All right then..here's a tale about a young Arwen.last elven child in the
world.all alone.no one to play with...(this of course inspired by my ten
year old daughter who whined at me recently "I don't have anything to do! I
am bored!)....
Arwen moped around the rose garden, dragging her dolly Cimbelin by one arm.
It was a beautiful day, the sky was the bright blue of early summer, the air was full of the heady scents of roses and birds were chattering cheerfully in the weeping willow nearby.
Arwen kicked at the grass with her fine pink slippers that matched the pink of her gown.
She had no one play with. She never had anyone to play with.
She glanced around the beautiful garden she was in, and at the second story roof line of the main house. Faintly she could hear some singing and the intermittent sound of laughter as two singers tried to blend their harmonies together.
Sighing in disgust, Arwen marched out of the garden. Crossing several terraces, a few with groups of elves practicing songs and music making for the big festival held on Midsummer's Eve, which was, along with the mid winter festival, the biggest event for the fair folk of Rivendell.
"Well, who cares!" thought Arwen as she kept stalking through the grounds that surrounded the main house. "I have no one to sing a song with. And even though Ada, Mama and the twins like my singing...it is no fun to do it by myself. The twins sing together, Mama and Ada sing together and Arwen, well, she gets to sing by herself." She looked at her dolly and smiled crookedly. "Oh Cimbelin, if you could only hold a tune!"
Soon she found herself outside the house proper and on one of the roads that led to the lower gardens and farms of Rivendell. Picking up a stick, Arwen desultorily dragged it in the dirt behind her as she continued walking.
An hour went by until she noticed she was in an area she didn't recognize readily. There was an apple orchard to her left and a rolling river meadow to her right dotted with big brown cows. Noticing a small road branching off to her left leading up towards the western wall of the valley of Imladris, she walked it with more interest. It was not as well kept up as some of the other paths and trails, but at least there were no big rocks or potholes, just some grass growing in the middle, as if it didn't get much use.
Finally the path ended in a wonderfully sunny lawn surrounded by apple trees, whose blossoms floated in a breeze that had set them loose. The sun made the grass very green and for the first time that afternoon, Arwen smiled.
In moments, a small brown dog ran out barking cheerfully and Arwen bent down to receive its wet doggy kisses.
As she was petting the excited beast, she noticed a young she-elf, about her age peeking out from behind the small cottage that sat in the midst of the lawn. It was covered with a pink climbing rose, and shaded over by two very old oak trees.
Arwen smiled tentatively at the other she-elf and bit her lip. She didn't know there were any other elves her age in the Valley.
"Hello there!"
The little one ducked behind the house, and Arwen, intrigued, trotted over to peer around the edge. The young girl stood under the shade of one of the oak trees and then sat in a swing made of rope and a slat of wood. Arwen slowly came up to her. "What is your name?"
"I am Enedeth. I live here with my grandmoher. What are you doing here?" Enedeth sat hunched on the swing, looking slightly afraid. Arwen confused, was just about to blurt out her name, but decided that perhaps the girl would be friendlier if she didn't announce she was the only daughter of the Lord and Lady of Imladris. Just like in her favorite story "The Princess and the Dairy Maid."
Deciding to take the dairy maid's name, she said quickly, "I am Calanbre. Is this your dog?"
The doggy was sitting at Arwen's side panting, with a happy dog smile on its face.
"Yes, well my grandmothers. His name is Carach."
Arwen patted the dog again and then went under the shade of the oak. She stood a moment looking at the she-elf and then realized, her mouth slightly dropping open, that this was no she-elf, but a human child! What was a human child doing here in Rivendell?"
How came you here Enedeth? Your are not an elf."
Enedeth hunched down further in her swing and circled one toe in the dust.
"I know I am not Elvish! I-I am visiting my grandmother, who is half elven, Mallinfarr. She keeps bees here. I am helping her."
"Really? Bees? Can I see? I really love honey! Especially on biscuits in the morning with---- " She stopped herself from going on and on. This human girl seemed rather shy and somewhat afraid. Arwen was not quite sure what to do.
Very curious, Arwen came closer to Enedeth and then slowly reached a hand out to touch one of Enedeth's smooth rounded ears. But Enedeth pulled away.
"What are you doing?"
"I-I just wanted to touch your ear. It is not pointed like mine."
Enedeth put a hand over the ear Arwen was going to touch.
"No, it is not pointed. Just leave it alone."
"Oh, all right. I won't touch it. I am sorry." Arwen stepped away, feeling bad she had made Enedeth mad.
Then she got an idea. Pulling out Cimbelin from behind her skirts, she held it out. "Would you like to play with my dolly? You can be the moma and I will be the ada and I will go out and slay dragons and wolves and you could tell Cimbelin, that's the dolly's name---"
But Enedeth feeling nervous, was having none of it and shook her head rapidly. "No, no thank you. I really must go back into the house."
Arwen looked confused again. Not a sound had come from the house, as a matter of fact it was utterly quiet around them except for the dog's panting and a few birds quarreling in the climbing rose.
Because Arwen had never had a friend her age, she did not understand the girl's rejection and bowed to her wishes. "All right then, if you have to go in, I understand. But I would really like to see the bees some time. I really really like honey."
Enedeth smiled slightly and nodded. "Perhaps another day then."
Arwen noticed that Enedeth's dress looked a little ragged at the hem line and she bit her lip again. Maybe Enedeth's grandmother did not have time to make her new dresses. And maybe, Enedeth had no toys! Maybe she had never seen a dolly before! That must be it!
Arwen came up to Enedeth who was again watching the dust beneath her feet. She held out Cimbelin. "You know, Cimbellin was telling me how very much she wanted to stay with a new friend. Do you think, maybe it would be all right if she stayed with you for a few days? I could come and get her and you can tell me if she has been a good girl and not made any messes."
Enedeth surprised, slowly looked at the slightly grubby cloth dolly with a crown and gold shoes Arwen held out to her. Her dolly was cloth too, but not nearly as finely made as Cimbelin. Maybe their dollies could be friends. Her dolly was very lonely here.
"All right. If she promises to behave."
"Oh Cimbelin is a very good girl, most days. Just do not give her too many sweets. It upsets her tummy and then Ada gives her awful medicine, and---"
Arwen, realizing she had gone on again as Enedeth was looking slightly mystified, stopped. She smiled and then let her favorite toy slip from her hands into the waiting arms of Enedeth. She would miss her. But perhaps Rorn the bear would sleep with her tonight in her place.
But Enedeth hugged the doll and Arwen smiled. Perhaps, if the dolls were friends, then maybe she and Enedeth could be friends.
Arwen walked slowly back from Enedeth keeping Cimbelin in sight until she got to the edge of the cottage. With a quick wave, she turned and ran down the pathway she had come. Wait until she told Ada and Mama she had a friend!
Then she slowed down as she got close to the main road that would lead up to the house. But what if Ada and Mama were not happy about a new friend? And she was a human too. Maybe they would not let her play with Enedeth. She had heard other elves talk about humans and they never seemed happy about them. They did not live as long as elves and lived far away in towns and, well they were different.
Arwen stopped in the sun and looked thoughtfully at the drift of white apple blossoms at her feet. Maybe she had best keep this a secret for the time being. She hugged herself and then started running with a giggle. It would be great fun to have a secret! She had never had one of this size before!
Arwen walked home singing.
Enedeth watched the young elf girl as she ran around the house. Carach lay in the dust at her feet sleeping. Her gaze went to the dolly in her arms. Perhaps she should introduce Cimbelin to-to Polly. As she walked towards the cottage, Enedeth smiled. Maybe their dollies could be friends! As she went inside toward her attic room, Enedeth thought about the young she-elf. Even though her grandmother was half-elven and had lived in this valley a long time, Enedeth had only visited once before, when she was too young to remember. Climbing the stairs to her cheery room under the eaves, her thoughts grew sad because she knew now, she was never going back to Laketown. Her parents had drowned in a boating accident on the Lake in the fog one night as they returned from a party. For some reason, she was afraid to tell Calanbre she was going to live here forever and ever.
Tears crept down Enedeth's face. So now, it was just she and her grandmama. She looked at the happy face of Cimbelin and entering her room, went and picked up Polly who lay on her pillow. Polly's dress was a little dirtier than Cimbelin's, but they were the same size and both dollies had long yellow threads for hair. Maybe they could be long lost sisters! Enedeth lay Cimbellin down and hugged Polly. Poor Polly, she had been so lonely, especially since they had left Laketown and she did not know anyone. At least she spoke the language here. Her mama had taught her well, and talking with grandmama helped. When she could get grandmama to talk.
Enedeth looked out the attic window down into the yard where she had met the friendly little elf. Maybe they could be friends. Then her thoughts returned to her grandmama. Grandmama was not very happy these days. Enendeth had only been here a few weeks and grandmama had only kissed her a few times on the forehead. She did not seem glad to have Enedeth around and only talked to her when necessary. Enedeth looked around her room. That was why she was left alone a lot. Grandmama said she was too young to help with the bees and so, while she went and tended the hives and harvested their golden honey, which she used to make mead mostly, Enedeth stayed home. At least she had Carach, and though grandmama had said the dog was for watching, Carach only seemed to snap at flies and roll in the dust. And sometimes play chase.
Enedeth picked up Cimbelin and taking Polly, put both dollies under her pillow. It might be better to keep quiet about Cimbelin, and Calanbre.
That night at supper, Arwen was rushing through her meal because she wanted to get back to her room to see what other toys she could share with Enedeth, but Celebrian noticed her daughter's haste.
"Arwen, why are you eating so quickly? There is more food if you are hungry and the rest of us are not finished here."
"I, well,, I am sorry Mama, I will slow down." Arwen sat kicking her feet under the table. Finishing her juice she put her cup down and looked at the other members of her family. Elladan and Elrohir were talking about a huge elk they'd seen, which they were going to pursue the next day. Mama made comments about the duet she and Ada were singing for the festival. And that got the twins talking between themselves about the saga they were going to recite.
Arwen smiled down in her lap only half listening to her family: Her festival presentation!
"Mama, may I be excused, I need to practice my song."
"Ah, you have not told us what you will be singing," Elrond spoke up as he sat back in his high-backed chair.
"It is to be a surprise, for everyone!" She said, coming up with an idea. "No one will know until the festival!"
Celebrian laughed, delighted at her daughter's excitement. "Well, I for one, cannot wait! Yes, you may be excused!"
"Thank you Mama!" Arwen threw down her napkin and scooted out of her chair to run off to her room.
"I am certainly glad to see we will be having no more hysterics about her solo this festival," Celebrian said to the table. The other members of her family agreed.
Once in her room, Arwen looked in her toy chest and pulled out a selection of stuffed and wooden toys. Some of them had been passed to her from her brothers, so they probably would stay here. Her brothers might miss them.
But there was a wooden horse that Ada had carved her. And she had the deer he had given her last year when she was really disappointed she could not go on a long hunting trip with the men of the family.
The wooden horse would be it. She wrapped the horse in a winter scarf she no longer needed and put it in a sack she intended to take with her to Enedeth's house.
Arwen was hoping she would be able to persuade Enedeth to sing with her at the festival so she would not have to perform alone anymore.
But Arwen looked out at the rain washed windows of her bedroom the next morning and her small shoulders slumped knowing that there was no way for her to get out of the house for a visit to Enedeth's house. She sat in her sleeping chemise and put her chin in her hand and stared out the window. Oh, what's the use of even getting up this morning, she would have no one to play with anyway.
She lay down on the window bench and picked up Rorn who had been sleeping with her these past few days.
"Well Rorn, I guess it is just you and I today. Maybe we can make a cave under the table with a chair and I'll get---"
"Arwen, why are you not dressed? We are waiting breakfast on you." Her father stepped into her room, dressed in a dark green robe with blue embroidery along the closure in the front and into the high collar. He stood with his hands behind his back eyeing his daughter carefully. Nothing appeared to be wrong. "Are you feeling all right?"
Arwen scrambled to her feet. Realizing how it must look, she ran to her wardrobe. "Oh no Ada, I am fine, really. I guess the rain made me feel sad." Elrond helped Arwen pull on her choice of gown for the day, a dark green that matched his own. He smiled at her back as he expertly did up the laces. "Well, perhaps you can practice your letters with me while I go over some Household accounts after breakfast."
"Thank you Ada! I would like that!" Rushing to brush her hair she got her hair tangled around the handle of her brush.
Elrond gently removed the brush from his anxious daughter's hand and took a few minutes to calmly brush her hair until it shone. Putting the brush on bedside table, he turned her around and gave her a brief hug. "Are you ready to eat?"
"Yes Ada." He took her by the hand and they went to join the family at breakfast.
And though Arwen had a very pleasant day doing her letters and reading aloud to her father in Quenya, her thoughts kept wandering to Enedeth and what she might be doing on a rainy day.
Enedeth was helping her grandmama with the brewing of mead, filling huge carboys full of different flavored mixtures, all honey based that needed to ferment. She enjoyed working with her grandmama, but she wished she talked a little more. She was ever silent, only talking to give her instructions now and again.
Finally they were finished, and grandmama went to her sewing basket and picked up some mending. Enedeth, not a very expert seamstress, decided to go up to her room and play with the two dolls.
She had enjoyed having Cimbelin with her. It gave both she and Polly someone else to talk to and tell stories to. It also gave Enedeth a happy feeling of anticipation knowing that soon Calanbre would return and she would bring something new and exciting to her quiet life.
Enedeth looked out at the rain running down her window. She put a hand in her chin. Well, maybe tomorrow then.
The next day was full of flying clouds and everything glimmered with a thin sheen of water. Arwen could not wait to be finished with her lessons for the morning so she could run off to Enedeth's cottage.
Finally Celebrian was satisfied with her stitches in her embroidery frame and Arwen raced to her room and pulled out the sack she had packed for Enedeth that she had hidden under her bed.
Taking her cloak to cover her sack slung over her shoulder, she left the house, by going through the rose garden. Deciding perhaps a few roses would be a nice thing for Enedeth's grandmother, she carefully pulled a few stems off the bushes, sorry they were not the precise cuts done with a paring knife, but she tried to not make it too obvious. Sucking her finger from a rose thorn prick, she hurried out and down to the road leading north to Enedeth's. She stopped and picked a few more flowers along the roadside to add variety to the bouquet. Happy with the cheerful colors and different flowers, Arwen started singing the song she decided she and Enedeth could sing at the festival. It was only two weeks away and they needed to practice.
Turning down the road, Arwen fairly flew to the cottage, calling excitedly as she did so, "Enedeth! Enedeth! It is Arw---Calanbre I am here!"
In a few minutes, Enendeth came around the cottage and ran towards her new friend. But when both got a few feet away, they both stopped, suddenly shy. Arwen held forth her now slightly straggily bouquet and said, "For your grandmother." Enedeth came up and slowly took the flowers and then turned to go to the cottage, Arwen silently following.
Entering through the half door into the kitchen, Arwen looked around the room with shining eyes. She had never been in anyone else's house before! As Enedeth put the flowers in a stoneware pitcher, Arwen looked at the polished pots and some of the carboys of mead standing under a high table. Immediately intrigued, Arwen went to them and placed a hand on a cool side. "What are these?"
"It's mead silly. That is what my grandmother makes for the High House with the honey she collects. She has more in the cellar. Some of it is hundreds of years old."
"That's wonderful! What is the High House?"
"You know, where the Lord and Lady live."
Arwen nodded slowly. Of course. She was not sure who they were.
"Well, I have brought some things for us to play with." "
All right. Come up to my room."
"Has Cimbelin been a good girl?"
"Yes, she and Polly have played together very nicely."
Arwen was really enchanted by Enedeth's bedroom tucked under the high eaves of the cottage. The whitewashed walls, the plain narrow bed with the faded flower quilt, and Cimbelin and Polly! Laying upon the pillow in a shaft of afternoon light which actually lit up the room nicely. Arwen grabbed her dolly and hugged it tight. She knew Cimbelin was happy to see her too.
Arwen and Enedeth spent a very pleasant afternoon together.
But suddenly looking up from under the tent they had made with a chair and the quilt from the bed, Arwen noticed the sun was setting and she would get into all kinds of trouble if she didn not leave soon!
"Enedeth! I have to go, my Mama and Ada will be waiting for me! It is almost supper time!" Arwen then looked at Enedeth curiously, "Where is your grandmother? Is it not your supper time too?"
Enedeth hugged Polly close. "Grandmother is working in the hives that are farthest away today. The rain and wind yesterday blew a hive over and she is trying to save it."
"Well, will she not come home soon?"
"Oh yes, soon." Enedeth knowing her grandmother's single-mindedness when it came to her bees, knew she might spend the night up there if necessary, especially since it was not raining.
Arwen torn between leaving her friend alone in a slowly darkening cottage and getting home before her parents worried and sent out elves looking for her, decided her new friend came first. She could always explain away her lateness to her parents.
"Come, let us see what is in the kitchen for your supper."
Enedeth put Polly down and followed her friend to the kitchen where only a banked fire greeted them. Arwen, going through cupboards and jars said, "Well there is some cheese here, and some apples and a half loaf of bread. You could have some of these!"
She brought the items named to the main kitchen table and lay them out, Enedeth just watching amazed. Finding a mug, she looked for a pitcher of water or juice or milk, but found nothing. Handing it to her friend she said, "You will have to find something to put in there. Have you no juice or milk?"
Enedeth shook her head. "I finished the last of the goats milk this morning. But there is well water."
"Good! That will do!" Enedeth ran out to the yard to the small well between the two oak trees and pulled up a bucket of cold clear water, Dipping her mug in it, she brought the dripping cup in and set it next to the food. In the meantime, Arwen attempted to light the big candle on the table, but was not very good with tinder and flint. Enedeth silently took them and lit the candle. The warm light instantly made the meal look like a feast to both children.
Arwen hugging Enedeth, grabbed Cimbelin and ran out of the cottage.
"I shall see you tomorrow! We can play in the apple orchard! Castles and dragons!"
"All right Calanbre! Tomorrow!" Enedeth waved to Arwen until she could no longer see her. Hugging Polly close, she went into the now inviting kitchen and sat down happily to her meal.
Arwen moped around the rose garden, dragging her dolly Cimbelin by one arm.
It was a beautiful day, the sky was the bright blue of early summer, the air was full of the heady scents of roses and birds were chattering cheerfully in the weeping willow nearby.
Arwen kicked at the grass with her fine pink slippers that matched the pink of her gown.
She had no one play with. She never had anyone to play with.
She glanced around the beautiful garden she was in, and at the second story roof line of the main house. Faintly she could hear some singing and the intermittent sound of laughter as two singers tried to blend their harmonies together.
Sighing in disgust, Arwen marched out of the garden. Crossing several terraces, a few with groups of elves practicing songs and music making for the big festival held on Midsummer's Eve, which was, along with the mid winter festival, the biggest event for the fair folk of Rivendell.
"Well, who cares!" thought Arwen as she kept stalking through the grounds that surrounded the main house. "I have no one to sing a song with. And even though Ada, Mama and the twins like my singing...it is no fun to do it by myself. The twins sing together, Mama and Ada sing together and Arwen, well, she gets to sing by herself." She looked at her dolly and smiled crookedly. "Oh Cimbelin, if you could only hold a tune!"
Soon she found herself outside the house proper and on one of the roads that led to the lower gardens and farms of Rivendell. Picking up a stick, Arwen desultorily dragged it in the dirt behind her as she continued walking.
An hour went by until she noticed she was in an area she didn't recognize readily. There was an apple orchard to her left and a rolling river meadow to her right dotted with big brown cows. Noticing a small road branching off to her left leading up towards the western wall of the valley of Imladris, she walked it with more interest. It was not as well kept up as some of the other paths and trails, but at least there were no big rocks or potholes, just some grass growing in the middle, as if it didn't get much use.
Finally the path ended in a wonderfully sunny lawn surrounded by apple trees, whose blossoms floated in a breeze that had set them loose. The sun made the grass very green and for the first time that afternoon, Arwen smiled.
In moments, a small brown dog ran out barking cheerfully and Arwen bent down to receive its wet doggy kisses.
As she was petting the excited beast, she noticed a young she-elf, about her age peeking out from behind the small cottage that sat in the midst of the lawn. It was covered with a pink climbing rose, and shaded over by two very old oak trees.
Arwen smiled tentatively at the other she-elf and bit her lip. She didn't know there were any other elves her age in the Valley.
"Hello there!"
The little one ducked behind the house, and Arwen, intrigued, trotted over to peer around the edge. The young girl stood under the shade of one of the oak trees and then sat in a swing made of rope and a slat of wood. Arwen slowly came up to her. "What is your name?"
"I am Enedeth. I live here with my grandmoher. What are you doing here?" Enedeth sat hunched on the swing, looking slightly afraid. Arwen confused, was just about to blurt out her name, but decided that perhaps the girl would be friendlier if she didn't announce she was the only daughter of the Lord and Lady of Imladris. Just like in her favorite story "The Princess and the Dairy Maid."
Deciding to take the dairy maid's name, she said quickly, "I am Calanbre. Is this your dog?"
The doggy was sitting at Arwen's side panting, with a happy dog smile on its face.
"Yes, well my grandmothers. His name is Carach."
Arwen patted the dog again and then went under the shade of the oak. She stood a moment looking at the she-elf and then realized, her mouth slightly dropping open, that this was no she-elf, but a human child! What was a human child doing here in Rivendell?"
How came you here Enedeth? Your are not an elf."
Enedeth hunched down further in her swing and circled one toe in the dust.
"I know I am not Elvish! I-I am visiting my grandmother, who is half elven, Mallinfarr. She keeps bees here. I am helping her."
"Really? Bees? Can I see? I really love honey! Especially on biscuits in the morning with---- " She stopped herself from going on and on. This human girl seemed rather shy and somewhat afraid. Arwen was not quite sure what to do.
Very curious, Arwen came closer to Enedeth and then slowly reached a hand out to touch one of Enedeth's smooth rounded ears. But Enedeth pulled away.
"What are you doing?"
"I-I just wanted to touch your ear. It is not pointed like mine."
Enedeth put a hand over the ear Arwen was going to touch.
"No, it is not pointed. Just leave it alone."
"Oh, all right. I won't touch it. I am sorry." Arwen stepped away, feeling bad she had made Enedeth mad.
Then she got an idea. Pulling out Cimbelin from behind her skirts, she held it out. "Would you like to play with my dolly? You can be the moma and I will be the ada and I will go out and slay dragons and wolves and you could tell Cimbelin, that's the dolly's name---"
But Enedeth feeling nervous, was having none of it and shook her head rapidly. "No, no thank you. I really must go back into the house."
Arwen looked confused again. Not a sound had come from the house, as a matter of fact it was utterly quiet around them except for the dog's panting and a few birds quarreling in the climbing rose.
Because Arwen had never had a friend her age, she did not understand the girl's rejection and bowed to her wishes. "All right then, if you have to go in, I understand. But I would really like to see the bees some time. I really really like honey."
Enedeth smiled slightly and nodded. "Perhaps another day then."
Arwen noticed that Enedeth's dress looked a little ragged at the hem line and she bit her lip again. Maybe Enedeth's grandmother did not have time to make her new dresses. And maybe, Enedeth had no toys! Maybe she had never seen a dolly before! That must be it!
Arwen came up to Enedeth who was again watching the dust beneath her feet. She held out Cimbelin. "You know, Cimbellin was telling me how very much she wanted to stay with a new friend. Do you think, maybe it would be all right if she stayed with you for a few days? I could come and get her and you can tell me if she has been a good girl and not made any messes."
Enedeth surprised, slowly looked at the slightly grubby cloth dolly with a crown and gold shoes Arwen held out to her. Her dolly was cloth too, but not nearly as finely made as Cimbelin. Maybe their dollies could be friends. Her dolly was very lonely here.
"All right. If she promises to behave."
"Oh Cimbelin is a very good girl, most days. Just do not give her too many sweets. It upsets her tummy and then Ada gives her awful medicine, and---"
Arwen, realizing she had gone on again as Enedeth was looking slightly mystified, stopped. She smiled and then let her favorite toy slip from her hands into the waiting arms of Enedeth. She would miss her. But perhaps Rorn the bear would sleep with her tonight in her place.
But Enedeth hugged the doll and Arwen smiled. Perhaps, if the dolls were friends, then maybe she and Enedeth could be friends.
Arwen walked slowly back from Enedeth keeping Cimbelin in sight until she got to the edge of the cottage. With a quick wave, she turned and ran down the pathway she had come. Wait until she told Ada and Mama she had a friend!
Then she slowed down as she got close to the main road that would lead up to the house. But what if Ada and Mama were not happy about a new friend? And she was a human too. Maybe they would not let her play with Enedeth. She had heard other elves talk about humans and they never seemed happy about them. They did not live as long as elves and lived far away in towns and, well they were different.
Arwen stopped in the sun and looked thoughtfully at the drift of white apple blossoms at her feet. Maybe she had best keep this a secret for the time being. She hugged herself and then started running with a giggle. It would be great fun to have a secret! She had never had one of this size before!
Arwen walked home singing.
Enedeth watched the young elf girl as she ran around the house. Carach lay in the dust at her feet sleeping. Her gaze went to the dolly in her arms. Perhaps she should introduce Cimbelin to-to Polly. As she walked towards the cottage, Enedeth smiled. Maybe their dollies could be friends! As she went inside toward her attic room, Enedeth thought about the young she-elf. Even though her grandmother was half-elven and had lived in this valley a long time, Enedeth had only visited once before, when she was too young to remember. Climbing the stairs to her cheery room under the eaves, her thoughts grew sad because she knew now, she was never going back to Laketown. Her parents had drowned in a boating accident on the Lake in the fog one night as they returned from a party. For some reason, she was afraid to tell Calanbre she was going to live here forever and ever.
Tears crept down Enedeth's face. So now, it was just she and her grandmama. She looked at the happy face of Cimbelin and entering her room, went and picked up Polly who lay on her pillow. Polly's dress was a little dirtier than Cimbelin's, but they were the same size and both dollies had long yellow threads for hair. Maybe they could be long lost sisters! Enedeth lay Cimbellin down and hugged Polly. Poor Polly, she had been so lonely, especially since they had left Laketown and she did not know anyone. At least she spoke the language here. Her mama had taught her well, and talking with grandmama helped. When she could get grandmama to talk.
Enedeth looked out the attic window down into the yard where she had met the friendly little elf. Maybe they could be friends. Then her thoughts returned to her grandmama. Grandmama was not very happy these days. Enendeth had only been here a few weeks and grandmama had only kissed her a few times on the forehead. She did not seem glad to have Enedeth around and only talked to her when necessary. Enedeth looked around her room. That was why she was left alone a lot. Grandmama said she was too young to help with the bees and so, while she went and tended the hives and harvested their golden honey, which she used to make mead mostly, Enedeth stayed home. At least she had Carach, and though grandmama had said the dog was for watching, Carach only seemed to snap at flies and roll in the dust. And sometimes play chase.
Enedeth picked up Cimbelin and taking Polly, put both dollies under her pillow. It might be better to keep quiet about Cimbelin, and Calanbre.
That night at supper, Arwen was rushing through her meal because she wanted to get back to her room to see what other toys she could share with Enedeth, but Celebrian noticed her daughter's haste.
"Arwen, why are you eating so quickly? There is more food if you are hungry and the rest of us are not finished here."
"I, well,, I am sorry Mama, I will slow down." Arwen sat kicking her feet under the table. Finishing her juice she put her cup down and looked at the other members of her family. Elladan and Elrohir were talking about a huge elk they'd seen, which they were going to pursue the next day. Mama made comments about the duet she and Ada were singing for the festival. And that got the twins talking between themselves about the saga they were going to recite.
Arwen smiled down in her lap only half listening to her family: Her festival presentation!
"Mama, may I be excused, I need to practice my song."
"Ah, you have not told us what you will be singing," Elrond spoke up as he sat back in his high-backed chair.
"It is to be a surprise, for everyone!" She said, coming up with an idea. "No one will know until the festival!"
Celebrian laughed, delighted at her daughter's excitement. "Well, I for one, cannot wait! Yes, you may be excused!"
"Thank you Mama!" Arwen threw down her napkin and scooted out of her chair to run off to her room.
"I am certainly glad to see we will be having no more hysterics about her solo this festival," Celebrian said to the table. The other members of her family agreed.
Once in her room, Arwen looked in her toy chest and pulled out a selection of stuffed and wooden toys. Some of them had been passed to her from her brothers, so they probably would stay here. Her brothers might miss them.
But there was a wooden horse that Ada had carved her. And she had the deer he had given her last year when she was really disappointed she could not go on a long hunting trip with the men of the family.
The wooden horse would be it. She wrapped the horse in a winter scarf she no longer needed and put it in a sack she intended to take with her to Enedeth's house.
Arwen was hoping she would be able to persuade Enedeth to sing with her at the festival so she would not have to perform alone anymore.
But Arwen looked out at the rain washed windows of her bedroom the next morning and her small shoulders slumped knowing that there was no way for her to get out of the house for a visit to Enedeth's house. She sat in her sleeping chemise and put her chin in her hand and stared out the window. Oh, what's the use of even getting up this morning, she would have no one to play with anyway.
She lay down on the window bench and picked up Rorn who had been sleeping with her these past few days.
"Well Rorn, I guess it is just you and I today. Maybe we can make a cave under the table with a chair and I'll get---"
"Arwen, why are you not dressed? We are waiting breakfast on you." Her father stepped into her room, dressed in a dark green robe with blue embroidery along the closure in the front and into the high collar. He stood with his hands behind his back eyeing his daughter carefully. Nothing appeared to be wrong. "Are you feeling all right?"
Arwen scrambled to her feet. Realizing how it must look, she ran to her wardrobe. "Oh no Ada, I am fine, really. I guess the rain made me feel sad." Elrond helped Arwen pull on her choice of gown for the day, a dark green that matched his own. He smiled at her back as he expertly did up the laces. "Well, perhaps you can practice your letters with me while I go over some Household accounts after breakfast."
"Thank you Ada! I would like that!" Rushing to brush her hair she got her hair tangled around the handle of her brush.
Elrond gently removed the brush from his anxious daughter's hand and took a few minutes to calmly brush her hair until it shone. Putting the brush on bedside table, he turned her around and gave her a brief hug. "Are you ready to eat?"
"Yes Ada." He took her by the hand and they went to join the family at breakfast.
And though Arwen had a very pleasant day doing her letters and reading aloud to her father in Quenya, her thoughts kept wandering to Enedeth and what she might be doing on a rainy day.
Enedeth was helping her grandmama with the brewing of mead, filling huge carboys full of different flavored mixtures, all honey based that needed to ferment. She enjoyed working with her grandmama, but she wished she talked a little more. She was ever silent, only talking to give her instructions now and again.
Finally they were finished, and grandmama went to her sewing basket and picked up some mending. Enedeth, not a very expert seamstress, decided to go up to her room and play with the two dolls.
She had enjoyed having Cimbelin with her. It gave both she and Polly someone else to talk to and tell stories to. It also gave Enedeth a happy feeling of anticipation knowing that soon Calanbre would return and she would bring something new and exciting to her quiet life.
Enedeth looked out at the rain running down her window. She put a hand in her chin. Well, maybe tomorrow then.
The next day was full of flying clouds and everything glimmered with a thin sheen of water. Arwen could not wait to be finished with her lessons for the morning so she could run off to Enedeth's cottage.
Finally Celebrian was satisfied with her stitches in her embroidery frame and Arwen raced to her room and pulled out the sack she had packed for Enedeth that she had hidden under her bed.
Taking her cloak to cover her sack slung over her shoulder, she left the house, by going through the rose garden. Deciding perhaps a few roses would be a nice thing for Enedeth's grandmother, she carefully pulled a few stems off the bushes, sorry they were not the precise cuts done with a paring knife, but she tried to not make it too obvious. Sucking her finger from a rose thorn prick, she hurried out and down to the road leading north to Enedeth's. She stopped and picked a few more flowers along the roadside to add variety to the bouquet. Happy with the cheerful colors and different flowers, Arwen started singing the song she decided she and Enedeth could sing at the festival. It was only two weeks away and they needed to practice.
Turning down the road, Arwen fairly flew to the cottage, calling excitedly as she did so, "Enedeth! Enedeth! It is Arw---Calanbre I am here!"
In a few minutes, Enendeth came around the cottage and ran towards her new friend. But when both got a few feet away, they both stopped, suddenly shy. Arwen held forth her now slightly straggily bouquet and said, "For your grandmother." Enedeth came up and slowly took the flowers and then turned to go to the cottage, Arwen silently following.
Entering through the half door into the kitchen, Arwen looked around the room with shining eyes. She had never been in anyone else's house before! As Enedeth put the flowers in a stoneware pitcher, Arwen looked at the polished pots and some of the carboys of mead standing under a high table. Immediately intrigued, Arwen went to them and placed a hand on a cool side. "What are these?"
"It's mead silly. That is what my grandmother makes for the High House with the honey she collects. She has more in the cellar. Some of it is hundreds of years old."
"That's wonderful! What is the High House?"
"You know, where the Lord and Lady live."
Arwen nodded slowly. Of course. She was not sure who they were.
"Well, I have brought some things for us to play with." "
All right. Come up to my room."
"Has Cimbelin been a good girl?"
"Yes, she and Polly have played together very nicely."
Arwen was really enchanted by Enedeth's bedroom tucked under the high eaves of the cottage. The whitewashed walls, the plain narrow bed with the faded flower quilt, and Cimbelin and Polly! Laying upon the pillow in a shaft of afternoon light which actually lit up the room nicely. Arwen grabbed her dolly and hugged it tight. She knew Cimbelin was happy to see her too.
Arwen and Enedeth spent a very pleasant afternoon together.
But suddenly looking up from under the tent they had made with a chair and the quilt from the bed, Arwen noticed the sun was setting and she would get into all kinds of trouble if she didn not leave soon!
"Enedeth! I have to go, my Mama and Ada will be waiting for me! It is almost supper time!" Arwen then looked at Enedeth curiously, "Where is your grandmother? Is it not your supper time too?"
Enedeth hugged Polly close. "Grandmother is working in the hives that are farthest away today. The rain and wind yesterday blew a hive over and she is trying to save it."
"Well, will she not come home soon?"
"Oh yes, soon." Enedeth knowing her grandmother's single-mindedness when it came to her bees, knew she might spend the night up there if necessary, especially since it was not raining.
Arwen torn between leaving her friend alone in a slowly darkening cottage and getting home before her parents worried and sent out elves looking for her, decided her new friend came first. She could always explain away her lateness to her parents.
"Come, let us see what is in the kitchen for your supper."
Enedeth put Polly down and followed her friend to the kitchen where only a banked fire greeted them. Arwen, going through cupboards and jars said, "Well there is some cheese here, and some apples and a half loaf of bread. You could have some of these!"
She brought the items named to the main kitchen table and lay them out, Enedeth just watching amazed. Finding a mug, she looked for a pitcher of water or juice or milk, but found nothing. Handing it to her friend she said, "You will have to find something to put in there. Have you no juice or milk?"
Enedeth shook her head. "I finished the last of the goats milk this morning. But there is well water."
"Good! That will do!" Enedeth ran out to the yard to the small well between the two oak trees and pulled up a bucket of cold clear water, Dipping her mug in it, she brought the dripping cup in and set it next to the food. In the meantime, Arwen attempted to light the big candle on the table, but was not very good with tinder and flint. Enedeth silently took them and lit the candle. The warm light instantly made the meal look like a feast to both children.
Arwen hugging Enedeth, grabbed Cimbelin and ran out of the cottage.
"I shall see you tomorrow! We can play in the apple orchard! Castles and dragons!"
"All right Calanbre! Tomorrow!" Enedeth waved to Arwen until she could no longer see her. Hugging Polly close, she went into the now inviting kitchen and sat down happily to her meal.