[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami scurried into the kitchen, with Maura following close behind. The hobbit broke into a broad smile as she looked up to see Mithadan and Piosenniel standing together.

"These are my friends, Maura, the people I wanted you to meet. The ones I was with on the Lonely Star."

Maura extended a hand to the Man in greeting. "Cami's told me about you. You must be Mithadan, the owner of the ship. The one who agreed to go searching for the lost hobbits. It's wonderful to meet you."

Mithadan's eyes sparkled with warmth, "And you, as well, Maura. We've heard much about you from Cami."

Maura turned about to face the Elf, and bowed adroitly at the waist, paying his respects in the same polite fashion that he might have done back in Gondolin. "I am afraid, Elven lady, that you have me at an advantage. Cami has not mentioned your name to me."

"Not mentioned my name?" The Elf turned and gave Cami a startled look. "But we are close friends. My name is Piosenniel."

Now it was Maura's turn to look alarmed. He shifted uneasily on his feet. "Piosenniel! But you are....." Maura's next words were not said aloud, but the expression on his face and the mental force with which he broadcast his thoughts came ringing into all their ears.

But you are....dead! You're not supposed to be here. You fell before the gates of Gondolin in hand-to-hand combat. Why aren't you in the West, or waiting in the Halls of Mandos? There was an awkward pause.

Cami looked sideways at Maura, her eyes widening in confusion and embarrassment, then surreptitiously wrapped her fingers around his arm and tugged him closer to her. "No, Maura. It's not like that." She looked over at Pio to try and explain. "I'm sorry. This misunderstanding is my fault. I should have told him what happened later." Cami mumbled a brief explanation about the return of the Elf and her later marriage.

Piosenniel shook her head and looked straight at Maura. "There is no way you could have known these things. And I am pleased you're here. Cami missed you so much." Then the two began to discuss some of the things that had happened on Tol Fuin since the departure of the Star.

Cami blanched. Maybe Bird was right. She had sensed that the shapechanger had grave reservations about bringing so many folk into the Shire from different places and times. Things could easily become confused. And, if they brought their friends and family to the Inn, the confusion would only get worse.

After Pio and Mithadan had chatted for a while with Maura, the two hobbits said their good byes and went off on their own to talk. Maura apologized for his blunder, although Cami said it was her fault for not remembering to tell him. Then, she took Maura's hand, and whispered, "I am afraid there will be more things like this. I know Bird worries about it. Maybe she's right. Maybe we'd best go off on our own, somewhere private and stay out of other's lives. Perhaps it's better that our friends and family stay where they are."

"No!" Maura's voice was adament. "I told you that I'm through dissembling. I won't do something just because others think it's best. There is so little that I can give you, Cami. But, at least, you will be married properly, standing up in front of those you love. And Bilbo would never forgive me if he didn't get to stand at your side. We will deal with the confusion and tumult."

"If this is something you want, then we'll do it."

"No, Cami," Maura gently clasped her hand and placed a kiss on her fingers.. "This is something we want, both of us."

Cami shook her head in sad acknowledgment. Then the couple went off looking for Lorien to give him their request.

[ March 13, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]