I also presented Maethedir’s gift to him. He seemed as taken as I am with the intricate chrysanthemum carving. Bilbo grinned at me after a few moments, asking if he was going to have to compete for my affections. I knew that he was just aiming to tease me but I answered sincerely that none could ever hope to turn my head. He blushed at that, as I had hoped he would. 

Bilbo pulled me down to attempt to steal a kiss but I wrapped both arms around him, lifting him from the ground. He gave a minor squawk of protest, though it was quickly cut off as I instead was the thief this time, claiming a kiss. 

Not a moment after Bard gave his farewell, I was greeted by another familiar voice. I turned and found my Elven friend, Maethedir! He laughed at my surprise and asked if I had not expected him to attend. I told him that I was just happy to see him and asked about his travels here.

We talked for some time of what has transpired since our last letter to the other. He told me of the apprentice that he was to be taking on in Rivendell, a young Elf with a keen eye for design and keener desire for metal working. I congratulated him and said that once his apprentice was trained enough, that he should travel more, as he had spoken about in the past. 

Maethedir said that he had more to give than just words and pulled a wrapped gift from his bag. He put a hand up before I could tell him that a gift was unnecessary and said that he had been working on it for quite a while and felt that giving it in person was better than via a letter. He handed the gift to me and I unwrapped it to reveal two handsomely carved smoking pipes. 

Maethedir explained that since I had indicated in a letter that the previous one he had made for me had been tragically broken in an accident, he thought to craft me another along with one for Bilbo. I examined the detail along the sides. Both had the engraved image of a chrysanthemum, the flower that I had fashioned into a bookmark for Bilbo all those years ago.

I expressed my sincere gratitude for the lovely gift, turning one of the pipes over in my hand, looking over the intricate craftsmanship. He said that when Bilbo and I were next in Rivendell, he would be sure to supply us with a good stock of pipeweed so that his gifts may be of good use.

Maethedir joined me as I worked on the gift. When time allowed, such as it did today, we would speak together of Erebor before Smaug had come. He had seen it in the days before even my grandfather's rule and had many tales to tell.

My nanaddan, Dís, Tauriel, and several others were present for the meeting, including Maethedir. He had traveled from Rivendell with the group of Elves who had come to help with inoculation. He has been a welcome presence in the recent months.

The meeting was to discuss the continued aid to Dale and Laketown. Erebor has of course provided space for their ill as well as what resources we are able to spare. Maethedir and the other Elves have provided great effort in healing and inoculating as many as they are able. But the initial group that had arrived has been spread thin, especially as some have departed for other regions.

Maethedir spoke of receiving word that a group of Elves had brought the inoculation to the Easterlings. Bard mentioned the grumbling he had heard from some Gondorian courtiers at this; though these are peaceful times, there were those who would deny aid to those that they deem their enemy. It puts me in mind of the greed that had taken hold of me during my sickness, how it twisted my thoughts and I had refused to provide aid to those who needed it. 

Maethedir shook his head at the news of Gondor's anger. “The Great Plague did not know friend from foe even though the Great Enemy released it. Though the Easterlings have historically sworn fealty to Sauron, we believe this act of goodwill will help them remember they do not have to do that again, if he should return to power.”