It is the mark of a fine ruler to appreciate the work of hands, and not merely the result itself. [ warm approval. it only furthers his disapproval of whomever allowed him to reach such an- dare he say it?- unloved state. gently, he undoes the braids, section by section, allowing himself to slip into the comfort of repetitive work. ]

It is. [ the smell of the steam and the rhythm is soothing. ] But then again, many firsts in an elfling's life are made ritual. First tooth, first bow, first ride. I think it now more for the comfort of the parents, in truth. To think of the delight of moving to hard foods rather than the pain of teething, the joy of archery rather than the worry of a cut from an arrowhead. The delight of feeling the wind on your face and hair than the ever present concern that the heretofore sweet old pony might turn feral and let your child fall.

[ all things that thranduil himself had felt to some degree. once maia's hair is freed- and it is quite a lot of hair- he tests the temperature of the water with his fingers and steps to the side. ] Lie back.