[Mithalwen]

Mithalwen smiled at the eager face of the child. For if talking with an elf were a novelty for the hobbit child then talking with a child was almost as unusual for the elf woman; for the elves had few children in the fading years and when those of other races came to the havens it was generally men on business matters.

"Well Marigold, though Mr Snaveling, as you call him is of the same kindred as the Rangers he is not actually a ranger himself, I believe. Though he has led an interesting life none the less" she added with a smile. "Infact he knows the King" .. she added with emphasis. She did not want Snaveling to lose face in the child's eyes.

Marigold's eyes widened even further. "And do you know the Queen? ", she asked eagerly, for she reasoned that elves must know each other. Mithalwen smiled ... not very well for we lived seldom in the same place and she is a great lady but she was ever gracious when it chanced that we met. I know her brothers a little better because of their friendship with my own brother. And my father fought with hers in the war".

"The War of the Ring?" asked Marigold ..... she had heard tales of that - at least that the hobbits had been very important in it.

"No, another war long ago, but I am sure you don't want to hear of wars...." instead she told Marigold tales she had heard herself as a child, of the great lords of the Noldor and their works. And though the time was slipping away into lunchtime the child's desire to hear more did not seem to lessen and so Mithalwen ordered food again.

"And after lunch if you wish, you could come and meet my horse - for he must have a little exercise if we are not to leave today"