“The first day of the dwarves’ New Year,” said Thorin, “is as all
should know the first, day of the last moon of Autumn on the threshold
of Winter. We still call it Durin’s Day when the last moon of Autumn
and the sun are in the sky together. But this will not help us much, I
fear, for it passes our skill in these days to guess when such a time
will come again.” “That remains to be seen,” said Gandalf. “Is there
any more writing?” “None to be seen by this moon,” said Elrond, and he
gave the map back to Thorin; and then they went down to the water to
see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer’s eve.
     The next morning was a midsummer’s morning as fair and fresh as could
be dreamed: blue sky and never a cloud, and the sun dancing on the
water. Now they rode away amid songs of farewell and good speed, with
their hearts ready for more adventure, and with a knowledge of the
road they must follow over the Misty Mountains to the land beyond.
     

     Chapter 4
     Over Hill and Under Hill