[Noinkling]

Tolly, Keleth, and Avalon

Once they’d got into the swing of things, time flew by quickly. the crow was helpful, flitting from tree to tree, pointing out the best and most full pine and balsam boughs for the garlands. Keleth and Tolly had hewn them down, being sure not to cut too many from each tree. ‘Wouldn’t want them to look all lopsided for the party tomorrow,’ the Hobbit said. They’d take a little wagon out with them, piling the boughs in it as they went along. By the time the sun was standing half past noon, they’d gotten what they needed and had gone back to the stable with the cart. One of the servers had packed them a lunch which they wolfed down in little time, along with a jug of cool cider to drink.

In the stable, they’d found the baling wire and the cutters for it. And the rest of the afternoon was spent making long garlands of the boughs which others of the work crew would fetch for those putting them up along the long verandah of the Inn. One of the Hobbits helping to do this had confided to Tolly that his cousin and his band would be setting up tomorrow on the wide front porch and be playing for the dancers. Tolly grinned at the news. He loved to dance.

Tolly’s stomach was beginning to grumble as they finished the last garland string. He looked out the stable door, noting it was getting late in the evening. Keleth, too, looked tired and hungry. ‘Let’s knock off for the evening – get some supper. We’re done here, anyway.’ He looked up at the crow, perched on one of the overhanging beams. ‘You come, too,’ Tolly said motioning for the bird to follow as they exited the stable. ‘You’ve done a long day’s work as well. We’ll find some scraps and a plate of ale for you!’