[Child of the 7th Age]

Maura pulled Mithadan to the side and asked if he could keep the younger children busy while he spoke with Gamba.

"Your mother suggested we get to know each other. First, I need to tell you who I am. That's only fair. I've heard a lot about you, since you're so important to Cami."

"Your mother's old teacher Bilbo arranged with Ancalimon and Lorien for us to come to the Inn. I'm Maura Took. I'm sure you've heard about Beleriand, and how your mother and I met. We pledged our love, and hoped to marry. Now, we've been given a chance to spend a little time together to exchange our vows."

"You and your brothers are here, along with Lindo and my family, to share that special time with us. We asked Lorien if you could come."

"I wish that you and I could spend time getting to know each other. But these few weeks are all we have. After that, I must return to my own age, and you and your mother to hers."

Gamba did not respond, but asked, "Where's my mom?"

"She's on a morning walk. She should return shortly."

"Is she mad?"

"Mad? No. About what?"

"The window."

Maura fought back a smile. Cami was an indulgent parent, perhaps too indulgent, and the thought of her wasting time or energy worrying about a window was very strange indeed.

Then he saw the boy's serious face and answered more gently. "Your mother isn't the kind of person to get upset about a window, and neither am I. At least not longer than the first five minutes after it gets broken. She hoped you'd understand that."

"In any case, I thought you and I might make a new window frame together. Your mother has volunteered to work in the kitchens. In exchange, Prim will buy a new window pane and have it installed in the frame we make. Since your mother and I have so little time together, I'll also be helping out in the kitchens just so I can be near her."

"What about the shirriff, and the punch?"

Maura sighed. "I can't lie about that. No hobbit would be pleased. But is she mad? No. Your mother is not the type to yell or get angry. In fact, I can't think of anything further from her nature than that."

"But my mother looks sad. Why?"

"Yes, she is sad. She's a bit lonely. You and your brothers spend a great deal of time having fun together, and leave her sitting by herself. That could make anyone lonely."

"I don't know why. She doesn't need us anymore. She's got you."

"Me? Life's not that simple, I'm afraid. One person doesn't fill all the spaces. Even if I could be with your mom all the time, which I can't, she'd still spend a lot of time worrying about you and being lonely if you weren't here."

"But I am here!"

"Yes and no. Sometimes we all forget about the little things. I'm no exception."

"What little things?"

"Nothing special. Maybe thanking your mom for taking that punch or asking her how her black eye feels. If you like to sleep outside, that's fine. But did you ever invite her to drop by for a good night hug or even to stay with you outside one night? She would you know. There's very little that she wouldn't do for you."

"Gamba, Cami relies on you. And if you wanted to, you could help your brothers understand how to show respect and affection and trust. But wanting to do that has to come from inside yourself. Cami can't do it, and I certainly can't do it."

"Anyways, if you want to make that window frame, or talk, let me know. I'd like to let you in on a little secret, something no one else knows, so you and your brothers, and the other kids, could do something nice for your mom. I think you'd have a lot of fun. But that's up to you, whether you're interested or not."

[ March 17, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]