[Child of the 7th Age]

Their party was quickly led through the halls by one of the Elves who served Tuor and his household. Each was taken to a room where they found a comfortable bed, a tray with food, and even a new set of clothing for the next day.

A simple peasant skirt and blouse was laid out on Child's bed. This was apparently the type of clothing which hobbits of the First Age wore. Child breathed a sigh of relief. This neat outfit, although utilitarian and rustic, was far different than the crude skins that had been depicted in the hidden room beneath the city of Minas Tirith. In fact, this clothing was considerably nicer than the ragged outfits which she and Rose had improvised.

The rooms themselves were large, and by any standards, elegantly furnished. Lace curtains hung at the windows which seemed to glisten and sparkle in the candlelight as if they had been swept with snowflakes. There were intricate tapestries hanging on the walls, and thick rugs upon the floors.

Child decided to visit Pio whose chamber lay next to hers. Just as she was about to try and learn the Elf's plans for the next day, the women heard a gentle knock. As Pio undid the latch and loosened the door, the tall and gracious figure of Idril emerged. The Lady inclined her head to Child and inquired if she had found everything to her satsfaction. The hobbit responded with polite thanks, and then thought best to leave Pio and Idril in privacy. As Child ventured into the hall to return to her chamber, she could hear Idril's words, "Piosenniel, I believe you and I have much to discuss. While the hour is late and you are tired, a few things must be said before we retire for the night." The heavy door to the room closed, and then there were no more words to be heard.

After finishing her meal, Child slipped into the large bed, with its down matress and comforter. She felt as though she were floating on a cloud. It had been a long time since she had enjoyed such luxuries. At that same moment, another knock came on her own door. She got up to answer and was greeted by the small figure of Rose, a pillow stuffed under her arm.

Rose yawned and asked, "Do you mind if I come and join you? My room is very large, and Bird seems quite angry at me. I definitely get the feeling she would prefer to be left on her own. And, to tell the truth, I am a bit lonely and just a little uncomfortable."

"Come in, Rose. Come in," Child responded. "This bed is so huge, it could sleep three or four Elves. I'm sure two hobbits could manage in the space."

As soon as they had settled down, nestling into the covers, Rose's small voice whispered, "Lady Idril, she seems so,.... so different. It wasn't just Tuor or the battle axe. It's as if the person we met on the Lonely Star was different than this Idril."

Child responded with sadness, "I understand what you mean. This is a grand Lady preoccupied with matters that come with running a large household and helping to guard the fortunes of a great people in uncertain times. Remember, too, that she does not know who we are. How would you react if someone you did not know arrived on your doorstep with such a fantastic tale, riding upon the back of a dragon? Now, don't worry about it, and try to get some sleep. We have a lot to do tomorrow."

Rose rolled over and was soon sleeping. But Child lay awake in the mountain of down and covers, running over thoughts in her head. Her mind again turned to Idril. Idril did seem different than the last time they had met. The Lady that Child had served upon the Lonely Star had eyes that looked into countless ages with endless wisdom and sadness. She had seen so much and experienced so much. The hand of Nienna lay upon her face, and in every act she performed. Child had been so proud to wait upon that Lady, for in all her words, in all her deeds, boundless compassion poured forth.

This Idril, the one in charge of the household, looked ageless and beautiful and filled with knowledge, yet she was not the same. She clearly showed her love for her own people and her concern for the hobbits, but she had not yet experiencd the full measure of pain or sadness which can transform the soul. She had never looked upon the slopes of Taniquetil or seen the white shores of the Blessed Lands. And this Idril was a stranger to Child. The hobbit was even a little afraid of her.

Child pushed these bothersome thoughts away, and whispered silent thanks to Ulmo who had apparently guarded their way into the city of Gondolin. Then she fell asleep.

[ August 04, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ August 04, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]