[Mithadan]

Mithadan sat heavily down on the ground beside the stream and flicked absentmindedly at some dirt which had clung to his breeches. He rubbed his eyes tiredly then looked longingly back at the road which led towards the west. Bird placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a quick squeeze, then shook her head when he looked up at the touch.

"Pio and I have discussed this," he said quietly. "This is not my choice alone. She wants me to do this as well. We do not belong in the Shire and I can do nothing to help while I am there; your people do not trust me. The danger is equal if I stay or if I go that these bandits may kidnap another child or even assail the Inn. So I choose the course I have taken."

He turned to Gilly with a hint of a smile on his lips. "But you are needed at the Inn," he continued. "You must help care for the twins. And Rose, you should be with Cami to share in her joy and to support her in the weeks to come, for her happiness is bittersweet."

Rose looked over to Gilly who seemed now resigned that she must return to the Inn. Then she looked back to Mithadan and raised her chin in defiance. "I am no longer a tween that I must rely on Cami to make my choices," she answered. "And I have made my decision as well..."