Yule: 2010

[Valandil]

Northern Mirkwood, the month called Girithron in Sindarin, Ringarë in the Quenya, and Yulemath in the Shire. The year was 2010, but King Valandil was not sure what Age it was. In fact, folk from all times in Middle Earth and Beleriand were expected.

He sure hoped his descendant Celepharn would come with some bacon from the Black Boar.

A light snow for this far north (no more than half a ranga) covered the ground, and lay on the evergreen trees. The clouds spoke of more snow to come.

His royal entourage from Annuminas was clearly the first group to arrive. A pity - for a King to be the first one present, and to not arrive fashionably late. Such are the trevails of traveling great distances and across all timelines.

But the Wood Elves had clearly come already - happy to serve as hosts. A large bonfire was lighted in the clearing, and torches were placed on the trunks of surrounding trees - although the sun had not quite yet set (as short as these daylight hours were). Snug little booths were set up, for guests to escape the cold, or to settle in for some sleep when they wished.

He and his attendants gathered first around the fire - noticing to their surprise that when they has seated themselves and begun to warm their hands - the presence of trays sitting beside them, filled with hot drinks.

"The Yule..." thought Valandil. "Sometimes we let our expectations run away with us - but I sure hope this will be a pleasant time."