[Child of the 7th Age]

For some reason, perhaps because she had been brought back so rapidly from the world of vision, Child was filled with mistrust and apprehension. She clutched at Rose's hand to steady herself.

How could another being, a majestic Elf, be searching for the same information that they also sought?

Child no longer felt like a scholar, but only a very small hobbit who had stumbled in among the affairs of the great and wise. What could she possibly be thinking, intruding into a matter where mysterious Elves appeared out of nowhere and the ancient words of Eru flooded into her heart?

But behind all this, behind the great visions or the seated Elf, stood a very small hobrim, one who was even smaller and more alone than Child herself.

Child silently vowed that,whatever it took, whatever sacrifice was required, she would see this through. This was more than an adventure or whim. For Kali, who lived alone without kin or hobbit friends, surely deserved a people. And his people, her own ancestors, surely deserved to be rescued and not left stranded amid a strange ocean.

She waited for the Elf to speak, determined to find out what secrets he might hide.