[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami gazed into the mirror straightening her collar, and slipping a small lace shawl over her shoulders. She ran her hand through her brown curls that were threatening to bounce off wildly in all directions. Even as a child, her hair had been like that, so it was unlikely to change at this stage in her life.

She knew that, for most of the visitors to the Inn, the high point of the evening would be the arrival of Frodo and Samwise. Ever since the Ring quest, they had received deserved praise and attention.

But for Cami, tonight meant something different. It was the first time in a long while that she would be able to speak with Bilbo. Cami could finally thank her teacher for all that he had done for her. She had been a child from a modest farm family with a deep love of poetry and books and Elves, but with little prospects for learning about any of those things. It had been Bilbo who had recognized that spark in her eye and taken her under his wing.

Cami's memory ranged back to the time when she was an eight-year old child learning her letters and numbers. Samwise had been just one year younger. The two of them had studied in Bilbo's sitting room, surreptitiously kicking each other under the table. Samwise had gone on to a position of respect and renown within the Shire, but it was Cami who had inherited Bilbo's fierce love of ancient lore and legend. Like Bilbo, she was always poking about in archives and looking for manuscripts that would throw some light on the past, to help her understand the fire that had once kindled the hearts of those who came before her.

Bilbo had nurtured her love for Elves and dragons and taught her to value adventures. But then they had parted ways. He had gone off to Rivendell for his retirement. And she had eventually left the Shire, journeying to Minas Tirith. Finally, there had been the voyage of the Lonely Star, the undoubted turning point in her life, with its miracle of time travel.

Cami knew that Gandalf had already spoken to Bilbo about her adventures on the Star, her love for Maura, and how she had become a wise woman and leader to her people during their years of wandering. The time she was spending in the Great Dragon Inn helping Piosenniel was only a brief interlude before she would need to return to Greenwood, and her own family. She had six children of her own to care for, most of whom had been left orphaned by the sinking of Numenor and the tragedy of the hobbits' imprisonment in the Tombs. She would need every ounce of her courage and skill to ensure that her people would make it through those troubled years. Otherwise there would be no migration to the Shire, and everything they had here in the Inn would simply disappear. That idea was disconcerting.

How strange that this Inn should be a portal between the ages, drawing together people from various times and places. How else could she explain her own presence here, or that of Frodo and Bilbo, both of whom had departed for the Havens a number of years ago?

But she knew she could not stay here forever. She would wait until Piosenniel gave birth to the twins and would then return to her own family who awaited her in the year 1000 of the Third Age. She would make sure to find Pio a trustworthy person to replace her in the Inn.

Like Bilbo, she'd had her share of joy and sorrow in life. Her fingers strayed to the green gemstone which she always wore about her neck. That had been the gift of her beloved Maura Took.

Cami was usually cheerful and went about her duties in the Inn with a welcoming smile. Few saw the sorrow that still tugged at her heart. She'd seen so many Elves and Men slink into the Dragon wearing great black cloaks and shielding their faces from the light, all complaining about one thing or another that had gone wrong in their lives.

Cami wondered how many of these gloomy figures had been commanded to leave behind the one person who made their lives worth living. Gandalf had warned Cami that, no matter how much she and Maura loved each other, they could never make their life together, since this would only pierce the fabric of time and let the Shadow slip through from one age to the next, stirring up even more trouble than before.

She had no regrets about what had happened in Beleriand. Years had passed, and her feelings about the hobbit had not changed. She only wished that, in their little time together, they had managed to wed.

It had been a while since she'd thought about these things. Bilbo's impending arrival had brought all of that forcibly back to her. And so had the strange note that had come to her from Gandalf. She looked down at the one section that had so compelled her attention, "Bilbo and I have been talking at length regarding your particular circumstances, and we have come upon an idea that we need to discuss. He will speak with you about it upon his arrival at the Dragon. But think carefully before you give your assent. This thing we propose carries both great joy and great sorrow. Your heart must be absolutely certain."

Cami did not have the slightest idea what Gandalf was referring to, but every time she read the note, chills ran though her bones.

Suddenly, she heard the silver bells tinkle at the door of the Inn. She leaned out her window and saw a party of three male hobbits camped on the front doorstep. She bolted out of her room and raced downstairs.

It was Sam who came up to her first, "Cami Goodchild, it's been too long. I've missed you." He placed a kiss on her curls. "Rosie and the children will be here in a little while. It's not easy with thirteen to dress and get ready."

Frodo reached over to shake hands. Cami had usually felt shy with him, and this evening was no different. But, as always, his behavior was gracious and gentle.

Frodo went over to Sam's side and the two hobbits began introducing themselves to the others in the room.

Finally, it was Bilbo's turn. He held Cami at arm's length, placing a hand on each of her shoulders. He looked her up and down, and then smiled. "You look good. Your eyes are bright. I was worried about you, but Gandalf was right. You've made your peace."

A smile escaped Cami's lips. "You too Bilbo. You look very rested. To be truthful, better than the last time I saw you." And miraculously that was true. Her teacher's hair was white and his steps faltering, but his mind was sharp and clear.

He looked backed impishly at her, "See what a change of scenery will do, especially if that scenery happens to be in the far West!"

Bilbo took Cami's hand in his. "We'll talk by ourselves later for a bit. You received Gandalf's note?" Cami shook her head yes, wondering what all this was about, but she was too polite to say anything just yet.

Bilbo smiled, "For now though, I'd like to have a bite to eat. The food smells wondeful and I'd also like to meet some of these good folk who've helped you prepare all this."

[ January 16, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]