[Nurumaiel]

The door to the inn creaked open and a hobbit woman came in, carrying a little girl and leading a boy with her free hand. She made her way through the crowd, trying to keep from being trampled by all the Big Folk, and at last came to the counter. "Excuse me," she said, and to her great joy and hobbit turned to her. "I'd like a room for..." she began to count in her head, and then finished, "for five, please."

The innkeeper smiled at the little girl who hid her face shyly in her mother's shoulder, but gave a sweet little smile back.

"Your name?" the innkeeper said.

"Robin Green, but put the name down as Dinodas Green. He should be here soon..." The hobbit's voice trailed off, and she began to search the crowd. A grin came to her face when she heard a loud scream from the front door. "That'll be him," she said. "Thank you."

Don watched the family carefully. She had no idea where Rie had gone, and she was getting bored. If she doesn't come back soon just to let me know she's okay, I'm just going to scream and scream and scream her name until she comes, Don thought grimly. But for now I'll watch them.

"Oh, Bandy, love, don't be crying so," said Robin with a sigh. "You're nearly five years old now."

"Hold me, Mummy, hold me!" the little boy said, stretching out his arms.

"Daddy will hold you, darlin'. I have to hold your sister."

"But Celandine nearly four!" the little boy protested. "She can walk herself."

Robin sighed and sat down at a table. She smiled to herself. Wasn't it just wonderful to be a mother? Especially that day Bandy had been so angry at her, but then he felt sorry, and had come to her for forgiveness and comfort, big tears rolling down his pudgy cheeks.

Still, I'm beginning to regret call him Bandobras, Robin thought. He's not a thing like him. But I couldn't resist naming my children after the company. She smiled and lay her hand on her stomach. Little Giles will be coming soon. Just a few months now.

She sat back and watched with amusement as her eldest son Halwon played peek-a-boo with her daughter. It was wonderful to be back at the Green Dragon, though this time with all her children. It reminded her of the day she had agreed to accompany Bullroarer on the journey to Rivendell. She was glad Dinodas had suggested taking them there.