[Mithalwen]

As she listened to the musicians, Mithalwen became aware that not only did the preparations seem to be nearing completion but the celebrations seemed to be starting -food was being brought out but there seemed to be more interest in the many barrels and vats of drink. The new arrivals were all seemed to be in their finest clothes and Mithalwen felt very dowdy in comparison - especially as she looked at Rasputina.

She excused herself and returned to her chamber to find something more appropriate. Her travel clothes had dried but they were more practical than the grey dress she wore. She had a small stock of clothes with her and even at home she seldom had need of great finery. Yet she had brought a couple of dresses suitable to wear in the evening at Rivendell and taking the prettier from her bags she hoped that it would do. She shook it to remove the worst of the creases. It was of a light blue, aquamarine some would call it, and while of very simple design it had at least elegant flowing sleeves lined with pale gauze. She wore it with soft leather slippers. she had very little in the way of adornment -just a single tear-drop pearl hanging from a fine chain from her neck (for the brooch that fastened her cloak was too heavy for this dress).

"Nothing for my hair" she thought sadly as she brushed out her silver locks and part braided it then she had an idea and by the time she returned to the company she had twined a few bright blooms in her hair. In her less sombre garb, she felt in more festive mood and she smiled at all she met as she made her way back towards the stage.