AWAKENING
Shielding his eyes from the sparkling shimmer of sun on the waves, Elrond drew peace from Celebrian's arm entwined with his. Combined gazes dropped to where Bilbo reclined at the foot of the cliff, the remains of a very generous repast scattered about him on a blanket.
Frodo paddled along the shifting waters edge, hands tucked in his pockets. For a moment the Ringbearer stilled, looking out to sea. Then, as one awakening from sleep, Frodo Baggins flung his arms wide, throwing back his head so that a fresh breeze carried his merry laugh to the watchers.
Free at last.
END
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CAKE
"Will there be cake?" Pippin winced as his tummy grumbled. It seemed an age since eating luncheon and long past any civilised teatime.
"I hope so," Merry replied. "Although I'm not even sure Lothlorien elves eat," he whispered in aside to the frowning Sam.
Frodo was more optimistic as he steered them all to the board. "I'm certain there'll be lots of good things to eat."
Once there, all faces brightened for the tables groaned with sparkling drinks, sandwiches, fruit, pastries, and all manner of confectionery including . . .
"Cake!" crowed an ecstatic Pippin and Merry.
END
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Crafting
It took the combined skills of Frodo, Merry and even Bilbo, to teach Pippin how to fold a paper boat. Pippin did not find the task difficult but rather he kept getting distracted, at one point placing the almost complete craft upon his head and running about the garden with a hazel switch, playing warrior king.
Bilbo walked away, chuckling, returning half an hour later with a picnic hamper and pointing them in the direction of the river. Their repast spread upon a blanket the lads now crouched on the stepping stones, watching three little paper boats sail away downstream.
END
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The Loremaster's Laugh
Raised in Imladris, Celebrian saw Loremaster Elrond as a dour figure, not given to amusement. Childhood friends posited that his iron face would split assunder if he smiled.
This year Elrond's annual visit to Lothlorien coincided with a short sojourn made by her parents and, consequently, Amdir requested that they all dine with him. Celebrian had demured at first but strangely, her Adar insisted.
Elrond's voice was rich and more captivating than remembered . . . and he laughed. She rather liked this twinkling-eyed Elrond, throwing back his head to laugh at Amdir's tale of acquisitive dwarves and inquisitive horses.
END