[Undómë]

Acting in concert, the Elf and the Hobbit soon had the little lanterns hung about the front yard. All had fresh new candles within, and they swayed prettily from the tree branches. The colored glass set into the sides of the lanterns caught the late afternoon sun and flashed spots of color here and there among the leaves. Telu watched them for a while, thinking how lovely the night would be when they were lit.

She glanced about the yard. The tables and chairs were all in place, it seemed. Across the distance she could see Men and Hobbits setting up the heavy trestles in which the ale for the party would be set. And if she were not mistaken, there was Farael. He and his companions had just tapped a keg and were ‘testing’ the contents within. There were smiles on their faces as they raised their mugs to each other.

Telu laughed as she walked back toward the doorway. ‘I hope he will be able to stand steady on his feet by this evening,’ she said to Buttercup as they mounted the steps to the porch. Buttercup looked to where the Elf pointed and raised her brows. ‘Better wear some thick boots, Telu,’ the Hobbit returned. ‘He might be stepping all over your feet with his.’ Buttercup looked down at her own bare feet and grinned. ‘Advantage there in not wearing shoes!’

The two passed into the common room. Buttercup had a few more duties in the kitchen before she could put on her party clothes. ‘Bring your dress and such to my room,’ she suggested to Telu. ‘that brother of yours sounds like he’s in a sour mood. Wouldn’t want to spoil yours for the fun tonight!’

With a light heart, Telu mounted the steps to her little room and began sorting through her dresses for the one she wanted to wear.