[Child of the 7th Age]

As Child stood looking dazed just outside the burrow where the hobbit council met, Rose came barrelling into her. The girl was panting, her shoulders heaving up and down. She tried to spit out the words to Child describing what she had heard and seen.

"The Orcs, the Orcs," Rose gasped for air. "Some of them leave for Morgoth's wars, and only a handful will be left to guard us. They are grumbling and complaining since we are to be sent with the remaining guards on a midnight trek into the mountains of Dorthonion."

Child's mind slowly began to click into place, as she mulled over Rose's news. A midnight trek into the mountains in the middle of winter? What madness! Yet, the mountains were exactly where they needed to be.

Child embraced Rose in her arms and told her, "You have done well! This news is important for the survival of the hobbits. I will tell the council to prepare for a hard winter journey which will begin in just a few hours. And I'll take Bird along with me. I think it's time they see one who's risked her life on their behalf."

"Now, go get your things and return to the Orc camp so they'll never suspect you've slipped out. And be careful, Rose! Make sure not to get left behind when the trek begins. Spread the word quietly among the other hobbits serving there, and try to organize their departure as best you can."

"Bird has told me she expects there to be a dragon pick-up for us in the Dorthonion highlands. But, whether that pick-up is by Angara or Bird herself, she would not say. I've told her I won't leave until I'm sure the hobbits have found dry land and a decent place to start a new life."

She turned to leave when Rose called over concerned and curious, "Child, what's wrong? Were you crying before?"

Child stood frozen in her tracks. What was she to say? She could live with a life of secrets and denials. Or she could tell the truth clearly and simply to her friends on the Star. It took her only a moment to realize that a simple telling of the truth would be better. She didn't know whether or not Rose would approve, but it didn't really matter. The truth would have to do.

"Yes, Rose, I was. I care for Maura and his people very deeply. We even spoke about me remaining here with him. But we talked to Ancalimon, and that isn't possible, not now or even in the future. If Maura and I wish to see the light grow stronger, I must return to the Star and do my duty there, and he must lead his own people forward to build a new community."

Child tried to speak as calmly and quietly as possible, although her heart tugged in a different direction. She smiled at Rose, and then waved her finger admonishingly in her direction, "Get going, Rose, or you'll have a pack of wicked Orcs on your tail. Get back to their camp, and keep your ears wide open. I should see you tonight when the trek to the mountains begins."

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]