Kalista lay in her bed under a pile of Quilts. Yawning slightly, she rolled out of bed and looked tiredly out the window. At first, she did not notice the weather conditions and began to walk away. However, as her mind woke up, she ran back to the window and a wide grin spread on Kalista's face, revealing large dimples.

"It's snowing," she whispered to herself before running into the kitchen to report the weather to her family. "It's Snowing!" she cheered. Belle laughed at the girl's excitement.

Belle and her husband, Hamfast, were sitting at the table, drinking some tea. Sam sat beside his mother, eating some cheese. He looked up to Kalista as she entered. "It is about time you noticed," he chuckled and returned to the piece of cheese he had been eating.

Hamfast grinned at his son and then slipped something over to Kalista as she sat down. It was an envelope addressed to her from Michel Delving. Kalista smiled excitedly, it was not often that she received mail. Ripping the envelope open, she skimmed the letter and then read it out loud:

~To Miss Kalista Gamgee of Smial Number three, Bag Shot Row; Hobbiton. You are hereby invited to the annual Yule Ball at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Windelfoot." Looking up, Kalista smiled and then continued, "The party begins promptly at seven; formal wear recommended."

'Formal wear?' Kalista frowned at the thought. She had nothing elaborate like the lasses in Michel Delving wore. She only had casual party dresses. "Well," she sighed. "It was a nice gesture to send the invitation."

"What's wrong Kalista?" Belle asked; furrowing her brow at the girl who seemed like the world was about to end.

Looking up at her mother, Kalista sighed and looked at the letter again. "It says formal wear, I don't have anything that would match a Michel Delving party."

"Oh, come now dear, surely you have something you can wear," Belle returned. "What about that pretty green dress with the puffy sleeves? It needs a little mending but we can fix that."

Kalista frowned thinking about all the clothing she had and nothing seemed to match this night. It would be her very first ball as an 'adult' and she wanted the perfect dress. "That's a party dress mum; this is a ball. It wouldn't do; I simply won't go."

"What do you mean you won't go? Of course you are going. The Baggins' have already offered to take you and you will not turn them down," replied Belle, surprised at Kalista's sudden stubbornness.

"But I can't go, I don't have anything too wear," she replied.

Belle looked at Hamfast and Hamfast returned the look. She was growing impatient at her girl's complaints. Her family did not have much money but they were comfortable. She looked at Kalista and crossed her arms over her chest. "Then you tell Mr. Bilbo and Frodo yourself."

"But I can't do that, I promised Frodo and Bilbo that I would go with them. Please, let me by a new dress," she pleaded desperately. However, neither Belle or Hamfast fell for their daughter's cries; they simply did not have the money to waste on a dress Kalista would only wear once.

Defeated, Kalista got up from the table and walked into her bedroom. She sifted through her closet and drawers for a dress that she could perhaps alter so that she looked fit for a high society ball. The hobbitess was not happy at all. She knew her family would say things like: You look lovely, every hobbit lad will want to dance with you, looks do not matter, but to Kalista, they did. What if the other girls made fun of her or thought she was less worthy of attending the ball? Letting out a sigh, Kalista pulled out her party dress and placed in on the bed to try on. "Well, at least I get to go," she said to herself.

A few hours later, Bilbo and Frodo arrived at the Gamgee's home to pick Kalista up. It was only about noon and they wanted to get to Michel Delving before nightfall. After saying hello to the family, Kalista left with the two older hobbits and their journey began. The snow lightly covered the grass and roads, but not enough to make the ride to town a difficult one.

Bilbo was driving a cart borrowed from the Cottons. Kalista sat comfortably in the back under a blanket, and holding her muff in her hands. Frodo sat besides Bilbo in the front while Bilbo drove. They enjoyed the trip immensely. Each telling a story or singing merry songs of the season. Sometimes Bilbo would make up a few verses of his own: "For a change," he would explain if Frodo or Kalista tried to correct him.

Eventually, Kalista decided to lay her head back and take a short nap before arriving in Michel Delving. She wanted to make certain she would not be tired this night. Though she was too excited to sleep, she forced her eyes closed and eventually drifted into a light sleep.

As the sun began to set, they finally arrived into Michel Delving. Everything around was as festive as could be: The white snow covered the hills completely and the only color came from the holly and red winterberries strategically laid out for decorations. There were candles in the windows and bushes for light. Everything stood out clearly as Kalista woke up. For a moment, she felt as if she stepped into a dream.

The Windlefoot's Smial was just outside the town, not too far and not too close from the main village. Sweet music of lutes and bells from inside the home filled the air. Already the large smial was full of guests.

Bilbo pulled the coach to the front. You two go along and I shall be here in a few moments. Frodo agreed and hopped down off the coach. He then came over to the back and waited for Kalista to stand so he could help her down. "This is going to be wonderful," she commented excitedly to Frodo.

"Aye, if you like these stuffy events," Frodo retorted, causing Kalista to slap him lightly in the arm.

"I am having fun tonight, Frodo Bagging; do not ruing it with your complaining about how you would rather be home reading."

"You know me too well," Frodo smiled before he stood strait and proper. He then extended his arm to Kalista; "Shall we go in my lady?"

Kalista laughed and nodded her head, "let's." Kalista then took Frodo's offered arm and the two walked up the lane and into the smial.

Everyone inside the smial seemed to share Kalista's excitement. She looked around for anyone she might have known from her stay in Michel Delving a few months ago. After about ten minutes of wandering, her and Frodo found Emilia Greenhole; a one of the girls that had attended the same school Kalista had attended. She was older than Kalista and a little rounder in the stomach, but she was a very pretty lass.

She was sitting by the fire, drinking cider and talking with a few of her friends. Kalista led Frodo over and called Emilia's name. The girl looked up and her face lit up immediately at the sight of Kalista. The two met and hugged elated to see each other. "I haven't seen you since September," Emilia cheered.

"Too long for me," replied Kalista. Emilia giggled and nodded her head in agreement. The two then talked about what has happened in their lived and then complemented each other on their dresses. Kalista was happy to know that Emilia also was wearing a hand-me-down dress that had belonged to her sister. After about ten minutes, Emilia noticed Frodo standing with Kalista. She smiled politely at him and turned to Kalista.

"Kalista, who is your escort?" she asked.

Kalista looked up to Frodo and smiled, "This is a friend of mine; Frodo Baggins."

"Frodo Baggins?" Emilia asked, a slight twinkle appearing in her eye. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Frodo smiled in appreciation and took the lass' hand, kissing it politely. "The pleasure is mine." As they were making their introductions though, someone came up behind Frodo and Kalista and wrapped her arms around Frodo.

"Frodo Baggins, I didn't think you would be coming tonight!"

Frodo looked around and was surprised to see it was Dora Boffin. The girl looked radiant in a beautiful crimson dress and beads. Her dark hair was pulled up in beautiful twists with strands of her curly locks laying on the side of her face. Frodo smiled immediately and pulled her off him. "Dora, How are you tonight?"

"Very fine, thank you, come dance with me," she pleaded, taking the hobbit's hands and pulling him out to the center of the room. Emilia laughed, as did Kalista at the sight.

"He is even more handsome than the stories say," Emilia giggled. "You are so lucky."

Kalista looked at Emilia, wondering what she meant by that comment. 'Lucky? Did she think that she and Frodo were?' She then laughed and looked at Emily. "Relax, he is just my escort tonight, we aren't dating, he seems rather smitten with Dora at the moment. Kalista's eyes then roamed around the room. Suddenly, she smiled and her eyes lit up. She then pointed over to the doorway. "That is who I am dating."

Emilia looked over at the door and saw Sancho Milbanks. He was wearing casual clothes but just fancy enough for the occasion. He seemed nervous and looked around for anyone he knew. When he spotted Kalista, he smiled and walked over to her and Emilia. Kalista ran into the hobbit's arms and Sancho kissed her cheek.

"A happy birthday and a happy Yule, Kalista," he smiled radiantly. Kalista blushed and led him to Emilia. "Emmy, this is Sancho, my bough."

Emilia and Sancho exchanged their greetings, but soon he and Kalista wanted to dance. They left Emilia to return to her friends and then they left for the dance floor. "I wish I had known you would be coming, I would have brought you myself," he commented. "There was something I wanted to ask you."

"What is it?" Kalista asked with curiosity. "Ask me now."

"No, no, not here, it is too crowded," Sancho replied.

Kalista raised and eyebrow at the boy in front of her. He was always so odd at times. Perhaps that was why she liked him so much; he always kept surprising her. "All right, if you insist," she sighed.

Frodo had been enjoying the night with Dora and her friends. They danced, as mostly every hobbit in the home was doing and then walked around, greeting everyone and chatting about trivial things. A chore Frodo hated more than anything else. But Dora kept a tight hold on Frodo's arm. 'She must have broken up with her latest lad,' he thought to himself.

As the evening progressed, Frodo was able to get away from Dora for an hour or so. He walked over to the refreshment table and joined some lads in a few mugs of ale. They all say at a table opposite the fire and began enjoying each others company. Jokes were told and songs were sung. Soon, Frodo was beginning to feel better about the night.

Looking over to the dance floor, Frodo watched Kalista and Sancho dancing. They looked perfect together; happy and youthful. Frodo smiled but could not help but imagine it was he, not Sancho Kalista was dancing with. Taking a sip of his beer, be continued to watch them until someone broke his thoughts.

"Frodo!" called one of the lads he was sitting with. Frodo looked up casually and cocked an eyebrow with curiosity. "What is going on with you and Miss Boffin? She seems to have pulled ya under her wing tonight."

Frodo chuckled and sipped his beer again. "Seems like she got tired of her last boyfriend," he replied thoughtfully.

"Ain't it the truth? She goes through us lads like I go through all six meals in an hour," commented another hobbit. "She ain't worth it to me."

"No, indeed, who needs an active lass like her. I want someone who is willin' to settle down; she don't have to be as pretty as Dora, but fair. Who can cook and clean."

"You want the perfect girl and there is no such thing," quipped Frodo.

"There is too Frodo, if you look in the right placed," the hobbit replied.

"Sancho Milbanks sure looked in the right place," said another hobbit with a laugh. "He got old Gamgee's daughter, what a catch."

Frodo looked over to Kalista dancing with Sancho as they continued to dance. For once, these hobbits knew what they were talking about. Kalista was probably one of the most perfect lasses in the Shire. It was just too bad Sancho got to her first.

After a few minutes of dancing, Sancho and Kalista decided to get some air outside. Grabbing her muff and shaw, Kalista followed Sancho out. There was something odd about the hobbit lad this night. He was pleasant, joyous and yet his mind was dwelling on something. The two walked a little ways from the Smial towards a patch of woods. The snow tingles in Kalista's feet but she was so taken by the moment, she did not care about the chill.

Noticing Kalista shivering slightly, Sancho wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her protectively. Kalista returned the gesture by placing her head against his shoulder. Never before had a night seemed so special. Could it get any better than this?

"Kalista, may I ask you something?" Sancho asked suddenly, interrupting Kalista's thoughts. Sancho's voice was nervous, but thoughtful and calm. He looked down to his beloved, pondering what he wanted to say. The perfect words for such a perfect lass. Kalista looked up to him with a questioning look. 'Why was he talking and spoiling this moment?' she was most likely thinking. Sancho sighed and stopped his walking for a moment. "You love me, don't you Kalista?"

"Of course I do, that is a silly question," Kalista replied with jest in her voice. She cocked her head slightly as she looked at Sancho. He was blushing, or perhaps it was winter's chill brightening his face.

"I love you too," Sancho commented with a grin.

"Well, I am glad we are on the same page." Kalista was curious now; why was he asking such a question? Was he insecure? That was ridiculous, Kalista had seen no other lad besides Sancho and Frodo. And Frodo was no threat so what was Sancho's problem?

"I am being serious," Sancho frowned. "What I am trying to say is; Kalista, we love each other and I think that when two hobbits love each other they should," Sancho paused as a lump grew in his throat. After a moment of composing himself, he decided to speak and get everything over with. "Kalista; marry me. Be my wife."

Never before had Kalista thought someone would say those words to her. Thoughts of Sancho and marriage and children and everything a new bride thought of ran through her mind like a wild fire. She did not know the right words to say so she giggled happily and wrapped her arms tightly around Sancho's neck. In return, the lad took her reaction as a 'yes' and kissed her lovingly on the lips.

After a moment of enjoying each other's company, the two decided it was time to return to the party. Kalista was elated and she could hardly walk. She held on tightly to Sancho's waist for support. The sounds of laughter and then scent of apples and cinnamon filled the air. The smile on Kalista's face was as long as the Brandywine River. She was to be married to the most wonderful lad in the Shire and she could not wait to tell Frodo.