[Child of the 7th Age]

Mistress Pio still wasn't being terribly cooperative about the contents of that letter. The Elf had run off to sigh and hold the treasured missive to her chest and was staring out the front window of the Inn, as if weighing a decision in her mind. Cami shook her head. There was no use interrupting her now. She'd best get back to work.

Suddenly the silver bell tinkled at the door of the Dragon. Cami looked up startled. The door was unlatched, and visitors never bothered with the bell. That is, no visitors bothered with the bell but one, and that one was the Shire post. Perhaps this time, there'd be a letter for her, and she could make sure to hide it from Piosenniel!

The messenger on the step tipped his cap to her, with a respectful gaze. "Miss Cami, I'd be much obliged if you would sign for this letter. It's from a friend of yours in Hobbiton."

Cami snatched eagerly at the letter, scribbling out her signature as fast as she could. She tipped the messenger and bade him good afternoon. She spied the envelope and saw that the return address clearly said "Bag-end". Carefully unfolding the vellum, she sat down at one of the empty tables, and set it down in front of her smoothing out the wrinkles:

Dear Miss Cami,

It is so good to hear that one of my old pupils is back in the Shire! This place certainly attracts folks from every corner of Arda and every age known to man and hobbit.

I have two things to ask you. First, I am having a little dinner party. Frodo has travelled with me back to the Shire for this little trip, and will be there as well. I am pleased to tell you that he is feeling much better. I also expect to ask Master Samwise and his brood, who have kindly vacated the premises here for my use, so the gathering should be quite lively.

Please do come and ask a few of your friends to join you for the meal. I am most desirous of hearing some of the tales of the Lonely Star and also the hidden history of hobbits.

I have one other request to make. As you know, I am plannning a surprise party for Frodo, and have outfitted a band of hobbits to go travelling about the Shire seeking supplies for the party. We are unfortunately short several brave hobbits, and could use a volunteer or two extra. There have also been rumors about a group of ruffians and thugs lurking on the highways, but let's hope those tales are not true.

Again, please make the announcement in the Green Dragon Inn, and I look forward to seeing my star pupil tomorrow evening.

Bilbo Baggins, Esq.

Cami finished reading her letter and clambered up onto the top of one of the tables, banging with a large spoon to get everyone's attention.

"I have a message for everyone from Mr. Bilbo Baggins. He is looking for brave hobbits, lads and lasses, to set out on a journey through the Shire to gather supplies for Frodo's birthday celebration, which incidentally must be kept in the strictest confidence. All applicants for these positions must leave their calling cards at the discussion thread for The Hobbit's Gift. These messages will be forwarded to Bilbo, and he will try to accomodate you."

Then Cami thought long and hard about that dinner party at Bag-end and who she might invite, and what special frock she might put
on. It had been a long time since Cami had seen Bilbo. He was a very special person to her, so she intended to look her very best.

[ January 09, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]