The rain had stopped and clouds were beginning to part. Despite her dank and weary mood, Nedieth had to smile. A short while ago, the hobbits Ruby and Buttercup had brought over a cup of hot cider and a honey bun. They had talked with her for a little while making her feel more welcome. Still, she was tired and lonely, and wet.
She sipped the cider, relishing the warm feeling it made inside her. It was not cold out, being midsummer, but being wet can be cold. She was anxious to go to a room to dry off and rest. With all the people there, though, it would be a wonder if she got a room. Elves, men and hobbits talked and laughed with one another.
“ Amazing,” she thought. “ That all these races should talk together without recognizing their differences. It warms my heart. It will never be like this in Mirkwood.”
Nedieth had originally lived in Mirkwood, but for the past 1000 years, she’d lived in Rivendell, occasionally going to Loth Lorien for a few years. She went to Lorien to visit with Arwen, who was a close friend of hers. She had met her when she first came to Rivendell as an elfling, after her mother had died.
Her father hadn’t been able to care for her, because he was always away from Mirkwood, being the commander of its army. Her aunt had taken her into her care and then decided to move to Rivendell, where they would be safe from the war that had threatened Mirkwood. Fortunately, no war actually happened, but her aunt decided to stay in Rivendell.
She was on her way now to see her father, who was waiting to sail to the undying lands. She was both nervous and excited. She hadn’t seen her father in quite a while and she had never been to the Grey Havens before. She was kind of wishing now that she hadn’t left Rivendell, though. She had traveled through rain, thunder, and lightening and harsh winds.
Time seemed to be moving slower to Nedieth. She was exhausted beyond belief and starting too feel faint, which rarely ever happened to elves. Looking up, she saw Aman coming towards her and sighed in relief.
“ There is a room free now. Follow me,” Aman said.
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