Note: Takes place before the first "chapter" in this collection.
READY
"Do you suppose the world is ready for us?" asked Sigrid.
Fíli smiled softly.
How often had she asked that in the six years since they had met?
In the five years since they had become dearest friends?
In the four years since since they had confessed their love?
In the three years since he had asked her to marry him?
In the two years since they had wed?
And now, after learning she was with child, he answered her as he always did.
"It doesn't matter if the world ready," he said. "We are ready, and that is enough."