[Mithalwen]

" Don't blame Mr Snaveling Mr Headstrong" said Mithalwen, using her fair voice to full effect. "if anyone is to blame, I am - I let Marigold have a ride on my own horse who is trained to respond to my will, above that of anyone who happens to ride him - a babe would be safe on Aeglos' back. Then I am afraid she climbed onto another horse who did not prove so docile. I should have watched her more carefullt and I am very sorry. Yet, she has come to little harm, for which I am much relieved. If she spends the rest of the day quietly and has an early night, she should be right as rain in the morning - apart from the scratches and bruises which will take a few days. She has a lot of spirit, this child...."

Mithalwen's charm offensive was beginning to have some effect on the hobbit man. "So please do not be harsh on Lord Corondir ...... Mr Snaveling as you call him ... he really just happened to be there". Mithalwen had an instinct that Mr Headstrong might be the type to be impressed by titles. She smiled down from nigh on twice his height. Mr Headstrong started to bluster and she felt she was nearly home. As she spoke she had cleaned and dressed Marigold's wounds, propped her up on cushions and wrapped her in her own soft scarf which served well as a stole for the hobbit child.

"Tell me if your head hurts more or if you feel drowsy .. you should rest but you should not sleep yet". Mithalwen knelt and touched the child's forehead gently but Marigold did not know if the tingling she felt came from the poultice or simply from the elf's fingers, however her head was feeling clearer and she returned Mithalwen's smile.