[Undómë]

Esgallhugwen is thanked for her assistance

Teluyaviel’s cheeks had crimsoned as the older Elven lady came over to help. What must she think of Tindomion and her and the mess they had managed to make?

Tindo, for his part, gave an exasperated sigh and went tromping off toward the kitchen in search of a broom. Oh, thank the stars he did not make some rude remark about clumsy Halflings in front of the Lady! Telu thought.

It had not been his wish to travel from Lindon to Ithilien, nor even to set foot in the Shire again. Had he his way they would be on the next ship West. But . . . he’d promised his mother he would watch out for his younger sister, Telu. His dear mother who was now most likely awaiting their father’s departure from Mandos’ Halls in the fair West. His sister had declined to go, saying she did not hear the sea call as yet, and so he had made that binding promise thinking that soon her thoughts would turn to their family and she would surely want to go.

But Telu’s heart was set on the new Ithilien, having heard that a number of their kin from the Woodland Realm had gone there to settle. And to his vexation, she remained firm in her desire to continue their eastward journey.

In good time he was back with the broom, having braved the fierce, grey haired matron who commanded the kitchen. He’d had to make a full report to her why her broom was needed. And she had clucked her tongue at him, indicating she thought the whole incident most likely his fault. At any rate, the mess was cleaned up and the Halfling had graciously taken their orders, saying that perhaps it would be best if they just waited for her at their table.

Telu gathered her wits about her and drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly to calm herself. ‘My thanks to you for your help,’ she told the Elven lady. ‘My name is Teluyaviel and this is my brother, Tindomion. Telu and Tindo, if you will. We are traveling through the Shire, from Lindon. May I ask who it is I have the pleasure of greeting?’