There should be a party for four certain hobbits at some point.
Mulligan, Ponto, Faramir and Elfstan to get together and catch up on news, eat fine food and drink fine drinks until the early hours of the morning.
I should mention, back fill the weeks in Rivendell as much as you want to. I was putting up the time frame of the prep time to departure for war.
Plenty of time for a small Hobbit party with the four younger adventures. Three Tooks and a Fairbairn that is the heir of Sam Gamgee.
Ah. They bore him, bear-faced, on the bier.
I would welcome the chance to talk with Taurernal - I have known few Avari. As for Thain Faramir, if he has been “everywhere” then our paths may have crossed before; and whether or not, I shall gladly join Elfstan and Mulligan and perhaps sing him a few songs of what his aged relatives have lately been up to in the South.
Who is the [del]hottie[/del] Noldo maid talking to Gilraen? 
Thoroncir will introduce himself to the new arrivals, and spend what free time she has available with Gilraen, if she wishes. Perhaps a hiking trip, or a picnic? He will also offer to help the Elves of Rivendell with their patrols of the area as they keep Elrond’s Vale safe from intruders.
Elfstan is certainly up for a party and will greet the Hobbits as they arrive. The Thain will receive all the honor due his station.
Elfstan also thanks Curu for the work on his swords and makes sure that they are square with just the trade of the +3 knife. If they are, Elfstan will try to include a 100gp tip (assuming there has been a split of loot). Elfstan will also repay Gil-Gandel and Thoroncir the 30gp he owes each.
Before the party leaves Rivendell, Elfstan will beg the use of their kitchens to make some pies. They have been on his mind since finding the safe house on the journey. He will make sure he makes enough that the party has no lack of dessert and that any others that join them can also share.
Gil-Gandel
Taurenal is a truly excellent archer. No Legolas but better than most. His father is the legendary Bowyer/Fletcher Belem who gathered a scattered folk around him in the woods near Rhûn in the first age when the Sea was a large body of water. Taur’s bow is of exceptional quality and he mentioned something about it being just his beginner’s bow. He is himself an excellent Bowyer. He is also an Elven Ranger. He is around you age, his father having married extremely late in life.
You have heard of Belem and know that he may be the greatest bowyer living in Middle Earth and that he is among the best archers but his people are small in numbers.
His party has just returned from Angmar where they encountered orcs, trolls and three old towns infested with undead and one strange rogue wraith that seems insane but want humans and Dúnedain to move back to Angmar and to drive all the Orcs out.
Thain Faramir has never been over the mountains yet or east of Minas Tirith and you have yet to visit Bree, Fornost or the Shire so this is almost surely your first encounter. He can talk of old Tom Bombadil if you like. He is very happy to hear that his Father and Captain are both doing well. “I plan to bring the entire family south sometime in the next two years for a season or more. I hope I am in time for my father; he has been slipping quickly of late. Old Uncle Merry might just beat the Old Took himself. He does so well; I once tried to see if he had a ring of his own. I miss them both and my Father-In-Law Samwise. The Mayor was a great inspiration to the Shire and I always enjoyed my times with him and his huge parties near Bag End and under the Mallorn Tree.”
The pretty Noldo maid is the Elven Mage Miregol who is a recent member of Taur’s party. She has spent most of the third age in the Havens but recently traveled to Rivendell with four very strong Noldorian Warriors who continued on to Thranduil’s. Despite her very advance age she has lived a very sheltered life playing with magic and gems. Her father was a renown jewel smith that worked in Aulë’s shops. She was born under the light of the Two Trees and was part of the crossing of the sea at the Grinding Ice. This removed her wanderlust and she retired to be among Cirdan’s people early. She chose to stay though when the Ban was lifted.
(Of course I introduced 3 others Elven Maids at the original dinner, those you ignored and one was even a minstrel type.)
Thoroncir
Gilraen is kept busy preparing for the rapidly approaching war but she steals away a few hours each day to walk the paths and gardens of Imladris. She usually has you carry a lunch she packed for your picnics. She finds the Gardens a marvel and talks of the House so recently found and how it calls to her in some strange way.
The Elves thank you for the offer but turn it down politely however Curu would be glad for your help in his shops. He will not be going to war and will spend the time you help him instructing a bit in both smithing and Orc fighting if you are willing.
Elfstan
Your Uncle is perhaps the least Hobbit-like Hobbit since Frodo. Many have commented that he seems part elven. You know he will be a better Thain than any that preceded him. Having met Prince Faramir, you can see Pippin picked well in his naming. Among the other Hobbits are another of your first cousins Valiant Bolger son of Triumph Bolger and Rose Gardner and an Uncle Tolman Gardner who is only 42 and is the youngest of Samwise’s children. They are both Archers though Tolman is quite good with his sturdy staff and throwing darts and knives. He and Robin both work as Shirriffs.
Curunauth, “I am happy to help my young friends. The knife was more than enough and it was a privilege to work on Sting. Tis a very famous blade considering the three that bore it before you. Please keep you money and spend it wisely. You might find something among the Dwarves that interest you.”
The loot was 1000 GP each in trade gems.
The pies come out well and one younger Elf is happy to assist you.
And one young hobbit is happy to help taste them to make sure they are up to scratch. 
Mulligan will also be practicing with her sling and getting to know some of the other hobbits who came with Faramir.
And finally, after much thought, looking through some books and chatting to a few people, the Wildcat finally gets the name of Freyja. And as such Mulligan will be trying to get it to accept its new name instead of its usual habit of ignoring her unless she is hungry.
Freyja seems to enjoy the meat pies very much and the fish parts after Taur hauls in a large supply of fish. It appears he is also a highly skilled fisher.
Freyja actually says, “Mranks” and purrs and nuzzles with fishy breath.
Sir Thoroncir is delighted to slip away alone with Gilraen for picnics and conversation, mindful that their tranquil sojourn in Imladris will be drawing to a close all too soon. He, too, was deeply affected by the party’s experiences in Vanimelde’s ancient house, and is very interested to hear the princess’s thoughts about it. He confides his dream to her [post 1272], taking care, however, to omit her remarks and their kiss. He savors their time together.
When the Princess Gilraen is busy with preparations for the campaign, he will be glad to spend some time with Curunauth, learning more about smithing and orc-fighting.
Well, you know me: only ever after one thing - subject matter for poems and songs. And I have struck it lucky here, it seems, especially with someone who can speak of the Light of the Trees, a sight I missed by many centuries. 
As to Thain Faramir, the more he can talk of Bombadil the better I shall like it. I shall mention I hope to visit Tom myself within the year, on the Brandybuck’s recommendation.
Taurenal’s news is strange and interesting. (The wraith wants the orcs driven out of Angmar?) And if there is time, some day I would like to visit his father.
(I should mention that while Gil-Gandel has as keen an eye for a beautiful elf-maid as the next man or elf, he has no plans to settle down in Middle-Earth, believing that the years grow short indeed for his kind East of the Sea.)
Thoroncir, valuing Gil-Gandel’s company, wisdom and fighting prowess, will do all he can to keep the Elf from ever seeing the ocean. 
Another wizard! Deor will make a special point of talking to Miregol and see if he can learn more about the history of wizardry in Middle-Earth. The academy at Minas Tirith is so young; he’d like to learn more of the broader history involved.
Deor’s anxious and ready to go on the mission- as comfortable and relaxing as Rivendell is, no place can feel like home with so many trees and so few horses.
*One night Glorfindel himself tells the story of the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. *
This was in 472 of the first age when the great alliance of Elf, Dwarf and Man tried to assault Morgoth in his very lair, ancient Angband. It was Maedhros that forged the alliance and the Dwarves that forged most of the weapons and armor. Fingon the High King of the Noldor led his forces and small forces from Nargothrond led by unlucky Gwindor and Doriath led by Mablung and Beleg. The men of the Houses of Hador and Haleth were also in Fingon’s army; led by Hurin and Haldir respectively. A tribe of Easterlings marched under Maedhros and Maglor and remained faithful but another tribe that marched with Caranthir proved false.
Maedhros planned his attack with two armies. He led the eastern army including the Dwarves and the Easterlings. He planned to march openly across Anfauglith towards Angband and draw the main assault. Fingon led the rest and was to stay hidden to the west. Once Morgoth’s forces were drawn out a great beacon fire would be lit for the Western army to attack in surprise.
Sadly Ulfang’s son Uldor betrayal stayed the Eastern army as Morgoth attacked the Western army that was now joined in surprise by the Gondolindrim. Unexpectedly Turgon had led 10,000 strong and brave Elves with his Captains including Maeglin, Ecthelion, and myself.
It was unhappy Gwindor that started the disaster though. His brother Gelmir a captive was executed in front of the western forces and Gwindor went nearly berserk and charged the forces of Angband. They made it to the Gates but there all were slayed save Gwindor who was now made captive. Many brave warriors of Nargothrond died in those dreadful moments. Fingon’s army had advanced and not in the best order. It was all I and Captain Ecthelion could do to maintain order and ranks on Turgon’s flanks. Fingon’s army was nearly surrounded and driven back at great loss but the Gondolindrim marched across the field like a flow of crushing ice and the orcs were scattered on their western flank. Then Maedhros finally arrived and attacked the orcs from the rear. The Dwarves fought like a single unit with interlocking shields and strong long pikes and spears. The Sons of Fëanor were everywhere bringing death to the orc army.
As the orcs were near retreat and defeat Morgoth unleashed his greater force. A fast army led by Glaurung of wolves and wolfriders, Balrogs, and Dragons. Uldor and his Easterlings then showed their faithlessness and assaulted the Eastern army from the rear. Uldor was killed by Maglor himself and the three sons of the other Easterling chieftain killed Uldor’s sons Ulfast and Ulwarth. Maedros rallied the remains of his forces to Mount Dolmed.
King Azaghal holding the rear for the retreat led most of the Dwarves of Belegost against Glaurung. Azaghal died but in dying wounded Glaurung in the belly with a final mighty chop from his axe. Glaurung Retreated in haste to Angband and much of his army followed. The Dwarves carried Azaghal’s body from the battlefield. The remaining men of Haleth were saved from some dragons when the Woses formed a shield wall around them that somehow stopped the flames of the young Dragons. But it was at great cost and both the Men of Haleth and the Woses losses were great.
Gothmog the Lord of the Balrogs had the Western army of Fingon and Turgon hard pressed and succeeded in separating the armies. Fingon High King was flayed alive by Gothmog as one Balrog held him wrapped in his fiery whip. Hurin and Huor were with Turgon and urged him to “return to Gondolin so that some place of strength might remain to resist Morgoth”. In the end Turgon agreed and rallied the remnants of the Western army and retreated in order as Captain Ecthelion and I held the flanks and brave Hurin and Huor covered the rear. Thus Turgon, now High King retreated to secrecy with a force barely smaller than we set out with for the remnants of Fingon’s Elves retreat with us and joined the Gondolindrim.
Sadly Huor was killed defending this secret retreat and Hurin was captured and tortured for many long years. But of course from Huor came the seeds of Morgoth fall in his son Tuor and Grandson Eärendil.
*Miregol follows his story with a bit more. *
“Morgoth won a great victory that day. The strength of the Elves was broken save for the 3 hidden kingdoms. They no longer trusted men apart from the Edain themselves. Hithlum went to the Easterlings as a reward and the people of Hador were sorely oppressed and treated mostly as slaves. Within a year the walled ports of Brithombar and Eglarest were besieged and fell to the forces of Morgoth. The Havens of Falas were soon captured and only some of us escaped to the refuge of the Isle of Balar. Thankfully young Gil-Galad was there or we would have lost far more. He was too young to be High-King but already a great warrior and a very good sailor.
Indeed no song or tale can contain all its grief.”
Now there is a tale for Gil-Gandel!
Faramir Took is happy to tell every story and tall tale he knows of Tom Bombadil. He considers him a great friend and ally. Faramir, Ponto and Meriadoc all have Tom to thank for their Barrow Swords. Excellent weapons from when Frodo and the rest were rescued by Master Tom. Several Tooks and Brandybucks make a point to visit Tom at some time.
Taur tells Gil-Gandel that he is sure that Belem will welcome him.
Gilraen gives Thoroncir a very sweet good night kiss for good luck the night before the army is ready to leave. Thoroncir does not hear it but Gil-Gandel’s sharp ears and nosy Mulligan both hear a slightly disturbed intake of breath from Elladan who was nearby.
Miregol is also interested in Deor’s path to Wizardry. Her magic was won in dribs and drags over long millenniums and with much practice. She never had a master like Deor did. Though academy sounds a bit fancy for the loose confederation of Wizards in Minas Tirith and Osgiliath that live in separate buildings scattered throughout the two cities. She would like someday to find time to possibly exchange spells and lessons learned. Deor learns that her greatest spells deal with sleep, light and charms. She is a fine musician and has an enchanted harp that she uses in much of her spellcraft. She has recently acquired a Lightning Wand from the party she joined in payment for being their Wizard for a few years or adventures. She is actually of lower skill level than Deor but she does certain spells much better and of course can turn undead. She has a friend that is an Elven Cat and it too has many powers and is very ancient. Indeed Miregol believes that Missy is a descendant of her companion Warrior. She believes all the cats of Lórien are his descendants.
As to horses, Rivendell has many horses for the population and they are very fine horses. All obviously related to Cúran, very graceful and fast. They are certainly a separate breed from the Horses and Mearas of Rohan. The Elves go light on armor and don’t use saddles of course.
Thoroncir will be more reluctant than most to leave Rivendell, with its happy memories of both the best dream and the best kiss he’s ever had, to say nothing of the experience of hearing about the calamitous, near-mythical Nirnaeth Arnoediad from one who actually fought in it. But the knight-errant knows his duty, and is resolute as he prepares for the campaign ahead.
Thinking to herself.
*"Uh-oh, looks like uncle Elladan is concerned for his neice. I guess words will be had in the family at some stage. :dubious:
Hmm, Knight Errant is probably not going to cut it. I guess we will have to aim for Lord Thoroncir instead. I love a challenge."* 
“Wow, everyone must have gone to bed early, it’s so quiet here.”
Goes and sits on hill to look at the stars and see if she can spot Eärendil.
As she is looking for Eärendil Mulligan is surprised as a large dark shadow suddenly looms over her. She is startled and dives and grabs her magical dagger.
A fair voice says, “Forgive me, it is my habit to walk quietly. I guess I could not resist sneaking up on a Hobbit. I am called Falcon Master and I am a Ranger of Arnor. I hoped to ask a few questions about the wargs and especially the werewolf you encountered recently. You see this is my specialty and study.”
With a short pause, “Would you like some Honeycake? It is Beorning.”
You startled me, I was expecting to be alone up here, please forgive me reaction.
Honeycakes you say… 
I would be delighted for a share and I can tell you what I know of our encounter with those creatures. But stories are for a warm fireplace and a pot of tea which would go well with those cakes.
Perhaps you can help me out first, before we return to Rivendell. I am looking for Eärendil, can you show me which one he is, please?
Falcon Master appears to think for just a short moment while scanning the night sky and then points up to a bright star. "There, that bright one is Vingilot, the Evening Star. The Hallow great white ship that Círdan helped Eärendil build of birchen planks felled from the woods of Arvernien. Have you noticed it shines especially bright over Imladris?”
He pauses in some reverie before continuing, “When you are ready, let us find that pot of tea though I am enjoying the cool breezes after the heat of the day.”
In his bed under Elrond’s ancient roof, Thoroncir instantly drops off to sleep and is soon dreaming of a princess’s sweet kiss and adventures yet to come…