Two elders had slipped down into the entrance to the tunnel that led to the water, and Gamba desperately wanted to follow. But he had to go and dig, and Phura could hardly sneak down with all the children in tow. He stretched painfully, having hurriedly eaten his breakfast, and nudged the sleeping Phura. "The kids are all yours, " he said. "I've got to go."
Phura rolled over and sighed. "Is it morning already?"
Gamba leaned closer, whispering. "Did Loremaster tell you?"
"Yes. A girl. Not Azra, not Nitir. And not Piosenniel, either. A girl."
"With Levanto. Why did he say we couldn't be there?"
"I don't know. And no questions. No questions!" Phura was awake now, and sat up. "You'd better go."
"Tell me anything you find out."
"Don't worry."
Gamba stepped over Asta and Roka, and headed for the graveyards, melting into the twilight. All around him, other hobbits were doing the same. Phura sat up, and studied the children. There were five now. Two more boys had joined them-- little Ban, four years old, and tiny little Maura, who could barely speak.
Phura didn't get nearly as much studying done anymore as he used to.
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...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.
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