[Nurumaiel]

Edmund's eyes were not on the other children. If he had been watching them he might have been able to catch some glimpse of what they were thinking. But his eyes were fixed on Will, and his thoughts were on him, as well. He suddenly had a deep admiration for the older boy, though why is a mystery that might never be solved. Edmund's mind was not like other childrens. He felt admiration where other children would feel anger and fear. He wondered if he dared approach the older boy and talk to him... no, such a boy would never want to be friends with Edmund.

Edmund's thoughts drifted to Kali and the field mouse. He had to admit he had been surprised when he had seen the excellent drawing of the mouse. He hadn't thought Hobbits capable of loving animals. Of course you didn't have to be intelligent to love something. Who didn't love animals, anyway? But the way Kali drew the mouse... it was so superb. Too bad Kali is a Hobbit, Edmund thought. Otherwise he mightn't be that bad. He glanced over at the one he was thinking about. The Hobbit child was still rubbing his leg. Of course it still hurt him. He was a crybaby.

Now that Will... he's not a bad shot, Edmund thought. Will was still hanging about nearby, and Edmund felt a thrill of pleasure and fear go through him when he saw the older boy kept glancing his way. And then... Was he dreaming? No, Will really was gesturing to him. Edmund took a quick look around to make sure his mother wasn't watching him, and then he stealthily trotted over in Will's direction. It never crossed his mind that Will might have bad intentions. No, he was sure Will was actually wanting to talk to him. He was not to be disappointed.

[ October 25, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]