[piosenniel]

Gondor

‘Wake up, ammë!’ Three small missiles launched themselves onto their parents’ bed and began tormenting Pio. Despite her efforts to remain under the warm quilts, they were mercilessly ripped from her hands by Isilmir and Gilwen. Cami, her curly hair flying, bounced up and down on the bed chanting, ‘Get up! Getup!’ in a relentless sing-song. Pio sat up quickly and with a grin threw her pillows at the little imps. ‘I surrender!’ she cried, getting up with a yawn. ‘I suppose we should get into the kitchen and forage for breakfast, eh?’

‘Well, you’ld better hurry,’ said Gilwen. ‘Baran is already up and looking through the pantry.’ ‘Hungry as a bear’, piped in Cami, giggling. ‘That’s what he growled at me!’

Pio shooed the three from the room and dressed for the day. Comfortable breeches, a soft, long-sleeved tunic, belt wound twice about her waist. Hair brushed quickly and braided in a long plait down her back, she pulled on her worn boots and headed for the kitchen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Most of the early morning was spent at the library. As Pio promised, she introduced Baran to the docents and librarians she knew, letting them know that he wished to make use of the library and could they allow him into the special collections if she were not there. One of the librarians agreed to show the Beorning about the library while Pio and the children took advantage of library’s atrium to wait for him.

A short time later, and the five of them were on their way to the seventh level. Pio introduced Baran to the guards as she showed him about the grounds and ushered him into the great hall. When she saw his interest was waning and the patience of the children fading, a trip to the inn was suggested.

Late afternoon brought partings for the little band. Baran had thanked her for her invitation to stay with them, but he preferred to be in the city for now – quicker access to the library given as one of his reasons for staying at the Inn, though Pio wondered if there were other reasons behind the man’s desire to be within the town’s walls. They parted with promises by Pio to see Baran the next time she came to the city. Then, Pio gathered her children and headed back toward home.