The return of the Seraphim

[Silverstripe]

[I]The fox ventured outside again where he could not be seen and called <Come, my kindred!> Almost immediately two red foxes, his littermates, were at his side. He told them of the quest and what they must do. <Do you agree to this?> he asked them. The foxes wasted little time in making their decision. <Yes.> Cyrell nodded (bother that two-legger gesture!) <Then come.> He led them back to Primrose, who was speaking to the other two-leggers, and the foxes ran in on the cue they had been told that the hobbit would give them.

Primrose Brandybuck gave the company a wry grin. "I am afraid I must leave you already, for I am needed elsewhere. But I will leave three of my companions with you" -- she signaled, and two red foxes came running -- "Rylia and Zarai. My cousin will come to watch over them. But like me, he may be needed in other places, and he has only agreed to come if you allow him to leave when necessary."