[Child of the 7th Age]

Much later that evening, Cami returned to the deck of the Star and sat next to the railing, staring out at the Sea. It was hard to believe her time here would be ending so soon. Her mind wandered back to that first night in Minas Anor when she'd met Bird and Pio in a ramshackle Inn close to the docks. She remembered feeling decidedly uncomfortable, and having serious doubts about the two strange women who were proposing to go with her to search for 'sea-hobbits'.

Now, in less than a year, Cami almost felt like a different person. It seemed as if she'd known Bird and Pio her whole life, and the thought of parting from them, even to go and live with her beloved hobbits, was hard to bear.

At that instant, Cami heard a rustling noise from above, like a great bird hurtling down from the masthead. A flash of green and gold came tumbling onto the deck in front of her. The small ball unrolled, and out popped Angara's head and tail. The wyrmlet tugged on Cami's skirts and slid onto the hobbit's lap, nestling up against her warm body.

Angara must be in a good mood, Cami refected. That was the only time when she consented to shrink down to her smaller size and curl up like a contented cat before a fire. Cami began rhythmically scratching the scales behind the dragon's head. The wyrm stretched and purred in appreciation.

I shall miss you, Cami told her.

I too, came the reply. Did you hear what I am going to do? Angara positively glowed and puffed up a bit with pride.

Cami shook her head yes. Ancalimon told me. It will be wonderful for you. All those hobbrim children to keep in line. I would think there'll be a lot of marriages with more babies on the way in just a little while.

You know that you and I will be doing the same thing, Cami. I will be here with the children of Meneltarma, and you with the children of the Anduin.

Cami smiled and nodded, I hadn't thought of it that way, but you may be right. Then she looked seriously at the dragon and whispered out loud, "It does help, doesn't it? To be with the children, so the part of you that's missing someone doesn't hurt so much."

The dragon nodded as a single tear raced down her cheek, "Yes, it makes all the difference in the world. But you should go to your bed, little hobbit. You will have a big day tomorrow."

I can't sleep.

The boy? questioned the dragon.

Yes, the boy and his little ones. I keep wanting him to choose the Anduin because I truly believe he'll be happier there. But then, I feel guilty for even thinking of such a thing, since he'll probably have to leave his brother whom he dearly loves.

The dragon turned whirling eyes otowards her, Just remember, Cami Goodchild, whatever he decides is his choice, not yours. Your wishing or wanting won't push it either way.

Cami nodded and yawned. She was about to turn around and retire to her cabin, when she caught a glimpse of Piosenniel standing quietly in the stern and also staring out to Sea. "Pio, is that you?"

The Elf turned about. "Yes, I needed some time to think."

For a moment there was silence between them in the darkness. Cami struggled to find the right words, "I'll let you be then, but there's one thing I must say. I don't know what's going to happen after tomorrow. I expect we'll be sailing in the Star for our final trip. We may get so busy that I won't even have the chance to talk like this again." She looked the Elf in the eye.

"There's something I need to tell you before we go our separate ways. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you've done for the hobbits. You may look like an Elf on the outside; you may even have decided to pledge yourself to one of the big folk, but inside there's still part of you that's straight hobbit. Remember that when you're playing with the twins. Hobbits make good mothers." Cami's voice started to crack.

She looped her arms about Pio's belly and whispered, "I so wish I could have seen them, you and the twins together. When you hold them in your arms one day, don't forget to give them a kiss from Auntie Cami."

There was no more to be said. Cami awkwardly turned and tripped down the ladder, brushing away the tears which streamed down her face. Then she retreated towards her cabin to try and get some sleep.

[ November 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]