Yay!  I like it when I hear a reader sigh happily. *g*   But thank you... I'm also very glad you like Menelris.  I figure the Eagles, at least the northern ones that have the strong connection with Manwe, would know a lot about what goes on in Middle-earth.  You can learn a lot from observation.  And since they keep to themselves for the most part, no one really has much clue what they might know or not know, so yes, it's a surprise to Gandalf the extent of the details she's figured out.  I have to say, I really found studying Tolkien's Eagles to be a fascinating topic. :)

Thanks!  Yes, the droop is gone, and with it at least a few of Gandalf's worries. :)   I'm glad you like the idea of a motherly Eagle... and the chapter title, yes, definitely chosen to draw a reader in by making them wonder what in the world that phrase means!   Thanks for the review!