Journeys

[Varnafindë]

Ainon had noticed the interested glances that the new elves had cast around them when they were led through Rivendell - at the construction of the place, how the little hamlet was fitted into the valley, mostly. The temporary buildings themselves wouldn't be very impressive to people who had seen - nay, lived in - Gondolin in all its glory. But he was pleased that they could see the potential of Rivendell. He had chosen it for his home, now that he had been given the choice. He agreed that it would be worthy of singing - eventually.

For now, there were only the not-so-imposing buildings to present to his guests. But they seemed to have settled well into the small guest house already, when he came to fetch them to dinner.

Dinner was served in the largest of their houses - one of the otherwise abandoned longhouses, the only one with something remotely resembling a great hall. As usual there was a long row of tables along the middle of the hall, where the food was laid out. At a right angle from this row, on both sides, the tables for seating were placed. Only Lord Elrond had a table that would be his own, the one the furthest away from the entrance. Lord Rameldir, Lord Glorfindel and a few other of the captains also had their seats at Lord Elrond's table.

Otherwise people sat where there was room. But people's habits tended to emerge after a while, and most tended to favor one particular table if there was room at it - and it had worked itself out into a sort of routine who would prefer to come early and who would prefer to stay a little longer with whatever they were busy with, and go later for dinner. If too many came at the same time, so that there were not enough free tables, it was common to take the food outside and sit somewhere comfortable - or to go away and come back half an hour later.

Once, when their guests had been an important delegation from Lindon and even the High King was present, they had replaced the row of tables with more tables for seating, and the kitchen staff served food at the tables. For such a grand feast, they had managed to have everybody seated at the same time - with an effort.

Kemmótar waited for him and for their new guests at the table he had secured for them, not too far from Lord Elrond's table. Ainon told the new elves that Kemmótar and himself would be their hosts for the meal. "We'll tell you a little about how this place is organized," he said, "and we're interested in hearing about your journey, too. And Lord Rameldir asked me to tell you that Lord Elrond will receive you in his rooms after dinner. Now, help yourselves!"