[Child of the 7th Age]

Child, Rose, and Kali had insisted that there be a small feast or celebration after the blessing of the ship. For no hobbit would do a thing of such happiness without following it with bowls of food and mugs of ale. So later that afternoon they had set out a small party.

They had raided the stores of the ship which, thankfully, were plentiful. Kali had also brought up foodstuffs he kept inside his cave to augment their provisions. And the hobrim had great knowledge about the resources of the Sea, and what might be used to prepare food and drink.

Child saw a long table filled with platters of different fish and searooms, what appeared to be turtle soup, and a strange green water plant which turned out to be quite good. There was even something which tasted suspiciously like 'taters. Several of the Elves had also contributed the specialties of their own people.

Child had raided the last stock of beef on board to make pasties, a recipe which had been taught to her by a friendly dwarf who had worked in the mines. Pasties were traditional fare for miners, since they could be wrapped in cloth to stay warm and, it was rumored, even hurtled down the mine shaft, if someone had forgotten their lunch!It was quite true that pasties were generally made with freshly slaughtered meat rather than the smoked variety. But, on a ship, one couldn't complain.

Child smiled to herself. What a lovely lunch! Kali was proving to be a blessing in more than one way. Mealtime was definitely looking better with the benefits of Kali's knowledge and cooking as he had quickly assumed the role of chief foodgatherer and chef.

In truth, Kali sometimes reminded Child of her Uncle Bilbo who had such skill with food and matters of hospitality. How lonely he must have been, Child thought, with no other hobbits to fuss over and feed.


Child and Rose were enjoying themselves with the large spread on deck. They had both enjoyed several mugs of ale when Angara came over from where Mithadan was sitting.

Child slipped her arm around Angara's neck and whispered in her ear, "Child is very sorry for saying bad words to Angara, words that are not true. Angara is her own dragon, but a good friend to me."

Child offered the dragon a particularly large and succulent fish head. In response, Angara wound her scaly tail about Child's waist and gave her an affectionate nudge. They had made up their differences.

Child was surprised how truly happy she felt. But she also wondered whether they dare ask Angara about those strange riddles which were supposed to help lead them to the hobrim's kin.

She turned and looked at the dragon, "Dear Angara, you wouldn't want to tell me more about those riddles? Perhaps, give us a hint about that lovely riddle you asked the other day, or tell us one of the others you promised?"

The dragon had smiled, said nothing, bowed her head in respect, and gone over again to speak with Mithadan who was still seated on the deck.

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]