The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

Child of the 7th Age · 11-14-2002, 06:22 PM

Child's post

It was mid afternoon when the hobbits and hobbrim crowded together on the beach. Today there was little laughter or teasing, and no light hearted tales or riddles to be heard. Most of those who waited looked solemn or worried. Family members huddled close and held tightly to each other. Cami and Rose had pushed their way to the front, where they stood side-by-side, holding hands. Every so often, the younger girl turned around to stare at the cresting waves and search for the first glimpse of Ulmo's robe or sceptre. But, so far, she'd had no luck.

Ancalimon dragged a heavy stick along the ground, making a deep impression in the sand that divided the inner area into two equal parts. Then he stood before the assembly, "This is where you will go. There for the hobbits," pointing to the left. "And there for the hobbrim," pointing again to the right. "After we finish the names, Ulmo will come by the shore and lead the hobbrim into the Sea." Rose looked nervously at Cami as she considered this. The two hobbits had spoken earlier, and both thought Daisy would choose to be at Kali's side.

"Now, I will begin. Just walk forward and join the group you've chosen."

Gandalf took the list and prepared to read the names. He adjusted his spectacles, peered at the sheets of vellum, and cleared his throat.

"Camelia and Rose Goodchild"

There was absolute silence. No one moved. Certainly not Cami or Rose, as all eyes turned expectently towards them. Then Cami felt a poke from behind her, as Kali jabbed a webbed finger into her ribs. "That's you." he whispered fiercely.

For an instant, Cami seemed startled or surprised. She hadn't expected their names to be first. Then, without hesitation, she and Rose trotted over to the left of the circle.

Ancalimon nodded, then continued. Family after family, name after name were spoken aloud as hobbits and hobbrim came forward to state their choice. At one point Cami heard Kali's name and caught a glimpse of the hobbrim walking towards the space just opposite her. They were physically so close that Cami could have reached out and touched his hand.

Every few names, you could see the hurting underneath as brother split from brother, or grandparents sobbed to see grown children step away, with their little ones tucked under their arms. But most families stayed together, and, as Cami had guessed, the number of hobbits going to the Anduin was roughly double that staying on Meneltarma.

They were about two-thirds of the way though when Ancalimon reached Daisy's name. How different she seemed, Cami thought! She looked nothing like the frightened girl who'd hidden in her closet months before. So much had happened. Rose grabbed Cami's hand as she saw her friend look up. She leaned over and whispered, "I'm really going to miss her." Cami nodded. She could feel Rose's fingers clenching even tighter as Daisy begin to step forward.

Pio's Post

Daisy stepped forth with such assuredness that the breath caught in Pio’s throat. The young Hobbit nodded to Ancalimon and strode to take her place among the Hobbits who had chosen to make the Change. She smiled at Kali, who grinned back at her, his cheeks tinged crimson. She waved to both Cami and Rose, standing just across from them. She turned, then, and looking at Pio and smiled broadly.

Pio stepped forth slightly and tossed something in her direction. It shimmered as it sailed through the air under the bright light of the sun. Daisy caught it deftly in her hands and laughed as she held it up to view. It was that last, small, flat rock that she had not thrown into the sea the day she had struggled with her decision about the Choosing. She had given it to Pio, and now the Elf had returned it to her, cradled in fine mithril wire and strung from a bright mithril chain.

She gasped in delight as she turned it over on her palm, to find a small butterfly etched on its surface, the star pattern of Wilwarin picked out within its boundaries. She looked fully at Pio and mouthed ‘Thank you!’ as she placed the necklace over her head. Then she stepped forward, and turned her face toward the sea, where soon by the grace of Ulmo she would take her place among the Hobbrim.

Pio stepped back, to her place beside Mithadan, willing the tears away that threatened at the corners of her eyes. He reached for her hand, placing it within his, and squeezed it gently in assurance.

[ November 15, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

11-14-2002, 06:22 PM	#399
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Child's post It was mid afternoon when the hobbits and hobbrim crowded together on the beach. Today there was little laughter or teasing, and no light hearted tales or riddles to be heard. Most of those who waited looked solemn or worried. Family members huddled close and held tightly to each other. Cami and Rose had pushed their way to the front, where they stood side-by-side, holding hands. Every so often, the younger girl turned around to stare at the cresting waves and search for the first glimpse of Ulmo's robe or sceptre. But, so far, she'd had no luck. Ancalimon dragged a heavy stick along the ground, making a deep impression in the sand that divided the inner area into two equal parts. Then he stood before the assembly, "This is where you will go. There for the hobbits," pointing to the left. "And there for the hobbrim," pointing again to the right. "After we finish the names, Ulmo will come by the shore and lead the hobbrim into the Sea." Rose looked nervously at Cami as she considered this. The two hobbits had spoken earlier, and both thought Daisy would choose to be at Kali's side. "Now, I will begin. Just walk forward and join the group you've chosen." Gandalf took the list and prepared to read the names. He adjusted his spectacles, peered at the sheets of vellum, and cleared his throat. "Camelia and Rose Goodchild" There was absolute silence. No one moved. Certainly not Cami or Rose, as all eyes turned expectently towards them. Then Cami felt a poke from behind her, as Kali jabbed a webbed finger into her ribs. "That's you." he whispered fiercely. For an instant, Cami seemed startled or surprised. She hadn't expected their names to be first. Then, without hesitation, she and Rose trotted over to the left of the circle. Ancalimon nodded, then continued. Family after family, name after name were spoken aloud as hobbits and hobbrim came forward to state their choice. At one point Cami heard Kali's name and caught a glimpse of the hobbrim walking towards the space just opposite her. They were physically so close that Cami could have reached out and touched his hand. Every few names, you could see the hurting underneath as brother split from brother, or grandparents sobbed to see grown children step away, with their little ones tucked under their arms. But most families stayed together, and, as Cami had guessed, the number of hobbits going to the Anduin was roughly double that staying on Meneltarma. They were about two-thirds of the way though when Ancalimon reached Daisy's name. How different she seemed, Cami thought! She looked nothing like the frightened girl who'd hidden in her closet months before. So much had happened. Rose grabbed Cami's hand as she saw her friend look up. She leaned over and whispered, "I'm really going to miss her." Cami nodded. She could feel Rose's fingers clenching even tighter as Daisy begin to step forward. Pio's Post Daisy stepped forth with such assuredness that the breath caught in Pio’s throat. The young Hobbit nodded to Ancalimon and strode to take her place among the Hobbits who had chosen to make the Change. She smiled at Kali, who grinned back at her, his cheeks tinged crimson. She waved to both Cami and Rose, standing just across from them. She turned, then, and looking at Pio and smiled broadly. Pio stepped forth slightly and tossed something in her direction. It shimmered as it sailed through the air under the bright light of the sun. Daisy caught it deftly in her hands and laughed as she held it up to view. It was that last, small, flat rock that she had not thrown into the sea the day she had struggled with her decision about the Choosing. She had given it to Pio, and now the Elf had returned it to her, cradled in fine mithril wire and strung from a bright mithril chain. She gasped in delight as she turned it over on her palm, to find a small butterfly etched on its surface, the star pattern of Wilwarin picked out within its boundaries. She looked fully at Pio and mouthed ‘Thank you!’ as she placed the necklace over her head. Then she stepped forward, and turned her face toward the sea, where soon by the grace of Ulmo she would take her place among the Hobbrim. Pio stepped back, to her place beside Mithadan, willing the tears away that threatened at the corners of her eyes. He reached for her hand, placing it within his, and squeezed it gently in assurance. [ November 15, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ] __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.