[Child of the 7th Age]

The soft light of the sun was beginning to filter through the window as Branda awoke to begin his day. A few of the hobbits were stirring, while others slept on, pulling pillows and blankets over their heads to shut out the noises and sights of the morning.

Just outside the farmhouse, in the direction of the shed, Branda heard a cock crowing to herald the arrival of the new day. Yesterday, after they first arrived, he thought he'd heard the sound of hens scratching about to find a place to roost. Perhaps there were actually live chickens on the farm, and they might even get an egg or two. That would be close to a miracle. Branda couldn't remember the last time he'd seen eggs or a rasher of bacon. Best not get your hopes up, he thought.

Carl was already up and dressed. He slipped over towards Branda and knelt down beside the bed. "I found out something." he whispered, "Tomorrow is Daisy's birthday. She didn't want to tell anyone. She felt funny about it with all the sadness over Emerald. Should we do something, or just let it pass with everything that's happened?"

Branda thought a minute and then responded, "To my way of thinking, we'll never get through to Rivendell unless we get folk's spirits up. The grieving isn't going away in a day or two or even a month. Butwe've got to learn to do our grieving and our living at the same time. I'd say a quiet celebration wouldn't be a bad thing for tomorrow night before we leave."

"First make sure it's alright with Bullroarer. Then tell the farmer and see if he'll give us an egg or two to go towards a cake. I've got a little flour on Sandy's back, and you're welcome to use that. See if anyone wants to be in charge of pulling a special meal together."

"What will you do today?" Carl asked.

"Dinodas promised he'd go fishing with me. I should have gotten an earlier start, but I was just so tired. Anyways, I'm getting my lines and lures and axes together. Want to come along with us?"

Carl shook his head yes. "When are you heading out?"

"Soon after breakfast." Branda explained, "Let the others know then. They're welcome to come along. It's just two miles north of here. Have everyone carry a weapon, plus some strings and buckets to bring our catch back. If some of the others want to come, they can meet us down by the river as long as they come in groups of twos."

"One other thing. If Bullroarer approves, you'll want to tell the others about the special meal tomorrow night. They may want to make or find small mathoms to give to Daisy."