[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Bethiril wanted to step back from the conversation. She knew little of caves, and less of exploring them. But she found no way of exiting gracefully, so she stood there awkwardly, like a peasant watching the discussion of nobles.

I’m sure nobility wouldn’t include allusions to children’s stories in their lofty discourses. She hoped no one would discover that she knew the tale. As unbelievable as it sounds, she had heard of it from an old man from Dor Lómin who somehow found his way to the mouths of Sirion. But Bethiril didn’t want her image . . . tainted.

Well, she thought, my acting was pretty good. She gazed at the stone roof above. And what will we find here? An edible cottage? She almost laughed, but then remembered, And what evil thing will we find residing in it?