[piosenniel]

NEW INNKEEPER STORYLINE

She was accustomed to sleeping lightly, from all those months when the twins had pummeled and prodded her awake at night. She heard Cami's question to Mithadan, and smiling, went into the nursery where Cami stood, looking expectantly at the Man.

Pio grinned widely and shook her head at the ever curious Hobbit. 'There is a custom among the Eldar for the naming of children. It is the right of the Father to give the child their first name, and it is done in a ceremony called Essecarmë. This is done with much thought on the Father's part, and becomes the child's first true name. The second true name will come when they are older and choose a name of their own devising.'

'Mothers also give their children names, and they are called the 'names of insight or foresight (essi tercenyë or apacenyë. These, too, will be the true names for the children.'

'Soon, we will have the ceremony, until then, your terms of endearment will be enough.' She picked up her son from Mithadan's arms and placed him in Cami's. 'He does already know you, Cami. And not by your name, but by your strong and gentle spirit.'

Cami snorted at the stiff-necked Elf and her Elvish customs, but nonetheless fell to cooing at the curious little face that looked up at her.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Some time later, Pio reminded Mithadan that their new dwelling was ready for them. It would be a temporary one, until Pio and the twins were able to travel back to Minas Anor, to their home there, and to their ship, the Lonely Star.

Cami and the crew of the Inn packed up what few items were left to take and piled them in the Inn wagon. Mithadan, Pio, the twins wrapped up in their little quilts, climbed aboard. Faithful Nettle, the Inn pony, drew the wagon along slowly, taking care not to jostle the precious cargo, as a host of people from the Inn followed along.

Aman was there already, and had just opened the windows to let in some fresh air, when they arrived. Soon the family was settled in their new dwelling. The babies were sleeping soundly, and Mithadan and Pio spoke briefly to their friends, thanking them for all their help, promising a big party for the Naming Day.

Cami and Aman were the last to go. Pio gave her two friends generous hugs. 'Cami, there's a rocking chair with your name on it in the nursery - please come anytime. In fact, if you come tomorrow, we can put The Quilt up on the wall where the twins can see it. Never too young to start learning the history of the Lonely Star and its crew.'

Pio leaned down and gave Aman a kiss on the cheek. 'Thank you for taking over for me. Best you get back to the Inn soon, though. People will want their ale and wine, and I know they're itching to hear your stories. Come visit us any time.'

Cami and Aman walked down the path toward the Inn, pausing once to turn and wave back at the couple who stood watching them go.

'Treat you to a pint of stout, Cami,' offered Aman as she took the stairs to the Inn's verandah in a single stride. She threw open the door with a flourish, and stood hands on hips, surveying the Common Room.

'Drinks on the house!' she shouted. And with a welcoming grin on her face, she strode to the bar and took her place behind it . . .