[Child of the 7th Age]

Maura slid his arm around the shoulders of the younger hobbit, "Come, let's get some air. We can talk outside."

Lindo looked up at Maura. "What do you think? Was I right? The woman isn't telling the truth. Her mind is shut up like a clam after it's been pulled out of the lake. And I tell you her party arrived on the back of a dragon, and, before they left, this woman placed her head down upon the beast's neck to bid it goodbye. I spoke with one of the guards on duty."

Maura looked at Lindo and smiled, "I don't deny what you say, but it's not the whole tale. This woman has secrets. But there is no evil in her words or deeds, or, I believe, in those of her friends. And who has heard of an evil dragon that will let a lady touch or speak with him? I have talked with the woman for some time. She says she wants to help, and I believe her."

"Lindo, you are still young. Not all secrets in life arise out of evil. Sometimes, great goodness also finds its home in a quiet spot. And there are many reasons why some things may not always be said in the light of day."

"Nitir has asked to remain with my family, and I have said yes. She's not sure about her daughter. We will see about that later, although even there I have a feeling she may grace my table too."

Lindo turned to the older hobbit and asked, "What will you do when these strangers speak to Tuor and Turgon, and suggest that we leave Gondolin to go to another place where it will supposedly be safer?"

Maura shook his head, "That is another matter. I have already explained to her that, unless Idril commands us to leave or Ancalimon tells us something different, I will recomend that we stay where we belong, which is here in Gondolin. And I would not change my mind if one hundred dragons and balrogs came banging on my door tomorrow."

"And she accepted this?" Lindo asked.

"Yes, she says, like us, she will stay and hang on. And I will not deny that right to any hobbit in the world."

"And, Lindo, one more thing. No more pushing yourself into the minds of others, even when you do it quite well and are only trying to protect your people from someone you suspect. Remember, we've been taught to show mercy towards strangers. This woman and her party are no exception. If you give her a chance, you may come to find her more pleasant than you thought!"

Lindo sighed and nodded, "Alright, alright, I'll try. I just wish she'd get rid of that blasted crow. It attacked me and my cloak with its Elven clasp all the way across the city."

A peculiar picture presented itself in Maura's mind. He could not help himself. The image of the crow dive bombing onto the younger hobbit's shoulder was too delicious to resist. He began holding his sides and laughing, until Lindo himself broke down and also began to chortle. Lindo sniped back at his older friend, "I never knew service in an Elvish household would entail such difficult chores!"

"Well," replied Maura, "You'll have to take lessons from my grandson Abar. He seems to have mastered the task of placating the bird. He feeds it great bowls of food and ruffles its feathers!"

They arrived at the door of Maura's burrow with great laughter, and went inside arm-and-arm to sit down.

[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]