[Child of the 7th Age]

Child stepped through the burrow door with the small jackdaw perched on her shoulder. The council was in its accustomed place. The small group of hobbits, men and women, sat cross legged about the hearth fire in the middle of the room. Each represented a particular clan or kin. Each had a clear attachment to the Harfoot, Fallohide or Stoor branches of the hobbit peoples.

Child was unusual in that respect. Her mixed Fallohide and Harfoot ancestry was atypical. It had even won her a fair measure of good natured teasing which she took without complaint. Child smiled. She remembered how many times she had lectured Maura on the advantages of having the different clans freely mix with each other in their marriages and other dealings. She had gleefully pointed out to Maura that, in the prison camp itself, such distinctions seemed to be breaking down. Hobbits in need were willing to reach out to others hobbits, whatever their clan might be. But it was Maura who'd had the last word in that argument. He said that he suspected the basic distinctions of the three clans would last for generations and, with her memories of the Third Age slowly returning, Child had to admit to herself he was right.

Today, however, conversation centered on something more serious. For Acalimon himself sat in the circle, his large form hunched over to make as compact a bundle as he could. The hobbits talked endlessly of how the community could best organize itself to survive the journey over the mountains. Most were surprised to hear the news that Child brought from Rose. They had hoped for a few days to set all in order, but it was not to be so. They planned as best they could, making sure that the strongest carried the heaviest loads of foodstuffs and supplies. Many things would have to be left behind. The emphasis would be on food to feed the community, heavy blankets and coats, herbs for healing like Child's kingsfoil plants, and, finally, with hope for the future, a supply of seeds for vegetables, fruits, and flowers which they intended to plant someday. Ancalimon had raised his eyebrows on first seeing the kingsfoil, but then laughed and said nothing more on the subject.

The peddler himself had decided to come along on the trip. Child wondered how he intended to leave Tol Fuin after things got settled. Ancalimon, however, gave no indication that this would be a problem. He told the hobbits that the war was going much better as a very large contingent from Aman was expected to take the field. While there were no guarantees in this life, it appeared hopeful that the tide would turn against Morgoth and the Orcs. At that point, the youngest hobbits who had been secretly listening to the council outside the windows of the burrow actually stood up and cheered.

Ancalimon also gave helpful suggestions as to how the elderly and infirm might best make it to the highlands. Every one of these was assigned to a strong and able bodied hobbit who would aid them along the path. A few would even begin the journey within the safe confines of Ancalimon's newly discovered cart. The pony was to be hitched to this, and set in the middle of the march to avoid close perusal by the Orcs. The peddler also showed them how to weave together branches to construct crude sleds that could be dragged along over the snow and ice, both to carry people and supplies.

The community still had too many memories of that first horrific night on the road after Gondolin. They were trying to do whatever they could to avoid reliving that nightmare.

Child also introduced the shapechanger to the council. The jackdaw steadfastly refused to change into any other form, despite the pleas of youngsters who had clambered up to stare through the windows. She did, however, fly about the small burrow and sing a song in Elvish to the astonishment of everyone present.

Then, Child sadly explained that she and Rose would be leaving to return to their own people. There were many boos and hisses at this piece of news. She also told the hobbits not to be afraid if a great flying beast should come to provide transportation within the mountains. Then Maura presented Child with a paper written out in Elvish with the name "Nitir" on it, and many fine words thanking her for her work with the children. This came from the council. They had another for Rose which Maura gave to the girl later that day.

Just as the hobbits were about to break up the meeting and go on their way with preparations, the Orc commander came ramming through the round door of the burrow. His heavy body and sneering glare chased away the youngsters who by now were perched above on the window ledges. He stood over Maura's head bellowing out his command that the entire hobbit community leave at midnight for an unknown destination. As he growled out his orders, he stood just beneath the jackdaw who sat even higher overhead. The temptation was too great. Bird let go, and a minute later the Orc was cleaning refuse off his head and cursing as he left the burrow. Outside, within the bushes, could be heard distinct titters and giggles. Child corrctly surmised these might belong to Snowhobbits.

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