gondolindrim | Of kings and caves

Finrod: *walking toward the Drunken Maia to see if he can spot the elf who attacked Arakáno as Ecthelion asked*

Lúthien: *out for a stroll with Melui, on her way towards the park. It's a lovely day, perfect for taking the dog out for a run*

Finrod: *spots her ahead, she is rather hard to miss; thinks she must be Lúthien, from what he's heard and read* Good afternoon, my lady.

Lúthien: *turns and smiles, not recognizing the Elf but greeting him all the same* And to you, my lord.

Finrod: Pardon my forwardness, but surely you are Lúthien?

Lúthien: *grins* I am she. *considers him* Though you have me at a disadvantage, for I cannot admit to knowing your name.

Finrod: My apologies, Lady Lúthien. I am Findaráto Arafinwion. Finrod in the Sindarin tongue.

Lúthien: *now that she does recognize* Then it was you who came to the aid of my future husband in his hour of great need. *she curtsies* I owe you my thanks.

Finrod: *smiles* I fear there is nothing to thank me for as yet, for I have not yet even met your husband, nor his father, nor any of his kin.

Lúthien: *chuckles* Nor have I.

Finrod: *laughs* That must be even stranger for you then!

Lúthien: I would say that you have no idea, but I imagine that you do.

Finrod: An idea, yes, at least! *offers his hand to her hound* Would you like to join me for lunch at the Drunken Maia? I would suggest a classier place, but I confess I have business there.

Melui: *wags her tail as she sniffs at his hand, licking the palm*

Lúthien: *thinks about it for a second and then nods* I would be pleased to accompany you.

Finrod: *strokes Melui's head* Excellent!

Lúthien: Lead the way. *falls into step beside him, along with Melui* Tell me of yourself, then. How long have you been here?

Finrod: I haven't been here long. A few weeks at most. Before that was the Helkaraxë. Since then I've been learning the history, and am working off duty with the guards. And you, my lady?

Lúthien: I arrived a little more than two months ago, and have been serving on Turgon's council. In my spare time I also volunteer at the city's animal sanctuary. *smiles* There are creatures there such as I had never dreamed of. It is truly an interesting experience.

Finrod: How interesting! That must be very rewarding. I have not been to the animal sanctuary, only the stables.

Lúthien: You must come! I am sure you won't be disappointed.

Melui: *barks in agreement*

Finrod: I shall! *holds the door for her into the pub*

Lúthien: *thanks him as she enters* This is certainly a lively place.

Finrod: It's incredibly casual, but they do good food.

Lúthien: I have never been here before, so I shall take your word until I sample it myself. *finds a booth and takes a seat there*

Melui: *lies down under the table*

Finrod: *sits across from her* Do you like it here in Gondolin?

Lúthien: I do, though it's nothing like what I'm accustomed to back home in Doriath. Gondolin and Menegroth are both magnificent cities, but altogether different.

Finrod: *nods* I imagine not being able to roam the woods would be different indeed.

Lúthien: *nods* Apart from that, Menegroth is built into the side of a hill, and deep beneath the ground.

Finrod: I would love to see it. The current me that is. Apparently I did in history.

Lúthien: Indeed, for it is my understanding that Nargothrond, the city which you will one day rule was, in fact, inspired by the design of Menegroth.

Finrod: *grins* So I've read.

Lúthien: You will love it. The great halls seem more like a forest, carved as they are with trees and the shapes of animals. It is glorious beyond description.

Finrod: *honestly* It sounds wonderful.

Lúthien: *gets a nostalgic look* It is. *then she's back* Tell me, what would you suggest on the menu here?

Finrod: Honestly, I've been her just once, but what I had was good. *points it out on the menu*

Lúthien: Then I'll try that. *orders that and a glass of wine (and one of water) when the waiter comes by*

Finrod: *gives his order to the waiter as well; does not see any sign of the elf who accosted his cousin* I hope my recommendation meets your expectations!

Lúthien: I trust I won't be disappointed. *smiles, then, curiously:* You mentioned you had an errand here. Were you meeting someone?

Finrod: Not as such. I am on the lookout for someone, an elf who assaulted my cousin.

Lúthien: *eyes widening* I hope you find him quickly. I fear there are strange things afoot in this city.

Finrod: As do I. It is quite disturbing, the things going on! I expected evil deeds from Morgoth's creatures, but not...these crimes.

Lúthien: I trust Ecthelion and his guard to get to the bottom of what's going on, but in the mean time, I worry that others might get hurt. *looks pensive*

Finrod: *nods* Understandable.

Lúthien: *quiets down for a moment when the waiter comes back with their food and drink, but thanks him before he goes* Do you have any plans for the rest of your stay here?

Finrod: Well, as I've said, I'm working with the guards, but in a non-active-duty role. And I try to keep Turgon from being too serious.

Lúthien: *laughs* And how is that going?

Finrod: *grins* Better than you'd think!

Lúthien: That's good to hear. I know it weighs on him, to be responsible for so diverse a group of people. *taking a sip of her wine* Not to mention the potential for disaster, being unable to control who ends up here.

Finrod: *nods* I do not envy him!

Lúthien: Nor do I, but it is never simple to rule.

Finrod: *agrees* Never.