Dinner was an informal and fairly peaceful affair. People came and went much as they pleased, some sitting at the tables in the dinning halls, others going outside to eat in the gardens.
Rory sat with the Hobbits. They did not go out to eat, but stayed at the tables where the chances of getting seconds were greater. There was nearly a fight over a dish of mushrooms, which Rory had to referee, and ended by eating the rest of the dish herself.
She was drawing lots attention because of her dress. Her skirt was unremarkable, and so were her bare feet in a house where most of the women went barefoot. It was her shirt that was the problem. Even though it was autumn in Rivendell, it was not cold, and Rory was wearing a rather low cut singlet top, which at the back showed off her tattoo, a large one of a beautiful bay horse's head, complete with a unicorn's horn.
A tall male elf came over to the table where Rory and the Hobbits sat. I am very pleased to see that you arrived safely, Frodo,' he said.
'Gildor', exclaimed Frodo. I did not expect to see you here!'
'My company came straight through here to Rivendell without completing our original journey,' Gildor replied. 'We all felt that it was much more important to warn Elrond of your trouble then to visit our kinfolk. We would have taken you with us on our journey, but we were not enough to withstand attack, and our presence would only have drawn the enemy to you.'
'Nevertheless, we thank you again for your help that night. We truly believe that we may never have made it out of the Shire without your assistance in hiding from the enemy that night,' said Frodo.
'Nay Frodo,' said Gildor, shaking his head slightly, 'it is your courage and that of your companions here that brought you safely to Rivendell. I have heard of your wound, and marvel that you live. Indeed, Hobbits are have stout hearts!'
Then Gildor greeted his old friend Bilbo, and gently teased him about needing to write yet another book. Bilbo promised to do this, and to make sure Gildor and his friends were remembered for their role.
Gildor looked at Rory who had stayed quiet, merely listening to the conversation. 'Greetings Lady Rory', he said, I have been asked to remind you that there will a formal reception for Frodo and his friends later tonight.'
Rory looked up at the tall elf. 'So you remember me, do you Gildor', she said. And my guess is that you have copped the short end of the stick about coming to tell me that the way I am dressed is not suitable.'
The elf blushed faintly, the tips of his pointed ears turning a slightly deeper shade of pink. 'Ah, well, yes', he said.
'Don't worry, I promise that I will wear a dress that even you will find suitable', she said.
Gildor looked relieved. 'Lady', he asked, I have not been able to help but notice the drawing or picture on your shoulder. 'What is it?' he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
'It is a tattoo, a picture drawn into my skin with special ink, and before you ask, no it does not come off.'
Everyone at the table looked astonished. 'Does it hurt', asked one ofthe Hobbits, the cheeky looking one named Pippin.
'Not now, Pip', replied Rory.
'But it did once', Pip insisted.
'When it was put on it did, yes for a about a week', said Rory.
'How much?' gasped Pip, his eyes wide.
'Like being drawn on with a hot pen when it was applied. Then like sunburn for nearly a week, and now it has healed not at all', Rory answered.
All the Hobbits stared at her shoulder like curious children, even Gildor seemed fascinated, and it was he who broke the silence again. 'It is a unicorn?' he questioned.
'Yes and no, it is my mare Jilba drawn with a unicorn's horn. I had it done several years ago both as a reminder of her and also a good luck charm, one that I can't lose easily,' she replied.
'Good luck charm,' the elf queried.
'Yes, for luck in battle,' Rory answered him.
The boldest of the Hobbits than asked Rory softly, 'Could I touch it?'
Rory looked surprised. 'I guess so, if it will make everyone happy about this is. It really is only a drawing, Merry', she said.
'I know but', and Rory finished for him, 'you won't leave me alone till you are sure'.
'Well, yes', said a slightly embarrassed Merry.
'Ok, and anyone else here who is dying of curiosity', Rory said, slightly amused.
All the Hobbits but Frodo then ran their hands over the tattoo, exclaiming quietly that it really did seem to drawn into ordinary skin. Then to her amazement Gildor too ran his fingertips over the tattoo, his touch softer, his skin colder.
'I can feel the outline on you', Gildor said, 'but not the coloured areas. A remarkable thing, but I do not think that I would wish a drawing to be put permanently on me.'