THE LONELY STAR (Contd. from BD birthday party) [Archive] - Page 3

mark12_30

08-13-2002, 05:18 AM

The first day that the children were moved into the fixed-up ruin was one of the most eye-opening adventures of Lindo's life. As the sun set that day, Lindo, rather hoarse and glassy-eyed, rocked one baby in each arm, and gently nudged another with his foot, and decided that he was finally done singing for the day. He had given up trying to figure out which babies were open to Osanwe because he could hardly tell them apart when he looked at all twenty-two at once. (He had to put them in a line to know which ones he had already fed, and if they crawled out of line which they did all day long, he got confused.) So he had been singing softly, out loud. They did seem to respond, a little.

As soon as he and Azra were done feeding all twenty-two of them breakfast, being hobbits, they had wanted second breakfast, and then elevensies. With all of Azra's expert help and occasional rescues from Nitir and Zira, he was only barely staving off utter chaos. It had taken four rounds of wondering why the child in his arms was shrieking for him to catch on the the concept of burping a baby; he had seen it done, but he had been an only child, after all. And while one child each was being burped or fed or changed by Lindo and Azra, twenty others were squirming and crawling and howling.

Azra had chided him mercilessly, laughing, and Kemba had visited briefly and erupted in howls of laughter. But by the end of the day, he could sit crosslegged on the floor and feed one child and burp one more by laying him facedown across his thigh, and if he was lucky, rock or distract a third with his foot. Azra was horrified and indignant about burping a child facedown, but Kemba had told him in between guffaws that it would work, and it did. Azra clearly did not think Kemba had an ounce of child-rearing sense. It did mean, however, that the other nineteen children were free to squirm. He had no solution for that as yet. He dreamed of a large barn, one stall per baby. Horses were so much easier.

Lindo sang, and sang, and sang, more for his own sanity than the children's. After he ran out of lullabyes-- he only knew five-- he started singing other things.

Nitir had come up behind him and whispered rather sharply that she did not think the Lament Of The Kinslaying was particularly appropriate given the circumstances, nor The Lay of The Doom of Mandos either. Nor the Sorrows of the Shipburning. He didn't even ask her about the Griefs of the Grinding Ice. His list of songs was extensive, but apparently not geared for children, although Earendil had always liked his songs just fine.

He returned to the lullabyes. "Don't you know any nursery songs?" Nitir asked. "Well, for horses, " he replied. She snorted. He sang a few of them anyway, but Azra scowled. "Why sing about running free on the green hills when these children can't?" So he gave up on those, and returned to the five lullabyes and sang them again, and again. Fortunately the children did not tire of them.

"Why don't you write some new ones, " Azra said icily, midafternoon. Lindo nodded, already glassy-eyed. It was almost time for dinner, and they had not finished feeding the babies their teatime meal.

How Azra remained calm absolutely baffled him. In truth, she had been uneasy herself as the day unfolded, but she was so pleased that Lindo thought her completely unruffled, she gathered her courage and determination (and a little smugness) until she really was truly at ease.

"Well, I'm glad you are getting better at this, " Azra told him. "At least until Nitir and Zira get a routine going, I'm needed much more with the toddlers and the four and five year olds. Nitir and Zira certainly have their hands full with them, and now that you can feed and burp the babies, at least fairly well, " she allowed doubtfully, "I can't stay here with you much longer."

Lindo's eyes bulged, at he same time picturing himself alone with the twenty-two babies, and imagining the thirty-or forty-something collection of toddlers racing around in constant motion. Suddenly he was grateful that he wasn't assigned to toddlers. He would far rather be in charge of a huge and rebellious herd of wild ponies. At least these children did not crawl very far very fast. Babies were good. Babies were just fine. He would manage.

He sang through the lullabyes again. Azra tried to plug her ears.

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-13-2002, 08:47 AM

OOC -- This second part of this post actually belongs to Mark 12_30. It had to be shifted to keep the chronology straight.
_____________________________________________

The broken down stone building with its ample crew of small residents soon became known as the "Workhouse". Shortly after the children had been transferred, Nitir and several members of the hobbit council had met with the Orcs listening to their list of requirements and demands.

The Orcs had insisted that some productive occupation be found to keep the children busy. "If these baby rats are going to eat," growled the captain. "they'd better do something useful."

The older ones, and these were defined as children eight and up, were to work a good part of the day in the fields and places where trees were felled. Since the bulk of guards were concentrated there, this proposal was acceptable to the Orcs. It meant they could keep a close eye on the young ones which seemed to be their chief concern. Quietly, however, Maura made sure that the children were assigned tasks in a location near their parents or other close kin.

Working in the fields with the crops was not that different than that which they had done in Gondolin. Hours were longer and conditions worse, but at least those laboring would have the satisfaction of seeing something develop from a tiny seed into a plant.

The felling of the great pines was another matter. This turned out to be a problem not only for the children, but also their parents. The work was difficult and dangerous. It was also very depressing. To fell a group of trees to make way for two or three fields was an understandable necessity. To do this work for week-upon-week, without seeing anything growing in its place was disheartening. The Orcs seemed far more concerned with hacking down large stands of timber, rather than planning what productive thing would actually grow there.

For miles around the encampment, as far as the eye could see, there were plots of land with sawed off stumps and great trunks on the naked earth. Ban had once confessed to his wife that doing this work for months on end made him feel little better than a murderer. One of the scariest things to Maura was that some of the children actually didn't seem to mind helping in this destruction. After noticing this, the hobbit council decided to rotate people, both children and adults, between the fields and the timber ranges. This was better than condemning someone to unending labor among the tall pines.

But there was another problem with the timber. The Orcs insisted the hobbits use a technique they called "slash and burn." This meant the broken stumps and trunks laying fallow would be burnt, ostensibly to enrich the soil. Whatever enrichment might occur seemed unimportant to the Orcs. Their main delight was in seeing the flames lick up to the sky, and hobbit children doubling over as they coughed and choked and their eyes ran red and weepy. Even worse were those times when the flames went totally out of control. Then, men, women, and children had to run fiercely to get out of the way of the blaze.

Finding "productive" work for the younger ones was even a greater challenge. A few were asked to act as messengers for the Orcs. Nitir absolutely hated this. The guards were loud, foul mouthed, and unpredictible. Too many times, the little ones ended up with a swat on the head or a kick in the behind. Others had the unenviable task of carrying water or food out to distant areas where trees were being forested. Nitir felt uncomfortable leaving these children alone with the guards. She was never wholly certain what was going on. Sometimes the children would come back with bruises, or acting more like Orcs than hobbits. She found this depressing.

And then there were the very little ones. If the children had been at home, they would have been toddling along behind their mothers or fathers. They would have played at the same work that their parents were doing, and learned a great deal in the process. But now they were separated from their families. And there was no way that Nitir was about to send these little ones into the fields on their own.

Nitir tried to delay this part of the Orc's command, saying she would find work for the youger children later. But then, one morning, Durshkakh had come to the workhouse, thrown her against the wall, and threatened to kill one of the babies if things didn't change.

By that afternoon, Nitir had set aside a small plot at the side of the Workhouse for the little ones to plant seeds and help weed. Toddlers as young as one year could be seen crawling about the bed learning to tell weeds from vegetable sprouts. With the help of one of the few older women still alive, she also set up a project where children were taught to gather hemp and then twist it into ropes which could be used by the hobbits in their work.

And a kitchen was set up, where soups and stews were made and sent out to the fields for lunch. To Nitir's surprise and dismay, the Orcs discovered that some of these delicacies were actually not too bad. Too often, the food ended up in the stomach of an Orc rather than where it was supposed to go.

Her most popular project, however, involved the forest and stream. The Orcs had not yet gotten around to cutting down the trees to the west of the camp. So one last contingent of children were regularly sent upstream to gather turtles, frogs, birds' eggs, and fish to supplement the camp diet. Childen who were Stoors especially clamored for this task. Nitir suspected that a good number of the five-and six-year olds actually spent the day swimming in the clear waters, but she was not about to question this as long as the Orcs were content.

_____________________________________________

More than once, Lindo had wondered why Nitir had assigned him to feed the babies while Zira and Azra ran after toddlers and helped with the older children. Kemba laughed at him saying he knew far too many songs and far too few of the babies' names. Lindo reasoned he didn't need to know their names to feed them, but then, if they had been horses, he would have known their names by now. But now he was glad to be assigned to the babes. He could sing, and try to make songs, as he fed and changed and burped the squirming, ravenous little hobbitlings. Sometimes their mothers and fathers managed to get away and came in to help. And he was, after all, slowly learning to tell them apart.

Nitir's concerns about the older children, together with his own boredom over the lullabyes, set Lindo to composing songs in his head. One afternoon he stood in the Workhouse door, baby in arm and another tied in a pouch at his waist, nudging crawling babies gently away from the door with his foot, looking out at the garden, and composing gardening rhymes in his head.

He nudged at Nitir's mind, perhaps rather rudely, but he could sense that she was relaxed enough to open her mind that day. She started in surprise, and turned to look at him as she dodged after a one-year old that was busily eating a clod of dirt. Why did they all do that? It really bothered him. Quickly he sang the new song in her mind, and then released her thoughts. She laughed and sang them aloud. He sang along, correcting and helping, and soon there was a small chorus going amid much laughter.

Seeds no weeds
In the furrows by our burrows
Dirt for hobbit feet
And for the roots, the toes for fruits
While flowers by the hours
Give us vegetables and fruits
Crunchy roots to eat, and leaves
And tasty fruits to please.

It was nonsensical and silly, but he hoped that the children would get the hint, and eventually learn to work and wait for good fruits and vegetables to eat instead of munching on the dirt. Nitir laughed, thinking that the children would always eat the dirt, but she liked the song.

As soon as Nitir and some of the children had mastered the song, Lindo turned back inside. When it wore out, he'd have to think of a new one, but he was more worried about the messenger children and the ones working in the fields and in the falling pine groves. He couldn't teach them songs about the Kinslaying or the Curse of Mandos but he had to come up with something. He thought and thought.

He started working on children's songs about the two Trees of Valinor in the hopes of restoring respect for the fallen pines, and was struggling to come up with something about Idril's purity and grace and beauty, and put it into a verse that a child could sing.

What came instead was a song about the wind, and how if you stood on the side that the wind was coming from, the smoke from the burning forest would not blow on you. It wasn't what he was hoping for, but he suspected it had come to him for a reason, so he offered it to Nitir, and she was glad of it. It made Lindo depressed. He went back to thinking about Idril, and tried pirating some lines from other poems. It was days before he had anything at all, and even that was too short and he didn' like it. He did make up some short songs about hunting frogs and fish, and these were immediately popular. But that was not the troublesome topic.

But that night, he spent with Nitir, and they planned some late-night singing for the children. Nitir was concerned about the hobbit-children's sleep, but she knew they needed some uplifting.

On a whim, about which he was afterwards stubborn, Lindo added several short "hymns to Elbereth" to the songlist. Nitir thought they were a little too complicated, but she stopped arguing once she saw Lindo's determination about them. Lindo told them not to sing them in front of the orcs because it would make them angry, but to sing them as they walked or worked or waited for sleep.

Maura was pleased to hear the hymns coming from the Workhouse, even if at first Lindo was the only one singing. But over the weeks that changed, and more of the older children were able to join in and sing along. They sang softly, but somehow the sound traveled through the whole camp anyway.

[

[ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-13-2002, 10:04 AM

As fall faded and the first hint of winter appeared, a day came which Nitir was never to forget. There were times of happiness and even laughter in the Workhouse. She and the helpers played with the babies or chased after frogs which the Stoor children insisted on saving from the dinner pot by keeping in their pockets. But there were also moments of excruciating fear and sadness. And of all those moments, this one seemed the most dark.

The day had started with a loud banging on the door by the Orc commander. He had insisted on speaking with Nitir immediately. Apparently, one of the children who carried messages to the Orcs had decided that he could live his life more comfortably by cooperating with his guards. This lad, just eleven years old, had betrayed a secret of one of his family members, that there was a hidden cache of weapons buried west of the camp. When the Orcs went to investigate, they found two old and rusty swords hidden in the trunk of a tree. But, however many or few, the commander decreed that the hobbits should suffer.

The entire camp was drawn up in front of the Workhouse. The children and the helpers were led out in a semi-circle. And then Durshkakh came before Nitir and said in a voice of iron: "One child will die, and you must pick that one. If you do not pick, then two will suffer."

The entire camp of hobbits stood aghast, but no one more than Nitir. "Please," she begged, "let me speak with the council, or at least with Maura Tuk." For Nitir truly did not know what to do. There was no doubt in her mind that two children would die unless she gave them one as they had demanded.

The Orc captain leered and shook his head, "You old hag. You are in charge of these rats. Choose, or two will be slain."

Nitir sank to the ground in tears, "I can not do it," she whispered. "Take me instead."

But the Orcs laughed and seized two of the children, one a small babe and the other a healthy young girl. And they slit them through the hearts right before her eyes and those of the other hobbits.

Then they were ordered to go back to work.

Nitir lay in a heap on the ground, crying uncontrollably. She could not even lift her head. So Maura came forward and took her in his arms, as one might a small child, and rocked her and cradled her head against his chest. And she looked at him and said, "What should I have done?"

And he shook his head and with infinite gentleness said, "I do not know."

And when Nitir had cried for a very long time, she asked him, "How can I live with such pain, such brokness?"

And he tried to reassure her, "This is not all of life. There is goodness that goes beyond this wretched camp, if only we could feel it." And he looked towards the West with silent words of beseeching. But in his heart even he wondered, "Will this nightmare ever end?"

[ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

mark12_30

08-13-2002, 10:42 AM

Lindo watched in horror as little Pongo's body was tossed aside, along with little Lily. But as he heard the order to return to work, he walked forward to get Pongo's body. An orc slapped him, and he reeled and staggered; the children's parents were likewise being driven away from Lily's and Pongo's bodies, but Lindo turned to the orc and replied, "You told me to get back to work; Pongo is under my care."

The orc slapped him again, but another said, "Let him have the brat's body. What good will it do him? Let him cry." But Durshnakh stepped forward, and snarled, and gave Lindo a backhanded blow that send him flying. He hit the ground hard, and struggled to get up onto all fours, retching, unable to stand, orcish laughter echoing in his ears.

Suddenly another voice, Kemba's, spoke in his ear. "The other twenty-one still need you. Go."

Lindo crawled back to the Workhouse. He got to the door, pulled himself up by the doorpost, and turned and looked back. Pongo's and Lily's bodies still lay in front of the storehouse, bloody and still, like Niphredil had lain on the wall the day of the invasion, he remembered; he began to shake.

She had come with her message to Kemba among the archers, and he had told her to return home. And she had walked partway along the wall to where she would climb down, and had found a childhood friend's body, lying dead. His bow lay beside him with his quiver of arrows. She bent down over him and kissed his brow, and then shouldered his quiver and picked up his bow.

"Niphredil! " Lindo had cried. "Go home! What are you doing? Get off the wall!"

Kemba had heard Lindo yell, and had turned, and saw her, and added his voice to Lindo's. But as she loosed her third arrow, ignoring them, an arrow found her. She staggered. Another struck her, and she fell. At least her death was quick.

Kemba got there first, bursting into tears, and held her, rocking and weeping, and picked up her body and bore her away. Lindo had stood helplessly by. He ached to hold her so, and carry her, but he had no right; he had never yet held her; he had not even proposed yet. He would not be of age for another two weeks. And so he had returned numbly to the wall, and fired arrow after arrow, cold and shaking, too angry to weep. He never saw where Kemba put her body.

A cry drew his attention back inside the Workhouse, and he stumbled in, and picked up a baby. Wrong one. He picked up the crying child-- Larkspur, Niphredil's tiny cousin.

Bending over little Larkspur, Lindo burst into tears, and sobbed and sobbed til he was hoarse.

[ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

piosenniel

08-13-2002, 11:56 AM

The cart rolled slowly along the rough track through the forest.

What had been a place of beauty and song was now grown dark and silent. The ancient pines, once proud and tall, now stood bent and drooping, as if in defeat, and the murmur of shadowy thoughts moved through their boughs like a dark, discordant breeze. No birds sang in the boughs, no laughter and the song of elves rejoiced among this creation.

The driver of the cart, pulled on the disshevelled pony's reins and brought the cart to a brief halt. Taking off his broad brimmed hat, he wiped his brow, for it was hot and still beneath the lowering trees. He shook his head in sadness as he looked about the once life-filled forest, remembering its beauty and its grace.

Then settling his hat once again on his head, he clucked to the pony, and urged him on.

When he reached the camp, the orcs stopped him. They recognized him as the harmeless, simple minded man who often brought supplies to Morgoth's prisoners. They went through the items he had loaded in his cart, taking what they wished for their own use. He said nothing, just sitting there, his shoulders slumped, in an attitude of fearfulness. When they were done with their pilfering, they waved him through, laughing at his now depleted cartload.

He brought the cart to a halt near the sheltering wall of a large building, well away from the prying eyes of the guards.

As he stepped from the cart, he heard the muffled crying of babies coming from nearby and the sound of someone singing the words of a lullaby, though the voice seemed filled with grief.

He unloaded his now meager supplies for this group of prisoners, and waited to be approached, his keen eyes taking in the bleakness of the camp while his ears picked up the undercurrent of mourning in the air.

[ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

08-13-2002, 12:55 PM

Angara sat with Bird until the woman fell back into a somewhat restful sleep. 'So tiny,' she thought to herself, as she watched the changling turn on her side and huddle under the blankets for warmth, 'and yet so strong when need arises.' She watched as even in sleep the woman's fingers worried the threads in the coverlet.

Coming close to Bird's ear, she whispered softly 'The weaving is strong, little one. The pattern still holds. Rest easy now.'

The changling's body relaxed a little, and her breathing became a little easier, though beneath her eyelids, the remnants of dark memories pursued each other.

Daisy was standing by the door when the dragon came out, and made to go back in to sit by the bed. Angara stopped her, saying, 'She will rest a little better now. And you must get some sleep yourself, in two days we leave for Númenor, and I would like you to be there for the planning that must be done. If you like, I will wake you when we meet.'

The dragon followed Daisy to the room she had shared with Pio. The hobbit hesitated at the doorway, not wanting to step in and see the familiar clutter of the elf's belongings.

Angara urged her in, and waited while she climbed, still dressed, into her cot and pulled the covers to her chin.

Tired and miserable, the hobbit closed her eyes, feigning sleep, in hopes that the dragon would go and leave her to her grief. But Angara crept close to her head, and lay on the pillow, humming softly an old lullaby.

The girl's body relaxed, and sleep was near her, when she heard the dragon whisper in her mind. She asks that you stand tall and true, now, little one,and do not abandon your companions though doubt and fear assail you. Step up, and be of service when you see the need.

Tears pooled at the corners of the Daisy's eyelids and rolled silently down her cheeks. The dragon resumed her soft lullaby until the girl's eyes had dried, and she surrendered to sleep.

[ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-13-2002, 01:57 PM

As Ancalimon unloaded some of his goods and gazed about the camp, he could see that something here was quite different. For instead of men or Elves, these prisoners were hobbits.

So they had finally come, he thought. He had been waiting for this such a very long time, waiting and fearing for the moment when the hobbits' path crossed that of the Dark Lord.

His eyes took in the entire camp. Physically, the encampment was better off than many he had seen. The muddy burrows were strung out near the bank of a stream. The large building that stood by his side, one of the old ruins left in this place, seemed to be serving as some sort of compound for children. But what made this camp truly different from so many he had visited were the little plots of flowers which nestled down beside the homes, and even about the half-ruined central building. He could not help but smile.

Yet, reaching into the camp with his mind, he felt a wave of sadness and despair which seemed even worse than he normally found in places like these. And then he saw the two tiny bodies. The children lay still and shattered on the grass in front of the compound. He walked up to them and knelt down. He was not surprised to see that their tiny forms had been run through by a blade. It must have been only a moment before, since their bodies were still warm with the breath of life. He leaned over the children, kissing their foreheads and whispering soft words into their ears. Then he closed their eyes and waited for several moments as, one-by-one, the tiny fea broke loose from the hroa to continue on its way.

He sat back on his heels and sighed. It was not the little ones whom he feared for, but those left behind. It was the parents and teachers and guardians of this community who would need him most now. He glanced over to where several hobbits were beginning to construct a barrow. That, at least, was being done. The next task then was to find Maura Tuk, the hobbits' wise man and keeper of lore, to figure out what terrible thing had happened here.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-13-2002, 05:02 PM

Ancalimon greeted the hobbits who were digging the burial site, and asked them to watch over his goods for a bit. He also got directions to Maura's house, and walked over by the muddy river bank to knock at the round brown door where the Tuk family lived.

For a moment, Ancalimon though that no one was at home. For although he banged his staff loudly, there was no response. Then, a voice filled with pain and weariness came back to him. "Not right now. Come back later. I'm busy with other things."

Ancalimon shook his head and sighed, for this was surely Maura. But it sounded nothing like the young lad and man he had known and cherished for many years. The peddler lifted his staff and said with a bit of gruffness, "You have no time then for a very old friend who has come from very far away."

Maura looked in disbelief at the door of the house, and quickly came over to undo the latch. He stared at the young man in the grey robes who stood on the doorstep. Maura was unable to speak or move.

Ancalimon turned to him with a sly smile, "And this is how a hobbit greets a guest? I thought better of you, Maura."

"Ancalimon? Is it really you? I have wished and hoped and dreamed that you would somehow find your way here, but I dared not believe it. And, today, of all days...." His voice trailed off into pain.

"I have seen." said the man in grey. "Come let's sit and talk."

As he wrapped the hobbit in his arms, there was a small and muffled response, "Oh, Ancalimon, I have tried to do what you said, but it's so hard. And it seems to be getting harder every day." And the one hobbit in the community who had never cried, the one hobbit who had responded to everyone's grief with unfailing gentleness and compassion, looked up into the face of his friend and began weeping softly.

Child of the 7th Age

08-13-2002, 07:13 PM

Despite the earlier warning that the hobbits immediately return to work, the Orcs ignored the prisoners for the entire day, drowning themselves in ale and blood sports. Once the initial shock of the deaths had been endured, hobbits began poking their noses out of burrows to seek consolation and companionship with others. Members of the community fell into one another's arms, grieving over the deaths of Lily and Pongo. Some went to pay condolence calls on the families whose children had been lost. Others crowded into the Workhouse to hold and hug their own children or those of friends and neighbors.

Within a few moments of Ancalimon's arrival, news of his coming had spread over the entire camp. A few children crept down to Maura's house peering through the cracks in the wood and putting up their ears to the door. Ancalimon had promptly come out on the doorstep with a broom and threatened the scamps with a hiding. As they scampered away, he promised to come down and see the children in the Workhouse later that evening.

Maura and Ancalimon spoke together for some time, discussing the hardships and lessons of recent months. Step by painful step, they traced out the tale of the morning. Ancalimon listened without comment, a look of pain and compassion etched on his face. Whatever passed between them, I do not know. But, by the time their conversation ended, Maura's eyes held a little less strain and fear and a little more hope.

The two agreed that Ancalimon needed to go and speak privately with the families whose children had been slain, as well as with the boy who had provided the original information about the weapons to the Orcs.

Then Ancalimon turned to Maura. "And there is one more I must speak with before I leave: your friend who tends the children, the strange one who speaks of other times and places and dreams of the Lady of Compassion. For her heart must be heavy with grief."

The two agreed the peddler would go speak with each of the three families, and also with Nitir at the Workhouse. Maura promised h would gather the children and their parents so they might sing to Ancalimon and listen to the tales he would tell.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-13-2002, 10:40 PM

Ancalimon left the small burrow where Lily's family lived. They had grieved together, and talked about Lily and what a wonderful daughter she had been. As Ancalimon watched the stream of families walking towards the house, he was certain of one thing. However, horrific the ordeal these families faced, they would not face it alone. The love and care of their neighbors was more than evident.

What a painful afternoon it had been. And it was not yet over. Ancalimon paced towards the Workhouse for his final task of talking with Nitir and visiting the children.

The sun was fading from the sky as he entered the building. He stopped to chat with Zira and give Lindo an affectionate hug. Then he was introduced to Azra. He gazed at the young woman with a puzzled expression.

Taking her gently by the arm, Ancalimon steered her to the corner of the room and lowered his head to speak privately. "Rose, it is Rose, I believe?" The young hobbit glanced up with a look of alarm. "Don't be frightened." he responded. I was told you might be here." Ancalimon talked with Rose at length, inquiring about her work with the children and her friends on the Star.

Then, he asked Rose how her older friend was doing. The girl shook her head as if she wasn't sure what to say, and pointed towards the back room where Nitir had a small table to do her planning for the children.

Analimon knocked with his staff on the door. This time, he heard a soft but mournful reply. "Please come in."

Ancalimon gazed at the hobbit. Her eyes were red and puffy, with her curls cascading down from her ribbon in twenty different directions. She clutched a pen in one hand and a book in the other. There were keys at her waist for all the different storerooms in the building. And in front of her was a long list of details she was committing to memory about the children's meals for the next week. She was middle-aged and chubby, and, even in grief, had a look of stubborness on her face. She seemed to be a whirlwind of activity, although there was some question as to how directed that activity was.

Ancalimon took one look at her and smiled. She stood up and inspected him up and down, taking in the staff and the tall and floppy hat with its wide brim. "Ancalimon?" she queried. Realization flooded over her. "You are from the house of Nienna."

"Yes," he nodded and then asked, "Are you in pain, Child?"

"What do you think?" she retorted. Her words held pique as well as genuine hurt. She looked at him accusingly, "You and the Elves find your way to the Blessed Lands, but my people live here and now in this place of heartache. It's not easy being a hobbit."

He was not used to a woman being quite so headstrong, but something told him that her frustration and sharp words came only from a heart that cared too much. But then he remembered. There was one other. And she had said much the same to him some one hundred years before. He pictured the wise woman Andreth in his mind, and then he pictured Child. The one a child of Man, and the other a hobbit. Yet, in certain ways, he reflected, they were very similar.

Then the woman looked over at Ancalimon again, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to say that."

"But is this what you feel, Child?" he asked softly.

"Sometimes, but only sometimes," the hobbit said contritely.

She looked at him with hurt on her face, "I couldn't do it. I just couldn't do it. Maybe it would have been better if I had. Now two bodies lie in the ground instead of one."

"Why, Child? Tell me why you couldn't pick?"

She stared at him uncomfortably, "You know," she whispered.

"Perhaps I do, but you need to say it.

"Because I'm a hobbit," she said, tears dropping one-by-one to the crowded papers below. "Because I'm not the Creator, or one of the great powers that my teacher used to talk about. Because it's not my job to do picking like that. I can barely manage to pick out the menus for the next week. How could I pick who should live and who should die?"

He looked at her with eyes still and solemn. Then he went over and placed her hand in his and gently kissed it.

"You have said what I would have spoken to you. This ache will be in your heart forever, until you find peace in some other place or time. But you must go on. There are too many here who need your help. You can't stop now."

"I know," she said in hushed tones. "When Pio died, I didn't know, but now I know."

"Then you have learned something that is precious." he responded. "And I promise you, as I have promised Maura, that I will be here to help."

She nodded her head, and they went in together to hear the children sing.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-13-2002, 11:32 PM

Maura was waiting for Ancalimon and Nitir as they went out to listen to the music. All of the children sat on the floor in the front of the room. Their teachers and parents and neighbors stood waiting for the program to begin. Lindo stood up and started singing. The older children immediately joined him, but by the second melody, even the littlest ones had piped in to help. He took them through a repertoire of tunes from silly nonsense rhymes to songs of teaching and finally the hymn to Elbereth.

Everyone clapped, and Nitir beamed approval. Then Maura stood up, and the room became more solemn. He talked in gentle tones about how hard the day had been and how much everyone was going to miss Lily and Pongo. Then he thanked them all for coming, and said their songs were so beautiful that he felt sure they would fly on wings to wherever the two children were sleeping tonight. There were sniffles and tears in the room, but it was a feeling of being together and feeling sad and having something to live for.

And, finally, after that, Ancalimon said he would tell the children a tale, a true tale about brave hobbits who had come west to try and find the light. It was a tale that they had heard many times, but never seemed to tire of. The young figure in a grey cloak turned to the children and lowered his voice, so that all around craned their necks intently to make certain they could hear every word.

"Very long ago, when the world was much younger, a group of hobbits lived on the banks of the Anduin. And it was a fine place for hobbits to live. The hills were lovely, filled with soft grass and the tunes of songbirds. There was water for the Stoor children to play in, and rich brown earth for the Harfoot families to plant seeds in, and even tall forests for the Fallohides to run off in and get lost."

"One of the nicest things about the hobbits' home was that it had beautiful bright lights which were always there to cheer you up whenever things got tough. But, one day, something bad happened, and all the lights went out. The parents of the hobbit children were very upset. Without the lights, it was cold and nasty, and some of the people who lived near them began to act in mean ways."

"The hobbit parents weren't sure what to do. Then they began hearing rumors that the lights weren't really all gone. They had only moved away to a different place. And, if you walked a very long way to the West, you would be able to find the lights again. They decided that finding those lights was the most important thing in the whole world. So they bundled up their children, and they bundled up their belongings, and they all began walking to the West."

At this point, Abar chipped in from the front row, "Say about Ancalimon!"

Ancalimon laughed and then continued, "Now, as the hobbits walked, they came upon a man in a grey cloak and floppy hat who said his name was Ancalimon. And Ancalimon promised to help the hobbits find a new home. And he told them about a good man named Beor the Wise who was also walking towards the West. And the hobbits and the men became very friendly, and decided to walk together."

Abar piped up again, "Tell about the Elf." And his mother tugged on his shoulder and told him to "shush".

"And after the men and hobbits had walked a very long time, they came to a place called Ossiriand. And they lit a great fire and sang many songs, just as you did tonight. And in this deep forest, an Elf heard them singing. This Elf was Finrod, Friend of Men and Hobbits. In the weeks to come, Finrod taught them many wonderful things. And this place did have more light than the dark lands they had come from so the hobbits and their cildren were happy."

"And it wasn't only Finrod who was friendly with them, but many of the other Elves as well. Finrod had a beautiful sister named Galadriel who was very good at games, and it is written that, of all the Elves in the world, she loves hobbits best! And some people say Galadriel will love and protect the hobbits until the end of time."

"Now the hobbits and men had many adventures and moved different places, but they finally decided to settle down. So the Elves gave them a beautiful kingdom in a land called Dorthonion. And they built a city called Ladros."

Ancalimon continued, "Do any of you children know where this beautiful city lay?"

At this point Abar piped up, "This part is new!"

Ancalimon put his finger to his lips and said "shush". Then he continued. "The beautful city was right here. You are sitting in it. And the building where you sang your songs tonight was the place where the lords held their court and the wise-women and wise-men learned about the lore. And the wise-women for Mankind was Andreth, friend of the Elf Finrod, and sometimes her cousin Adanel of the House of Hador."

Ancalimon questioned, "Does anyone know the wise man for the hobbits?"

And Abar practically flew out of his seat. "It was my great grandfather Tuk. And he taught my grandfather who is here who us today. And someday my grandfather is going to teach me.!"

Ancalimon laughed, "That's right, Abar."

"And then bad people came and took some of the light away, and hurt the beautiful city."

Then he turned and looked at the children, "You are the descendents of those who defended the light at Laedros and later at Tarn Aeluin. It is your job to keep looking for the light, and to follow it wherever it will lead you."

Then the parents kissed their children good night and went back to their burrows, silent and thinking. And before Ancalimon left, he turned to Maura and Nitir. "Keep your minds alert and treasure the gift of estel. Soon, one will come to you from the outside. She will have a body that changes but a heart that holds true. Listen to what she says."

Then Ancalimon told Maura to give away the things he had left near the Workhouse to those who needed them most, and promised he would see him again someday. The two men embraced and parted.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-14-2002, 02:39 AM

Once Daisy had fallen asleep, Angara returned to the deck, where Khelek and Veritas awaited her.

She had stopped briefly by Mithadan's room, but he remained unchanged. Kali was still with him, though he had lain down on the bed next to the man, and slept now. The hobbrim had gently placed one of Mithadan's large hands between his two small ones, hoping in someway to lend warmth and comfort to him.

Once up on deck, she bade the two elves to bring Levanto aboard so that they might begin their planning.

When all were present, Veritas opened the book of nautical charts to the map of Númenor. 'I wish we had a more detailed map.' she said, as the four looked over the chart. 'This gives a good view of the approaches to and dangers in the waters about the island as it is designed to bring a ship safely in to one of the harbors. I can get us there safely with this chart, but once there I do not know the lie of the land.'

'I do not think this is the only map of Númenor we have on board.' said Khelek. 'What of the maps that Pio had. Might she not have one that we might use?'

'Of, course!' said Angara. 'That is what she meant when she asked me to remind Veritas of three things: the map case, her green journal, and the harbor of Eldalondë in the early years.'

Veritas made to leave and fetch the first two items, but the dragon bade her wait a while until Daisy had fully rested.

'What is this Eldalondë?' asked Levanto, once Veritas had seated himself.

'It was a great harbor city on the west of the island,' said Veritas, 'where people would gather to receive the Eldar who had journeyed from Eressëa. For in the early days, there was still much love between the Edain and the Eldar. We can sail the Lonely Star there, though only Khelek and I could go on shore. The others must stay hidden.'

'I will stay hidden,' said Levanto, 'but I want to be put in the water just before we enter the bay.' He pointed to the Bay of Eldanna. 'I will scout the area beneath the waters and gather what information I can for us. There are always hidden ways that can be found beneath the waves if one knows where to look for them.'

'And Veritas,' said Khelek, 'I know you were teaching Daisy to pilot the ship, but you must show me how.The time crystal,also. We must all know as much as possible so that if one falters, another can step in.'

'This is as far as we should go for now in our plans,' spoke the dragon. 'I promised Daisy I would wake her when the planning began. Perhpas we should all eat and then take some rest. Late this afternoon, we can look at Pio's maps and her journal, and make our final plans.'

Levanto returned to the waves, and let the rhythm of their rocking lull him to sleep. The elves returned to their own cabins to rest in their own ways, while Angara flew to the top of the mast and cast her gaze westward.

piosenniel

08-14-2002, 02:41 AM

It was early evening when Daisy awoke. The light in her room had grown dim as the sun moved to the opposite side of the ship. She sat up with a start, wondering how long she had slept, and whether the older folk had gone ahead and made the plans for the trip to Númenor.

Throwing the blankets aside, she raced up stairs to see what she had missed.

She found the deck empty. Angara was still atop the mast, her gentle snores a tell-tale sign of her presence. The ship rocked gently on the waves, at anchor.

Returning below deck, she saw that both Khelek and Veritas were resting in their rooms, their doors ajar to let the cool breezes circulate. Even Kali slumbered on, curled up in a small ball next to Mithadan.

Bird, though, was awake. and she called to Daisy as the hobbit passed by her door.

'Come help me for a moment, Daisy.' said Bird. 'I need to get up and stretch my legs a bit - to get some strength back in them.'

The hobbit came and stood by the bed. She waited for Bird to sit herself up on the bed's edge. And once the woman had done that, and shaken her head to clear the dizziness, she offered her her arm as a support.

'Let's walk to the galley.' suggested Daisy. 'We can find you something to eat and drink as well.' The two walked the short distance slowly, Bird pausing every so often to work a cramp from her still tired muscles.

By the time they reached the table, Bird was glad to sit in a chair while Daisy brought her a plate of herbed mushroom stew which had been on the stove's back burner, a crusty loaf of bread, a crock of sweet butter, and a glass of good red wine.

She ate slowly, but with great relish, enjoying each morsel of food. The last of her bread was used to sop up the remaining gravy from her plate. Once done, she pushed back her chair and sipped the wine.

Daisy sat opposite her, and drank a cup of strong tea with honey. Bird looked much better, she thought to herself, now that she had some food and drink inside her.

When she had finished her wine, Bird leaned across the table and looked closely at the hobbit, taking her measure.

'Daisy, can I trust you?' she asked.

The hobbit was surprised at the question, but did not hesitate in saying 'yes'. 'What do you need of me?' she replied steadily, looking back at Bird.

'I need your help.' said Bird. 'Child and Rose are being held prisoner by Morgoth's orcs, and I need to go to them. Sooner, rather than later. Can I count on you?'

The hobbit considered the request carefully, then answered. 'I will help you, Bird. But you must tell me what I need to do.’

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

mark12_30

08-14-2002, 04:40 AM

When Maura was done speaking and the solemnities were over, Lindo asked Azra to watch the babies for him, and slipped out. He had heard snorting more than once during the afternoon, but had been unable to get away. But he had asked others, and knew where to look, and he quickly found the cart and pony behind the Workhouse.

He quickly introduced himself to the surprised pony, and slipped the traces and gathered the long reins, and led him to the stream. Several people had given him water, but the pony drank again, and Lindo smiled as the pony thrust his dripping nose against Lindo's cheek and slobbered down his chest and neck. Lindo reached up and pulled on his crest, and the pony dug his chin into Lindo's shoulder (which hurt, because the bridle was stiff and the bit didn't give way at all) and they were friends. Lindo swiped away a tear, laughing at himself, and led the pony to the edge of the garden. Nitir would probably be furious that he gave hobbit-food to a pony, but he pulled a carrot, and led the pony away again, wiping the carrot on his breeches, and breaking it into small peices, fed it slowly to the eager pony one bit at a time. Then he stopped, and began exploring the pony's face and neck for itchy spots. He found many. The pony closed his eyes in sheer bliss.

He heard very soft laughter behind him, and he turned, to see Ancalimon watching him. "I came with no expectations, but I am still surprised to find a horse-thief here."

"Is it time for you to leave already? I thought you would speak with Maura and Nitir longer than that."

"I spoke with them as much as I meant to."

Lindo heaved a sigh, and sadly led the pony back to the cart, and hitched up the traces. Ancalimon climbed into his cart and Lindo handed him the reins, and then he walked back to the pony. The reins were being gathered up, but suddenly Lindo grasped them just below the bit, put his free arm around the pony's neck, and buried his face in his mane, and then his shoulders began to shake.

Ancalimon slowly put the reins down again. For a servant to keep a guest waiting was very disrespectful behavior, and Ancalimon's temper stirred, but he thought of all he had seen today and gave the boy some time.

"It brings back all my old life," Lindo said, muffled, into the pony's mane. "Those were such hopeful days."

"There is hope now, " Ancalimon replied. "Let it find you."

"My hope died the day of the invasion," Lindo said, suddenly growing cold again, and his tears stopped. "I never held my hope, I only watched her die."

"There is hope all around you, " Ancalimon replied. "But to open to it, you must let go of the hopes that have died. They will not come back by you holding on to them; if they are to return, they will return in a new form, and in a way that you least expect."

"I don't want to let go of her," Lindo replied.

"I did not say so, " replied Ancalimon. "But we were talking about hope. If hope is past, then grieve its passing and let it go. New hope will come."

Lindo buried his face again into the pony's mane, and the pony and Ancalimon waited several moments. Then Lindo stepped back, finally releasing the pony's reins, and looked at Ancalimon, a mix of emotions on his face. Ancalimon nodded, and gathered his reins. But then he paused.

"Have you sung over her?"

Lindo shook his head. "I don't know where she lies."

"Perhaps you should find out, " Ancalimon replied, reasonably. And he shook the reins, and the pony swung into a walk.

"Goodbye, " said Lindo, to the pony. As an afterthought, he nodded to Ancalimon.

Ancalimon laughed, and headed the pony into the sad pine forest. When they were out of earshot he spoke to the pony. "You have become a counsellor like me." The pony flicked his ears, and fished for bits of carrot in his teeth.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Birdland

08-14-2002, 06:24 AM

As Khelek came down the stairs to below decks, in order to search Pio's cabin, he spied the halfling Daisy, arms full of linens and towels, heading back to the sickroom of the skin-changer.

"Good evening, young Daisy. And how is your patient?" he called.

The hobbit-lass jumped and peered up the stairs, backing up against the wall to let the Elf pass by, and staring at her feet.

"G'evenin' My Lord Khelek. Miss Birdie's doing fair well. I was just going to go in to change the bed linens for her."

And did the athelas I gave you have the desired effects."

Oh, yes, Sir! I steeped it in warm water by the sickbed, as you told me, and it seemed to bring a very restful air to the room. Kali has used it in Sir Mithadan's room as well, and says he thinks it may be calming his dreams. Of course," said Daisy regretfully, "If we had a king here, it may have had more of a healing effect, or so they say."

"Perhaps", said Khelek, with a gentle smile, "but I believe that it is not the hands of a healer that can release athelas' true powers, but the heart of a healer. And anyone can find that in them." Daisy gave a worried look towards the door, and Khelek wondered why the halfling seemed so preoccupied. "Is Miss Bird awake? May I see her?"

Oh, no, M'Lord. I mean to say, she's up, but is bathing right now, and after that will probably sleep some more. But I will send her your regards."

"Very well. Please do. Oh, and Daisy," he said as she once again began to sidle towards the door. "Please remember; you and Kali should take care of your own health, as well as the well-being of others. Do not exhaust yourselves. The next stage of our voyage may not be as perilous as the first, but there is still much to be dealt with. Please take care of each other."

"Oh, we will, Sir. And thank you!" and with that she opened the door a crack and slid into the room. Khelek again wondered at her behavior, but then turned his thoughts towards the upcoming journey, and continued down to Pio's old room.

Daisy walked over to the bed and threw the linens, towels, and an old pillow down on the coverlet. "There, it was all I could find. I hope it will do."

Bird turned and walked over to the bed, thumbing through the pile. "Yes, that should be enough. You don't have to keep up the ruse long, Daisy. Just until the ship sets sail and people are commited to the voyage."

"Oh, and here. I found this in Pio's things." Daisy held out a small, functional, but still beautifully crafted dagger and sheath. Bird took it slowly in her hands and turned it in the light from the porthole window. "It's a beautiful, and so ill-suited for it's purpose. But perhaps Pio did not think so. But I may not even need such a thing." Bird laughed softly. "When it comes to shape-shifting, it seems I have come up in the world." But she took the knife anyway and tied it to her belt.

"Now as I said Daisy. You only have to buy me a little time. Offer your excuses for a day, two if you can manage. And if anyone should peek in the room, keep it dark, and arrange the bed as best you can."

"Miss Birdie, what will they do to me when they do find out?"

"Nothing Daisy. They'll understand that you were only following my wishes. Or if you like, tell them you had no idea I was gone as well, if you can pull it off. Don't worry, no one will harm you. And please, say good-bye to Kali for me. Tell him I have not forgotten the songs I promised him."

"Are you sure you'll be up to this? You've only been on your feet a few hours."

I'll be fine, Daisy. I feel right as rain. And besides," and here Birdie gave the halfling a wink. "I don't know if the Elven-Folk know this or not, but Athelas has a very invigorating effect when you chew it!"

"Chew it?" Daisy wrinkled her nose at the thought.

"And why not. What? Did you think I would put some in my pipe and smoke it?" The thought of this seemed so ridiculous to the hobbit lass that she let out a loud snort of laughter. Then she placed her hand over her mouth and warily eyed the door.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-14-2002, 08:14 AM

After others had gone to bed, Nitir stayed up late at her small table. In front of her sat a fresh sheet of paper. It was not one of the crumbled little scraps which she used for her interminable lists. Rather, it was that rare thing, a new and crisp leaf large enough to hold many words.

Carefully, she reconstructed the story she had heard tonight from Ancalimon. Word-by-word and sentence-by-sentence she relived every moment and carefully wove together all the details. There were a few points that seemed hazy to her, and other places where she had questions. She vowed to ask Maura about it the very next day.

She had to laugh at herself. Since her second dream, she had avoided even thinking about any kind of lore. She had given her consent to Nienna's plan of forgetting, but it had still seemed like cruel deprivation. And part of her grieved over what had been lost. For Azra, that loss had meant little. But, for Nitir, the scholar and historian, it was her whole identity, one of the reasons for her being.

But she knew now she was mistaken. The tales had not gone away. They were there, and they were still important. If she couldn't remember the stories about the future, she could at least learn more of the past, especially those accounts that concerned her own people.

She vaguely remembered reading a thick book on Elvish history which contained a short chapter on the origins and fall of Gondolin. Nitir knew the tale had left out many important facts. For one thing, it omitted anything about Piosenniel. Readers didn't have to know exactly who Pio was, or where she had come from. But, surely, they should learn about the brave stand she had made defending Idril's household. She needed to make certain about that.

And it wasn't only the writing of the lore that needed doing. It was the sharing of it as well. She and Maura were kept so busy with the basic needs of the community that sometimes other things just slipped by. But, as Maura himself had argued so persuasively, what good was it to have food in your stomach if you had absolutely nothing in your head? Nitir made a note to talk to Maura about visiting once a week to tell the children stories.

And then there was the problem of Lindo. Perhaps the poor fellow, who sometimes looked quite mournful, needed some help in the nursery. One or two of the girls were old enough to lend a hand. She should discuss that with him tomorrow.

He had a definite gift in writing poetry and song. Maybe she could redirect some of this energy. He spent many hours composing somber ballads about the Curse of the Noldor or how to escape from the smoke of the burning pines. She had tried to smile and be encouraging about these songs, but it seemed to Nitir that something was missing. There were so many holes in the history of her own people. And understandng that tradition was just as important as running after Elves. It was all well and good to write lays to the Lady Elbereth, but that Lady didn't seem deeply involved with hobbits. Perhaps she had enough to do just managing the affairs of Elves.

Ancalimon, however, was a different matter. Like Maura, Nitir didn't know quite who or what Ancalimon was. But, also like Maura, she understood that he had been sent to them from the household of Nienna. If Nienna and Ancalimon had special love and care for hobbits, then the hobbit people must return that love and respect the best way they knew how. And surely one way to do this was by joining words with music.

Nitir put away her pen and paper, and vowed to speak with Lindo very soon.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

mark12_30

08-14-2002, 09:26 AM

Pondering Ancalimon's words late into the night, Lindo got little sleep. He lay awake, composing some new lines, a new lullabye and a new song about Niphredil; he also composed two other new lullabyes, for Nitir; one to sing for Pongo, and one to sing for Lily. And he waited for the dawn to come.

When the sky lightened, he woke Azra, and asked her to watch the babies for him again, for a little while. She started to get annoyed, but rather reluctantly agreed when he pleaded gently.

He went to find Kemba, and calling into the rough tunnel, woke him too. Kemba emerged grumpy and uneager, and gazed at Lindo through half-opened eyes.

Lindo started several times and stopped, but finally he composed his question and got it all out. "When you carried Niphredil away from the wall, where did you take her? Where is she resting?"

It was much too early for such thoughts, but Kemba answered. "Back to my burrow. To her own room. I laid her to rest on her own bed. Her mother grieved her there, until all the hobbits were called out under Maura's orders. I believe she lies there still, whether the burrow burned down around her or whether it still stands."

It was enough. Lindo thanked him and turned to leave. Kemba stopped him. "We miss you, Lindo. We know you need to stay with the children, but whenever you are free, you are always welcome at our table."

He meant well. Lindo smiled, and thanked him.

"Lindo, I would have been proud to have you in my household. I would have called you my son."

Again, Lindo knew that Kemba spoke from his heart. But it was too painful to receive, and Lindo awkwardly thanked him and withdrew. He returned to the children, thanked a suprised Azra (who had been expecting another lengthy delay, as over the silly pony the previous evening) and began feeding hungry children.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-14-2002, 09:26 AM

Before they went off to the fields and forests that morning, the hobbits gathered at the barrow and laid the bodies of Lily and Pongo to rest. Maura promised that, when they found themselves a free people, they would plant a garden in memory of the children of the fallen where hobbits could come and think and rest. Lindo delivered two lullabyes for Lily and Pongo that came from somewhere within the center of his heart. Nitir and the others had never heard him sing like that before.

Every hobbit placed a stone on top of the barrow, and planted a small flower to bloom beside it. Then they walked slowly and thoughtfully back to work.

A few, however, still lingered at the grave. Lily and Pongo's parents stood silently nearby. They talked quietly with each other. Both mothers had gone over to Lindo to tell him how much his singing had touched their hearts. He promised to teach them the words of the two lullabyes.

Nitir went up to the women. This was the first time she had seen them since the terrible scene in front of the Workhouse. She looked nervously down at her fingers and said in a quiet voice, "I am so very sorry. Perhaps I should have done differently. I didn't want any of this to happen." To herself she thought, "If I had chosen one, perhaps these two would still be here."

Lily's mother went straight to Nitir, and slipped her arm around her. "Because of you, you and Lindo, my daughter and Pongo had a life in this camp that was filled with caring and meaning. When we couldn't be with our children, because the Orcs forbid it, you were there to be our hearts and voices and hands. Lily and Pongo would not have blamed you for this. Remember them with love. I won't let the Orcs win, and turn their whole lives into a moment of horror. They were more than that. So remember them laughing and playing and singing, too."

The two women embraced Nitir, and then turned to Lindo to thank him. Then they returned to their burrows.

Nitir was ready to go back to the Workhouse when she caught a glimpse of Lindo staring with rapt attention at the little grave site. She didn't know if he was seeing the two children, or his own parents, or even his beloved Niphredil. Perhaps, he was gazing at all of them at once.

In some ways, Lindo had lost more than the others. He had no surviving parents, no siblings or cousins. And he missed the magic of Idril's household, the realm of Elves that meant so much to him. How strange that she, who came from such a different time and place, felt more comfortable in this small hobbit world than Lindo did.

Then, Nitir had an idea. It wasn't much, but it would force the lad to think more about what being a hobbit meant. Plus, some work would get done that needed doing.

"Lindo, excuse me." Nitir barged in on the hobbit. "Those songs were so beautiful. I wanted to tell you how I felt. But I also need your help. What Ancalimon said last night made me think. We need to teach the children their lore. That's partly my job, but there is one problem. I need someone to compose a song. From what Maura says, Ancalimon has been very important for us, and we need to remember that in a special way. If you could somehow translate that into music, I would be grateful."

"And, yes, there's one other thing. The camp may be expecting an unusual visitor soon. I have my suspicions about who that might be. And we may all need to pull together and do some things we haven't thought about before. I hope you'll help with that."

Lindo shifted about uneasily on his feet. He obviously had no idea what Nitir was talking about when she mentioned strange visitors. But it was not possible for her to be more specific until she herself was certain who was coming, and when they were coming, and, most important of all, why they were coming. She just wanted to entrust Lindo with a bit of a warning to keep his mind and eyes open and not to lose all hope.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-14-2002, 09:47 AM

Ancalimon let the pony go at his own pace down the forest track. It gave him time to think about what he had just seen and heard.

The occasional bump and rut in the road served to punctuate his thoughts on the grim conditions which the hobbits must now endure. He wished, briefly,that such gentle creatures would not have found themsleves in such a place as this, but he knew that such events were inescapable in the long view of Arda's history yet to come.

He held on to the hope that this adversity and any other that might come would plant the seeds of light firmly in the rich soil of hobbit character.

For now, it was up to him and what allies he might employ to nurture those seeds.

He urged the pony on, now, at a quicker pace. By nightfall he planned to be at the Fens of Serech, where the River Rivil flowed into the Sirion. From there he must travel at a quicker pace, and the cover of darkness would conceal him.

mark12_30

08-14-2002, 09:54 AM

"Nitir, I would be glad to help in any way that I can. Thank you for asking me."

Nitir smiled, and pressed Lindo's hand, and he clasped hers, suddenly missing his own mother, and grateful for Nitir's friendship. She lingered, watching him.

Lindo puzzled over what Nitir might have meant by "Strange visitors". Ancalimon had been odd enough, but Nitir was hinting at someone even more strange than he. Ancalimon had already changed his life, though, and not just by bringing his pony into the camp. Lindo studied Nitir, and thought about hope. He wondered what Ancalimon had said to Nitir in private; she already seemed more hopeful. Lindo wished that his own hope would come soon. He had some more grieving to do first, he knew.

"Do you know what Ancalimon's name means?" Lindo asked Nitir.

She shook her head. "Perhaps Maura knows."

Lindo gazed back at the barrow. Nitir thought he was about to say something, and she waited. But he did not speak. Finally she asked him, "Lindo, what are you thinking?"

He sighed, not wanting to talk, and turned to her. "Why don't you look, and see?"

Nitir was caught by surprise. Did Lindo trust her that much? And did she have the skill to explore his thoughts? She thought of Angara; Angara had always done all the work, presenting her thoughts for Nitir to read, and she had simply accepted it. This was intimidating.

Lindo met her gaze, and replied, "Perhaps today is not a good day to try. But someday soon you can learn."

Nitir watched him. "All right, " she said, "another day. But now answer my question. What are you thinking?"

He shook his head. "I was thinking about what Kemba said this morning, that I am welcome at his table anytime; that he would have been proud to have me in his household, and that he would have called me his son."

"That was kind of him to say, " Nitir smiled.

"I know, " Lindo replied. "But nevertheless, it's very painful. It makes me miss my own parents more. And it only proves to me that Niphredil is-- that I miss her, and that-- that I can't be part of her family now."

"Why?" Nitir asked, baffled.

"Because it wasn't meant to be, " Lindo replied, darkly. "I am meant to stay with the little children, and be separated from Kemba and his family."

"Nonsense! It means nothing of the sort, " Nitir snapped, indignant. "It only means that we haven't understood your needs. If you want to visit Kemba and his family during dinnertime, then we will arrange for that. Perhaps we can even arrange for you to spend the night there sometimes. We will do what we can, Lindo. You only needed to speak."

"Nitir, " he said, "I am not sure that I want to."

"Why wouldn't you?" she replied, and watched him. When he didn't answer, she answered for him. "You can't keep withdrawing, Lindo. Maura wanted you to be with Niphredil's family for a reason. And unless you can convince him otherwise, I still believe that that is for the best. Starting tomorrow night, I want you to spend the dinner hour with Kemba at least once a week, preferably more. We will arrange for someone to watch the little ones during that time."

Lindo studied her, and realised that this was not a request. "Yes, Ma'am, " he replied evenly, and suddenly felt greatly comforted. He smiled at her, and then took one last look at the barrow, and turned to go inside the Workhouse.

-------------

Niphredil's family. He pondered that idea, and knew that it still hurt, and thought that he also knew one reason why. He still had something important to do for Niphredil.

Throughout that day, and the next few days afterward, as he exchanged one child for the next and prevented the teeming herd from crawling where they should not, Lindo's heart hovered over a sleeping form far away, and he sang, now a lullabye, now a lament, now a new song in praise of her gentle beauty that he would never forget. Those who came to visit saw fresh sorrow, but less sharp grief.

Had any visitors stopped by the nursery as evening fell, they might have seen, in Lindo, the beginnings of hope. Lindo studied the little faces that surrounded him all day, and that evening, they took on new meaning and new importance to him.

Perhaps, he thought, I will never have children of my own. But here, in this bleak ruin, daily, I am a father to twenty-one hungry children. Their future is woven with mine.

And perhaps Kemba can teach me how best to father them.

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-14-2002, 10:53 PM

Nitir hunched over the small table in the Workhouse. She was in the midst of pouring over lists of supplies and foodstuffs. Then she remembered the question Lindo had asked. She stopped her work for a moment and went over to the shelf which held a few books given to the Workhouse by one or other of the hobbit families. One of them was a dictionary of Elvish tongues. She thumbed through the section on Quenya until she found what she was looking for: Ancalimon -- "he who is most bright". She scribbled a note onto the scrap of paper giving the translation. Then she added a second sentence to the paper: "And have you set up your dinner with Kemba yet?" Might as well keep the pressure up a bit on the lad! She would drop this off for him before she headed to bed.

But now she needed to turn back to her unending lists. The frozen ghost of winter would soon be upon them, and she knew it would not be easy. Ancalimon's much-needed provisions included woolen blankets and hide coats which the Orcs had fortunately dismissed as worthless. While these would help, they were not enough.

She reminded herself to ask Tomba Bullroarer if he and his lads could bring down some small game. The soft fur of the animals would keep the children warm, and the meat could be smoked or salted and set aside for the time of bitter cold. Yet Nitir feared the hobbits would not find hunting easy. The forests had been so gutted that there were few beasts left in nearby dens or burrows.

How strange that she should spend hour after hour immersed in such details. Tales of lore never mentioned unglamorous topics like winter coats or smoked meats. But Nitir recognized that, without thoughful planning, the lives of all her children could be jeopardized. So she sighed and went back to work.

The evening shadows darkened, and Nitir's candle gutted low. She heard a scratching noise and glimpsed the silhouette of a very large black rat skittering along the wall, heading straight for the room where the infants slept. This was no light matter. The beast was hungry, and could do serious injury to a hobbit child. She snatched up her cudgel with venom and took direct aim. She had had considerable experience, and her first blow was a stunning success. The rat keeled over as did a considerable chunk of the old stone wall. She gingerly picked up the varmint by the tail and conveyed him out the door.

Then she knelt down to inspect the fallen masonry. Nitir tried poking and prodding the building stones back into the wall, but they seemed quite stubborn. Her fingers inched along the stonework towards the leering gap. She could feel the rough edges where the stones had broken off, and then she felt something else, something that didn't belong there. She pulled and wiggled the strange object, being careful not to tear or destroy it. Within five minutes, her efforts had been rewarded. She pulled out the dusty remains of a handwritten manuscript which looked about sixty years old.

Nitir glanced at the cover, but there was nothing written there. The chapters inside seemed to be in the language ofthe Noldor. Her heart began to pound quite fiercely as she read the words on the first page:

Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth being written down by Andreth, Wise Woman of the House of Beor, Daughter of Boromir, Lord of Ladros, recorded in the year 409 when she had reached 48 years.

Recognition and excitement flooded over her. The name of this woman had come up before the hobbit council just that afternoon. When Nitir had defended some position concerning the children with her usual unrelenting vigor, Maura had thrown up his hands in exasperation. He had laughed and told the others that it was useless to resist, since Ancalimon had said Nitir bore an uncanny resemblence in methods and mind to Andreth of the House of Beor. And Andreth was one of the most stubborn and outspoken of all Eru's children as well as one of the most caring.

Nitir still wasn't sure if Maura meant this as a compliment or a poke. She would read the ledger tomorrow to find out just who this Andreth was. She rescued her pouch from a gigantc pile of childrens' clothing that needed to be taken down to the river and beaten clean on the rocks. She carefully tucked the precious ledger inside, delivered her note to where Lindo would find it in the next morning, and finally returned to the small room to settle in for the night.

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-15-2002, 01:46 AM

Angara call down the steps for Daisy. The elves, Kali, and Levanto were set to plan for their departure tomorrow to Númenor.

Veritas had found Pio's mapcase with several different detailed thematic maps of the island. Of greater interest was the green journal in which Pio had noted her travels to various places during the Second Age. Númenor with its five distinct areas had captured her interest and she had written detailed descriptions of each area.

Of special note was the harbor of Eldalondë which she had drawn on one of the journal pages.It was a meticulously done street map, with many notes written to the side referencing where were the best places to buy certain wares, or to seek information.

Veritas laid these treasures out on the large table she had set up on deck, and once Daisy had arrived, they put together a preliminary plan for their trip.

They agreed that this was to be a quick, scouting expedition - one that would give them enough physical landmarks by which they could then plan the eventual rescue mission on paper.

Daisy excused herself after they had finalized thier plans and ran as quickly as she could down the stairs to Bird's room.

'Bird?' she whispered, as she entered the room. 'Are you still here?'

'Of course I am!' came the tart reply. 'You didn't expect me to fly off with all of you on deck did you?'

'There's a new wrinkle in your plan to fly back and forth to the camp.' said Daisy, and then filled Bird in on the plan to be gone at least three days to Second Age Númenor.

'I'll figure something out.' said Bird. 'Now go back up on deck and tell me when they've all gone back to their rooms for the night.'

Daisy ran back upstairs and scouted the deck. No one remained there, so she turned to go back to Bird's room to give the 'all clear', when she remembered to look to the top of the main mast for the dragon.

There was Angara, stretched out along the cross beam, and looking at her like a cat with a mouse fixed in its sights.

Daisy bounded down the stairs and rushed into the room, closing the door firmly behind her. She took a deep breath and said,
'It's all clear, Bird, except for one big problem. It's Angara, and I think she knows something is not quite right.'

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Birdland

08-15-2002, 06:14 AM

From the top of the mast the golden form of Angara lay curled around the crow's nest, outlined by the blaze of stars. Every once in a while, the dragon would raise her head, responding not to signs of danger so much as the spectacular, sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean at night.

But a small figure walking across the deck drew her attention. Angara lowered her head on the thin snake-like neck as she followed the progress of Daisy over to the railing.

"Good Evening, little halfling. Is sleep denied you?"

Daisy craned her neck up to see the form of the dragon looming over her, swaying slightly back and forth from the motion of the waves on the ship. She knew now how a partridge felt when the dark form of the falcon hovered above it.

"Ah...yes...I just couldn't seem to sleep, so I thought I'd try my hand at a little fishing. See if we could have something fresh for breakfast." She held up her long sapling fishing rod.

"What do you use for bait."

"Cricket. I found a cricket in the galley."

"One cricket? I doubt you'll catch much with that."

"Well, if nothing else, it will pass the time. My mum alway said nothing was better for sitting and thinking than fishing. Or just sitting, if you take my meaning."

"Well, I've seen the fish jumping under the moon, you may have some luck tonight. Don't stay up too late, though. There is much to do tomorrow."

Daisy stepped up to the rail, and leaning over, slowly unwound the line from around the sapling rod. Bird, in neekerbreeker form, clung desperately to the string and hook as the (to her) massive waves leapt higher and higher towards her. Once on the surface of the sea, she hoped that the waves would wash hook and line under the ship, out of sight of the watchful dragon.

The shock of the cold water rushed over Birdie, as a small bubble of air wrapped itself around her carapace. It would not last long, but the line and sinker were already being pulled under the keel.

Just as the moon-sparkled surface was disappearing behind the bulk of the ship, Bird saw the schools of mackerel swirling around her. One of them was eyeing her hungrily! Bird, now out of sight from those above, let go of the hook and instantly morphed into her dolphin form. The mackerel scattered in terror.

After a half hour, Daisy pulled the line up onto the deck. The hook was empty, and she shuddered at the sight. Hastily winding up her fishing gear, she called up to Angara: "Nothing biting after all. G'night!" and beat a slow retreat back towards the cabin.

Daisy threw the fishing rod in a corner and ran to her cabin. She jumped into her bed, fully clothed, and pulled the blanket up around her chin, curled into a ball of worry and fear. What had she done? Had she sent the skin-changer into the belly of a fish? Why had she agreed to such a hare-brained scheme?

Then suddenly, a soft, piercing whistle could be heard echoing through the wooden hull by Daisy's head. She sat up in bed, pressing her forehead against the rough wood, and called in a low voice, "Miss Birdie, is that you?"

A high, squealing voice answered back. "Yessss. I'm alright. Thank you, Daisy. I'll see you all when you come back from Numenor. Take care of Kali, and take care of yourself. Pio and Child would be proud of you."

"G'bye, Miss Birdie." Daisy pressed her ear against the hull, but all that could be heard now was the lapping of the waves, and far away, the faint, singing voices of the whale folk.

Daisy lay back in her bunk. Her immediate fears were diminished, but she lay awake for a long time, listening to the songs of the whales.

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-15-2002, 07:41 AM

The next morning, as Nitir clambered out of bed, a blast of cold air hit her as she threw back the covers and her feet hit the hard stone floor. Shivering, her teeth chattering, she ran to the nightstand only to find the water covered with a thin film of ice. Outside, in the main chldren's room, she could hear enormous noise and commotion. Fearing that the Orc commander might be banging at the front door, she raced to the children to make sure everything was alright. She didn't even bothering to slip on a skirt over her rstling petticoats.

But the cause of the commotion was clearly evident as she peered through the door looking at her unruly charges. The children were jumping up and down on their bedrolls, and running up to the windows with great glee, pointing and shouting. One of them had unlatched the door to the workhouse and propped it open with an old stool. And the biggest boys had pulled their breeches on and were racing about in the yard. One of them came in carrying something in his hand which he quickly let go of and hurtled across the room. A large gloppy snowball came careening across in front of Nitir's noise and squarely hit Lindo in the backside as he was turning to wash his hands at the frozen nightstand.

Nitir could not help giggling at the sight of Lindo with snow on his behind. She ran to the front of the building and glanced outside only to discover that there were already several inches of the white stuff collected on the ground, and it was still fiercely coming down from the heavens. It looked as if they were in for a very long, cold, and snowy day. There would be no chance for Bullroarer to take his lads out to hunt in such bad conditions.

Nitir hoped that their visitor, whoever he or she might be, would have the good sense to prepare for this unexpected storm. Then she turned about in the room and began the hard task of restoring order to the jumping, squealing children.

mark12_30

08-15-2002, 07:59 AM

Lindo, absentmindedly brushing off his backside, turned, and looked at the scattered snow on the floor. His eyes gleamed. He bent down and carefully swept it all up. Nitir wondered if he would be upset, but that worry dissipated as she watched him sprint out through the door, add another half-handful, press it firmly, and drew back, eyes dancing, daring the boys.

The boys frantically gathered more snow of their own, and the fight was on.

Nitir smiled. This was not the Lindo of three days ago. She liked the difference.

So did the boys. After ten minutes of snowball fight, they were rolling and wrestling in the snow, all fourteen boys on top of Lindo. It ended when an orc-guard glared at them, and Lindo softly ordered everyone back inside. But the battle had been glorious, and none of the boys would forget it.

--------------

Late that evening before they went to bed, Lindo gathered the boys who had been in the snowball battle. He had some lines already made up, and the boys added a few. Before they slept, they had all learned the tune and at least one verse of "The Snowbattle Of Laedros". It opened with a verse about the purity and beauty of the newly fallen snow, and two verses relating Ancalimon's telling of the tale, that Finrod give the men and hobbits Laedros in the realm of Dorthonion. Then the heroic snow battle raged for another three verses, including a list of every boy who fought in the battle. But they liked best that the seventh and final verse gave a description of the snow-wrestling, and Lindo's resounding defeat and burial under the fourteen snow-covered hobbit-boys.

The verse about the purity of the snow became their battle-cry whenever snow fell that year, and the fourteen boys wore their allegiance like a badge, calling themselves the Valiant SnowHobbits of Laedros. They strutted a little too much for Azra's taste. Lindo laughed.

It wasn't quite what Nitir had had in mind. But it was a beginning, and the boys loved it, and she hoped that more songs would follow. She was not disappointed.

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-15-2002, 10:08 AM

The snowstorm raged on. Days passed and then a full week. Nitir and the others on the council were surprised by the fierceness of the weather. They had suspected the season might prove harsher than usual, since the few animals seen scampering through the woods had sported thick, luxuriant coats. But none of the hobbits, even those oldest and wisest in weather lore, had predicted the squalls would start so early.

All work in the fields was suspended. Men and women still labored in the timber ranges, cutting down the great pines. Even this, however, proved more and more difficult. They had to trudge a long way to reach the stands of virgin forest. But the huge drifts of snow, which loomed like cliffs overhead, made it harder for the small hobbits to push their bodies forward.

It was the Orc commander who finally put an end to this charade. The Orcs had no love for these wet, frigid conditions, but couldn't allow the timber cutters to venture on their own without the guards. Bit by bit, the system of labor began breaking down. By the end of that first week, Durshkakh ordered the Orcs back to their warm buildings, which had been well fortified by clever hobbit hands before the winter began.

The hobbits themselves were sent out on chores even in the heavy blizzards. Both adults and children gathered firewood, or went hunting for game. A great deal of the wood ended up in the fireplaces of the Orcs, but not all. Nitir noticed how the hobbits were becoming increasingly skilled in the arts of deception and burglary. They managed to conceal logs for their own use in small caches which the Orcs never found. Some of the boys even learned how to pick locks. They grew adept at slipping in under the very noses of the guards and coming away with treasured armloads of food and kindling which were so desperately needed by the community.

Maura worried about the effect all this might have on the lads' behavior and outlook. But, for once, Nitir could offer reassurance. She sensed that, at least for hobbits, such skills had their rightful place in life. Indeed, she felt quite certain that hobbits should learn more about the ways of secrecy and stealth. She assured Maura that hobbits would be a free people someday. And the worst that would come of such burglaring was a tendency for youngsters to borrow mushrooms and cabbages from their neighbors' gardens

Right now, however, Nitir was not thinking about gardens, or crops coming to ripeness under the summer sun. She stood in front of the Workhouse, leaning against a heavy block of ice. She was pushing and pulling it with all her strength, trying to bring it inside with the intention of warming it near the fire. That way, there would be drinking water for the children. Before she forced the door shut, she turned to look at the bleak landscape about her. Its frozen rivers and chilling winds did not look very hospitable for any visitor who dared to brave the roads. But perhaps there was another way. She turned her eyes towards the heavens. But all she saw were swirling snowflakes that plummetted down in unending lines and threatened to block out the light of the sun.

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-15-2002, 01:02 PM

It was early evening. Most of the children had made their way back to the Workhouse from their errands and chores. Dozens of steaming wet coats and breeches were strung along a wooden frame that had been set near the fireplace. Azra was portioning out a bowl of hot soup and a piece of break for each child. They were clamoring for more, but Nitir shook her head. She was already beginning to worry whether the food would hold out until the snow subsided, and spring returned to the earth.

Then there was a loud knock at the front and the door pushed open with a well placed kick. Ban and Kemba crowded inside, their icy breath forming rings in the air. Each of the men dragged behind them several long lines which were loaded down with good-sized fish. The perch and trout that were attached must have numbered well over a hundred.

Ban grinned and reached out, pulling Zira to his side. He explained to her, "All the men went down to the river and cut holes in the ice. We've been fishing for hours, and we're half frozen. But we had good luck. How are you at cooking fish stew?" That night the whole community, adults and children, jammed together in the Workhouse, ejoying the warmth of its large fire and feasting on fish stew.

Nitir stood by the large pot doling out generous portions as if she were a queen awarding honors to her subjects. She could not explain it, but she was happy, in some ways happier than she had been in a very long time. It didn't make sense, given the situation she was in. But she was grinning and looking at everyone around her who seemed to be having a good time.

Azra and Lindo were chattering with each other and actually giggling at the antics of some of the young ones. Ban was tossing his son into the air, and Zira was beginning to play tunes on her flute. Nitir shook her head in astonishment. When she had made the decision to come here, she had thought about so many things. Long nights had been spent pouring over battle strategies and maps, and puzzling out strange riddles. She had wondered what hardships might be involved, and dreamed of meeting Elves whose names were blazoned in books of lore. But she had never thought about the people themselves, at least her own people whose names didn't appear in any of the books. She remembered how she had scrutinized those pictures of early hobbits, and had felt a bit uncomfortable. The hobbits' coats looked ragged, and, underneath their fingernails, there were slivers of rich brown soil . They didn't speak mind-to-mind as the Elves did, nor were they permitted to sail to the Blessed Lands. And their burrows were undoubtedly inferior to the fine homes she had known.

Nitir felt ashamed and humbled, when she remembered how she had felt. How wrong she had been! Although Nitir had only vague memories of the Shire, she sensed that hobbits like Maura and Lindo were actually more open to Elves and lore and adventure than hobbits from her own age had been. Even more than this, Nitir realized that this community, and these people were beginning to tug very hard at her heart. She would have no trouble walking out of the Orc's prison camp and slamming the door in their faces. But walking away from Maura and Lindo and Zira.....now that was a much different thing.

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-15-2002, 05:34 PM

Ancalimon had reached the area adjacent to the Fens of Serech in the very late hours of the night. He hid the old cart in a stand of trees and removed the bridle and harness from the pony. He bade the pony come back when he should call again, but until that time he was free to forage and wander where he might.

The man stood in a small, dark clearing and called out with his mind.

I have need of swift travel, O King. Will you bear me?

He stood in silence beneath the cloudy, starless sky and waited.

As you wish, friend. came the reply.

Then came the rush of mighty wings as the great eagle drew near the clearing, and then landed silently. He spoke urgently to Ancalimon's mind.

Come! Mount swiftly! We must be away before any see us. Where are you bound?

To the sea. To the ship, from whence came the winged dragon.

mark12_30

08-15-2002, 08:00 PM

The day after the fish stew, an unexpected guest did come to the Workhouse.

Lindo and Azra, forced into close quarters by the storm and allies in their labors, at last began to joke as much as they quibbled. And even the edges of their arguments were less sharp than they had been.

That turned out to be an especially good thing for Ancalimon's pony, who showed up unexpectedly at the frozen river while Kemba was fishing. The pony poked his nose into the fishing hole to drink, and the ice cracked perilously under his weight, and Kemba chased him off. But he did not go far, and when Kemba walked back to the camp with his catch of fish, the pony halted at the edge of the pine woods, and waited.

Kemba went to the Workhouse, and found Lindo. "You've got a visitor. A thirsty, shaggy, cold, four-legged visitor. Ancalimon's pony is waiting for you outside."

Lindo's jaw dropped. He spun, and a torrent of pleading was on his lips, but he never had to say them; Azra waved him out the door.

He ran outside, squinting into the driving snow, and plunged towards the woods; a nicker answered him, and the pony greeted him gladly. Lindo happily stroked his face, and itched his ears for him. He brushed the snow off of the pony's back, and wondered how he was going to explain to Nitir that this pony needed water, and grass or hay, and that they would somehow have to hide him from the orc-guards so that he wouldn't become their next meal.

But the pony wasn't worried. He reached up, dug his chin hard into Lindo's shoulder, gave Lindo's cheek a snowy, rather slobbery nuzzle, and then snorted, and turned, and purposefully walked off into the forest.

Lindo followed him, curious and surprised that he was not headed for the buildings; but the pony led him on for fifteen minutes, away from the pine woods, and emerged into a scrubby, thorny clearing of sorts. Lindo was hugely relieved to see long seedheads of grasses and hay poking several feet up through the snow, and he watched as the pony began to paw down to the frozen grass. He found some, and picked his head up and watched Lindo as he chewed it.

"Right, " Lindo said, smiling. "I guess I don't have to understand how you found it, but you'll be all right here. Just stay away from the orcs. I don't think they'd find this place interesting."

But the children would. And for those who wanted to find it, it wasn't that hard to find. Lindo returned to the Workhouse, and summoned the Fourteen Valiant Snowhobbits of Laedros, and after solemnly binding them to deep and utter secrecy, let them in on the pony's location and need for water. They all settled in on a routine of melting snow and carrying water to the pony. Lindo explained that all the water they took to the pony had to be melted by the Valiant Snowhobbits, and must never come from the supplies that Nitir melted. The boys took their job very, very seriously, and the pony never lacked for water. He even had some Valiant Snowhobbit assistance in digging for grass in the snow.

Several younger boys wanted to know what the extra water was for, and after being sworn to absolute secrecy, they were made Assistant Junior Snowhobbits and entrusted with minor ponyhelping duties. The Assistant Junior Snowhobbits sometimes even practiced strutting like the Valiant Snowhobbits, but only when Azra wasn't looking. Snowball target practice was held on alternate afternoons, duties permitting.

Birdland

08-15-2002, 09:48 PM

The trip north up the coast was not as cold or wearing as the last, but Bird swam with a single minded purpose seldom seen in the dolphin folk. By dawn she had arrived at a point on the coast where the land jutted far into the sea, and was crowned by a vast, high peak which was touched by the morning light.

"Mount Taras", she breathed, marveling at the sight of huge, cone shape, the snow on its peak lit by the sun, and its feet bathed by the waves. Then Bird thought at first that she had stared at the sun too long, for a black speck seemed to emerge from the mountain, or over it, and was rapidly growing as it swept down towards the sea.

She watched, enrapted, as the shape took form, the blur growing wings that carried it effortlessly down, down the mountainside as if it were skiing on air. Finally, the changling recognized the massive features of Thorondor. The Eagle of the Valar swooped down close to the sea, Bird spinning in the water as he passed over her, making his own waves in the wind of his passing. The Eagle may have noticed the small, grey dolphin-head bobbing in the water as he passed, but he did not acknowledge the creature or let it distract him from his course. He flew on, to the south, seeking a lone ship on the lonely sea.

But as he passed and dwindled in the distance, Bird had shook her head in disbelief. For she would have sworn that she had seen the figure of a man, clinging like a limpet to the Eagle's broad back.

She watched Thorondor until he disappeared on the horizon and was gone. Then with a sigh, Birdie turned and continued her journey. It would be dark before she reached the Rainbow Cleft.

piosenniel

08-15-2002, 10:16 PM

The clouds rolled apart for one brief moment, and the silver wash of moonlight drew the attention of the dragon on her mast-top perch.

She looked hard into the distance. Something very large was flying swiftly toward the ship. Now roused to full alert, she sent a directive toward the unknown creature.

Identify yourself! Approach no closer!

She glided out over the water on a path taking her toward the nearing shadow. Growing larger as she flew, she sent out a warning to stop once again.

It is Thorondor who approaches. sent the flying creature. I bear a rider who desires to speak with you before you sail this morning. Allow us to approach, dragon, if you will.

The great eagle flew above Angara, and dropped the man upon the dragon's back. Seeing that his rider had been transferred safely to the dragon, he wheeled in a tight half-circle in the air and made to return to Beleriand.

Thank you, my friend! came the thought of the man. The eagle dipped his wing in response and flew on.

'A man who speaks mind-to-mind?!' thought Angara to herself. 'This cannot be! I have never heard of it!'

And yet it is so. came the thought from the man as they approached the deck of the ship.

Angara allowed him to disembark as she hovered near the deck, then she returned to a smaller size.

She looked closely at the man now standing on the deck and took the essence of him in with all her senses.

'You have the form of a man, and a man's smell,' she said, wrinkling her snout, 'yet there is somehting more to you not quite concealed by a young man's simple face and the dishevelled clothing which you wear. Your eyes are much too keen, and they have a piercing intelligence which lies behind them.' She circled him slowly, sensing no fear of her. 'And then, of course, there is the problem of a "man" who calls on the King of Eagles for a ride and is given one.' She came once more round him once again to face him.

'Who are you?' she asked, her words sliding softly into the air between them. 'And what is it that brings you here to the Lonely Star.'

'Ancalimon - that is what I am named.' said the man. 'And I wish to go to Númenor with you.'

piosenniel

08-15-2002, 10:36 PM

Daisy slept a fitful sleep. Her thoughts hurtled, pell mell, between the 'escape' of Bird to see Child and Rose, and the fear of facing the unknown in Númenor this very day. For it was almost day, though the sun had not yet risen. She dragged her protesting body out of bed and thought to go upstairs to clear her whirling thoughts with a breath of freah sea air.

She heard Kali stir in Mithadan's room as she passed it. Looking in, she saw he was sitting up on the bed, fading starlight shining softly through the opened porthole. The hobbit motioned for him to come on deck with her.

As they stepped on deck they saw the dragon circling the man. The voices were too quiet to hear the questions or their answers, so they crept closer,holding each other's hand, hoping to find out who had come so mysteriously to the ship.

Hiding in the shadows, their eyes strained toward the figure within the dragon's circle. A small shaft of moonlight washed over his features. Daisy felt Kali's hand tighten on hers and then pull her forward quickly as he stood and approached the man.

'Kali! What are you doing?' she whispered fiercely to him.

The hobbrim had drawn them very near the man, who made no move toward them. Kali reached out his free hand to the man and called out in disbelief. 'Ancalimon!'

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-16-2002, 12:02 AM

As evening set in, Nitir was pleased to see that the snowflakes were no longer falling quite so heavily. She took advantage of the break in the weather to go out and have a look at the pony Lindo was hiding not far from camp. She had heard Azra and Lindo and the boys giggling about their four-footed friend earlier that afternoon. For one wild moment, Nitir had wondered if the pony could possibly be more than just a pony. But when she squared off with him and stared him straight in the eye, she was quite certain that he was indeed a pony.

This wasn't quite the visitor she'd hoped for. But she was glad to see him. He'd already done a great deal to raise the spirits of Lindo and his increasingly devoted contingent of Snowhobbits. And there was the added bonus that sharing secrets had pulled Lindo and Azra much closer together.

Nitir glanced around nervously to make certain no one else was looking. Then she surreptitously slid an apple from her pocket and fed it to him. It was one of the few scrawny ones left from the fall harvest. She was suddenly struck with a wild desire to leap onto the pony's back and go riding into camp, but she wasn't sure that Lindo or the animal would appreciate her doing that. She wondered if the pony had a name.

Then she kissed the creature on the nose and shuffled back through the snow to the Workhouse. It had been over a week since she'd discovered the mysterious ledger. But the unexpected storm had caued so many mishaps and headaches that she'd never even managed to look at it again. She put her fingers into the broken wall one more time to make certain that the paper still lay within its secret place. Her fingers touched the soft vellum. Yes, it was there. And she vowed to herself that, on the next day, whatever else might come, she would take time to pour over these words.

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-16-2002, 01:50 AM

The man knelt down on one knee and came face to face with the hobbrim. His face was wreathed in a large smile and his eyes twinkled in delight.

'Well met, my dear sea-hobbit! I did not think to see any of Ulmo's halfling children until a later Age! Yet it is only right that one of their race should greet them when we come to them.'

Veritas and Khelek had come up on deck in time to hear this last declaration of Ancalimon. They stared at him in wonder, a vague memory stirred, like a half remembered dream.

Daisy, still holding the hobbrim's hand, stepped up protectively beside him. She had no concern for who this man might be, but only that her friend not get hurt. 'Do you mean to tell us you are here to take us to Kali's family, sir?' she demanded of him.

'No, I cannot take you to them. That quest is for you and your companions alone. But, I have come to see your feet take the shortest path. The fate of the hobbits and of the hobbrim is intimately entwined with that of Arda, and should one fail, so will the others come to their destruction.' He looked toward the east, where the sun now threw its first pale rays of gold across the waves. 'Let us finalize your plans, now, and be off to Númenor this day as you had thought to do. The patterns of light and darkness shift and move as in a game. I would that we maintain the advantage of Morgoth's ignorance, and keep our next moves to ourselves.

Khelek and Veritas brought Levanto aboard in preparation for the journey, then bent with Ancalimon over the maps and navigational charts for a final look.

Veritas had planned to time jump from their present position and then sail south to the Isle. Given a favorable wind they could reach the waters of Westerness in four days. The only part of this plan they had not been able to make concrete was which date they should jump to. 'We know we should make for the port of Eldalondë according to Pio's instructions.' said Veritas, 'but when we should arrive there we do not know.'

'Pio?' asked Ancalimon, his gaze sweeping the group for an answer.

'A companion.' came the simple reply of Khelek. 'Now lost to us.' He said no more.

'I see.' said Ancalimon, fixing the elf with his piercing eyes. 'Speaking of companions - where are the others? I have talked with Child, and seen Rose. But what of the skin changer? and the Man? Will they not be coming with us?'

'You saw Child and Rose?' cried Kali. 'Tell us how are they, please!' Ancalimon told them of his visit to the work camp and how the two hobbits fared. The companions rejoiced to hear that even amid such bleak conditions the two kept strong. A small glimmer of hope that this all might work out grew in them.

Ancalimon turned to Daisy, who had been very quiet. 'And what of the other two companions?' he asked her. The story that Bird had given her to tell was in the fore of her mind. It died on her lips as she looked into his face. The truth came out then about Bird's travels to the camp to be with Child and Rose. Veritas and Khelek shook their heads in disbelief, while Angara fixed the hobbit with a withering stare for fooling her completely.

The tension was broken by the laughter of Kali. 'Oh, that Bird! She is too funny! Very brave,very funny. She fooled you big Angara!'

Then, even Angara, laughed. 'She did, indeed! Just wait til that poor excuse for a dragon gets back here! I'll show her fooling!!'

'And the last companion,' asked Ancalimon quietly as the laughter faded. 'where is he?'

'Here, he is,' said Kali, sadly now. 'A good man who walks in bad dreams and cannot find his way back to us. Would you like to see him?'

'In time,' said Ancalimon, looking thoughtfully toward the steps down to the cabins, 'but not now.' He thought for a moment, wrinkling his brow as if making a calculation.

'Let us set our date for the year 2000 of the Second Age, and set sail for the western shore of the Isle - the Bay of Eldanna to be exact.'

Veritas positioned the crystal and then closed and locked the cover into place. The air and sea shimmered about them and then winked out for a brief moment.

The far off coasts of Beleriand had completely disappeared, all about them lay the wide open waters of the Sundering Seas. A fair wind was at their backs as they sailed at a fast clip southwards.

[ August 30, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

mark12_30

08-16-2002, 07:25 AM

Azra made sure that Ancalimon's pony got at least one daily visit from Lindo. Sometimes it was early in the morning, and sometimes it was late at night; Lindo rarely got away during broad daylight. Lindo's chief worry regarding the pony was that he had begun to whinny eagerly when he heard Lindo approaching. The pony knew that Lindo would take care of all those itchy spots that the boys could not reach, along his crest and back. Since Lindo didn't want him to become orc-lunch, it became a serious game for him to see how close he could get to the pony before he would be heard. With his natural hobbit-quietness, he could get quite close.

But early one grey morning, he got too close and startled the pony. He was very lucky; he was just far enough away that the explosive power of the pony's eye-level kick was all but spent, and instead of sudden death or a concussion, all he got was a splendid shiner. The pony snuffled Lindo apologetically as he sat in the snow carefully holding a snowball to his face.

Lindo was busy with names. He recalled Ancalimon's visit, and how that had been, for so many, the birthday of hope, despite the utter horror and wretchedness of the day's beginning. He felt that Ancalimon had brought the hope, but he gave the pony some credit too. "Estel, " he smiled lopsidedly, and the pony had a name.

Ancalimon: he who is most bright. So, what made Ancalimon bright? Nitir had said something about the household of Nienna. Wasn't she the one who wept all the time? Isn't that a grey sort of thing? But then again, it had only been weeping for his parents, Pongo and Lily, and finally Niphredil, that had set him free to hope. So somehow the greyness of weeping and the brightness of hope were related. In nature it made sense; you needed the rain, in order for the sunshine to do the land any good. Nienna, rainy weeping; Ancalimon, bright hope. There was a song in there, somehow. He'd work on it.

The pony, Estel, snuffled more insistently, and Lindo struggled to his feet and got busy, holding the snowball with one hand and scratching itchy spots with the other. He smiled lopsidedly again. Feeding babies, scratching ponies. Often, life consisted primarily of satisfying other's needs.

When he got back to the Workhouse, everyone wanted to know where the shiner had come from. But he kept it a secret from everybody but the Valiant Snowhobbits and their Assistants. They listened with wide eyes as he explained how lucky he was to be alive, and they all agreed to be smarter and careful-er than Lindo had been.

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-16-2002, 10:21 AM

Nitir was awakened just after dawn. She could hear Lindo clambering about in the common room as he prepared to escape into the woods to tend his pony. Nitir laughed. Lindo did his errands so silently and secretly. Perhaps he thought she'd be angry at him for stealing away a bit of time from other duties. If so, nothing could be more wrong. In Nitir's mind, every moment the hobbits spent stroking ponies or eating fish stew or singing gay tunes was one more slap against Morgoth and his Orcs. They had no swords or axes to face evil as her friend Piosenniel had done. But they did have the daily routine of their lives, and if that was all they had at the moment, that was what they'd have to use to do their battles. She was quite certain that Orcs would never kiss a pony on the nose or compose tunes about great snowball fights. But, to Nitir, these were small and hard won victories.

Nitir went and poked the dying ashes of the fire as she watched them spring up to life again. Then she went over to the wall and, with trembling fingers, gently wiggled and twisted the old vellum this way and that until the ledger came loose once more. The title on the first page said, "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth" which in Adunaic meant "The Debate of Finrod and Andreth." She sat down at her table and began to read.

One hour later, Nitir still sat at the table, a look of disbelief and wonder on her face. In all her years of studying lore, she had never come across anything quite like this. She could not just sit here with the Athrabeth. She had to share it with Maura.

Nitir threw her cloak on and raced over to the enclosure where the hobbits kept the two scraggly goats they'd found. These two little animals provided what little milk they had for the children. Just as Lindo's early morning task was to tend the pony, it was Maura who generally fed the goats.

She flew up to him with the manuscript in her arms. "I must talk to you, Maura. It's important." It was still too cold to remain outside very long so they went back to his cramped and grey burrow. As often as possible, Zira came here to be with her husband Ban. Zira had spent last night in the burrow, and was now bustling about and hoisting the heavy kettles.

She and Maura sat on the ground as most of the small hobbit burrows did not have the luxury of tables or chairs. The cooking fire lay in the middle of the floor with a single vent out through the ceiling. The burrows themselves had few windows so things tended to be a bit gloomy and grey. Maura leaned forward towards the cooking fire to let the light from the flames illumine the pages.

When he finished reading, he gazed up at Maura, "This is absolutely wondrous," he whispered. Then Nitir explained to them how she had found the papers.

"What do you think of this? she asked him.

"I'm not certain, but my own grandfather knew Andreth well. They spent much time together in Ladros learning the lore from Finrod and other Elves. He heard once that there was great love between the wise woman and Aegnor. Aegnor was an Elf and Finrod's brother. But he was not certain if that was true, and he kept the matter to himself It was said that the joining of a mortal and immortal could only lead to sadness,and this should only happen if there was a great doom involved."

Nitir thought back on her own friend Piosennial, both the love of her parents and the sadness that love had brought. She wondered what great doom had lain upon their family to allow the marriage to take place, like that of Beren and Luthien. And she immediately saw in her mind an image of the Star with the banner of Earendil flying from the mast and Kali standing at the front of the ship. The meaning of this was so overwhelming that she pushed it gently from her mind, to be retrieved later and pondered on.

"And what of her feelings of sadness? Her anger at there being such a great gulf beween the immortal Elves and mortal Men? Her sadness that her own people should pass from Arda so soon and know nothing more of their fate?" Nitir lowered her voice and said. "When I spoke with Ancalimon the other night, my own words were not too different from these. But, after I had said them, I felt ashamed and yet part of me still felt that sadness and held those same questions. That was when Ancalimon laughed, and said, with my sharp tongue and good heart, I reminded him a bit of Andreth. Then I was in darkness, but now I understand what he meant."

"You are not the only one, Nitir, who asks such questions." And Maura sighed looking hard into the fire.

"Sometimes, I have even wondered if our people would not be better off if we
did not live so near to the Elves." he pondered. "All of hobbit lore and learning were first given to the Fallohides by the Elves, and then we passed them on to our Harfoot and Stoor kin. But it is not easy having the Elves so close to us. When a hobbit mother sees her child die from illness at birth and then looks over and sees the Elves who know no illness, it does not go easy for her."

Nitir looked down at the earth, her voice trembling, "What of the hobbit girl who sees her Elf friend die? For she rejoices that her friend will go to the Blessed Lands, and yet she doen't know where she herself will go, and can only feel sorrow because, even in death, she may never be with her friend again. This parting seems so harsh. And part of her is bitter that she cannot go to those same wondrous land."

"Yes, Nitir, I have felt this too. For, in Gondolin, we lived closely with the Elves and had many friends among them. Look at Lindo. He finally seems to have found his people again, but his early sorrow not only came from losing so many loved ones. He had chased after Elves for so many years and could even speak mind-to-mind as they do. When they were no longer close to him, he felt a great loss."

"Yet you do not speak mind-to-mind," Nitir whispered, "I have sometimes thought that you might have that gift."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. My grandfather could do such things but he felt that my life should be with my own people, and that this would only set me apart from them. For most hobbits do not desire or need such things."

Then they spoke a long time about the writings of Andreth, and there were many things written which they did not understand.

Then Maura continued, "But here is one thing I think is important. For, as to how the fea of an Elf and Man are different, do not forget that even Finrod says here that our own part as mortals may be greater than even that of the Elves. It seems to us that the Valar turn their faces away, but maybe they do not have power over us in the same way that they have over the Elven kin."

"Do you believe what is here in this paper? Nitir challenged. "Do you believe that our own doom lies in the hands of Eru?"

"Perhaps" Maura whispered. "And perhaps, as the Athrabeth says, Arda will not only have the marring undone at the end of time, but be made into a totally new thing. Perhaps, then, you can have your reunion with Piosenniel." And Maura reached over and kissed her on her curls.

"But this, Maura, this part," Nitir plunged on. "What do you think?" And Nitir pointed to a paper that had been added in at the very end. For this little piece talked of the hobbits as well as their close kin, the hobbrim, and how these peoples would have much to do in the battle against the Dark Ones. And it said that twice in the history of Arda, once in the Third Age and once at the end of all time, these peoples would have a great task and, without this task, there would be no healing of the earth.

Maura looked into the fire again. "I do not know about these wonders. But I do fear that Andreth has put something onto paper which should only have stayed in her heart. For, if Morgoth or his minions should see this thing, much evil could come to us, and perhaps even to all of Middle-earth."

"What should we do then?" Nitir asked.

"This ledger of the debate between Andreth and Finrod should be treasured by our people as a sign of friendship between hobbits and the house of Beor. But this paper?" And he held up the little piece that spoke of how the hobbits would fight against the Dark Lord. "I think that these words should go back to Ancalimon that he may do what is right. Perhaps he will keep the paper safe or even destroy it. For I do not have the wisdom to decide this thing."

Nitir nodded, "I fear you are right. There are many memories in my head which are gone, but I can recall that, in my own lands, there was some great thing which should have been destroyed, and was not. And that thing, whatever it was, caused untold grief to many people. I would not want that to happen again."

So Nitir gave the ledger and little paper back to Maura, and she went to her own work. But, all during the day, she kept thinking how much she liked being with Maura and how hard it would be to leave him.

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-16-2002, 01:45 PM

ooc::HI EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You think you made the story long enough. It took me all day to read it. Pio!!! How could you go and die like that! Other then that I think you've all composed a really cool story. And I thought Frodo and Sam had it bad. I've skimmed over alot so if I get anything wrong tell me.::

Rose woke up from a troubled sleep. She rolled over in her less then satisfactory bed and stared at the dark celing. She was thinking about her dream. It had been one she had had before. People sitting in a circle. They all stared at somthing small and golden...that was all she could remember. Rose knew it was one of the memories she had loss the night of Child's dream. When Rose had first told Child about the dreams her friend had been very worried. Even if they were just in dreams, memories of the future could endanger them. However, Rose did nothing to hinder the dreams. She could stand the risk for glimpses of parts of herself. Child didn't know but Rose hated the loss of her memory and it along with the death of Pio had changed her alot. She made a solom promise to herself that she would hold onto what ever memories she had. Everyday whether she was working in the fields or carring for toddlers that she went over everything she remembered. Examined in her mind each of her friends faces and lisened to the echos of thier words. Dispite this she felt like she was always missing somthing. Somtimes at night she would wake up and start to franticly search her suroundings before relizing she wasn't going to find her lost part that way. During the day she usually took her wrath out on those around her especially Lindo.
For some reason she had decided to critizise the hobbit at any possible moment. Though one day Rose found that she enjoyed Lindo's company alot and her critisisms was her strange way of being his friend.
She had even more trouble with her adopted name. Most of the time she had trouble responding to it and when she did a feeling of anger welled up inside her. It wasn't that she didn't like the name Azra it was just that she felt the loss of her true name was another attempt to stript her of what little she had. Her lost memory also had effect on the children she was in charge of. She would force those who could to remember the good days of thier city and to tell those that could not remember. Her children nomally cried in thier sleep more then the others because of this. But Rose new that they had to remember.

After a few months her old spirit started to take for once again. She wanted to do somthing. Take action. Get alittle mischief into a place where no one dared toe the line more then nessisary. So she was often tucked away in a room writing down plans of escape even if they were totally impossible and imediatly destroying them so the orcs would not find out. She hoped this way she'd find a plan that would work. And then she could make better use of herself.

piosenniel

08-16-2002, 03:54 PM

It was almost time for the midsummer feast, Erulaitalë. The king would ascend the winding spiral road on foot to the northern summit of Meneltarma, clad in white and garlanded, followed by a great throng of the people of Númenor. They would all walk in silence, and in silence enter the great flattened and depressed area at the top of the Holy Mountain. At that time the King would break the holy silence of the place, offering praise to Eru Ilúvatar while the eagles, the Witnesses of Manwë, wheeled and hovered above the sacred gathering.

But today was not that day yet, and the elf had hiked to the top of the sacred mountain as he did often on his voyages to Andor, as he called it.

Once at the top, he stood on the rim and looked far out to sea, to the north, straining to see the ship he knew must come, and soon now, if he understood the last message from Ancalimon. Nothing yet. He sighed sofly into the silence of the mountain.

Then turning toward the western rim, he bowed to the three eagles perched on the rocks there, and descended once again to the mountain's base, making his way on horse back to Eldalondë.

piosenniel

08-16-2002, 04:42 PM

Tulë returned to the city, having journeyed down the the River Nunduinë to Nísimaldar, the country of fragrant trees within which the haven of Eldalondë the Green lay.

Of all the havens of Númenor it was accounted the most beautiful, and in the early days of Andor, the swift white ships of the Eldar came there often.

About it, up the seaward slopes and far into the land grew the evergreen and fragrant trees which had come out of the West to be planted there: oiolairë, lairelossë, nessamelda, vardarianna, taniquelassë, and yavannamírë with it's round, red fruits. The air was ever filled with the sweet scents of the West. The elf revelled in the familiar scents and they refreshed him. Of especial delight to him were the groves of malinorní, their tall and mighty grey-silver trunks supporting a canopy of glorious gold.

But now was not the time to be dreaming of the West he knew. There were preparations to be checked on, and last minute details to be seen to.

The ship would be here soon; he could almost feel its approach over the waves. All must be ready by then.

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

08-16-2002, 05:08 PM

Mithadan dreamed of fire and leering orc faces. Dragons brought shining white towers crashing down into the streets. He saw his friends and others he had met looking at him with disapproval and even hatred. Over and over again, he saw Piosenniel lying dead in Idril's courtyard or being stabbed as she looked to him for aid. Throughout the dreams he felt a presence of implacable evil gloating over the fall of the city and the deaths of so many Elves.

Then, at last, he dreamed of a beach on the western sea. He was alone, standing on the sand. Relieved at the familiarity of the scene, he sat to await what would come. Again, as many times before, a great wave arose off-shore which rode in only to crash and break in the nearby shallows. And again, there stood Ulmo, standing in place of the wave.

"Set aside thy dreams of darkness; they derive from the evil thought of Melkor the accursed. It is time for thee to wake and walk among the living again."

"But Lord," replied Mithadan. "Her death was unnecceasary. We acted as gawking tourists watching as Gondolin fell though we could have departed once we learned we could not rescue the Halflings. We tarried too long and she died alone. I was not next to her. And I failed to save her our bring home my other companions. The delay was for naught but tragedy and it was of my making."

"Nay!" responded the Lord of Waters. "The Elf made her own decisions and died as a hero protecting her friend. And thee didst thy best to act in the interest of all thy companions, who also made their own decisions. Adjudge thyself not a craven! It is not the place of Man to be in all places when necessity calls. Nor should thee deride thyself for not foreseeing all ends. This too is not the provence of Man. Ye have undertaken a noble cause. Do not fail of thy task for grief of what could not be avoided. Rest easy and awake with clear conscience."

With that the great figure turned and sank into the sea.

"My conscience may be clear," muttered Mithadan. "Yet it will be difficult to forgive myself for I do not agree that what transpired was unavoidable."

---------------------------------------

Kali had opened the porthole in Mithadan's cabin, letting the sun stream in to dispel the darkness. It was the third day since they had set sail in the Second Age. The Man stirred, and opened his eyes, fixing on the bar of golden light which lay across his bed. Kali smiled at him in delight.

'Mithadan! You are back! Are you hungry? I brought some fresh bread that Daisy made and a bowl of hot fish broth from me.'

He helped the man to sit up in bed, propping him up against the headboard with pillows. Mithadan's nose caught the scents of food and fresh sea breezes, and then wrinkled at the sour smell of a bed too long lain in.

'Kali', he said, his voice rough from disuse, 'help me up please so that I might bathe. I am hungry, but I cannot eat that good food, stinking as I do.'

Kali helped him up to the shower at the end of the hall, and brought him some clean garments as he requested.

Washed and dressed, Mithadan walked slowly down the hall to his room and sat on the chair in front of his writing desk. Kali had placed the tray of food on the desk and Mithadan began to spoon the fragrant broth into his mouth followed by pieces of the warm bread.

When the last of the broth had been sponged up by the last morself of bread, he sat back satisfied and took a deep breath of the fresh air drawn in through the porthole.

'The sea breeze smells different to me today.' he remarked, savoring the freshness of it. 'Where are we?'

'We are sailing south, in the Second Age,' came the unfamiliar voice from the doorway, 'to Númenor.'

[ August 17, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-16-2002, 05:10 PM

Nitir was cleaning up some of the things in the children's room when she stumbled on to a crumbled paper which was in Azra's handwriting. She took a long look at it. Her eyes widened in shock and surprise. Then she picked up her skirts and bustled off in a rage to find Azra.

She was supposed to be gathering firewood for the Orcs. Instead, she found Azra aiming chunks of ice at a large tree limb which she was imaginging to be a live Orc. Nitir charged up to the her, "Have you lost your mind? The last time, the Orcs found two weapons, they tried to force me to pick out a child to be executed, and then massacred two children instead. If they saw this piece of paper, I don't even want to think what would happen to us."

Nitir's face was grim and serious. "You will not do this again. Unless, we can come up with a credible plan to rescue the entire community at once, there will be no more fanciful conspiracies about escaping."

"And, by the way, what is this about "Rose"? Your safety and mine depend on us being Azra and Nitir. There is no Rose! Not until these hobbits are safely rescued. And that means all of them. Not just you!"

Rose glared up at the woman she knew as Child. What had happened to the friend she had known for so long? She felt as if she had been deserted. She had kept these feelings inside herself for month after month. But she could no longer do it. To Child, she said nothing. But, inside, she was burning with indignation."
_____________________________________________

OOC -- Rose --So good to see you again, LOL. Someone to fight with!!

Birdland

08-16-2002, 05:36 PM

Bird sat in a pine on the edge of devastation. All about her were stumps and ashes, and the shroud of snow failed to conceal the corruption of a murdered land. At first the changer had thought she had overshot her destination, and arrived in Thangorodrim itself. but then she had seen the few signs of sleeping life, the dead stalks and seedheads of flowers, a preserved clump of nutbushes, naked of leaves but still quick and waiting for spring. a small seep whose banks were preserved from the ash heaps around them to keep some source of fresh water. The orcs would never have been so careless in destruction.

And she had seen the low, crudely made smoke holes in a bank on the other side of the burnt, muddy fields. Signs of life underground. She had found the halfling prisoners at last.

Bird had thought she would make a triumphant entrance, swooping down on Child and Rose with cries of hope and welcome. But she was so tired, so tired and cold. As the slow realization came that this was the use that Morgoth had put the hobbits to, a feeling of despair had come over the her. Had He destroyed the spirits of the hobbits as he had destroyed the beauty of Dorthonian? And where were the prisoners? In the early rays of dawn there was no sign of movement in any direction.

Then she heard the snort of a pony, off in the remaining stand of trees behind her. Bird followed the sound to a meadow, far away from the prisoner's smials. A shaggy, but well tended beast was looking expectantly off through the woods, stretched to the length of his hempen tether.

"Expecting someone, are you?" Bird said to the pony, who looked mildly curious at being addressed by a black and white crow, but then turned his attention to the more-welcomed company he was anticipating.

Bird flew down onto the back of the pony, who shivered his skin at the feel of claws on her back, then decided that it felt good. The warmth of the pony radiated up through Bird's feet and body like a living furnace. The skin-changer clung to this small piece of life, the first she had found since leaving the Lonely Star. And others would come. The pony knew it. Bird settled down on the pony's back like a hen onto her nest, and fell into exhausted sleep.

mark12_30

08-16-2002, 07:35 PM

Lindo and Retya stealthily approached Estel, this time from directly in front of him, because they could see that he was dozing. Lindo noticed that Estel was tethered, and he wondered why.

When they were both within ten feet of the pony, Lindo clicked his tongue, and the pony started awake. To Lindo and Retya's amazement, they saw a flutter of wings on his back. They surged forward, Lindo taking Estel's muzzle genty in both hands, and looking around at the black and white bird.

"I know you, " said Lindo, none too thrilled. "You are Nitir ahd Azra's friend." And the one who flaps around my head and pokes at my clothing just to be annoying, he mentally added, but clamped his lips shut. "Retya, run back to camp. Leave the water here. Tell Nitir that her black and white bird-friend is here. Hurry."

The black and white bird glowered at Lindo, and said nothing, but sighed and fluffed out her feathers, in a vain attempt to keep warm. She had been dreaming, and resented being disturbed by grumpy Lindo of all people.

Lindo removed the hempen tether from the pony, muttering. "Who put this on you, Estel, eh? Somebody's idea of safe and careful, I suppose. Well, you don't need it." It was well woven, though, and Lindo coiled it carefully. He suspected one of the Assistant Junior Snowhobbits of having tied the pony, but the twisting was so well balanced on the hempen rope, one of the older boys had probably made it. He would find out. Meanwhile, he gave Estel his water and his daily check for bumps, cuts, bruises or bites, and then, keeping a close eye on that bird, started scratching under Estel's chin and waiting for Nitir to arrive.

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

piosenniel

08-16-2002, 07:39 PM

'To Númenor!' said Mithadan, turning in the chair to look at the stranger. 'Have I been asleep that long that we are bound to rescue the hobbits before the Isle sinks?' He shook his head and frowned. 'Child! Rose! are they alright? I must see them!'

He started to stand but the man in the doorway stopped him. 'Sit, Mithadan. Rest easy. Child and Rose are as well as they can be in Beleriand among the hobbits. We are on our way to Númenor to see how we can rescue the hobbits once they are imprisoned there. None of the crew knows the land, and they knew not if you had any knowledge of it or if you did, would be up and able to share it.'

'Do I know you?' asked Mithadan, looking closely at the now approaching man. 'It seems I must, for your presence is familiar to me, though I do not recognize your form. Perhaps, though, you were one of those in my dreams and that is how I know you.'

'No, I have never met you - in Middle-earth or in dreams.' He regarded Mithadan with a kind look in his eyes. 'I am called Ancalimon. I had heard the companions might need some help, and I have come to lend mine.'

[ August 16, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

08-16-2002, 10:26 PM

'Ancalimon.' Mithadan turned the name over in his mind. 'It seems I know that name, though I cannot recall how or where I heard it.' He rubbed his temples, and sighed.

'Perhaps it will come back to you later.' said Ancalimon.

'Perhaps . . . but for now, Kali will you lend me your arm to steady myself. I would go on deck myself to see where we are bound.'

The hobbrim let the man's hand rest on his shoulder as they slowly went up the stairs. Mithadan stood straight once he had reached the deck and went toward the helm where Veritas sat reading Pio's journal. Khelek was looking over a navigational map and making estimates of how far they had come, and how far they must yet go.

It was Daisy, who stood at the helm, who first noticed that Mithadan had come up. Securing the wheel, she ran toward him smiling and nearly knocked him over. 'I'm sorry!', she cried, laughing. 'It's just so good to see you!' She took his hand and brought him to the prow. 'Look!' She showed him how the ship cut cleanly through the water, and how the dolphins swam with it, riding the waves and leaping through the spray, as if to urge the ship on its way.

A small smile played about his lips as he watched them.

Khelek and Veritas had come up beside him to welcome him back. 'Come sit with us.' they said. 'We are trying to acquaint ourselves with Númenor. We hope to have a fair understanding of it by the time we get there.'

Mithadan looked over the maps, setting to one side the ones he thought might be most helpful once they had disembarked. He picked up the open journal, and murmured appreciatively at the wealth of description he saw on the various areas of the Isle. 'Whose is this?' he asked as he handed it back to Veritas.

'Ah! It's Pio's.'

'How did you come by it?' asked Mithadan.

Veritas related the instructions and messages that Pio had given Angara to relay to the companions. Mithadan looked toward the dragon who had been watching him with her golden eyes. 'She left no message for you, Mithadan, only a passing comment can I recall - that whatever happened she knew you would find your way.'

The uncomfortable silence that ensued was broken when Daisy, who still stood at the prow, cried out again, 'Look! Look!'

A large flock of sea birds could be seen flying north toward the ship. The dolphins leapt and whistled at them in greeting, lending their voices to the raucous cries of the birds.

'We have sailed faster than we thought.' said Veritas. 'Land is near!'

piosenniel

08-16-2002, 11:02 PM

The bore in a more westerly direction now, and by late afternoon, they could see the tip of the most northern peninsula, Forostar. When they had passed by the North Cape, they sailed within site of the western coast of that peninsula, and then on around the coast of Andustar, passing by the Bay of Andunië.

Near sunset, the ship turned to a southern course once more, and came to the opening of the Bay of Eldanna, which faced westward, toward Tol Eressëa.

Veritas brought the ship round, to head east toward the Bay and Eldalondë, then ordered the anchor dropped.

'We should rest here for the night.' she said. 'We can catch the early morning light and sail into port tomorrow.'

All agreed, and Daisy secured the wheel for the night.

They went down to the galley for a small meal and then to their cabins to rest for tomorrow's expedition.

Ancalimon returned to the deck briefly, and stood looking toward the land. The stars studded the dark sky, winking like bright jewels on a black velvet cloth.

They are here! The early morning tide must bring you to us. He called across the waves.

Satisfied he had been heard, he went silently down the steps to his room.

'How interesting!' thought the dragon, who had not dared to listen in too closely. 'I wonder who he calls to?' She looked across the darkness, to the east, and considered the possibilities.

[ August 17, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

08-17-2002, 04:48 AM

Your wrong Child Thought Rose. I'll go by...by Azra, but at least I remember. Your forgeting who we are. But I know your busy so I'll remember for you.

And Azra would not stop planing escapes because one of her ideas might be credible. She would just have to make sure she didn't forget to burn the plans. She had to do somthing. She couldn't just be a sheep umong sheep and let the orcs push her around. Because Rose, whoever she was, would not just stand around either.

ooc: smilies/tongue.gif Top that Nitir! smilies/wink.gif

Just then the hobbit Retya ran up to them and started to talk to Nitir. "Your bird.(pant) The black and white bird.(pant) It's here (pant) with Lindo. Follow me."

At the mention of a black and white bird Azra's heart lept. She ran after Nitir and Retya and when she saw her friend she couldn't help but give out a sqeal of delight. "Bird! Bird I can't believe it. How's Mith and.." But Nitir stayed her with a hand. She had been about to mention Angara and that was not a good idea out in the open.

[ August 17, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-17-2002, 09:07 AM

Nitir extended her arm with her palm facing upward. The black and white bird flew over their head in circles and then neatly landed on it. Nitir brought her hands together and gently inclined her head towards this much loved bundle of feathers and song. She kissed the bird on the tips of her wings. Then she looked up.

Lindo had run over to join them. Nitir peered over at him and laughed. "You have a pony you dearly love. This bird is one I have seen before, and I am fond of her. For, even on the first night that we left Gondolin, she flew into the sky and brought hope to me." In her mind, Child pictured the black dragon and her savage attack on the Orc guard.

Nitir turned and looked at the bird, "You, litte one, will come with us to the Workhouse, and live on a perch above my small table. We will keep the window ajar so you may come and go as you please."

Nitir's mind was working furiously. She thought that Bird would have to show her true form to Maura and perhaps even to Lindo. But, for now, it was safest that she come back with them as a companion Bird.

"So come little companion, and sit upon my shoulder. We will find some scraps to feed you!"

Bird took her accustomed perch, then leaned far over to Nitir's ear. She whispered to the hobbit, "'Little Companion', 'scraps of food'? If we ever get ourselves out of this mess, I'll get you for that, Mistress Goodchilde!"

Rose Cotton

08-17-2002, 09:26 AM

Azra, with a very light heart, returned to the task of collecting firewood for the orcs. All the while singing a joyfull tune. It was the first time she had done so for a long time and it made her feel good.

She had a feeling she'd be doing alot more singing in the days to come.

piosenniel

08-17-2002, 12:42 PM

There was a loud, knocking on Mithadan's door. 'Wake up! Wake up!' cried the insistent voices in tandem.

''Enter!' came the groggy, irritated voice of the man.

Kali and Daisy burst through his door, nearly tumbling over one another in their haste to get to his side.

'What is it?' he asked, looking at the pair and then at the porthole through which the stars could still be seen in the pre-dawn sky. 'Why are you up so early? Have we docked in Eldalondë without my knowing it?'

'No, we're still at anchor just outside the bay.' said Daisy breathlessly. 'Something is on the way to us!'

'Something . . .?' said Mithadan, coming fully awake now. 'Let me get dressed and come on deck with you.' He scooted the two just outside his cabin and quickly pulled on some clothes. He was just lacing the front of his shirt when he raised his voice and called out to Kali. 'Where have you put my sword?'

'Oh Mithadan, you won't need your sword! It is something beautiful that is coming.'

'Something beautiful?' he asked, pulling on his boots and heading up the stairs.

'Yes!', said Daisy in delight. 'A little, gleaming white ship from the bay! Now hurry, it's almost here!'

Everyone had gathered on the deck to see the small swan-ship speed across the water. A single pilot guided it, clothed against the early morning chill in a hooded grey cloak, secured well against the brisk breeze.

The pilot maneuvered his craft very near the Lonely Star and hailed the ship, asking permission to come aboard.

Mithadan conferred briefly with the others, and prompted by the assurances of Ancalimon, gave permission.

A boarding plank was placed between the two ships, from rail to rail, and the pilot strode across it swiftly.

He bowed first to Ancalimon as he stepped onto the deck. Then throwing back his hood, he bowed in the direction of the crew.

'Allow me to introduce a friend of mine who will be of aid to you when I cannot be here.' He stepped to the side of the elf. 'This is Tulë.' And then indicating the companions, 'And these are the companions I have spoken about with you.'

'Well met at last!' said the elf, an infectious smile lighting up his face as he went to greet each one of them.

'You're so young!' blurted out Daisy as the elf took her hand in his and bowed to her.

He laughed delightedly at her remark. 'We elves do not age as quickly as others, but I have plenty of years under my belt, dear hobbit.'

Introductions done, the group moved downstairs to break their fast and make plans for the day. Ancalimon and the elf went below with them.

As the elf stepped to the stairs, he looked toward the mast where Angara perched, watching. He smiled, acknowledging her presence.

Dragon! he sent, inclining his head slightly toward her.

Elf! she returned, her eyes glowing gold.

piosenniel

08-17-2002, 01:56 PM

Once the meal was done, and the table cleared of food and dishes, Veritas brought out the maps they had of the interior of the Isle. Khelek spread his hand across the land and indicated that one of the problems they had not been able to solve was that although they knew the hobbits were to be somewhere on the Isle, they were unsure where they might be hidden.

'Do you know as yet who captures the hobbits and imprisons them here?' asked the elf, leaning over the map.

'No.' replied Veritas. 'We only have the two riddles supplied by the dragon.' She repeated them for the benefit of the elf, who rubbed his chin in thought, and looked once again at the map.

'I think we can assume that whoever first brought them to the island must have been someone who could work in complete confidence that they would not be found by others. That tells me it was probably someone high up in the court, and probably the King himself who had a hand in this. It cannot have been too soon before the fall that they were placed there, since a longer period of time might have insured that others would uncover their presence.' He moved his slender finger to the mountain at the center of the Isle. 'This is one of the places where the King could have hidden a large number of captives. Meneltarma is directly under his supervision. Now I doubt he herded them to the top of the mountain, since both the populace and the Eagles have access to it, and there is really nowhere to hide a large group.' He tapped at the base of the mountain, where the River Siril flowed out from beneath it. 'But here is where he could have put them - beneath the mountain, in the caves that lie just north here of Noirinan, the valley of the tombs of the Kings.'

'Can we take our ship up the river?' asked Veritas, looking at the area.

'Yes, your ship might travel up the river, but it would cause a lot of notice. Especially since you fly the banner of Eärendil - which I might suggest you take down while you are here. I would say we should take my ship up the river. The folk are still accustomed to seeing the elven swan-ships sailing the waters. And it is a smaller craft and much more maneuverable than yours.'

'That sounds like a wise plan.' said Mithadan. 'There is also another reason we should take your craft.' He turned to Kali and Daisy. 'We cannot afford to have you seen by anyone here. So you must stay on the ship, as must Angara. The enmity between the men of Beleriand and dragons will not have vanished in these long years since the battles with Morgoth.' He looked then at Khelek and at Veritas. 'We will also need one of you to stay with the ship and be ready to sail swiftly should the need arise.'

'It's best I stay then.' said Veritas.'Daisy and I can keep the ship in readiness while Angara keeps watch. Kali, Daisy will teach you some of the navigational skills that she has learned, so that you might take over as needed.'

'I also think that once they've gone, you should pull the ship a little farther out to sea to remain unnoticed.' said Ancalimon. I, too, will not be going with you into Númenor. My brief purpose has been served to have you meet with Tulë. Once you are off the ship and it has pulled out farther from land, I need to return quickly to our starting point. There are still some things that I need to share with the captive hobbits in Dorthonion. The Lonely Star can then come back here immediately without me.'

'How long do you think we will be on the Isle?' asked Khelek, calculating what he might need to bring.

'Not long.' replied Tulë. 'Perhaps today and most of tomorrow. We should have seen enough of the territory by then for you to feel comfortable in devising a plan.'

'And what will you do once we are done gathering information and return to the Lonely Star?' asked Mithadan. 'Will you be waiting for us when we return in the future for the rescue?'

The elf fixed him with his sea-grey eyes. 'No, I will not be waiting. I intend to come with you to see this to its end.'

Mithadan sat back in his chair considering the elf's answer. 'Well, then, let's gather what we need and get on our way.'

[ August 17, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

08-17-2002, 02:33 PM

Once the swan-ship had gone, heading south and then east to the mouths of the Siril, Veritas sailed The Lonely Star out into deeper waters. Using the crystal, she returned Ancalimon to their previous position, and he sent for the eagles to take him back to the Fens of Serech. It was risky, as it was in daylight this time, but Ancalimon felt an urgency to see the hobbits again. He especially felt the need to speak with Child. He made his way on foot, once he had landed, as swiftly as he could toward the prison camp.

Levanto had waited in the waters beyond the Bay of Eldanna for Veritas to bring back the ship, and once it was safely anchored again well off the Isle, he let them know he was going by sea route to the Siril, and then would explore the river to its source, gathering information along the way from the water folk.

Veritas came down to him in one of the ship's small boats and brought the maps with him, showing the mer-man where the landmarks were and what direction he needed to take. When Levanto had the route fixed in his mind, he dived deeply beneath the waves and swam off swiftly.

Veritas returned to the deck, where Daisy had taken down the banner and was just stowing it away. She had set Kali at the prow on lookout, while Angara swept the area aft of the boat for any problems.

She surveyed the ship, and felt that all was in readiness for her companions' return. All that was left to do now was to wait.

[ August 17, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

08-17-2002, 03:13 PM

That night Azra was up late writing new plans of escape.
ooc: your probably wishing I stayed with Mith::

Her earlier jolly spirit was slipping away into deprestion. Maybe Nitir was right. There seemed to be no way of saving everyone. If only she knew what was going on outside the prison.

Then it hit her. She COULD know what was going on. Azra quickly burned the plans with her makeshift candle then silently made her way to Nitir's quarters. Bird was asleep on the end of the bed.

Very carefully Azra prodded Bird awake. "Bird, wake up." Bird opened one eye.

"What?" She said very anoyed.
"I want to talk to you. Here, come with me."
Azra lead Bird out of earshoot of sleeping hobbits and then sat down. "Birdland, please tell me. What's happening on the Lonely Star? Tell me everything. And what did you see as you came to find us?"

mark12_30

08-17-2002, 06:01 PM

Returning from Estel's clearing, Lindo was headed for the Workhouse; for some reason he was uneasy and restless. He had hoped that the pony would cheer him up, but all he could think of then was how much he would miss Estel when Ancalimon eventually called or came back for his pony. His heart was heavy, and he didn't know why.

But then he heard a strange, raspy, croaking voice that he did not know, and he froze. It did not sound like on orc-voice, not quite-- unless it was an orc with a sore throat, or... what could it be? He listened, almost holding his breath.

The raspy voice was relating a story about a ship, and Mithadan. That was the man who had been at the fall of the city. But then the story continued; someone named Kali and someone named Daisy. Veritas. Angara. His heart started to pound; were those Nitir's friends? He thought that there had only been the bird, the dragon and the man; he thought that the elf had died. There were others? He listened further. Were they coming? Were they the visitors that Nitir had warned him about? He melted into a shadow, and listened. Rose? Who was Rose?

And then to his astonishment, a hobbit-lass's voice responded, asking questions.

Azra.

Beginning to feel angry, he stealthily moved closer. The hoarse, strange voice belonged to the black and white bird.

Suddenly he stood, and walked toward them, and met Azra's eyes. "Apparently I have heard much that I should not have, " he said, "but you should have been more careful. I am not the only one who is out and about at night."

Azra's jaw dropped.

"And Azra-- " he said, glaring pointedly at the bird and then back to Azra, "or, should I call you Rose?-- I can't help but wonder what else you have been hiding from the rest of us. But I suppose I have no business asking." He held Azra's gaze, thinking, I trusted you. I chose to trust you. Maura told me to trust both of you, you and Nitir.

I hope he wasn't wrong.

Suddenly cold in heart, Lindo stepped past Azra-Rose and walked into the Workhouse. Instead of going to bed, he went to where the babies slept, and closed the door behind him, and picked up little Larkspur without waking her. She stirred, and he held her close, and sat cross-legged, and rocked her, silent and cold. He would rock her for hours that night, but no song would escape his lips.

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-17-2002, 06:22 PM

Night was just settling over the camp. So much had happened in the day, and yet there were still so many unanswered questions. After they had come back to the Workhouse, Nitir had spoken with Bird for a long time. She had learned that the Star had sailed on a special recon mission just as her friend had left the ship. They were visiting one of the ports where they had reason to believe the hobbits would be taken at some point in the future, searching for information or even possible allies to aid them.

Nitir asked in a broken voice why the jackdaw had not stayed with the ship, and helped make that mission a success. She had shaken her head and laughed, "Because I missed you and Rose, you blockheads, and I wanted to make certain you were all in one piece."

For a long time, they had discussed the problems Rose was getting into. Nitir was an experienced mother and could see signs that, whatever she suggested, Rose was determined to say and do the opposite. In normal circumstances, this would not have been a serious problem. Hobbit households didn't generally have a lot of complicated rules. Young people clearly understood there were some things that could and couldn't be done. But, within those guidelines, there was considerable freedom, especially for those who had reached their teens or tweens.

But a prison camp was not a normal situation. And young Rose was looking more and more as if she might say or do something that could bring sorrow down on their heads. Child did not want that. She knew Rose well enough that the girl might jump first and ask questions later. She also feared that, once Rose had done something, she would never forgive herself if some innocent hobbit child ended up slaugtered as part of that bargain.

Child asked Bird to please try to think of some way that Rose could be given a task that involved the rescue of the hobbits. It should be something meaningful, perhaps even a bit risky, but something that fit into the overall plan which was carefully thought out.

At first, Child wasn't certain what that task might be But, as they talked, Maura had unexpectedly barged into her small room, as he had done so many times before. Only this time, Child was having a full blown, serious conversation with a small bird.

Child had turned around to explain, when Maura shrugged his shoulders and laughed, "A shapechanger? Nitir, you're full of surprises. I've never seen one, but my grandfather told me about them when he passed down the lore."

Then, he turned to Bird, and politely welcomed her to the hobbit community. Within a moment, he remembered the dinner scene in Gondolin which now seemed so very long ago. He could recall the jackdaw sitting on the chairback with Abar feeding her scraps of food. He also had a more comic memory of Lindo's complaints about Azra's "attack bird".

The three immediately fell together in talk. "The council has some indication that there's something afoot among the Orcs. We have no idea what it is, but it almost seems that some of the guards are beginning to pack up their gear. We'd love to have a better idea what's going on. If you could get your friend Rose assigned as a servant in Orc headquarters, she could bring us information. I've noticed that the girl has real skill in slinking about undetected and hearing things that shouldn't be heard."

Maura laughed, but wouldn't say anything further. Child had the definite feeling that Rose may have been tending the flowers at Maura's house as a neighborly good deed, while she was careuly listening to the deliberations of the hobbit council.

Child thought having Rose as a spy would be an excellent idea. She asked Bird to speak with her about it.

Maura looked at Nitir and asked, "Why don't you just do it yourself?"

But Nitir shook her head in exasperation, "If you tell her it was my idea, she'll run a hundred miles away."

"Hobbit families! Maua laughed. "Remind me to tell you some stories about when Zira was in her teens." Then he turned towards Bird. "Well, I guess you've been nominated for the job. Please make sure she understands there's real danger here. She must be careful. And Bird, make sure she carries no weapon. We don't want any more children execurted because she does something foolish. Azra has enough wits and stealth as a burglar, she should be able to get a look at their maps and plans, and let us know what is happening."

Bird had nodded in agreement, and promised to speak with Rose. Then Maura had asked Nitir if she wanted to join him and Zira on a short nightime walk.

[ August 17, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-17-2002, 08:24 PM

Bird--Anything goes except specific info about later history. Also, you can show yourself to leaders of the community as a shapechanger, but not the community at large.

sharon

[ August 18, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-17-2002, 08:45 PM

Azra was horrified when Lindo discovered her and Bird. What would Lindo do? Would he tell Nitir. Azra feared Nitir's wrath.

"It's allright." said Bird. "You should be frightened of the orcs not your friends. I'll talk to Child. But there's another thing. Maura has an important job for you. You must be a servant for the orcs and pass information to us. Can you do this."

"Of course. I'll get all sorts of information. Then Nitir will be proud of me instead of angry." Forgeting her friend compleatly Azra went back to her quarters to prepare.

Child of the 7th Age

08-17-2002, 11:35 PM

Maura went over to the children's room to greet his daughter, inviting her to walk along with them.

Zira responded with a yawn, "I'm so tired, and Ban has promised to come by later. He was on the timber range, and isn't even back. I'd better wait for him here. Maybe tomorrow for that walk."

Maura turned to Nitir and smiled. "It looks as if it's just you and me. But we do need to talk."

As they made their way along the path, their feet made crunching noises on its glossy surface. The snow itself had not fallen for several days, and much of it was melted. A thin sheet of ice now covered the ground. The hobbits walked in silence for a long while, their arms linked together. Every now and again, in between the crunching sounds, Nitir thought she heard the gentle flitting of a bird's wings as if it darted in and out among the trees.

"He's come back again. Ancalimon has come back." Maura said in quiet wonder. "And he wishes to speak with us tomorrow--you, Nitir, as well as myself and Lindo."

"He told me a little about you and the Star, those secrets from the Music that Nitir shared with him before he left Aman. Only a few things here and there, but enough that I understand how important your path may be."

"Analimon says the time has almost come. The hobbits will find freedom from Morgoth and the Orcs. The Lonely Star will depart, and my people and I must continue on our own."

The moon shone down on the icy paths like a thousand glittering lights, as bittersweet joy swelled in Nitir's heart.

"And what did he say of me?" She was almost afraid to ask.

Nitir stood silent on the path and tried to hold back the tears that were welling up in her eyes. But she could not stop them. She looked at the icy ground and said, "I do not want to leave. There is too much here that I care for. I would be happy making my life with you and your people."

Maura looked at her intently. "And I would be happy to have you here with me, but, whether or not that is possible, I do not know."

They walked quietly back towards the Workhouse. Maura leaned down to whisper goodbye, and placed a kiss on her brow, two heads with brown and grey curls mingled together for one instant within a lonely landscape. Overhead, a black and white bird circled, singing its mournful tune.

[ August 18, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-18-2002, 06:01 AM

Azra couldn't sleep. Part of it was excitement. But she was also troubled. She rose from her bed and walked through the workhouse where she found Lindo cradling one of the babies in his arms. Azra couldn't discern the expresion on the hobbit's face. Lindo looked at her but she avoided his gaze and instead cast her eyes about the room. It seemed empty. Was somthing missing? Then she understood that she was so used to hearing Lindo sing that when he did not the room became a strange place.
"It's very quiet. Without your songs." She said as she stared at her feet. "You..You sing well." This was the first time she had ever complemented Lindo.
"Lindo. I'm really, really, sorry. I would have told you. We were going to tell you. When Nitir thought the time was right. We should have known my big mouth would get me in trouble. I blabed alot on the Lonley Star too. And did rebelious things. But, I guess I should stop thinking only of myself. Lindo, I'm going to be spending a lot of time with the orc guards. Serving them but really spying on them. I think I'll go now. I'm not going to sleep otherwise. Today when you see Nitir, tell her I promise never to act before I think."

Then before Lindo could say anything verbal or non Azra had left.

Child of the 7th Age

08-18-2002, 08:34 AM

As the morning sun climbed high in the sky, Nitir walked slowly to the home of Maura Took. She was careful to slip out without waking Bird who still dozed fitfully on her perch. By the time she arrived at the burrow, Lindo and Maura were already speaking with Ancalimon. The cloaked grey figure was explaining to Lindo about the journey and mission of the Star. He said it had been chosen to help bring hobbits to safety, not only in this age but others as well. And, if those on the ship carried out their appointed task, there would be one more sliver of light retrieved from the Silmarils which would help lead the way.

He then went on to talk of the future of Maura's people. "If all goes well," he continued, "the Orcs will be gone, and the children will be back with their own families. There will be a community to build, and children who need teaching. And there will be lore to be learned and preserved. That, also, is a good and worthy task."

"Maura has told me how you've discovered much about yourself and your people in recent months. Now you are being given a rare gift, Lindo. The gift is that of choosing. There is no right or wrong choice here, only that which feels right to you and your heart. I want you to think about this, since many of the things I've said weren't known to you before. Go and take a walk with that pony, and talk with him. Then, come let me know later today."

"And," Ancalimon looked up and winked, "I do believe that, whatever you choose, that pony has decided to come along with you."

Nitir smiled, and then spoke to Lindo before he left, "And I'm sorry. I mean Azra and I are sorry, if we had to deceive or mislead you before. But there were too many lives hanging on a thread to say anything of my friends or why we'd come."

Lindo left the house and promised to think carefully about his choice before he spoke with the peddler again.

"But we still have two to go," Ancalimon mused, as he looked over at the man and woman before him, sitting with their fingers intertwined. He stopped and gazed at Nitir for a long time. Then he shook his head and said with a smile that held both affection and sadness, "So our little Andreth is here, the hobbit who battles for her people with all the words she can muster."

"Child, I need you to keep battling with those words, not here, but back on the Lonely Star with your friends, and you, Maura, must lead your people so they can survive the long years ahead."

A single tear dropped down from Child's eye to the table below. She looked up to Ancalimon with sorrow in her voice, "This seems so hard. Is there no other way? For Lindo, you said there would be a choice. Why do we have no choice at all?"

Ancalimon shook his head, "I can not say. I do not do all the choosing, and some things exist that can not be changed. At least, they should not be changed unless you wish to bring darkness down on our heads. And I know you enough to be sure that neither of you could live with that."

Then he turned to Child, "Back when this matter of hobbits was written into the Music, it was said there could be no rescue of the land hobbits or the sea hobbits unless they themselves stepped forward and took the task on their heads. Your friend Piosenniel understood that, and the Lady Idril, and, in her own way, even your dragon Angara. That is why they left you to figure out so much on your own, to struggle with the riddles and the maps, things they might have accomplished themselves in the blink of an eyelid."

Child looked up to try one last time. "But what of Kali and Rose and Daisy? They too are hobbits. Can't they do these things?"

"No, Child," he responded softly. "For you were the only adult hobbit on the Star who was there from the beginning. Your young companions are not even in their tweens. And, in every adventure, in every choosing in which hobbits are involved, there must always be one who is older."

Child's memories of the future were slowly returning again. Much was still blurry, but the pictures of the people involved were beginning to come back. And, into her mind, crept an image of Bilbo and Frodo

"Yes, Child, that is right. Perhaps your own task is not so grand as you would like, but still it is important. For without the Star, there will be no hobbits, in this time or any other."

Maura had sat in silence throughout this entire exchange. He now asked, "But may Nitir never return here, perhaps after her task is completed?"

Ancalimon shook his head, "There has been too much pulling of the threads which hold the veil of time together. What has happened here may not happen again."

"Then," said Maura, "we will never see each other for we are not like the Elves who can sail off to the Blessed Lands after their life in Middle-earth is done. This will be a true goodbye."

Ancalimon lowered his voice and looked at Maura. He had known him so long. He had seen his grief when his wife had been murdered by the Orcs, and there had been long years of silence and pain and anger. He wished he could have said something different, offered some way for these two to find peace together. But only one way appeared to him.

"Within Arda, yes. This is goodbye," Ancalimon answered truthfully. "But Maura, after all you know and have been taught, do you not believe in that which lies beyond Arda?"

The small, grey haired hobbit sighed, "I do not know, but I hope. I hope that there is light which goes beyond memory."

Ancalimon shook his head, "And I too hope. And the three of us, you and Child and even myself, must find something in that estel which will lead us through these harsh times. For I am quite certain that, in what lies beyond memory, you two will find each other again."

The two hobbits looked at each other and nodded in acceptance. Slowly, their intertwined fingers pulled apart.

"Now, however," Anclaimon spoke. "We need to find that crazy bird of Child's to speak with, and also see if Rose brings us a report later this day. Meanwhile, Maura, I would urge you to have the hobbits pack up what belongings they have and prepare for another march. And this one will lead us outside Morogoth's curtain of time to the real world that lays beyond. Do not be alarmed if you find many more years have passed than the months you can actually remember."

Then Ancalimon hugged each of the hobbits, and promised they would see him again, though each in their own time and place. And Maura and Child went off on their own to a secret place by the river, and spoke words of comfort and grieving to each other. Both promised to be true in the days and years to come to the vision they had been given of the light. And, in token of that, they gave each other a simple chain to wear about the neck, with a single small stone set in place.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-18-2002, 10:16 AM

The orc guards had made a kind of wall of comunities (if you could call them that) around the hobbit prison camp. Even though orcs of higher rank lived in recently built homes most only lived in tents. Though most often they didn't even use the tents.

A few hobbits were assigned to attend to the orcs. This was everyones least favorite job and therefor new hobbits were put up for the jobs all the time. So when Azra became a servant noone noticed.

Never before in her life had she been so dissiplined. Even when she had been a young child in her own home she would find ways to escape her chores. But now she struggled to stay on task not only to the things the orcs told her to do but also to her true purpose.

It was difficult. However stupid the orcs were they were not free on information. Azra expected that they weren't told very much anyway. She had almost given up when passing by a home belonging to a chief orc Azra could hear an intresting conversation. She hid out of sight and listened.

"Mountains of Dorthonion? Your mad! Do you relize how cold it will get? You won't find me there."
"Arr! Those are the Master's orders. You can take it up with him. You'd be better off just following orders."
"Easy for you. Your troops are being called to battle. Now that's what I want. The smell of blood again. All this Halfling noncence is crazy. They'd be more use to us dead."
"You will take the hobbits to the mountains. Tonight. Or you won't live to smell any blood again."

Azra was filled with both excitment and fear. She slipped away into some bushes untill she was out of sight of the orc camps then she went into an all out sprint towards the hobbit council building. Any elf or man would probably be able to outrun her, but for a hobbit it was pritty fast.

piosenniel

08-18-2002, 12:22 PM

Tulë's small craft sped across the waters and had soon passed the mountainous regions of southwestern Hyarnustar. It skimmed up the eastern coast, hugging near the great cliffs that were the main feature of the western and southern coastline.

'A rugged, harsh looking land is this part of Andor.' commented Khelek, as the sheer cliffs flew by them, uninterrupted. 'How can we enter it from a seaward approach?'

Tulë, his hand on the tiller, skilfully navigated the rocky coastline. Keeping his keen eyes on the waters ahead, he told the elf and man that they would soon come to a much gentler area of this region. 'The two southern promontories of Hyarnustar on the southwest and Hyarrostar on the southeast shield this part of Andor from extremes of weather. It is filled with grasslands, much fertile farmland and great vineyards.'

Khelek and Mithadan watched as the sheer coastline on their left gave way gradually to sandy beach areas and then to marshes and reedy flats as they entered the place where the River Siril flowed into the sea through its many small mouths.

The swan-ship turned north and made its way up the river, past the large fishing village of Nindamos. Here in its southward course the river was slow and winding, but as they sailed north toward its source it became a little narrower and its current a little swifter.

'It will be an easy course to navigate,' said Mithadan, watching the countryside as it passed by. 'There are not too many settlements set on the river, though I have counted a number of docks from which the farmers must transport their crops downstream.'

'Yes, most of the farms and small towns are set back from the river. And much of the traffic in this area is by horse. Crop cargoes bound for the rest of Númenor are seasonal in nature, and are borne by the river and then the sea. We should not encounter too many large craft as we sail up or down the river. If we do, the swan-ship is small enough to slip by them should the need arise.'

For some time now, the gaze of the two companions had been held by the great mountain to the north which seemed to rise up to the heavens. The base of it sloped gently to the plains in two long ridges from their vantage point on the river. Khelek recalled the map they had seen of it, and how the base appeared as a series of five roots in a pentagram pattern which extended outward toward the five promontories of the isle. There were rolling grasslands now which edged the river's course and carpeted the land to the mountains roots as they came nearer the mountain.

The river now narrowed as it they entered the valley of Noirinan, in which lay the tombs of the Kings and Queens of Númenor.

'This is where the Siril rises from springs beneath the base of this great mountain, the Meneltarma.' said Tulë. 'We can go almost to the base, and from there it will be a short course on foot to the entrance of the caves which lie beneath the mountain.'

They drew the swan-ship along side the bank of the river, near a natural docking area and disembarked. A very short walk brought them to the chambers cut into the rock at the base of the mountain. These man-made chambers were where the royalty of Númenor were entombed, but beyond them were a series of large natural caves extending far into the interior of the mountain.

'An ideal place for holding and hiding prisoners, is it not?' asked Tulë, shining the bright light of the lantern he had brought into the caves' darkness.

[ August 18, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-18-2002, 12:27 PM

As Child stood looking dazed just outside the burrow where the hobbit council met, Rose came barrelling into her. The girl was panting, her shoulders heaving up and down. She tried to spit out the words to Child describing what she had heard and seen.

"The Orcs, the Orcs," Rose gasped for air. "Some of them leave for Morgoth's wars, and only a handful will be left to guard us. They are grumbling and complaining since we are to be sent with the remaining guards on a midnight trek into the mountains of Dorthonion."

Child's mind slowly began to click into place, as she mulled over Rose's news. A midnight trek into the mountains in the middle of winter? What madness! Yet, the mountains were exactly where they needed to be.

Child embraced Rose in her arms and told her, "You have done well! This news is important for the survival of the hobbits. I will tell the council to prepare for a hard winter journey which will begin in just a few hours. And I'll take Bird along with me. I think it's time they see one who's risked her life on their behalf."

"Now, go get your things and return to the Orc camp so they'll never suspect you've slipped out. And be careful, Rose! Make sure not to get left behind when the trek begins. Spread the word quietly among the other hobbits serving there, and try to organize their departure as best you can."

"Bird has told me she expects there to be a dragon pick-up for us in the Dorthonion highlands. But, whether that pick-up is by Angara or Bird herself, she would not say. I've told her I won't leave until I'm sure the hobbits have found dry land and a decent place to start a new life."

She turned to leave when Rose called over concerned and curious, "Child, what's wrong? Were you crying before?"

Child stood frozen in her tracks. What was she to say? She could live with a life of secrets and denials. Or she could tell the truth clearly and simply to her friends on the Star. It took her only a moment to realize that a simple telling of the truth would be better. She didn't know whether or not Rose would approve, but it didn't really matter. The truth would have to do.

"Yes, Rose, I was. I care for Maura and his people very deeply. We even spoke about me remaining here with him. But we talked to Ancalimon, and that isn't possible, not now or even in the future. If Maura and I wish to see the light grow stronger, I must return to the Star and do my duty there, and he must lead his own people forward to build a new community."

Child tried to speak as calmly and quietly as possible, although her heart tugged in a different direction. She smiled at Rose, and then waved her finger admonishingly in her direction, "Get going, Rose, or you'll have a pack of wicked Orcs on your tail. Get back to their camp, and keep your ears wide open. I should see you tonight when the trek to the mountains begins."

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Birdland

08-18-2002, 01:20 PM

Bird had learned long ago that there a blessing in being regarded as nothing but a dumb animal. No one asked for your opinion. Playing the role of a beast meant keeping your mouth shut, which allowed one the time to think about the words and actions of all others around you. You were the perfect objective observer of history.

Even when some few folk recognized you for your true self, appearance went a long way towards forgetfulness. When Bird remained silent in her jackdaw form, even those who knew her to be “human” would speak freely their innermost thoughts and feelings. The most belittling doubts and fears, the most vainglorious ambitions, would come forth.

And as the skin-changer had watched silently the story of the Halfling prisoners of Dorthonian, the parting of Maura and Niter, and the Songs of Lindo past down to another generation, a great sad question had grown in her heart. “Where had it all gone?” Why was it that the these scenes; as sad, glorious and brave as any accomplished by the other races of Middle-Earth, were lost in the mists of Time?

Which eventually lead to Bird to ponder the Gifts of Eru. She knew that to the First-Born were blessed with Immortality. And with it came the burden of Endless Knowledge. The Elf-Folk remembered all that happened to them since the beginning of Time. And if there was any doubt about When or Why, then one did not have to rely on dusty records or the fading memories of the aged. One could still go directly to the source. Of all the Races of Middle Earth, the Elves still had people who had lived through it all, and presumedly would continue to live, right through to The Very End. And then what? Bird suspected that there would be some few of their kind who would continue to live on, to continue to be witness to ages and deeds that have little to do with their own history. Elves were both blessed and cursed with being the Rememberers.

As for Men and Dwarves? Though Eru had given them the gift of “Death”, she knew that these races would battle mightily to overcome it. They would leave their mark, whether in cities of stones, crumbling records of parchment, paper, and clay, or the songs and tales drummed into the heads of each succeeding generations. Through sheer willpower and stubborness, the races of Men would also have their Rememberers.

So what gift was left to the Halflings? What do you give to the last of the Free People (and Bird had no doubt that Halflings were counted among the Free People, just as Skin-Changers were) who were created in an image so small, with no desire for glory or great ambitions? A race so small that most others saw them as little more than animals, if they saw them at all?

Forgetfulness. That was the Gift that Eru had given the Halflings. Forget all that has happened to you down through the ages. Forget the suffering and persecutions of the First Age. Forget the Choices asked of you in the Second. Forget the Wandering Years of the Third Age, the clinging to life on the edges, when you were hunted like animals and snatched whatever small piece of Arda you could find, until the deeds of the Big Folk swept you away. Forget in a pint, in a dance, in laughter, in your children, all the hardships and tears that had been borne through the Ages.

And when some few of you that are needed to step forward and play the role that the Song of Eru has cast you in, when the knowledge of the Fate of Eä too much to bear? Your reward will be Forgetfulness.

“Forget” Said Eru to the first of the Halflings that stood before Him. And they thanked him and went on their way. And Eru smiled, his Work to see.

Bird wished she could discuss these thoughts with Child, as she tucked her head under her wing to try to sleep. But she knew she would forget all these thoughts by morning.

mark12_30

08-18-2002, 02:24 PM

Lindo went straight from Maura's burrow to where Estel was digging in the snow for last year's grass. Estel nuzzled him, smearing half-chewed grass across his cheek and neck and down his shirt, and then returned absentmindedly to pawing. There wasn't much grass left, and he was working hard to live on what there was. He needed a new field.

"Tell me, old friend, " Lindo murmured. "Is my future far away, years away, or is it just around the corner, in tomorrow?" The pony dug, and dug for grass. "I have a choice to make, and it's one I don't like the sound of, " Lindo continued. "Nitir has become a good friend; friend! she's almost like a second mother. And Azra," Lindo recalled Azra's heartfelt apology of late last night, "Azra is fast becoming a treasure to me. Perhaps they are the closest friends I have among hobbits. But-- there are the children. There are all my little crawling, hungry, squealing mouths-to-feed, that want all their six hobbit-meals a day. And there are all my Valiant Snowhobbits, and their Assistant Junior Snowhobbits. And then there are all the ones that follow them, or that will follow them as soon as they are able. Hordes of little hobbits. " Lindo sighed again.

Estel wandered a few feet further, face buried in the snow up to his ears. Lindo tagged along. "Nitir and Azra are importnat to me, " he continued. "But they don't need me. The children do. But-- do they need me to go and help them, far in the future? That I build a future for them that I can't yet see, and don't understand? And don't know how to build?"

At that moment, he heard a tune. He turned, and saw four Valiant Snow-Hobbits standing in a line, at the edge of the clearing. They were waiting for him to finish with the pony, he thought with surprise. They were practically standing at attention, and they had a bucket of water for Estel. And to pass the time, they were singing their snowfight-song.

Tears filled his eyes, which he blinked away as best he could until they froze on his eyelashes, and then he waved the Snowhobbits over. They came. Retya led them. Tocca brought the bucket to Estel, who drank gladly. Tem looked up at Lindo with wide eyes.

"Mistress Nitir was crying, " he said. "We saw her."

"She was?"

"By the stream earlier, " said Retya. "With Maura. They talked and talked. I think they like each other."

"And then she was crying more today, " piped up Tocca.

"Now, listen, " Lindo said, suddenly very serious. "It's one thing to spy on orcs and... but... look, you leave Maura and Mistress Nitir in peace. Leave them alone."

"Why?" replied Rikko, with wide eyes.

"What a hobbit and a lady talk about in private is none of your business, " Lindo replied sternly. "For heavens' sake, show some respect. Don't ever do that again." The boys gave each other uneasy glances. "Good heavens, " Lindo continued, exhasperated. "Have I been this remiss in teaching you respect and manners? I guess I have. That will have to change. You are all going to learn to respect your elders."

"But, " said Retya. Lindo scowled at him. "But then, this morning she was crying again all by herself. Maura wasn't there. And then Azra came running and spoke to Mistress Nitir, and said that we would be marching tonight. Late. To the mountains."

Lindo glanced at the others, who nodded earnestly.

"Well, then, we've got packing to do. Let's head back to the workhouse, find out what's going on, and get busy. Whatever you do, remember the seeds you've saved from the garden last year. Now spread apart far enough to just keep each other in sight, and travel fast." The bucket was now empty, and Lindo handed it to Tocca. Then he turned to the pony. "You're free to come or not, as you choose, Estel, " Lindo told him. "But whatever you do, stay away from the orcs. All right?" And then he threw his arms around Estel's neck, and buried his face in his mane. Estel stopped digging long enough to nuzzle him again, and then snorted into the snow, back after the grass.

"Let's go, " Lindo said, and he and the boys spread out and headed for the woods, back towards the Workhouse.

Chewing meditatively, Estel watched them go, ears pricked forward and swishing his tail. Suddenly, Retya reappeared and ran back towards him. "Didn't you hear what he said? We're leaving tonight. Come on, or you'll break his heart!" And with that, Retya grabbed a handful of mane, expertly swung aboard Estel, and drumming with his heels, steered the pony towards the Workhouse so expertly that one might have thought Retya rode the pony like this every day.

As Lindo and the boys travelled back towards the Workhouse, they met the rest of the Valiant Snowhobbits headed out to the field. "We tracked you, " said Ponta to Lindo. "They say we are leaving tonight. What do you want us to do?" The Assistant Junior Snowhobbits brought up the rear, panting.

"I need to get my orders from Mistress Nitir, and then we will all know what to do, " Lindo said. "I suspect that we will be packing everything that we can carry for a long, cold, hard journey." And then for some reason he smiled, and added, "But don't worry. I'll be with you. I'm not leaving my Valiant Snowhobbits, nor the little ones either. Now let's go. Spread out, Juniors to the rear, and keep a sharp watch for orcs. Go."

The Snowhobbits didn't know why he promised them this, but they would figure it out eventually, Lindo thought. He would miss Nitir and Azra.

-------------

When they got to the camp, Lindo sought out Nitir, who toldhim there would be a council soon to decide things, but that it wouldn't hurt to start packing blankets, seeds, and food. Lindo set the Snowhobbits to work gathering up the seeds and the blankets, and told Nitir he would help with whatever was needed after he spoke with Ancalimon.

Ancalimon looked up expectantly when he saw Lindo coming. Lindo game and gazed up at him, and fought back tears. "I wish you, and Nitir, and Azra, all grace and strength, and that you accomplish all of your tasks, " he said. "But I choose to remain, and be a loremaster, and teach the children to hope for your return. Nitir tells me that your name means He Who Shines Brightest. You, and your pony too, represent hope to me. And so I will teach the young hobbits to hope, and to wait."

Ancalimon nodded; Lindo's answer did not surprise him. "And speaking of ponies, " Ancalimon said, "You haven't seen my little rascal lately, have you?"

"Whether you are speaking of Estel, or Retya, the answer is yes, " Lindo smiled, "but Retya left Estel just inside the woods, where the orcs don't go. That way. I can send Retya after him, or..."

Ancalimon waved, and giving Lindo a wry look, simply whistled. Estel trotted obediently out of the woods. "He's not out from under my authority just yet, " Ancalimon said wryly.

"Of course, sir."

"Now, if you'll assist me, " Ancalimon continued, with a general wave towards a large bulky bag, "You'll find his harness in there. A pair of traces, " he continued, "are leaning against the back of the building. And if I am not mistaken, I believe I saw some old cart somewhere... back... in... ah, here it is!"

Lindo helped Ancalimon wrestle the old logging cart out of where it was stored. "How did you get Estel's harness here?"

Ancalimon looked at Lindo with bright gleaming eyes, full of mischief, from under the brim of his hat. "That pony isn't the only creature in Middle Earth who understands me and aids me, " he replied. "Now mind your business, and harness that pony, unless you want me to have Retya do it."

Lindo shot him an indignant look, and Ancalimon responded with the smallest of smiles.

[ August 18, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

piosenniel

08-18-2002, 03:12 PM

It was late evening by the time the three had examined the caverns, and the area of the valley surrounding them. As the sun sank beneath the western ridge and darkness sailed over the land, they abandoned their explorations and returned to the swan-ship.

'We should spend the night here.' said Tulë, laying out some provisions he had brought for the trip - dried fruits, a small wheel of smoked cheese, a loaf of wholegrain bread, and a flask of red wine from the region to take away the chill of the evening. 'Tomorrow we can sail back to the Lonely Star, and then back to Beleriand.' A certain light shone in his eyes when he said, 'I am very much looking forward to seeing this time crystal of yours. Ancalimon has told me such a thing exists, and I would see how it works.'

'A useful thing, I must admit.' said Mithadan, settling back comfortably against the side of the ship and sipping his cup of wine. 'But a great headache also, as one is always scrambling to remember what can and cannot be done in this or that age, what is known and what is not. One age is time enough for me to get through!'

Khelek chewed thoughtfully on a dried fig. 'Not to change the subject, but I've been thinking about how we will get the hobbits from this place before the sinking. How many ships will it take to transport them do you think? And where will we get them?'

'The ships are already arranged for.' replied Tulë. 'Ancalimon has left that to me. We will only need to know how many and when.'

'Arranged for?' asked Khelek. 'With whom, from where?'

'The Teleri from Avalónë. They will aid the hobbits with their swan-ships. They will look to us to call them through the great tower there when we have need of them.'

'And how do you propose that we call this tower?' asked Mithadan, casting about his memory for an answer.

'It will have to be from Númenor that we contact them, through one of the Seeing-stones. But I must confess I have not found where they are placed as yet. Though I have reason to believe that one is in Andúnië, in the Tower on Oromet.'

They sat in silence for a while, taking in this information. Khelek was just about to ask how they might find whether the seeing-stone was there or not, when a splash was heard near the boat.

They stood, drawing their weapons, and looked carefully over the side of the vessel, only to be greeted by the smiling face of Levanto. 'I have just found a way into the caverns through the water.' he said excitedly. 'The river springs from deep within the mountain. It will be possible for me to get in and out of where the hobbits will be held without anyone seeing me.'

'Ah, that is good news indeed!' said Tulë. 'It will mean we can get the hobbits mobilized and prepared to depart before we actually have the ships there. That will lessen the time we must spend waiting for them to board, and so lessen our chances of being stopped or seen. I thank you Levanto for that piece of the puzzle!'

The mer-man bowed to the elf, and then began to swim downriver. 'I will meet you back at the Lonely Star tomorrow.' he called to them.

'Let us get some rest now.' suggested Tulë. 'Tomorrow we should sail back quickly to the ship and return to Beleriand. As I understand it, we must rescue your companions who are among the hobbits in Beleriand before we begin this next part of the journey.'

'Yes,' said Mithadan, wrapping himself in his cloak, his small pack a pillow, 'I am much looking forward to seeing Child and little Rose, and Bird. His last thoughts, as his head settled comfortably on the makeshift pillow, were those of a strange memory - a small black and silver, winged dragon flying against a blood red sky.

[ August 18, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-18-2002, 03:12 PM

Child stepped through the burrow door with the small jackdaw perched on her shoulder. The council was in its accustomed place. The small group of hobbits, men and women, sat cross legged about the hearth fire in the middle of the room. Each represented a particular clan or kin. Each had a clear attachment to the Harfoot, Fallohide or Stoor branches of the hobbit peoples.

Child was unusual in that respect. Her mixed Fallohide and Harfoot ancestry was atypical. It had even won her a fair measure of good natured teasing which she took without complaint. Child smiled. She remembered how many times she had lectured Maura on the advantages of having the different clans freely mix with each other in their marriages and other dealings. She had gleefully pointed out to Maura that, in the prison camp itself, such distinctions seemed to be breaking down. Hobbits in need were willing to reach out to others hobbits, whatever their clan might be. But it was Maura who'd had the last word in that argument. He said that he suspected the basic distinctions of the three clans would last for generations and, with her memories of the Third Age slowly returning, Child had to admit to herself he was right.

Today, however, conversation centered on something more serious. For Acalimon himself sat in the circle, his large form hunched over to make as compact a bundle as he could. The hobbits talked endlessly of how the community could best organize itself to survive the journey over the mountains. Most were surprised to hear the news that Child brought from Rose. They had hoped for a few days to set all in order, but it was not to be so. They planned as best they could, making sure that the strongest carried the heaviest loads of foodstuffs and supplies. Many things would have to be left behind. The emphasis would be on food to feed the community, heavy blankets and coats, herbs for healing like Child's kingsfoil plants, and, finally, with hope for the future, a supply of seeds for vegetables, fruits, and flowers which they intended to plant someday. Ancalimon had raised his eyebrows on first seeing the kingsfoil, but then laughed and said nothing more on the subject.

The peddler himself had decided to come along on the trip. Child wondered how he intended to leave Tol Fuin after things got settled. Ancalimon, however, gave no indication that this would be a problem. He told the hobbits that the war was going much better as a very large contingent from Aman was expected to take the field. While there were no guarantees in this life, it appeared hopeful that the tide would turn against Morgoth and the Orcs. At that point, the youngest hobbits who had been secretly listening to the council outside the windows of the burrow actually stood up and cheered.

Ancalimon also gave helpful suggestions as to how the elderly and infirm might best make it to the highlands. Every one of these was assigned to a strong and able bodied hobbit who would aid them along the path. A few would even begin the journey within the safe confines of Ancalimon's newly discovered cart. The pony was to be hitched to this, and set in the middle of the march to avoid close perusal by the Orcs. The peddler also showed them how to weave together branches to construct crude sleds that could be dragged along over the snow and ice, both to carry people and supplies.

The community still had too many memories of that first horrific night on the road after Gondolin. They were trying to do whatever they could to avoid reliving that nightmare.

Child also introduced the shapechanger to the council. The jackdaw steadfastly refused to change into any other form, despite the pleas of youngsters who had clambered up to stare through the windows. She did, however, fly about the small burrow and sing a song in Elvish to the astonishment of everyone present.

Then, Child sadly explained that she and Rose would be leaving to return to their own people. There were many boos and hisses at this piece of news. She also told the hobbits not to be afraid if a great flying beast should come to provide transportation within the mountains. Then Maura presented Child with a paper written out in Elvish with the name "Nitir" on it, and many fine words thanking her for her work with the children. This came from the council. They had another for Rose which Maura gave to the girl later that day.

Just as the hobbits were about to break up the meeting and go on their way with preparations, the Orc commander came ramming through the round door of the burrow. His heavy body and sneering glare chased away the youngsters who by now were perched above on the window ledges. He stood over Maura's head bellowing out his command that the entire hobbit community leave at midnight for an unknown destination. As he growled out his orders, he stood just beneath the jackdaw who sat even higher overhead. The temptation was too great. Bird let go, and a minute later the Orc was cleaning refuse off his head and cursing as he left the burrow. Outside, within the bushes, could be heard distinct titters and giggles. Child corrctly surmised these might belong to Snowhobbits.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-18-2002, 03:34 PM

It proved an uneventful night on the river. The three travellers rose early and broke their fast with a simple meal from last night's leftovers.

Maneuvering the swan-ship in the narrow channel proved a challenge. Working together, though, they managed it well and were soon on their way, long before the sun itself had peeked over the eastern ridge.

The current was with them now, and they flew down it swiftly to the bay. Just as swiftly they made their way round the peninsula of Hyarnustar and back into the open sea beyond the Bay of Eldalondë.

Once near the Lonely Star, Tulë sent his ship sailing westward, while the three rowed back to the Star in a boat brought out by Daisy.

Veritas and Kali were waiting on deck, as well as Levanto, whom they had brought on board for the time jump.

They sailed northeast, a strong wind at their back pushing them at great speed. A day later they were in position for the jump to the First Age.

Tulë stood at the railing and faced the long, empty stretch of sea to the east. He heard the snick of the crystal as its cover engaged, and felt the wink and shimmer of time as the sunken lands resumed their positions. His grey eyes shone with delight and wonder.

'Beleriand!'

[ August 18, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

mark12_30

08-18-2002, 07:40 PM

The Snowhobbits all reported to Lindo after the council, and he gave them all orders, and they rounded up all the children that were able to understand them, and got everything gathered. The Snowhobbits packed and bound everything as tight and small as they could.

When the snowhobbits reassembled, Lindo picked up a long hempen tether, and waved it at them. "Does anybody know where this fine hempen tether came from?"

Retya blushed. "I do, sir. Tocca and Tem and I made it."

"Well, " Lindo said, "I wouldn't tie any ponies with it, unless I had the owner's express permission." Retya, Tocca, and Tem shot each other the uneasy glance that was becoming another trademark of the Snowhobbits (in trouble), and looked down. "However, " Lindo continued, "I do believe that Ancalimon might be able to find a good use for this finely crafted hempen tether over the next several days. He might need to tie some things onto that logging cart, and this might be just the thing. Who would like to take it to him, and offer it to him?"

Tem looked like he might burst with pride, and Lindo presented the tether to him. "Be respectful and obedient, and hurry back as soon as he is done with you." Tem ran out the door. "Follow him! " Lindo said to Retya and Tocca. They ran out after him.

Lindo set about dividing everything proportionally for the larger children. The smaller children would have enough to do just to keep up.

Mothers began to arrive looking for their babies; Lindo suddenly found it difficult to give each and every one of them up, despite knowing that there was no better place for any child than in its own mother's arms. Many of the mothers thanked him for everything he had done. But it was Larkspur's mother, Holly, that kissed him on the cheek, and smiled at him, and said, "You'll have your hands full with your Snowhobbits."

"Holly, " he said, "If you need anything, I want to be the first to know. I'll carry Larkspur whenever you need a rest. "

"All right, " she said, just to humor him, and wrapped her child well against the cold, and went out into the night.

Retya returned with Tocca and Tem, and found Lindo. "He took the tether, and told us thank you. He said he'd be cutting it into shorter lengths, " they said, a little disappointed that Ancalimon would cut up such a fine long tether. "Are you all right? What's wrong, Lindo?"

"I'll be fine, " Lindo said. "And so will you. But listen, now. Everybody. We're going to be walking a long way. And I want you to be looking around in case people need help, and whenever anybody does, I want you to help them the best you can. Old hobbits, mothers with babies, anybody that gets tired. You're young and strong, and I want you to help anybody that needs it. All right?"

They stood taller, and the Assistant Junior Snowhobbits got very wide-eyed. "And one more thing, " Lindo continued. "This journey that we are going on, to the mountains, will not be an easy one. There should be a song about it. Keep that in mind. Be brave and helpful and strong, and we'll write songs to sing at the end about the Midnight Mountain Journey."

He studied each one in turn, and saw the fire in their eyes, and looked forward to writing the song-- that is, whatever parts they had not already written by then, or needed help with. Some of his students were already beginning to compete with him in songwriting.

More and more mothers came to claim their children, and the Workhouse was emptying out. The Snowhobbits, Valiant and Juniors both, shouldered their packs and went to where the travellers were mustering. They were surprised to learn that everyone expected the Snowhobbits to travel together.

"Then we will stay near the elders and the mothers, and watch for chances to help them, " Lindo said. So it was agreed.

Child of the 7th Age

08-18-2002, 08:04 PM

The moon shone round and bright, and stars filled all the heavens on that mysterious night when the hobbits gathered with their captors to make the long march to the highlands. Most of the Orcs had departed for the battlefield early that afternoon. The guards who were left paraded in the front and rear of the column and paid little heed to the prisoners as long as they continued walking south.

There was a strange sense of expectency as the hobbits made their way along the icy track. Once more, just as the evening when Maura and Nitir spoke, the moonlight splashed off the ground with a thousand glittering lights. It was a night of cold and hardship, of struggling upward on slopes that were slick and steep. Yet, it was also a night of hope, and a time for belief. For everyone in that line, from the smallest to the oldest could mysteriously sense that freedom lay ahead.

Maura walked beside Child, their arms linked as they chatted and laughed. It was almost as if the whole torment of the prison camp had not happened, and tomorrow would never come. Rose and Lindo marched in tandem, keeping the Snowhobbits in line between them. Child knew that several of these boys had been orphaned by the war and the camps. But she had a strange sense that they would not lack for a father. Child looked over towards the lucky young hobbit who had decided to stay with his own people. She had a feeling he would love these orphaned lads, and make them a new home.

Now and again, when the ground was more level, someone would pick up a tune and others quickly responded. These were usually silly ditties that had to do with planting crops or drinking ale or even how a hobbit managed to outwit a troll. When they came to the rough places on the path, they would stop singing and help each other push on.

On that long trek, there were plenty of hobbit bruises and aching bodies and gashes. There were broken arms and shoulders and twisted ankles. But there was not a single hobbit who did not make it through. The only loss of life was a few Orcs who had gone ahead to check the path and tumbled into snow covered crevices. It was almost as if a strange veil of protection had been lowered down upon the hobbits' heads.

Ancalimon had elected to walk rather than riding in the pony cart. He strode along with staff in hand. Sometimes a black and white bird perched on his shoulder, leaning down to whisper secrets into his ear. He occasionally threw his head back and laughed. Child peered over and wondered what in the world Bird was saying to elicit such a jocular response.

The trek continued, hour after hour, with the path leading ever on. Noses and ears were nipped with the cold, but very few complained. The children were wrapped in warm blankets and coats to fight off the chill of the night. One time, they stopped for a short break, and Ancalimon dredged up a packet of food from his old cart. Everyone was given a piece of a strange bread called Lembas which seemed to warm them to the bottom of their toes.

Child could feel in her head the instant they pierced through Morgoth's curtain of time to come out in the real world. She had looked at Maura, and he had nodded his head acknowledging this return from the realm of the Orcs to true Arda. She had turned to him and grinned. It was another small triumph, like the hobbits' flowers or the songs.

Now and then, as they trudged through the highlands, Maura pointed to tiny signs and indicators of the one-time presence of Beren in these mountains. He told her stories how the hobbits, his own father among them, had supported Barahir in his outlaw's fight against Morgoth, and how some had even joined the lonely Beren in his resistence. He related tales of Finrod and his family, and how the hobbits had been known as true Elf-friends.

Finally, when everyone thought they could march no further, they came to the top of what appeared to be the highest peak. The Orcs grunted a command, and the entire party halted. The hobbits looked about. The sun was just breaking over the horizon, and all of Beleriand seemed to be spread out at their feet. The hobbits thought they were alone in a distant world, since there were many things they did not see or understand. Yet all about them, as they waited on that mountaintop, the forces of the Valar surged towards the north to break the power of Angband. For the balrogs and Orc legions and even the great winged dragons would fall before that assault. And the lonely banner of Earendil, triumphant against Ancaligon, would fly free in the heavens of Middle-earth for all to see and marvel.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-19-2002, 03:26 AM

'When have we come to now?' asked Tulë, going up to the helm deck to see the crystal for himself. 'Is this the same time as when you left and came to Andor?'

Veritas shook her head 'no'. 'We are about 200 miles miles west of the Havens of the Falas, and approximately a little over a century from the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. It is the year 583 of the First Age, and were we closer to the coast line, we might see the Teleri aboard their great white swan-ships. The Host of Valinor marches east and north to Angband, and the army of Morgoth falls before them. Even now, the challenge of the trumpets of Eönwë fills the sky, and Beleriand blazes with the glory of their arms. For it is said that, "the host of the Valar were arrayed in forms, young, fair, and terrible, and the mountains rang beneath their feet."'

'We must hurry, then.' said Angara unfolding her wings. 'Soon will Eärendil, shining with a white flame, sail Vingilot north toward Angband to battle the winged dragons. And all the great birds of heaven with Thorondor as their captain will fly beside him. Before the rising of the sun, Eärendil will slay Ancalagon the Black, mightiest of the dragon host of Morgoth. And when he is cast down by the son of Tuor and Idril, his mighty body will fall upon the towers of the Thangorodrim and they will break beneath him.

The northern lands will be sundered by the fury of these mighty foe; there will be confusion and great noise, and the seas will pour in through many chasms with a great roar. And all who look upon the once familiar land in the light of the new day will find they no longer know it.'

'Will you fly then to where Child and Rose are held captive?' asked Daisy, frightened for the fate of her friends in such a terrible battle.

'Yes, I do not know if Bird will be able to bring them out. With luck, I will meet her flying back to us with them. If not, then I will bear them back, and we must leave this area quickly, lest the waves from the sinking of the lands overwhelm our ship.'

Angara launched herself eastward from off the ship's prow, growing only slightly larger as she went. It would prove unwise to draw attention to herself. She wished to face neither the Valar and their allies or the winged forces of Morgoth.

Daisy stood on the deck and wept openly as the dragon's swift form grew small finally was lost to her sight. She was frightened for all her companions, and could not bear the thought of losing any more.

Tulë put his hand on her shoulder and drew her close to console her. Draping his cloak about her, he held her near until all her tears were shed.

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Birdland

08-19-2002, 05:29 AM

Bird sat on the shoulder of the peddler and looked around in awe at the masses of halflings stuggling up the mountain pass.

"They sing", Bird shook her head. "After all they have been through, and all they have seen, they sing. I expect when they reach the top, they'll have a snowball battle to celebrate the occasion, while the world tumbles beneath them."

Ancalimon chuckled. It seemed at time that the old peddler was but a hobbit himself sometimes, despite his height. "It is the gift of Eru. The Gift of Forgetfulness. One of his greatest, I sometimes think."

"Perhaps," mused Bird. Since the gift of Remembering seems to have done Men little good, if Remembering past sorrows is meant to keep you from repeating them." She watched as Maura took a child from a tired mother and swung the girl up on his shoulders, much to her delight. She waved to the peddler and the bird, still not quite at their level. "I wish I could take them all with me when we leave. Hobbits in the First and Second Age just doesn't seem to fit."

"Oh, they have their roles, though it too will be hidden by the loftier tales of Elves and Men. At least until the Third Age. Would you question the wisdom of the One, Skin-Changer?" Ancalimon raised his strangely bushy eyebrows and gave a mock scowl.

"Constantly," said Bird with a shrug. "though the answers are slow in coming, if they come at all. For instance; perhaps now that he has revealed the role of the Halflings in the Song, he might be so kind as to reveal MY own role?"

Ancalimon laughed, "But it seems He already has, little changling. Else what would you be doing here?" Bird ruffled her feathers in irritation. "You know that's not what I meant." The peddler just strode along the trail in silence. "Where are they, Ancalimon? You would know. At least, I would think you would know".

Ancalimon paused, looking out over the glory of Beleriand as it was, all soon to end to make way for another Age. "The Fourth Age has begun. There are still other tales to be told. Perhaps the Southern Lands will finally reveal their role in Middle-Earth." he said quietly.

Bird looked out at the vast land below them, catching the glint of the sun on the mighty Sirion below. "Thank you." she said.

"You're quite welcome, Birdland."

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Rose Cotton

08-19-2002, 07:07 AM

ooc:That's kinda rude Mark. You know, I was never told I had to leave. That was just Child. Maybe I'll stay and bug you the rest of your miserable hobbit life! smilies/tongue.gif smilies/wink.gif smilies/biggrin.gif
No, I'm joking. I want to see my made up friends again. Maybe I can pull everyone into another adventure. smilies/evil.gif
Hey, Child, when you get PMed about our RP can you tell us what Elenna said?::

The journey was probably good for Rose. For one thing she could call herself Rose in her thoughts now. smilies/wink.gif For another, she was able to discover somthing new about herself. This new discovery happened to be that SHE HATED COLD! For the first part of the journey she found it terrible when she was trying to look at what Maura had given her. During her time at the prison camp she had picked up a few words of elfish but she had trouble reading it. That was alright, she could just admire it for now. When she got back to the ship she could have Pio, no, Pio couldn't help her. She was dead.

Just then Rose relized what it would be like to go back to the ship now. There would be Daisy and Kali to great her. Along with Veritas, Khelek, and Mith. She would but it wouldn't be the same without Pio among them. For along time she cried. She pulled her hood closer around her face so that none could see.

The journey wasn't all that bad. Two things that made it better was being able to walk with Lindo. She knew what his choise was. Before now she would have argued with him. But when she saw him with the Snowhobbits she new that this was where he belonged. So being near him the remader of time they were together made her feel better.

The other thing that kept her spirits up was Ancalimon. She hadn't paid him much heed before now but as they trudged though the snow he seemed to be a beacon of light. A sign of hope. And he was so familar. Slowly, as she stared at Ancalimon's face, his floppy hat, his staff, her former memories started to come back. By the time they had stopped Rose was overcome with the urge to tell Lindo the story of the Third Age of Middle Earth. And a greater urge to tell Ancalimon to watch out for Balrogs. It was a sign that she really did have to leave. For even though she held her tounge it would be dangerous to have such information in this time.

mark12_30

08-19-2002, 07:48 AM

ooc: Don't worry Rose, if I'm allowed, I may "return" as one of Lindo's great-great--grandsons, or something. I've had too much fun with this rpg already... I hate to leave.

--------------------

Lindo noticed that Nitir was by herself. Azra-- Rose-- was also alone. He got up to go and say goodbye, but several curious Snowhobbits got up to follow him. He stopped them. They knew that Azra and Nitir were leaving, because they had sent spies to the council windows, but there were some things they hadn't connected yet, and some things he wanted privacy for. They reluctantly stopped, Retya looking rather downcast.

On his way to Nitir, Lindo stopped by Azra first.

He sat down with her, and met her mischievous gaze; he thought she was suddenly full of turmoil. He didn't know she was bursting to tell him a dozen things that she could not say.

He smiled at her, and said, "Azra... Rose. I don't know when you and Nitir are going to leave, so I'm going to get my goodbyes in early, if you don't mind."

Azra glared at him; she hated goodbyes; but then bowed her head, and nodded.

"I don't know where you are going, really, or what you will do. I mean, Ancalimon tried to explain it all, but it didn't make much sense at the time. But what I do know, is that someday, if all goes well, many years from now, you will be back. And so, as long as Nitir agrees, then I'll be teaching the children to tell their children, to wait for you. And to hope. I'll tell them to remember the names Rose, and Mistress Goodchild, and The Lonely Star; and when they hear those names again, to listen carefully, and follow."

Rose nodded, extremely cautiously. "You'd better check with Child. But I hope that that's okay."

Lindo nodded. "I will. And you, young lady, you listen to her too. She's wise, and she understands you, I think, more than you know. Believe it or not, she was my age once, and she was your age once too. Try and listen to everything she tells you."

Rose sighed, knowing that Lindo was right, but why did grownups have to lecture like this? Half of her wanted to give him a shove. But the other half didn't.

"And, Rose? I have no doubt that whatever obstacles you meet, you will face them head on. And I doubt that they will have a ghost of a chance against you." He leaned forward, and kissed her forehead, and smiled at her. And then he stood up to leave.

"That's all? No hug?" she said, in disbelief.

Lindo laughed out loud, and held out his arms, and she jumped up, and they shared a quick hug. All the Snowhobbits gaped, and he knew that wild gossip would fly through their ranks, at least until Rose and Nitir disappeared, and then they would understand. He gave her another kiss, this time on the cheek, and then turned to find Nitir.

She saw him coming, and waited where she sat. He knelt in front of her, and took both her hands, but this was a lot harder. All thie things he had planned to say got choked out. He struggled a bit, and then he said, "I will miss you terribly. You have been like a mother to me, and you have taught me more than you know. And-- "

She waited. And he laughed. "...thank you so much for your patience, " he finished. "I know I haven't been easy to deal with."

She smiled sadly, not ready to reply.

"I'll be writing songs about you, as soon as I can stand it, but not today. Can I tell the young ones to wait for Rose, and Mistress Goodchild, from The Lonely Star?" he continued, and waited for her answer.

She thought. "I don't know. Let me think it over, and I will let you know."

He nodded. "There's one more thing. I know when you come back, I'll be gone, and the Snowhobbits too. If you don't mind, when you come back-- could you sing one of the old lullabyes, for me, and for them?" After you sing over Maura, he thought, but didn't say it.

Nitir nodded, and quickly turned her head. Lindo kissed her hands, and got up and returned to where Retya was, and sat down beside him. Retya saw the tears in Lindo's eyes, and immediately began fending off all the other curious Snowhobbits who came over. He did a good job, and Lindo had a few good minutes to pull himself together. He would finish grieving after they were really gone.

Lindo reasoned that when Nitir and Azra left, the Snowhobbits would figure it all out, and then it would be his turn to protect them as they cried.

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-19-2002, 07:58 AM

The hobbits sat encamped on the tallest peak of the Dorthonion highlands. They were totally by themselves. The guards had climbed down to a lower range to test out their hunting skills.

Maura looked over at Child and asked "What now?"

"I'm not certain," she said, "but I do know we should not move from this place. We should just sit and wait."

So as the Valar sped northward and Earendil's ship raised its mast to prepare for the onslaught of Ancaligon, hobbit children played games on the top of mountain peaks, and Maura related tales of the hobbits' history and lore.

Child looked over at the man, painting a portrait of him in her mind. She tried to paint with such precision and depth that it would endure even after she had left this place. He was tall and slender with a grey mop of curls and piercing grey eyes. He did not look extraordinary in any way. No one passing by on the street would have turned around a second time, or tried to speak with him. But, when he sat within that circle, and began to tell his people who they were and where they had come from, it was a different matter. His face gleemed with light, and his hands moved as he captured unseen stories seemingly out of air.

Child felt a stab of pain, and it was not simply for personal loss. For this wondrous leader of her people, whose name should have been counted with those of Bilbo or Frodo, would be lost in the depths of time. There would be none to speak of his wisdom or endurance. For even if she should return to her own age one day, Child knew there could be no writing down of this story. It was simply too dangerous. The less said about hobbit history, the better off they would all be. For all his wisdom and strength, Maura Took would be a name unknown even to his own people.

Child looked with yearning to the West, and, in her mind, offered a plea to whatever Valar might be listening, or perhaps even to Eru who lay in some mysterious realm beyond. "If his name must remain a secret from Elves and Men, if Maura can not be remembered even by his own people, then cradle his fea with tenderness. Give him life long and gentle. Let him miss me, but not too much. Not enough that his heart would despair at my absence. And, at the end of days, if something lies beyond memory, show him the wonders of a place where no Orc or Morgoth may dwell."

As the hobbits sat and waited, the sky turned from blue to pink, then to red, and finally black. On far off peaks and valleys, the rumblings of some distant conflict were clearly to be heard. The children came and buried their heads in the laps of their mothers. And Lindo sang a lullabye to quiet and calm their fears.

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-19-2002, 10:46 AM

Child tugged a bit at Rose's skirt as the young girl swept by chasing one of the Snowhobbits. Rose halted for a moment and looked into Child's face. The woman's eyes held both joy and sorrow.

Then Child whispered to Rose. "Tell Lindo something for me. Tell him to let the Lonely Star pass beyond memory along with Rose and Child, but to teach the children the names of "Azra and Nitir". For these are engraved on our souls, and we will never lose them. They were a gift given by Maura on the day we decided to become part of this people. If I hear these names spoken again in some distant time, I will understand that a piece of Lindo and Maura live on within the hearts of our kin."

And Child was not sure what Mithadan would make of such a strange bargain, but her own heart, at least, was content.

[ August 20, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-19-2002, 01:53 PM

Several of the Snowhobbits came crowding around Child's knee begging for a story. Maura laughed and said, "It's your turn now. I've used up all my arsenal, and can't think of any more."

Child thought and thought. Many tales of the Third and Fourth Age came creeping back into her mind. Battles, Rings, Mount Doom? These would not do at all. She sorted through her images one-by-one, and then arrived at the perfect choice. She told the Snowhobbits the story of the mer-man Levanto and his hopeless love for the beautiful Elf Piosenniel. The boys loved the telling as Child made it very funny, explaining how Levanto had pursued the Elf day and night, and how she still managed to escape from his clutches.

The boys were very curious what a mer-man looked like and asked question after question. Child was happy to comply, spinning wild yarns about the daring mer-man and his exploits. When she finally came to the end of the tales, Maura came over with a puzzled face, "Is that true, Nitir? Or are you taking us on a wild chase again?" But she would only smile and not say anything more.

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-19-2002, 02:29 PM

Rose along with a few other hobbits, were exploring was little terrain they dared. They climed higher to the top of a peak. The air was this and cold though they hardly noticed. For what they saw around them made them breathless anyway.

To the south streached the land of Middle Earth. As it was in it's final days of the first age. It was a beutifull sight. It made the hobbits relize how very small they were.

More horrific things wait for them on the other sides of the mountains. As the turned to look north they could see a battle raging. As far as the eye could see armies fought for victory.

As Bird had found, hobbits forgot past troubles very easily. And Rose was not unlike other hobbits. However, forgetfull or not, she would never forget what she saw that day.

mark12_30

08-19-2002, 03:44 PM

A group of Snowhobbits stood loosely in a circle, with a pretty little lass in the center, laughing, and another Snowhobbit -- Tem-- outside the ring. They were singing.

Levanto, Levanto,
Silly, sorry Merman, He!
Pursuing Piosenniel
Away across the sea.

Tem dodged into the circle as the lass dodged out, and there followed a merry chase, in and out of the circle, with the Snowhobbits roughly fending Tem off, and the lass skipping and laughing and tossing her head. When Tem finally won through and threw himself onto his knees in front of the lass, she melodramatically pushed him backwards, and he collapsed onto the ground with a wail of despair, hands crossed over his (presumably shattered) heart as the group laughed and applauded. Then Tem joined the circle, and it was Tocca's turn. The lass sparkled with glee.

Lindo laughed and shook his head, wondering whether it was wise to be laughing over Levanto's heartbreak, whoever he was, and then decided he was being far too serious. But the name Piosenniel he knew.

He glanced over at Nitir, who had her hand over her mouth, giggling. He looked again, and saw that she was weeping as she giggled, tears streaming down her face. But she giggled on. Maura clearly did not know what to do.

Neither did Lindo, so he watched the game.

[ August 20, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Rose Cotton

08-19-2002, 04:57 PM

As soon as Rose got back from the top of the mountain she went to tell what she saw. She told Child in private first. She nodded and said. "Yes. I remember now. It's the War of Wrath. (is that right?)"

"Child?"
"What?"
"When we go back. When we go home. Will we be able to tell our tale. Can we tell the hobbits the story of thier race? It seams sad to go though all this and have no one know about it. Bird told me what she thought about hobbits forgetting, but. We aren't the only ones. The orcs forgot, the dark lords forgot, the elves. I wouldn't be suprised if the Valar themselves forgot. Are we that unimportant?"

Child of the 7th Age

08-19-2002, 06:06 PM

A number of the hobbits had started bonfires, and many of the adults huddled around these to stay warm. The children were still managing to keep the chill out of their bodies by wild antics and running about. The Orcs were long distant, down somewhere on the lower slopes of the mountain. From what the hobbits could see and hear, they guessed that the guards had consumed a very large quantity of ale which was the main provision they had toted along with them.

Child had finally managed to compose herself, putting the song of Levanto and Piosenniel out of her head. She had been a young girl once herself, and she knew the little ones didn't mean any harm. Better for them to remember the name Piosenniel with laughter rather than with sadness or remorse. There had been far too much of that in recent months.

Just then Child looked up and saw Rose. The girl had been exploring one of the craggy peaks that overlooked the mountain itself. Now she had a question. Child leaned over and listened. The two hobbits were careful to make certain no one else could hear them. For they had a strict duty to keep the secrets of time well hidden. Child thought about Rose's queery and struggled for an answer.

"What you say is true. The hobbits weren't the only ones to forget. Elves and Men also have few records of our history. But perhaps there's a reason for that. If the Shadow had known or guessed who we were, don't you think the quest of the Ring could have turned out differently? Perhaps the Valar do remember us and our lore, and they've kept silent so no one will suspect what they already know."

Child wondered if, even now, secrecy was needed to protect the hobbits and their part in the final battle of Arda. This is what Andreth's writings had suggested. But this thought, she kept to herself and did not share with Rose. For she knew Maura held the main ledger of Andreth in trust for his people, but had given the secret paper to Ancalimon to keep it safe from prying eyes.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

mark12_30

08-20-2002, 06:12 AM

The "Levanto" game finaly ended with all the Snowhobbits collapsed in the snow, exhausted. Lindo sauntered over. "Tocca."

Tocca blearily looked up. Lindo motioned him over, and Tocca dragged himself up and obeyed. Tem followed, curious.

"Tocca, what do you know about Piosenniel?"

"She was really pretty. And Levanto was crazy about her. And no matter what he did, she didn't love him back, " Tocca replied.

"Well, I don't know about that, " Lindo said, "except I know that she was, indeed, beautiful. But she was something else."

Tocca waited.

"She was a valiant warrior, and a good friend of Nitir, " Lindo said, softly. "Do you remember the Lady Idril?"

Tocca and Tem nodded.

"In the day of the Invasion of Gondolin, Piosenniel bravely defended the Lady Idril. She fell in battle, that day, in Idril's house."

The boys' jaws dropped, and they glanced at each other, thinking that the new game was about to disappear from the list of things they could get away with. But Lindo continued.

"I think, " he said, "that the boys in the circle need something to sing while Levanto is trying to win Piosenniel. Don't you? Perhaps two or three more verses, about how brave and strong she was. And perhaps another verse, only to be sung respectfully at the very end of the game, about her final stand in the city of Gondolin. Sing it for the lass in the middle of the circle."

Tem and Tocca nodded very seriously, and were quietly busy together for several hours afterward. Lindo said nothing about it to Nitir, afraid that she would forbid the remembrance of Piosenniel's last day. But NItir herself had brought up her name; and if she was going to be sung about, then for Idril's sake, Lindo wanted that day remembered. Such things were too easily forgotten. Far, far too easily forgotten. As an afterthought, he warned Tocca and Tem not to sing the verses in front of anybody else for a while yet; when Nitir left, he would release them to sing it.

[ August 20, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Birdland

08-20-2002, 06:49 AM

"Levanto, Levanto,
Silly, sorry Merman, He!
Pursuing Piosenniel
Away across the sea."

Bird was so shocked by what she heard that she almost slipped back into human form. To reduce the love of Levanto for Pio to a child's game song! She hopped along the branch she was sitting on, ready to sweep down on those gamboling boys and give them a piece of her mind.

Then she stopped, remembering back to the times when she herself had felt compelled to needle the Mer-Man, and her friend, Pio, about the situation. Levanto's huge ego had almost begged to have its bubble burst in some way. And he had carried his courtship out in such a light-handed way that one never stopped to wonder just what chance he thought to have to lure the Elf-woman away from her life on land.

It brought a smile to her face, to think of those days, not so long ago, when she had witnessed the one-sided affair of Levanto and Piosenniel. And then she thought about her own silly song that she would sing of The Two Skin-Changers. What long-lost tale of thwarted desire lay behind those verses? No one really remembered, or cared. It had become a tale of all lovers. And all love lost.

Still, of all the songs of Lindo that she had heard on this journey, she decided that this was one she would not bring back to Kali.

[ August 20, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-20-2002, 09:45 AM

Towards evening, the Orcs came back from the lower slopes of the mountain. Child noticed the number of guards seemed to be even smaller then before. Most of them were abominably drunk, with hot tempers and reeking breath. They edged over to the side of the encampment, and fell down in snoring sleep, not even bothering to post a guard.

The hobbits also started to settle for the night. About them, the sky continued its distant rumbles and intermittant flashes of lightning. But the children and adults had somehow learned to block out this show of noise and light. They went about their business as if everything was normal.

With the midnight march and the growing hope for freedom, few of the hobbits had gotten much sleep. Now, that lack of sleep was beginning to tell. Yawning children curled up with their parents. Even the three orphan boys lay down beside Lindo. He was singing a nightime song to them. Child looked about and smiled at the scene. It had been a very long time, since the children had been allowed to stay near their parents this way.

Child walked over to the ledge and studied the distant northern skies. Tired or not, she was determined not to fall asleep, not to lose this final moment of beauty and longing. So much good and so much evil. So much joy and sorrow. She could not sort it out anymore.

She sensed a presence at her shoulder, and turned around to look into the keen eyes of Ancalimon. "Do you think it goes well?" Child asked, nodding at the horizon.

"'Well'? Nothing of this sort goes "well" , but, yes, the Valar seem to be prevailing. Though I believe Morgoth may still have a trick or two."

Child remembered the story of the great winged wyrms. She hoped Angara would not have to come get her and Rose. For that could be painful.

Then she looked up and asked, "Is Rose right? Have our people been forgotten? Does our past mean so little that it can slip beyond the minds of Elves and Men, and even from the hands of the Valar?"

Then she turned to catch a glimse of Maura as he stood talking with the other hobbits. Ancalimon watched as Child's heart fixed upon the man. And she said with aching voice, "Why must this be so?"

And the cloaked grey figure understood what Child was asking, even though she could not find the right words. Ancalimon sighed and responded, "The ways of men are one thing, but those of the Valar are another." He gently chided her, "You have spoken with Lady Nienna. Surely you glimped something of her heart to help you answer this riddle."

Child nodded. Perhaps she did not understand as much of the riddle as Ancalimon thought she should, but she had felt untold compassion pouring towards her from the Lady with the skirts edged in snowflakes.

"And the Elves?" she asked.

"You may find they remember more than they say. For a number of them have reached out to your kin. Have you forgotten the Lady Idril, and how she rescued your friends? Galadriel also holds hobbits dear. Do you think this love will be swept away as if it was a stick caught in the waters of a flood? It will be there while you are alive and far beyond."

"And Andreth, I know you grieve because you fear so many names are lost. But do you believe tales are only recorded in the books of men and hobbits? Perhaps there are other volumes you do not know. And those may preserve the true story of Arda which men and hobbits sometimes forget. And, if such a record exists, Maura will be there, as well as you and your children, even the littlest one who died in your arms."

He gently chuckled at her, "I am afraid you are too fond of words, for not all truth lies in them. There are other ways of reading and understanding the story."

"So when you return to the Star, there is something you can do for me. In fact, not just for me, but for Maura as well."

Child listened intently to hear what he would suggest.

"After your arrival, go to the cabin which belonged to your friend Piosenniel. You'll find her papers still scattered about on the table. You'll see a letter from her which lists several of her belongings and the names of those she wanted to have these things after she departed for Mandos. I think you'll find she's left you a fine book of Elvish history and a small bronze mirror. Take the mirror and gaze into it. Then, look at it, truly look at it, and tell me what you see."

Child tried to prod him with questions about this strange mirror, but he laughed and refused to say any more. When Maura heard this silliness, he came over to join in.

Ancalimon left to tend the pony, and the two hobbits sat on the ledge for several hours, with their arms entwined about each other's waist. Each spoke of their hopes and dreams. Then Maura made Nitir give a solemn promise. She promised always to remember him, but not to grieve so much that the joy would depart from her heart. And they watched the skies light up with strange colors and conflicts, and wondered how it would end.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-20-2002, 11:11 AM

ooc: I think that even if we did tell Ancalimon about the Third Age it would made no difference. In this tale along with The LotR he seems the know everything anyways. Hm..I just thought of somthing. In LotR Gandalf tells Frodo that he thinks Gollum has a part to play. Well how would he know...unless he had some small hint. smilies/wink.gif ::

mark12_30

08-20-2002, 02:38 PM

Ancalimon approached Estel, and found Retya with him. Tocca and Tem were asleep by Lindo, but Retya couldn't sleep. He was looking up at the sky, nervously, and taking comfort in the pony. He jumped up when he saw Ancalimon coming.

"You'll help Lindo take good care of this pony, won't you?" Ancalimon said gently.

"Yes, sir, " Retya replied. "His bucket is getting empty, sir. I can melt some more snow for him by the bonfire."

Ancalimon nodded, and Retya caught up the bucket and ran off. Ancalimon nodded to Estel, and said, "I can relax about you even more than I thought I could. Don't get fat."

Estel snorted, drenching Ancalimon, who scowled. Estel pawed for grass under the snow, and didn't find much.

[ August 20, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Mithadan

08-20-2002, 06:59 PM

Mithadan watched the rapidly shrinking silhouette of the dragon as she sped off towards Beleriand. He sipped at a cup of fortified wine and squinted as Angara disappeared in the distance. For a long time, he remained at the rail, absent-mindedly tracing patterns on the dark wood with a finger. Then abruptly, as if he could remain still no more, he drew out a knife and sank it deep into the railing. He shook his head and drew a hand over his eyes, then down his face until his fingers encountered the beginnings of a beard which had sprouted during his long sleep. Yanking the knife from the wood, he examined the blade as if debating whether to shave with it. At that moment, Tule came up behind him and spoke.

"You are restless, Mithadan," he said. "What ails you?"

"I would have liked to have gone with Angara," he replied. "If only to set my blade into the chests of some orcs to honour the memory of a fallen comrade. I also worry about Child and Rose and the evil that they must have suffered."

"Angara has enough to do without carrying an additional burden," laughed Tule. "And can you think of no better way to do honour to your friend than to spill blood?"

"Maybe, once time has passed, I might write something in her honour, but words fail me now. It is too soon and I still grieve at her death." He shook his head. "This does no good. I should prepare for the return of Angara, Bird and the Hobbits -- if nothing goes wrong this time. Perhaps I should prepare a meal. They would like that."

"They would," agreed Tule.

Mithadan sighed. "I always envisioned the beauty of Beleriand when I heard tales of the First Age. But now I can taste the depths of the sadness of the Noldor and I do not like the flavour. The tales will be different for me now."

"Yet the tales are great and full of valour as well as sadness," replied the Elf. "We stand at the edge of great deeds and the end of a dark evil. Look and rejoice!"

Mithadan looked up at the sky. Far above a radiant star was moving quickly towards the Northeast. As it passed, it grew brighter rather than dimmer and appeared to move lower in the sky. The Man nodded in salute to his ancestor...

piosenniel

08-20-2002, 08:17 PM

Angara sped across the waters as the day deepened into night. No stars hung in the dark heavens as she passed, and even the moon was blotted out by the light of battle as the host of the Valar advanced on Angband.

She flew east of the River Sirion now as she gained the land, daring to increase her size and so increase her speed as well, still keeping well away from the main thrust of the Valar.

Now she passed Andram, the Long Wall, and picking up speed, crossed the plain into Doriath. Around the great forest, once the kingdom of Thingol and Melian, she turned a little more eastward and followed the course of the River Aros north to Ered Gorgoroth.

The Mountains of Terror fell away below her as she crossed into Dorthonion, and headed for the highland area.

Who flies on this dread night, alone, and toward Anfauglith? came the challenge from the skies, as a rush of wings encircled her, halting her in her path.

All were called by Thorondor to aid the Valar. Eärendel sails to meet the dragons which have beset the Host, and we would know if you mean to aid us in the battle or aid the fell wyrms of Morgoth. The great eagles pressed in close about her.

I do not mean to hinder you. spoke Angara. My intent, though, is solely for the rescue of two prisoners held by orcs here in Dorthonion. They must be brought safely out of Beleriand before this battle has seen its end.

She speaks the truth. said one of the eagles drawing near to her, and facing his companions. This is the dragon, Angara, who was late a guest of Thorondor at Cirith Thoronath. She was there when Gondolin fell, with her companions. Some of whom perished in the battle against Morgoth.

He turned to face her. You must fly hard now. The terrible light of battle grows brighter in the North. Eärendil has almost reached the western slopes of Thangorodrim, and we must leave to meet the southward thrust of the dragons as they drive against the Host of the Valar. Fare well!

'And fare well to you.' thought Angara to her self as she sped on, though her heart was heavy with the knowledge they must meet in dire battle with members of her own race, now corrupted into evil by Morgoth.

Soon she entered the high reaches of Taur-nu-Fuin, and dropping a little lower, circled the wide area until she spied a fire of some sort burning in a clearing.

She decreased her size and flew lower. It was an encampment of hobbits! Many hobbits. And by the looks of it they were all sleeping. She flew with stealth around the perimeter and saw few guards in the area. Those she did were all passed out upon the ground, their weapons in careless disarray about them.

Child! called the dragon, now the size of a kitten. Make ready! Gather Rose and Bird. I have come for you!

She perched in the boughs of a tall pine tree and waited.

-----------------------------------------

It was the middle of the night. The whole encampment had retired. Most of the women and children slept, but the men lay awake, alert and waiting for a signal from Bullroarer. Concealed at their sides were axes which had been toted along from the lowland timber range. The men had moved their bedrolls along the edge of camp, sandwiching themselves between the Orcs and their own families.
Child herself could not sleep. Too much was whirling back and forth inside. Then, in the quiet, she felt a presence within her mind. It was a familiar tug she had sensed many times before when sitting on the deck of the Star and looking out at the evening sea. Not now, she thought. Not yet! Don't let it end so soon.

But, the whispers of the dragon were soon drowned out by yet another sound, one that Child had hoped to hear for a very long time. The guards had paid scant attention to the prisoners in recent days. They had lusted for the blood of battle and drowned their anger in a torrent of ale. The Orcs lay sodden and sleeping on the ground, their swords and spears in disarray. They had not posted guards as they saw no reason to fear the docile rats under their control. Outwardly, the hobbits seemed like the same obedient creatures that the Orcs had cowed and bullied for months.

One of the Snowhobbits awoke in the middle of the night, and caught a fleeting glimpse of Estel pawing for grass near the guards. Fearing for the life of his beloved pony, the lad dashed over to that side of the hill and came crashing into one of the sleepers.

In that instant, bedlam descended on the camp. The Orc drew his spear, intending to make short work of the child. Led by the charging Bullroarer, the hobbits responded with pent up rage. For the first time in months, they could strike a blow for their families who had suffered so much and so long. Axes miraculously appeared from under cloaks and blankets.

Still groggy from the ale, the Orcs awoke fumbling for their weapons. Within less than a minute, the two sides were fighting fiercely. The Orcs had the advantage of size and sheer might, but the hobbits were adept and light-footed and more numerous. And they were seized with a fury which had known no outlet for month-after-month and murder-after-murder.

Child stared upward to the skies. Above all, she saw the figure of a winged dragon framed in green and gold. The beast bellowed in rage at the Orcs. Then, out of nowhere, the call was taken up by a second winged form, this one shining in colors of black and white. As the two sped onto the field out of nowhere, the mountain erupted into fire and smoke. Several of the hobbits hid their heads in fear.

Child peered over to the raging bands. She could vaguely make out the battling forms of Ban and Maura and Lindo. In the thick of the inferno, towering over the hobbits, Ancalimon wielded his staff and sword. Beside him was another familiar sight. For, out of that entourage, could be seen one lone maiden, her curls bound back and sword in hand. One part of Child's mind was deeply concerned for Rose's safety, while the other wondered how she had ever managed to find that sword.

The hobbits had finished off many of their captors, either with axes or by tumbling them over the cliff. At that moment, two winged beasts surged over the battlefield. They raced forward with great flames spouting out onto the retreating figures. Within a moment, not a single Ore was left alive. And every hobbit man, woman, and child stood up and cheered to see the Orcs slain and freedom won.

[ August 20, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Birdland

08-20-2002, 08:25 PM

Suddenly, in the midst of the victorious carnage, Golden Angara landed to join in the celebration. Her effect on the hobbits was immediate. Mothers screamed and grabbed for their children. The men folk re-gathered their weapons and surrounded the great Wyrm.

Niter and Azra called out frantically, trying to push their way through the confused, frightened gathering. "No! Wait!" cried Niter, "It's alright. She was fighting for you!" Some heads turned and looked at the persistant halfling as she tried to make herself heard, and since the dragon remained perfectly still and made no threat, they paused with weapons raised.

But suddenly, another dragon, black and silver descended from the skies, also calling, "Wait! Stop!" The crowd around Angara gasped in fear as it seemed that all the Wyrms of Morgoth were coming down upon them. The mass of Hobbits surged back as swords and pikes were again raised.

The black and silver dragon landed beside the gold, and rising on its hind legs, stretched its mighty claws towards the Halflings, calling "Stop!" Then suddenly, a confused look came upon the wyrm's face. Looking down at its massive form, it shrugged in embarrassment, muttered "Oh. sorry about that", and immediately began to melt.

Dead silence descended on the Halflings of Gondolin, as the golden dragon shrank to the size of a cat, and the black and silver blurred and ran, until nothing was left but a small, bedraggled woman. The only sound to be heard was Ancalimon, laughing so hard he had to lean on his staff.

Then Niter and Azra ran forward, calling "Angara! Bird!" The woman held out her arms and embraced the two hobbits, and the golden dragon wound herself around their feet.

Slowly Maura, Lindo, and the Snow Hobbits pushed their way forward. Maura suddenly burst out laughing as well. But Lindo just stood, shaking his head in wonder as one small part of Niter and Azra's secret was revealed. For one instant, he still expected to see a small black and white crow descend from a tree and try to snatch his cloak pin.

The woman looked up over the shoulders of her friends, then stood up, brushing off her skirt and slowly approaching the group. "Hullo, Maura. Lindo. I hardly feel that we have been introduced."

For the first time, Lindo noticed that the woman's coal black hair was marked at the forehead with one streak of pure white.

mark12_30

08-20-2002, 08:39 PM

Maura spoke briefly and joyously with Bird, and then expectantly turned to watch Lindo's reaction to the shape-changer. Maura wondered if today would be a day of freedom in more ways than one.

Maura was not disappointed. Lindo stepped forward cautiously, eyeing the white streak against the raven-black hair, considering the mischief in the woman's eyes. The Snowhobbits looked back and forth from Lindo to the woman, and watched Lindo's face.

He inched towards her, fascinated and almost mesmerised. There was something about her that was wilder than a pony, as wild as a storm, as wild as the sea. She met his gaze, and in her eyes, he saw under the ocean, and above the treetops and mountaintops; he sensed the whipping, rushing wind, and the restless waves and the wide open spaces; and he saw the world as a huge, untamed place.

Her hair was a long tangle. He was close enough to touch her, and still mesmerised, he began to reach for her hair. She watched him, and decided to humor him, eyes sparkling, wondering what he would do.

But he caught himself, and stopped, his eyes still locked on her hair; and he knew that the tangles had come from battling storm after storm. No wonder her eyes were full of laughter. He wondered what it was like for her, to abandon herself to the high sunlit halls of air, or to the mysterious chasms beneath the waves, and to not care whether she combed her hair from one week to the next.

Suddenly the cold air tasted intoxicating, and the tumbling mountainsides beckoned him, pulling at his soul, and the sky was wider than it had ever been before.

She was still laughing, silently, at him, eyes full of mischief. And as he tore his eyes away from that glorious tangle of hair and returned to her smiling face, he began laughing aloud at himself.

She joined him gladly, and they had a good long laugh at his expense. Maura, also laughing, watched Lindo knowing that he would never be the same. The Snowhobbits were a bit baffled.

Angara joined in the laughter, and the Snowhobbits approached her. Feeling magnanimous, she stretched out a claw towards them, for them to marvel at, which they did. A mild puff of smoke made them step back, and then she turned and looked at Lindo.

Well met, elfling, she purred.

He replied, Thank you; thanks for what you did today, and the part you have played in all this. And-- please take good care of Nitir and Azra.

She nodded.

He returned his attention to Bird. Still marvelling at the sense of sheer freedom she had about her, Lindo lightly caught Bird's hand, and kissed it. (The Snowhobbits glanced at each other, reserving judgement til later.) Words were unnecessary, and both Lindo and Bird knew it. Bird gave Lindo another mischievous smile, and then Bird and Maura turned back to Nitir and Azra.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-20-2002, 08:49 PM

After the uproar and excitement had abated, Angara whispered a command into the minds of Child and Rose, "Now, come, we must go! The ship awaits us." And she grew larger one more time. But the hobbits were no longer frightened of her and crowded about with curiosity. Some of the braver children even reached out to touch her scales with their fingertips.

Bird tipped her head to acknowledge the hobbits crowding around them. Then she slid upon Angara's back. Rose ran to the dragon next with sword and pack in hand. But Child stood still, her feet planted in the snow. Then the hobbit did something she had never done before. For, mind to mind, and eye to eye, she projected back to Angara her own thoughts and feelings. "I go nowhere until I am certain that my kin stand in a dry, fertile land."

Angara arched her neck and observed the small, determined figure. She replied to Child with a tone of respect she had never accorded her before, "As you wish, Mistress Goodchilde. But please hurry, as your friends may be placed in danger."

Then all around the ground shook. Many hobbits fell, and others clutched the land in fear. Child felt as if she had slipped by mistake into Kali's dream. For it was just as he had described to Faramir so many months before. The water plummetted forward and gouged holes within the ground so that the sea rushed over the land.

The hobbits looked below, and saw rivers that grew in size, and others that plunged down, disappearing under the earth. Streams that had flowed east before, now turned around and faced west. Valleys rose up, and hills fell, and all about them, the water came rushing in. After a while, they stood alone on an island in the Sea.

The snow itself had disappeared as the warm currents cradled the land. And Child and the other hobbits could see that this island was green and would support life and growing things. And Child knew the time had come.

First, Rose said warm goodbyes to all, and went to slip onto Angara's back. Lindo came and spoke something softly to her. Rose smiled in response and kissed him on his brown curls. Then she looked towards the sky and waited for her friend.

Now it was time for Child. She waved goodbye to the children, and told them to find happiness in the small things of life. She hugged Zira and Ban and Lindo. Then she said how much she'd miss them, and how nice it had been just to know they were near. After that, Ancalimon came to her and promised they'd talk again someday.

Finally, she turned to Maura. He wrapped his arms about her, and whispered in her ear, "Do not forget, little one. Never forget our promise."

She nodded and buried her head into his shoulder. Then he said loud enough for all to hear, "Nitir, daughter of Andreth, you hold the heart of our people within your hands. I love you for who you are, and for what you go to do. And I will rememember you to the end of my days, and even beyond."

She replied, "Maura, you will never leave my heart. I love you, though we must wait till the end of time to meet again."

Then, their small bodies slid apart, and Child turned to mount the dragon. As Angara rose, the hobbit looked straight ahead. But the wind was so cold that it singed her face, and the tears would not stop streaking down as she sped back towards the Star.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-20-2002, 09:52 PM

Ancalagon the Black, mightiest of the dragon host, strove against Eärendel. But in the late of night he was overcome, and Eärendel cast him down from the sky, where he fell upon the towers of Thangorodrim, and they were broken. Then did the sun rise and the host of the Valar prevail against the armies of Morgoth. Dragons were destroyed, the pits of Morgoth broken open, and the mighty Valar descended into the deeps of the earth to subdue Morgoth.

In this great fury of battle, the regions of the northern world were torn asunder and the sea poured in through wide chasms. Rivers were lost, hills plowed under, and valleys heaved up. The waters of the Great Sea flowed up and over the now broken lands of Beleriand.

The Lonely Star began to pitch and roll on the increasingly restless sea.

Veritas and Khelek attempted to stabilize the the ship, while Mithadan and Tulë lowered and secured the sails, and battened down the hatches. Daisy and Kali had been sent below in fear that they might be swept over the side in the swelling waves.

'The waves are becoming dangerous!' shouted Veritas to her companions now on deck with her. 'We may have to shift time soon or lose the ship.'

'We cannot leave our companions to fend for themselves!' cried Mithadan against the increasing roar of the water. 'We must wait until Angara returns with them!'

'We cannot wait long, or there will be no ship at all for them to return to.' said Khelek.

'Can none of you contact Angara and tell her she must hurry?' asked Mithadan in desperation.

'It is too far for my ability.' said Khelek. Veritas shook her head 'no' - 'Too far for mine, also.'

Tulë turned toward the direction in which the dragon had flown and focused his gaze across the endless, moving waters. 'I will call her.' he said, holding tight to the helm deck railing.

Angara! You must come back and quickly! The ship is in grave danger. If we do not leave this time soon, then we will sink beneath the seas!

We come! Do not leave us! came the reply.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

08-21-2002, 04:38 AM

As they flew into the sky Rose tried to keep her eyes on Lindo as long as possible. But her vision was blury with tears and she could hardly see him at all. As soon as the hobbits were out of sight Rose buried her face in Angara's neck. She knew Child was crying too.

Though soon thier heads were lifted up by what lay around them. They watched as the land finnished it's changes and the Sun shown down from the sky. Then suddenly,

"Child! I see it. Child, look! The Lonely Star."

Child of the 7th Age

08-21-2002, 09:01 AM

Child looked groggily down to where Rose pointed. Yes, it was the Lonely Star but caught within a maelstrom of furious gusts and churning waters. For one hideous instant, as the ship swung upward on the crest of a giant wave, Child feared it would be sucked down to the ocean floor. But then it slid off at the peak and came back within the whirling waters.

At this point, Angara slammed savagely into the deck, spilling everyone from her back onto the hard wooden planks. The three riders found themselves scattered in different directions. Bird crashed into the ladder which led to the galley. She managed to lodge herself against it and wrap her arms tightly around a barrel that stood nearby. The force threw Rose clear to the other side of the vessel. Her limp body slumped perilously over the top rail. Child recalled little after that. She saw Rose and Bird lying on deck, and part of her wondered if someone on the ship would come and claim their bodies. Then she felt herself hurled in the direction of the mast. She landed with a thud. At the same moment, the ship lurched forward as if propelled to a different time and place. The last thing Child remembered thinking was that there was no turning back for she had truly left her beloved hobbits and Beleriand.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-21-2002, 09:24 AM

'Get them below!' shouted Khelek, carrying Rose down the stairs. The ship pitched dangerously, nearly throwing her from his grip.

Tulë grabbed Child and Bird and rushed them down below. They were met by Kali and Daisy, who quickly wrapped them in warm blankets.

The elf ran back to collect the dragon, lying dazed on the deck. He gathered her in his arms and took her down to the companions below.

'Where are Veritas and Mithadan?' asked Khelek. 'Still above.' replied the elf. 'I will see to them. You stay here and keep the others safe.'

Taking the stairs two at a time, Tulë raced to where Mithadan and Veritas stood at the helm. Veritas had the crystal case open and had moved the crystal to a new position.

'Where are you taking us?' asked the elf.

'To the Fourth Age.' said the man. 'We will be safe and unnoticed in those waters until we have all recovered and are ready to proceed.'

'Stay your hand for a moment, then Veritas. Mithadan, help me get Levanto aboard before we shift times.'

Tulë called the mer-man to the side of the ship, and they hauled him up as quickly as possible by rope.

A monstrous wave washed over the ship, as the three of them clung frantically to the railing.

Then time suspended itself for a brief moment, and the ship came to rest in the calm waters of the Fourth Age.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

08-21-2002, 12:42 PM

Rose woke up alone in her room on the Lonely Star. It must have been a dream. She thought. I had a dream that we went to the first age and me and Child had to rescue hobbits and Pio died and...Pio. Rose got up from her bed and rushed down the hall. She had to see. If it was just a dream. If none of it had been real. She reached Pio's room. But the only one there was Daisy sitting on her oun bed.

"Rose, your awake!" cried Daisy.
"Pio." Said Rose.
"What?"
"Pio. Where is she?" Daisy looked at her with mixed worry and pity.
"Rose, Pio is dead. She died in that battle." So it wasn't just a dream."Are you alright?"

"Yes." Said Rose, now feeling very tired. "Just alittle disoriented." She smiled. "It's good to see you Daisy. I'm going on deck to see whats happening and where we are."

ooc: You must relize that was alot of adventure for one little hobbit to take in.::

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-21-2002, 03:51 PM

Kali looked over at Child who lay in bed under a warm blanket. The top of her head was swathed by a bandage. Daisy had clipped off a few of Child's curls to clean and tend the wound. Then she had wound a bandage around her head a number of times to make sure the gash would stay clean. Kali wondered what Child would think if she looked at herself in a mirror.

Child was a mass of bumps and bruises, but fortunately nothing had been broken. Although the hobbit was not yet awake, she shifted gently in her sleep. Her eyelids were closed, but they fluttered softly as dreams streamed by.

Kali wondered what Child's dreams might be. Bird had mentioned a few things which suggested Child might be sad when she finally awoke. Kali hoped not. He himself felt a little sad that others were going off to help him, and giving up so many things, while he stayed behind on the ship. He hoped he would be able to join in on the next rescue. But, so far, Mithadan hadn't mentioned anything about that.

At least Child's face did not look sad now. In fact, Kali thought it looked happy and peaceful. Despite the bandages and bruises, the hobbit looked prettier and more serene that Kali had ever seen her. Her face radiated a gentle light. And her skin looked soft and pink.

Kali glanced out of the small porthole to gaze at the sun which loomed high overhead. Daisy had told him Child had been hurt most severely so she needed to be watched and nursed. And Kali had volunteered for the job. If Mistress Goodchilde could spend months in a prison camp to help locate his family, the hobbrim figured he could spend a few hours helping to care for her.

Kali checked on the sun every now and then. Daisy had said he would have to awaken Child if she was still sleeping when the sun dipped down to the sea. Kali hoped he didn't have to do that. He somehow sensed that the hobbit was happier in her dreams than she might be on the ship. So, he waited and watched, and kept careful watch on her.

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-21-2002, 05:43 PM

It had been a long time since the ocean wind had played with her hair and the salty smell of the water filled her nostrills. It was relaxing. Rose hadn't spent much time on the Lonely Star, but still so many memories were attached to it.

On deck she found Veritas, Khelek, and another elf. They turned to her as she approached. "You really should rest Rose," said Veritas. "So that your wounds can heal and you can regain your streanth." only now did Rose notice that her body was bandaged were she had suffered wounds. She didn't let that bother her.

" I can rest later. What's going on? Where are we? Where are we going? And," Rose turned to the stranger. "Who are you, master elf?"

piosenniel

08-21-2002, 05:56 PM

Tulë had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, baring his forearms to the afternoon sun. A mild breeze ruffled his short, raven black hair as he checked the ship for any damage done during the storm. Satisfied that the only problems were cosmetic, and minor ones , at that, he went up to the helm deck to see if Veritas needed his assistance.

'So far all has checked out well, Tulë. In fact, I'm done here and was just going to relax with some wine. Care to join me?' They brought two chairs to the bow railing and placed a small crate between them as a table. Veritas poured two goblets of dark red wine and handed one to Tulë.

'To The Lonely Star!' said Tulë, raising his wine to Veritas. 'To the Star!' she said in return. The clink of goblets sealed the toast.

Tulë sipped the wine appreciatively, taking in its bouquet and savoring its flavors. 'From the land by the River Celduin, is it not?' he asked as he freshened both his and Veritas' drinks.

'Yes, one of Dorwinion's finest!' said Veritas. 'You've got to hand it to Mithadan, he didn't stint on quality when he laid in the wine for us!' She looked about the deck for the man. 'Speaking of Mithadan, where is he? I haven't seen him for a while now.'

At that moment, a savory smell wafted up from the galley area, borne on the soft sea breeze.

Tulë smiled. 'If my nose serves me right, I believe you will find him down in the galley. Making dinner for the returnees was on his agenda before the sea went on its rampage.' His stomach rumbled hungrily at the thought of food.

'I'm ravenous, too!' said Veritas, grinning. 'Let's take the last of the wine downstairs and see if he might need a taste tester or two to critique his offering.'

Veritas gathered up the bottle of wine and her goblet and went below deck. Tulë followed, bearing his own goblet and his growling stomach.

piosenniel

08-21-2002, 06:06 PM

'Come with us!' said Veritas to Rose, as they passed her on their way to the stairs. 'We are on our way to offer our assistance to the cook.'

'Yes, come below with us,' said Tulë smiling impishly at her, 'and we will introduce ourselves to each other.' He looked her up and down, his eyebrows raised, and a merry look in his eyes. 'You look as if you have a few tales to tell us.'

He bowed to her and bade her follow Veritas. 'This way, pretty lass, if you will!'

Child of the 7th Age

08-21-2002, 06:38 PM

Kali slowly put his hand out to Child's shoulder and tapped her hesitantly. When that did not have the desired effect, he gripped her a bit harder and shook. In a moment or two, he heard a groggy response.

Child opened her eyes and sat up slowly looking about the cabin. She put a hand up to her bandage and moaned. Her entire body ached acutely. Then she put her hand up to her throat feeling for the chain with its single stone. Once she was certain it was there, she visibly relaxed.

Then she looked over and saw Kali. She smiled at him. "Where are we?" she asked.

"On the Star," the hobbrim explained.

"No, I didn't mean that. I know we're on the ship, but what age are we in?" she responded.

Kali looked over to her and laughed. Child didn't seem that different than before she'd gone to Beleriand. "We've returned to the Fourth Age for a little bit" Kali explained. "Doctor's orders are rest and rehabilitation for everyone on board, but especially for you and Bird and Rose."

"They're alright. I mean, Bird and Rose?," she queried.

"They're fine. Both of them are up and about the ship, I think. You're the last one left in bed."

"In that case," retorted Child, "I'd better get up too." She went to pull herself out of the covers, but the entire room began spinning and diving. She sighed and lay down again. "Well, it looks as if I'm stuck here for a little while."

"Is there something I can get you?" Kali asked.

"Yes, Kali. You can tell me how you're doing, and also what's happened here. I thought I just saw someone go by in the corridor I didn't even recognize." Child shook her head. She'd gone away for a little while, and it looked as if everything had changed!

Kali began explaining about the Elf Tule and how Veritas was doing Piosenniel's old job. Child felt vaguely uncomfortable. Perhaps, she had been away too long. Nothing seemed quite right or comfortable with her friend Pio missing.

"Kali, maybe you can round up some visitors for me. There must be someone on the ship who'd like to talk with an old friend."

"And I'm wondering if you'd do another favor for me." Then Child explained about Piosenniel's letter. She asked him to look for it, and the other things Gandalf had mentioned, especially the bronze mirror."

Kali promised to do this, and then went down to the galley to find Child something to eat.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-21-2002, 11:31 PM

Child could see the stars dimly through her little port hole. She had tried getting up several times, but had only succeeded in giving herself an even larger headache. Hour after hour had passed. No one had popped their head in her door, or stopped by with a drink or a hello. Kali had gone back to his work, and promised to check on her later. Child felt dismally lonely. She missed Snowhobbits and Lindo, and a hundred other things.

All these strange people, and no Piosenniel. It didn't even seem like the same ship anymore. In the camps, there had always been people around to laugh and cry with. The children would run up to her and rub their heads in her skirt. She had a wild fantasy of slipping a skiff over the side of the Star and padling furiously back to land. Maybe she could find her way back to the Shire and start a school for children. But, of course, that was ridiculous. She had given her word to Ancalimon and Maura to see this thing through, and she was not going back on that.

Just then, the door opened slowly and Kali edged from from the hallway. She quickly dried her eyes, and asked him, "Where is everybody?"

Kali looked down at the floor and shrugged. He wouldn't even meet Child's eyes. "I guess they're at work," he said.

"At work?!! I go away for over seventy years, and they're too busy working to drop in for a chat?" Child's mood was swinging from loneliness to anger. She was beginning to wonder what kind of place the Star had become. This tall Elf pacing by in the hallway had looked very solemn and serious. An impish voice inside her head said that Tule must have eaten one too many pickles to have such a sour look upon his face.

Kali looked at Child and spoke softly, "Maybe they're a little afraid to come in here and visit."

Child stared at him with wide eyes. "But why would anyone be afraid of me?"

Kali looked up at her. "When I lost my mother, the last person in my family, my friends came once to say they were sorry, but some of them never came again. I guess they didn't feel comfortable because they thought I was sad, and they didn't know what words to say."

Child looked puzzled and was about to ask what any of that had to do with her. Then the realty of Kali's words pushed into her head. "Kali, the words that Maura and I spoke to each other in front of Bird and Angara and Rose, are those the sad words you mean?"

He shook his head yes. "And there were other things too. Bad things that happened to hobbits. You tried to stop them, but you couldn't."

"Tule said we should leave you alone, and not bother you. When he feels sad, he goes by himself and remembers things. He told us to respect your sorrow and not say anything about why you were sad."

Child shook her head. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You tell that blockhead Tule that I'm not an Elf. I'm a hobbit. And I like to see people, even if I'm sad. And if Daisy or you want to ask me questions about the hobbits and the camps, or even about the mysterious Maura, that's just fine with me."

Kali shook his head yes. "We wanted to see you, but we didn't want to make you sad."

"Believe me Kali, talking with you two won't make me sad."

"One more thing, Kali. Tell Angara, I'd better see her cheerful face in my room. Tell her I survived 73 years in a prison camp without a single gash or bruise. She did more physical damage to me in one short flight than all of the Orcs in Beleriand combined." Child figured that should get her attention, and rouse up her ire to come in and talk.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-21-2002, 11:42 PM

Angara roused herself from her sleep, and stretched mightily. Someone had put her in Pio's room after she slammed herself against something very hard and unyielding trying to land back on the deck.
She checked herself over, and decided that except for a couple of minor scrapes and a bruised ego, she was fine.

Hopping down from the bed, she was just ambling toward the galley when she overheard Child talking with Kali. So, the poor elf was barely cold and already they were going through her things!

'Hmmmph! No respect for their elders, these young ones.' She hastened back to Pio's room before Kali could come out into the hall and find her. Nosing about in the elf's untidy mess, she found the letter Child had mentioned and tucking it beneath her wing, she went back down the hall and entered Child's room.

'Hello, Child! Were you looking for me?' she purred, as she hopped onto the bed. Drawing close to Child's face, her golden eyes glowed, and she held forth the folded piece of paper with her talons.

'Now what's all this I hear of you sending Kali to steal a letter from Pio's room?'

Child of the 7th Age

08-22-2002, 12:01 AM

Child did not have long to wait. She had hoped for a little chat with Angara, but this was not exactly what she had in mind. The dragon came purring into the room accusing her of theft and piracy. In another minure, Angara was roaring. At least, this seemed a bit more like the ship Child was used to. It took her a little while to understand what Angara was actually saying.

Child looked at the dragon and tried not to laugh. Then she related how she had been close friends in Beleriand with one of the messengers sent from the house of Nienna the Vala. She told how Ancalimon had known about the letters and told her what she must do.

Angara didn't seem to be too impressed with this explanation about the mirror or Child's namedropping. Child, however, reminded her that there were other names on the list of bequests. In fact, knowing the generosity of the Elf, she expected all her shipmates would be given loving presents. Angara whipped out the letter from under her wing and handed it to Child. They went down the list together and found Angara's name with several items listed. The dragon stepped on Child's toes in her eagerness to see exactly what she had been given. Angara whipped back the letter from Child, and announced that she would read Pio's will and testament tomorrow in the galley. And no one could have any of the presents till then, not even if the Lady Nienna herself came on board the Lonely Star.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Birdland

08-22-2002, 05:16 AM

Birdie, hearing the sound of laughter from Child's room, popped her head into the room, and hobbled over to the bed, favoring a bruised knee.

"Well, it's good to see you up and awake, Child," she said, giving the halfling a hug and making room for herself on the edge of the bed by scooching into Angara. "Move over some, wyrm, or I will morph into my fine, new form and burst out the walls of this cabin." Angara blew a puff of annoyed smoke and curled up on Child's shoulder. "Don't get too full of yourself, changling. A real dragon would spot you for what you are a league away."

"Now what is this about a letter?" asked Bird, and Child explained about Pio's last words and the small mirror. Bird gazed down at the letter and said sadly, "I never thought of the Elf-Folk having need for a last will. Do you suppose she had some idea of how things would end for her in Gondolin?"

None had a response to this, though all had pondered this very question themselves. Bird sighed, saying "Well, read it when you think best, Child. There is nothing that could be given that would replace the friendship of Pio in my heart. But what of this mirror?"

mark12_30

08-22-2002, 05:24 AM

The dragon had faded from sight about an hour ago. Lindo looked around. Hobbits were clustered in little groups all over the mountainside; although many were finally done weeping, some were still not finished.

But now, the very last distant sense of the dragon's mind was gone, and Lindo knew that Angara had gone somewhere else in time. He hoped that they were all safe; somehow he did not fear for them.

Maura stood alone far from the rest of the group, looking westward, with his hands in his pockets. Zira and Ban were watching him, waiting for him to turn around; they would not approach him til then.

Lindo looked down at the curly head resting on his knee, and the other two boys that sat together by his side. They did not look at each other or at him as they wept, but they had deep comfort in each other. The storm was gone by; the light rain still fell. Lindo waited.

Tomba and Kemba had picked up the ugly knives that they had taken from the orc-bodies, and gone off to explore. Lindo wanted to go with them, but his own boys weren't ready, and so he waited. Finally he touched each one on the shoulder.

"None of us have ever seen the sea, " he said, "but today the sea has come to us. Let's go down, and see what it is like. We have a whole mountaintop to explore. Are you ready?"

Tocca and Tem nodded, expectantly, and stood. Retya raised his head off of Lindo's knee, slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes, and gazed at Lindo. "Won't they ever come back?"

"No, not for hundreds of years, " Lindo replied. "We will write songs about them, and remember them, and teach the children's children to look for them. But you and I will never see them again. We will be long gone by the time they return. I'm sorry."

Retya heaved a great sigh. "But I wanted you to marry Azra."

There was a moment's stunned silence, and then, "What!?" Lindo burst out laughing and mussed Retya's hair. "Retya, that's silly! She's still in her teens. She's much closer to your age than mine! She's nowhere near being of age. "

"I know, but still. She was always good with all the children in the Workhouse. She would have been a good mom."

Lindo's laughter slowly faded, gradually replaced by something akin to panic. "Ah-- eh, well-- let's go and explore the water's edge, " he replied nervously. "Come on. Tomba and Kemba have already gone."

"We've got to bring Estel, " Retya replied, and locating the pony, he jumped up and ran off to fetch him. Lindo, wildeyed, slowly stood up and scratched his fingers through his hair and shook his head.

"Don't worry, Dad, " Tocca replied, and for a second, Lindo glanced around to see who he was talking to, and then he realised Tocca meant him. "We'll do all right by ourselves. Won't we?"

"Yes... yes, right," Lindo replied with an uneasy laugh, and gave Tocca a hug. Tem lined up for a hug too, and nearby, Retya spoke from the pony's back. "What are we waiting for?"

"How come you always get to ride?" Tem groused indignantly, and Retya, selectively drumming with his heels, expertly turned the bridle-less pony, and headed downhill. Tem and Tocca followed, gamboling.

Lindo looked westward, and saw Zira and Ban talking to Maura. Maura still had a sad, slightly distracted air about him, but he was already looking around the hillside, gesturing and talking with Ban and Zira, and Lindo knew he was planning where to put burrows and what ground to till. Lindo was satisfied. When Maura's expressive hands were moving, he was all right.

And that meant the whole settlement would be all right.

Then Lindo turned and watched the boys, laughing and frolicking dangerously around Estel's heels, and aiming for Tomba and Kemba. But then Retya turned, looking back at Lindo, and as Retya called, Lindo heard an echo of the tumbling mountainside, where it reached down, down, down, finally plunging into the depths of the sea below. He drank in the sweet mountain air, now mixed with the tang of the sea, and it brought a wild laugh out of him before he knew it. Suddenly abandoning himself to the mountainside, he threw himself into a full run downhill after his sons.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Rose Cotton

08-22-2002, 05:43 AM

After following the elves around the ship, pestering them for answers Rose was finnally given some work to do. She was cooking some supper when Kali came to her and said Child needed some company. So Rose went to join the group that now recided in Child's cabin.

"I hear your complaining about seeing nobody. Well I've seen alot of you. But everytime I checked in you were asleep." It was plain to see that Rose was enjoying herself back on the Lonely Star. When she was told about Pio's will and testament she frowned. Hobbit's were used to getting small meaningless trinkets from thier relitives. "Now that won't do. I've already got two things from Pio, her sword and her friendship."

piosenniel

08-22-2002, 08:53 AM

Hearing that Child was awake and wanting visitors now, Daisy headed toward her room. She arrived just in time to hear both Angara and Bird speak about presents from Pio. She paused just outside the door to hear the conversations in full. Interest turned to puzzlement, and then to anger as she heard them speaking about what they might get.

She passed Rose in the hallway as she ran to the galley to get a store of food. Seeing Rose enter Child's room, she thought, 'Even her?'

Tulë eyed her with interest as he watched her gather a sizable tray of food and a large flask of water.

'May I help you, Daisy?'he offered, as the pyramid of food threatened to slide off the tray. 'Perhaps if we put it on two we can carry it more easily.' He divided the foods between two trays. 'May I ask what you intend to do with this food? Is there a party I don't know about?' he said, popping a stray fig into his mouth, and picking up the two trays for her.

She looked at him, wondering how much she could trust him. He didn't know Lady Pio, and had no interest in getting any of her belongings. She made up her mind.

'Not a party, Tulë. I expect it to be more of a siege.' As she led him to her room, she explained in hushed tones what the others were planning to do.

'I see.', he said, his face serious at her explanation. 'And you feel this is not the right thing to do? Have you spoken with Child and the others?'

'No. They seemed so determined when I heard them. Especially when I heard her and the dragon speaking. Maybe Pio has family somewhere that should get her things. I don't know . . . I don't want them pawing through her belongings! It's all there is left of her!' Tears ran down her face. 'I am just going to bar their entrance until they come to their senses!'

They had reached Daisy's room that she had shared with the now gone elf. Tulë placed the trays on the table between the two beds, and watched her lock the porthole and shove the large clothes chest nearer the door.

'You'ld better leave now.' she told the elf. 'I'm going to barricade the door.' She stood waiting for him to go.

Tulë gave her an appraising look. 'You truly mean to do this for your friend. Admirable spirit, but a bit extreme. Still, it will be interesting to see how the others handle it.' He smiled and then laughed.

'Would you like an ally?' he asked, assisting her to push the chest against the door.

She looked at him in relief as she locked the door, and went to sit on her bed. The small sword Pio had given her was near at hand.

'Do you think weapons will be necessary?' he asked, seating himself on Pio's bed.

'Oh, I don't plan to use it!' said Daisy. 'But I'm hoping they'll take me more seriously if I have it at hand.'

'I would use words first, were I you.' returned Tulë. 'It has been my experience that once the weapons are drawn, negotiations become a moot point.'

Daisy thought about what he said, and shook her head in agreement. 'I'll try talking to them when they come. Perhaps that might work. Angara, though, is awfully used to getting her way about things.'

'Ah, yes, Angara. She seems an interesting creature. As do all your companions.' He leaned back against the wall, making himself comfortable. 'Come! We have a while here together it would seem before the troops besiege us. Tell me of your companions, that I might know them better.'

Daisy made herself comfortable, and taking an apple from one of the trays, chewed on it thoughtfully. 'Well, let me first tell you about Lady Pio.' she began. The hobbit ran through the list of companions, describing them one by one as she saw them. The elf listened attentively, prompting her at times for a fuller description.

Daisy had just gotten to her description and opinion of Bird when a tentative knock came at the door, and the door knob was rattled.

'Daisy?' a voice called through the wood of the door.

'Go away!' came the reply. 'You aren't coming in!'

Footsteps hurriedly retreated down the hall.

Thus began the Leaguer of Daisy.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-22-2002, 09:48 AM

Child sat up in bed, her head still aching and tears in her eyes. All she had wanted to do was carry out the dictates that Ancalimon had given her. She remembered the peddler's words that there would be a letter on Pio's desk and that it would tell her to take the book of Elvish lore, and the small bronze mirror. Then she was supposed to study herself in that mirror, and look again and again, until she figured out answers to some of her questions about hobbit history and what had happened to it.

Right now, there didn't seem much likelihood of that. Before she went to bed, she had visits by Rose and Bird. They had both made a point of telling her they didn't need Pio's presents, since they had her gift of friendship forever in their hearts. The hobbit wasn't sure if they intended this the way it came out. It sounded as if Child had wanted the mirror only because she was greedy and didn't have Pio in her heart. And this was not true.

Then, she'd heard the story about Daisy barricading herself in Pio's cabin refusing to come out. It was even rumored she had weapons with her. Child shook her head in frustration. Daisy had known Piosenniel only a few brief weeks. They had barely been on speaking terms for most of that time. Only at the end of the voyage had the two managed to pull things together. Now Daisy was posing as Pio's great defender against her pack of "greedy friends." Only those same friends had known Piosenniel for years and years. They had gone on adventures, laughed and grieved together, and defended each other's backs many, many times.

But worst of all was Child's dream. She had gone to bed upset and seen a large angry Elf who turned into a ghost. The ghost looked vaguely like Piosenniel. She had chased her through the hallways and decks of the Star. Child was normally adept at eluding pursuers, but, because of all her aches and bumps, she was hobbling about in pain. Just as the Elf had grabbed her from behind, she had woken up.

So, what should she do? Once again, the image of the skiff came into her mind. It was becoming more tempting. But she couldn't do that. The one thing she had promised herself, when she left Beleriand, was that she would never lose Maura or little Andreth from her life. Child was certain Maura was intact, but she wasn't sure about Andreth. If she could ask Ancalimon for help with this, he would probably tell her to stop moaning and find the little Andreth inside herself.

She stopped and thought. She fingered the necklace at her throat. Then she thought again. If Andreth had been in this mess, she would have gone to Daisy and gently tried to explain. It was as simple as that.

So Child took a broom out from the corner of her room and used it as a staff to hobble down the corridor. First, she had to get the letter back. Everyone seemed to think that she had taken the letter and tucked it away, but this was not so.

Normally, doing a bit of burglaring would not be difficult for Child. But with the way she was hurting, swift action was out of the question. She had a pretty good idea where Angara might have hidden her treasure. She'd just have to go and sit there and wait until everyone cleared out. Then she'd pick the lock and stumble back down to Daisy.

[ September 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

08-22-2002, 11:12 AM

If Mithadan was surprised that his cooking, such as it was, had been absconded with, he was more surprised to hear that Daisy had locked herself in her quarters due to some upset about Pio's "will". We wandered up to the deck still wearing a dirty apron and proceeded to the gangway leading down to the crew's quarters. Ignoring a catcall and laughter from Angara about his appearence, he passed down the stairs to find an annoyed Bird leaning against the wall.

"This is all Child's fault," she complained. "If she had not been so eager to get a share of Pio's belongings, Daisy would not be behaving so. And to top it off, that fool Elf Tule has joined her in her little rebellion."

This last startled Mithadan. Tule had not even known Pio. What mischief was this? "Bird," he began. "First, I hardly count Daisy's actions as a 'rebellion'. Everyone, myself included, is upset about Piosenniel's death; this is merely an overrreaction. Second, Child is hardly the greedy type. With the possible exception of her choice to join the Gondolin Hobbits, and even that decision was well-reasoned in most respects, I don't know of a more level-headed person than Child. I suggest you speak with her to find out her motives."

He proceeded down the hall to Daisy's quarters, trying hard to ignore his memories of its former occupant. He knocked gently on the cabin door.

"Go away!" came the response. "You can't have her things."

"Daisy," he answered. "I am less concerned about Pio's possessions than I am about lunch. We're hungry out here."

"Then go make some more," she retorted.

"It took me quite long enough to assemble the first batch, thank you," he responded with a small laugh. "I'm no cook. But Daisy, I know nothing about this 'will' and don't care much about it either, save one thing. We are all struggling to deal with Pio's death and honour her memory. I ask you to consider that there may be no better way to honor her than to hear her parting thoughts for each of us and learn from what gifts she had to give. They were her's, after all, and if she wants to pass things on to her friends we must honor that desire and fulfill her will. I don't think there's one of us here who wouldn't rather have Pio here with us than receive some trinket in her memory. But since we can't have her we should..." He choked a bit here. "We need to have her memory because we loved her." He cursed himself silently for failing to keep his emotions in check. "Just think about that please." And with those words, he walked quickly down the hall, entered his cabin and shut the door behind him.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Rose Cotton

08-22-2002, 11:50 AM

As soon as word reached her about Daisy's "rebelion" Rose felt that she should just wait untill Daisy ran out of food. And since hobbits eat so much she didn't think that would take long. So she let others deel with it.

Rose climbed up to the crows nest and sat there. She let her worries leave her as she watched the waves hit the ships side. She was quickly pulled from her dreams when a voice behind her said, "I see someone's decided to take my favorite spot."

Child of the 7th Age

08-22-2002, 12:27 PM

Child sat for several hours outside the little safe where she had put Morgoth's memo about the capture of the Orcs. That had happened just before Daisy had joined the ship's crew. She remembered how her papers and Rose's bag of mushrooms had mysteriously disappeared, and they had put the ancient document here to safeguard it. Child had peered over Mithadan's shoulder as he closed the box, making sure to watch his every move.

The safe was located near the helm. Person after person marched by the area, and Veritas stood in front of the wheel, carefully watching the waters and steering. Finally the Elf asked Child if she felt well enough to keep an eye on things for just a minute. Child nodded yes, and, within a moment, she had burgled her way into the safe. Morgoth's directive was still there, as well as Piosenniel's letter.

She thought that, perhaps, the next time she saw Ancalimon, that directive by the Dark Lord should be returned to him. But, for now, her attention was on Pio's letter. After Veritas returned, Child hobbled back down to where Daisy had barricaded herself in.

What bothered Child most was that the Elf Tule seemed to be taking sides with Daisy without even talking to Mithadan or asking the accused friends for more information. That didn't seem fair. It was easy to excuse Daisy bcause she was young and headstrong. The Elf should have known better, Child thought.

The hobbit tried knocking on the door, and getting Daisy to speak with her. But the girl refused to discuss anything, calling Child a thief. Now Child had to admit that, like most hobbits, she had stolen a mushroom or two out of neighbors' gardens, but she would certainly never steal anything from a friend like Piosenniel. Perhaps, borrow it, and leave a note of explanation, but not sneak away with loot like a burglar.

Child sighed. Then she slid the two notes under the door. One was Pio's letter with some general paragraphs written at the top which Child hadn't even had a chance to look at. There was also a listing of bequests. The other was a note which Child herself had scrawled out, explaining how Ancalmon had told her about the gifts and the letter. She even told Daisy about the mirror and how she was supposed to look into that and find out something about her own people.

Child wondered if Daisy had ever met and talked with Ancalimon. If she had, she might understand why Child felt so strongly about doing what he had told her. Ancalimon seemed to have that effect on many people, particularly hobbits.

There were lovely odors wafting out of Daisy's door, smells of hot cooked foods. Child tried to remember the last time she had eaten such foods. It would have to be in Gondolin when she first met Maura. There had been months and months of hard bread and whatever else they could scavenge. Child sincerely hoped Daisy would relent, and share her lunch with others on the ship.

Rose Cotton

08-22-2002, 02:19 PM

Rose whirled around to see Angara perched on the side of the crow's nest. "Oh, sorry Angara. I forgot you liked to sit up here. Would you like me to leave?"

"No," said the Dragon. "I'd like some company."
"Has Daisy come out yet?" Rose was starting to get hungry.
"No, she's very stubborn."
"You know what it is? We're all stressed. If only we could find some way to ease up."

piosenniel

08-22-2002, 02:33 PM

'Well, Daisy, it seems you have gotten Pio's letter.'said Tulë. 'Don't you think you should look at it and see what she wanted done?' He picked the paper up from the floor and handed it to Daisy.

Daisy sat on her bed and sniffled. 'I don't want ro read it! If I read it then it's all true! And she won't ever be coming back!'

'Alright then, how about I read it to you?' He unfolded the letter and perused it briefly. 'There isn't much listed here. I think she must have been one to travel light.'

He read the missive to her. It was short and to the point, much like she was, he thought to himself, recalling Daisy's account of her.

'She's given you her blue leather journal, she says - the one that she was writing in just before Beleriand. Do you know where it is?'

Daisy pointed toward the jumble of books that lay on the other side of Pio's bed.

He picked it up and thumbed through it quickly. 'Oh, look!' he said. 'Here are the pages she marked for you especially.'

He sat beside the girl and drew her near him. Opening the journal, he gently drew her attention to a series of detailed ink drawings the elf had rendered of Daisy. Beneath the largest one of her, at the helm, the sea breezes ruffling her curls, was a short poem. It was only six lines, but it lovingly captured the spirit of the girl that Pio had come to know.

'She must have had great affection for you, Daisy.' He studied the way the elf had chosen to picture the hobbit. 'Indeed, she must have come to love you.'

Daisy took the journal into her hands and sighed deeply, in sadness and acceptance.

Tulë stood and picked up the untouched platters of food. 'What say we share this with your friends now? You bring the letter to them and I'll bring the food. We'll start the day fresh again.'

They pushed the chest away from the door and stepped out into the hallway. Daisy had the letter gripped in one hand and her journal clenched close to her heart with the other.

They made it to the galley, where most of the companions were now gathered. Daisy stepped forward and handed the letter to Child. 'I'm so sorry !' she said quietly. 'And Child and Rose and Bird I'm so glad you're back safely.' She gave Child a gentle hug and kiss, and a hug to Rose and Bird, who wasn't quite sure how to respond.

Tulë placed the platters of food on the table, and handed round glasses filled with wine. 'Let's eat!' he said to the group. 'I, for one, am starving!'

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

08-22-2002, 04:08 PM

Mithadan sat alone in his cabin with a cup of wine in his hand. On the table before him was the small conch shell and its chain. On this evening, no magical mist emitted from its opening and Ulmo made no appearence -- it was just a shell that he had found many years ago as a child. He toyed with the chain for a moment then pushed it aside. He was weary and worn. Unknown to him, grey hairs had appeared in his raven hair. If he had bothered to look in the mirror, he would have noticed a lost look in his grey eyes. What drew his attention now was a map. A half empty wine bottle stood on the position of the Lonely Star and a line had been drawn connecting it to they Grey Havens with a note written next to it which read "67 miles". A long way for a sloop, but he had travelled far enough already.

A knock came from the door. "Come in," he called. Daisy entered carrying a plate filled with food. She set it down before him, unknowingly covering the scrawled notation on the map.

"You didn't come to lunch," she said quietly. "I thought you might be hungry."

"Thank you Daisy," he replied, his eyes still focused on the map.

"I'm sorry for what I did, Sir," she continued. "I just couldn't bear it. That she is gone I mean."

"I know Daisy," he answered, turning to look at her.

She was silent for a moment, then she put a hand on his arm. "I was being selfish. I know you miss her too. But I put my anger and pain before everyone else. But I wasn't there. I didn't see her. You were there. What were you doing when it happened?"

Mithadan paused for a moment, then spoke quietly. "We had been trying to find a way to rescue some of your people. Then we had tried to find Child and Rose. We wanted at least Rose to return with us. She left before I did and ended up in a battle to save Idril. By the time I reached her, she was gone."

"See," said Daisy tearfully. "Even at the end she was working to help others. She wasn't selfish."

To Daisy's amazement, the Man leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes and began to weep bitterly. Unsure what to do, Daisy just stroked his arm gently. After a few minutes, he stopped crying and smiled down at the young Hobbit. "No," he said. "She wasn't selfish. That will be my memory of her and I must do it honour. Thank you Daisy."

She smiled uncertainly, then excused herself. Mithadan sat for a moment, smiling gently. Then he moved the plate aside and scratched out the note on the map and the line to the Havens. He reached for the bottle of wine and poured another cup, raising it in salute before he drank. He looked at the bottle again and noticed that it was no longer half empty. It was now half full. "Thank you Pio," he whispered.

Rose Cotton

08-22-2002, 06:09 PM

Awhile after Daisy left Rose went to visit Mithadan. She poked her head around the door and saw him sitting at his desk drinking some wine. As she came in he didn't look at her.

"I thought I'd come and say Hi. I haven't seen you for so long." Mith turned and Rose could see his face was tear stained. "What's wrong?"

Birdland

08-22-2002, 06:11 PM

Bird sat in a quiet corner belowdecks, studying a small spider that was trying to make a living by going to sea. She watched as the small optimist tidied her web, straightening a thread here, battening down her hatches and belaying all lines, before she sought a secluded corner to wait for the flies that would certainly never come this far from land.

Bird watched attentively, but all her thoughts were on Pio's letter, and the strange reaction it seems to have had on all aboard the "Lonely Star". How could anything revolving around her lovely Pio have become so muddled. The reaction of Daisy was particularly vexing. She had trusted her life to the little hobbit when she had escaped from the ship to return to Beleriand, and yet it seemed that Daisy's acceptance of all on the ship was only skin-deep. Bird wondered again why the little stowaway had even bothered to come on board. If Fate was guiding her, she was certainly taking her own good time to show her hand. Bird shook her head in sadness, and played with a loose thread on her skirt.

And then she heard the sound of weeping. She tried to convince herself that it was not coming from Mithadan's cabin, but there was no way around it. Bird almost became exasperated! The mourning and memories of Pio were becoming well-nigh unhealthy. It had already led to dissension. Would it continue to effect the quest that Pio had died for?

Bird remembered hearing somewhere that the Pukel-Men of the White Mountains would remember and honor their dead for one moon-phase, and then never speak of them again. Bird was beginning to regard this as a most sane policy.

Slowly she stood, brushing off her skirt and approached Mithadan's cabin door. She knocked tentatively: the heir of Eärendil had always had an intimidating effect on her, but she heard him answer mildly "Come in."

Bird poked her head into the door of the comfortable, cluttered quarters, noting the large map laying on the table, and the quill pen thrown down beside it. Mithadan was sitting with his feet up on the table, a glass of wine in his hand. There was no sign of a tear on his face.

"Uh...Mithadan...I promised Kali that I would bring him some songs back from the journey. I heard quite a few while we were away, and I thought I would sing some of them for him now. Would you like to come up and hear them, as well?"

Mith looked away from his wineglass. Giving the the skin-changer a small smile, he swung his legs off the table and accompanied Bird up to the deck.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Birdland

08-22-2002, 07:18 PM

Kali sat cross-legged on a coil of rope, eyes gleaming with anticipation. Bird sat beside him on a handy barrel, while the rest of the people of the Lonely Star gathered around. No announcement of a song-fest had gone out, but all were there. Even Veritas was listening as she manned the wheel.

Bird thought back on all the songs she had heard from Lindo as the halflings had made their way from Gondolin, to the highlands of Dorthonian. Bird had a good memory for lyric and verse, which was just as well, since she had never but once assumed human form throughout the long, strange quest. She decided to start with one of Lindo’s lullabies.

"Now Kali, this was written by Lindo, a halfling who had spent his entire life in service to the Elf-Folk, whom he loved and admired very much. Lindo was very lost when his world fell apart, but he found another life among his own kind, and I think, he found happiness as well. This is a lullaby that he sang to the babies that were in his care. I always believed it was really about Elbereth."

And Bird began to sing:

Little star that shines so bright, come and peep at me tonight,
For I often think of you in the pretty sky so blue.
Little Star! O, tell me, pray, where you hide yourself all day?
Have you got a home like me, and a mother kind to see?

Kali started, and looked at the singer in confusion. "But Birdee! I already know that song!"

The silence was complete, except for the soft intake of breath from Child. "Kali", said Bird, "you can‘t know that song. You never met the one who wrote it."

"But I do! Listen!":

Little Child, at you I peep, while you lie so fast asleep.
But when dawn begins to break, I my homeward journey take.
For I've many friends on high, living with me in the sky,
And a loving Mother, too, Who commands what I'm to do.

Child pushed herself forward, and knelt in front of the Hobbrim. "Kali, do you know other songs by Lindo?"

Kali gazed into Child’s pain-filled, unhobbit-like gaze. "Yes, Child. I think I do." And he sang in his clear, high voice:

I stand on the hillside and gaze at you
As you quickly recede from my sight
Slipping away (don't leave me, don't go)
Farewell, wait for me, I cry

For a short time we will be apart
in the light of eternity
I'll come to you, hold me in your heart
Remember me, wait for me

I ride on the wind, my eyes drift back
To the receding hill and to you
Hope lies before me, love lies behind
In time, hope will call you too

But love lies before me all the same
Love travels with me, strengthens me
Love waits behind for you, at home
And before me, far beyond the sea

For a short time we will be apart
in the light of eternity
I'll wait for you, hold you in my heart
Remember me, come to me

Beyond our sight, we see by hope
Beyond our vision, we wait in faith
Beyond the circles of the world
We'll find all our loves again

For a short time we will be apart
in the light of eternity
Iluvatar waits, and says in his heart
Remember me, come to me.

"I’ve known that song since I was very little. My mother used to sing...Child? Oh, Child, don’t weep! I’ll stop singing if you like! Please don‘t weep!"

(O.O.C. - The first song is an old Victorian lullaby. The Song of Maura and Niter was written entirely by Mark 12-20.)

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-22-2002, 10:11 PM

Child went over to Kali and wrapped her arms about him. "No, Kali, please don't stop. Sometimes, we cry both for sadness and joy. And this is one of those times when the two have come together. Your songs are like a magic bird that bring me close to someone I love. When I hear you singing, I feel a piece of him still lives." Child said softly.

And part of her was grateful to Lindo who had written this beautiful ode.

"Miss Child," Kali asked simply, "What happened to you in Beleriand? Do you mind if I ask?"

"No, Kali, I don't mind. Part of my heart is sad, but it warms a bit when I talk about it. Sometimes grief is like that. And the best thing you can do when you miss someone is to find a friend to help you remember. Hobbits often do better when they come together to remember instead of sitting by themselves and trying to do it all alone." Child looked in the direction of Daisy and Tule who had come onto the deck to sit down near them.

"What was he like?" Daisy's eyes sparkled as she asked.

Mithadan sat on one of the barrels, his face a mask of tiredness and strain. "Daisy, Child has been through a lot, and she may not want to discuss that right now."

Child walked over to Mithadan, and placed her hand on his shoulder. "It's alright, Mith. I really meant what I said. You folk are the only family I have now. And I would prefer that everyone heard what happened to Rose and myself."

She turned to Daisy and laughed, "He was nothing extraordinary to look at. And I guess to others he seemed like just another hobbit. But to me, he was special."

"But why Child, why? Was he a great warrior?" Daisy prodded.

"Maura, a warrior? No. He did his share of killing on the night Gondolin fell, and, at the end, when the hobbits battled the Orcs. But, he was no fighter. His community called him a "Keeper of the Lore" or a wise-man. He was the memory of the community, the one who told the tales and who spoke with the Elves and Ancalimon."

"Apparently, the hobbits came west just like the big folk to get close to the light. Ancalimon told them to journey with the house of Beor. And it was from that house that they learned many things. And also from the Elves Finrod and Galadriel who were brother and sister. "

"You know, Maura and Ancalimon used a special name for me. They always teased and said I was "Little Andreth" because I was so stubborn. And I think Ancalimon could see, even before Maura and I talked about our feelings, how we felt towards each other." Child sighed, "And I think he also sensed, that just like Andreth the wise-woman who dearly loved one of Finrod's brothers, this could never be."

"You would have stayed there?" Mithadan asked.

"Yes, Mith, I would have stayed." she said simply. She explained how Ancalimon had told her that she must return to the Star to see the journey through, and that there would be no coming back. "Too many threads have been pulled loose in Vaire's web by our time travel. So I have no path on which I may return without bringing down the Shadow on our heads. And neither of us could accept that."

"You won't be with him again, ever?" Daisy asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Not in Arda, Daisy, not in Arda."

"But there are other reasons for which both Rose and I are sad. We've seen too many senseless murders of innocent children. That's how the Orcs controlled us. If they found weapons, or we went against them in any way, they'd take out their brutality on the children. They had the perfect plan to cow and bully us, by threatening what we held most dear."

Child remembered with pain how they'd tried to prod her into choosing the hobbit child who should die, but she had refused. And they had killed two instead. Then she explained how she and Rose had tried to help the little ones as best they could in the Workhouse.

She looked over at Mithadan, "Sir, Piosenniel would have been so proud of Rose. She was young, but she worked hard and was incredibly brave. And, at the end, she was the one who spied on the Orcs. Plus, it meant so much to me to have her there."

"Who is Lindo?" Tule questioned.

Child tried to explain as best she could and said how Lindo had been almost like a son to her, and a close friend to Rose.

"So, Kali, I find it sweet that you remember these tunes and words from a world that exists no more. For they bring back to me both the beauty and the terror of that world. And I remember how Maura and I bound ourselves, and promised to cling to estel until the Light would lead us together some day." She fingered the single stone at her throat. Then she went over to Kali and placed a kiss upon his head.

[ September 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-22-2002, 11:18 PM

Everyone on the Star gathered in the galley to share the evening meal. Child glanced about the room. She was pleased to see so much friendliness and cheerful chatter. They could all use a little time to rest and heal. And it was not only the physical wounds.

Child was only now beginning to appreciate that, when she and Rose had gone through Morgoth's veil of time, their experience had been totally different from the others who'd remained on the ship. The two hobbits had lived through seven months of prison camp. However harsh that experience had been, it had given them the chance to mourn the loss of their good friend. But for the time travellers who remained on the ship, this terrible event had happened only a few weeks before. Many of them were still in deep sadness and denial. Child wasn't as surprised that Daisy had reacted the way she did.

Mithadan had once said that time travel was only for the very hardy or reckless. Child was just now beginning to appreciate and understand what he had meant.

As they finished the meal, Tule got up from the table and graciously excused himself to go above deck and take over the helm from Veritas. Levanto had even come aboard to join them, and Angara waited in rapt attention. Child had Piosenniel's letter in her hand, but she waited a bit for Veritas to return from her position at the wheel. Then, slowly and carefully, Child began to read the words Piosenniel had written, making sure that everyone could hear her.

"My dearest friends,"

"I take it that if you're reading this, I didn't make it back to the ship." At this point, Child's voice cracked a bit, and she looked away from her listeners. "And since I will no longer be needing my meager possessions, this is my rede concerning them."

"To Child goes the Book of Histories and the bronzed mirror. Look into it carefully! There is also one silver penny which I had kept from long ago as a remembrance of our first meeting." At this point, Child looked down at the table and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"To Bird goes the small silver tube, the one with the etching of the nightingale. In it she will find an old copy of "The Lay of Leithian" from Beleriand, with some annotations in the section concerning Felagund's singing of the spell of changing and shifting shape."

"To Rose goes my mithril fillet to grace those lovely hobbit curls."

"To Daisy goes my blue leather journal for her to finish writing the story of this adventure in."

"To Khelek goes a blank journal bound with the golden leaves of Laurelindorinan for him to make note of his journey on the Lonely Star."

"To Veritas goes my map case with all my maps in it, and the green journal containing all my annotations of places where I've been, with hand drawn maps."

"To Angara, that Wondrous Wyrm, I give my share of the Lonely Star with all the profit that may attain to it. And the alabaster bottle of scented, rare oils which she may keep her scales gleaming as bright as the sun."

"To my dear Levanto I leave a fine mithril chain with a pendent shell from the waters in which we first met, and a kiss."

"To my sweet Kali goes a conch cell from the shores of Numenor that he may always remember how the Elves helped his people."

"And finally, to Mithadan, goes my small silvered knife, the one with the double edge and the curious script which seems to float like kelp and foam on a glassy sea. It has the mother-of-pearl traceries on the grip, and the small, worn head of the Old Bearded Man with sea-grey eyes. Should the need arise, may the Light guide your hand and your aim be true."

"Fare well, my friends!
Ilove you all!
-Pio"

---------------------------------------------
Tomorrow there would be laughter and reminiscing about Piosenniel, but tonight was a time of lonely vigil. After Child's reading of the will, several of the Elf's friends found solitary spots on deck to sit and look out at the Sea. Mithadan stood silent in the prow of the ship gazing towards the West, a look of longing on his face. The hobbit Daisy laid her head in Child's lap wishing that things could be different. In response, the older woman stroked her curls and sang one of Lindo's lullabyes. Even the ever ebulient Levanto left the ship, sliding back into the churning waters to go off by himself and think about his friend. While high above all, on the topmost mast, sat the solitary figure of Angara, contemplating the horizon and wondering what happened to the fea of a good dragon after it was slain.

[ August 23, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Frodo Baggins

08-23-2002, 08:05 AM

Frodo realised another continuation of the BD party, surveyed his friends and shook his head sadly.

"I am sorry. I would join but could never catch up. smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif Just remember me fondly as you go on your adventures. "

Child of the 7th Age

08-23-2002, 09:27 AM

OOC---
FANFICTION: There was something I wanted to raise. Some of us talked earlier about editing the RPG on hobit history to post it on the Downs as a fanfiction. Is anyone else interested in helping with this? I would like to do this, and would welcome someone to help (but if not, I'll slog through it myself with your comments, approval, etc.). I posted one question in the freestyle forum to see if anyone else is doing this with another RPG. I also sent Mith a pm asking his opinion. To my knowledge, no one's ever done this with a freestyle RPG, only a moderated one. The difference is that the editing is done after the posts in a freestyle fanfiction rather than before.

I think most of the writing is really strong and I have no desire to tamper with any of that. But there are problems like--some characters like Sam and Frodo dropped out early, the story has no beginning since we evolved out of another adventure, no one ever sent in character descriptions, in some cases the order of posts may need to be altered slightly, in some cases we could use a connecting sentence or paragraph. That kind of thing.

If you want to see an example of a moderated RPG fanfiction, see Gilthalion's Tales of Eriador. (This is where the moderator does the editing before the posts are actually put on the board.) By the way, do we want to keep the separate posting divisions like he does, or run it together to do a "true" narrative? That's the kind of thing that needs talking about.

Anyways, I asked Mith if it would be wise to start a "fanfiction" thread, which would function kind of like a discussion thread. We could decide any general issues or guidelines there, post chapter divisions, put up drafts in cases where I have to add things so people could look and tell me I'm all wet., etc.

What does everyone think? I'll let you know what Mith says. But keep your eyes open, in case we post a Lonely Star revision/fanfiction thread? sharon

[ August 23, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Birdland

08-23-2002, 07:08 PM

Bird and Kali slipped over the side of the Lonely Star, to take a midnight swim and talk about Pio and all the things that had been seen in their travels through the First Age. But Bird did not change into her dolphin form, and remained on the surface, treading water, with the help of Kali, and waiting for Levanto.

He came, eventually. He was wearing the shell on the mithril chain, which would never corrode in the salt sea. Bird held her arms out to the Mer-Man, and they embraced for the first time. Then she kissed him gently on each cheek, saying "I know it is not from the one you wanted, but she was ever my friend, and would want her gift to be given."

Levanto held Birdie by the shoulders, and smiling, said "Change to your dolphin form, little human. I also have a gift to give you, since I can never hope to give it to Pio. I would have you come as well, Kali."

Bird took dolphin shape, which was a relief after the human struggle against the element of water. She swam around Levanto and Kali, delighting in her return to the sea, and breach the surface, just for the sheer joy of it. Then Levanto said "Come." and led the way, down into the depths.

"Where are we going, Levanto?" asked Kali.

"To my city. The home of the Mer-Folk." Kali stopped in mid-stroke. "But the Hobbrim are never allowed to enter the city under the sea, Levanto! I cannot go there."

"Tonight you are my guests. I would have you both come to a feast, and tell your tales. Perhaps it will move other of my people to aid you in your search."

The trio swam for about an hour, ever deeper and farther from shore. Eventually they swooped over a vast undersea mountaintop, as easily as Thorondor had breasted the peak of Mount Taras. The three floated at the top of the mountains, as Levanto silently gestured down to his city beneath the sea.

All the city was lit with soft, phosphorescent lights of gold and green and silver shining on the ancient walls and illuminating the windows. Of course the Mer-Folk had no real need for doors and stairways, but many had been preserved for their beauty, in honor of those who had crafted them. The streets also had been left in the old familiar patterns, lined with floating curtains of sea-weed, anenome, and those small, beautiful sea creatures whom Ulmo had blessed with still, vegetative lives.

Fountains again graced the gardens and byways, made from dancing columns of bubbles, or warm, wavering currents of volcanic waters that shimmered transparently in the colder atmosphere around them. In the center of all a great open tower, woven from the most delicate, strong buttresses of coral in many shining hues, stood tall and proud. Here the king of the Mer-Folk ruled an watched over his people as they came and went about their endless Kingdom. And around the city, a vast mountain range encircled and sheltered all.

Bird looked down on Levanto's city, and immediately burst into tears, which mingled with the surrounding sea without a trace. "Oh, Levanto, nothing really ever ends, does it?"

"No, I don't believe it does, Birdie. And that will ever be my comfort and hope. Come, the feast will soon begin."

And so the three swam down from the mountaintop, and Bird was allowed to explore the city of Gondolin for one, last time.

[ August 23, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-24-2002, 07:09 PM

Child stood beside the table in her cabin, with a faraway look on her face. How strange that inanimate objects, things that had no life of their own, could take on such meaning. She gazed at the tattered vellum the hobbit council had given her in recognition for helping the children. Then her fingers strayed to the plain green stone hung on a chain about her neck, never to be removed. Maura had told her it matched the sparkle in her eyes when she was excited or angry.

And now, in front of her, lay a new treasure. The mirror itself seemed very old. Its bronze frame was wrought in intricate designs that resembled vines and leaves clinging to branches suspended over a glazed pool.

Child's memories went back to her friend. Eager to be gone in the morning, Piosenniel would snatch up her mirror at the last instant. She remembered the Elf's exasperated smile as she surveyed her unruly curls bouncing in all directions. Usually, she would toss the mirror to one side and bind back her hair with a single wide ribbon. Then she'd be off to whatever friend or adventure called.

Rose had asked Child if there was any Elf-magic in its frame. Perhaps, it was like the mirror of Galadriel. But Child could not answer.

The hobbit lay the mirror flat on the table and stared into its shiny surface. Ancalimon had said that she should do this both for his sake and for that of her friend Maura. Even Piosenniel had mentioned it in her letter. Three friends, all sadly absent, yet alive in Child's heart.

Child stared transfixed waiting for something miraculous to happen, but nothing did. She looked again and again from many different angles. Still, the only thing she saw in the mirror was her own face. Perhaps something was wrong. She even tried to shake the mirror and gently tap its handle on the table. Once again, her own face gazed up from golden depths.

"Think, little Andreth," she whispered to herself. "Think what the grey peddler was trying to tell you."

They had been talking about history, or rather Child had been complaining about the lack of hobbit history. She had been grieving that Maura's name would be kept secret even from his own people, and that scenes of endurance and valor would forever be lost. Bird called this Eru's gift of forgetfullness, but Child had her doubts about the wisdom of such a gift.

First, Ancalimon had explained there might be other books of lore beyond those written within Arda. Then he had laughed and added something even stranger, that it was not only in written words that the story could be read and understood. And then he told her to gaze into Pio's mirror.

As Child looked again, the clear, sweet voice of Kali came inside her mind, with lilting memories of Beleriand:

I ride on the wind, my eyes drift back
To the receding hill and to you
Hope lies before me, love lies behind
In time, hope will call you to

And then, as she saw her own face reflected back, it hit her like a blaze of fire. It was in her own face and being that hobbit history was recorded, her face and those of her neighbors and friends.

For the words Kali remembered had never been written down. Neither were there any books outlining hobbit hearts or hobbit ways. But, as surely as Maura had once lived and breathed, part of him lay in her people even now. When she thought of Bilbo's writings or Frodo's love of Elvish things, she knew a piece of Maura lived on. And when she heard an ancient song spring from Kali's mind, she knew her people had not forgotten their own secret lore. They had just chosen to preserve it in their own lives, instead of through the books that so many other races had composed.

And which of these would last longer? The books made of paper or the people themselves. Child could answer that without hesitation. She remembered how the hobbits of Beleriand had chosen to safeguard their children, even at the cost of great suffering. And she knew that her neighbors in the Shire, as small and unlearned as they were, with no Elves about to teach them, would still make that very same choice.

And which would Maura prefer? To have his name remembered in some ancient, long dead tale, or to have his people preserve their values in their bones and heart? There was no question here. The hobbits' way with growing things and their closeness to the soil, the love they bore their children, and their willingness to help each other in bad times---all these were written bold even within the Shire. They were her lore and legacy.

And, if she wished her neighbors to find a bit more purpose in words and books as well as in the beautiful earth, that too could be answered by gazing in the mirror. For she, as much as Maura, bore responsibility for the teaching of the little ones, whether in one age or the next.

So Bird had spoken true about Eru's gift of forgetting. It had been given so that Child's people might endure their hardship and their grief. For it seemed that words of telling emptied out of hobbit heads very quickly and slipped through the mists towards an unknown shore.

But perhaps, mused Child, before Eru turned about, he pondered again on how small these hobbits were. And he feared his children might have trouble even remembering who they were. So, along with the forgetting, came one more boon. Eru took unwritten lore and wove it into their hearts and bones.

For, unlike Elves, hobbits could not dwell in fading memories. And, unlike Man, they would have no tomes to spell out the great feats of ancient times. Rather, they would keep their feet in the soil and learn to bring the little things into their daily lives. And in a world filled with battles and murders and solemn dooms, this would not be such a bad thing.

Then Child whispered, "Ancalimon, Maura, Piosenniel, I will not forget your friendship or the gifts of Eru." So she picked up the old mirror and placed it where she could easily see it in the mornings, that its lessons would be remembered as she went about her day.

[ August 25, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ August 25, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-24-2002, 08:48 PM

Rose went to visit Child. She was sitting on her bed reading. Rose noticed the mirror and went to look in it. But it was just like a normal mirror. She saw herself. Now with the addition of the mithril fillet in her hair. "That's alright." Rose said to Child. "Even if it's broken it's still pritty."

Child looked up at Rose. "But it isn't broken." She told Rose what she had discovered.
"So you mean," Rose said, looking in the mirror "That when you or me or any hobbit looks in the mirror, They see not only themselves but every hobbit that has come before them. Like each one of us is a history book."

"That's about it."
"And not only the hobbits. We also have our friends in us too."

Child of the 7th Age

08-25-2002, 05:14 PM

As the first sunlight cascaded over the sea, two hobbits untied the skiff from its mooring. They cranked the winch to place it gently down in the placid waters, and raised up its two square sails.

Rose leaned over to her friend, "Are you sure this is alright? The last time I sailed off on my own, I ended up swabbing decks for six weeks."

Child laughed and pulled the oars on board, in case the wind needed a little extra help. "It's fine. I've spoken with Mithadan, and told him we'll return before nightfall. He gave these charts to me, and made me promise to take someone along. So you're the one I've chosen."

Rose tugged at a heavy wicker hamper, pushing it off the deck of the Star into Child's welcoming arms. "What is this?" she asked.

Child smiled and shrugged, "Just enough to keep us going until sundown!"

The two were soon on their way. A brisk wind gusted from the west and sent the little skiff skimming over the waters. Rose manned the sails, while Child called out instructions, balancing the navigation charts on her lap. By mid-morning, a fair-sized island loomed in front of them.

"There it is!" called out Rose, with excitement in her voice.

Child nodded, and Rose trimmed the sails to guide the boat into a small harbor. Then, working together, they steered it through the shallows and dropped anchor over the side.

The hobbits ran through the shallow waters onto the sandy beach. The minute Child glanced around, a thought popped into her head. How the Stoors must have loved this! The waters lay all around, and the brown sand cliffs were pocked with many sea caves. Child wondered how many hobbit children had run down exploring when the tides were low. Some of the families must have made their living by farming and fishing in the sea, perhaps not too differently than Kali and his kin.

But the main settlement would have been on top of the hill. The women took some provisions with them from the hamper and slung their packs across their backs. It was the same pack Child had carried on her trip to Gondolin. Rose and Child climbed upward for a while, then walked across a series of grassy plains. There was no evidence that their folk had ever dwelt there, no broken down buildings of stone or small burrows cut into gentle banks. Thousands and thousands of years had passed. Everything and everyone was gone.

But still, Child was not unhappy. The sun was bright, and her friend walked beside her. Bird had once told her that, if you flew high in the heavens, it was possible to see the outlines of fields from hundreds or even thousands of years ago. If only she could be a bird, she would speed upward and look for tell-tale hints of farming. But her feet were not wings, and her eyes saw nothing but tall grasses and little creatures living their own lives.

Ahead of her, there was a grassy knoll shaded by a large grove of trees. Rose had run ahead, and now came sprinting back. She took her friend's hand, and pulled her onward until they came to a patch thick with leafy plants.

Child knelt down and studied their dark green leaves. And then she smiled. For all about her was something that should never have grown in this place. She stood in the middle of a large and vibrant stand of kingsfoil. Men of Numenor had once forced their way upon these peaceful shores, but their stay had been brief and brutal. No, this lush field was not the gift of men. For the Elf Piosenniel had transmitted the seeds to Child to be lovingly tended by hobbit hands.

After the community had been forced from these shores, the kingsfoil had spread out on its own, seeding and reseeding itself time and time again. Rose and Child stuffed the herbs into overflowing bags to take home to the Star, chatting and laughing at their good fortune. For this treasure might prove helpful in the grim days that lay ahead. Child silently thanked the healer Zira who had zealously guarded these seedlings, first in the camps of Dorthonion and later upon the lonely isle.

After stopping for lunch, Rose and Child pushed their way upward. Ahead, they could see the highest peak on Tol Fuin. The climb became rough. Sometimes, the two women would throw down their heavy bags, as Rose helped Child pull her body over the jagged rocks. Almost dizzy from exertion, they clambored onto the platou which looked down on the entire island. They lay on their backs panting, gazing up into the skies.

In a little while, Child pulled herself up and peered around the stony peak. There was no question in her mind. Fields and buildings may disappear with the passage of time, but great peaks and rocky ledges do not change so quickly. There was the cliff where she and Maura had sat watching the distant battle scene. Here, she had said her goodbyes to Ancalimon and her hobbit kin. And there, in that spot, Bird and Angara had stamped and snorted, urging the two hobbits to be on their way.

It was only a few days ago by the reckoning of the Lonely Star, but in the world of Maura and Lindo thousands of years had spun by. Now, wildflowers and silence reigned over all. And rocks were piled up into heaps over barrows. For this high spot, this place which had been their salvation from the churning waters, was clearly where the hobbits had chosen to place their dead.

Child asked Rose to take the two bags with herbs back down the slope, and she would catch up in just a bit. Then, the woman wandered about the ledge wishing she could know exactly where the bodies of her friends lay. She saw a few scratches on some large boulders which looked as if they might be inscriptions, but too many years had passed to read any of the letters with certainty.

So she sat on the stony ground and did what she had come to do. First, she sang a lullabye to Lindo and his Snowhobbits, and to all the folk who had been so kind to her in that place of shadows where they had been held. And then, she sang again, this time for Maura and all that he still meant to her. And she chose Lindo's song that told of sadness and separation, and hope and reunion in some distant place. And when she finished, she cried. But her tears were gentle ones.

Then she left that hill again, this time on her own. And she hurried down to be with her friend Rose, and to take her precious herbs back to the Star. And the two hobbits chatted about what they had seen on Tol Fuin, and talked about some of the things they expected to find in Numenor.

But, as the skiff sailed towards the west, Child began wondering whether she was now meant to take a new path in life. For a hobbit can not live only in memories.

[ August 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-26-2002, 12:14 AM

open

[ September 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

08-26-2002, 03:02 PM

The Lonely Star lay anchored near a small island which lay to the south and west of Tol Fuin. After all had returned to the ship and fallen asleep, Mithadan had quietly piloted the vessel to its new location and had taken the skiff to shore. The island was small, with a few trees and little by way of brush and other vegetation. However, the meager greenery, barely visible in the night, held no interest for Mithadan.

It had taken nearly an hour for him to find a place where he could come ashore; the island's coast was rocky and treacherous. Once on land, Mithadan had searched for and quickly found a small hillock capped with a broad, flat stone. He sat with his back to the stone and rested for a moment. It was said that, in ages past, the stone bore runes upon it. Whether they had worn away with time or could still be read Mithadan could not tell. There was not enough light to see. But Mithadan knew what they said, whether they could still be read or not: "Turin Turambar Dagnir Glaurunga" and below that "Nienor Niniel".

The silence was disturbed by a faint rustle and Mithadan was shaken from his reverie by a voice. "Dreaming of slaying dragons, Man?" Mithadan sought for and found two glowing cat-like eyes nearby. "No, Angara. Just paying my respects to a distant relative. I had sought for Tol Morwen in the past but had never found it. I had begun to believe it was a legend."

"I would think that this journey would have taught you that some legends are true," replied Angara.

"And that many worthy acts never become legends," agreed Mithadan.

"You have grown, child of Man," said the dragon. "But not enough to learn that leaving the ship alone by night may be dangerous. Will you return now or do you intend to sail to the Grey Havens?"

Mithadan laughed quietly. "And you have not learned that it is not polite to use Osanwe to pry into other's thoughts," retorted the Man. "But I am touched by your concern. I will return now, I think." With that, Mithadan rose and made his way back to the boat.

Angara waited a moment, then reached out to touch the stone with a claw in respect. Here lies one to whom I owe thanks for setting to right great evil done by my corrupted cousins.

To her great surprise, she felt a light tickle in her mind. I heard that, dragon. You see, we are not so different you and I. Not far away, Mithadan chuckled as he pushed the boat back out to sea.

piosenniel

08-26-2002, 10:04 PM

Tulë sat in the darkness and played the interchange between the man and the dragon over in his mind.

'They care for each other! That is good to see.' The hint of a smile creased his face. 'And Mithadan has the skill of osanwe! I should have guessed. It will make my plans for tomorrow easier to accomplish.'

He turned his thoughts back to the slow wheeling of the stars as they moved through this small section of the sky. 'Beautiful!' he thought. Watching them intently, he pushed that small, insistent thought of the West from his mind, for a while.

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

08-27-2002, 08:10 AM

........Home. She was finnally home. After a lifetime of wishing for adventure she had finnally got it. But now it was time to relax in a familar hole with family and friends. As she walked through Hobbiton she could see Sam tending to a garden. And Frodo was there resting in the afternoon sun. As she walked down the path she passed Child and managed to wave to her before she hurried off. Now she was in the center of town. Little hobbit children were playing. But some of them she had never seen in the Shire. They were sitting in a circle around two older hobbits. Lindo and Maura. She walked towards them and they looked up at her with wide grins. But as she ran to meet them they were gone. The town around her started to dissapear. The ground beneith her feet vanished and she fell. Down down down. Into a wide ocean. The curent was too fast. She was drowning.........

Rose sat up in bed. It was only a dream. It was still dark but as Rose looked outside she could see a band of light on the horizon. Instead of going back to sleep Rose got up to get something to eat.

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

piosenniel

08-27-2002, 11:27 AM

Sunrise, and a fresh easterly breeze broke over the Lonely Star. Tulë stood on deck trying to gauge distances over the water.

Given the size of the caverns beneath Meneltarma, he had estimated that there was a possibility of having to rescue at least a thousand hobbits. If that were indeed so, then twenty ships would be required for the effort. Each ship could maximally handle fifty of the captives plus a minimal crew. The Lonely Star and its crystal would remain just beyond the southern bay, keeping a watch for any possible problems to the operation coming from that direction.

The problem that plagued him at the moment was how to transport all those ships and the Lonely Star out of that time period. It would not matter how successful the rescue was in Númenor if they were all sucked into the great rift that would occur when Ar-Pharazôn invaded Eressëa and the Valar broke the world.

In addition, several other questions niggled at the back of his mind. Given that the swan-ships must avoid the great armada launched from the western ports of the isle, that meant a longer southeastern route for them to avoid being seen. He ran through a series of mental calculations to determine when it would be best to send the call to the ships.

As to the call, itself, he had thought to use one of the palantíri located on the island. But now that he considered this in a more studied way, it was beginning to present problems. The growing sentiment of enmity against all things Western would preclude him from searching one out and using it. Though perhaps it would be possible for the man, Mithadan, to send the call. He would have to present that idea to him and get his thoughts on its viability.

The elf brought himself back to his original problem.'For now, though, let us work on the tactics of shifting en masse.'

He walked down to the galley to enlist a few suitable candidates for a trial run.

Child of the 7th Age

08-27-2002, 01:42 PM

Helen's post

3319, Second Age, Day #2

Phura says that the second line of the poem should read calls, not call. I don't want it to. I want Dorthonion to call me now. And I want to go back. But that was 64 years ago, and I'm not even sure of the way. Loremaster says we were free then, and could see the sky all the time, not just when we swim out from under the rock roof.

Then we tilled our land so sweet,
And wild we roamed the mountainside,
We sang and danced on merry feet
Under the sky so blue and wide.

[ September 02, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-27-2002, 02:27 PM

Most of the companions were seated around the table at various stages of beakfast. Even Angara was present, sitting on Child's lap and wheedling small tidbits of toast and jam from her.

Tulë cleared his throat to draw their attention away from the food and asked for some volunteers.

'When you are all done eating,' he said, their faces now looking at him expectantly, 'I want to see if we can determine how to move more than just this ship to another time. We'll need to be able to do that once the captives are gotten on board. We cannot stay in or near Númenor. I'll need several people to help me try out an idea that I've had.'

Daisy volunteered immediately, as did Rose. Tulë smiled at both of them, 'Not this time, little ones, though I do thank you for your enthusiasm. I will need both your pairs of sharp eyes on deck to tell me details of how it goes.'

Angara, feeling somewhat uneasy about the word 'volunteer', had quietly slipped off Child's lap and under the table, where she was slowly making her way to the steps.

'Ah, Angara, you were first in my list of candidates to help.' said the elf, spying the escaping dragon. 'Along with Veritas, Khelek, and Mithadan.'

'Why can they volunteer and we can't?' chimed in Rose and Daisy together.

'Because they each have a strong talent for osanwe, mind to mind communication, and that is what I'm hoping will solve the problem of moving the ships.'

'And how do you propose to do this?' asked Khelek,looking sceptical.

'I want Veritas to remain on board the Star and set the crystal for a date you've already visited, one we can easily verify as having reached. The rest of us will take the small skiffs out in a line from the ship. I'll position myself in the lead boat, about two miles out, with the rest of you evenly spaced between me and the Star. Then you must open your minds to me and I will link us each to the other as a whole. When Veritas then activates the crystal it is my thought that we can all shift together.'

'Sounds rather "iffy" to me.' returned Khelek. 'Have you thought through the possible outcomes for this experiment?'

'As best I could, having never done or heard of something being done like this before. I think we are looking at three possible outcomes - first, it could be completely successful; second, it may prove a complete failure, with only the Star shifting and us left sitting in our boats. Third, might prove the "interesting" one - it's possible that the Star and just ourselves will be able to shift, leaving us in the drink, so to speak, when we come into the new time frame.'

He sat down at the table and poured a mug of tea for himself, stirring in a little honey. The clink of the spoon against the pottery was loud in the uneasy silence.

'I'm open to suggestions, comments, concerns about this.' he offered. 'Anyone?'

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

08-27-2002, 03:34 PM

Mithadan glared accusingly at Angara. He didn't learn this from me, came the response. Tule smiled, and said, "You have admirable skills for a Man, but you need practice. Even your whispers can be heard by one who pays attention."

"Well, we must learn what will work if we are to plan well," said Mithadan. "Perhaps we could run a line between the boats. That might ensure that our vessels are not left behind."

With that, a great deal of discussion ensued as the crew of the Lonely Star climbed to the main deck and began preparations for the grand experiment.

Child of the 7th Age

08-27-2002, 10:48 PM

There was much discussion between the man and the Elves as to Tule's proposal. Child sat over on the side, and said little. She looked about and saw that the other hobbits also seemed vaguely uncomfortable.

Somehow, Child could not shake the feeling that she did not like what Tule was proposing. Deep down in the center of her heart, she had a nagging doubt that something was wrong with Tule's ideas. Child had a nasty image of Mithadan floundering about in the water, his boat left thousands of years behind him, with large sea creatures darting to and fro in anticipation of their dinner. Plus, a line strung between the ships did not seem like much protection.

She went over and tugged on Tule's sleeve. "I need to ask some questions. I would rather you didn't go ahead with this, but if there's no other way, I suppose you must." Child pushed her small frame forward. "I don't know much about osanwe, but common sense says we should make this trial as safe as we can. Why can't we bring the Star close to one of the nearby islands? Tol Morwen would be a good choice. Then, the small skiffs could sail into the shallower waters. The Star will still be two miles out, so there's no danger of running aground. And, since Tol Morwen was deserted by the Second Age, no one would discover us. You could even station Angara in the skiff which is in the deepest waters, since the dragon at least has wings to carry her out of trouble."

"Then, if the skiffs don't transport, the four of you will only have the problem of swimming about by yourself within striking distance of the shore. You won't have 100 fathoms beneath you, or sea monstors lurking on your tail. If the skiffs do transport, there's absolutely no reason it shouldn't work equally well in deep water the next time you try."

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-28-2002, 02:49 AM

Tulë sketched a diagram of the Star and the four skiffs, linked together in a line, on the deck with a piece of charcoal. 'I had considered the idea of the rope, Mithadan. But to my thinking it would provide a tenuous, physical link, at best. I had the horrifying image of 200 ships linked linearly to the Star with a rope, and as the Star shifted there being nothing but the empty rope left trailing in the water.'

He smudged out the rope lines drawn between the ships, and drew an oval within which the Star and the four boats lay. 'Perhaps I can be clearer in how I mean to link us. I know I can draw all of our minds together as one, if you will allow it. But besides this link there can be a communication, if you will, with the elements comprising the boats and ship and the water and air which define their spatial boundaries. I am fairly certain I can do this - to bring all if it together as one whole unit. What I need to know is how long I must do it in order to successfully shift us.'

He stood and rubbed the drawings out with the toe of his boot. 'Of course, once the swan-ships with their elven captains are with us, they will be able to more easily assist in the effort. Unfortunately, there will not be time for trying out theories once they have come.'

'And Child, I thank you for your suggestions that we move into shallower waters. It shows the loving concern you have for your companions. And we can certainly do as you suggest if it proves the group consensus. But I would like to try this out soon and then move on to other parts of the plan for Númenor which must also be organised. Is there any way I can allay your fears? Would it help if I put the weakest swimmer nearer the boat and the stronger swimmer out by me?'

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

08-28-2002, 12:39 PM

While the companions discussed their options, Tulë enlisted the aid of Daisy to lower the four skiffs.

'You mean to do this, don't you?' she asked, as the last one made its small splash on the waves.

'I do.' he said, climbing down to one of them. 'And I'm counting on you and Rose to be my observers from this standpoint. Tell the others to come out when they are ready - Mithadan closest to me, then Angara, and closest to the boat will be Khelek. Ask them to put themselves in a well spaced line between my skiff and the Star. Tell Veritas I will let her know when to use the crystal.'

He pushed off from the Star. Then, waving to Daisy who had taken up her position at the railing, he rowed himself into position and waited.

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

08-28-2002, 01:40 PM

His skiff bobbing in the light chop, Mithadan sat holding the gunwales as he waited for the shift. He wore light clothing and his feet were bare against the event that he would be (or was) dropped into the sea without his craft.

He watched as Tule waved back to Daisy on board the Lonely Star. Then in his mind, he heard Tule. Ready everyone? He waited quietly, trying not to transmit his apprehension. Then he felt Tule again but heard or perceived no words. Rather he felt a contact as if he and the Elf were somehow connected. Then he felt Tule transmit a message, Now, Veritas!

Mithadan's last thought before his suroundings seemed to shimmer was that Tule's 'voice' had sounded somewhat different.

piosenniel

08-28-2002, 05:18 PM

It was a sphere of bright connections which cradled the Lonely Star, the skiffs, and the sea and air surrounding them. Now along the long axis, Tulë connected all the minds in a tightly focused line and held them gently. A small feeling of surprise came through from Mithadan but was quickly smoothed over.

Veritas engaged the crystal, and the elf felt the excitement and apprehension of the others flare in colors along the link. But it held!

He felt the skiff beneath him rock gently in the waves as he released the connections, and a warm breeze ruffle his hair, now damp with sweat.

We did it! came the cry from Veritas. Shall we shift back now?

A moment if you will! I need to catch my breath! Then to the others, a gentle sending, You did well! How do you fare?

piosenniel

08-28-2002, 06:23 PM

No word of any problems came back to Tulë. In fact there was a decided air of excitement, at having solved the issue, which ran like an electric current among the companions.

Good! Then allow me to link us once again and we can return to our original position.

The process came together more quickly this second time. The others, their minds accustomed to his now, linked swiftly and strongly, easing the burden on him.

The air shimmered once more and they were safely back in the waters of the Fourth Age.

Khelek had nearly reached the ship, rowing swiftly while towing Angara's empty skiff back. The dragon, it seemed, had had enough of small boats rocking on the waves and elected to fly herself back.

Tulë rowed strongly toward the Star and came abreast of Mithadan.

Well done, Mithadan! the elf sent, grinning. Race you back! Last one there must cook the other dinner!

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

08-28-2002, 06:47 PM

As the skiffs came back to the ship Rose cheered them on. It seemed miraculus that they had performed such a feat.
Rose had always been amazed by they way the elven race and many gifted others were able to controll thier minds. Rose could do a little but her mental powers were extreamly weak and only suited to picking up small traces.
She was certain that this demenstration proved that a person's mind was thier greatest possetion. In whatever way it was used. It could hold people together better then rope. And it could do far more then that.

Child of the 7th Age

08-29-2002, 12:12 AM

Child stood with Rose on the deck of the Star watching the skiffs come back. She was very glad to see that no one had been hurt, and that the trial had been a success. Then she went back to her work swabbing decks, hoping that Kali and Bird would be returning soon.

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Birdland

08-29-2002, 07:23 AM

Suddenly, Child heard I high, clear voice calling from across the waves. It was Kali, bobbing on the surface, and waving his hand to come on board.

Child lowered a rope over the side of the "Star", and the hobbrim nimbly scampered up the rope and landed lightly on the deck in front of the hobbit and the dragon.

"Oh, Child, I'm sorry I've been gone so long, but Levanto took us to a wonderful place! Birdie and I went with him to his city! I was allowed to go into the great city of the Mer-Folk! And they talked with me about my people, and how they would help us. And Levanto even took us to meet his King! Oh, Child, if you could have only seen it all. Birdie said that you would recognized so much of it..."

Child laughed, as Kali was running on non-stop. But what did he mean that she would have "recognized" the city of the Mer-Folk? She was actually rather miffed that Bird had been away so long, and was not there to assist with the experiment of the skiffs, (as well as the deck swabbing and daily tasks of taking care of the "Star".)

Raising her hands, she laughingly protested "Hold up, Kali! It all sounds truly wonderful, and you must sit and tell all of us about your adventure. But where is Birdie?"

"Oh...she's coming. Didn't Levanto tell you? I think she had a wonderful time as well, Child." Here Kali looked doubtfully out over the waves. "I think maybe she had TOO good a time. Look!" He pointed to a small, black and grey figure coming swiftly towards the ship.

"WHEEEEEEEEEE!!" A dolphin shape broke from the sea, soaring ten feet in the air and landing sideways with a terrific splash into the water. Again the dolphin leapt from the sea, screaming at the top of its lungs "AHOYYYYYYYY, LONELY STAR! YOO-HOO!"

Then Birdie started a whirling tail-walking dance down the length of the ship, passing by an agast Tule and Mithadan, who were still in the skiffs surrounding the ships. The dolphin gave a raucous laugh as she whizzed by the Man and Elf, and sang in a loud, slightly slurred voice:

My gal don't do much talkin',
Dances, even when she's walkin',
One and Two and Three and Four,
She dances 'round the floor!"

"Kali!" Child whirled on the hobbrim, who was leaning over the railing watching the antics of the dolphin with great enjoyment and puzzlement. "Kali! Is Birdie drunk?"

"Oh Child, the Mer-Folk cannot drink," Here Child sighed with relief. "But they do serve a type of searoom at their feasts. I had none myself. My mother always said that type of searoom wasn't good for you. But the Mer-Folk really seem to like them. Birdie liked them too." Child cringed as another "WHEEEEE" echoed across the waters. She ran to the rail, crying out. "Bird! Birdie! Get up on this ship immediately!"

"BOARDING, MY CAPTAIN!" Bird broke from the waves, rising high in a great arc towards the deck of the ship. She missed by a mile.

The body of the dolphin fell directly on the skiff containing Tule. There was a terrifying "CRASH!" and the skiff was swamped, rocking violently in the water as it half-filled with sea water. Tule sat on the floor, half-drowned, with a black-and-grey dolphin sitting in his lap.

The dolphin looked up, gave the drenched Numenorean a wink, and asked companionably "What DO you do with a drunken dolphin, ear-li in the mornin'?"

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Rose Cotton

08-29-2002, 08:16 AM

Child and Rose quickly brought the skiffs up and helped Mith and a Tule back on the ship. Then Birdie back as a women came bounding onto the deck. Rose's chest ached from laughter as Bird continued her antics. It seemed to anoy Angara as she tackled the skin changer and pinned her to the boards.

Birdland

08-29-2002, 08:31 AM

Birdie gave Angara a wet, sloppy kiss on the nose and sang:

I'm a dragon, you're a dragon,
He's a dragon, she's a dragon,
Wouldn't ya like to be a dragon, too?

Then the skin-changer collapsed in a heap under Angara and started to snore.

"Oh, no you don't," muttered Child under her breath. "Rose! Fetch me that bucket of mop water..."

Mithadan

08-29-2002, 09:27 AM

Once Mithadan had finished laughing, he stowed the gear from the skiff and sat on a barrel to relax in the bright sun. He looked curiously at Tule as the Elf playfully assisted Child in rousing Bird.

The last message he had received from Tule just prior to the shift had been odd. Perhaps it had been the tension of the test, but it had "sounded"...different, if "sounded" was the right term. It had not sounded like Tule.

He had accepted the Elf as a friend and ally with little hesitation. Indeed, Ancalimon had vouched for him. There was no reason for suspicion, but the niggling doubt remained. But now, there was little time for concern. Much planning was left to be done. It was one thing to shift the Star and three small boats and quite another to shift an armada of 20 Elven ships each laden with a cargo of 50 Hobbits plus crew. He would certainly need practice in Osanwe...

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-29-2002, 11:16 AM

Child couldn't help laughing. Her friend grinned up at her, sporting an inverted pail on her head. She and Kali managed to navigate her back to the cabin, with Bird babbling on about the wonders she had seen. Her verbiage showed no sign of stopping.

Child recollected it had been a long time since she'd seen the shapechanger in such a happy frame of mind. The mer-city must have been amazing. Strange words and phrases continued to bubble out of Birdland's mouth. Child thought she heard her friend mutter something about kuduk villages, kings' palaces, and north gates. None of this made sense to the hobbit.

She finally decided Bird might require additional assistance. Only twice in her life had Child experienced this particular malady. Her Aunt Bell, however, had known exactly what to do. So Child asked Kali to run to the storeroom and secure a dose of mugwort to be made up as a drink. Kali came back to Child toting a generous flagon of steaming brew.

He wrinkled his nose in disapproval, "This smells horrible! Are you sure we should do this?"

Child nodded her head. "I'm sure."

"But, what if she won't drink it?" asked Kali.

"She'll drink it! And, with the hand of one experienced in the feeding of medicine to small children and puppies, Child managed to engineer the drink into Bird's open mouth. Her friend immediately fell into bed snoring once again.

Child assured Kali that Birdland would sleep the rest of the afternoon and night and wake up the next morning with nothing worse than a bad headache.

Then she and Kali sat down to talk. Kali was clearly sober and speaking the truth. Yet his tale of Gondolin had the ring of magic to it. And his descriptions of this underwater world carried both sadness and joy. Then Child felt a pang of sorrow. Levanto had never had the chance to share his jewel with Piosenniel. For the Elf would surely have loved to see her beloved city rise again, if only on the shores of the ocean bed.

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-29-2002, 12:06 PM

Once he saw Bird would be alright in the capable hands of Child and Rose, Tulë went below to change clothes, wet from the encounter with the dolphin. 'A loose shirt, short breeches, bare feet. Enough for now.' he thought to himself, running his fingers through his unruly hair.

He looked for his map of Númenor and found it folded in his leather bound journal, marking the last entry.

Back on deck, he chose a quiet, sunny place, near the rear of the Star, to sit and study the map for the next move.

Child of the 7th Age

08-29-2002, 12:42 PM

OOC-- Moved and edited again. LOL. I just can't find a home I'm happy with for this post!
_____________________________________________

Finished with her chores and her care of Bird, Child made her way back to the deck of the Star. The success of their trial and the return of Bird and Kali had released just a little of the tension on board. And Child had to admit that Tule had done exactly what he said he would do. Yet, part of her felt uneasy.

Then she sensed a familiar tug inside her mind. "Angara where are you?"Child responded."Don't pull tricks on me!" She started about, but could not see the dragon anywhere.

"I'm not pulling any tricks. Look up, you blockhead hobbit." Angara snorted and wafted puffs of smoke down on Child's head.

Child gazed up to the top of the mast. Angara was hanging upside down by her tail, blowing large smoke rings in Child's direction. "Who are you calling a blockhead?" the hobbit retorted."

"Well, you didn't even bother asking me if I'd sustained injuries in this afternoon's little escapade. That Elf almost had me killed."

"Angara, don't be ridiculous! You look very alive to me." Child gave her a sharp glance, and then continued. "Anyways you don't know how lucky you are. Just try sitting on deck with nothing to do except knitting a scarf."

Child raised up a long yellow scarf which she carried in her hand. It looked as if it could wrap around most hobbits two or three times. The scarf had several holes and numerous dropped stitches.

"What I would give to be in your situation. .....just don't ask. You can at least be part of the rescue. But I know nothing of osanwe beyond having you barge into my mind, and even less of naval strategy."

She remembered how Mithadan had stormed about in Idril's house, feeling trapped because he was unable to move or act. Now she knew exactly how he felt. "I feel so useless sometimes." She spoke every word slowly and deliberately, and then continued. "As for the Elf, leave him out of it! He at least has managed to come up with a workable plan."

Angara laughed, "That sounds like a new tune, Mistress Hobbit. The last time we talked, you called him a pickle face...."

Child glared back at the dragon. It was true that she didn't totally trust the Elf. Part of her felt he was saying and doing things which should have fallen to Pio. Child knew Tule had come from Ancalimon, but she still didn't understand why he would want to be part of a mission whose only purpose was the rescue of hobbits. There were Elves who looked at hobbits with fondness, and then there were the others..... Child still wasn't certain which group Tule fell into.

Angara plunged down from the masthead and came to light on her shoulder, shrinking down to a more manageable size.

"Little Andreth, is anything wrong? " The dragon's voice was gentle. Child hesitated, but then looked into the whirling green and gold eyes. Angara seemed to be asking a genuine quesion, so she decided to try offering a genuine answer.

"I don't know. I don't like all this waiting and sitting and not doing. When I was in Beleriand, I felt as if I made a difference just by getting up in the morning. Now my main contribution is swabbing the deck and cleaning up everyone's mess in the galley. I feel as if I am ready to move on with my life, but there's no place to move on to." Her fingers strayed to the green stone nestled at her throat. Then she shook her head and looked down stubbornly at her knitting.

The dragon said nothing, but sat down and placed her body within Child's skirts, allowing the hobbit to softly stroke her head.

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

08-29-2002, 01:12 PM

Khelek and Veritas sat with Mithadan on the foredeck. Mithadan was sweating as if from great exertion while Veritas and Khelek sat calmly with slightly amused looks on their faces.

"You must learn to send your thoughts selectively, so that no others but the intended person can receive them," said Khelek. "Otherwise, you might as well be shouting out your secrets in the midst of a crowd. Perhaps the best way to do this is by attempting to shut out my thoughts while Veritas sends hers to you. Let's attempt this."

The three sat still and silent. Mithadan concentrated on receiving only Veritas' thoughts to the exclusion of all others. Then he heard two voices in his head saying simultaneously, "Your hair is a mess." "You need a bath."

Mithadan growled at the Elves who well nigh collapsed in laughter. "Didn't work?" gasped Khelek. "Let's try again. And concentrate less. There is no need to be so tense unless someone is attempting to penetrate your mind without leave."

Mithadan took a breath, then attempted to clear his mind. He envisioned a wall between himself and Khelek and an open tunnel between he and Veritas. This time, he heard but one voice, "He's right, you do need a bath, Man."

Mithadan smiled and jumped up. "It worked," he cried. Then he turned to face Veritas with a frown. "Wait a minute..." Veritas' face was a mask of innocence.

piosenniel

08-29-2002, 04:57 PM

The sun had shifted and a shadow had worked its way across the space where Tulë sat. He had put away the map, there was no more information he could pick from it for now. Later he would consult with the other elves and Mithadan about the problem of the palantíri locations and when best to call the ships from the West.

Standing up, he stretched his shoulders, sore from this morning's row back to the Star. He looked over the side of the ship at the glassy, inviting sea. The idea of a swim crossed his mind for a brief moment, and then was put aside.

Walking back toward the foredeck, he heard the laughter of Khelek and Veritas followed by a growl from Mithadan. 'Ah! Practicing!' Smiling, he stood and watched them for a moment.

A small touch on his arm stopped him from continuing on toward the three. Child had come up from behind and placed her hand on his arm to draw his attention. He turned, and noted her polite hobbit face was on, though behind her eyes he sensed a multitude of questions and uncertainties waiting to be brought up.

He smiled openly and inclined his head toward her. 'May I call you Child?' he asked, holding her eyes with his own. 'Ancalimon has told me so much of you, I feel as if we have already met.' He waited for her to continue.

'Child will do nicely.' she said, wondering just how he made his eyes do that - turn from a darker grey to a lighter, sparkling shade as if the sunlight were passing through the waves. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. 'I wonder if I could speak with you.' she continued.

He nodded in assent, and motioned her to a nearby chair, drawing one up for himself. When they had settled themselves in comfortably, he urged her on. 'Please, feel free to ask what you need. I know I came on board the Star while you were still in Beleriand. And that there has been little time for us to get to know each other.' He sat back, giving her time to collect her thoughts.

Child tried to think of what she wanted to say first. The thought of 'You can't take Pio's place!' was put aside in favor of a more polite start. 'I really do know nothing about you.' she said. Where are you from? - Númenor? Is that where you met Ancalimon?'

'I have been in Númenor, of late.' said the elf, considering the question seriously, 'but that was at the request of Ancalimon. I was to familiarize myself with the Isle that I might aid you in fulfilling your quest when he could not be there to guide you. I met him and your companions recently in Númenor and took your companions to the place where the hobbits will be imprisoned. Ancalimon returned almost immediately from my first introduction to the crew to see the hobbits in Beleriand once again, I believe.' He sat back, silent for a moment, considering the answers to her other questions.

'And you met Ancalimon there, in Númenor?' she prompted, leaning forward to scrutinize his face as he answered.

'Best to be truthful with this One.' he thought to himself, assessing the spirit of the hobbit before him. 'No, I did not meet him in Númenor, Child. I come from Valinor, and that is where I was asked to aid him.'

Child sat back, taking in his answers and the manner in which he gave them. She leaned forward once more, a question forming in her mind. She was just about to ask it, when Rose and Kali came running to her and tugged her up from the chair.

'Hurry, Child, come quickly! Bird is awake and has heaved up all the stuff in her stomach. Daisy's trying to get her cleaned up, but Bird keeps getting sick. Hurry, Hurry, please!! We need your medicines!'

Child sent them back to help Daisy, telling them she would be along directly. 'I wasn't quite done speaking with you.' she said to the elf, as she made to hurry off. 'This evening if it's convenient, I'd like to continue our conversation." She awaited his answer, hand on hip.

'As you wish, Child. I'll be here. Go on now and take care of Bird.'

He watched her retreating form, then stood and went on his way to the foredeck. The elves had gone, and Mithadan stood leaning on the railing, looking over the sea. He did not hear the elf approach and stop behind him.

Your pardon! came the impish thought to him. But you really do need a bath! You did lose the race back to the ship this morning, if only by a hair. And I do prefer my chef clean!

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

08-29-2002, 06:51 PM

Having cleaned himself from the exertions of the day, Mithadan set about preparing dinner, a fish stew. "Fish yesterday, fish today and don't it look like fish tomorrow," Mithadan muttered under his breath. Accompanying the stew was a selection of dried fruits and the last of a fine vintage of wine. Tomorrow, the crew would need to make due with lesser spirits.

piosenniel

08-29-2002, 08:25 PM

'Look what I've found!' came the excited voice of the elf from behind a stack of barrels in the hold. Daisy came running over to him. She had been poking about in the ship's larder with Tulë and wanted to show off her finds as well.

'I've found a tin of flour and one of sugar, and here's a small jar with cinnamon, and a packet of nutmegs.' said Daisy, proudly displaying her treasures.

'Excellent sleuthing, Daisy. Those are just what we need to turn these into something delectable.' Tulë held up a small cask filled with layers of honey-scented dried apples, and another smaller one of rich, dark dried currants. 'Let's find us a bit of butter and go up to the galley.'

The pair made their way to the galley and peeked inside. Mithadan had left the kettle of stew on a low back burner, and it burbled lazily every once in a while letting off a burst of savory aroma. He had gone off about other business while it simmered.

Daisy stoked the fire for the oven and set enough apples for two generous pies soaking in some warmed water. She helped the elf cut the butter into the flour and roll it out to make the crusts. The apples were plumped by the time they had lined the bottoms of the pie plates with dough, and Tulë poured off the water and added a generous handful or two of currants to the bowl along with some sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, a few gratings of nutmeg, and some flour for thickening. He stirred it thoroughly and divided the mixture between the two pie pans. Daisy placed a few small pieces of butter about the top of the mixture and carefully placed the top crusts on, pricking a star-shaped pattern in each one.

They popped the pies in the oven, cleaned up after themselves, and gave the stew a stir before leaving.

About an hour later, the smell of something wonderful had wafted up on deck.

'What's that?' asked Mithadan, relaxing on the foredeck with the others of the crew. 'Ooh, what did you make that smells so good!?' asked Rose.

Daisy could hardly keep from laughing as Tulë pushed her forward. 'It's your pies for dinner, Mithadan! You'ld better get them out of the oven before they burn and set them out to cool!'

[ August 30, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

08-29-2002, 11:11 PM

Evening came and the crew sat down to dinner. The success of the experiment earlier in the day had buoyed their spirits and they fell to with hearty appetites. When the last bit of stew had been sopped from the bowls with bread, and the platter of fruits passed round for the last time and washed down with good wine, Mithadan brought out the pies and cut generous slices for all.

'Let's go up on deck with our dessert,' said Child, picking up her plate and grabbing a fork. 'We can catch the cooler breezes and watch the sunset while we enjoy dessert.'

The hobbit's suggestion met with approval and soon they were all sitting about on deck enjoying the ending to a pleasant day.

Child of the 7th Age

08-29-2002, 11:43 PM

As the hobbits sat on deck chatting and laughing, Child noticed Tule standing alone in the prow of the ship. This was not the first time she had observed him doing this. He often took a solitary stroll as the first stars came into the sky.

She excused herself from her friends and walked over to the Elf. He stood with his eyes rivetted on the western horizon. Child had not forgotten his promise to speak further, and wondered if this might be a good time. The hobbit gently commented, "It's beautiful, Tule. Isn't it? No matter how many times I stand here, I never tire of it. I love the sound of the waves as they slide against the vessel, and the way the stars are reflected in the water like a hundred glittering lights."

"Is your home near the Sea, then?" he asked.

"No, I'm no hobbrim." She shook her head. "The soil, the land, tugs at the heart of my people. They love the earth too much to stray so close to the shore."

"When I was younger, I used to think this love would pass if they only learned the ways of Elves and Men. Sometimes, I even wanted to change them, hoping they would become like the Elves with their learning or like Men who carry out so many great deeds. But, more and more, I understand that I was the one whose vision was clouded. What memories and words are to your people, the earth and growing things are to mine."

"You said earlier I might speak with you. But it's not only questions I bring. I wanted to tell you something of my people and my own fears about this rescue."

"In Beleriand, I was part of a community of hobbits that had friendly dealings with Elves and Men. In that time and place, my people seemed to understand both their path and their lore in a way I can never hope to achieve."

"But I have so many concerns about what's happened in Numenor, and whether the Star will arrive in time to do any good." Child hesitated and then went on. "Tule, I'm not faulting you. I believe you and Mith will be able to find some way to break through the guard and rescue the hobbits from the tombs."

"But I don't think it will be enough just to carry out a physical rescue. I'm worried about what has happened to their spirits and minds. My kin have spent over three thousand years of isolation in Tol Fuin and another sixty years of imprisonment in the tombs."

"When I lived in the camps of Morgoth, every one of us felt his presence, and had to fight to keep it out of our hearts. Yet, at least we lived under the stars, and could look up to dream."

"But my people have been hidden in a dark place. The young ones have never looked up to see the sky or the sun. And they lie under a hill which has become so polluted that even the sacred Hallow of Eru holds a temple to Sauron. I can not imagine what that feels like, and I fear for them."

"When you come to rescue them, they may be very afraid. For it's been a long time since they've seen any Elves, and, as for Men, their model is Ar-pharazon who ripped their freedom from them."

She lowered her voice, "In the camps, I met a hobbit, Maura Took, who was loremaster for his people, and another named Lindo, a singer who seemed touched by Varda's hand. They meant much to me. But I fear that the Mauras and Lindos of the hobbits have been crushed by the hands of Ar-Pharazon and Sauron."

"Tule, I have to know. Why do you want to do this thing for my people, and what do you know of my kin? Did you ever visit the kuduk of Beleriand or Tol Fuin, or some of the men I mentioned? I know that Ancalimon must have chosen you for a reason. Are you permitted to say what that reason is?"

"I don't mean to push myself forward so crudely. But sometimes, in a world where Elves and Men have such talent with words, my people have had no one to speak for them."

[ August 30, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-30-2002, 01:45 AM

He regarded her intently. The depth of her understanding made him choose his words with care. 'You are frightened, Child, and rightly so. Shadow rises once again and strives to swallow Light. And so it will ever be until the Doors of Night are thrown open and the final battle fought, as I have heard.'

He gazed out across the sea to the West. 'And yet, there is always the seed of hope that blooms even in the bitterest of Springs.' He returned his gaze to her, regarding her closely. 'Did you not look in the mirror, Child? Did you not see the face of hope? Did you not see the face of your loremaster, your singer, your people looking back at you?' He paused, and then went on, almost as if to himself. 'And beyond hope is the doing of all the actions, great and small, which brings life to hope.' He smiled at her, 'And that is where things stand for now, for me - I have come to do what I can to help you do what you need.'

He laughed a little at his words. 'Bye the One, that was too ponderous even for an elf! Come, sit and share one more cup of wine with me, and I promise to answer your questions more directly!'

They sat in silence for a while, sipping their wine, and watched the moonlight ripple on the wave crests.

He spoke again. 'Ancalimon did not choose me. I was chosen for him. By the Lady who dwells west of the West.' A spark of recognition gleamed in the hobbit's eyes. 'You know her, also, I see. She has a great love for your people as does Ancalimon. They have taught me much about you, though from the first your people have had a special place in my heart.'

'I have had many dealings with hobbits, throughout my life. I know the name, Lindo, a hobbit very kind to children, as I remember, but I do not recall Maura Tuk, I am sorry to say. And yes, I know of Tol Fuin, but I never journeyed there.'

He took a small drink of wine, and set the cup down carefully on the low table between them. 'Your first question is the hardest to answer. "Why do I want to do this thing?".' He ran his hand through his hair and considered his answer.

'Because it needs to be done. Because I can. Because your people are Arda's hope and the last defense against Darkness.'

'Because you are my hope.'

[ August 30, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

08-30-2002, 11:05 AM

Mithadan sat at a table in his cabin making notes on several sheets of vellum. He had scratched out a rough map of the caverns at the base of Meneltarma and the courses of the river. Then he outlined some of the details of the plan which had been created.

Several crewmembers would take a skiff from the Lonely Star and contact the imprisoned Hobbits just as the Numenorean fleet prepared to make way to Valinor. After the fleet departed, preparations would be made for the Hobbits to escape from captivity. Mithadan would seek out a palantir to contact the Telerin Elves in Tol Eressea, who would depart in a fleet of their own to Numenor, staying well clear of the Numenoreans. The Hobbits would be transported to the Telerin fleet which would gather around the Lonely Star and shift to a new time approximately one year later, by which time the peak of Meneltarma should have reappeared as an island...

There was something wrong. Of course there might be some opposition to their activities. There might be skirmishes with Numenorean guards and he doubted whether the transport of the Hobbits from the caves would go undetected. But as he reviewed the plan, he felt a thrill of fear as if there were a fundamental error in their reasoning. He reviewed the plan over and over again. Then he stood and walked to Child's cabin and asked for a book of lore addressing the fall of Numenor. For hours, he pored over the book, reading the final chapters of the tale. Then his eyes grew wide and he slammed the book closed. Indeed there was a problem. He hastened down the hall to Tule's cabin and knocked on the door...

piosenniel

08-30-2002, 12:24 PM

Tulë sat on his bed, maps spread about him in disarray. Pio's green journal concerning her travels in Númenor lay open in front of him.

He was in the process of skimming though the pages on the palantíri and making annotations on one of the maps, when the sound of hurried footsteps came down the hall and stopped outside his closed door. The sound of someone's firm knock followed.

'Enter!'

Child of the 7th Age

08-30-2002, 02:36 PM

Helen's post

Gamba's Journal on My Very Own Vellum, Written While Imprisoned in the Tombs of Numenor

3319 Second Age, Day #1

I get to have a songbook and diary of my very own and Phura, my brother, doesn't. That's because Loremaster says my runes are terrible and my poetry retention is worse. Loremaster thinks that this will improve them both. He says I must remember how lucky I am to be learning and to have a sheet of vellum. Most of our people are so busy making armaments and mining iron and digging graves for the king that they have forgotten all their lore. Many of them don't even have enough to eat.

For the record I'd better say that Phura is always very good to me and always helps me with my lessons. Loremaster says that is why Phura remembers every verse of every song, because he tries so hard to teach them to me. Of course, I am very grateful for all his efforts.

Sometimes I think Loremaster is sad. He says he is afraid what will happen to us if he would have to leave. But he is very brave, and I don't know why he would leave us.

Dorthonion's Isle so fresh and green
Still call us from across the sea
Though many waves lie in between
Still sweet our memories are of thee.

-----------------------------------------
3319, Second Age, Day #2

Phura says that the second line of the poem should read calls, not call. I don't want it to. I want Dorthonion to call me now. And I want to go back. But that was 64 years ago, and I'm not even sure of the way. Loremaster says we were free then, and could see the sky all the time, not just when we swim out from under the rock roof.

Then we tilled our land so sweet,
And wild we roamed the mountainside,
We sang and danced on merry feet
Under the sky so blue and wide.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day #3

Loremaster agrees with Phura and says it should be Calls. But I'm not going to change it and make my diary look messy. Loremaster laughed and said sometimes excess attention to superficial beauty costs us realism. Then Phura laughed too. I don't care. I'm not changing it.

And now beneath a rocky roof
We think of all our old beliefs;
We work, and sigh, and wish for proof
That hope remains, and freedom lives.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day #4

Phura says he's sorry for laughing at me yesterday. He says my diary does look nice. He says he wished we could go back too. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Loremaster is proud of Phura because he is learning an old hymn to Eru from one of the guards. I am not supposed to tell anyone. But they didn't say I couldn't write it down. Only Phura and Loremaser read this anyway. I keep it hidden so nobody will laugh at my runes. And this guard is nicer than the others. So I don't want him or my brother to get in trouble.

Phura says that the hymn to Eru made him feel less sad. I hope he'll teach it to me. I feel sad all the time since the new god moved into the temple at the top of Meneltarma. I have bad dreams every night. I don't know the hymn to Eru yet, but I'm going to write something cheerful for a change.

Lovely smile in moonlight beaming
Shining hair in starlilght gleaming
Darling Pio, Bright Pio,
Lovely Piosenniel.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day 5

Phura is always carrying on about the hobbits Nitir and Azra. He learned a poem about them and says that they will return one day to help set us free. I don't see how hobbit girls can do anything that important. He must be mistaken.

Anyways, I would rather meet an Elf. I asked Loremaster what an Elven maiden looks like. He says they are as tall as the men-guards, but beautiful; much more beautiful than anything we see down here. I'd like to see an elven maiden someday. Especially in the starlight. I wonder if she'd sing and dance for me.

Loremaster didn't say anything about Elven maids who carry swords, but I've heard all the tales about Piosenniel, and I know she fought as well as any man. If she were to come back, I'm sure she'd beat up on Ar-Pharazon and make him let us go.

Song and dance the heart enchanting
Ancient wisdom understanding
Thoughtful Pio, Wise Pio,
Noble Piosenniel.

---------------------------------------------
-

3319, Second Age, Day 6

Today I feel sad. I miss my mother and father. Sometimes I don't think about them too much, and some days I keep remembering them again and again. I guess today is just one of those "again and again" days. Loremaster says he will take good care of us and help us grow up to be hobbits they would be proud of. But I still miss them a lot.

I asked Loremaster what starlight looks like. He says that it's against the rules for us to swim at night so I can't see. It's against the rules for us to swim during the day too so I don't understand what difference it makes. Phura says it's more dangerous at night because you can't see where you are going. But I still don't know what starlight looks like. I saw the moon many times while I was swimming but they say it looks different at night and it shines by itself. I can't wait til I'm old enough to swim out at night. My only consolation is that Phura isn't old enough either.

I tried to teach Bungo how to write runes. I wanted to cheer him up. He spends all day making ropes and arrows for the king and says it's very boring. His runes look even worse than mine and he has trouble remembering what they mean. I wish I could help him remember.

Elven maiden stong and free,
Swift across the land or sea,
Bold Pio, fleet Pio,
Daring Piosenniel.

[ September 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

08-30-2002, 03:21 PM

Mithadan walked into Tule's cabin. He pushed aside some parchments and sat on a chair, with an annoyed look on his face. "We have a problem," he said.

The Elf smiled gently. "We have many problems," he answered lightly. "What is yours?"

"Our plan for summoning the Telerin ships is flawed," replied the Man. "You have suggested that I gain access to a palantir for this purpose. While that might be difficult at the best of times, it is impossible as planned."

The Elf's brow furrowed. "Why is that?"

"Because at the time Ar-Pharazon's fleet is assembling, the King's Men were sent to round up those loyal to the Valar such as Amandil and his sons. Well, by that time Amandil was gone, but to evade capture they boarded seven ships and left the island, waiting off the Eastern coast for the results of the attack on Valinor."

"Yes?" responded the Elf.

"They took their most valuable possessions with them. All of them. The Palantiri were among them. At the time we will be attempting to rescue the Hobbits, the Palantiri will not be on Numenor!"

Rose Cotton

08-30-2002, 03:45 PM

Rose was extreamly bored. Everyone was preparing for the days to come and she didn't have any way of helping.
She wandered the ship trying to find somthing of intrest. Finnally she wandered to the frount of the ship and gazed at the stars. If only she were like Birdie and could just fly away for awhile. Soon she fell asleep on the deck.

Child of the 7th Age

08-30-2002, 05:39 PM

Child was buzzing about the deck of the ship trying to find Bird and the hobbits. The first one she ran into was Rose. She asked her to run and collect everyone and to meet down in the galley.

Within a few minutes, Rose came trooping in. Trailing behind her were Daisy, Bird, and Kali. Child lined everyone up and stood to make an announcement.

At that instant Daisy whispered to Rose, "I can see she used to be a teacher." Rose nodded and giggled. Then Child gave them a sharp look back.

"We have a job to do," Child said sternly to her companions. "I spoke with Tule last night about a number of things." At this point, several eyebrows lifted in the room. "Before I left, we talked about how we needed to start preparing the Star to take on as many as fifty hobbits or hobbrim in a very short time. Even if they're only on the ship one or two days, they're going to need food, blankets, and maybe even medical care. Plus, we will be returning to Meneltarma after that. And again, all our hobbits will need to be taken care of for the day or two that we're there."

Kali asked what kind of shape the hobbits might be in, since they were being rescued from a prison. And Child had to admit she didn't know, but that some of them could be sick and hungry.

Then she added, "I've already begun to go through the galley and storerooms, and we aren't going to have enough supplies, unless you folk swim and row out into the seas and start foraging for foodstuffs, healing herbs, and other useful things. Thanks to Rose," and here Child nodded towards the girl, "we do have plenty of kingsfoil, but there are many more provisions we need. You need to use your imaginations. Anything you can come up with will be put to good use."

At that point, Bird suggested that Levanto might be able to help. Soon the hobbits and the shapechanger were exchanging suggestons about how they might gather some of these supplies. Child told the group she would organize everything on board once they brought the things to her.

In the middle of this confusion, Kali turned around and looked at Bird, with a decided gleem in his eye, "They're coming, they're really coming. All these plans and maps and headaches that the Elf and the Man are doing. They mean something. They mean my family is coming home." Kali looked happier than he had looked in days.

Child nodded and smiled. "Now, get going, and I don't want to hear any more moaning or complaining. You've each got a job to do!"

[ August 30, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

08-30-2002, 06:12 PM

Tulë rubbed the back of his neck in exasperation and sighed. Pulling the navigational chart of the Isle's waters up close to him, he ran his index finger along the possible positions of Amandil's seven ships. 'They might be anywhere off here.' he said, pointing to the eastern coastal waters. He drummed his fingers on the map, murmuring to himself, 'How could I forget that!'

'What about this as a possibility?' he asked, looking at Mithadan. 'Can we get one of the palantíri from the ships? Perhaps even one of the smaller, hand held ones? It would not take a large one to be able to contact the Master-stone on Avallonë. What do you think? Might this be a viable option for us?'

Mithadan raised his eyebrows in response to this question, and shook his head decisively. 'Absolutely not! We can't go sneaking onto a Númenorean ship. We'd be thrown into the hold, thrown overboard, or killed outright! And beside that, there are seven ships. We have no idea which ship has the palantíri, or if they are cached on more than one.'

The elf looked at the map he had been working on and pushed it from him in frustration. 'I'm getting the idea, Mithadan, that we are nixing the palantíri plan, then, completely. Correct?!'

'Correct.'

'So what do you see as being a workable option for us, now?' asked Tulë.

Mithadan thought for a moment. 'Well, you were able to contact Angara as she flew from Northern Beleriand, and you were able to link the ship and skiffs today - is there a way you can send the message to the Teleri through osanwe?'

Tulë blanched, and rubbed his temples with his fingers. 'Osanwe?! I have never tried such a distance as that!'

'Still, I can see no other way, Tulë.'

'Well, then, I shall have to put in some practice time, also.' He smiled and shook his head at the distance. 'I hope Child has an ample supply of headache powder!'

He pulled the sea map of Númenor and Aman toward him and studied the distance to Tol Eressëa from the southern waters of Númenor. 'Our next question is, since we have agreed on the means of communication, is to figure out when to send the message.'

Mithadan looked at the map and drew his finger along the possible line of approach for the swan-ships. Above that, he pencilled in lightly the path that Ar-Pharazôn and his armada would take. 'I believe we know that the invasion will take about thirty-nine days to reach Túna from the Isle. Do you know how fast the Telerin ships can travel?'

'At this moment, I have no ideas on that. Would any of your sources have information we might use for our calculations?'

Mithadan shrugged and said he didn't know, but that he would look through them.

'Good enough, then.' said the elf, getting up from the bed. 'Let's go up on deck for a bit and stretch our legs, maybe catch some fresh air to clear our heads. We can put our heads together tomorrow to figure out a few more details.'

[ September 01, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-30-2002, 06:32 PM

Child and Rose had begun their search for supplies by closeting themselves in the depths of the ship, searching for things that had been overlooked before. They found a number of barrels of wine and some smoked meats which had been tucked away in Minas Tirith and then forgotten.

As they straightened and organized all the items, Daisy asked Child if she could tell her a tale to make the time pass more quickly. Child laughed and said, "I can do one better than that. Last night I went to bed and had a strange dream."

Daisy looked over and laughed. "Rose told me that sometimes you see Valar and Elves, and they bring you secrets from Valinor."

Child burst out laughing, "Don't believe everything you hear from Rose! Anyways, this was a different kind of dream. It was just about hobbits, and it was very silly. Or so it seemed to me."

Daisy was curious now and told Child to go on with her tale of dreaming. So Child described how she had seen two young lads having a fight. "They were about eleven years old. I think they must have been brothers, because they were fighting the way brothers fight. Both of them were in some kind of very dark place, and they were aguing over the strangest thing. One brother, the older one, kept insisting that he wanted to see "Nitir and Azra", and the younger one, who was a bit of a scamp, said he preferred "Pioseniel" since she at least carried a sword. The older one spoke very nicely and was a little shy. He reminded me of Lindo. He even sang a song in my dream."

"And the younger one?" asked Daisy.

"Oh, he definitely looked like Maura, or how Maura would have looked as a young lad. Only he seemed to be getting in trouble all the time."

Child went on, "Near the end of the dream, a teacher came in and scolded the younger boy for keeping the elder from his studies."

Daisy looked up with mischievous eyes. "So which one did you like better? The older one who defended Nitir, perhaps?"

Child shook her head, "What a strange question!" She laughed and was about to turn her thoughts to something else. But then she stopped and reflected for a moment. "You know Daisy, you're right. I liked both the boys very much, but I did feel something more for one of them. The littler one who looked like Maura and acted like a scamp, that is the one I would pick."

[ August 31, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

08-30-2002, 06:36 PM

Rose immediatly put herself in charge of the opporation. This was what she had been waiting for. Enough supplies for 50 hobbits would seem like alot to most people but Child had employed the right ones for the job.
They started by thinking of the things they could gather out at sea. The ovious choice was of course fish. But Rose was determined to provied the hobbits with a little variety. She sent Bird to see if she could find any near by islands where posible food could be found. Meanwhile the reast of them took a skiff and started fishing. Levanto helped by exploring the depts. He brought back a number of searooms along with crabs, lobsters and oysters.

By this time Birdie came back with news of a small island a few hours away. Once on the island there wasn't much to be found. Thier hunt was not in vain for they did find a large amount of bird eggs.

The whole process took a full day of hard work. But Child was not dissapointed in what she saw. There seemed to be enough food for everyone.

Child of the 7th Age

08-30-2002, 06:44 PM

Child went through all the provisions that her companions had brought. Rose was correct in saying they'd worked very hard for there were many supplies to be sorted and put away. They certainly had enough fish to last 50 hobbits for at least a week or more!

But Child knew some things were still missing, since none of the 'teeners had thought about the possibility of babes or children coming onto the Star. She knew there might be many young families, so she wondered if there was any way Bird or Levanto could miraculously come up with a source of milk for the little ones.

There were also various herbal remedies which she desperately needed. It made no sense to waste kingsfoil by using it on small wounds or minor illnesses. But such conditions still needed appropriate treatment.

She thanked everyone for their help, but then suggested Bird go out one more time. Meanwhile, she assigned Rose and Daisy to work on the job of gutting and cleaning the fish and all the other seafood.

[ August 31, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Birdland

08-30-2002, 10:44 PM

"Child," said Birdie, "You are forgetting the offer of the King of the Mer-Folk, who swore that he would help Kali with his mission to find and free his people. The Mer-Folk would be willing to help with any supplies you might need for 50 Hobbits. And I myself can testify to the excellence of their fare."

Child was elated at the solution, then suddenly, a look of worry and suspicion appeared on her wise, Halfling face. "Birdie, just what kind of "supplies" are you referring to?"

"All kinds, they have every kind of fare you could want, though some might come in unfamiliar forms. They even have mushrooms!" Suddenly, the light dawned on Bird's face, and she said, in a defensive tone: "No! Not THOSE kind of mushrooms. Really, Child! Will you never let me live that down?"

"And what of the milk?" said Child "Can a hobbit child thrive on the food fit for a Mer-Child?"

"Oh, I think they can handle that as well" said Birdie, with a laugh. "Though you might be thrown for a minute by the peculiarity of the herd."

Rose Cotton

08-31-2002, 06:02 AM

Rose knew very well that food wasn't the only thing the hobbits would need. So with Child's leave she went down to her room and with all the material she could find started to make blankets and extra clothing all the time singing one of Lindo's lullabys.

Child of the 7th Age

08-31-2002, 09:22 AM

Bird couldn't stop laughing at the joke about the mushrooms. But for Child, this was no laughing matter. She reminded her friend how much hobbits love mushrooms, and asked whether the shapechanger would care to be in charge of clean-up when 50 hobbits got sick. Bird laughed, but promised once more not to pull any tricks.

Child was about to send her off to speak with Levanto, when she thought of another needed supply. "You don't think they'd have anything down there that resembles what we call "fruits"?

Bird looked at her with a puzzled face. "Why "fruits"? Do young hobbits have a special need for fruit?"

Child laughed, then leaned over and said, "Not those hobbits, silly. It's for us. I haven't seen a real piece of fresh fruit since Minas Tirith. Daisy used the last of those shriveled up apples for her pie, and it came out alright. But that's still not what I'd call fresh fruit."

"Don't forget that, while you were here eating up the last of the fresh stores on the Star, Rose and I only had what was available in the camps. And that wasn't exactly a midsummer's feast! The Orcs wouldn't even let us eat the fruits we raised ourselves. I used to dream about raiding apple orchards almost every night. Rose and I searched for fruit when we revisited Tol Fuin, but couldn't find any. See what you can do for two friends who'd love to see something resembling an apple!" Then she reminded her again about the milk and herbal remedies, and urged her to hurry back as soon as she could.

[ August 31, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Birdland

08-31-2002, 03:22 PM

"Fruit, eh?" pondered Birdie. "Well, I don't think they have apple trees growing under the sea, Child. Least not from what I saw."

Bird shrugged "The Mer-Folk have food. Some of it's sweet, some sour, some meaty, and some..."bready". And fish, of course, Herds and herds of fish. They have fields, or groves, as you might say, since they do no plowing. And they have plants. And they have some things that look like plants, but I don't think they are."

But it's all good. Very tasty. I never had a better feast, not since leaving Gondolin. But then again, come to think of it, I WAS in Gondolin! Perhaps they should call it "New Gondolin", eh?"

But you asked for food, and the Mer-Folk have it, and are willing to share with us. If you want the details of exactly WHAT you wll be eating, I suggest you ask Kali. I for one, thought it best not to ask."

Child of the 7th Age

08-31-2002, 07:06 PM

Mithadan was deeply engrossed in the strategic details of the rescue, but even he could not help but notice the flurry of activity that was going on all over the Star. It was the first concrete evidence he'd seen that something was actually about to happen and, like Kali, he welcomed its arrival.

Child came over to him in the hall and quickly explained how everyone was helping outfit the ship for the fifty or more hobbits who were expected to come on board. He shook his head and laughed as the hobbit told him how Bird and Levanto were petitioning the mer-folk for their assistance.

"Either that is going to be the most delicious food I've ever tasted," the man observed, "or the worst! I'll reserve final judgment until I have it in front of me on my plate." He looked a bit alarmed at Bird's description of the "herd" which would be moving in to provide a source of milk.

"Tell Bird not to bring anything on deck which would crowd half of us off the ship! The supplies are precious, but so is the space we'll need to transport that many hobbits"

"And, Child, one word of advice, you might want to have someone take one of the smaller skiffs and put in at a port along the coast. Remember that we're in the Fourth Age, and should be able to get hold of provisions like flour or apples which I highly doubt the mer-folk can provide. Also, some extra blankets would be useful."

"You should be able to find some small market towns wedged between the Blue Mountains and the bay of Belegaer that have these provisions. Just tell the crew to get an early start tomorrow, and be back on board within two days at most. We can't hold the ship any longer than that, but I do agree that supplies are needed."

Child of the 7th Age

08-31-2002, 07:35 PM

Child warned Bird to be careful about bringing anything on board that would cut down on the space available for passengers, and then explained that she herself would be off in the skiff to one of the coastal markets. Between the two of them, they should be able to cover all the ships' needs.

The two women embraced, and Bird swam off to meet Levanto. She promised to return by the same time tomorrow. Child walked down the hall and knocked on Rose's door. The girl sat surrounded by several piles of blankets as well as an assortment of sewing supplies. She had been diligently working for most of the day.

"Rose, it looks as if you're going to get your wish. Today, you managed to get out of cleaning fish by working on the blankets which we needed. Tomorrow, there's something else we can do together. She quickly explained what Mithadan had suggested. The two agreed to meet at dawn and get an early start.

Child asked Daisy and Kali to take care of the fish cleaning and organize everything else in their absence.

"When will you two be back", Kali asked.

"As soon as we can," Child assured him. "I'd love to do it in a single day, but I don't know how realistic that is. If Bird gets in before I do, please help her with those supplies." Child went off to the Galley to prepare for the morning.

[ August 31, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

08-31-2002, 07:59 PM

Helen's post

3319, Second Age, Day 12

I wish I knew why we were suddenly on this big Ladros review and the settling of Dorthonion. Loremaster Lindo's songs weren't any better than any of the other old loremasters, and why he wrote so many lullabyes I don't know, but they are getting annoying. Loremaster says it is because my dreams were about Ladros and the elders thought it would be wise to review the songs from that time. I wish I'd kept my mouth shut. And I don't see what half of my dreams had to do with Ladros. I didn't have one single dream about a snowball fight.

Azra's Lullabye

Stars above are softly shining,
Wind and waves my ship are rocking,
I my love for you am singing,
Sleep, my lovely, sleep.

Though our days we live in thralldom,
Deep inside your soul lives freedom.
Dream of shining elvish kingdoms!
Sleep, my lovely, sleep.

Watch and wait, always remember,
Never to despair surrender,
Hope will find you, hope remembers,
Sleep, my lovely, sleep.

Far away wild gulls are wailing,
Far away fond hearts are waiting,
Far away proud ships are sailing,
Sleep, my lovely, sleep.

[ September 05, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Frodo Baggins

08-31-2002, 08:22 PM

(forgive me for playing you)
As Child was in the galley she heared a sniffle and what sounded like a muffled sob. then a voice broken with grief said

"Well Sharon, have you taken good care of the Silmarillion I gave you?" A weary and worn Frodo Baggins crept out and took a few steps to C7A, but then he fell to the floor sobbing uncontrollably.
"I'm sorry I left. I'm so sorry I left. I can never catch up. I you want me to leave I will, but I missed you all so terribly. PLEASE DON"T SEND ME AWAY!!!!!"

Frodo Baggins

09-01-2002, 01:52 PM

*sniff* Oh forgive my emotional outbreak. Yes, yes an overview would be of more value than gold at the moment.

Child of the 7th Age

09-01-2002, 01:55 PM

OOC ------

ROSE Please check your pms. I have some info on the Gathering RPG and also some other stuff.

FRODO Please hold off on posting. Check for a pm from me. Thanks.

ENTIRE CREW OF THE STAR-- Take a look at the Fanfiction/RPG discussion thread. Since there's a ban on starting new threads, I took an old question and re-edited it. I wanted to get something up so we'd be sure and have space for fanfiction discussions and proposed edits. Scroll down about three old entries and you'll see a comment from Rose and myself re our identity in the fanfiction.

sharon

[ September 01, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-02-2002, 10:37 AM

Helen's post

3319, Second Age, Day # 13

Loremaster says I shouldn't be using my journal to just complain about everything. Well, all right then. Fine.

Nitir's Lullabye

Curls across your pillow lying,
Shining curls my heart entwining.
Dreamy smile, my heart beguiling
Dream, dear hart, sweet dreams.

Tears across your pillow lying
Shining tears, Nienna sighing.
Tracks of tears with time are drying,
Dream, dear heart, sweet dreams.

Hope across your future lying
Bright hope, Ancalimon finding,
Dreamy hope, God's heart beguiling.
Dream, dear heart, sweet dreams.

Love across your spirit lying
Shining love, my heart entwining
Dreamy love, my heart beguiling,
Dream, my heart, sweet dreams.

Well, I wonder what she had to be so sappy about . Loremaster says I have to learn about Nienna and Ancalimon now. Of course, Phura already knows.

[ September 04, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-02-2002, 11:17 AM

The small skiff made its way eastward, rising and falling amid a flurry of white foamed waves. The breeze blew briskly from the west speeding the vessel towards its intended destination. It was early afternoon when Rose first sighted the northernmost shore of Forlindon. Far beyond, she could glimpse the hazy peaks of the Blue Mountains. Child sat in the prow, trying to plot a course, so the boat would arrive just south of the closest market town.

As they pulled the vessel into a secluded cove, sheets of grey clouds darkened the horizon. Within a few moments, thunderheads moved in, and raindrops pelted the ground. Child and Rose tried to hurry along the shore, but were unable to make much headway. Blowing sheets of rain almost slammed them to the ground. Then Rose spied a cliff overhang, and the two women sprinted for its shelter. They crouched down, shivering and wet.

There was no sense trying to start a fire. The wind and rain were too heavy. So the hobbits sat close to each other, and told stories to try and pass the time. By late afternoon, the downpour had given way to a simple rain.

"We'd better push on," Child told Rose. "I promised we'd be back by tomorrow evening." Rose nodded in agreement and went down to retie the moorings on the boat. Then the women made their way along the twisting coastline.

It was already evening when they reached the village of Khuzal. The dwarves had founded this town thousands of years before when wares had been traded between Eriador and Beleriand. Now it was a sleepy village just beginning to revive as conditions improved in the early Fourth Age.

Rose and Child checked into the local inn, and ordered a meal in the common room. As they came down to eat, a number of unfriendly stares were thrown in their direction. Apparently, hobbits were little known on these shores. Fourth Age or not, many dwellers in Middle-earth had never seen a kuduk, and considered anything so different to be questionable at best. And the fact that they were women did not help matters any.

[ September 02, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-03-2002, 01:14 PM

As the two women sat quietly eating, one of the big folk came barrelling towards their table. The fellow was loud and boisterous and must have consumed an infinite number of pints. Breath reeking and eyes wide, he latched onto Rose, gripping her by the shoulder and commenting disparagingly on her size. Then he cajoled her with a string of impertinent questions. Not one of the customers sitting at the bar made any effort to intervene.

For one terrible instant, Child feared the scene was about to deteriorate into a battle of words or even worse. But, just as Rose struggled to free herslf, she found assistance from an unlikely source. A kindly man, with broad shoulders and strong arms, came over. He forcibly removed the offending hand from her shoulder and retorted. "Be gone, Hugo. They're visitors at the Inn, and they've done you no harm."

"Since when do we let in the likes of them?" the voice growled in return.

"Since I'm the proprietor. And I say they're in and you're out!" The offending party was dumped out onto the steps of the Inn.

The man shook his head and wiped his hands on his work apron, then came in to see if the women were alright. "I'm sorry. Folks around here just aren't used to seeing the likes of you. I know things are changing, but we're a bit far north and people are isolated here."

Child nodded in understanding and quickly explained the purpose of their errand and their needs. The two bargained a bit and agreed on an overall price. Then the owner of the Inn promised to contact the suppliers and have the materials taken down to their skiff first thing in the morning. Child thanked him for his help, and excused herself and Rose to retire to their room. The older hobbit carefully locked the door once they were inside.

The minute the door was closed, Rose burst forth with indignation. Frustrated and angry, she turned to Child and demanded, "You've lived outside the Shire for a good piece of your adult life. How often did you face this? What have we done to deserve this?"

"Rose, calm down. Most folk aren't like that man. When I lived among the big folk, many were curious. I was different, and they often didn't know what to make of me. I've faced raised eyebrows and puzzled looks, but not too many bullies like that one. He's a prize, I must say!"

Rose began ripping things out of her pack and throwing them onto the bed. Then she interrupted Child. "I don't know how you stood it. I don't think I could. I can see why we prohibit men from coming into the Shire. They look different to me too, but at least I don't bully them! I wish they'd all go away."

"It's not that simple." Child sighed. You don't feel that way about Mithadan or most of the men you met in Minas Tirith. The Star has lots of different folk, and we all manage to get along."

"That's different," came the stubborn response.

"No, it's not different. Every group has the good ones and the bad ones. You can't tell me there are no bad apples among our own kin."

"Maybe so," Rose conceded. "But I still wouldn't want to live in a household of big folk the way you did. Wasn't it hard living away from your people so long and having to deal with all those strange looks? Didn't you want to live where you could be yourself and not have to answer all those questions?"

Child sat for a moment and said nothing. For the girl had unknowingly hit on a very soft spot. Then, she replied. "For a long time, I just wanted to see and experience something different, to get away from people I knew too well. But, after Beleriand and after Maura, I thought a lot about what I've missed over the years. And now I'm not sure any more."

"Anyways, there's at least the two of us here together, and we'd best get to sleep, if we want to leave early in the morning." She said goodnight to Rose. They she lay awake a long time, trying to figure out things in her head.

[ September 03, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-03-2002, 01:31 PM

Mithadan watched the storm blow over the coast with some concern for his friends. After the skies began to clear, he pondered the need to contact the Teleri over such a great distance, then resolved to try an experiment.

First he cleared his mind and shut out all thought of the Lonely Star or its crew. Then he reached out to Child, envisioning only her face as he did not know her precise location. Focusing solely on Child, he made his query, "Saw storm. Is all well?" Then he continued to reach out to the East as he waited. To his surprise, he received a prompt response, "All well. People very friendly here."

He thought that he detected both a sense of surprise from Child as well as deep sarcasm in her response. He smiled, resolving to ask about the "friendly" locals when she returned. Just then Tule, walked by. Seeing Mithadan sitting on a barrel uncharacteristically (Mithadan seemed to always be in motion and was a chronic pacer) he asked, "What are you doing this evening, Mithadan."

Mithadan raised an eyebrow at this. "You mean you don't know?" he asked. Confused, Tule shook his head. The Man leaned back and, to Tule's surprise, he laughed loudly.

Rose Cotton

09-03-2002, 02:18 PM

Child was probably right, like always, Rose thought as she climbed into bed. But it had been a very scary experience and she had been unprepared for it. As she started to drift off she heard a noice. It was Child. It sounded like she had just stiffled a giggle. "What's so funny?" Rose asked.

"Mithadan. He says hi."

A little confused Rose went to sleep.

piosenniel

09-04-2002, 01:00 AM

His grey cloak wrapped about him to ward off the brisk breeze, Tulë stood and watched Mithadan laugh.

What is so funny?

Receiving no answer, except for another outburst of laughter, the elf continued on his way up to the helm. He was absorbed in thinking about who to contact and when to contact the Teleri. His original plan had not involved a particular person but only whoever would be attending on the Master Stone in Avallonë. Now he must link with someone who would give the message to the Teleri to set sail.

An idea had come to him, late in the afternoon of this day, and he wished to try it out. He strode up to where Veritas sat watching the gulls wheel and turn in the sky.

Veritas, have you a moment?

Of course! What is it you wish?

I need to use the crystal. Can you show me how it works? Or better yet, can you come with me so that you might handle the crystal while I try to make contact with someone in Avallonë?

Avallonë? Who will you contact there?

Tulë leaned in close to Veritas and whispered something in his ear. Veritas' eyes widened, and they he shook his head 'yes'. Removing the crystal in its casing from the helm, he grabbed his own cloak and hurried with Tulë to lower a skiff into the water.

[ September 04, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

mark12_30

09-04-2002, 11:45 AM

3319, Second Age, Day (??)
Phura learned a new song today. It's not well-known at all (I've never heard it before, anyway.) Phura said Loremaster wasn't going to teach it to me because I would have thought it was sappy. Well, it is sappy. But anyway I begged Phura to teach it to me and he did. It's valiant too. Gondolin!

I wonder who it was for, though. It doesn't say. I think Phura has guessed, but he's not talking. Loremaster, of course, is giving no hints at all.

Lindo's Song for an old, young friend

Sweet child, who wild and daring played,
Sweet lady, wild, and still untamed;
The final price you boldly paid,
In childhood haunt, when evil came.

In Gondolin your ashes lie
And yet, dear child, you grow apace;
Your grace, your joy, your oft-lit smile
Will shine and grow in later days.

How shall I sing of you, dear child?
Lament nor lullabye seem fit.
Many shall taste in ages hence
Your lovely charm, and stinging wit.

How shall I weep? Your laughter rings;
Shining eyes and impish smile take
captive wistful hearts that will sing
In the freedom bought by your blade.

How shall I weep? although your end
With vision all too clear I see;
I'll turn my head, and gaze instead
at your future, still bright and free.

Let children of your valor sing
And dance in circles, laughing wild;
While circling years the ages bring,
You'll sing, and dance, and laugh, dear child.

[ September 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

piosenniel

09-04-2002, 02:32 PM

The two elves rowed quickly to a place well away from the ship. Veritas had bound the crystal to a crossbar in the skiff and opened it to reset the position of the stone to the time Tulë had requested. He closed the cover, and they shifted.

They were now in the Second Age, in a spot farther from Avallonë than they would be when they came to rescue the hobbits. The two moved the skiff so that the prow faced West. Tulë hoped that this orientation would assist him to focus his call more easily.

Veritas kept the craft steady while Tulë cleared his mind of extraneous intrusions and brought up a picture within it of the one he meant to call. Questing gently Westward in his thought, he sought her.

An O! It is you?! confirmed the contact. He quickly filled her in on his plan and the need for her assistance. There was a small pause, as she seemed to speak with someone else near her. Then came her answer.

Gladly will I do this for you! I will look for you soon, and the ships will be ready to answer your call..

One last question. How long will it take the Telerin ships to reach the mouths of the Siril?

She spoke again to someone near her. Twenty days at the most. They are more swift than the ships of Men. I will see you there! Until then . . .

The ghost of a small caress on his cheek lingered as he asked Veritas to return them to the Star. Tired, but smiling, he bent his back to the oars and rowed back to the ship.

[ September 05, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

09-04-2002, 02:47 PM

Mithadan was below decks when he heard the scrape of one of the skiffs being lowered. He ran up a gangway and went to the rail, only to see Tule and Veritas in the small boat moving away from the Lonely Star.

"Hey!" he shouted. "Where are you off to? What's going on?"

His mind was filled briefly with the silvery sound of laughter. "We'll be back soon! Sooner than soon!" "We won't be gone any time at all!" Then more laughter before an abrupt silence. At a distance of perhaps a hundred yards from the Star, the skiff had shimmered and disappeared.

Mithadan gritted his teeth. "Elves!" he exclaimed with frustration. "Truly! An unpredictable lot aren't they? Tell me, what's for dinner this evening, Master Chef?"

The Man looked up at Angara who was lazing in the crowsnest above him with an amused look in her eyes. "Pureed carrots, squash and radishes for you Madame Wyrm."

He ignored the indignant growl from above him. The skiff and its two passengers had just reappeared. He waited impatiently for the Elves to return. They seemed to be in a jolly mood. He hoped their temperament would remain the same when they discovered that they would be cooking tonight.

piosenniel

09-04-2002, 03:18 PM

The elves secured the skiff to the ship and climbed aboard, only to be greeted by the obviously irritated Mithadan.

'We said we'd return soon and here we are - barely gone enough time for you to grow so irritated.' Tule removed his cape, warm after the exertions of rowing. 'You will be happy to know another piece of the puzzle has fallen into place, despite my error in thinking we could use a palantír.'

'Oh, yes?' returned the man, less gruffly, but still not mollified. 'And what pray tell is that piece?'

'Mithadan, relax just a little! I do not mean to have you think I keep things from you. I did not think you needed to pass on each thing that pertains to our planning for Númenor. Next time though I will be more thoughtful and let you know what I am thinking.' He ran his fingers through his unruly hair. 'So - we returned to the Second Age. I needed to find someone I could use as a contact for our call to the Teleri, and I was able to do so. Now all we need do is determine when to call them. Will you be free later to assist with that?'

A sly, catlike smile creased the man's face. 'Why of course, I can assist! Right after dinner.'

'You're not making fish stew again tonight, are you?' asked the unsuspecting elf, wondering if he could ferret out some old bread and fruit from the hold.

'No, you are!' said the man, his eyes twinkling in delight at the expression on the elf's face. 'You and your travelling companion there.' he said, pointing at Veritas. 'Best hurry! The crew will be getting hungry soon.' He walked off, laughing to himself. The two elves looked at each other and grinned behind his retreating back.

GreatWarg

09-04-2002, 04:03 PM

Khelek sighed, deciding if Mithadan wasn't going to cook dinner soon, then he might as well take some tea. He was rearranging some notes on Numenor when Veritas and Tulë entered, both of them smiling. Khelek frowned as he studied them. They were obviously up to some mischief.

"I have compiled all the information about Numenor that could be found. Most of it is already well-known to us," Khelek told them.

"Then find the unknown ones and tell them to us!" Tulë answered, filling a kettle with water to boil as Veritas told Khelek of their escapade.

Khelek raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe Mithadan was quite thrilled about your choice."

"Well, no. To tell you the truth, I didn't really mind his fish stew that much," Tulë replied, smiling broadly.

"I just hope you're no worse than a cook he is," Khelek said, gathering his work. "And I like my tea light, so don't add more than a pinch of leaf." He chuckled to himself at Tulë's expression as he left the galley into the evening air.

piosenniel

09-04-2002, 08:24 PM

A well aimed mug flew through the doorway and caught the retreating Khelek in the back of his head, bringing him to his knees. A universe of stars wheeled through his mind. He attempted to rise, and was knocked flat by the weight of Tulë hitting him from behind.

Knife drawn from his boot top, Tulë straddled the downed elf. Grabbing Khelek by his hair, he drew his head up and touched the blade of his knife to the hollow of the throat.

Is this light enough for you, Elf? he 'said' icily, his grey eyes gone cold. And as for what Mithadan is or is not thrilled with, it is best you leave that to him and to me.

A hand grabbed a fistfull of Tulë's collar and hauled him from Khelek. What are you doing? Put that knife away! came the stern command from Mithadan.

Impudent Elf! came Tulë, his eyes snapping dangerously. He shrugged off the restraining arm of the man. He should never have come!

He secured the blade back in his boot. Taking a deep breath, he collected himself, and noticed most of the crew had come to see the outcome of this skirmish. He bowed to them. 'A thousand pardons for this display. I have no excuse to offer.' Or apologies, either. he directed at Khelek, being helped now to his feet by Veritas and Mithadan.

He strode down the gangplank, away from the others. Reaching his room, he shut the door securely and threw himself on the bed.

The crew was left to fend for themselves for any hope of dinner.

piosenniel

09-04-2002, 09:46 PM

A cold supper washed down with a cup of thin wine brought no improvement to Mithadan's mood. He sat at the cleared table in the galley with a large map of Númenor in front of him. When to call the ships - that was to be the next part of the plan they tackled. Now Khelek was sulking in his room with a headache and a bruised ego, and Tulë had his door shut firmly.

'Why can't things ever run smoothly on this ship!' he muttered to himself.

We should rename you Mithadan the Mutterer. interjected Angara from her perch atop the cabinets.

The man raised his head and scowled at the dragon. Drawing a smaller map he had made of the area immediately surrounding the underground caverns to him, he bent his head to the study of it.

You must admit that was an interesting pre-dinner encounter between the two elves. Don't you think?

Not raising his head from his study of the maps, he asked Interesting? That is hardly a word I would use to describe it. He raised his head and gazed intently at the dragon. What are you driving at?

Perhaps nothing. replied the dragon, now on the floor and making her way out the galley door. Just that for some, it would seem, old habits die hard.

Child of the 7th Age

09-04-2002, 11:06 PM

OOC -- Song courtesy of Helen.

Child sat on the deck with Rose, too tired even to try and sleep. They had made their way back to the Star by the early evening, their skiff laden with supplies they would need for the arrival of the hobbits. Bird and Levanto had still not returned.

Child sighed and shivered in the stiff breeze which blew across the deck. The image of the night before lay over her like a bad dream that would not disappear. She'd thought to come back to the Star and find her friends ready to share her small stories and help her laugh away the troubles of the day. But, it had not turned out quite like that.

A pall hung over the ship. Child had no idea what was happening or why it was happening, but she didn't like it. Once again, she found herself questioning Tule's behavior. When Rose came up beside her, she wrapped her arm about the girl's waist. Rose leaned over and whispered, "I wish Piosenniel was here..." Her voice trailed off into the wind. And then it came out with soft hesitency, "I want to go home." In all their months of travel and searching, Rose had never said that before. Not even when they were in the camps. Child had no idea how to answer her.

She looked over at her young friend and thought with some sadness, "At least you know where home is. I'm afraid I've lost myself somewhere, and can't seem to find the way. Her fingers groped towards the gem which lay nestled at her throat. She wrapped her fingers around it tightly, as if willing it to reveal some hidden answers.

Across the deck, she could hear Kali's gentle voice, raised in an ancient song that Child could remember the Tuks singing the night before Gondolin had fallen:

Hear the gentle breezes murmur
Listen to the songbirds sing
See the starlight softly shining
See the elven-torches gleam

Elven songs the breezes riding
Elven forms moon-shadows hiding
What a pretty place to slumber
Such a pretty place to slumber
safe in Gondolin

Hear the splashing water murmur
Listen to the fountain sing
See the stars reflection shining
See the elvish eyes a-gleam

Hear the whirling dresses murmur
Listen to the minstrels sing
See the elven dancers shining
Hair and eyes and faces gleam

Elven songs the breezes riding
Elven forms moon-shadows hiding
What a pretty place to slumber
Such a pretty place to slumber
safe in Gondolin

As the song ended, the two women sat in silence for a long time. Finally, Rose asked: "What do we do then?"

Child gazed up towards the gleaming skies and said with a certain grim fierceness, "We do what our people have always done. We dig in and hang on."

[ September 05, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-05-2002, 07:11 AM

"What do you mean, Angara? Whose habits? Khelek or Tule's?" Silence. "Angara? DRAGON!"

Mithadan started out the door after the wyrm, then stopped. "More riddles? Curse the stiff necks of Elves and Dragons!" He sat heavily on a chair in the vacant galley, and replayed in his mind what he had seen of the altercation between Tule and Khelek. Then he struggled to recall all interactions which he and the other crew members had with Khelek and Tule. The former had frequently proved useless during their voyage. The latter was mysterious and sometimes almost worthy of suspicion. Yet Ancalimon had acted as if Tule was an ally. He could trust Ancalimon based upon what he had heard from Child and Rose.

In his mind he saw Veritas and Tule in the skiff shimmer and disappear only to return minutes later. They had travelled to the Second Age before attempting to contact Avallone. Why? Mithadan's eyes narrowed as he struggled to reconcile the day's events.

Mithadan

09-05-2002, 07:55 AM

The crew was fragmented, distracted. Each lost in his or her own concerns or grief. Child and Rose had lost Maura and Lindo and their friends of the First Age. Tule and Khelek were at odds. He was struggling with his own dismay over the events in Gondolin. Angara continued to speak in riddles. Kali and Daisy were at the mercy and whim of the others. Veritas had joined Tule on his jaunt and was as closed mouthed as any Elf. Bird was typically aloof.

He alone had commanded a vessel and crew. Despite this, he had never claimed the title of Captain of the Lonely Star; this was a joint effort. But he alone appeared to understand the need for unity, mutual trust and camaraderie. To succeed in this dangerous venture these various individuals must unite and they had not.

He reached a decision...but he was afraid...

Birdland

09-05-2002, 08:06 AM

Kali interrupted his sad, beautiful song, lifting his head and cocking one ear. "Lee-van-to and Bird-ee return!" he cried. He ran to the railing, peering out to the horizon, where the sea seemed to roll and boil. Kali immediately dived from the ship to greet his friends, while Child and Rose ran to the side to see the arrival.

A black and silver dolphin form leapt from the water and, morphing in midair, landed light-footed on the deck. "I'm getting better at that stunt." Birdie commented admirably to herself. "Well, Child, the Mer-Folk have been generous to a fault. But there is one small problem."

"Oh, no! Now what?" Child moaned.

At that moment, the halflings heard a bright clear call from the water. Levanto appeared, breeching the waves like a porpoise, while a laughing Kali rode on his back. "Ahoy, Lonely Star. The hunters return!"

Following Levanto was a "flotilla", if such a word could be used for people, of Mer-Folk. They were singing and laughing as they surrounded the ship, waving to the poor "Land-Folk" watching from above, and laughingly inviting them to dive in and join the fun. The good sea people were towing behind them a staggering variety of woven cages and baskets, a-swarm with the bounty of the ocean. Fish darted and struggled in great traps, baskets and baskets of plant and animal forms were hauled by strong Mer-Lads, who were grabbing dangling lines and securing the baskets to the hull of the ship.

And mingled among the people, Child saw what she at first thought were wise, old faces staring up at her. But these faces were grey, not green. "What are those things?" Rose said aloud in wonder. Child saw that the faces were actually attached to some form of sea-beast, great grey forms with tails like two round dinner plates. The stubby flippers were tipped with blunt nails, which the creatures would use to thoughtfully scratch their bellies. Mer-Children were riding on the backs of some of these forms, patting their backs like a favorite pony, and calling encourgement or endearments to their barrel-shaped mounts.

The bewhiskered faces of the animals were finished off with great, round, mild, dark eyes. To Child, they reminded her of other dark, gentle eyes she had seen peering at her over fences in the Shire.

"Sea-Cows, Rose. Those are Sea-Cows. You asked for milk, and milk you shall have. The Mer-Folk have even sent herders to care for them while they are here, since I'm quite sure none of us on board have had experience milking a Sea-Cow."

"Generous indeed are the Mer-Folk!" Laughed Mithadan. "This is enough food to keep even an army of Halflings fit and fed. And we shall have more than strained food for dinner tonight."

"But Bird," Child whispered worriedly the the Skin-Changer, "there is so much food! How will we ever get it on board?"

"Well, that's the problem, Child. You can't. The Mer-Folk do not excel at preserving foodstuff. Hard to do when you're under water. Everything you see here is "on-the-hoof", so to speak. If you bring any of it on board, it will immediately start to rot. None of this can go with us to the Second Age, unless you brought salt and barrels back with you from your trip to the inn."

"Come, Child; Smile! Our friends are watching. You'll offend them. That's right. Wave and smile..."

[ September 05, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Mithadan

09-05-2002, 09:03 AM

Mithadan avoided the commotion of the arrival of the Sea-Folk. He greeted Bird and Kali briefly then excused himself. In his cabin, he lifted the small conch shell and its chain and placed it on his neck, then composed himself and waited calmly as the night lengthened. When the commotion died away, he climbed to the deck. The ship was anchored and all the "land folk" were below. Angara lay sleeping on a coil of rope on the foredeck.

He climbed quietly to the crowsnest and sat quietly beneath the stars. The Valacirca swung above him making him shudder with the thought of what he intended. Mithadan cleared his mind and began by envisioning the floor below him as a barrier which extended like a dome over the ship. Satisfied with its strength, he made himself comfortable and turned to face the West.

What he was doing went against every fiber of his being. He was a descendant of Earendil the Bright through the line of Elros, a Numenorean, one of the Faithful who had not ever rebelled and turned against the West and its rightful rule. Nonetheless, he reached out to the West in deep concentration.

The sea was distant below him. As he cast his mind Westward it seemed even more distant. After some minutes, he seemed to perceive unknown lands in that direction but they were dark, mundane, mortal. So he searched about, above and below. Again the ocean receded and suddenly he felt himself rushing headlong into a barrier. With an impact which seemed physical in nature, he crashed into the wall and his concentration wavered for a moment.

He felt the shell on his chest and thought for a moment, "Ulmo, Lord of the Seas, help me... and forgive me." Then he cast about for a gap in the wall, any opening in the barrier separating East from West...and he perceived the Gate. Atop its arch was a figure, clad in green and silver with wild hair and eyes and carrying a great trident. But this was not Ulmo, he perceived and another name came to him unbidden: Osse.

The figure raised the trident and made as if to plunge it into his chest, then paused as another figure appeared, taller, bearded and also clad in green and silver. And Ulmo raised his horn and blew though Mithadan could not hear, and two others appeared. Mithadan could not meet the blazingly bright eyes of the figure clad in blue, but next to him stood a Lady wearing grey robes. Tears flowed from her eyes but she smiled. The figures seemed to debate for a moment, then all but Osse disappeared. He lowered his trident and the gate swung open.

His passed through swiftly and crossed over the grey seas in a rush of wind until, in the West, a great Mountain rose from the waters. And its peak, covered with snow, shone brightly and the land below it seemed to glow with radiant beauty. But there was not his errand.

To an island in a great bay he travelled and sought for a familiar mind. And he found it. "Idril," he whispered. The mind stirred and turned to him in surprise. "Mithadan!? You risk all to come here?" He replied wearily to the shining figure, "I could do no less. The ship... the crew is fragmented by grief and weariness. They act on their own with no unity and there is distrust. If we are to do this thing, our errand, we must work together, not at odds."

Idril nodded. "What would you have from me?" Mithadan was silent for a moment. "Tule. Child distrusts him and I do as well, yet he carries the burden of this errand on his shoulders. He is the key and the lock. He went to the Second Age without warning or word and claims to have contacted one in Avallone to advance our quest. Is this true?"

Idril seemed surprised. "Yes. Of course. To confirm that the Teleri might be contacted she...he contacted me." And insight struck Mithadan with a blaze of light. He rushed away from the Undying Lands and through the Gate. Osse spoke as he passed, "Do not come this way again, Child of Man." But he smiled and waved.

Mithadan's barriers crumbled and he crashed heavily to the deck of the crowsnest, soaked in sweat and weary beyond belief.

piosenniel

09-05-2002, 09:24 AM

The smell of the waters of the Shadowy Seas was so strong about him, that it pulled him from his dark dreaming. His eyes flew open to the cabin's darkness, now filled with familiar voices. He felt pinned to his bed, unable to arise as the image of the Tower of Pearl flooded his thoughts.

And then it was gone, ripped away . . .empty. He struggled to his feet, mind reeling, and called into the now silent dark.

What have you done!

[ September 05, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-05-2002, 11:54 AM

Child sat at the galley table with her head in her hands. "On the hoof?" "Salt and barrels?" None of it made a great deal of sense.

There was one phrase, however, which she had heard with clarity. None of the supplies could be taken into the Second Age. Child remembered screaming and yelling at Bird for several moments about this whole affair and her lack of responsibility. The shapechanger had looked at her with hurt in her eyes, and then gone back into the water.

Child growled unrepentent and pounded on the table. What possible good were these provisions? She had to feed hobbits who were to be picked up in the Second Age, taken back for a bit to the Fourth Age, and then returned to an island in the Second Age. Finally, some of them were to stay at the island, while a large number were to be redeposited back in the Third Age. Her head felt giddy from simply reciting the instructions.

And how was she to deal with supplies that could only be stored in salt water? For one instant, Child had a terrible image of herself coming before Tule and trying to explain this mess. Her relations with the Elf had improved somewhat, but Child still did not feel totally comfortable with him. And, after the events of the evening before, she was not inclined to go pound on his cabin and broach the topic. There was a wall there that she could not break through.

Outside, in the waters, the carnival continued non-stop. Bird was diving in and out of the waves, seemingly oblivious to Child's anger or her cries for help. The hobbit shook her head in frustration. Her own people were certainly known for their lively ways and love of parties. But, next to the shapechanger and the mer-folk, even the hobbits seemed like a relatively sober and serious lot.

Child had carefully studied the History of the Shapechangers. For one fleeting instant, she wished Bird had been one of those Beornings who were skilled in changing skins. They seemed like a practical people who would never bring back an entire herd of sea-cows! She even thought of going out on deck and telling the whole crew to go back home and take their presents with them.

But none of this would do. Telling a free shapechanger she should become like the Beornings was regarded as the supreme insult. And Child didn't think the Mer-children would take her rejection of their gift any better. Levanto was a friend, and they needed his help with the rescue of the hobbits. Why should he be expected to understand the intricacies of food preparation on ships and dry land?

If only, Child thought. If only, things were different. If only Gondolin had never happened......but if onlys changed nothing.

And then it hit her. So much of life was like that. There was no one big answer to make things fall in place. Only the little ones you could tweak here and there to try and pull matters into a little better shape. And that is what she should be doing instead of sitting here and brooding. Child suddenly felt ashamed that she had lost her temper so throughly with Bird who had only been trying to help. She remembered seeing Bird come in from the waters and head down into the hull of the ship. Child got up from the table and went to search for her friend. But before she descended the ladder to go to the lower deck, she went and searched out Kali and asked him to come with her.

_____________________________________________

Bird's post

Bird had found the deepest, darkest hold of the Lonely Star, the place where tackle, old bits of rope, and worn-out barrels were stowed in case there should ever be further need of them.

There she sobbed her eyes out. Everything had gone so very, very wrong! She had thought that she could help in some way with the rescue of he Hobbits, whom she knew vaguely were out there, somewhere, waiting for the help of those on the Lonely Star.

But Birdie knew nothing - nothing - about the Age that they were all being taken to. She had trusted to Child and Mithadan, more learned minds than her, to direct her in some way. And when Child had asked for help with the food gathering, Bird thought she would finally be able to contribute to the quest to help Kali's ancestors.

And she had gotten it all wrong, of course. And Child was so angry at her! How was she to know that the Mer-folk only gathered live food? It had never occurred to her that people under the sea would have no need - or way - to preserve food. Cooking, drying, salting, pickling; all the normal ways of conserving rations for future use on land, were not only unknown to the Mer-Folk - they were impossible!

"Think, Birdie. Think!" she wept, smacking her forehead until the skin turned red. But it was no use. Sh had felt so useless and confused since Pio had died. Pio would have known what to do. All the grief and loss Birdie had felt since she had lost her friend, and had tried to keep bottled up with clowning and drinking, came pouring out.

The Changeling knew that this was not the time or place for such maudlin grief. Kali was counting on them all. But she couldn't help herself. Part of her just wanted to moph into dolphin form and swim away from all of this, leave behind all the disappointment in herself, and the disappointment of her friends. The only thing that kept her here was the thought that Pio would never forgive her for running out.

"Oh, Pio! I wish you were here, now. I wish you had never seen Gondolin. Why did you have to die?" Birdie buried her head in her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. She felt that her heart would break.

_____________________________________________

Child came bounding down the ladder. They had already searched two of the lower decks with no luck. Now they had reached the bowels of the ship. Child did not have to wait long before finding Bird. The sound of muffled crying came from underneath a tarp over in the corner. She cautioned Kali to stay behind a moment and went over to her friend.

"Bird, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I asked you to bring food here, and that's exactly what you did." Her hand reached over to to touch her friend's trembling shape.

Bird sat up with red eyes and a smeared face. She stuttered out, "I, I, didn't mean to. I didn't know. I guess I didn't think."

Child retorted, "No, you did exactly what I asked you to do, no more or less. If I'd wanted you to do something else, I should have said so. I'm the one who made a mess of this."

"Then, what are we going to do?" Bird had stopped crying and looked concerned. She stared down at the floor and sighed, "If Pio were here, she could fix this. Maybe she'd know how to put the food in a special place where she could stop time, or perhaps she'd make the chamber very cold. I remember keeping things like that one time in a snowbank."

Child shook her head, "Yes, Pio might have known how to do that, but I don't. So we'll have to try the best we can. Neither of us are Elves. Yet our people manage to get by. They do a little of this and a little of that, and sometimes things get fixed. That's what we'll have to do here as well."

"Kali's come up with quite a list, since he knows more than I do about preserving foods from the sea. He says we can keep some of the fish in salt-water vats, and try to dry out the rest, or even cook some of it that we'll eat in the next few days."

"Kali says there's a big tub on this lower deck that Men once used to squash grapes into wine. It's big enough that we could temporarily house two or three sea-cows here. That should be enough so the children will have some milk."

"And, best of all, Kali's folk learned how to use some sea-plants themselves to wrap food inside and preserve it. This won't work for everything, but he's certain we'll be able to save a good part of it. And that should help us get through."

She deignated Bird and Kali to be in charge of this new task, and to get Rose and Daisy to help out, or even some of Levanto's folks to go look for these magic sea-plants. As Child climbed up the ladder, she could hear Bird and Kali busily laying out their plans.

---------------------------------------------

Helen's posts

Gamba's Journal On My Very Own Vellum, Written While Imprisoned in the Tombs of Numenor

3319, Second Age, Day # 7

I had another terrible dream last night. I dreamed that down by the waters' edge the children were playing, and then something came to the surface and spoke to them, and they ran to the elders; and then the water came up into the caves and drowned everybody. I told my dream to the Loremaster and he frowned, and went away.

In the house of Lady Idril
And for Gondolin she fell,
Valiant Pio, Brave Pio,
Lady Piosenniel.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day #8

More bad dreams. I dreamed that the new god in the temple at the top of Meneltarma came and took us away one by one and whoever was taken away was never seen again. I liked Eru better.

Loremaster says that the elders want to see me about my dream. Now I'm really scared.

Levanto, Levanto,
Silly Sorry Merman He
Pursuing Piosenniel
Away across the sea.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day # 9

The elders asked me about my dream, and I told them about both of them. They didn't tell me I was being silly. They told me not to be afraid and they said if I remembered any more dreams I should tell the Loremaster.

Tonight Phura says he'll sing this over me to help me fall asleep. Loremaster calls it "Maura's Longing." It sounds like a love song to me, but Loremaster insists it's a lullabye, I don't know why. And I don't know why the last verse has only two lines. Loremaster says I ask too many questions sometimes.

Where the depths the sun is drinking
Wild the waves with wind are dancing
Deeply there the tide is pulling
Let it pull your heart to me.

Where the sun gives green and flowers
Where the clouds give silver showers
Where the wind shows all her power
Let her blow your heart to me.

Far above a star is shining
And the lovely moon is roaming
There the path of stars is glowing
Tread that path and come to me.

Through the tide, the storm, the sky,
Oh, fly, my love, and come to me.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day #10

Phura told me a secret today. But Loremaster might read this so I can't write it down.

Last night I didn't have any dreams that I can remember, except I dreamed of a sad lady chasing crawling babies and taking care of little children in a messy little garden by a ruined building. One of the babies was eating dirt. I guess all babies do that. I think it's disgusting. At least they had a garden with growing things in it. I could see the sunshine.

Pure and pristine, wafting whiteness
softly spirals, gently groundward.
Spreading silence, shining stillness
All enlightening, all embracing.

Buries barrow; softens sorrow
Ladros's lament lifting lightly.
Finrod's freely given gifting
Men and hobbits homely housing.

Andreth and Adanel, All Lore
House of Hador, men reminding;
Tuk the teacher, Hobbits helping;
Faith refinding, Ancalimon.

What a hard poem. I don't like these alliterative ones. I'll finish it tomorrow.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day #11

Loremaster laughed at me and told me that Phura told him the secret too. So I guess it wasn't such a big secret after all. Anyway, Phura said that he thinks that Enta's cousin Azra is really pretty. Well, she is, but she sure is sassy too. I would never picture quiet Phura with sassy Azra. But what do I know. Phura won't be of age for another twelve years anyway. Loremaster told us both that a lot can change in twelve years, so it doesn't matter much. I think her sister Nitir is prettier anyway, and nicer. But then I won't be of age for another seventeen years. Phura, when you read this, don't laugh.

I asked Loremaster why Azra and Nitir have so many relatives named Azra and Nitir. All the lasses and ladies in that whole branch of the family seem to be named Azra or Nitir. I wonder how they tell the aunts from the neices. Loremaster said that ages ago Maura Tuk decreed that one Tuk family branch would forever maintain the names Azra and Nitir, and if that family died off for some reason then the nearest branch must resume the tradition. I asked him why. He said only the elders know, and the members of that family, and it is some big secret. But Phura seems to know what it is, and Loremaster kept hushing him, and Phura looked mad. So Phura knows too. But they won't tell me.

In the meantime, who would have guessed that Old Loremaster Lindo wrote both a lullabye for Azra and a lullabye for Nitir, which of course we get to learn now. And wouldn't you know it, I'm falling behind. This Snowbattle Of Ladros song is too hard, I think. But Phura, of course, has it all memorised already including the two new lullabyes. Showoff.

I dreamed that there was a really big storm out to sea, and a bunch of white ships came to us, I guess because of the storm. They were really pretty ships. But the storm took them out to sea again. Loremaster looked very sad when I told him that, and went off again. I wonder if he'll talk to the elders. I asked Phura whether he has any dreams, and he said no, none, except for one that he has over and over again. But he wouldn't tell me what it was.

Snowballs shaping, Workhouse wooden
doorway darkening, sneakily slushing
Breeches backside. Wrathful watcher
outraged rushes, snowballs shaping.

Stern Snowhobbits, circling suddenly,
Icy arrows Lindo lashing.
Tem and Tocca, Retya, Tarka,
Paura, Munda, Med and Westa,

Furra, Hara, Kesha, Asta,
Temba wild and daring Gamba
Dancing, dashing, dodging, daunting,
Castoff caution, hurling handfuls.

Long did Lindo fend off offense.
Retya rallied stern Snowhobbits,
taunting, tackling, climbing, capturing,
Fiery fourteen felled Lindo.

Phew. Now if only I could memorize it. What a wretchedly impossible poem. Its only redeeming feature is that there is a Snowhobbit named Gamba, like me, and he is called daring. I wonder if anybody would call me that. I wish loremasters would write only normal poems and not this alliterative nonsense. And I still have to do the two lullabyes. Thanks, Phura.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day #12

I wish I knew why we were suddenly on this big Ladros review, and the settling of Dorthonion. Loremaster Lindo's songs aren't any better than any of the other old loremasters, and why he wrote so many lullabyes I don't know, but they are getting annoying. Loremaster says its because my dreams were about Ladros and the elders thought it would be wise to review the songs from that time. I wish I'd kept my mouth shut. And I don't see what half of my dreams had to do with Ladros. I didn't have one single dream about a snowball fight.

Azra's Lullabye

Stars above are softly shining,
Wind and waves my ship are rocking,
I my love for you am singing,
Sleep, my lovely, sleep.

Though our days we live in thralldom,
Deep inside your soul lives freedom.
Dream of shining elvish kingdoms!
Sleep, my lovely, sleep.

Watch and wait, always remember,
Never to despair surrender,
Hope will find you, hope remembers,
Sleep, my lovely, sleep.

Far away wild gulls are wailing,
Far away fond hearts are waiting,
Far away proud ships are sailing,
Sleep, my lovely, sleep.

---------------------------------------------

3319, Second Age, Day# 13

Loremaster says I shouldn't be using my journal to just complain about everything. Well, all right then. Fine.

Nitir's Lullabye

Curls across your pillow lying,
Shining curls my heart entwining.
Dreamy smile, my heart beguiling
Dream, dear heart, sweet dreams.

Tears across your pillow lying
Shining tears, Nienna sighing.
Tracks of tears with time are drying,
Dream, dear heart, sweet dreams.

Hope across your future lying
Bright hope, Ancalimon finding,
Dreamy hope, God's heart beguiling,
Dream, dear heart, sweet dreams.

Love across your spirit lying
Shining love, my heart entwining
Dreamy love, my heart beguiling,
Dream, my heart, sweet dreams.

Well, I wonder what she had to be so sappy about. Loremaster says I have to learn about Nienna and Ancalimon now. Of course, Phura already knows.

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

09-05-2002, 02:12 PM

With a mind to watch the stars away from the ongoing bustle of the ship Rose silently climbed to the crowsnest. To her suprise there was already someone there. Mitadan. He looked to be out of breath and his face was covered in persperation.

"Mithadan. Are you alright?"

Mithadan

09-05-2002, 03:14 PM

Gingerly pulling himself up from the deck, Mithadan smiled weakly at Rose. He shook his head and stood carefully, straightening his rumpled clothes as he climbed to his feet. He looked to the West briefly, then turned back to the young Hobbit. "I'm well, Rose, thank you," he replied. "I had... an errand up here, but I'm done now."

He gratefully accepted Rose's assistance as he climbed from the crowsnest to the deck. In the water, he heard the Mer-Folk cavorting about. He looked forward and noticed that Angara was now awake and examining him closely with golden eyes. "I see your lessons were worthwhile, Mithadan. But after a bit, your mind leaked like a sieve. Well done, nonetheless." Mithadan nodded wearily without replying.

He turned towards the gangway only to find Tule rushing up to the deck. "You fool," he cried angrily. "You could have died! Worse, your fea may have been injured or destroyed! Why did you risk this?"

Mithadan smiled at Tule, then turned to Rose who stood open-mouthed in shock at the Elf's words. "Could you excuse us for a moment, Rose?" He waited while the Hobbit reluctantly walked to the stern of the Lonely Star. Then he gently pulled Tule aside and leaned on the rail.

"One turn deserves another, they say," he commented quietly. Tule's face turned red and he opened his mouth as if to shout again at the man. Mithadan spoke before the Elf could begin. "Quiet now," he said softly. "I have a splitting headache." He took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. Tule thought he perceived a new light in the Man's eyes.

"We were lost," he resumed. "We have floundered here for days, fighting, arguing and going off on our own without thought for each other; and you are not the only one Tule. We were no longer acting together or even as friends. The events of the past few weeks have shattered us to the point where we could no longer even work together, and in the endeavor that we undertake, that means death, not only to us but also to the Hobbits and maybe Middle Earth."

He took a deep breath before going on and watched Tule's face seeing reluctant agreement there. "I am a ship's captain. Its my role in life. And whether or not I command this vessel, I nonetheless feel responsible for all aboard. I could not let this continue. So, yes, I risked myself, and say not that I knew nothing of what I did. I know only too well the lessons of Numenor. I looked for help, inspiration, advice, for it was needed, and I proved up to the task. As we were functioning, my loss would have had little effect. Perhaps it would have woken everyone from whatever spell has taken us all."

He paused again, looking at Tule for disagreement, but the Elf remained silent. "And I found what I looked for," he continued. "Not in Avallone or Valinor, but right here. We need ourselves. We need each other, with all our petty disagreements and differences. And Tule, we do not need you..." He looked the Elf straight in the eyes without wavering and reached out a hand to his shoulder. "We do not need Tule, but we do need Piosenniel. May we have her back now? Please?"

piosenniel

09-05-2002, 03:23 PM

'You don't know what you ask, Mithadan.' came the quiet, breaking voice of the elf. 'You tear me in two. And I cannot think how I might answer you.'

She sighed, and gently traced the contour of his cheek from eye to jaw with the tips of her fingers. I only meant to see you all safely through this last task, and then be gone again, unknown, leaving no sorrow behind at my going, but only the joy of a thing well done.

Tears welled in her eyes as she turned from him and leaned against the railing. They spilled unheeded down her cheeks, to mingle in the waves. She trembled though the night was still and no breeze troubled the waters.

She bade him leave her for a while, that she might think. He placed his cloak about her shoulders to keep her from the cold and went below. Pulling it close about her, she walked aft and sat cross-legged on the bow.

A familiar presence touched her mind gently.What will you do now, Elf?

I do not know. Mithadan has slain Tulë. And the Pio they grieve for has spent a lifetime now in Valinor and is changed. Who will answer his request?

She gazed out over the sea, and saw bright Eärendil hanging low above the western horizon.

The dragon crept closer and placed her head on Pio's leg. Looking up, she followed the line of the elf's gaze.There is longing in your heart now for the West.

Yes, it pulls me strongly now. I cannot deny that.

Yet, here you are, on this ship, at this time, in the midst of those who love you.

Yes, here I am, indeed. She pulled the wyrm onto her lap and settled her in.

Hush now, Old One! she crooned, rubbing the top of the dragon's skull in a gentle rhythm. I need to think, and clearly.

[ September 06, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-05-2002, 03:30 PM

It was not possible to ignore the troubled scene spinning itself out on the deck of the Star. Rose and Daisy stood near with eyes full of wonder, only partially comprehending what had occurred. Child gently touched Rose's shoulder. She asked her to pull back, to hold onto her questions until the tangled threads of fate could fall into a design.

Child herself had never understood Elves, even her friend Piosenniel. Yet, for the first time, she sensed the differences between them were not as great as she'd thought them to be.

At the moment a mortal drew breath, the knowledge came from deep within that someday the change would come. No kuduk or human, however wise or great, could escape the hidden destiny that lay somewhere beyond. Even her own kin, who were so good at forgetting their past, could not deny this fate.

Yet Child had imagined Elves to be different. Their lives were bound in memory. They glimpsed at least a bit of what lay ahead. And, within their golden fingers, they seemed to possess some magic which could hold back time and change.

But she had been wrong. For this was not the case. Even Pio, with all her seeming brashness, had spent hours on the Star gazing at the heavens, reluctantly turning towards the West.

And finally, for her friend, the great change had come. Child could never comprehend what had happened in the halls of Mandos or within Valinor itself. She knew their friendship would be forever changed, perhaps even gone. But, as small as she was, she had learned that such things must be accepted. There was no other way.

As Child gazed over at Piosenniel, she perceived a being both familiar and different than the one she had known before. And in a strange instant of recognition, she saw the Elf's body changing. No carnate being stood before her. Instead, a small cocoon with a creature of spirit struggled to emerge. A beautiful butterfly hovered, her wings still damp and her path of flight uncertain.

Child's thoughts spilled out and sped across the wooden boards to where the Elf sat. She had no words for the feelings in her heart. But the image of a butterfly, with its quivering wings, slipped under the consciousness of her friend. Then Child clumsily whispered what little solace she could bring.

We love you. Whatever you decide, whatever is right, we will accept. We can see the difference in your face. You have changed, and there is no pretending that things remain the same. For what lies before us is a miracle. Spread your wings. Do not fear. For, whatever your choice, our crew will go forward with this thing, and do what has to be done. And whoever you are, strange Elf, we love you very much.

Child turned and slowly walked away. She did not return to her cabin, but immediately went to the galley and began sorting through the gifts of the Mer-folk which her people would need.

[ September 06, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

09-06-2002, 05:19 AM

ooc: Did I miss somthing? So was Tule Pio? Or...I'm lost. I'll just sit her politely at the stern untill someone feels like Rose is mature enough to know what's going on.::

Rose leaned on the rail and rested her head on her hands. All her grief and joy of the last few days had become confusiton. There was somthing going on but it was all above her. She tried to think of what Pio would have done if she was here. Rose would have probably gone to her and asked questions. And Pio would have kept it a mystery. She would give Rose a little clue then go on with her buisness.

Rose looked at the stars. She wondered if Pio could see those stars from wherever her spirit lie.

Child of the 7th Age

09-06-2002, 11:17 AM

OUT OF CHARACTER:

Because of Mith and Pio's very classy revelation, we've had to shift around and edit a few of the posts.

Bird--please go ahead and take out the duplicate grieving post.

Everyone---please go back to the thread of 9/5/02 at 1:54 p.m.and then read forward. A number of things have been changed and inserted to make the chronology and tone flow more smoothly and build things up to Pio's revelation. I have also inserted a new post immediately following Pio's revelation.

Helen and I are still putting in her posts of Gamba's diary. When these are done, we'll give you a complete list of where they are on the discussion thread. Also, she'll be shifting some of the posts so that the Piosenniel poems come right before Pio's revelation.

LOL. Rest of crew scrambles to catch-up with Pio and Mith.

sharon

[ September 06, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-06-2002, 01:53 PM

It was nearly dawn. Mithadan rested in his bunk, but though he was weary as he had never been before, sleep would not come to him. He avoided thought of his vision of the Lonely Isle and Valinor beyond; he would have ample time to review that memory. Instead, he dwelt upon the figure of the Elf above-decks, wrestling with her own desires and motives. He had no doubt that his actions had been the right ones, for the crew and for himself at any rate. But were they correct for Piosenniel? He was not certain what was right for her and doubted that she herself knew. But he was used to making decisions for others and, in this regard, knew two things: the safety and security of the crew were paramount; and once a decision was made it could not be unmade. This did not assuage his feelings of guilt for what he had done and sympathy for Piosenniel.

He understood why Piosenniel had taken the guise of Tule. She had wished anonymity; to be able to aid her friends in their task, then depart without sorrowful farewells. He had stripped her of that anonymity, yet he knew it was a fiction. While the crew might not miss Tule (some may have been glad to bid him farewell), Tule could not pretend that he was not Piosenniel to himself; she alone would have suffered upon her departure. More selflessness. Piosenniel seemed to have no end of that virtue.

She had returned to Middle Earth nearly 2000 years into the Second Age. How long had she resided in the Halls of Mandos? Not long if the stories told of the fates of Elven heroes were true. Yet "not long" held an entirely different meaning for Men and Elves. Nonetheless he had no doubt that she had dwelt for many lives of Men in Valinor before returning to the Mortal Lands. And why had she done so? At the request of Ancalimon? Or to help Kali and her friends? More selflessness? Or perhaps not. Perhaps she had also merely wished to see her friends once more before continuing he endless sojourn in the Undying Lands. Mithadan now more clearly understood the depth of Pio's confusion and dismay.

But there was nothing he could do to help her...except... "Pio, I'm sorry."

[ September 06, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

piosenniel

09-06-2002, 02:42 PM

That silvered, nascent inch of day had come. The moon had set and the sun not yet risen; stars paled in the softly rising light and blinked out.

She gathered the minds of the companions to her. Most still turned in fretful dreamings, and to these she sent out a soothing murmur that blew away the darkling mists.

She heard the whisper of the Man's mind and it's sorrow. Sleep, now. she sent to him. There will be need for a clear mind, undulled by weariness, this day. I will stand watch for now.

Gently laying the sleeping dragon to one side, she stood and stretched, and faced the West. Regrets and doubts were put aside; memories locked within the silvered light of her eyes.

Bowing once, with hand to heart, she turned and went below to begin the day.

[ September 07, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-07-2002, 12:30 PM

Child had been up and about in the galley for a good portion of the night. Now she sat surrounded by pots of fish and sea-plants which she was supposed to turn into a stew. The seafood, however, was totally unknown to her. Some of the fish were brightly colored and had tubes sticking out from their heads. Child couldn't even find their eyes. These were certainly different from the perch and trout she had eaten back home.

The plants themselves were equally fantastic. Some had beautiful flowers, or looked a bit like vegetables she already knew. Child was quite curious as to what sort of dinner all this would make. But Bird had reassured her the food would be tasty, so she hoped it would come out alright.

In typical fashion, however, she had managed to get sidetracked. Instead of cooking the fish and plants, she was carefully studying them, sorting them into piles according to their type. When she was younger, she used to do this in her parents' small burrow with foodstuffs she had gathered from the wild. Child remembered them coming in and scratching their heads as to why dinner had not yet been prepared. Her mother was quite indulgent, but sometimes despaired that Child would ever find a hobbit who'd want a wife who would study his dinner rather than cooking it.

Child looked up from her piles of fish, and saw Piosenniel standing near the door of the galley. She wasn't sure how long she'd been there. The Elf had an impish look upon her face. Then she shook her head and laughed. "I go away for a bit, and the dinner service deteriorates! I'll have to get my hands in this galley again, and start turning things right. And my first order to you," she said pointing at the hobbit, "is to go back to your cabin and get some sleep. The last time I heard, hobbits still need to sleep at night. Put your pots on the stove to simmer, and I'll make sure the fire burns down in a few hours, since I'll be keeping watch on deck."

Child backed away from Piosenniel. She was even afraid to reach out and touch her. Perhaps, she was like Nienna who'd visited in her dreams. Maybe this was a dream too. Sh might turn around and then the Elf would suddenly vanish.

Pio looked at her nervos friend and laughed in a solid, comforttng way, "I'm real Child, and I am back, at least for now. It seems we've both got some unfinished business that needs doing."

Pio helped her put the fish and sea-plants in the pots and shift them onto the fire. Then she turned to Child and quietly said, "It's been hard for you. Hasn't it? Leaving Tol Fuin, and what you had there." She reached out her hand to examine the small green stone that hung about her friend's neck. "It looks as if you and I have something in common. Someimes you have to put aside what you want and just do what has to be done."

Child looked at the Elf in surprise. How could her friend know all this? But when she asked her, Pio simply tilted her head back and looked mysterious, her brown curls bouncing and eyes sparkling with light.

Then Child leaned over and whispered in her friend's ear, "We're really glad you're here. Tule was....." Child searched for the right words. She didn't want to hurt Pio's feelings. "Tule was interesting, but I found it a little hard to talk to him."

Pio looked back at her and said with a totally straight face, "To tell the truth, so did I."

[ September 08, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ September 08, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

09-07-2002, 12:43 PM

The elf saw Child off to her cabin and to bed. Then, walking quietly, she passed the rooms wherein her other companions slept. Soft snores could now be heard coming from Mithadan's room. She lightly pushed his door open and covered him with his cloak. Then, as quietly, she exited the room, and shut the door.

In her old room, where Daisy lay deep asleep, hugging a crumpled pillow, she pulled a few articles of clothing from the bag on her old bed. A worn pair of soft leggings tucked into road-worn, knee-high boots, and a comfortable shirt, bound at the waist by a belt were pulled on quickly. Into the boots she tucked her smaller knives; one larger one she secured in her belt.

She pulled a wayward quilt over the sleeping hobbit and went on down the hall to the room of her old friend.

Bird lay curled tightly in her bed, uncovered. The bedclothes and pillows had gone a round or two with her, it seemed, and now lay strewn about on the floor like vanquished foe.

Pio perched lightly on the footboard of the bed and regarded the sleeping woman fondly. Then grinning broadly, she nudged her with the toe of her boot.

'So, here lies the fierce dragon I have heard so much about! Looks more like some old flotsam to these eyes!'

She nudged her one more time.

[ September 07, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Birdland

09-07-2002, 01:51 PM

Birdie had had a hard day. Hardest was explaining to Levanto, who then had to explain to his kin, just exactly what was to be done to the food stocks that the Mer-Folk had so generously given them.

Dead silence had followed the announcement. Some of the Mer-Folk could not hide the expressions of disbelief and disgust as the process of food preservation was explained to them. One poor Mer-Girl had actually retched at the thought of drying dead fish in the sun, and then eating it.

But in the end, the Mer-Folk shugged and cooperated as well as they could. Brightly colored seaweed bladders were attached to many of the fish cages, which were secured to the bottom, so they might be found again when the ship returned to the Fourth Age. Pounds and pounds of fish were brought aboard and split to dry on hastly-built racks, or set to smoke in a primitive smoke tent. Kali's seaweed was gathered and used, hopefully to good effect. And the vat which was to be the temporary home for the sea-cows had been scrubbed and checked for leaks.

It had been an exhausting day, but Birdie had done her best, with the help of Kali and Levanto, and had finally thrown herself into the bed to grab what few hours of sleep she could, before starting the whole process over again in the morning.

And now someone was nudging her foot! It couldn't be morning already! The skin-changer kicked irritably, and rolled over, covering her head with the pillow.

The nudge came again, harder this time, and someone said "So, here lies the fierce dragon I have heard so much about! Looks more like some old flotsam to these eyes!"

Bird rolled over, ready to curse whoever disturbed her rest. Opening bleary eyes, she saw the face of Pio floating but a foot in front of her.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A blood-curdling scream echoed through the entire ship as the skin-changer jumped a foot from the bed and scrambled desperately back into the bulkhead.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

[ September 07, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

piosenniel

09-07-2002, 02:08 PM

'Quiet you wretched skin-changer!' cried Pio, throwing a pillow at the hysterical woman. 'You're screaming loud enough to wake the dead!'

The incongruity of her being there coupled with those last words hit both of them at the same time.

Pio fell of the footboard, laughing hard at her joke.

Bird's screaming stopped abruptly and she looked at the hysterical apparition now convulsed on her rug.

Birdland

09-07-2002, 02:27 PM

Oh, this was just too much! First a ghost had appeared in Bird's cabin, and now it had insulted her...and thown a pillow at her!

Birdie crouched at the head of the bed, white-faced and shaking, as the "ghost" rolled on the floor in a fit of hysterical laughter.

Slowly, the changling crawled forward, and grasping a fishing pole leaning by the bed, extended it as far as she could and poked at the mirthful "spirit". It bent! Bird dropped the pole and retreated back to the bulkhead.

Pio? You're...alive?" Then she fainted.

[ September 07, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Rose Cotton

09-07-2002, 03:06 PM

Rose heard Birdie's scream, rushed into her cabin and triped over Pio who was still on the floor. As she got up the first thing she saw was Birdie's limp body. Then she saw Pio sitting there looking at her. "Hello Rose."

For a spit second Rose sat staring at the elf. Then her face broke into a huge smile and she threw her arms around her friend. "Pio! I missed you!" said Rose sobbing into Pio's side.

piosenniel

09-08-2002, 11:21 AM

The elf gave Rose a hug, then held her at arms length. She wiped the tears from her friend's face and drew a smile from her with a smile of her own.

'Come, help me Rose.' she said, getting to her feet. She placed a pillow beneath Bird's head and pulled one of the blankets from the floor over her. 'She'll wake soon enough and find us. Now let's go wake Daisy and see about a breakfast for the crew. We have one or two areas of our plan to review and put in place today. Tomorrow, then, we are bound for Númenor.'

They closed the door to Bird's room as they left and went quietly down the hall to Daisy's.

'Let me wake her, Rose.' whispered Pio, as she stepped into the room. 'Will you go up to the galley and start the water for tea and coffee, and we will be up directly.'

She sat on the edge of the hobbit's bed for a moment, watching dreams flutter behind her eyelids. Pushing a stray curl from the girl's cheek, she bent close and whispered softly, 'Daisy, wake up! The sun is up and there are things to be done today.'

Daisy stretched sleepily, throwing her arms wide, eyes still closed, then smiled and peeked at the face smiling back at her. She threw her arms about the elf's neck, surprising her into laughter.

'I thought it was a dream earlier! That you had come into the room as you always had to change into working clothes, that you had covered me up as you sometimes did. But now I see it was no dream.' She hugged her friend once more, 'I hoped you would find your way back somehow - and now you have.'

Pio laughed, 'Yes, I'm here. Now please get up and dress quickly. Rose and you and I will make breakfast for the crew and then we will be on our way.'

Daisy threw on her clothes and hurried down the gangplank with Pio to the galley.

[ September 08, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

GreatWarg

09-08-2002, 12:27 PM

Khelek studied the stars carefully. The Sickle hung low. A few beams of pale light that announced the Sun could be seen in the east. But the Elf's eyes strayed ever to the West. He wasn't in his cabin, either out of pride or in hope to see a sign that would help him. Perhaps both. An unexpected sound made the Elf jump back from his musings, and he turned.

"Poisenniel," he said simply. How long had it been since he had seen her? Several weeks? Months? Nay, Ages ago. It seemed like a long time. How strange. Seasons passed like fleeting seconds, and yet here he was saying that it seemed like a long time.

Birdland

09-08-2002, 01:43 PM

Birdie came to laying on her bed with a blanket thrown over her. She sat up abruptly as the memory of what had happened came flooding back to her.

It wasn't a dream. Pio had been standing right there in the room! She had spoke. She had laughed. Bird had felt her! (Well, the fishing pole had felt her. But ghosts didn't bend fishing poles when you poke them!)

But where was she now? Had she gone away again? Had Bird missed her chance to see her friend and speak with her one more time?

Birdie went running out of her cabin in her shift, crying "Pio! Pio! Oh, where are you? I'm sorry! Please don't be gone again!"

She found her in galley, brewing coffee and helping Daisy and Rose fix breakfast, as if all the horrible events of the last days had never happened.

"Pio! Oh Pio, It's true! You are back!" Bird ran forward and hugged her friend as if she would never let her go.

But then suddenly, she pushed Pio back, stamping her foot and slapping the elf hard on the arm. "What is wrong with you? Why do you do things like that!" Then she hugged Pio again, shaking her head and saying "Elves! I'll never understand Elves!"

[ September 08, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Rose Cotton

09-08-2002, 03:45 PM

Rose bussled about making breakfast in a very good mood. She didn't think she'd ever stop smiling. They crew was being brought back together by Pio's apperance.

piosenniel

09-08-2002, 05:34 PM

Pio rubbed her arm where Bird had slapped her. 'By the One Bird, I'm glad I'm not someone you don't like - my arm has gone numb!' She grinned and flexed her fingers for effect. 'And as to your question - "Thus spoke Mandos: Elf, this is thy doom - It is the duty of the First Born to ever mystify and irritate the lesser born!"' She ducked as she saw Bird come at her, but it was only another hug, which she returned in kind.

'Come help us get the food ready, Bird. You can slice some searooms and we'll have them and some of the sea herbs scarambled with eggs. Daisy, you get a dozen or so guillemot eggs from the hold and beat then frothy with some of the seacow milk. Rose you get the skillet ready and toast some bread.' She made a mug of tea and walked toward the door of the galley. 'Wake the others when all is ready - Veritas, Child, Kali, and Mithadan. I have two more things I must take care of. Please don't wait breakfast on me. I do not know how long it will take.'

Daisy's face clouded up and Rose opened her mouth in protest. She stayed them with a look. 'This is something private. I will come back.'

She strode out the door and up to the deck. He stood there looking toward the West, the longing cries of seabirds echoing the ever present longing in his heart. She came quietly and stood behind him.

'Your tea, Khelek. And lightly made.' He turned, and regarded her with cool eyes, cool now where just a fleeting moment before she had seen the bright spark of yearning.

She held the mug out to him. As his fingers grazed hers in the taking of it, she sent him a vivid memory of the light and music of Aman. 'Drink, young one.' she said curving his hands firmly around the mug. 'Then come to breakfast. There are still some things to be put in place before we go to Númenor.'

His eyes followed her as she walked to the railing and stripped down to her small clothes.

She leapt from the railing, and the waves rose up to meet her.

[ September 09, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-08-2002, 07:22 PM

Child had slept but a few hours the night before. She was, however, not about to pull up the covers and dream the morning away. There was too much to be done, and too many reasons she should be up and about.

She bounced into her clothes, and made her way towards the galley. Rose and Daisy were laughing and preparing the morning meal. They were chatting about this and that, their faces wreathed in sunny smiles. One would break out with, "Did you see her face, how it shines with the light?" while the other would point to her joking and excellent good humor.

The last point struck Child vividly. She could remember night after night when Piosenniel sat on the Star, deep in sadness and thought. Child sensed a bit of that sadness still underneath, but beside it stood an enormous reservoir of laughter and caring which had never been so evident before. Like Child, Piosenniel had seen her share of sad times. Child wondered if she could ever manage to create her own balance in life like that, or if such grace was granted only to Elves on leave from Aman.

As Pio had promised, the fish stew was properly simmered and waiting for lunch. Child dipped a spoon into the broth, and then tasted. Whether it was Pio's gentle hand on the pot or the bounty of the Mer-folk, this dish seemed fit for a lord's table. She vowed to brag to Mithadan about her superior cooking efforts, something that Child was not generally well known for! Given the way things had gone this past day, she doubted he'd mind the teasing too much.

Rose and Daisy were trying to guess where the Elf might have gone on secret business. Child looked stern and lectured them on the need to let Piosenniel have some privacy in personal matters. The girls continued to bubble over with questions about the West, and what had happened to their friend after Gondolin. Child had to admit that she too was curious, but she repeatedly reminded them, and herself as well, that this was a private matter for Elves which Pio might or might not want to share. If Pio told any on board, Child suspected it might be Bird, since she was her oldest companion. But such thoughts and questions were only secondary to the overall joy of the day.

Birdland

09-08-2002, 09:16 PM

Bird leaned on the rail of "The Lonely Star" and looked out on a sea that seemed as fresh and new as a crystal spring. It seemed a new wind filled the sails of the ship, as she listened to Daisy and Rose laughing belowdecks.

When she had time to adjust to the situation, Bird had to admit that Pio's feat was not unprecedented. She had joined the ranks of Glorfindel and Mithrandir, the select fellowship of reincarnates. Of course, one had elected to remain on Middle Earth, the other to depart when his duties were finished. Bird chose not to think about which route Pio might take. Not now, anyway.

Pio had said nothing to her about her errand under the sea, but to Birdie, it was self-evident. The Changling hummed a tune to herself, a sad smile again playing over her face:

"Levanto, Levanto,
Silly, sorry Mer-Man, He…”

[ September 09, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

piosenniel

09-09-2002, 03:01 AM

It was midway through breakfast when Pio reappeared. Everyone had gotten up and were well into their second helpings when she came in with her map case, borrowed from Veritas, and pulled a large map of Númenor from it. Tacking it to the wall, she took one of the clean forks and used it to point out various features concerning the Isle and their approach to it.

She outlined when and where they would position the Star, and went over the need for extreme caution during this period. Especially with respect to the climate of animosity which prevailed against the Valar, for their prohibition about sailing to the Undying Lands, and by extension toward the Elves who were allowed the privilege of sailing to the West. She showed them on the map where the large navy of Ar-Pharazôn would launch from, and told them that the Star must not come to the notice of any of this fleet.

Pio reminded them that Sauron would be in Númenor during their time there, and that it would be best to remain unnoticed by him or any of his minions. 'This will be a tightly orchestrated mission, with little room for error. So no "adventures" please.' she smiled as Rose and Daisy looked at each other guiltily.

'Finally, there will be some guards, I'm certain, left to watch over the prisoners.' she said, her face gone serious. 'So, there will most likely be the certainty of a skirmish with them to gain access to the caves. We should attempt to avoid this if we can, but be prepared to engage them if we cannot.'

'After breakfast is done, I would like to check with everyone about their parts to the preparation for going - Child, Bird, Daisy, Rose, and Kali I'd like to hear about your readiness as far as food and medical supplies, and if we'll need to transport anything with us that can't be stowed on the Star itself. Veritas, you and Khelek need to review the navigational maps and be ready to maneuver the ship into position once we arrive off the Isle's southern coast.'

'Mithadan, if you please, we need to finalize the date we shift to and when we should call the Telerin ships to come. Can we meet in Tulë's room? Most of my papers are there.'

She poured herself a mug of tea, sweetened it with honey, and sat down next to Rose. 'Does this all mean we're leaving for Númenor soon?' she asked the elf.

'Yes,' said Pio, taking a sip of tea. 'I would like to leave this evening if at all possible.'

[ September 09, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

09-09-2002, 04:47 AM

Rose felt a lump in her throat as Pio told her when they were to set off. Tonight! It was so soon. She knew she shouldn't be suprised but it still made her uneasy. Rose excused herself and went to sit in her room.

mark12_30

09-09-2002, 06:06 AM

3319, Second Age, Day # 14

Phura says that I shouldn't call Maura Tuk's lullabye sappy. I thought that was Nitir's lullabye. Why couldn't Loremaster Lindo have just named these songs something simple? Phura says he doesn't know whether it was Nitir's lullabye for Maura or Maura's lullabye for Nitir. Well, isn't it simpler than that? Which one was the baby and which one was the adult? Phura told me I didn't know everything. But when I asked Loremaster which one was the baby, he said someday I would understand and then he changed the subject. Phura still won't tell me. If neither one was a baby, why were there lullabyes from one to the other?

Here's today's new song. It's long enough. I guess it's not too bad. At least there's some fighting in it, and it talks about Gondolin. I could do without the sappy stuff though.

Lindo's Lament for Niphredil

On Gondolin's last day we stood
The outer wall to hold
Our archers shed and spilled their blood
In sacrifices bold.

And to our grief, a snowdrop fell,
A flower both pure and white,
My Niphredil I loved so well,
My Hope so calm and bright.

With messages from dearest kin
To Kemba brave she came,
And having spoke, her way she took
To leave the wall again.

Mid archers standing on the wall
Her childhood friend was down;
His bow nearby him useless lies,
and quiver near she found.

His bow she took, his quiver too,
And to the wall she came,
And arrows sped into war's dread
In childhood friendship's name.

Dark arrows did on that wall seek
Her heart so bright and sweet,
And in that breast where hope shone best
Steel did her pulse defeat.

On Gondolin's last day there fell
The lovely Niphredil;
Home that fair corpse brave Kemba bore,
To grief and sorrow's wail.

Yet paler now her snow-fair skin
For death's embrace is deep,
Her laughter's trill forever still
While we who loved her weep.

Beneath the earth she now lies still,
Safe in her father's home,
My Niphredil I loved so well,
The Hope I called my own.

On Gondolin's last day there fell
the Hope I never held;
Heart's love shining, hope defining,
Lovely Niphredil.

3319, Second Age, Day # 15

Phura doesn't think that Lindo's Lament for Niphredil is sappy at all, he likes the whole thing. He never ceases to amaze me. But I'm starting to wonder about some of these Lullabyes. Are they really love songs? What about the other song that was titled Maura's Lullabye but sounded like a love song? And if you agree with me that that one sounded like a love song, wait til you read this one.

Lindo's Lullabye for Niphredil

Beneath the stars, beneath the earth,
Your lovely form lies sleeping;
Your face so sweet, your limbs so fair,
Your heart, where mine is beating.
Your brow I kiss, your hands I hold
While deep in dreams you slumber;
And as you rest so still and cold
My tears fall without number.

No star so fair, no breeze so sweet,
No sunbeam shines as warmly
As your soft gaze that once on me
Shone gently, purely, fondly.
Your eyes are closed, your breath at peace,
Your lovely face unmoving,
Still here for you my heart yet weeps,
Your deep love for me proving.

Now, this has to be the same Niphredil that he sang the lament about. If she could wield a bow and arrow, then she was definitely not a baby. So who in their right mind would call that a lullabye? It's definitely a love song. I don't think Loremaster Lindo knew the difference. I don't think he was nearly as wise as they say.

3319, Second Age, Day # 16

Boy did I get in trouble for yesterday's entry. My hands hurt.

3319, Second Age, Day # 17

Still in trouble. Loremaster says if I want the priveledge of studying to be a loremaster myself then I'd better learn to respect my elders and my forerunners, and if I'm not ready to appreciate the priveledge then I can labor with all the other hobbits.

I thought they'd put me in the iron mines but I've been with the gravediggers for the past two days. All I know is that grave-digging is a lot harder than I thought it would be and my hands are so blistered I can hardly hold the pen. I wonder who the graves are for and why they need so many of them. Some are big and some are small.

Phura is learning more of Loremaster Lindo's lullabyes. Good grief, how many did he write? He sang this for me last night. I wonder who Lily was. Phura said he'd ask. He said he learned three others that Lindo's mother wrote; one is sappy but two are about the elves. I'm falling way behind.

Lily's Lullabye

Dancing feet and tossing hair
And shining smile that lit the day
Running limbs and sparkling eyes
All quiet now, and tucked away.

Dream of us, as safe you rest
And sleep beneath the dark, wide sky
And we will dream of you, and bless
The time we had to watch you play.

3319, Second Age, Day # 18
I finally recited successfully all three songs, the Snowbattle, Nitir's lullabye and Azra's lullabye. I thought that would get me out of trouble. Loremaster says not yet. I wonder how long I'll be digging graves.

More bad dreams again. I dreamed that up above in Meneltarma both men and hobbits were dying every day and being buried in the graves. And I dreamed that they buried me, and Loremaster, and Phura too. I woke up crying and I was so glad when I realised that Phura was unhurt. Phura sang me to sleep again with Azra's lullabye, and Pongo's lullabye which I copied out below. Phura says that Lily and Pongo were two children that died in Ladros. I guess some lullabyes are all right sometimes.

Pongo's Lullabye

Stars shimmer as you lie sleeping
Bluest velvet promises keeping,
Gently sleep, so softly sleep
Slipping gently off to sleep.

Shooting stars in heaven dancing
Crescent moon is backwards glancing
Gently dream, so softly dream
Drifting gently into dreams.

Smile with heaven's starry gleaming,
Yeild now to Eru's sweet singing,
Gently rest, so softly rest
Finding gently heaven's rest.

'*************************

3319, Second Age, Day # 19
Phura sang a lullabye that I've never heard before called the Workhouse Lullabye and he says Lindo wrote it. And he said not to write any more about it. Here it is:

Through the ruin laughing lightly
Nitir speaks and smiles so brightly
Over little children watching
Safely keeping them and guarding,

Darkness driving far away
While the children work and play.

In the Workhouse Azra dances
Laughing when the sunlight chances
Down upon the floor to glimmer
There her agile steps will shimmer

Darkness driving far away
While the children work and play.

All the dreary day they guard you,
Azra and Nitir will hide you
From the shadows outside lurking,
From the darkness evil working.

Safe inside they keep you hidden,
Every shadow outside driven
While they laugh and speak and smile
and dance and guard you all the while,

Darkness driving far away
While the children work and play.

And there's another secret one I've never heard before and I'm not supposed to say much about:

Nitir and Azra, come to me,
Sailing ships across the sea,
Guided by a lonely star
Take us safely, safely far
far away, where elves can play
Elves can sing and dance all day
Shining elves so bright and brave
Take us away upon the wave.

Nitir and Azra, come and find
Where we languish far behind
your sailing ships with shining prow,
Take us quickly, quickly now
far away, where elves can play
Elves can sing and dance all day
Shining elves so bright and brave
Take us away upon the wave.

[ September 10, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ September 14, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Mithadan

09-09-2002, 01:14 PM

After the mid-day meal (which he conceded was excellent), Mithadan cleaned up a bit then climbed to the deck for a breath of fresh air. His head still ached from his "journey" into the West, but this was not the reason that he stood at the rail so long. "May as well get this over with," he muttered as he descended to the crews' quarters below.

Standing before the door to Tule's cabin, he hesitated again. He had not spoken privately to Pio since the revelation the night before, and felt that, notwithstanding her jolly temper of the morning, he had stripped her of something which she at least had felt she needed. But it was too late now; Tule was gone, never to return and his decision could not be unmade. He reached out and knocked on the cabin door...

Child of the 7th Age

09-09-2002, 02:03 PM

Child spent the day organizing supplies. Bird and the hobbits had worked diligently to prepare everything for transport. Child decided to check with Pio to see if an extra seacow or two could be brought along in tow, in addition to those swimming in the vat below deck. Other than that, she was more than satisfied with their preparations.

But something else bothered Child. While she had nothing specific to go on, she wondered if the hobbits had found this imprisonment more difficult than the first. Morgoth's veil had given that community the illusion of being imprisoned only a year. But ar-Phrazon had no control over time. And he had kidnapped the group some sixty years ago.

Sixty years was a long time to survive without losing hope. Entire generations had been raised with no understanding of freedom. A painful thought hit Child. She had been dreading the expected loss of lore and letters. She was certain the king had killed many hobbits. But there could be losses even more serious than these.

What if the years of darkness had cut into the hobbits' fear, so that they forgot their love of growing things, or even of family itself? Who could possibly reteach them such things? Pio, or no Pio, these were serious questions.

She wondered when she'd see the Fourth Age again. But then, she recalled, the most precious things, like sky and stars and feelings, changed little from one era to the next.

[ September 09, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

09-09-2002, 03:54 PM

She heard the knock at the door, at first hesitant in sound, and then more sure.

'Come!' she called out from her seat on the bed. Papers and maps lay about the room in untidy pilings, and she pushed a stack of them from a nearby chair to make room for her visitor.

Mithadan entered, a hesitant look on his face. She looked at him with keen, appraising eyes, unsure herself of what should be said.

There was an awkward moment of silence between them, broken first by Mithadan's,
'Pio, I'm so sor . . .' She stopped him with a light touch to his arm.

'Please, allow me to speak first.' she entreated. She leaned back against the headboard of the bed and rubbed her neck, wearily. 'I am running on a thin, ragged edge here, Mithadan, torn between what I had planned to do and the undeniable reality of my deep affection for my companions. I have set the first aside, as best I can, for the moment - at least the part concerning my intent only to engage you with offers of technical help and then return as quickly as possible to the West. To be quite honest with you, it would bring me great sorrow to think upon it too long.' She took a deep breath and continued.

'I know why you did what you did. I understand your reasonings. You're a good Captain who understands his crew and puts their needs first. I do not fault you for that. Indeed, how could I? As that has long been my guiding principle. I thank you for realizing what I should have, and bringing it to my attention.' She laughed a small, tired laugh saying, 'Though the manner of your approach might have been less dramatic!'

'My deepest concern is with the bonds of affection with which I am bound to my friends. And yes, the bonds feel like fetters at time to me.' She looked at him directly.

'You asked Tulë to let Pio come back. She came - the Pio that the companions needed. Your crew is pulling together, once more.
The role is an old, familiar, well practiced one for me, but it doesn't fit as comfortably and completely as it did before.'

Her brow furrowed slightly in thought for a moment. 'The problem is I'm not sure who this returned Pio will really be.' She laughed and shook her head. 'So, bear with me, my friend.' she said winking at him, impishly. 'You called her forth. Now I'm afraid you'll have to bear the brunt of her emergence.'

[ September 09, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

09-09-2002, 04:22 PM

Mithadan looked at Pio solemnly for a moment then looked down. "So be it!" he responded with a ghost of a smile. "You have leave to torment me as you will in payment for what I have done...so long as the torment relates to getting to the task at hand." Another silence followed. Mithadan, for some reason could not meet the Elf's eyes and stared fixedly down at the deck.

At last, he looked up. "Well then," he said. "Shall we get to work?"

piosenniel

09-09-2002, 06:27 PM

She motioned for him to pull his chair closer as she laid out a map on the bed. 'Look, here are the ports of Andunië and Eldalondë. We know that in 3319 of the Second Age, Ar-Pharazôn will launch his great offensive from these two. We also know the voyage to Eressëa and the encampment at Túna will take 39 days.'

Taking a well-worn pencil, she sketched in the route the Telerin would follow, once they were called, heading in a southeasterly direction from the Shadowy Seas, then north to the waters well off the southern coast of the Isle. 'According to Idril, it will take them twenty days to reach this position.'

'A question.' said Mithadan. 'Do you know the specific date the King will launch his navy?'

'That's one of my problems - no, I don't. I was hoping somewhere in your studies you might have come across a reference to this. Will you look for it? Barring finding the answer so easily, can we contact someone in Númenor to get the date from them? I haven't come up with someone with whom we might do this safely, though.' She rapped the pencil on the map. 'Or what about this idea. We send Bird in her bird form to spy out the departure date for us.'

'Moving beyond that problem, I'd like to call the Telerin ships about two days after the fleet has left. That will give them plenty of time to arrive, and us plenty of time to get away from the Isle before the world is broken. It will also give Levanto time to contact the imprisoned hobbits and let them know we are coming for them. He can also glean information from them about how heavily they are guarded. I also need to speak with Ancalimon about the turn of events that has happened on this ship, and I think he will want to speak with Child concerning the hobbits.'

'What can you add to this? What concerns should we be looking at more closely?'

[ September 09, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

09-09-2002, 09:14 PM

A knock at the door interrupted the discussion of Mithadan's list of concerns.

'Come!' said Pio. It was Child. She had come to say that her inventory of foodstuffs and medical supplies was complete and stowed securely for the shift to Númenor. The elf listened to her request that a few more sea-cows be brought in tow, and gently told her that she would prefer to be able to bring all that was needed directly secured on the ship itself. 'Was there any possible way, the additional sea-cows could be put in the hold with the others?' she wondered. Child said that she and Kali would work on seeing what could be done.

Pio also advised her that once they were in the Second Age, she would be contacting Ancalimon, who would then come to them. If there were any questions that Child had concerning the hobbits, this would be a good time to resolve them with him.

Mithadan had risen when Child entered, and he took his leave of them after a small exchange of greeting. 'I will research the answer to that question, and see what I can find. We will have some time after we shift to pin it down more precisely. Are we resolved to go this evening still?'

'Yes, I think so.' she returned. 'Right after supper, if possible. The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place nicely and I think we can move forward with this mission.'

He had just exited, when her voice called him back. 'I forgot to ask you something.' she said, coming to stand in the doorway. 'I seem to have lost my sword in Beleriand, and I have no other. Do you have one I might use?'

He said he would see about it, and she turned back to Child. 'Let's go abovedeck and see how the others are doing. I need some fresh air and a place to stretch my legs. How about you?'

Child of the 7th Age

09-09-2002, 10:26 PM

A gulf of silence hung between the women as they walked onto the deck. Child thought of a hundred questions which needed answers, but she couldn't put them into words.

Pio steered her to the ship's railing. "I need to ask a question." Child steeled herself. She expected a query about Numenor, or a discussion of the West, or even her relationship with Maura. But it was none of these.

Pio recalled, "When we first met, you worked in the home of Hurin, the Dunadan, caring for children. Yet, although you'd been there eleven years, you'd never revisited the Shire."

"When you first told me this, I found it hard to believe. You've said I have too many secrets, but it seems I'm not alone."

"You've sacrificed much to uncover your past. Every scrap you had was invested to chase after "sea-hobbits". You even volunteered to go into Morgoth's prison. Without you, there would have been no Star."

"And yet, this morning, when Rose mentioned returning to the Shire, you turned and left. Why would you do that?"

Child backed away, "My story is no different than many others. It's a long but common tale, and doesn't bear repeating."

Pio said sternly, "I'll be the judge of that. Now, start talking, and don't stop until you've reached the end!"

Child began as if she were reciting a family history from a genealogical book. "My mother, Honeysuckle Brockhouse, was from a reputable family in Coombe-under-Bree said to be related to the Tooks. My father was a simple Harfoot farmer from Hobbiton who worked his own fields. My parents' marriage was a happy one, but they were never accepted by my mother's kin. Even so, the Brockhouse family had been friendly with Bilbo and asked him to keep an eye on us. That's how, I came to know him. That, plus my friendship with his niece Angelica."

"Angelica and I spent every spare moment at Bag End, listening to stories. As I grew older, I began studying history and lore. Bilbo trained me as a teacher, since I was sadly deficient in skills for managing a household or coaxing things to grow. And it was clear I'd have to earn a living."

"That day, when Bilbo disappeared from the party...." Child halted. "He never told me, and I never saw him again. Of course, we know now. But at the time, I couldn't understand." Child's voice trailed off. "Before he left, he gave me a book of hobbit geneology, the one with faded words that sent us chasing after "sea-hobbits".

"Eight years later, my father died in a farming accident. My mother and I hadn't any idea how to run a farm, and lost everything. Her family wouldn't help, and my Aunt Bell was dead. Sam Gamgee and his father offered to take us in, but that would never have been accepted with Bell being gone. Aunt Amalda, my only other kin, had a tiny place with barely enough to keep going."

"In desperation, my mother approached Frodo Baggins. He secured positions for us in Buckland, my mother as a cook and myself as nanny. When my mother died some ten years later of natural causes, she made me swear that I would marry Hob Fields, a family friend. He was a kindly fellow, so we were handfasted and expected to wed that same year. Only Hob was from Tuckborough, and, like many there, followed Pippin to the Battle of Bywater. He was one of just nineteen hobbits killed."

My cousin Sam and his wife Rose invited me to be part of their family. Only I didn't want to live in Bag End like some hand-me-down piece of furniture. When I first heard Daisy's anger as she boarded the Star, I understood a little how she felt."

"Pippin helped me find a position in Minas Tirith where I could be near the library. Whenever I had a free moment, which wasn't often, I'd run there and search for sea-hobbits. For a very long time, I was the only kuduk in the entire city."

"I swore I'd never return to the Shire. I even kept thinking that none of this would have happened if I'd been a lad and could make my way more freely."

"But then I went to Beleriand and something happened. For the first time, I found what I was looking for." Child laughed, "I'm probably the only hobbit in the history of Middle-earth whose fondest memories grew out of a prison! It was Maura, but there were also other things. I felt so much a part of the community, so accepted and comfortable. And then, suddenly, I was torn away. I understood the reasons, but it didn't make the pain any less."

"I'm unsure what to do, but I need to find some way to go forward and be part of my people again. And I don't know if I should be thinking about all this now, when there's so much real suffering in Numenor. But lately, I've had this image of myself living with hobbits, owning a burrow, and maybe even caring for a child. That's not going to happen in the Fourth Age. Sometimes, I've wondered,...." and then she stopped.

"Go on." Pio encouraged her.

"I've wondered if I might not be happier and more useful in the early Third Age community in the Anduin. But I don't know if that's even possible."

She looked expectently at the Elf.

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

09-10-2002, 11:00 AM

'I envy you, Child.' said the elf, smiling gently at her friend. 'You've really made up your mind already, haven't you? You have come to understand how you fit in best, and now you are seeking the where and the when of it.'

Child opened her mouth to protest, but Pio laughed, and continued, 'You know that it is possible to do what you want to do. In fact I find it odd that you would hesitate.' She looked at the hobbit keenly. 'What would hold you back from doing so, I wonder?'

'Not fear, I think. You have seen too much darkness and shadow and come through them to fear making choices. An old sense of guilt, perhaps, that you are somehow unworthy to do this? No, by the light in your eyes when you speak of that which you long to do, I think that tether was loosed long ago.'

Pio leaned forward over the railing, looking far out to sea. 'Were I in your position, Child, I would take the opportunity to be of use in a place where I was needed.' She sighed.

'Tomorrow we will be in Númenor. Ancalimon will join us there to see to the final disposition of the hobbits. I think that you should speak with him and lay your questions before him.'

She turned to look closely at her friend, 'Whatever you decide, I will support you.'

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

09-10-2002, 11:44 AM

Mithadan borrowed several books from Child's cabin and began researching the date on which the Numenorean fleet departed for Valinor. The year was well known, Second Age 3319. But the precise date was obscure. He reviewed the Akallabeth but discovered that it was silent on this matter. Other books of history were similarly unhelpful.

Then, based upon a niggling memory from his own long passed studies of the history of Gondor, he took up one of his own books and flipped through it until he reached a section entitled "Festivals". Here, he found the following:

"Thrice each year are the Festivals of Planting and Harvest celebrated... And on Loende is the Festival of First Fruits which corresponds to the Numenorean holiday of the same name. It is said that on Loende, the King of Numenor would ascend the Meneltarma to make offering of the first fruits to Eru. On this day also did the forces of Ar-Pharazon set sail in rebellion against the Valar and so even greater was the insult of that assault. Thus we of Gondor celebrate this day both in joy for what will be and regret for what was."

Mithadan closed the book. "Loende," he whispered. "Mid-summer!"

piosenniel

09-10-2002, 02:26 PM

Child had gone below to help supervise the preparation of supper. Pio walked the ship once more to see that all was in place for their journey this evening. She lingered on the helmdeck, looking through the calculations Veritas and Khelek had done for their next shift.

She chewed on her lower lip in mild frustration over the missing piece of information that would allow them to pinpoint the exact date to which they would shift. 'Hmm! I suppose we shall just have to make our best guess and then go from there once we arrive in the waters of Númenor.' she muttered to herself.

'Oh, I think we can do better than that!' came the pleased voice from behind her. Mithadan, grinning widely, held an open book in one hand and thumped authoritatively on one of its pages with the other.

'It's Loëndë!That's the day that Ar-Pharazôn launched his ships for the West!' He handed her the book and she read the passage for herself.

She took up a pencil from table on which the sheets of calculations were lying and quickly wrote the date in the blank. 'Let's set the crystal for 1 Cermië, then, the day after the fleet has launched.' she said. 'Once there, I will call for Ancalimon, and contact Idril concerning the swan-ships. The Teleri can start for the Isle early the following day. And we can send out Levanto to the caves. How does that sound to you?'

They discussed the matter for a few minutes, and came to a mutually satisfactory agreement. By then, the savoury smell of supper had drifted up to them, and they hurried down to eat.

Mmmm! Smells good, doesn't it Mithadan?

She heard the sigh run through his mind.

It's fish. I just know it's fish . . .again . . .

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

09-11-2002, 03:51 AM

Supper was hurried through, the table cleared, the dishes done.

A certain aura of confidence infused the excitement the crew felt about this part of their journey. They felt well prepared and sure of the outcome.

It was not a sentiment shared by the elf. There were a myriad of places the plan could go sour, falter, perhaps even become dangerous, or worse yet, fatal. She felt a vague uneasiness that something important may have been overlooked, but could not bring it into focus.

The uneasiness receded somewhat, but did not disappear, as she checked the ship once more, and then had Levanto brought on board.

She went quickly to her room, and buckled on the sword she had gotten from the ship's armory. A full complement of knives of various sizes were secured in her boot tops and her belt.

The companions had all gathered on the deck, by the time she reappeared. She strode to the helm deck and nodded at Veritas to engage the crystal.

By the One! Let this all work out! she thought to herself.

The air shimmered and winked out taking the ship with it. And then, there they were, in the calm waters of the Sundering Sea, one hundred miles directly south of Númenor.

Mithadan

09-11-2002, 08:53 AM

Mithadan stood near the helm, watching as Veritas activated the crystal. After the now familiar shimmering came and passed, he moved to the rail to scan the horizon. Far to the north, he could just make out a sail. He quickly moved to stand next to Piosenniel and nudged her, pointing to the north. She shaded her eyes with her hand and peered intently at the distant vessel.

"A fishing boat," she said. "I can see the nets and the crew working. Nonetheless, we should not come closer to shore until they depart."

Mithadan agreed. From the moment they had arrived in the Second Age, a feeling of unease had come over him. An almost physical sensation that danger and implacable evil was nearby. He shuddered.

Pio looked over at him and said, "I feel it also. It is the Dark One. His power waxes now, with the departure of the Numenorean fleet and a shadow falls upon Elenna. Guard your thoughts Mithadan! Remember that there is at least one here who may hear."

piosenniel

09-11-2002, 11:31 AM

She left Mithadan to see to the rest of the crew, asking him to remind them of the particular dangers of this time. Khelek, Veritas, and Angara were to be given the instruction to use verbal communication only; osanwe must be kept for emergencies and then only with tight, brief sendings.

Which was what she proposed to do right now. She strode to the bow, and leaned on the railing. Recalling her sense of Ancalimon's mind, and that he had told her he would be near the Isle when she called, she sent a focused call - Come!.

To Idril went the call they had agreed upon.

Avad!

For the moment, now, there was nothing to do but wait and keep close watch.

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

09-11-2002, 01:42 PM

Rose shuttered even though the air was warm. She had a pritty good idea of who Pio was talking about and it made her uneasy. She didn't know why this was getting her so worked up. She was never this aprehencive before. Silently, Rose slipped away from the others and went below deck.

piosenniel

09-12-2002, 01:27 AM

The evening passed uneventfully into night. The fishing boat and its crew were long gone from the waters, their nets hauled on board, the boat safely docked until the morrow. Most of the Star’s crew had gone below to catch what rest they could. Even Angara lay lost in dreamings, perched on her mast lookout.

Pio sat on the deck, her feet dangling over the side of the ship. Her arms were draped on the lower railing, and cradled her head as she looked out over the waves, backlit by silvered moonlight. The water slapped against the hull of the Star in an irregular rhythm. The ebb and flow of its intensity rocked the ship in a lulling manner.

Far across the waters, to the northwest, the elf’s piercing eyes caught the movement of some small shadow moving through the waves at a steady pace toward the Star. It drew nearer, and she could see the outline of a single, small sail, billowed out, though the night was still and no breeze stirred.

Now the skiff came into clearer view, as it passed through a ribbon of moonlight. A single figure stood at the tiller, intent on making for the ship. Pio stood and moved into the shadows, pulling the darkness about her as a cloak, her eyes never leaving the approaching craft .It pulled silently alongside the Star, its sail now gone flat, and the figure within made to secure it to the ship.

The elf leapt silently down to the skiff , sword drawn, as the pilot pulled the last hitch tight. ‘Make no moves!’ she hissed quietly at the caped and hooded figure. She flipped back the hood with the tip of her sword to reveal the intruder’s face.

‘Ancalimon!’ she cried out in surprise. ‘I did not expect you to come so quickly!’

He looked at her closely as she resheathed her weapon, and stood now smiling before him.

‘Piosenniel? I thought not to see you here. What has happened?’

piosenniel

09-12-2002, 01:38 AM

They sat on deck, beneath the now paling stars and talked softly. The elf asked many questions concerning the hobbits they were to rescue and the manner in which they were held. Pio pressed him for any knowledge of whether Sauron knew of the imprisoned hobbits, or if he had guessed in any way their importance to the battle against the Shadow and Darkness. She did not relish the thought of facing him in battle, and looked to find a way to avoid it.

The sun was just peering over the ocean's eastern rim, when she finished her questioning. Sitting back in her chair, hands clasped across her belly, she chewed gently on her lower lip, thinking about what she had learned.

Ancalimon cleared his throat and said something to her, breaking the continuity of her thinking. 'I'm sorry', she said. 'What did you say?'

'I asked if perhaps we might get some hot tea to drink. My throat is parched from talking so much!'

'I'm sorry!' she said. 'What a poor host I've been. Come with me to the galley and we will make us a pot of tea and perhaps some breakfast.'

Ancalimon sat at the table while she brewed the tea and rummaged for clean mugs in the cupboard. He watched her as she poured them each a steaming mug, and then sat across from him. Sipping his slowly and appreciatively, he waited patiently for her to tell him what had happened to 'Tulë'.

She cradled her warm mug in her hands, and shook her head. 'Simply put - it was an ill constructed fiction from the first. I never thought it would work. I only hoped that it might. I couldn't hold true to it, and Mithadan saw through it. The companions were fragmented and had lost their clarity of purpose. He called me back, and here I am. Pio, once again.'

'But not the same, I think.' came his soft comment.

'No, not the same. More clear, I think. Steadier. Less brash, less impulsive.' She smiled a little. 'I'm growing to like this person. I'm just not certain as yet how she fits in.'

'There will be time enough for that to happen, don't you think?' he asked.

'No doubt!' she answered, amused by the question. 'Time is something I seem to have plenty of!'

She heard footsteps coming down the gangplank and toward the galley. A voice called out, and she turned to see who had come through the doorway. She smiled.

'Ah, there you are! Come and have some tea with us!' She poured another mug of the steaming brew, and motioned toward a vacant chair.

[ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

09-12-2002, 02:14 PM

Mithadan, looking none too rested, plopped himself wearily into the chair and accepted the mug. 'I see we have a visitor.' he said, nodding his head toward Ancalimon in acknowledgement. He raised his eyebrows at Pio 'Perhaps I should have been informed that he had come aboard . . . safety of the ship and all . . .?'

'Oh, the ship was well defended!' interjected Ancalimon.'She nearly skewered me before I had the chance to explain who I was!'

'My apologies, Mithadan! I would have roused you had I thought there was need of it.'

She topped off both their mugs and stood to go. 'By your leave, gentlemen, there is something I need to do early today, so I'd best get to it. Enjoy your tea!'

'Is it possibly something I should know about, too?' asked Mithadan in a vexedly amused manner, as she reached the doorway.

'Ah, yes. It's Levanto. I'm going to send him upriver this morning to scout for us. I'm sure I told you about that somewhere along the line, didn't I?'

She ran upstairs hurriedly, leaving them to the comfort of their tea and each other's company.

[ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

mark12_30

09-12-2002, 02:32 PM

3319, Second Age, Day # 20

Phura learned another new song; but the wierd thing is, he won't sing it to me. He says it makes him cry. Phura? Phura can sing through anything! No matter how depressing, sappy, or heartbreaking it is, Phura can sing it all the way through, without his voice breaking at all. I wish I was that way. But anyway, he won't sing it for me. He says it's about a black and white creature. So I went to Loremaster and asked him to sing it for me (I never do that.) And do you know what he said? He said, No, because it makes him cry.

I cannot believe that I don't get to hear this song. And I bet when I hear it I won't even understand why it makes them cry; they never cry about the same stuff I do.

Lullabyes. Sheesh.

[ September 13, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-12-2002, 03:26 PM

The door to the cabin lay half open. From within came the notes of a simple tune. Ancalimon poked his head inside. Scattered about on table and bed and chair lay the reassuring clutter of this and that, the typical signs of a small hobbit dwelling. This homely sight made a welcome change after a week of too much sorrow. He had seen many small graves at the foot of Eru's Mount. With sadness, the peddler recalled the eyes of a people frightened and confused. They seemed perilously close to being lost.

Yet, here, before him on the Star, stood a small enclave of hobbit sturdiness and laughter which reminded him why he was here. He glanced over at the woman. Her back was towards him, as she gazed through the porthole at the open sea.

Ancalimon cleared his throat, then loudly stamped the end of his staff against the wooden floor. As the woman turned, she gave him a look both welcoming and impatient. "Where have you been?" she retorted. "I was afraid I'd never see you again."

"Nitir, you didn't believe me? I promised you we would meet again." He chuckled and shook his head, "Still stubborn, and with so many questions!"

"Now, I didn't mean that! Only it seemed like such a long time. And the hobbits?" she asked with pounding heart. "Have you seen them?"

"I could only enter the tombs one time. I didn't dare draw attention to your people, since the Mount itself has been corrupted. And my coming and going only increased their risk. It's too dangerous. But I did manage to slip in once this past week."

Child leaned forward, while Ancalimon described the stark conditions he had witnessed. The hobbit found herself shivering as she listened to his tale.

She sighed, "After all we've acomplished, after the sacrifice Piosenniel made, it sounds as if we still don't know whether my kin will survive. Even if Mithadan and Pio's plan works, it may not be enough. Perhaps the imprisonment has been so harsh they've forgotten who they are."

"I didn't say that. Only that the hard work will not end when the Star sails away. The rescue is but half the task. There's no magic here. This is real life. The story goes on, and at least for now, your own part in it as well."

"After the rescue, if all goes well, and that is not a certan thing, there will be a choosing at the foot of Meneltarma. Every hobbit, every hobbrim, even those on the Star, will be asked to make their choice."

"For you and your friends, there will be three paths from which to choose. One will lead home to the Fourth Age, the next will bring you transformed to the shores of Meneltarma itself, while the final road, perhaps the most dangerous, leads towards Anduin of the early Third Age."

She glanced at him, "Pio has told you my questions? That I have been thinking about staying with the hobbits after we sail to Anduin?"

"Yes, you can make this choice if you're sure it's what you want. And your skills and heart would be badly needed by that community."

"But you must understand what you're choosing. All of the history, the lore, and the songs will go with the hobbrim into the hidden depths of time. For your people in the Anduin, there will be a struggle to survive and find themselves again. All the community, the structures and even the values that you loved in Maura's hobbits, will be gone."

"And, for a long time, there will be few books and little learning, those things you've always cherished. So before you answer, you must realize this."

She thanked him and was about to say goodbye. But one more thing came spilling out, "Did you see him again?" she asked.

Ancalimon smiled, "Yes, many times. He never forgot his words to you, although his family and his efforts to make the community grow brought great satisfaction."

"His body was buried on the bluff near the stone with the inscription? I went back to the island later, and felt a little of him there."

The peddler nodded his assent. She looked up and quietly said, "I also haven't forgotten. That's one of the reasons I want to make certain the choice I make is right."

[ September 13, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]