[Child of the 7th Age]

Child was secretly grateful for the cordial greetings and words of support voiced by Mistress Bethberry. So long away from the fields and glades of Rohan, yet still there were some who remembered him when he'd roamed the alleyways and streets of Edoras first as a child and later as a young man come of age.

Older folk had finished up their desserts and were now lounging quietly on whatever benches and chairs they'd managed to grab, while they listened to music and waited for Bethberry to begin her story. The children were another matter. Tired and crotchety after too much excitement, several of them were sprawled out sleeping or had begun squabbling with each other.

Seated by herself at a corner table, quietly sampling a platter of desserts, Aleia was the only hobbit in the room and a definite oddity to many who lived in Rohan. One of the older lads named Alaric whom Child didn't know sidled up to ask some questions. Whether it was the late hour or just meanness of spirit, the boy's queries soon degenerated into teasing, something Child knew from first-hand experience and which he truly hated.

Resisting his initial impulse to go over and physically throttle the lad, Child casually roamed over to the table and introduced himself to Aleia, gently nudging Alaric to the side. The hobbit and man sat down for a moment to share an ale, as Child inquired about things in the Shire and mentioned how much he'd enjoyed his stay there. Much to the Bard's delight, he discovered that Aleia was related to a family whom he'd met on his earlier travels.

Child suggested a few sights for Aleia to consider visiting during her brief time in Edoras and then waved goodbye, making sure that the hobbit had managed to secure a room for the night. Turning around to Alaric who still stood red faced a few feet away, he guided the lad over to the side of the room and quietly admonished him, "No more teasing! Yes, I know she looks different than we do. But you've no idea how much there is beyond the boundaries of Rohan. You'll miss half the fun of living if you're afraid to consider anyone or anything that's different."

The lad eyed him warily, then asked, "How much have you seen? Of the lands beyond Rohan?"

"That's a story too long for the telling. Come along to the Inn some afternoon and I'll share a tale or two with you. Just promise me you'll behave now and give that lass some respect."

Alaric mutely nodded and ran off in the direction of his friends.

[ July 08, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]