[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami watched slyly from behind a tree as Gilly unhitched the pony and led him forward to the stables. She remained hidden while Pio stepped down from the wagon with one child cradled in her arms and the other tucked securely in a sling. She could see the Elf pass through the common room, nod her head in Cook's direction, and continue towards her own bedchamber, clearly intent on snatching a few moments of rest.

Before Pio could shut the door or lie down on her bed, Cami came bounding up with an impish expression on her face, "I heard that, Piosenniel. Threatening to stay away from the party and not even see me properly wed. You're in trouble! I'll get those ill-natured hobbits who have no love for the Big Folk to come and sit outside your window and sing rowdy bar tunes to keep the babies awake all night."

Cami painted a mock scowl on her face, struggling to keep from breaking down in laughter. Then she explained how they'd just left Bag-end and passed by Amaranthas' place on their way back to the Inn. The hobbit pointed an accusing finger at her friend. "If you go announcing your plans at the top of your lungs, don't be surprised when everyone in the Shire hears what you;re doing. And just so you understand. I'll personally drag you over to the party if you dare to stay behind."

"By the way," she continued, without pausing to take a breath, "I hope you haven't included Lorien on your guest list. I'd just as soon avoid him for a while." Cami looked down at her toes, then peered cautiously back at Pio, expecting that the Elf would invite her to explain. When Pio cocked one eyebrow and glanced curiously at Cami, the hobbit lowered her voice and moved closer to her friend.

"Actually, we have decided." With this, she told about Maura's visit to Frodo and Bilbo, and how her teacher had agreed to bring her plea forward to be heard within the very hall of Mandos, and perhaps, just perhaps, even far beyond, since the Valar themselves seemed powerless to help.

"Of course, we don't know what's possible." Cami stared out the window at the vast blue expanse that encircled the shores of Arda, as if she expected someone to appear who would provide the answer she so desperately desired.

Then she shrugged her shoulders and sighed. "Perhaps nothing. I scarcely look or act like Luthien, and I have no special merits for such a gift. I expect Maura and I will end up just where we started. Apart and grieving. But still, it's something to cling to for a while."

"Perhaps if I were different...." Cami's voice trailed off into wistful silence as she glanced over at her friend. Perhaps, I would be certain of myself, able to act out of love, but without nagging thoughts on what came before. But I can not, and neither can my husband. Yes, the child tugs at our hearts, even now. But he is a gift. A gift that comes from somewhere beyond our small knowing. And wherever that gift comes from, I owe some debt of gratitude. I can not fling aside my word which I gave in all solemnity.

But still, there is hope in this. And who knows what will come of Bilbo's plea? For it does seem that whoever wove the silken threads that bind us together within the circles of Arda, that Power has given special heed to lovers, and only reluctantly sunders their hearts.

"But now, enough of that. We have a party to prepare." Then Cami set aside these other concerns and cheerfully launched into an extended discussion about her flowers and dress and how everyone, even Piosenniel, would be expected to bring one of their favorite dishes to share with the other guests at Bag-end.

[ May 14, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]