Hidden Machine

[Chrysophylax Dives]

Deep in the Forest of Fangorn, cunningly hidden from the eyes of polite society, is a machine. Only one of the many machines that contribute to the proper running of the plaza, yet absolutely vital to the collective well-being, this machine makes butter.



The machine is a new collaborative venture. As a machine, it is naturally a work of Mordor. For the butter-making, we import milk from the Shire and from Rohan. And we are situated in Fangorn so that Ents may guard the machine and huorns keep watch for rogue police patrols.



To those of you who raise an eyebrow in disaproval at the use (and abuse) of butter on the plaza, I suggest that it is time to look out the window at the world that we live in, and wake up. Civility makes a community. Courtesy brings enjoyment to participation in the community. But only with buttering of each other up will a community flourish.

Butter is actually very tasty, and being buttered up by another can be a satisfying and even fun experience. Of course, potential butterers must not lay it on too thick, but the same goes for civility and courtesy.



This thread is for any members who feel they might benefit from a few practice sessions in buttering-up. Post your attempts below and another member will, I am sure, be happy to give a few pointers to an improved technique.

[Arnyn]

Alright. Then I'd like to butter up @Chrysophylax Dives with something I read recently and made me think of him.

Your humor is like a dog whistle. It mostly goes undetected. But to those that get it, they really get it.

Pointers appreciated!

[Chrysophylax Dives]

O WOW!

Perfect pass. You may now take the butter knife. May this knife serve as a badge of distinction, so others may learn from you!

[Arnyn]

I have just the right spot for it on my belt!

[Chrysophylax Dives]

Please note that this thread is for anyone to try out buttering, and not only on me! However, I now take it upon myself to award a second butter knife.

Chrys: It is perhaps the first time I reply as I do to Priya.. A wonderful post, I grab indeed in what fashions the methaphor is used by Tolkien. This is certainly so: "This is an author who knows just how to turn us around to look in one direction by means of subtle wordcraft that we as readers do not even notice, and turns us around merely as a deft distraction because what he is actually doing is setting up the big surprise right in front of our faces." You worked it out very well.

Aiks, please accept this knife as a sign that your post was most appreciated.

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Hi Chrys! Sure, I remember my grandparents had about such knives, or it were a few utensils from an older set of her parents? Funny design. Looks yummi this far, but the breads needs some strawberries on top of the butter.

[Chrysophylax Dives]

I felt you might appreciate this more old-fashioned model. As for the strawberries, I am afraid that is a stretch too far on my part. I can reach honey on the butter, but alas no more.

[Chrysophylax Dives]

And p.s. I've learnt loads from things like your writings over the years about things like Scyld Scefing and so on and so forth. Bit groggy from usual lack of sufficient hours of sleep to express it clearly. I obviously think scholarship is hugely important and fascinating for illuminating texts. I wouldn't be still hovering on this forum otherwise.

Dear Muppet-Roadrunner, who may not be a Hobbit who has walked out of Mordor, and in any case whose plaza identity as hidden Elf or tree is her own, on behalf of the hidden Fangorn machine, we would be honoured if you would accept this set of four steel blades.

[VelvetineZone]

I like butter.