Dear Mother and Father,
Today has been eventful. I got mail from Yidia, asking me to redecorate her house for her. I think talking about the LHC made an impression on her. I've visited the place, but it's standard practise to talk to the client first, to see what they like, what their favourite colours are, what sort of style they want and all that. I must say I am very much looking forward to redecorating her house, though I am very nervous, since it's been quite a while since I last did one and I don't have my companion to give advice any more. Perhaps I should write Ydia a letter, asking to meet and discuss things? A working lunch... yes, that sounds very professional!
In the afternoon, I went to in Michel Delving, to make the present I'd thought up for little Lyshko and had just finished when I ran into Lina. We got to talking and she asked about Jardic, why he was staying with me, so I told her what happened for as far as I could remember. She seemed quite shocked when I mentioned the biscuits he stole, which warmed my heart. She also suggested I get a lock made for the pantry and said Nimelia was good with metalworking, but when I asked her at the party, she said she didn't know how to make locks, so I shall have to ask someone else.
I'm not sure how Lina and I got onto the subject of chickens, but we did and I said half-jokingly I might start a chicken farm, selling the eggs and call it "Zara's Farmfresh Eggs". It does have a rather nice ring to it doesn't it? She also warned me about keeping a good eye on the chickens if I do keep any. Someone she knows was keeping chickens too, but one by one the chickens disappeared! Since there was no damage to the coop or holes in the ground under the wiring or anything like that, it is still a mystery how they got out or who took them. She said the person was so upset each time a chicken went missing, that the only thing that would console them was a home-made chicken pie. Then I said goodbye to Lina because she needed to pick up some fireworks for the party and went to Akelay's house.
There were quite a few hobbits at the babywarming; I saw many familiar faces and quite enjoyed myself. I think Akelay liked the present I made, it was a mobile with stars hanging from it, to hang over Lyshko's bed so he can watch it until he falls asleep. Jardic showed up as well and acted the perfect gentleman, helping Akelay to hand out food and drinks. Later he told me Akelay let him keep whatever was leftover, so I have my suspicions that it wasn't all from the goodness of his heart. To my surprise, I got quite tipsy on pumpkin ale and nearly knocked Jardic over. He didn't seem to mind, even asked me for a dance.
Simbo was there, looking as plump as ever and dancing his finest. We danced together at least twice. It was such fun! I do think he's he finest dancer in the Shire. There, I said it. Things got a bit blurry after that, but I remember going to see the baby room, which was very nicely done in green colours. Then we all went outside again and found Jardic playing a song for the baby. Lina was so impressed that she asked him to play at the Green Dragon.
I'm not jealous. Not a bit! Not really... Why does he have to make such a good impression on everyone? If they only knew what he was really like, I'm sure they'd think twice, but it's hobbit nature to welcome someone until they prove themselves untrustworthy. He even had the gall to ask me to dance at the next Green Dragon Friday after we got home! I couldn't refuse though, that would have been impolite. So I shall just make the best of it. I hope Simbo asks me to dance again, that will make up for it.
I have to admit, Jardic did look rather dashing in his tophat and long fancy robe. He's even promised to make Rua and me breakfast in bed tomorrow as a thank you for letting him stay. I don't really believe he will, but the thought was nice. I know what you must be thinking, mother and father. Thought's are nice, but they don't do anything! I haven't forgotten he's a Lightfoot! They can't be trusted, so I'm not expecting breakfast. Good night,
Your loving Zara
