good evening my lady. Rhuidhen told me he might bring the human women that has the city in an uproar. I'm honored to meet you, I am Telperinquar."

"Hello, I'm Kiera and it's nice to meet you. I apologize in advance if I say your name wrong. It is quite a mouthful."

He laughs at me and now his eyes are shining. "You may call me Cele instead. It is quite difficult to pronounce. I'm happy to meet another newcomer to the city. I have yet to explore all of it and I wouldn't mind some company."

"Sure," I exclaim. "I thought this city was hidden, but you recently came here as well?"

His face falls and he says "yes, I came to this city a few months ago after the fall of Nargothrond. A few of us survivors managed to escape north. We had no provisions and we managed to find the hidden entrance. The king let us stay though he wasn't very happy. Rhuidhen was one of the few who offered their workshop to me. My companions and I are all craftsmen and survivors of the fall."

"I'm sorry, that must be difficult to talk about. I don't really know much about the history of this world but I'm learning. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your home. I'm sure you lost a lot of your friends and family and that must be hard."

"I am from Valinor but yes, it was my home here. Many of my friends were lost. I am glad to be welcomed into this city though. We would not have made it very far otherwise. Come, join me at the table. I am curious to hear about what history you know."

I took a seat at the table on a stool and Cele took one across from me. He was smiling with amusement while Rhuidhen headed for a door in the back. Voronwë told me "we will go pick out some jewelry you might like. Stay here for a moment, we will be back shortly."

He left to follow his uncle and I looked back at Cele who was waiting patiently. Once they were both in the back room he asked "I'm curious to hear what you have been told so far. I have been told you are from a different world. I never get the opportunity to ask humans about elven history. Tell me what do you know about the Feanorians?"

I think for a second and I shrug "not much. I know Feanor had seven sons and he made three silmarils. I know why everyone left Valinor but not anything in great detail. I think all of his sons are still around but I'm not sure."

"What do you know about his sons," he asked me eagerly.

I thought maybe Cele was a fanboy of the Feanorians but I was happy to have some conversation. Maybe he admired their craftsmanship as they say Feanor was the best. I try to remember what James had told me about them.

"Well, there's the hot one with one hand."

"What do you mean by hot? Fiery hot? Like flames the color of the hair?" he interrupts.

"You know, like attractive. They say the red-haired one is very handsome and has one hand now. He got rescued by his cousin and he had to cut off his hand to save him. I can never remember his name but I think it starts with an M."

"Yes, Maedhros. What else?"

"There's the one that is good at singing and playing. Maglor if I remember right."

He nods eagerly and I keep thinking. "There are twins I think. I don't know much about them but I know they also have red hair."

"Amrod and Amras, they are the youngest and both have red hair. What about the rest?" He tells me.

I shrug again and say "the last ones always confuse me as they have similar names. I know one is a craftsman and one has a dog. Or he had a dog, I think it left him for being horrible. Another one is friends with dwarves and is nice to humans. I can't remember their names though but I know they all start with a C.

He sighs "yes they do. Celegorm had a dog named Huan who was a gift from Lord Oromë. He left him to join Beren and Lúthien on their quest. He is known for having light blonde hair and for talking to animals. He is also known for being "hot" as you say."

I laugh at him and he continues "Caranthir is called the dark. He is friendly to the dwarves and he welcomes humans into his realm. He is the richest out of all the brothers as he openly trades with the dwarves."

He sighs deeper this time and his face has a grimace. "The last one is called Curufin and he is known for being a great craftsman."

He waits for my reaction but I'm not sure what he is getting at. "Were you friends or something? Is that why you are asking me about them or did you serve them like Voronwë's uncle?"

He avoids my questions and asks me instead "what do you think about them? Do you hate them for what they did?"

"I don't hate anyone. I just got to this world and I'm still learning. Honestly, I think their story is a sad one. I know they attacked and killed elves just for ships but I know the oath they took played a part as well. It's not really my place to judge them, they will have to live with their actions forever. I think if they had found me instead of Tuor and

Voronwë maybe I would feel different. I know that the king wanted to kill me just for being human and that doesn't sit right with me. I think if I wasn't with Tuor and Voronwë he probably would have."

"They wouldn't have killed you. They respect and treat humans well and many live in their halls and castles. Honestly, the king almost killed me as well so you are not alone."

"Why, what did you do to him? Is the king that terrible of a person that he goes around killing people?" I asked, shocked.

He chuckles and has a small smirk now. "Oh no, he is well deserved in his hatred for me. Although, I think his anger is misplaced. It is because of my family that his wife died on the grinding ice. I am a Fearnorian and Curufin is my father."

I blink at him as my mind takes in the information. I only remember one person who is related to the Feanorians. I had no idea he would be in Gondolin. "Celebrimbor?" I ask tentatively.

"Yes, it is nice to meet you. I'm sorry for my deception. I wanted to see how you would react about my family before you found out. I like humans and I would like to be your friend but sometimes my family's mistakes make it hard for me to get to know anyone. I understand if you would not like to be around me, but I would appreciate your company if you do."

I wave my hand dismissively at him "it doesn't bother me. Honestly, I could use all the friends I could get. I probably won't be well-liked in the city either. You have done nothing to me, and I won't hold your family against you. I had no idea you would be in Gondolin though."

His face breaks into a smile and he says "thank you, that means a lot. I will happily be your friend. I do not believe you to be a servant of the enemy. The Valar do not give their blessings easily and I trust Tuor and Voronwë's word. I think some of these elves have lived too long in isolation and have been accustomed to the peaceful city."

"We welcomed many humans in Nargothrond and I befriended many of them. I opted to stay there after my father and uncle were kicked out," he paused and grimaced again. "I could not leave with them as I found both of their actions and words to be repulsive. They fled the city alone and their people stayed with me."

A cough sounded from the back doorway and I finally noticed Voronwë and his uncle leaning in the doorframe. I was so caught up in the conversation I didn't notice they were watching us. Both had some jewelry in their hands.

"If you are done testing her, I have some jewelry I would like her to see," Rhuidhen said as he raised up the jewelry in his hand.

Cele nodded sheepishly and called them over to set the pieces in front of me. While they placed them on the table Voronwë said "I told you she wouldn't care who you are related to. She is kind and compassionate and would have been your friend regardless."

"I had to be sure. I didn't know what she had heard but at least I can tease my uncle the next time I see him. Not many women would call Maedhros attractive anymore. Most run away screaming at the sight of him and my uncles," he winks at me and I roll my eyes. "Let us pick out some jewelry and spend my cousin's money. The little brat deserves it."

I glance at the pieces on the table and they are all beautiful. There are two necklaces, four rings, and two bracelets. Both necklaces are large pieces with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires strung between silver strands. The only difference between the two is the number of jewels. I smirk and pick the one with the most jewels. I pick up all the rings but I'm not much of a ring person. They are all a little too flashy for my taste so I pass on all of them. The bracelets are each different. One is a nature theme with small birds and trees crafted in silver. No other jewels or gems on that one. I like it, as it's simple and I add it to my pile.

The other is made from gold and it is a simple band with different colored jewels wrapped around in a rainbow. It reminds me of the symbol I saw on a banner at the king's dinner. I ask "Is this made for someone's house? It looks familiar."

Rhuidhen tells me "Egalmoth's house symbol is similar to the design. Many people in our house are my regular customers. If you like it, I insist you buy it. It has been sitting for a while as I have seen many similar styles before."

I nod and agree to buy it as well. Rhuidhen packs up the rest of the jewelry and Voronwë counts out the coins to his uncle. Cele packages up my jewelry in a box and asks "how long is my cousin paying for your expenses? I'm in need of some customers and if you would like, I can make some expensive jewelry for you to buy."

I smirk, "Yes, please. He is paying for our expenses until we get settled. He called me a lot of foul names so whatever you want to create I'll happily buy. Idril spent a lot of money today on my clothes and told me to spend his money."

He claps his hands excitedly. "Perfect, I can start making some pieces tomorrow. Come by in a few days to pick what you like. If I see my cousin, I shall have to tell him that I'm making jewelry for you, his face would be priceless."

I laugh with everyone but ask "I don't want to get you in trouble or cause problems."

Cele laughs even louder and he barks out "don't worry about Maeglin. He is terrified of me. He thinks any moment I will send a letter to my father. He is looking for me after the fall but I haven't sent word yet to tell him I'm alive. He and Celegorm would be here as soon as possible."

"If they are allowed in this city they would likely sway people to their side. Maeglin and the king know this and that was the only reason they let me stay, on the condition I agree not to tell them." He shrugs, "I'm fine with it for now, but eventually I would like to tell my father I am alive. I want to make sure I'm happy here and no one in this city is treating me poorly." he smirks knowingly.

Voronwë and his uncle chuckle and I realize that must be what they have on Maeglin. I let out a breath of relief at the thought. I don't think Maeglin will mess with me anymore now. It feels good to have friends again.

Voronwë says it's time for us to go, so I wish them both a good evening and they return to their work. We leave the workshop and it is dark outside now. Voronwë offers me his arm and he carries my box in his other hand. We start our long walk back to the palace but he leads me a different way than before.