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Over lunch Mithalwen further explained that all elves had at least two names and most had more "for our parents choose a name each. Then sometimes we choose names for ourselves or are given an ....epesse ... Oh I forget how that is said in your tongue"
"Nickname, "supplied Snaveling helpfully.
"Yes that is it. In some ways Elves and Hobbits are alike for we both often have names that come from nature - your name is a flower and my means grey tree. In the ancient speech of my people Marigold might be rendered "Laure-Lote" and such was the name of one of the noblest houses in Gondolin. .....But it is Tar-Corondir who honours me by calling me Lady Mithalwen, for in truth I am a simple artisan, entitled to no such title. He is of much higher status than I"... Mithalwen noticed Snaveling squirm but he arrival of the apple pudding broke the thread of conversation and they spoke of other things - Marigold explained a little about the people who managed the inn.
" So perhaps there will be another handfasting soon if Miss Aman has a swain " speculated the elf.... come let us see this horse as well as my own Aeglos. "
She led the way to the stable and since there was a brief lull in the rain, she led out Aeglos and lifted the hobbit child on to his back. "do not be afraid, he will not let you fall but hold on to his mane if you wish. Shall we take him around the village" The hobbit's eyes shone in agreement and so the elf, and the man, and the hobbit child on the grey horse all took a turn about Bywater. When Marigold had had "a bareback gallop" (in fact a short canter up the lane riding infront of Mithalwen who had held her safe). They returned more sedately to the Inn and inspected Aman's horse. While Marigold was occupied petting the fine beast, Mithalwen asked Snaveling what he knew about it - for you know Miss Aman of old do you not?"
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