Many Hands Make Light Work

Many hands make light work. The more people who are helping you, the faster and easier the task is. For many projects, this is true. Not every project is easier with more people; for instance, watchmaking is very delicate work done in a small space. More helpers would make it harder. But for large tasks such as yard work, cleaning up a lot of toys, or cleaning up at a camp, more people means lighter work.

Yard work involves clearing large patches of ground. For one person, it is quite a job to pick up all of the sticks and rake all of the leaves on an acre of land, or even half an acre. With a helper, the work is much easier. With five or six friends, the job won’t seem like much work at all. When I did yard work as part of 4-H community service, our club got together and went to a house that needed help clearing a large yard of branches and leaves or weeding a garden. We would spend several hours and have fun while helping. Having that many people made it a lot easier.


If you have ever been in charge of a group of preschoolers, you know they can make quite a mess with toys strewn everywhere. One preschooler can actually create the same amount of chaos, but that one child will have more difficulty cleaning it up. When you get a group of preschoolers to clean up together, the mess doesn’t seem as overwhelming to them and they will pitch in to help restore order. It will also get done a lot faster. Having more of them changes everything.


My youth group occasionally sends out teams of ten to twelve teenagers to go help do the dishes for a weekend at a local retreat center. When there isn’t a team to go, the councilors for that retreat have to do it themselves. They would agree that more hands makes easier and faster work. For a group of five or six people, the dishes for one to three hundred people are a lot of work. But for twelve or fourteen, it is much easier. We could finish cleaning up all of the dishes, wiping down the tables, and sweeping up within two hours or so. The extra hands made a difference.


This old adage is true for many tasks. Not every job is easier with more hands, but in general this is true. Many hands make light work for yard work, cleaning up toys, and doing a lot of dishes, among other things. The more people you have, the faster and easier it will be to do the work.

Computer Literate

We live in the age of computers. They are everywhere, from workplaces to homes. People use these powerful tools daily. But how many people are actually familiar with them? Computer familiarity means being able to communicate using a computer and being able to store information with a computer. A person who is familiar with a computer should also be able to do these things safely.

Computers allow people to communicate in a variety of ways. Emails are direct, and they work well for talking between two or three people. People use emails to keep friends and family updated or to send information at work. Websites allow people to talk with multiple people more easily. Some websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, offer direct messages. They make group communication simpler, because the whole group can see what each person said. Messages are also faster than emails. Forums are a way of talking with people who share an interest, such as computers or medieval fantasy. They give people a place to discuss hints, the latest model, and ask questions. Computers provide access to all of this.

Computers store information. People store documents, such as essays, stories, and instructions, to name a few. Since people can create as many folders as they need, documents can be filed away into categories for easy reference. People also store pictures. Storing pictures digitally is cheaper and easier than printing them out and putting them in an album. Some people also use a computer to prune through their pictures and decide which ones to print. Another thing people store on computers is music. Computers have a lot of storage space, and they can hold more music than a regular phone or iPod.

Computers need to be used safely, like any other tool. Passwords should be strong, such as a line from a poem or a memorable phrase. They should be written down in a secure place that only the creator knows about. Having a password for the Administrator account that the whole family knows means that children can install whatever they want on the computer. This leads to malware and viruses getting installed. A hacked bank account causes a lot of trouble, and a hacked Facebook account is bad, too. That compromised account can be mined for information about the account owner, their friends, and groups the owner belongs to. A stolen password for Facebook can be used for anything from simple mischief to job loss.

Secure habits, such as logging out of websites and locking the computer, keep information safer. Staying logged into a website lets anyone who gains access to your computer also gain access to all the accounts on those websites. Leaving the computer open compounds the problem. Not only can people access the Web from there, they can cause all sorts of mischief on the computer itself. An unlocked Administrator computer account means that whoever comes over there can install or uninstall anything they want to on that computer. Any account that gets left opened on an unlocked computer can access files and pictures for any other account. They can delete or copy those files easily.

People can copy posts or screenshot them; they can easily spread a post beyond the friends of the poster. What is posted on Facebook may not stay there. Choose wisely what gets posted, so that if it does get copied no one will embarrassed or endangered. Once a post is out there, it never truly goes away. Some people receive all posts from a person or their feed in emails, and those emails don’t get deleted when the post does. Google Hangouts messages can’t be edited or deleted after sending. Anyone who has access to the account can download them.

A computer is a versatile tool that, used safely, can enrich our lives. Communication and data storage are easier than ever before. With computers, the average person has more power than an emperor in the days of Rome—instantly access information or message a friend with the click of a mouse.

Get that Flag

A bullet whizzed over Leah’s head and struck the tree behind her. They found me. Oops. She dashed to the next tree and fired at a couple of enemy soldiers. Behind the tree Leah had just deserted, Jasmine crouched with a sniper rifle. “”Leah!” she whispered fiercely. “They hit Dominic. Margret got him back to base, but he’ll be out for a while.”

“If we aren’t careful, it’ll be over before he gets back.” Leah cocked her rifle and fired at a head poked around a bush. “Got him! Just his hand, but still.” The medic came over and wrapped up the injured limb.

While they were busy watching one side, trouble was brewing on the other. Two enemy soldiers charged the two other defenders. One began firing rapidly and barely missed Mason. “Jasmine!” he yelled. Startled, she swung around just in time to see him peg one. She shot at the other, but missed when he ducked.

Leah spotted the enemy flag left seemingly unguarded. Jumping up, she ran for it and actually touched the pole before a bullet struck her. They just got my hand. She set hand to it again, but she was shot in the back and fell.

“No, Leah!” shouted Dominic. Jasmine, about to cry out herself, was a little startled by his vehemence. She shook herself, however, and fended off the attackers. Mason and Alana came up.

“We need to get Leah back to our base,” said Alana.

“Can’t risk losing someone else,” Mason said.

“I’ll pick off a couple of them first. That should help.”

“Got it,” said Jasmine. “Besides, Dominic will be back in a minute.”

As she spoke, he joined them. “What happened to them?” pointing to the other side. Alana took one look and crouched behind a tree.
“They are reloading. We’re out of time!”

“Hold on, now,” Jasmine said. “Alana, you snipe at them, maybe from a tree or somewhere unexpected. Mason, you and I will pin them down. Dominic, get the flag.”

“What about Leah?” he asked. “They still have all of their troops.”

Jasmine looked over at the prison where a medic was tending to Leah. “If you see a good opening. But try to get the flag!”

All three nodded agreement and took up their positions. Margret, their medic, came closer so that she could assist the wounded more quickly.

“On three,” Jasmine whispered. “One, two -”

Yelling at the top of his lungs, one of the enemy charged their camp. Alana, halfway up a tree, fired and missed. The attack was completely unexpected. Mason ran after him. Just as the soldier reached the flag, Mason caught up and shot him point-blank.

“What was the point of that?” he demanded.

The soldier grinned. “There wasn’t one.”

“Whatever. Medic!”

Margret ran over. “He’s hurt. Could you take him to prison once he can walk?” She nodded and Mason turned his attention back to the front.

“Guys!” Leah shouted from across the battlefield. “That was just a distraction! Look out to the left!”

“Quiet!” growled her guard.

Alana, heeding the warning, spotted two of the enemy creeping in. She fired twice, taking careful aim. One was hit in the head. The other dodged.

“Jasmine! Mason!” Alana called out. Jasmine spun around and nearly shot the second, but missed. He grabbed the flag and ran back. Just before he crossed the line, Alana got his arm. He dropped the flag. Jasmine ran over and picked it up. “Dominic, go!” she hissed. He dashed from tree to tree while Mason laid down covering fire. As he reached for the flag, Jasmine and Mason yelled and charged. The defenders, not expecting this new onslaught, fired wildly. Dominic’s hand was wounded, so Jasmine seized the flag and raced off. He ran over to Leah, whose guard was chasing Mason and Jasmine, and freed her. They got back just in time to see Jasmine triumphantly lay the enemy flag before their own.
“Good game, guys!” called Sadie. She was panting hard.

“Good game!” Leah and Jasmine called back.

“I say we play with real guns next time,” said Drake. “That would add more spice than just using Nerf.”

A Comparison of Two Debate Accounts: Lincoln-Douglas Debate at Freeport

In 1858, a new President was being elected. Two candidates battled for the office: Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.  They held debates in different cities and put forth their positions on various topics. Unlike today, the newspapers were openly biased one way or the other. The text of the debate differed from paper to paper, depending on which way they leaned. http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews has the complete text of the articles from about fourteen newspapers, both Republican and Democratic. Articles on the debate at Freeport from two newspapers are compared here: The Alton Weekly Courier (Republican) and the Jacksonville Sentinel (Democrat). By putting together the several accounts, a fairly accurate picture presents itself. There are a few similarities. But the differences far outstrip them.

The Alton Weekly Courier, or the AWC, has few things in common with the Jacksonville Sentinel, or the JS. Both newspapers openly proclaim their bias. People read the newspaper that supported their party, and expected to hear a rather one-sided account of events. Also, the newspapers recorded the same debate. Other than those two points, the two newspapers' articles don't match up.

The AWC favored Lincoln over Douglas, and records the crowd as liking Lincoln more. Douglas is shown as not able to answer any of the questions put to him by Lincoln. A second article declares that Douglas is switching his position around on the Dred Scott decision, and provides a comparison of his Chicago speech and his Freeport speech to illustrate it. In the first article, which gives a running account of the debate, Douglas is portrayed as a rude, lying politician who is polite and decent only as long as it serves his purposes. The purport of what both candidates say is recorded, though not verbatim.

In contrast, the JS is completely for Douglas. The crowd is said to be all for him, and Lincoln totally crushed by his blows. One article gives Douglas' speech in quotation marks. The other article claims that the “Black Republicans” endorse Fredrick Douglass and “Negro Equality.” To prove this, they quote Douglas, their own candidate!  The first article says nothing about Lincoln's speeches, just Douglas' answers to Lincoln's questions.

The AWC gives both Lincoln's questions and Douglas' answers:
    “Mr. Lincoln, having answered all of Mr. Douglas's interrogatories, then,    
proceeded to propound the following interrogatories to him, requesting him
to answer them:

    1. If the people of Kansas shall, by means entirely unobjectionable in all other respects, adopt a State Constitution, and ask admission into the Union under it, before they have the requisite number of inhabitants, according to the English bill — ninety-three thousand — would you vote to admit them?

    2. Can the people of a United States territory, in any lawful way, against the wish of any citizen of the United States exclude slavery from their limits, prior to the formation of a State constitution?
    3. If the Supreme Court of the United States shall decide that States cannot exclude slavery from their limits, are you in favor of acquiescing in, adopting, and following such decision as a rule of political action?
    4. Are you in favor of acquiring additional territory, in disregard of how such acquisition may affect the nation on the slavery question?”1

        “1st. He [Douglas] said he believed that, when a Territory has a population enough for a slave State, she has also enough for a free State; but believes, nevertheless, that no Territory ought to be admitted or apply for admission with a less population than 93,000.
    2d. He said he believes that the people of a Territory can by lawful mean prohibit slavery if they see it, through their Territorial Legislature. The Nebraska bill, he said, provided that the Legislature of the Territory should have power over all subjects consistent with the organic set and the Federal Constitution.
    3d. He dismissed this interrogatory by saying that he does not believe the Supreme Court would ever dream of such a thing as deciding that no State has the right to abolish slavery, and therefore considered the question simply aboard, said a vile imputation upon the character of the Federal Judiciary.
    4th. He was in favor of the acquisition of Territory, when he considered it necessary or proper, whether the acquisition is from the north, the South, the east or the west. True, he said, we have Territory enough for the present, but we are a growing nation, and in fifteen years, all this territory, will be filled up and we mush have more. Expansion is the law of this Republic, and the nation would die if we restrict its limits.”2

The JS takes a different approach. Lincoln's questions to Douglas are not quoted, but Douglas' responses are. Instead of paraphrasing, the JS devotes a paragraph or two to each answer, with the comments of the crowd in parentheses. Included are comments from Douglas such as “I regret exceedingly that he [Lincoln] did not answer that interrogation himself before he put it to me, in order that we might understand, and not be left to infer, on which side he is.” The paragraph of comment at the beginning says that “These questions were got up with all the ingenuity and cunning that Lincoln's guardian committee could command, and were regarded by Lovejoy, Bross & Co., as stunners.”3

With respect to the Democrats in general, the AWC doesn't have much to say. The article on the debate mentions them only four times. They are said to be in the minority, “four Republicans present for every Douglasite,”4 and to have left town after the debate, “ashamed and afraid to show their heads.”5 Two of those four times refer to Douglas' followers, not Democrats. The rest of their remarks are reserved for Douglas.

The JS, however, is vocal against the “Black Republicans,”6 and has an entire article claiming that they are all for Fredrick Douglas. In the comment at the beginning, the article claims that “It will be seen that the republicans stood up openly for Fred Douglas and negro equality.”7 The extract is from Douglas. In it, he insults the Republicans, calling them “black.”8 The quote shows that the crowd was not pleased with him and that many vigorously denied the charges.

Reading just one newspaper's account of the Freeport debate does not give an accurate picture of what happened. All of the newspapers were biased, and each reported their own side as winning. The reports have few things in common. The few similarities are outnumbered by the many differences.  











Citations:

1. The Northern Illinois University Library, online digital collection.  http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews,
   http://lincoln-live.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/niu-lincoln:34792
2.  The Northern Illinois University Library, online digital collection.  http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews,
   http://lincoln-live.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/niu-lincoln:34792
3.  The Northern Illinois University Library, online digital collection.  http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews,
   http://lincoln-live.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/niu-lincoln:3774
4. The Northern Illinois University Library, online digital collection.  http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews,
   http://lincoln-live.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/niu-lincoln:34792
5. The Northern Illinois University Library, online digital collection.  http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews,
   http://lincoln-live.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/niu-lincoln:34792
6.  The Northern Illinois University Library, online digital collection.  http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews,
   http://lincoln-live.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/niu-lincoln:3774
7.  The Northern Illinois University Library, online digital collection.  http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews,
   http://lincoln-live.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/niu-lincoln:35125
8. The Northern Illinois University Library, online digital collection.  http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/lincolndouglas/debatetextnews,
   http://lincoln-live.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/niu-lincoln:35125

Famous and Infamous

Famous and Infamous

A comparison of Washington and Napoleon

 

“What a story my life has been!” Napoleon, the “terror of Europe,” exclaimed as he lay dying. Before hygiene and proper medical techniques, doctors often killed patients who had minor illnesses. The doctors were not trying to kill patients, but their improper understanding of the way illness operates and spreads would many times lead to the patient's death. Napoleon's illness might have been curable by modern science, and he was not the only great man to fall because of inferior medical development. Another famous case is that of George Washington. The main cause of their deaths presents only one of the many similarities between them. Some of these include their love of children and the respect and admiration they gathered. At the same time, the circumstances of each leading up to their deaths are quite different, presenting one of the still more numerous differences between Washington and Napoleon. A few are how they dealt with power, their personal lives, their military tactics, and their situations when fighting.

Though the two leaders have many striking differences, they also shared some traits. Both enjoyed children, and Napoleon had several himself. Washington and Napoleon were both generals who have come down in history for their feats of war, though that may not be the only reason. Fate decreed that they should share a common enemy, the British. Though later America and Britain were to form a strong bond of friendship, it still holds true that the two nations fought each other. France and Britain would also fight on the same side in later wars, but before then an almost continuous history of war and animosity exists between them. Another similar point between these two great and famous men is that they liked fine clothing. Both men dressed well and fashionably, which to Washington meant having fine manners as well as clothing.

Washington and Napoleon both gained great respect and admiration, both among their men and others whom they met. Under them, troops would follow anywhere. Washington's troops were ready to march on Congress and disband it, if he wished. His presence helped to quell the small number of rebellions that arose after the Revolution. Napoleon's men followed him until his defeat and first exile, but still remained loyal to him as evidenced by the mass return when Napoleon escaped. Not only men, but nations, followed both leaders. All America went into mourning when Washington died. Likewise, France mourned Napoleon's passing. Those who met the great men at social functions, or in Napoleon's case as he was going to his new “island empire,” were impressed and remembered the incident for years.

Both leaders are similar in several respects, but there are many more differences than similarities. One of the most prominent is how they each handled power. Washington refused to take over the government when asked to, and would not serve as president for more than two terms. But Napoleon seized control of the government and kept it until forced to abdicate. Washington kept the government's powers small and limited its power. Instead, Napoleon chose to grow his government until it was extensively involved in the business and affairs of several nations, all under his eye. Under Napoleon, private rights, unless you were French, were mostly ignored. Nations he conquered lived in fear of his army. Washington presents a great contrast, with most personal rights being protected and recovery from the war moving along rapidly.

Their personal life and appearance also present great contrast. While Washington kept his temper under control except for a few instances, Napoleon threw huge fits, rather like Kylo Ren. If he didn't get his way, a tantrum followed. Washington seldom raised his voice and never threw a fit. Napoleon was quite short, while Washington was tall. Like many powerful people, Napoleon had several mistresses. Washington had none.

As leaders, they conducted their careers differently. Washington did not use much, if any, propaganda. Napoleon employed propaganda so much that he ended up believing it. Throughout the war, Washington had enormous difficulty in obtaining necessary supplies such as food and clothing. Napoleon was an emperor, and the decision-maker, so he had no trouble about the granting or collecting of supplies. Napoleon's troops had rigorous training, strong discipline, good equipment, and numbers on their side. Washington's troops had varying levels of training, little discipline, poor or no equipment, and the army was small. Even their tactics were different. Washington fought a war of endurance, and his men performed best in a guerrilla-style war, shooting like Indians from behind trees. Napoleon fought European-style, though this only worked well against Austria, Prussia, and those others who fought likewise. Against the Russians, this tactic led to disaster.

Also, the two leaders fought in different situations, with different outcomes. Washington battled the British alone, but Napoleon attacked most of Europe. Only Britain, safe over the Channel, kept well away from Napoleon. Napoleon fought to subdue and conquer both countries and people. In contrast, Washington sought only to defend and protect his newly-formed country. Like the Spanish fighting Napoleon, in a way, France helped Washington finish the war. French troops and ships helped corner Cornwallis at Yorktown, and the French provided much-needed supplies. When Napoleon battled his way across Europe, he had no allies—except those forced to help because they were conquered. And when given a chance, these “allies” turned against him. Washington's allies stayed with him.

Two leaders, two different, even contrasting, places in history. Yet similarities are easily found between them, such as their fondness for children and the admiration they inspired among their men and others. Still, more differences than similarities present themselves to the observer. Though Washington and Napoleon were both leaders, they handled power differently, behaved differently in personal life, used widely separated military tactics, and fought in different situations. Because of these differences, Washington and Napoleon cannot be called similar. Washington went down to history as famous, and Napoleon went down as infamous. The two leaders are not equally worth of praise. 

Bell 
Note: Sorry about the different line spacings! I copied this over from a word processor and it did not transfer correctly.   

The Identity Quest-Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Erebor! 

Six days after starting from Mirkwood, Melda and her friends arrived at Dale. Bard the Bowman had rebuilt the town and became the king, since he was descended from the kings of Dale in olden days. His son, Bain, ruled there now; but he was beginning to feel the pains of old age. It was expected that he would soon turn the crown over to his son, Brand.

Dale was impressive. It was an important trading center between the Wood-elves and the Dwarves, and now was both happy and prosperous. Marvelous goods of all sorts were made there* and shipped down the river to Laketown or went up to Erebor.

*Those who have read The Lord of the Rings might remember that the “marvelous crackers” that Gandalf brought to Bilbo's Birthday Party came from Dale.

Melda was awed. Laketown had seemed large, but Dale was twice and half again larger than Laketown! Great towers rose up on each corner of the city. The walls were high and in good repair. The Battle of the Five Armies had not yet been forgotten! The Orcs had been taken care of for the most part in the intervening years, but the people were still wary. However, farms now lay in the lands nearby. It was autumn, and the harvest was in full swing.

At Dale the three friends obtained more provisions, then went on to Erebor. They were accompanied by a dwarf who knew Linwen, since their Wood-elvish escort would not go beyond Dale. It did not take them more than a day's journey to arrive thence; even though they were on foot, it was not a hard, nor a long, road. So it was that on the seventh day from their starting in Mirkwood they arrived at Erebor.

Erebor was no less majestic than Dale; indeed, it was more so! The Gate was wide, with pillars on either side. It was just about to open; the sun had risen over the horizon not more than five minutes before. On the Gate was inlaid in gold the design of an anvil and hammer surmounted by a crown with seven stars. The mountain rose up almost as high as the eye could see. It was scored with paths, doors, guardhouses, and the like. Guards stood at the Gate with axes and pikes and bright mail. Their helms glinted in the morning sun.

Melda and Galenloth were awed. Linwen was also, though somewhat less; she had seen the mountain more than once before, if never at sunrise.

“I never knew that such majesty and grandeur existed,” said Melda softly.

“And power,” added Galenloth. “The mountain radiates overwhelming might.”

“You will never see the like,” said Linwen, “for although 'tis said that Gondor is splendid, nothing can compare with The Lonely Mountain.”

They walked up to the Front Gate as the doors swung open.

Inside, Erebor was just as imposing. Dwarves' tread could be heard on the stone floors, their heavy boots clunking loudly. Rich hangings decorated the walls in the corridor leading to the throne room. Great pillars rose up to the high ceiling and merged flawlessly. Melda and Galenloth gazed at the lofty heights and soaring ceilings; they had never seen the like before. Linwen led them on until they reached the doors leading to the throne room. These were inlaid like the gate, with the crown of Durin surrounded by seven stars over a hammer and anvil in gold.

“King Dain will open his audience chamber soon. He receives visitors for two hours about an hour from this time usually, “ whispered Linwen to the other two. They waited, watching the dwarves begin to go about their morning business. Two dwarf-children were playing in a hall nearby; you could hear their laughter. They walked out into the open space where Melda, Galenloth and Linwen were standing.

“You go, Nara,” whispered one. She nudged her companion.

“No, you go, Naugwen!” the other, presumably Nara, whispered back. This went on for several minutes. Finally Naugwen came up to where the three friends were standing. “Greetings,” she said in Dwarvish.

“Greetings,” the three friends replied.

Melda and Galenloth were eager to see what Dwarves looked like, so they looked at Naugwen curiously. She was not very tall, about 4 foot 11, with blond hair and bluish-green eyes. She was wearing a dark blue dress and brown leggings; the dress was almost a tunic in length. She wore boots, something that seemed strange to Galenloth; Wood-elves wore only light shoes.

Naugwen, in her turn, had never seen a Wood-elf, or even a half-elf before. She looked over the three standing together near the door. They had on long tunics, almost dresses, just past the knee, that were green and trimmed with brown. Their leggings were brown, and they wore light shoes that were almost moccasins. The tallest had long brown hair well past her shoulders and brown eyes. She wore a belt of leather with a metal clasp; the clasp had a strange symbol on it. The other two were about the same height; one had brown hair, and the other had golden-red. The one with brown hair had green eyes. Her belt was purple. The other girl, the one with the golden-red hair, had green eyes also. Her belt was a light turquoise-blue.

“I am Naugwen,” said the dwarf who had greeted them. “This is my friend, Nara.”

“I am Melda,”

“I am Galenloth,”

“and I am Linwen,” finished Linwen.

“Have you ever been to Erebor before?” asked Naugwen after a pause.

“No,” answered Melda and Galenloth.

“Yes, I lived here for many years,” said Linwen. “Have you ever lived elsewhere?”

“No,” answered Naugwen and Nara.

“Are the three of you sisters?” asked Nara.

“No,” Melda answered, “though Linwen and I are first cousins once removed.”

Linwen nodded. “Are you and Naugwen sisters?” she asked.

“No, we are not,” Naugwen replied, “though we may act as such from time to time.”

At that moment the gate opened. The hall inside was decorated with hangings on the walls, carpet on the floor, and gems inlaid within the stone. The throne was near the far end of the room. Linwen lead the other two to the edge of the red and purple carpet surrounding the throne, then halted. “O king, we have a request to make,” she said.

“What is your request?” the king asked. His face was grim and stern, but not unkind.

“I bring two of my friends from Mirkwood, O king, where I went not yet four months ago. They have near kin here, since they are descended from Dwarves and Elves both, ” Linwen replied. The king mused for a moment. “Come up next to Linwen,” he commanded Melda and Galenloth. He spoke in the Common Speech, thinking not that they understood Dwarvish. “Who are your parents?”

They looked at each other, then Melda spoke. “O king, I am the daughter of Ranfea and Tolowen.”

“And I, O king, am the daughter of Tharir and Calmire,” finished Galenloth.

King Dain mused again. “I have heard of Tharir and Calmire,” he said, “and also of Tolowen. But Tolowen merely visits once a year. And Ranfea is a Man. Calmire visits at times, though it has been several years since last she came here. What are your names?”

“I am called Melda, O king,” said Melda.

“And I, O king, am called Galenloth,” said Galenloth.

“Galenloth, you are half Dwarf, and therefore welcome to our halls. Melda, I must consider your case. In the meantime, you may stay with Linwen and Galenloth. Do not leave them until I have given my verdict,” the king told them.

The three bowed, and made their way to the doors. As they were leaving, one of the guards asked her something teasingly in Dwarvish. Melda answered him fittingly, and was about to leave when King Dain said “Halt!” They did, and turned to face him. “When did you learn to speak Dwarvish?” he asked Melda. She looked at Linwen and Galenloth.

“What should I do?” she mouthed.
“Answer me!” the king commanded.

“I taught her, O king,” answered Linwen after a pause. “Galenloth also.”

“My mother had begun teaching me a few words, but I knew very little until Linwen taught me. We made certain that none overheard,” Melda added hastily.

The king mused. “If your mother saw fit to teach you some words of our tongue...” he broke off and was silent for a time. “You may stay and learn here,” he said at last. “However, beware lest you betray our secrets. They are not for all ears. And Dwarves have long memories.” With that, he dismissed them.

When they left, they saw that Nara and Naugwen were still lingering outside. “Do you have a chambers yet?” Naugwen asked.

“No,” answered Galenloth, “although Linwen does, I think.”

Linwen nodded. “We have spoken to the king, and he will give orders for chambers to be prepared for them.”

The Dwarves gathered for a hearty supper at eventide. The tables were well laden; Dwarves consume large amounts of food, when they are hungry (which is almost always). Laughter echoed in the halls as the mead was passed around. Soon Melda felt that the day had really failed and night had come. She glanced nervously at the boisterous dwarves. Some had already had their fill of mead, and Melda thought that more would go down that path as the night wore on. “Linwen!” she whispered. “Had we not best leave before the night wears on farther?”

Linwen glanced around the room. “A wise plan. I had nearly forgotten, in my joy at returning, how wild Dwarves can be when lost in mead.”

The three friends went up to Linwen's chambers. A dwarf was waiting for them. “Rooms have been prepared for Galenloth and Melda. I will show you to them,” he said. The three followed him first to Galenloth's rooms, then to Melda's. Both were close to Linwen's; Galenloth's were four doors farther on, and Melda's were six down in the other direction. “These will be your chambers for the duration of your stay,” their guide told them before he left.

Melda looked around her room. It was bare of any decoration, save a tapestry depicting Durin, one of the seven Dwarf Fathers, as he walked the earth in the dawn of days. There was a fireplace at the far end of the room. A bed stood in one corner, a dresser in another, and a table and chair in the middle. There was a torch-bracket on the wall, and candles stood on the dresser and table.

The table had writing utensils on it, along with parchment; Melda wondered why. She went over and looked at it. The topmost sheet of parchment was a map of Erebor, not including the mines. As she examined it, she began to suspect that she would need it the first few days in that new and confusing place. She crossed over to the bed. Freshly washed sheets covered it, and the pillow was soft. Looking in the dresser, she found two complete outfits. “These Dwarves are certainly not miserly hosts!” she thought. Since the night was wearing on, Melda went to bed. Wondering how they told time in this windowless place, she soon fell asleep. 

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The Identity Quest--Chapter 3

Chapter 3

A month with the Wood-elves

Melda stayed with the Wood-elves for about a month, and became rather good friends with Galadhmir, Galenloth, and Linwen. She spent most of her time wandering the forest, with or without them (although Legolas usually sent another Wood-elf with her when she went without them), and learning how to hunt, as well as learning more Sindarin.* It was spring, and the woods were rather pleasant. The leaves were green, the birds sang (near to where the Wood-elves lived; they had a good influence on the trees nearby to the palace),

*Sindarin was a form of Elvish. Quenyan was the older form of Elvish, rather like Latin is today; it was only used for ceremony and for high matters of lore and song. Sindarin was the primary language of all Elves by the time of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, including the great Elf Lords. The Elf Lords did, however, speak Quenyan among themselves. The Dúnedain spoke Sindarin among themselves, as well as Common Speech. See Appendix F of The Lord of the Rings (look in the back of The Return of the King).

Melda had never really seen a forest before, and she loved exploring it with her friends. One day, Galadhmir came up and asked, “Melda, have you ever climbed a tree?”

“No,” Melda answered, surprised.

“You should! It is great fun, and very refreshing! Do you want to try?”

“Alright,” Melda agreed cautiously.

Galenloth came up and asked what they were doing. “Instructing Melda in the art of tree-climbing,” said Galadhmir.

Galenloth was intrigued. “May I join you? I have some skill in trees.”

“Certainly!” said Galadhmir.

They went to a place that Galadhmir said was where her favourite climbing tree stood. “Are some trees better than others?”

“Yes,” answered Galadhmir. “Some trees have good places to sit and look out at the world, while others have branches in odd places that make them uncomfortable to sit or climb in.”

After several minutes of walking, they reached their destination. Galadhmir immediately went to one tall beech tree that stood a few paces distant from the others. “This one is my favourite,” she said. “But this one,” going to another tree, “is more suited to begin on. It is not as difficult, and the branches are lower.”

She swarmed up it like a squirrel. Melda followed much more slowly. It was a shorter oak tree, with branches in convenient places. Galadhmir showed her how to hold on to a branch in order to walk up the side of the tree and throw a leg over the branch you were holding on to, then sit up and proceed to the next branch. The tree split into four different large branches farther up, with one that was almost parallel to the ground; and father still, the other branches also flattened out somewhat, almost looking like slanted. She got up to the first branch, then went to the center; all the main branches came out from there. It was like sitting on top of a giant spider.

Galenloth joined her. Galadhmir was far ahead, among the upper branches. “Come up here, Melda!” she called joyously. “You can see the trees, and feel the wind!” Melda was rather nervous in a tree; but she climbed up anyway. She was surefooted, as befitted a Wood-elf, but not so much as Galadhmir. Galenloth followed Melda, and at last all three were seated up on the higher branches.

The butterflies were dancing above the trees, the sun was shining, and the wind was pleasant. Melda breathed deeply. All her life had been lived in open places, and Mirkwood seemed rather gloomy compared to the openness of the wilderness; though it was filled with trees, and where the Wood-elves had their feast halls (and near the palace) it was pleasant, the wilderness was less frightening. The very numbers of the trees seemed daunting to Melda. But it was nice to see the sun again. She wondered where her father was, and what he was doing.

Galadhmir called her back to the present. “What was it like, being with the Dúnedain?” she asked. “What did you do all day?”

Melda thought for a moment. “I would help my father with the cooking when my mother was gone,” she said. “I would explore the land about our camp, and my father would teach me to find and read the trails of beasts and birds. One day we found Orc tracks nearby, but they were old. My mother would teach me to cook, when she was not with the Wood-elves or the Dwarves, as well as how to sew, clean, and read.”

“Was it fun?” asked Galenloth.

Melda considered. “I would say so. At times I was bored, but I have learned much.”

Every day for about a week, Melda went with Galadhmir (and usually Galenloth also) to climb the trees. By the end of the week, Melda could climb with ease the first tree Galadhmir had taught her to climb on, and was only slightly deterred by the others.

“Is this where you have always lived, or did you live somewhere else and then come here?” Melda asked Galenloth and Linwen as they were walking in the woods. The month was waning, and was now near the end of its second week. Melda had just finished her last climbing lesson, and Galadhmir had gone back to the palace. Galenloth and Melda had met Linwen while they were wandering along the path back.

“I have always lived here,” said Galenloth, “but soon I will visit Erebor.”

“I arrived here a few months ago,” said Linwen, “and before that I lived with the Dwarves in Erebor.”

“What is Erebor like?” Melda asked curiously.

“It is large. The Dwarves almost seem to want to make everyone who visits them feel small! There is much splendor there, and the walls in the guest rooms are covered with rich hangings. The floors are solid stone and covered in some places with carpet. Gold and gems are everywhere! And at the heart of the mountain lies Thorin Oakenshield, with Orcrist and the Arkenstone on his breast,” Linwen replied, eyes shining.

To Melda it sounded like more jewels and splendor than all the rich trappings and gems than were to be found in the whole Dúnedain camp! They are not given to luxuries. “It sounds like something out of the old tales,” she said, a little wistfully.

Galenloth laughed. “Well, perhaps we should travel there!” She grew more serious. “I do mean it. We are part Dwarven after all, aren't we? It would not be wise to only see part of the world.”

“Yes,” Melda agreed, “it would not. And I, for one, would like to see the halls of my mother's fathers.” Her eyes shone with anticipation. “Also, my father told me I must not stay with the Wood-elves for long at first; they are not the only peoples in this world. They are not to be disregarded, but there are others to meet and see as well. Still,” and here she seemed a little sorrowful, “I will miss the Wood-elves. They have been very kind to me.”

“But we will not be gone forever,” said Galenloth. “It will be but a visit.”

“True,” Melda agreed. “Let us stay a week more, if you have no great urgency; for I would stay here at least a month before departing, even to visit Erebor.”

Galenloth agreed. Linwen asked, “May I accompany you?”

“I say yes, for my part,” said Melda.

“As do I!” said Galenloth.

“Do we require permission from the Elvenking to depart?” Melda asked. It had just occurred to her that it might not be the wisest plan to depart without notifying anyone of it.

Galenloth thought for a moment. “It would be a wise plan to at least ask him for permission to visit our relatives.” Linwen agreed, so they went to the audience chamber.

The Elvenking had a magnificent audience chamber. Melda was not quite as overwhelmed by the splendor and majesty as she had been when she first saw the room (though it still was overwhelming in part), so she was able to note patterns formed by the gems and gold. The Elvenking's throne had two giant antlers behind it, rather like wings. It was still spring, so he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In autumn he wore a crown of red leaves and berries. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak. “What is your request?” he asked. His voice was stern, yet kind.

“O king, we wish to visit our relatives in Erebor,” said Melda. Linwen and Galenloth nodded in agreement.

The Elvenking looked slightly surprised, but not offended. Melda took this as a good sign. He thought for a moment, then answered. “You may go with the next consignment of barrels shipping back to Esgaroth. It will in two weeks.”

“Thank you, O king,” said Melda, Galenloth, and Linwen together. They bowed and left.

Melda and Galenloth told Galadhmir they were leaving. “So you are visiting the Lonely Mountain?” ask Galadhmir.

“Yes,” the other two replied.

“Could you possibly either make or get for me a set of claws?” she asked

“What?” Melda said in surprise.

“Claws, like...I will show you a picture,” said Galadhmir. She showed them a picture of leather hand coverings without any fingers that had short blades attached. When the person wearing the gloves made a fist, the blades would go out over their knuckles, and could then be used to slash and fight with.

“I think we could,” said Melda.

“I, also,” said Galenloth. “They look very useful.”

The weeks passed by quickly. Linwen taught Melda and Galenloth some Dwarvish, but they did it in the forest so as not to be overheard. (Dwarves do not unlock the secrets of their language to any outsiders, unlike the Elves.) They packed for their journey, bringing waterskins, along with the usual spare clothes and such that are always packed for trips. They checked and rechecked everything, so as not to leave anything behind.

The day arrived. Galenloth, Linwen, and Melda went down to the place where the Wood-elves formed the barrels into rafts and took them back to Laketown. The three joined the raftsmen, and the raft moved off downstream. No great amount of luggage was needed; this was not a very long trip. Food could be obtained at Dale, before the last leg of the journey. The three were very excited. Melda and Galenloth had never been to Erebor before, and Linwen had been away in Mirkwood for almost a year.

After a day and a nights' traveling, they reached Esgaroth. Melda had never seen a town before; the Dúnedain did not live in houses. It was very strange to her, this idea that people should live somewhere with walls of stone or wood. She looked around curiously at the paved streets, the painted doors, and most especially the roofs. The people looked happy and prosperous. Children ran about the streets playing. The three friends spent the night there, and in the morning they set out on the trek to Dale. 

END OF CHAPTER
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The Identity Quest--Chapter 2

Chapter 2

With the Wood-elves

As they rode into the forest, Melda sensed that this forest was different from any she had ever seen before. The trees were dark, and they overhung the path threateningly. Mirkwood deserved its name, she felt. The wood was frightening, as though it was unwholesome.

They traveled through the forest for several miles until they came to the Wood-elves' fortress. The fortress was impressive, with tall towers and many arrow slits. Melda heard many tales of this place from her mother, both about Tolowen's own experiences and those of the companions of Thorin Oakenshield on his last quest.

When Thorin's companions had come to Mirkwood, they had become lost in the forest. They stumbled across a group of feasting Wood-elves, and Thorin was captured. The other 12 dwarves and Bilbo were so bewildered that they didn't notice Thorin was missing! The remaining dwarves were captured by giant spiders, some of the evil inhabitants of the forest, but Bilbo saved them. In the end, the Wood-elves found and captured them as well. Bilbo had a magic ring, which he had picked up in the Misty Mountains, that would turn the wearer invisible. He used it to avoid being caught, then later helped all his dwarf friends, including Thorin, to escape.

Melda's mother, Tolowen, had gone to the fortress many times before. She usually went there for several weeks every spring, but this year she had not come back. Melda could tell that her father was worried, but she did not know what she could do to help him. She hoped, however, that her mother would be there; that seemed the only cure to his worry.

As they came up to the gate, the sentries hailed them, saying, “Who goes there? What is your errand?” Ranfea answered, 
“I am Ranfea. I come looking for my wife, Tolowen. This is my daughter, Melda.” The sentries conferred together for a moment, then one said, 
“You may enter; I will take you to the king. I am Thalion. ”

They entered through the great gates of the palace, which shut by magic behind them. Melda was awed by the splendor of the palace. It was built of stone, with wood on the inside of the walls. The stairways were beautifully carved out of wood, and the doors to the Elvenking's chamber were inlaid with precious jewels and metals. Two guards stood on either side of the doors; they opened the doors as the group approached.

The Elvenking was arrayed in magnificent, flowing robes. His beech throne was exquisitely carved, with birds and deer fashioned into the wood. It was bordered in gold and silver, and inlaid with jewels. Everything here seemed to radiate wealth and beauty.

When he spoke, it was with a higher voice than a Man or a Dwarf, but he did not seem young. His hair was silver with age, yet he was as spry as one just come to manhood. “Welcome, Ranfea. It is long since you entered these halls. What brings you here?” asked the Elvenking. 
“Lord Thranduil, I come seeking my wife, Tolowen. She has not yet returned to the camp of the Rangers, and she should have been there five days ago.” Thranduil frowned. 
“I will ask and see if any have news of her. Meanwhile, I ask that you partake of our hospitality.” Ranfea accepted, and together he and Melda went to the feast.

The Wood-elves laughed and sang. Elves, especially Wood-elves, are merry; they have a fondness for feasting and song. Ranfea, however, was inclined to be silent. He was worried about Tolowen, and he was in no mood for laughter and song. “What should I do if she is not here?” he asked himself. “Take Melda back to the Dúnedain with me? Or leave her here with the Wood-elves? I cannot raise her on my own; she would stay with one of the others if need be. She would be a strange child in a strange house. But here, she would be safe for the most part, and able to meet her mother's kin. After a few years, she could go to the Dwarves in Erebor. Then she would be able to live with all three kindreds she is descended from. And...” He closed his eyes, deep in thought. “She will have to make a choice. Tolowen told me that the Valar told her she must choose between Elves and Dwarves. She chose the Elves, since she had lived with them for most of her life; she had never really met a Dwarf. Tauriel had left her with a Wood-elf friend before the battle, and that friend raised her. Melda must have the chance to see more of the world, so that she will not pick blindly; I suspect she will be asked to choose soon. And she must choose from three races, not just two.” Ranfea was satisfied; if the worst came to the worst, Melda would be provided for.

Melda was excited. “Elves,” she whispered to herself as she entered the hall. It was her wildest dreams come true. These were not short, fat toy-makers; these were tall, slim, sprightly creatures, with bows, swords, and knives. Wood-elves' laughter was like a stream rippling over stones, or the wind among the trees, smooth and flowing. It was contagious; and Melda soon found that she was laughing, too. However, she heeded her father's warning, and kept hold of herself.

Ranfea and Melda ate their fill; there was plenty of good food to be had. Bread, butter, venison; all was there. Wine, too, there was in plenty. The Wood-elves feasted well and often.

Songs were sung, tales of great deeds done long ago were told, and all made merry. Elves have a seeming endless appetite for songs.

Ranfea sighed. All this reminded him of meeting Tolowen at that feast, so long ago. She was very young by the standards of Elves, only about 20 years old in mind, though by Shire-reckoning she was about 40 calendar years old. Her hair was waist-long, black as a raven's wing, and it glistened in the starlight, and her eyes were like deep brown pools. Melda had her mother's eyes. “Where is she?” he wondered. “Surely I would have news of her by now if she was here.”

After the feast the Elvenking beckoned to Ranfea and Melda. His face was more grave than before, and he spoke slowly. “I have news of your wife; it is not good. She was with a party of Elves in the woods when Orcs attacked. It was a large force, and several Wood-elves were captured,” he said, and then paused. “Your wife was also.” He held up his hand. “We did all we could to find the Orcs once we had news of this, but by then it was too late. The survivors did not reach us for a whole day. Also, they said the Orcs were headed deeper into the forest. We followed their trail. It went towards the far edge. It did not take long to find where they went.”

He paused again. Ranfea voiced his thought aloud. “Dol Guldor. They went to Dol Guldor, with the prisoners.” His voice was empty, as though he was too stricken to express his grief, and his head was bowed.
“Yes,” said the Elvenking. “Our scouts followed their trail nearer to that evil place than we have ever dared to go. There can be no doubt about their destination.”

Ranfea raised his head, and his eyes were red. The look on his face was so terrible to behold that Melda stepped back in alarm. “I will rescue my wife, if she still breathes,” he said. In his voice there was enough determination to shift a mountain. Melda was worried. What might her father do in his madness? And what would happen to her mother? Tolowen might already be dead or worse.

Together she and her father went to a guest room. “Melda, I must go rescue Tolowen, even if it takes me a hundred years. You must live with the Wood-elves for a time, but make sure that you do not stay forever. You must also visit Erebor, and learn about the Dwarves; you belong to them as well. I will ask Legolas* to look after you,” Ranfea told her.

Melda was rather excited about the prospect of growing up with the Wood-elves (and the Dwarves, but they sounded much less exciting), but she was worried for her mother and father. “I'll miss you” was all she could manage to say.

The next morning, Ranfea left. He told Melda goodbye, and that Legolas would look after her. Then he was gone, and Melda was with the Wood-elves.

She explored the castle. It had many rooms, lots of storage, and dungeons, where Thorin and Company had stayed until Bilbo had saved them with his ring. Melda had heard the tale often from her mother. There was also the great dining hall where the feast had been held.

*This is not the Legolas from the LOTR and Hobbit movies. This Legolas is from the book. He is very mature, being a couple thousand years old.

The Wood-elves went on a hunt, and Legolas took Melda along. There were about ten Wood-elves, and two children like herself. Melda was feeling rather lonely, so she decided to at least attempt to make friends, even though she was feeling very shy. “Mae govannen,” she said shyly, coming over. “Mae govannen,” they responded, and everyone looked at each other like so many owls. 
“My name is Melda,” she said. 
“Mine is Galadhmir, ” said a tall girl with very long, brown hair. Her eyes were a startling blue. 
“Mine is Galenloth, ” said the other girl. She was not as tall as Galadhmir, but her hair was just as long. Her eyes were green. They were both as slender as Wood-elves, and they both had the pointed ears of the Wood-elves, but Galenloth was rather short for a Wood-elf.

Just then, Legolas called Melda over. “The hunt is about to begin,” he said. Melda got on her horse just in time.

The hunt was exciting, but Melda was struck by how very gloomy and cheerless Mirkwood seemed. The sun could not reach the forest floor, and the trees seemed menacing. The feasting-place of the Wood-elves, however, was more cheerful. Stumps were used for seats, and the tree-branches made a beautiful canopy over the grass; a stark contrast to the remainder of the forest!

Melda ate her fill and joined in the merriment. One Wood-elf began a song on the harp; others joined in. It was easy to lose one's self in the gaiety and revelry, but she heeded her father's warning. “Where is he?” she wondered. “Is he among Orcs? Men? Rangers? Elves?” She had no way of knowing. Just then Galadhmir came over to her. 
“Mae govannen,” she said shyly. “Do you want to join myself and Galenloth?” Melda went with her. They found several stumps close together, and started talking about their families. 
“My mother, Tolowen, was just recently captured by Orcs. My father, Ranfea, is attempting to find her,” Melda said. 
“My mother, Tinca, and my father, Elodun, are both part of the palace guard, ” said Galadhmir. “And my mother, Calmire, lives in the palace as well. My father, Tharir, is in Erebor. He is a Dwarf,” finished Galenloth. 
“My mother is half Wood-elf, half Dwarf, too!” exclaimed Melda. “Really?” asked Galenloth. “Who were her parents?”
 “Tauriel the Wood-elf and Kili the Dwarf,” answered Melda. Both Galenloth and Galadhmir were surprised. “Your mother's parents are rather legendary! ” said Galadhmir. 
“But be careful about mentioning the name of Tauriel,” added Galenloth. “She is not popular with the Elvenking, even fifty years later. He believes she betrayed her own kindred by going to help the Dwarves against orders. And he does not quite approve of my mother's marrying a Dwarf, though he says nothing openly.” Melda sighed. 
“Thank you both. I will remember that about Tauriel,” she said. “But do you ever fight with each other, since Galenloth is half Dwarf and Galadhmir is a Wood-elf?” They both laughed. 

“We only met two days ago,” said Galenloth. “I had never been far from the cellars before, except at feasts. My mother has always worked in the cellars.”

Galadhmir broke in. “Where does your father come from, Melda?” she asked curiously. 
“He is one of the Dúnedain, ” Melda answered. “That is where I have grown up, until now. ” Galadhmir and Galenloth both stared at her in wonder. 
“So you are partly Wood-elf, partly Dwarf, and partly Ranger!” said Galadhmir softly. 
“Did you wander much? Or did you stay in one place most of the time?” asked Galenloth.
 “We wandered far and often. It was rare for us to stay in one place for more than a week or two, ” Melda answered. 
“Was it difficult, always being on the move?” asked Galadhmir. “In a way,” Melda said. She was lost in thought for a moment. “But then, it was interesting. New places to explore and new paths to find.”

They continued talking until Legolas came over and called Melda to him. The hunt was returning home to the fortress.

That night, Melda fell asleep contentedly. At last, she had found friends! With the Dúnedain, she had never had a friend. Her mother had been gone for half the year, so she had helped her father to cook and clean. When her mother was with them, she had helped her mother with the housework, and learned how to sew, cook, prepare skins, and things of that sort. She had never really had time to even want to make friends.

In the morning, there was a feast. Melda was feeling rather shy. Few Wood-elf children were there, but many adults. Wood-elves love feasts, merriment, and all things related. Melda retreated to a corner, and found another girl there. She looked about Melda's age. 
“Mae govannen,” Melda said shyly. 
“Mae govannen,” the girl responded. “My name is Melda,” Melda said. 
“Mine is Linwen,” said the other girl. She had golden-red hair slightly more than shoulder-length, green eyes, and ears like an Elf; but she was not much taller than a Dwarf. *

*Dwarves were about 5 feet tall, and Elves were about 6 feet tall as adults. Linwen was about 5' 3.

The two looked at each other for a minute. “There are a lot of people here,” said Melda, desperate to break the silence.
 “Yes,” agreed Linwen. “I am not fond of crowds. Are you?” 
“No,” answered Melda. “I have never seen so many people in one place at the same time before, and it is rather overwhelming.” Linwen was a bit surprised. 
“Never?” she asked. “Have you ever seen one of the Wood-elves' feasts before?” 
“No,” said Melda. “My father is one of the Dúnedain, and my mother never took me along on one of her visits to the Wood-elves before.” Linwen nodded.
“I am half Wood-elf as well. My mother is Ariara, King Thranduil's sister. My father is Frerin, the brother of Thorin Oakenshield,” she said.
 “He is? Then we are related!” Melda said. “My mother's father was Kili, Thorin Oakenshield's nephew. He was the son of Dis, Thorin's sister.” 
“That makes us...first cousins once removed, I believe,” said Linwen. “That sounds right, ” said Melda.

Melda and Linwen talked for some time before Linwen was called away by someone else. Melda couldn't see Galadhmir or Galenloth, so she found a seat and ate more food. Wood-elves were excellent cooks.

Melda went contentedly to sleep that night. “Now I have made three friends,” she thought. “And found second person who is also part-elven. I had no idea there were any besides myself who were part-Elven at all!”

End of Chapter 2

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