[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami knelt down on the sandy ridge, with the ringing of the sea sound in her ears. The pulse and flow of water raced through her body, like a river rushing forward from an underground fount. Many things that had been hidden now seemed clear, as the Lady of her dreams stood before her again, with swirling snowflakes on her skirt. Then, Cami saw a single tear falling from Nienna's eyes, a gift more precious than any jewel. Too soon, the scene shimmered and faded away.

Each in that assembly saw a different thing when the great wave rose. Many feared for their kin and their friends, as they cried out for succor and relief. Some spied the wave but were not afraid, because they sensed its goodness. But a few heard quiet stirrings within their own hearts.

Gamba was one of these. In a split instant, he knew his brother stood nearby. Phura sang more beautfully than he'd ever done. The boy yearned to turn and hug him, only he wasn't really there. As grief and joy flooded together, Gamba's tears spilled down. Then Cami went over and slipped her arm around his shoulder. They stood like that a long time, both gazing towards the Sea.

[ November 18, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]