[Child of the 7th Age]

Amid the colorful streamers and banks of flowers, the guests made their way to the shadowed forest glade. A large gathering of Elves, hobbits, and hobbrim as well as everyone from the Star waited there for the ceremony to begin. Friends and family members were careful to stay close to each other, not wanting to see the day end too soon. For, after this celebration, many would part and go their separate ways.

Then Ancalimon stepped before the hobbits and hobbrim, and gazed intently into their faces. His heart was warmed by what he saw. Many who'd been injured or grieving had found some measure of healing within the shores of the isle. It would be impossible to erase all the sadness of the tombs within a single lifetime. Yet, all around, even in a time so close to sorrow, eyes gleamed bright with hope that tomorrow would bring better things.

Then the Grey Peddler spoke to the gathering, "I can not tell you how proud I am of you today. Because of your choices, this day is one of joy. Your work and your refusal to give in have made a difference. For a single instant, we stood together at the brink and pushed back a tiny sliver of darkness. Soon it will be time for the world to change again, and our paths to part from one another. There will still be choices that need to be made and battles that must be fought. But today we celebrate and gather strength for the road ahead."

"What better way to do this than to watch a man and woman pledge their lives to one another. The path for Mithadan and Piosenniel has not been easy. There were things inside and out that sought to divide them. Yet, they did not give up and, with much help from their companions, now come before us determined to share a single path in life."

Loremaster and Andril walked forward at Gandalf's urging. Each brought good wishes to Mithadan and Piosenniel, and expressed the thanks of their people to the Star, and all who had served under her, whether they hailed from the shores of Middle-earth or the Blessed Lands. For, without the Star, none of the hobbits or hobbrim would have survived.

Finally, it was time for Cami. She stepped to the front of the large crowd, uncertain what to say. The right words seemed to elude her. For a time, she hesitated, then slowly began, "Long ago, I found a note on sea-hobbits in a very old book, and, although I'd never heard of them before, I longed to go searching and see who these cousins were. Yet not a single person would listen to my plea for help. I almost gave up. Then I met Pio and Bird and Mithadan. Without them, none of this could have happened."

"You are true friends to the hobbits and the hobbrim. Thank you for believing in us, and coming so very far to help. As you go your own way in life, may each of you find that which you hold most dear."

"There's just one more thing," Cami beckoned for Andril to come foward again, "Here is the day book that records everything that happened on our voyage. You'll see my hand on one side, and everyone else's comments and notes and pictures on the facing page. Andril, it's for you to finish and keep safe on Meneltarma. I will miss having it near me, but I know the book will be safe here, and all its secrets will be protected."

Cami presented the book to Andril and gave her a hug, then turned back to take her place in the crowd. At that moment, Ancalimon leaned over and whispered a few words in her ear. She flashed him a gentle smile and a thumbs up. Then she stood and waited quietly for the ceremony to begin, clutching tightly at a single sprig of heather she held beneath her heart.

[ November 27, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]