They saw a valley far below. They could hear the voice of hurrying water in a rocky bed at the bottom; the scent of trees was in the air; and there was a light on the valley-side across the water… The trees changed to beech and oak, and there was a comfortable feeling in the twilight. The last green had almost faded out of the grass, when they came at length to an open glade not far above the banks of the stream. “Hmmm! It smells like elves!” though Bilbo, and he looked up at the stars. They were burning bright and blue. Just then there came a burst of song like laughter in the trees:
O! What are you doing,
And where are you going?
Your ponies need shoeing!
The river is flowing!
O! tra-la-la-lally
Here down in the valley!
O! What are you seeking,
And where are you making?
The faggots are reeking,
The bannocks are baking!
O! Tril-lil-lil-lolly
The valley is jolly,
Ha! Ha!
O! Will you be staying,
Or will you be flying?
Your ponies are straying!
The daylight is dying!
To fly would be folly,
To stay would be jolly
And listen and hark
Til the end of the dark
To our tune
Ha! Ha!
So they laughed and sang in the trees; and pretty fair nonsense, I daresay you think it. Not that they would care; they would only laugh all the more if you told them so. They were elves of course…. Then off they went into another song as ridiculous as the one I have written down in full. At last one, a tall young fellow, came out from the trees and bowed to Gandalf and Thorin. “Welcome to the valley!” he said.
The Hobbit, A Short Rest
In the vale of Rivendell, where the Last Homely House lies safely nestled, dwell not only its noble inhabitants but the many common residents of the valley, a curious and carefree people. They dance, sing and laugh amongst the trees and by the river, coming together from their secret dwellings to make merry from dusk ‘til dawn. While bands of elves no doubt roam the vale and do their merry-making in the open air, others prefer to gather in the comfortable arms of Adab Gelir, the House of Merriment. This rustic tavern sits in the embrace of an enormous beech tree, built up beneath the hanging boughs to wrap halfway around the tree, so that the trunk itself forms the back wall. The thatch-roofed building thrusts out from the tree in a broad semicircle, with plenty of room inside the hidden pub for the inhabitants of the valley to crowd in of an evening.
Within the tavern itself, the ceilings are low and broad-beamed, making the interior seems somewhat smaller than it is, but cozy and warm. In the center of the long, curved room, opposite the door, is the bar. It is a carved structure of beech with a long flat surface that extends just to where the room begins to curve, with plenty of stools for those who wish to sit at the bar. For those who prefer a different setting, there are chairs and tables scattered about the length of the tavern’s rush-strewn floor. None of them are fixed in place, so that patrons of the Adab Gelir can rearrange them as their mood suits, often changing configuration several times in one night. At each end of the semicircular tavern is a roaring fireplace, where groups can gather for quiet conversation or bards may take up a position of prominence.
Behind the bar is Alagon (played by Moriel), the jovial Sinda who runs the tavern. He is a not overtall, a middle-sized ellon with a solid frame, wild reddish hair, a ruddy complexion and bright blue eyes. He is always cheerful and ready with as joke or a song, keeping the Adab Gelir open to all hours for the inhabitants of the vale. All are treated equally by Alagon, from the youngest child to Lord Elrond himself. Always close by is his pet robin, Gliri.
Drinks
Dorwinion Red Wine – Fine imported red, the same variety that the Elvenking favors for his table. Quite strong!
Greenwood Burgundy – A dark red wine from Mirkwood, rich and bold.
Northern White Wine – Delicate white, from a small vineyard at the northernmost edge of the valley.
Blackberry Wine – Created by Alagon himself, this wine made from plump blackberries is extremely strong and sold only in very small glasses, as it is deceptively sweet and fruity.
Mead – Also called honey wine, a powerful drink made by Alagon from sweet clover honey. Available plain, or in varieties flavored by raspberry and rosehips.
Dry Stout – An almost black beer, characterized by a toast or coffee-like taste.
Old Ale – A dark malty beer, fairly bitter
Brown Ale – Dark amber beer, sweet and smooth, with a hint of chocolate.
Tea – Black, Mint, Ginger or Cinnamon.
Food
Bannocks – Flat, dense oatmeal cakes, made with salt and sugar. Very good plain or dipped in tea or honey.
Fruit – A dish of fresh fruit, sliced or chopped, varieties dependent on the season. Also available dribbled with honey!
Bread – Baked fresh, light and crusty or thick and solid. Served with butter or/and fruit preserves.
Stew – Rich, filling venison stew with barley and good root vegetables
Fish – Catch of the day from the Bruinen, grilled and flaky.
Potted Hare – Rabbit stewed in red wine, shredded, mixed with lemon and thyme, then packed into a terrine and covered with broth and butter and left to cool until the mixture has saturated.
Fruitcake – Not your grandma’s Yuletide brick, this cake is thick, stodgy and filled with plums.
Pie – Apple, Cherry, Blueberry
Rules
1. Please avoid #008040, as that is the publician (Alagon) color
2. Posts 200+ characters (approx. 2 full lines of text)
3. Have fun!
If you are interested in working at the Adab Gelir as a baker, cook, server, assistant bartender, or other position you might have an idea for, feel free to approach Alagon IC!
