Hey!
Some people are waiting on your shop to open!
(Yes it's the special late-night opening)
(I hope I'm not late)
(yes please come in)
(just let me look at this)
(yes they're all different, just pick the one you prefer)
(thank you so much for your visit)
Good evening,
and welcome to the Middle-Earth artisan shop.
Please make yourself comfortable,
I've just made myself a cup of tea.
Would you like some?
It is the special Rivendell blend,
with honeysuckle, rose
and bergamot.
Alright, please feel free
to take a first look around in the meantime,
I will be right back.
And here is your cup,
it's a bit hot.
Have you been here before?
Not sure?
Well here we sell Middle-Earth themed items
all handcrafted by artists
and made of natural materials.
ANd most of them you will barely find
anywhere else, so you can consider this place
as some kind of treasure chest.
So what brings you here?
So you are kind of planning
a thematic week-end with
a couple of friends, that's it?
So enjoying tavern-styled meals,
watching the Lord of the Rings movies at night,
and listening to some of Enya's music, perhaps?
Well, you know how to live.
So I'm here to guide you
and help you find the perfect items
to make your immersive week-end memorable.
Let's look at this in order.
First of all, you might want to set the atmosphere.
So I would suggest a few wall decorations
or even just one
and maybe some candles.
You can never go wrong with candles.
Let's start with that if you'd like.
I have a full collection
of wonderfully scented candles.
Is there any scent you particularly like?
Alright, I will show you my favourites.
And here are 3 options.
One,
two,
and three.
First one: a ride through Rohan.
This one smells like you're travelling
through wild grassy plains
along with the famous horse masters.
There are accents of musk, sandalwood
and fresh grass.
Close your eyes,
and you'll find yourself
riding a beautiful stallion on a sunny day
looking for your next adventure.
Another one:
Under the party tree.
I really like this one.
It smells like you're having a good time
with good food and good music
with your hobbit friends.
With notes of pipe tobacco,
apple and bourbon,
which is a very rich and interesting fragrance,
quite uncommon.
And finally, here is a more original one:
Doriath memories.
With this one you'll take a long
and peaceful walk under majestic trees.
And if you close your eyes hard enough
you might meet an elf or two.
This one smells of cedar, cashmere wood
and cherry.
With very earthy and yet quite light scents.
These two?
Great choice.
And now would you like to consider
some art for your walls?
I have so many prints here
from the most talented artists.
Some are world-renowned but some
are more in a niche
but really deserve to be known.
What kind of art do you usually
like or hang in your home?
Traditional paintings, sketches,
computer graphics, tapestries?
I see.
And what is your favourite land
or place in Middle-Earth?
Alright, come on this side of the counter
you'll take a look with me.
So here I have many displayed versions,
we have all of them
in brand new condition right here.
So...
Oh let me show you this one
we received a few days ago.
"The doors of Hobbiton".
These were drawn by Daniel Falconer
who actually worked
on the Peter Jackson's movies.
It includes about 14 different hobbits doors,
each one with its own features
and character.
With a very cottagecore feeling.
It's lovely, isn't it?
I can also suggest something more classic,
from John Howe,
who is one of the concept artists of the movies
but who has been illustrating Tolkien's books
since the late 70s.
For example...
"Ulmo, lord of waters",
featuring the mighty king of the sea.
This painting was initially made
for a book cover
but I find it really interesting
because the rather simple composition
just makes the character stand out
even more.
Alright, what else?
Oh I have fallen for this one.
This is a print of original art
made by a very talented calligrapher
featuring one of Tolkien's
many famous quotations
with a very charming design.
And it's printed on the most beautiful paper.
Are there any of these you like?
The calligraphy one?
We have 2 others, which one?
Very good choice, let me find it.
Next, let's talk about food.
Have you planned any
specific meals for your special week-end?
What about hobbit food?
I have a few simple hobbit's recipes
which look like they came straight
from Middle-Earth.
Would you like to have a look at them?
Good.
What about these?
Potatoe stew,
great to use potatoes and leftover veggies.
Roasted mushrooms.
Wild mushrooms are always the best.
And dwaling apple pie.
It sounds so comforting right?
Hobbits know their way
when it comes to food.
And later, you can also frame these
for your walls.
Now, would you like a piece
of hobbitish crockery to go with your meals?
We have very fine handcrafted
mugs and plates
which even Bilbo himself
would love to have in his kitchen.
Yes a mug is always good
to have at hand for any occasion.
Which color do you like?
We have deep blue
with the white tree of Gondor,
or the One Ring quote.
Something more earthy.
Or two-tones, with a rounder shape.
Tell me.
This one here?
Oh yes this one is my favourite as well.
It is made by hand of course
so each piece is slightly different
from the others.
Just be sure to wash it by hand
so you can keep it
for a very long time.
It's the perfect piece
for a good cup of tea
or something a little bit stronger.
Now you have:
a wall art print,
candles,
recipes,
something to drink
a comforting beverage in.
Is there anything else
you'd like to consider for your special week-end?
Middle-Earth clothing?
But not too expensive, I understand.
What I would suggest in that case
would be just an accessory.
Something you could wear
during your week-end but also
in your daily life.
Like a bag, gloves, or a scarf.
Yes it is still a bit chilly these days.
Let me show you something beautiful.
So,
this is the exact Replica
of Gandalf the Grey's scarf
as seen in the Hobbit movies.
This is made of the finest New-Zealand wool
traditionally woven directly on one
of the oldest looms in the country
dating back to the end of the 19th century.
It is a little bit shiny
because, that is the secret,
there are some tiny bits of mithril in it.
But you will not find a softer fabric
in the whole world.
It will last a lifetime if not many.
Would you like to try it on?
Let me help you.
And here we go.
Yes you can perfectly wear it
while watching the movies.
It's a little bit like wearing a scarf
from our favourite team
while watching a sport game.
Yes, this softness is quite uncommon.
How does it feel?
Good, let me take it.
I'm going to wrap it
with the other items you've chosen.
Feel free to see if anything else
catches your eye
while I'm taking care of these.
Everything is here.
Now let me prepare your bill.
I'm going to ask you
for some information.
So, your name please?
Your address?
And now, just let me offer you
a little something
just to thank you for your visit.
This is the Shire tea blend,
to enjoy with your hobbit cup.
It's mainly composed of
blackberry leaves,
lemon balm,
rose hips
and marigold flowers.
It has a very refreshing taste
and it will take you on a journey
through green rolling hills
and along peaceful brooks.
Every time you enjoy a cup of this tea
you will remember how good life can be
when we focus on simple pleasures.
This is for you.
Thank you so much for your visit
and have a wonderful evening.
Namárië (goodbye).