Varda sighed in exasperation as she left the balcony and reentered Ilmarin.

"What is it, my love?" Manwë asked looking up from the slim volume he held—Elemmírë's newest, Varda recognized with her brief glance at the front.

"There are times I wish I could answer those who ask questions of my stars," Varda replied, thinking in irritation of all those who seemed to do nothing but sit in their towers and try to puzzle out the secrets of Eä.

"What would you tell them?" Manwë asked her. She glanced around her. Eönwë and Ilmarë were in the room as well, playing some game in the corner, a rare sight for these two who had become far more solemn than they had been in their youth before the losses and long toils had taken their toll. She could hear other Maiar through out Ilmarin, some simply singing for the joy of it, others involved in friendly sibling squabbles, still others engaged in the activities they loved. She smiled at the sight of her family, happy and together.

She walked over to where Manwë was sitting, settling next to him and pulling her legs up, leaning her head on his shoulder so she could see the page he was reading too.

"Well, my dear, I would tell them they are completely missing the point!"

Well, my hope was to work on the next chapter of Reclamation over the break...but my Christmas holiday was instead spent with the flu. I'm not kidding, I got sick on Christmas Eve...and I've been sick since. This is the first day I've felt marginally better.

So I'm afraid you'll have to make due with this little bunny...but please review anyway!