I am experimenting again with a different format of writing. This time influenced by The Pillow Book. The original literary work is an eclectic mix of personal observations, poetry and narratives written down by a court lady in Heian Japan. As this was meant for the author's personal consumption and never to be read by others, some of the passages/ lists will be open to the reader's interpretation.
Finrod
Year 102
Best jewels paid to allies. Should have tried to negotiate for a further discount. Better not risk it lest we have the Narog racing through our halls. Expected better. Received a fancy golden necklace (Nauglamír) that matches my hair-colour and the name Felagund, Hewer of Caves. It doesn't look half-bad, even if it is more modest than Uncle Thingol's place. Not everyone can have a Maia wife and part-Maia daughter to give that extra oomph to the place. Well, they try to convince both Luthien and me to hook up for political reasons, but it didn't work out. Luckily Artanis was more than happy with that milksop Celeborn. Methinks she will run circles around the poor fool.
Now I need try to convince dear, dear Turukano to move here with me. Come on, admit it, coz. You enjoyed what happened in the tent that night by the river. I know that. Wonder where he flitted off to. Haven't had any news from Nervast in quite a while now.
Somehow managed to father a son – Gildor – who just got sent here by his Nana. Who is she anyway? We might have met at that big party at Uncle Thingol's place. I do recall the entire thing was one big orgy and I woke up between two of Luthien's handmaidens. Apparently, Gildor was sent packing so as not to embarrass his Nana (or his stepfather) further in Menegroth. Well, all the best with her new husband.
Year 116
Received news from Turgon. Feeling miffed at Lord Ulmo for giving him a better site for his hidden city. He gets a green mountain valley while I am in a damp cave by the river. Wondering if I have somehow offended Lord Ulmo by frolicking in his realm with various persons. It is a Teleri thing to take your date into the water for carnal-type activities. Hope no one tells my Amme or Amarie. Amarie is quite a decent Vanye but I do hope she doesn't wait for me. Faithfulness is overrated here in Beleriand – live life to the fullest before making that call on Mandos, I say.
Turgon tells me to keep away and he is not going to tell me exactly where his city is (even though the Eagle who delivered his letter might). So hurt. Some unneeded apologies over what happened on that camping trip. I am so touched he still remembers. Almost makes me feel like extending another invitation for a camping trip to him. Well, he wasn't that great in the bed – too prudish for my liking. Plus he kept calling for Elenwe.
My ever-loyal Edrahil is kicking up a fuss over my recreational activities with various members of my court. Well, an elf needs to have a pastime to while away the cold winter nights. Yet whenever I extend my invitation to him, he runs off like a scared rabbit from my bedchamber. Seriously, it is just poker – strip-poker. I do keep complimentary shirts for those who lose everything else to walk home in. I am not unkind. Yes, I do regret that truth-or-dare game that ended with me streaking through the hallways wearing my crown jewels and nothing else.
Year 150
Feeling seriously bored and wonder if I should contact my nearest cousins for recreational jaunts of exploration. I will leave my brothers out (and Artanis too), in case we have a repeat of that memorable camping trip with Turgon. Might ask Fingon, but then I will have to ask Maedhros along. Perhaps I should ask Maedhros' younger brothers Curufin and Celegorm instead. Celegorm is a skilled hunter and woodsman and I doubt he is the type to jump into my bedroll because of a snake in his. If Curufin gets too mouthy, perhaps we can tie him to a tree.
Undated
Things needed for camping:
Bow and quiver of arrows
Hunting knives
Flint
Bedroll
Spare change of garments
Harp
Rope (lots of sturdy rope)
Author's Notes:
All things considered, Lord Ulmo thought Finrod needed more watching than Turgon. Hence the proximity to a river.
Not sure if this will pan out as written solely by Finrod and his successor Orodreth, or if I should insert excerpts from journals kept by other residents of the city. After all, Finrod wouldn't be around for the debacle inspired by Turin.