My notes from this session:
S04E05 Mereth Aderthad
Vinyamar
A Plot: Luthien v Sauron
Protagonist: Luthien
B Plot: Celeborn + Galadriel
Protagonist: Celeborn
C Plot:
Frame:
First Party of Post-Smaug Extravaganza
Luthien v Sauron
Act I
S+T Leaving Angband
Everyone Arrives in Vinyamar
Fingolfin & Turgon
Dedication Ceremony
Act II
Thuringwethil and Sauron Failing to Create Suspicions
Luthien talks Daeron out of being suspicious of the Noldor
Act III
Sauron and Thuringwethil pushes a confrontation between Daeron & Maglor over who is the bestest musician.
Luthien unifies dueling instrumentals between the two musicians.
Act IV
Sauron settles down in a hidden vantage point to play an instrument. As he plays, and starts to sing, the tensions in the room start to rise. Finrod is sensitive. Maedhros has flashbacks. Maglor reacts to Maedhros’ state.
Luthien begins to sing and dance, turning Sauron’s music into something harmonious. Daeron and later Maglor join in.
Celeborn and Galadriel
Act I
Arrival at Vinyamar. Galadriel is excited to see her relatives again, greeted by Aredhel.
Act II
Galadriel’s brothers start probing her for answers about why she has abandoned her goals.
Act III
Galadriel and Celeborn dance. The contest of musicians is a bit loud, so they go outside for an evening stroll. They pass by elves cliff diving, and Galadriel avoids it, the sounds and cheers bringing up bad memories.
Act IV
As they overlook the haven, Galadriel is saddened, reminded of the Kinslaying. She reveals this to Celeborn, stating that she asks no oath of secrecy from him.
Celeborn, while initially horrified, promises to keep her confidence. No one would be helped by revealing it. He is more concerned with her. If she cannot forgive herself, she will also be destroyed.
Teaser
The three kings greet each other formally, exchange gifts. Dain is suspiciously diplomatic. Bilbo approaches Celeborn’s Sister. He greets her hobbitly and explains that he heard that she was at the Mereth Aderthad, coaxes her for the story. When she
Act I
S+T Leaving Angband
Everyone Arrives in Vinyamar. Arrival at Vinyamar. Galadriel is excited to see her relatives again, greeted by Aredhel.
Fingolfin & Turgon
Dedication Ceremony
Act II
Galadriel’s brothers start probing her for answers about why she has abandoned her goals. Edhellos tells her that it would be good to have her at Dorthonion. It would be easier to keep the secret that way, also. Thuringwethil overhears Edhellos, leading to her being singled out later.
Sauron speaks to Daeron (who has just come off playing a set) disguised as a Noldo. Noldo!Sauron is a bit condescending towards Daeron and his musical talent/fame. He then begins to pump Daeron for information about the sorceress who protects Doriath. Daeron is offended by this and storms off.
Celeborn is reunited with his sister. Though happy to see her, he seems distracted. She notices that he keeps turning concerned eyes towards Galadriel’s uncomfortable reunion.
Luthien talks Daeron out of being suspicious of the Noldor. Daeron brings up how insulting Noldo!Sauron was to himself and more especially to Melian. Luthien reminds him that Melian isn’t endangered by the words of a rude stranger. Also
Act III
Sauron and Thuringwethil pushes a confrontation between Daeron & Maglor over who is the bestest musician.
Luthien unifies dueling instrumentals between the two musicians by dancing along with both of them. Orodreth and Meril are dancing in the background, apparently enjoying each other’s company.
Galadriel and Celeborn dance. The contest of musicians becomes a bit loud, so they go outside for an evening stroll. They pass by elves cliff diving, and Galadriel avoids it, the sounds and cheers bringing up bad memories. Celeborn tells the story of losing his family to the Hunter
Sauron and Thuringwethil where Thuringwethil expresses her confusion as to why the Sindar seem almost actively resistant to suspicions about the Noldor. Sauron explains that it is not within their worldview to perceive evil in their kindred.
Act IV
Maglor and Daeron finish their “duel”, but there is still some animosity there.
As they overlook the haven, Galadriel is saddened, reminded of the Kinslaying. She reveals this to Celeborn, stating that she asks no oath of secrecy from him.
Sauron settles down in a hidden vantage point to play an instrument. As he plays, and starts to sing, the tensions in the room start to rise. Finrod is sensitive. Maedhros has flashbacks to his capture. Maglor and Finrod react to Maedhros’ state.
Luthien begins to sing and dance, turning Sauron’s music into something harmonious. Daeron and later Maglor join in.
Celeborn, while initially horrified, promises to keep her confidence. No one would be helped by revealing it. He is more concerned with her. If she cannot forgive herself, she will also be destroyed.
Finrod, having been disturbed by Sauron's music, finds the place where Sauron was playing. Sauron is not there, but has left his instrument.
Noldo!Thuringwethil has a brief conversation with Cirdan who is observing the Feanorian contingent as they leave the hall. She says to beware the dour sons of Feanor, for they are not to be trusted. He asks her what she means, but she will not answer him and departs quickly when pressed.
Tag
Bilbo and Celeborn’s Sister: Bilbo asks if she thinks there is any hope for this gathering, since the Mereth Aderthad “worked out”. She initially says no, but upon being pressed by Bilbo, she is forced to admit that it is possible.