“Taurnil, have you finished?”
“Yes, Lord Elrond. I have fashioned it from the best beech wood available as you requested.”
“Thank you Taurnil.” Elrond picked up the slender piece of wood and looked it over. “This is exceptional! Much more beautiful than what I would have expected on such short notice. This will be a perfect!” He carefully put it back down, “Taurnil could you fashion me a case for it by the time the hobbits plan to leave?”
“That would be no trouble at all Lord Elrond.”
“Thank you, I appreciate you doing this,” Elrond smiled. “Now I have to go see how Alatáriël is coming along. Farewell Taurnil”
“Farewell Lord Elrond.”
***
“Lord Elrond! I wasn’t expected you yet!” Alatáriël looked up startled from her writing.
“I was coming to see how you were getting along Alatáriël and if you required any assistance.”
“Actually, I’ve gotten more than I expected done. I have a couple of pieces ready, including the one you requested. By the time of the hobbits' leaving I can have a whole set of songs ready and even more if I had help,” Alatáriël replied.
“I’ll take what you have for now and send you some assistance immediately and thank you Alatáriël, for agreeing to do this.”
“It’s my pleasure!” Alatáriël replied. “I’m truly looking forward to getting to know Master Peregrin.”
“Well, it will be an interesting experience is all I can say,” smiled Elrond before continuing “I must go see to the final preparations.”
“Farewell Alatáriël. I’ll see you this evening,” he said before leaving the room.
“Until evening,” Alatáriël smiled.
Everything was set, Elrond thought as he walked back to his chamber. His plan was coming along perfectly.
**
Meanwhile Pippin was trying to convince himself everything would work out fine. Elrond wouldn’t do anything rash, right? Yes, yes that was exactly right. The only reason Merry hadn’t been invited along was because he had no appreciation for music. Exactly! That was it. Elrond had been impressed by Pippin’s interest in music and wanted to have a private conversation between two individuals who truly appreciated it.