[Child of the 7th Age]

Maura went to another corner of the small home and pulled up a wooden door which had been cleverly concealed inside the boards of the floor. Nitir peered down into the darkness. Under the boards was a small and dank tunnel which had been hollowed out by hand. It did not appear to lead anywhere but could be used for concealment and disguise.

Maura explained curtly, "We are not such dreamers as you think. Every family has one of these. I know that they are nothing against an invasion, but the holes may buy us a few minutes of peace until we decide what actions, if any, will help."

He looked at his daughter and motioned to her to get down into the tunnel with the boy. Then he looked at Nitir, "Ban and I must go and meet with the men at the designated place. Can you handle a sword?"

Child answered grimly, "Not as well as I can a dagger and bow." She held up the two blades to show him and nodded towards the bow leaning against the corner of the room.

"Here." He handed her a sword. It was of exquisite Elven quality, pefectly sized for a hobbit, and with gems inlaid upon the hilt. In her own world, such a blade would command considerable respect.

He said to her, "Go down in the tunnel or stand alert beside the door with your blade poised."

Nitir nodded and took her position by the doorway. She gave her second dagger to Zira so that she too would have some defence. Before they left, Ban and Maura hammered up boards to cover over the window, and then turned to give final instructions. "Open the door to no one unless they speak Elvish. Our whole community understands that no Orc will know or use the golden tongue. If, for any reason, you must flee this burrow and go to another, you must do the same to be admitted into another home."

He paused one moment to catch his breath. And, Nitir, if you have a choice, flight is preferable to hopeless fighting and death."

She turned to the two men just before they raced out the door, "Please be careful, and come back as soon as you can."

Down below in the tunnel, Nitir could hear the child who had begun with loud and beseeching wails, while his mother tried hopelessly to comfort him.