It was in the middle of Spring when it took place. The sky was blue and the sun was big and bright. Erin dressed in a dark plum knee length dress with a high neckline and a chunky gold belt around her waist.

She wore two inch black open toed heels and the ends of her hair was curled. She collected her black clutch after putting make up on and went to to meet her mom, Mel and dad, Jay in the car.

They would be meeting Fili at a place called An Peitit Cheilteach for tea.

When they got there, Fili was standing outside waiting. He smiled at her mom and dad, shook their hands and then gently hugged Erin and led the way to their seats. He pulled out Erin's seat for her just as Jay did for Mel.

After Fili took his seat, he asked,

"So, how are you? How was your mornings?"

He smiled at Erin. She blushed and said,

"Oh, it was fine."

Soon, a server came by and after Jay ordered for Mel, Fili ordered for him and Erin. They all had the same, sweet iced tea with finger sandwiches and crisps.

They sat outside. There were huge rose gardens, a fountain in the middle on the garden and trees beyond the fountain.

"So, what do you do Fili?"

"Well, at the moment I help my Uncle and brother at the family business but I'm in school."

Jay nodded his head and said,

"What's the family business?"

"My Uncle owns a jewelry business called Stones of Erebor."

"What do you and your brother do there?"

"We do customer service, help keep the store cleaned and sometimes we even go to where they make the jewelry. It's sometimes really hard but it's work I love to do and I get to be with my family almost everyday when I'm not in school."

"What are you in school for?"

"I am wanting to open, a place when people can learn sword fighting, archery and in general, learn to defend themselves."

Jay nodded his head,

"Oh that's cool! Do you have any hobbies?"

Fili nodded,

"Sometimes after work my brother and I will go into the woods and practice archery and sword fighting. We help mother cook, I like to play the fiddle in my spare time."

"Well Fili...I need to know, I feel like there's a deeper purpose you had in this tea."

"Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Ealey, I- I feel Erin and I have become good friends and I have been praying about this decision and I," he looked to her now before looking back at Jay and Mel,

"I do believe she and I are on the same page. Mr. and Mrs. Ealey, I want to ask your permission to court your daughter. I do understand guidelines must be established and I would like to adhere to them."

Jay and Mel looked at each other. Erin's heart was bursting. She did NOT see this coming! Her cheeks burned!

"Well, Fili we trust that you are a trustworthy young man and we appreciate your willing to obey any and all guidelines. We do give you permission to court Erin."

Fili's whole face lit up like a Christmas tree! She and Fili just looked and smiled at each other.

As they got up to leave, Fili helped Erin out of her chair, gently took her right hand and brought his lips and lightly kissed her hand, then winked.

She blushed profusely! She could not believe this! She'd always dreamt of this day!

As they walked out, Fili turned to Jay and Mel,

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Ealey, if it's okay with you, I'd like to take Erin out tomorrow for dinner and bowling."

After they gave permission, he turned to Erin, winked, bowed slightly and said,

"See you tomorrow cutie! Have a good day."

This was one of the BEST days of her life!