[piosenniel]

Bullroarer took the dagger from Daffodyl's hands and examined it. He was by no means an expert on Elven metal work, but he could see this was finely done, and very beautiful. He cleared his throat for attention and held the blade up for the other companions to see.

'Come take a look at what Daffodyl has found.' The Hobbits grouped around him, and passed the blade from hand to hand. 'While we're here, let's see what few items we can find with similar writing and designs on it. I think if we cleaned them up a bit, they might make a small token of appreciation for Elrond and his people - to show our gratitude for sharing their food and supplies with us.'

He went outside to the wagon and carried in a moderate sized, wooden box with a close fitting lid. 'Now we don't want to get carried away and take too many of the treasures left here with these men.' he said, setting the box on the barrow floor. 'Just take a few of the smaller, nicely done ones. We'll polish them up and bring them with us to Rivendell.'

He held up a hand as the Hobbits were breaking up to look through the heaps of objects. 'Hal and Gaddy - can you first bring the ponies in and see about penning them somehow to one side of the barrow. Robin, Dinodas, and Branda - see to the bringing in of the cooking utensils and our food; we wouldn't want any nosy animals sniffing about what few provisions we have. Giles, perhaps you, Carl, and Autumn can scout for a little firewood and get a small cooking fire going - maybe just outside the entrance. Daisy and Tomba, we'll start dinner. The rest of you get all the sleeping rolls and packs stowed inside here. Once we're all squared away, we'll look through the items in the barrow for suitable ones for the Elves.'

Soon, all the Hobbits were busy at their tasks. Bullroarer had Daisy and Tomba organised and working on their own. They were melting snow in two large pots - one for tea and one for soup. Both were busy cutting up dried meats and vegetables and making a game of throwing them in the pot.

Bullroarer called Lotho over to him, and had him look closely at the Elven worked blade. 'You have a good eye for merchandise - perhaps you can take a first look-see about and see what prizes you might turn up.'

Lotho nodded his head 'yes'. Taking a small lantern from his pack and lighting it, he soon found himself busy at a promising mound of glittering metals and jewels.

Bullroarer returned to the sight of the soupmaking, just in time to snatch the bag of salt from Tomba's hands. 'A little lighter, if you will on the salt, Master Tomba! It's as precious as gems these days, since the snow has cut off the regular flow of trade from the coast.'

Tomba grinned and shrugged his shoulders at the frowning older Hobbit. Daisy looked up with a smirk, and a small laugh. 'I told you you'ld get in trouble!'