[Child of the 7th Age]

"Poppy Took. Poppy Took!" Cami waved valiantly at the only other hobbit in sight. Cami had glimpsed Frodo with a friend, but he had disappeared without greeting her. She pulled Poppy into a corner so they could avoid the mob. Then she shook her head, "This is worse than last year. So crowded! And look what the Big Folk are wearing." Cami rolled her eyes. "By the way, I do like your dress."

Cami gazed admiringly at Poppy's blue silk gown, a simple but striking outfit which showed off the girl's figure to her singular advantage. Cami's own wardrobe had been dictated by circumstances. She had exactly one party dress hanging in her closet, an old-fashioned gown of green silk that Bilbo had given her. She was happy with her choice.

"Cami, why are you still sitting here instead of coming inside?"

Cami chuckled. "First, I had to take delivery on some snakpaks from Urak Beef and Offal. That's why it smells so bad. But I also promised Maura I'd stay till my escort arrives." Glancing up the corridor, she glimpsed fifty Uruk-hai bent under a massive metal box with tiny peepholes in the sides. They advanced and halted in front of Cami as she grabbed at the note:.

Dearest Cami,

Gandalf told me of your need, and I am pleased to make you a loan of Meneltarma's guardian to serve as your escort at the birthday bash. Make sure she behaves and doesn't fight with her kin. If I recall, the two of you met at last year's party.

Best wishes to you and Maura. Give my regards to Pio, Mithadan, and Bird. May you ever hear the horns of Ulumuri in your dreams.

Ulmo
Lord of the Waters

Cami smiled without explaining. "Could you help me pry off the lid?" Both hobbits picked up crowbars left by the Uruk and began to pull and strain.