Tianwen·Magweth Pengolodh

Hold up a finger, "—you are pretty. The elves are said to have a keen eye. Have you ever seen an ugly young man, or a fat man, in the court of our good King?"

"No," admitted Pengolod, "some have gray beards, but as far as mortals are concerned, that's all."

Nuf nodded: "All mortals know that the pretty face of an elf is the representative of virtue. So—"

"Wait, wait! Where did this start? We elves didn't say that themselves," Pengolod protested.

Noof looked pissed and amused: "You said you didn't say that, that's exactly what a virtuous person would say. I'm sure you didn't say that, but you understand why we say that, right? Anyway , before you said you didn't say that, I was saying, so those who are not good-looking are not welcome in Armenelos."

Pengolod was stunned. "How could they make laws about that?"

"They didn't need it. I saw that happen. I was young when Minastiel took the scepter. His wife was a beauty, of course, and the nobles soon saw that Minastiel How Nastiel groomed himself after the manner of the elves--shaved his beard, and wore robes like the elves who come off the ship. They did the same, and the clever began to recruit handsome squires and handmaidens into their retinue. Beauty and The theory that the noble nature is oneness blossoms everywhere. By now they feel they know what beauty is, and become more and more demanding in their pursuit of it; It’s rare.” Nuf glanced at Pengolod unceremoniously, “Even if a fat man is of noble blood and sits on the vineyards of Harnusta, once he arrives at the court, even the most beautiful servants with the lowest status will be absolutely Never speak well of him." He stopped and took another sip, "I have a younger sister in my family." He said casually.

By this time, Pengolod had realized that he had become the audience of a master storyteller.He didn't mention his sister, but nodded, suggesting that Nufu should go on.

"Yes, a sister. You'll know she's my sister as soon as you see her, don't doubt it. I don't want to be a woman. A fat man can handle it in the end if he's a man. He can do business and talk to people Dealing, outwitting people, teasing them, getting people. Because of that, the head of the comedians has always been a fat guy. My ex told me I'd find it fucking comfortable, he said That's right. People used to avoid looking at my face, but the Pocket King made it easy for them to see, and made me stand out. But—my sister?" He shook his head.For a moment, real desolation appeared in his eyes. "Better let her brother wander about in Romenna, live a low life, and taunt Cirjatan. Stay home and take care of the family—there's no better excuse to save her from those critical eyes." .Although she will not go to the holy place of Iluvatar on Mount Meneltama, the holy place of Yavanna will not dislike her." He tilted the large cup, covered his face with it for a while, and then He put down his glass and wiped his mouth. "Oh my god, listen, I've become as sentimental as I've been drinking alcohol. Hey, boss, what trick did you do in this heat-relieving soup?"

Pengolod said what he had said to Alfwine earlier: "It was very kind of you to leave home so that she might live in peace."

"Hmph, I think I'm actually selfish. As long as the weather is good, I'd be more comfortable hanging out with those clown guys here." Seeing that Pengolod raised his eyebrows, Nuf couldn't help shouting in surprise, "Don't tell me You didn't even notice that! All the dross of Númenor came to King's Town, and all that is not at all elf-like. Those Minas Tier don't even want to use chamber pots in Armenelos The boys and wenches came here as soon as they disembarked. Again, it was Tar-Minastir's work. The old port was fine, but it had a bad habit of burning down because It was built of inferior timbers of which no ships could be built. Minastiel rebuilt it with new stone, and planted handsome trees, and dug fine wells, as handsome as he did in Armenelos. —but he insisted that it was refurbished for the laborers."

Pengolod tactfully followed the hint and asked, "Is there any problem with this?"

"No, it's just that most of the Númenóreans love beauty and long to be as good-looking as the elves, so they are also rich enough that no one wants to be a laborer. Those who are entitled to housing have given up their leases, To force your way into Romenna's good turf, and good turf is anywhere outside of Kingstown. All decent new places are filled with people who think 'labourers' are only a little bit better than 'sluts from the mud' man. And then there you go, ha! It's one thing for an elf to like Kingstown, but an elf likes Kingstown more than Armenelos, to the point where Ken spends his entire summer here, and that's what everyone It's all exciting."

"I see." Pengolod remained calm on the surface, but was actually sorting out some impressions.Noof has the strengths of quick thinking, wit, sarcasm and insight.But Pengolod had a stronger feeling that he had known someone of the same type before, with a different name, a different appearance, but a similar soul; he had met someone cast in the same mould. .

His focused gaze affected Noof: "Honestly, you've listened to my nonsense long enough. Now, if you want, I want to hear from you. You're a learned elf, can you tell me something I've been talking about all my life?" want to know."

"Ask," said Pengolod, "but I feel like a fool when I sit here and listen to you, and know what I really live in."

Nufu smiled, and waved his fat hand lightly to show his understanding: "Okay, okay, to be wise, you must first be a fool and buffoon, at least in the pocket court! Anyway, back to my question. He became gloomy again. "We mortals know that Auri made the dwarves out of love, Morgoth made the orcs out of hatred, and Iluvatar generously gave all his gifts to his firstborn children. , that is you elves. You are all properly connected to the Valar and their fate. But what is the use of mortals? What can we do in this middle-earth? Dispensable."

Pengolod leaned back in surprise. "Some of our seers say that in the final battle your spirits will return to fight alongside us elves."

"Yeah, but why? Why on earth would you bother to make a mortal? I just can't imagine the great Creator singing and saying, 'Well, I made it never get sick, never grow old, love with all my heart , faithful, always beautiful and unchanging race. Now it's the turn of the second batch, let's go to the next level.' Then he made... us? Me? How many nights, I'm out of breath and my back is sore When your back hurts, you just want to know why."

Noof's eyes, sunken in the folds of his flesh, were a piercing ice blue.If they were not destined to grow on a thick bearded face, but on a handsome face, such bright eyes would be exemplary.Pengolod said solemnly: "I don't know. In connection with this, it is said that we elves were sent here to be the memory of mortals. But our sages never explained that mortals - you - and mortals fate."

Noof exhaled, shrinking for a moment, but then filled it with humor: "Does that mean we should go to you elves every time we misplace our keys or forget our wife's birthday? Seriously, when you really find out why you and us are in Arda, remember to tell us mortals."

"I solemnly promise you," said Pengolod.

Knuff peeked mockingly into Pengolod's glass: "Significant promises must be made after such a greeting! Drinking up a good old wine often has this effect." He let out that characteristic He laughed easily, stood up, and poured down the rest of the hot summer soup.Seeing that Pengolod took out his wallet, Nuf protested: "Don't come here, although elf silver coins are really rare in wine taverns here. I invited you, and besides, I am the owner here, and several other people Partners, and most—" Noof chuckled, but didn't say it. "Let's just put it this way, Kyryatan, he puts up with me for a reason. Men have to drink. Ah, I finally let you Smiled. It took me a long time. Now that I've done such a thing, I'm going to drop you like all good comedians—our motto is, 'Drop They laughed'."

Pengolod said, "I'll go out with you."

As they walked out, one of the drinkers said, "Handsome, remember to come back." And winked shamelessly at Pengolod.However, the drinker shrank back immediately, because the Pocket King turned around and yelled in an exaggeratedly happy tone: "Honey, I knew you really loved me!" Nufu's teasing was quite successful, and the friend Goloz laughed with the rest of the tavern, but then he thought about the fact that most of the people in Armenelos were not treated well.