THE LONELY STAR (Contd. from BD birthday party)

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC - Thought I'd pull up the new thread. Decided to use the more general name of the ship rather than the hobrim, in case we run two adventures on this thread as we did last time.

So far we've got:

our ship: "The Lonely Star"

our banner: that of Earendil which Mith mentioned?? (Sounds good to me)

our hobrim: "Kali"

I still think it would be interesting to keep the Westron "Tarkil" as Tali's last name, since this does mean "descendent of Numenor" (see Appendix F), that is if we end up time travelling there. Of course, we wouldn't even learn about his last name until we're trying to figure out the documents, oral history, etc which will send us in that direction. It could be a "clue" as to Kali's familial past.


Pio -- Are you thinking of the Westron stem "trah" which has to do with creeping through a hole? I don't think either tar or kil has that meaning although I could have overlooked something.

Will post later this evening.

sharon

[piosenniel]

OOC: Here is a link to Emblems and Heraldry from Tolkien's works. The device for Earendil is listed under The Hildor: Edain of the First Age. It will fit in well with the Lonely Star as name of the ship.

Device Here (https://i.pinimg.com/236x/b2/fc/a2/b2fca28ce491320c0a96c9ddceea3644--tolkien-middle-earth.jpg)

[Rose Cotton]

http://www.forodrim.org/gobennas/heraldry/earendil.gif

OOh, that will work great.

Gosh alot has happened since the party begain. I you don't mind I would like to just go over what happened. (mostly to refreash my memory)
First there was the conspiricy with ransom money for the REG. The REG went wierd and we ended up at the mercy of Morgoth. There was a battle in which we got the REG back and Morgoth was forever imprisoned in a trash can (we hope). After the battle while I was possessed by the REG and Mithadan made his dramatic but short apperance. A set of battles and problems went on till a final fight in which I had freed myself from the REG and Mithadan came back with a new improved REG. I felt guilty so when an elven ship came supposedly taking those who wished to the Western lands I imeadialy got on it followed closely by most of who was left from the party. On the ship some of us begain to get a longing for the blessed lands untill we relized that the ship was heading east. We over came the spirit who was controlling the boat. Then we went after the Blue Wizards. Me and Mith got past enemy lines with different results. There was alot of trouble with hostages and bait and Mith being a "traitor." Then the wizards were defeated by Mith's deception, Pio's hollywood style scene and Birdie's boat eating worms. We set a course for home with Mithadan ill only to have me with others being dragged underwater by a hobrim. We were "rescued" and returned to the ship with our new friend who wants us to help him find his lost family. So we're heading up the Adruin(sp?) to find some answers. um.........on with the show.

[ July 01, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[Birdland]

Yeah, that sounds about right. Just a day in the life of your standard M-E inhabitant.

There was a battle in which we got the REG back and Morgoth was forever imprisoned in a trash can.
For some reason, that just struck me as hysterical. "Time to take out the trash!" LOL!

OK, on with the show!

So who wants to conduct the "christening ceremony" for "Lonely Star"?!

[Losthuniel]

<<will omeone plz tell me what has been going on here? I've been away, and i have no idea what has happend>>

[Birdland]

The story takes up here. You can view the old thread to catch up, but it has been closed to new posts.

[piosenniel]

Angara flew down from her perch on the mast, toward the waves on the starboard side of the elven ship. She landed delicately on the prow of the small boat that Pio and Bird had been lolling about in, waiting for the rest of the ship's company to make a decision about the next step in their journey.

Bird lay back against a cushion placed against the stern of the small skiff and trailed the fingers of her left hand lazily in the lapping water. Her right arm was thrown across her eyes to shade them from the sun. She was humming an unrecognizable, but interesting tune.

The elf sat near the prow, using her small knife to carve a likeness of the merman from a piece of driftwood. He was resting on his crossed arms on the side of the boat, his lower torso still in the water, gazing dreamily at her.

'So, Levanto,' said Pio intent on fleshing out his features in the greyed wood with her knifepoint, 'do you think you'll come with us when we leave, or where might you go?'

He sighed, and then said in a breathy voice, 'I couldn't possibly leave you; we've barely gotten to know each other!'

Bird snorted and nudged him with her foot, throwing him off balance. The boat rocked energetically from his floundering, causing Pio to cut her finger. She put it in her mouth and jammed her tongue against it to stanch the flow of blood.

'Are you creatures done being silly?' asked Angara, who had gone quite unnoticed by the three.

'What can we do for you, Angara?', asked Pio, who had now immersed the still bleeding digit in the salty water hoping to close the wound.

'I've come to tell you that the ones on deck have come to a decision & request your presence.'

'Presence for what?', said Bird lazily, not relishing the thought of moving from her comfortable position.

'Something about a name,and a christening.', returned the dragon.

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Birdland]

All were gathered on the deck of the Elven vessel, a sense of anticipation swelling all hearts. All debate was ended, and the course had been set.

Of all the strange adventures that the shipmates had faced, they felt that this one was the most important, the most blessed. For they went not to battle, but to reunite a people, and to bring the races of Middle Earth together in a journey of discovery and hope.

But one thing remained to be done before they set sail. Idril and Tuor had insisted on it. A new name for the ship.

Idril stepped forward, and held her arms out ot all assembled. "Today we go to a gathering, seeking not wealth or battle - though both may come to us - but knowledge and long-lost kinfolk.

But before we depart, our vessel will guide us on a new journey, with a new name. And all here have agreed to a name that is dear to my heart, and will bring the blessing of my own lost kin-folk to our endeavor."

And with that she handed a vessel of miruvor to the small sea-hobbit, Kali. Kali carried the vessel to the bow of the ship, and slowly poured the glowing elixir over the top and sides of the uplifted prow. Then stepping back, he cried, "We name you, O' ship, "The Lonely Star", in honor and memory of Eärendil the Mariner, and we ask him to guide and help us.

Then he turned with a smile, and raising his arms, recited part of a poem that Child had taught him, (with some minor changes):

Day is dawning, light my eyes,
but journey long before me lies.
Welcome, friends! We hear the call.
The ship's beside the stony wall.
Foam is white and waves are grey;
beyond the sunrise leads my way.
Foam is salt, the wind is free;
I hear the rising of the Sea.

Then Mithadan and the Elven folk stepped forward, an raised a new sail upon the mast. And Lo! the company beheld a glowing 6-pointed star, surrounded by an arc of Elven Blue with star-rays of mithril, and the four compass points surrounding all. The wind filled the sail and the star danced. "The Lonely Star" responded with a leap like a deer. The journey had begun.

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC -
OH NO, BIRD --We posted at the same time. I will revise mine later but have to run now.

LATER EDIT: OOC - OK, you know how two people see a car accident and report totally different things! We'll assume that's what happened here. One if from Bird's perspective, and the other from Child's. Bird, it's actually amazing how similar our posts are, especially the phial of liquid, when we had never discussed this!
______________________________________________

As she climbed the ladder, Child could see her companions gathered together on deck. It appeared to be a beautiful morning. The clouds and light rainfall of the previous day had rolled back to reveal a bright blue sky and a soft breeze which played on the sails of the vessel. They no longer lay dead in the water, but were turning to the north, sliding through the waves towards the mouth of the Great River.

Rosseil and Celi, Bird and Pio and Veritas, and Lord Mithdan stood together chatting and watching the sea birds frolic. The reason for their play was evident. Rose had gathered leftover bread from breakfast and was tossing pieces into the air. Child went over to aid her efforts.

The birds were doing a display of acrobatics as they attempted to catch the crumbs in mid-flight. Every so often, Anagara would fly down and snatch up a piece, scattering the smaller flying creatures.

The little hobbrim sat at the hobbits' feet, laughing and pointing at the birds. He was beginning to trust them for he had just last night confided to Rose his "true" name, that which his own mother and father had called him. And it was a lovely, fair name, Child thought, one that sounded quite right for a small hobbit-- "Kali" -- a Westron name which meant, in English, "merry or gay".

The hobrim chortled as he gazed at the birds, "Kali like that. Kali do that for little fish at home. They like very much. Not bread but little green things that grow. I help the green things grow in the ocean."

Child immediately noted two things. First, Kali's English had improved but he was still not fluent. It was obvious that it was not his native tongue.

Child fixed on that idea. If she could find out which language or languages Kali spoke fluently as well as something about his speech patterns, perhaps it would help her figure out where his people had come from. She made a mental note to speak with the hobrim about this.

Something else caught her ear. The hobrim had mentioned making things grow. Was it possible that he and his parents had made hydroculture their chief occupation, just as her own ancestors had cultivated the soil of the Shire?

As Child stood wondering about the puzzle of Kali, Tuor and Idril had brought their vessel along side and had mounted the deck. The two went together to the front of the small assembly, hand in hand. Suddenly, all fell still.

In her arms Idril carried an embroidered banner of blue and white which she had made with her own hands. She handed it to Pio and asked her to scramble up the topmost mast and affix it there.

Idril turned to face the group and called up Kali and Rose to speak with them. "You two have come to us and asked that we bless your beloved ship and call it with the name by which it should be known to all the world. Tuor and I warmly applaud your desire, for no ship will truly be one with you until you reveal its proper name."

"And the little hobrim and Rose have declared that the true name of this vessel is "The Lonely Star". And you have all given your assent. For to the hobrim and his people, a guiding star above a ship's mast is always a sign of hope."

"And you, brought together on this ship through adversity and adventure , a band of true friends, should have great pride. For you bring hope to this little one who goes to search for distant kin.

And I, too, love this name The Lonely Star" for it reminds me of a poem spoken many years ago, by another little one, the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. And that poem tells how, for all of us, there must be a star to guide as we fight our way through the world, even to the very shores of the West."

"And so I say, through happiness and sadness, in sunshine and rain, may you be guided by The Lonely Star and may you love and support this beloved ship just as you have shown your faith to each other."

Child had always heard that people broke bottles when they named a ship, but Idril's way was apparently different. She leaned over and kissed the prow of the vessel and held up a phial filled with bright liquid. She handed the phial to Kali.

She contined, "This is water which Ulmo himself has blessed. It is the water of light. That water through which goodness truly shines."

And then Kali poured this sparkling, precious liquid onto the prow of the vessel. As he did so, he uttered a phrase which Child did not understand, but which she swore sounded like some form of Elvish.

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Birdland]

O.C.C. - Oh, leave them both, the more ceremony the better. And I like the part about Kali's name, and feeding the fishes. smilies/biggrin.gif

[piosenniel]

Pio had tied the banner securely to the main mast, and descended quickly back to the deck. Idril was just approaching the prow, a shimmering crystal phial in her hand, filled with radiant, silver light. Light, the color of a peaceful sea under starlight, poured down the prow of the ship and seemed to infuse into the very wood itself. It lay there sparkling softly, just beneath the surface.

She looked about her at the rapt faces of her companions, and wondered how each of them had seen this moment.

****************************
It was a little later in the day, when she approached Mithadan. He was sitting comfortably in a chair on the deck, in the shade of some stacked boxes. Angara was perched near him on one of the boxes, speaking amiably with him as it appeared, since he often laughed at some comment she had made.

The elf approached and greeted them both. The dragon looked at her expectantly. Pio shaded her eyes with her hand and looked across the water to where the catamaran ploughed through the waves, following them.

'What do you think we should do with the cat?' she asked of the man who had been the trireme's original captain. 'Do you think you might speak with the crew, and see if they want to accompany us. If not, then perhaps we should let them sail for home.'

Mithadan glanced toward the cat and then at Pio.

'Or perhaps I can talk to them, if you so desire.' she offered.

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child, Rose, and Kali had insisted that there be a small feast or celebration after the blessing of the ship. For no hobbit would do a thing of such happiness without following it with bowls of food and mugs of ale. So later that afternoon they had set out a small party.

They had raided the stores of the ship which, thankfully, were plentiful. Kali had also brought up foodstuffs he kept inside his cave to augment their provisions. And the hobrim had great knowledge about the resources of the Sea, and what might be used to prepare food and drink.

Child saw a long table filled with platters of different fish and searooms, what appeared to be turtle soup, and a strange green water plant which turned out to be quite good. There was even something which tasted suspiciously like 'taters. Several of the Elves had also contributed the specialties of their own people.

Child had raided the last stock of beef on board to make pasties, a recipe which had been taught to her by a friendly dwarf who had worked in the mines. Pasties were traditional fare for miners, since they could be wrapped in cloth to stay warm and, it was rumored, even hurtled down the mine shaft, if someone had forgotten their lunch!It was quite true that pasties were generally made with freshly slaughtered meat rather than the smoked variety. But, on a ship, one couldn't complain.

Child smiled to herself. What a lovely lunch! Kali was proving to be a blessing in more than one way. Mealtime was definitely looking better with the benefits of Kali's knowledge and cooking as he had quickly assumed the role of chief foodgatherer and chef.

In truth, Kali sometimes reminded Child of her Uncle Bilbo who had such skill with food and matters of hospitality. How lonely he must have been, Child thought, with no other hobbits to fuss over and feed.


Child and Rose were enjoying themselves with the large spread on deck. They had both enjoyed several mugs of ale when Angara came over from where Mithadan was sitting.

Child slipped her arm around Angara's neck and whispered in her ear, "Child is very sorry for saying bad words to Angara, words that are not true. Angara is her own dragon, but a good friend to me."

Child offered the dragon a particularly large and succulent fish head. In response, Angara wound her scaly tail about Child's waist and gave her an affectionate nudge. They had made up their differences.

Child was surprised how truly happy she felt. But she also wondered whether they dare ask Angara about those strange riddles which were supposed to help lead them to the hobrim's kin.

She turned and looked at the dragon, "Dear Angara, you wouldn't want to tell me more about those riddles? Perhaps, give us a hint about that lovely riddle you asked the other day, or tell us one of the others you promised?"

The dragon had smiled, said nothing, bowed her head in respect, and gone over again to speak with Mithadan who was still seated on the deck.

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

Shading his eyes, Mithadan looked out over the sparkling waves at the catamaran. "I see no reason for the Cat to accompany us," he said. "We'll have to get them back to the correct Age though. Can you do that with the guidance crystal?" Pio nodded her assent. "I'll prepare a message and send it over with Angara if she will agree to this errand," he said.

"I'll do this task for you," purred the dragon. "But take care! I keep a tally of these little "favors". Do not put yourself too deeply in my debt."

Mithadan laughed and tossed the Wyrm a piece of cod which was caught daintily and devoured. The dragon licked its talons in cat-like fashion, then stretched its neck and looked over the bow. In the distance, land was, at last, visible.

"So we go to Minas Tirith?" growled Angara. "Waste of time."

"Well at least we can purchase some provisions," replied the man. "I for one grow tired of fish." The dragon's ears perked up at the mention of new varieties of food. "Anyway, without your wise advice, we have no other choice."

Angara preened herself briefly, then turned nonchalantly and faced Mithadan. "How can I offer my suggestions?" she purred. "You have not yet answered my riddle."

Mithadan reclined lazily in his chair. "Oh. That?" He stretched a bit. "The answer to your riddle wouldn't be the 'future' would it?"

[piosenniel]

Angara snorted, and laughed a deep dragon's laugh. Her eyes twinkled.

'Oh, not bad, not bad, my dear Man-child!' she chortled. 'But not exactly the word I was looking for.' She flew back to the laden table, preparing a raid on the plate of lovely looking pasties.

Mithadan put his hands on this thighs and exhaled in exasperation. The exacting preciseness of dragons was legendary.

Pio leaned down toward his ear, pretending to brush something off his shirt shoulder. 'It's an old elven riddle, Mith.' she whispered, keeping one wary on the wyrmlet. 'She gave you the answer when she asked it. It's a little closer than the word future. It comes directly after today, if you catch my meaning.'

Angara was looking at her with a considering gaze, a half-eaten pastie hanging from her teeth.

Pio stood up straight, and said a little louder, 'There we go, Mithadan! Just a bit of stray seaweed on your collar. I think I've gotten it off. No problem using the guidance crystal. I'll just get it from the Wheel shaft and make my way to the catamaran once Angara has brought them the message.'

Pio made her way toward the Wheel, stopping to fill a plate with the offerings of sea and land. Bless those dwarves for making such tasty packets she thought to herself.

Mithadan leaned back in his chair and watched Angara, smiling. He looked like the proverbial cat who had just gotten into the cream.

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Veritas]

Ooc: So, a 'new' adventure opened, I like it. So we gonna find the family of Khali? If I got it right?
I am in for a new adventure, although I will not often be here smilies/frown.gif. Lets see how it will work out smilies/biggrin.gif . Ow, I have to go, I'll edit it later.

[ July 06, 2002: Message edited by: Veritas ]

[Mithadan]

Mithadan rose from his seat and sauntered over to Angara, who was greedily devouring her third pastie. He waited politely for her to finish, then spoke. "So my answer was close, but not exactly the word you are looking for? The answer is clearly not the past or yesterday or even today. But if it is not the 'future' then it must be something similar..... 'tomorrow' perhaps?"

Angara hissed with annoyance...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child was working on the deck a short distance away as she heard the interchange between Mithadan and Angara. She hid her smile and walked over to the two of them.

Child looked at the dragon.
"Well, Angara, beloved Angara, did you not promise that, should we guess your first riddle, you would honor us with a second one that may be of some use in our quest on behalf of the hobrim. Perhaps, you'd like to share that riddle with us now?"

Angara flew up to the tallest mast and sat atop the new banner, looking down at Child and Mithadan.

"I'll consider your request." she replied. "But in my own time."

The dragon turned and flew out to sea.

[Rose Cotton]

Rose was drinking more then was wise. She normally didn't drink much but her happiness had made her forget. It wasn't that she didn't like the drink but she would rather be alert then wasted. But today she had taken more then her fare share along with the exellent food. She reconized this and thought it best to go sit in a cabin belowdeck so she wouldn't cause any trouble. The first person she saw was Kali. He had become good friends with her and she trusted him.
"Kali?" the hobrim looked up at her. "Do you think you could escort me down to the lower deck. I feel queazy and don't trust myself to do it alone."
"I will help." he said and they made their way to the stairs Rose using Kali to guide her.
"I expect we shall like Minas Tirith. I have never met the men of Gondor but in the tales I've heard they are wonderfull people." Rose was burning with anticipation.

[Child of the 7th Age]

It was a lovely evening. Child and Kali were going for a walk on the outer deck, watching the sunset.

The wind shifted slightly, and Pio, who was steering the vessel made a course correction. They had been going due north all day, but before they could approach the mouth of the Anduin, it would be necessary to sail west. She shifted the wheel, and had Birdland adjust the sails so the Star could catch the breezes to sail towards the west.

Suddenly, Kali looked up at Child with genuine terror in his eyes. "What happened? Ship sail West? Bad, very bad. Mother and Grandmother and all ancient ancestors tell Kali not to do."

The hobrim tore over to where Pio stood and literally tore the wheel out of her hand, trying with all his might to shift it back to its original position.

Child raced over and grabbed onto the hobrim. "No, Kali, no, you must let Pio pilot our vessel."

With all his strength the terrified hobrim tore himself out of the grasp of Child. His voice rose in anger:

"Ba kitabdahe! We must not go this way. Ship sink."

Child held the hobrim close in her arms. "No, no, Kali, we are fine. This is how we must go to find your people."

Kali backed down: "Ship still sail? No sink?"

Child continued, "Everything is fine. Come, let us go eat now." They turned to go below.

But, in her mind, she wondered, "What did 'Ba kitabdahe' mean?" Child had no idea of its meaning or even what language Kali had spoken.

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Birdland]

From an auspicious start, the voyage seemed to have taken some rather odd, irritating turns.

First there was Mithadan finally guessing the riddle, and the dragon's petty refusal to reveal the second riddle. She shook her fist at the golden wyrmlette as he went about his business, flitting across the waves away from the ship. "You are nothing but a cheater. Angara. We don't have time for your dragonish airs! Come back here and tell us that second riddle, you...you...salamandar!" But Angara flew on, though he turned his head back and blew a smoke-ring at Birdie. It came out in a very rude shape.

"Dragons!" muttered Birdie, "Bad enough that Eru had to give us cats. But then he had to top it with dragons."

Then there was the panic that Kali had displayed when he noted what direction the vessel was going. Birdie thought he understood that everyone was trying to help him, and hoped that he trusted his shipmates no to take him into deliberate danger. But his reaction to sailing to the West was surprising.

Birdie sought out Child, to ask if he had given further hints as to why he was so opposed to their course. "Do you think he remembers the Corsairs? I'm sure they sent many a ship to the bottom in their day, but their fleet was destroyed by King Elessar during the War of the Rings. There are no Corsairs now."

"I don't know", pondered Child, "I could see where the sinking of ships, and the death of the men on them, might frighten and sadden the Hobrim. But I can't see the Corsairs of Umbar attacking Hobrim, or even being aware of their existence."

And what he shouted at me: ' Ba kitabdahe!' What language is that? His own?"

I suppose we could ask the Elf-folk, or Levanto; if it is a sea-tongue." Birdie mused. "But Child, I think it is time we sat down with Kali and really asked him what he knows. 'Many tales' he says he knows, and he seems to think we know them, too. He doesn't offer much information, trusting us to know where to start and where to search. But we really don't know anything! We don't even know really why the Hobrim scattered and fled to the open ocean."

"We don't even know when all this happened. Kali could have been alone for years in his sea-cave. He may have even been a child when the Hobrim fled. And if that is the case..." Birdie stopped and looked down at her feet.

"What?" said Child, "What's wrong."

"If Kali was I child when all this happened, wouldn't someone have searched for him? Look!" Bird pointed out the porthole to the vast sea surrounding them. "There may be no other Hobrim out there to find."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child sat in the stern of the boat, hanging her legs out over the edge. She absently threw stones into the waters. To tell the truth, what Birdie had said sounded terribly accurate.

Why hadn't anyone searched for the little hobrim before now? Where were they? Just how long ago had he become separated from his Stoor cousins?

Child had tried to speak with Kali about the incident on deck, but he had simply refused to discuss the matter. Under his breath, he had whispered, "East good, north good, south good, but no go west. Azulada yes, adun no."

Child wondered what "azulada" and "adun" meant. She had no idea.

Child tried to ask Kali where he had learned these words or ideas. But he had looked into her eyes and shrugged his shoulders. Child thought she saw pain there too.

Child had then taken the strange phrases and shown them to everyone on board, hoping that they might be some obscure Elvish dialect which they would recognize. But everyone had looked at the words and merely shook their heads.

Perhaps, not quite everyone. Idril had read the words when Child came in and listened to the strange story of Kali's behavior. But, then, she had looked away. When she looked back at Child, there were tears in her eyes.

Idril whispered, "I can not aid you. For I am not permitted to interfere in the affairs of Middle-earth except under the direct command of my Lord Ulmo. As I have no such orders, you must find your way on your own."

As Child left the room, Idril called after her: "Not all things in this world can be mended, little hobbit. Remember that."

Child did not like the sound of that.

Child recalled that Uncle Bilbo had told her about the great libraries of Rivendell and Minas Tirith where you could find books of words for every language in the world. Perhaps, if she could find such a book, she would be able to figure out those words. Then she could track down the lost hobrim and find them.

Child took to following Kali around the ship, carrying a small paper and implement for writing. If a strange word came out of Kali's mouth, she had determined to write it down.

The plan, however, had not worked out so well. Kali was skillful at slipping away, and once he guessed Child was spying on him, he pulled inside himself and refused to speak.

One time, however, Child managed to crawl behind a barrel and watch as Kali stood on the deck. He threw his head back and looked up sadly into the sky. Child felt ashamed as she knew she was looking at something very private, but still she strained her ears to listen. "Ah, Gimilnitir, Avale. Nakh mano lomi. Ephalak idon Yozayon."

Child crept away into the night.

[Child of the 7th Age]

After that incident, Child felt so guilty that she could barely look Kali in the face. This was not what she wanted. She went to his cabin and knocked on the door.

"Kali, it's Child. Please come talk to me, and I promise not to bother you again."

Very slowly the door inched open, and the hobrim's small head peered out. "Come in," he politely whispered.

Child hung her head, "I am sorry if I have bothered you with all my questions and spying. I was only trying to help, but this is not the right way to do it. I promise not to be so curious again, unless you would like to talk."

She leaned over and kissed his soft brown curls, much as she would her daughter or son. Tears began streaking down Kali's face.

"Yes, Kali very sad, Kali talk to Child, talk about stories."

"What stories?" Child whispered.

"The stories my mother and father, my nuphrat, told me. They are gone a long time." The little hobrim sighed.

"Your cousins" asked Child, "Did the stories say what your cousins looked like? Have you ever seen them?"

Kali shook his head, "I have never seen cousins, Mother and Father have never seen cousins, even grandmother and grandfather do not remember seeing them. Only remember poems. And strange words. The words Child wants to know about."

"Kali," Child countered. "Did your mother or father ever tell you what language these strange words come from?"

"No, no, they speak words lots, even more than Kali, but there is no special name for them. They are just the words my family has always spoken."

"Does anyone else in the Sea know or understand these words you speak?"

"No, no, only Kali and his family understand these special words. And I am sad because I no longer remember as many words as my nuphrat knew. So many, many words have left me, and I can not get them back. If I can find cousins, they will help the words return."

Child thought her heart would break when she heard that.

"Kali, can you teach me and my friends a few of these strange and beautiful words? Can you help us understand what they mean? Can you teach us some of the poems and stories? Together, we can try to remember these words and make them live again."

"Maybe so," he whispered, "Maybe Kali teach Child and Rose and Pio and Veritas and Bird and Mith. Maybe even teach Angara."

"Here is nice poem for Child to teach her friends:

Adun izindi batan taido ayyadda.
A straight road once went west,

Ido katha batina lokhi.
Now all roads are crooked.

"Much more to poem," Kali sighed, "but I do not remember."

Child hugged Kali to her side. "That is alright for we have made a start."

[piosenniel]

Angara had flown in a large arc and made her way back to the ship on the side opposite from where she had taken off. The sea breezes under her wings had cooled her off somewhat, but she still wasn't completely mollified. She spied Pio at the wheel and landed on the pillar to which its axel was bolted.

Pio tried to ignore her, but the dragon extended her neck and brought her head on a level with the elf's.

'You told him, didn't you?!' she hissed in a low voice.

'Who? What?' returned Pio, innocently. The sea was a little rougher than the day before, and holding the wheel to course was exacting and tiring.

'Mithadan, you half-witted half-elf! You told him the answer to my riddle!!'

'You've answered your own question,' said Pio, smiling at the dragon. 'I'm a half-wit, how could I possibly have known the answer to such a conundrum as you presented.'

'Admit it, you lembas munching stargazer!'

'Never!'said Pio, holding fast to her innocence.

Angara leapt from the pillar and knocked the elf flat on her back. 'Then I shall make you!' she said, and began to tickle Pio mercilessly with her claws.

The elf lay helpless, laughing and crying for mercy, while the wyrmlet danced on her ribcage.

The wheel spun wildly, and the ship turned crazily in a new direction.

[ July 03, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen, who had resumed her perch on the mast, watched Pio, laughing silently. Never lie to a Dragon
The wind changed suddenly, and she saw the reason: The ships wheel was spinning crazily.
It would take them forever to regain their course.
"Pio! Pio!"
<<question of very minor importace: is Angara male or female?>>

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC -- angara is a girl and she mercilessly tickles anyone who says she is a boy!

[Birdland]

0.C.C. - Whoops, I think I called her a "he" once, too. Hey! Cut that out, crazy wyrm! That tickles!...Heeeeeeeee.....Whooo-Hoooooo...quit that!......accck!!!
=================================
Birdie stumbled as the deck listed, and looking up saw the sails spill the wind and begin to flap crazily from an opposing breeze.

Then she saw the dragon Angara, holding Pio down and tickling the the half-elf unmercifully. Pio was half-laughing, half gasping, and kicking her legs futilely against the weight of the dragon.

"Would you two stop fooling around!" groused Birdie. "The ship is out of control. Angara, what were you thinking?"

Birdie waded through the tangle of dragon and elf wrestling on the deck and tried to grab the spinning wheel. The ship rolled and pitched as stray winds tried to fill the sails first one way, then another.

"That fool dragon acts as if she doesn't want us to succeed. What is she up to?" worried Birdie.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child stood at a distance watching the melee. Bird managed to grab hold of the wheel and, once again, had the ship on course steering west.

[Child of the 7th Age]

A question posed in Child's head which she could not shake. Was it true that Angara did not wish for them to succeed? Child found that hard to believe, and, yet, the evidence was clear. The dragon refused to discuss the mysterious riddle which would help them unlock the door to Angara's past.

And now she had seized upon a way to distract Pio and try tosend her off in another direction.

"How strange," Child mused. Both Kali and Anagara are reluctant to continue on this road." Perhaps, their reasons were the same, or perhaps they were totally different. Child did not know.

[piosenniel]

The assault on her ribs had come to a halt with Bird's words. Pio and Angara felt the ship pitching crazily beneath them; the masts and sails dipping in a crazy manner above them.

The elf jumped to her feet and ran to help Bird hold the wheel. It took both their strengths to bring the ship round to the right course. Pio hooked the rope loop to the wheel spoke, and locked in the position of the wheel. Celeaewen readjusted and secured the sails to catch the wind. Soon the ship was sailing smoothly again in the direction of Minas Tirith.

Breathing deeply, from the exertion, they turned and leaned back against the wheel to catch their breath.

They looked toward Angara just in time to see her turn a bilious shade of green and deliver the contents of her stomach, pieces of fish and undigested pasties, onto the deck.

[piosenniel]

OOC: Veritas is gone on holiday for a bit, but said I could write her into the story.
******************************************

Veritas ran up the steps to the wheeldeck to see if she could help. She arrived just in time to see the dragon overtaken by the motion of the ship.

Pio and Bird looked just on the verge of telling the sorry wyrm that she had gotten exactly what she deserved, but Veritas cut them off with a look.

She went to the dragon, whose color had returned to its normal, albeit paler, shade of gold and picked her up in her arms. Holding her close, she whispered a few calming words to the small beast.

Approaching the two at the wheel, she admonished them for their words and actions toward Angara.

'Have you no regard for this Venerable Wyrm!', she said. 'This Agéd & Most Wise Creature was here long before any of us first drew breath. We owe her our respect and our courtesy.' Her eyes twinkled at the two.

Angara revelled in Veritas' words. Here finally was an elf who understood her.

Pio and Bird took their cue and bowed deeply to the dragon, making apology for their conduct. Pio asked in her most humble manner if the Great One might see fit to help them now on their quest, before these poor benighted companions wandered off willy-nilly through the ages and into unknown waters and were lost beyond all hope.

Angara dipped her head toward the two, like royalty acknowledging her subjects.

'Come, Angara,' said Veritas to her, 'let us go down and see if we can find something to settle your stomach.'

[Mithadan]

Mithadan grabbed the rail as the ship began to pitch and roll. He looked up to the helm to Angara apparently mauling Piosenniel. At length Birdland seized the wheel and the Lonely Star came about and settled. The lyrics of David Byrne came to mind abruptly: 'We're on the road to nowhere...'

He glared up at the dragon and began dreaming of barbeque again...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Idril had crossed over to the Star to speak with Child and Mithadan. Everywhere, there was confusion. Bird and Pio were attempting to control the helm which had broken loose again. Rose was cleaning up the billious pool which Angara had deposited on deck. And Veritas cradled the dragon in her arms as she led him away.

Kali stood by, whispering, "I, Kali, knew ship did not want to sail west.! Stories tell. Bad things happen."

Idril shook her head, and went over to Child and Mithadan.

"Child, look at me. Do you understand what is happening? Look within and say." Child looked up, and then said, "It is as if the ship itself feared to continue, as if she holds some secret warning for us."

"And, the dragon Angara, everyone believes she is stubborn, but I think not. I have looked in her eyes. Angara fears much. She is afraid where we go. One time, I heard her whisper that she fears to meddle in the affairs of the Valar or of Eru."

Idril bent down, and looked Child in the face. "And you, Child, are you afraid? For some fear is wisdom, rather than folly."

Child replied, "I am still uncertain where we travel, but part of me does fear. Last night, I dreamed and saw a vision."

"It showed things I do not understand. For we follow a perilous path but one of great worth. And this dream said that the hobrim's cousins must be rescued from a terrible fate, and it was right for us to do so."

"But the dream carried warnings. First, that the evil sleepers under the falling hills must not be awakened, for they sleep until the Day of Doom. And secondly, we must creep in and out like the small hobbits that we are. Just as Bilbo and Frodo did, we must go in silence and stealth, for none of the great ones, especially the lord of evil, must be given warning about the existence of hobbits or hobrim.

"For, since the Music itself began, it was decreed that hobbits be a silent folk. And should that silence be broken, great wrong would come. For no Ringbearers could have stolen quietly into Mordor and there would have been no saving of the world."

"My dream.....the vision said if we tangle with the web of time, we may pull a thread we do not know. And we must guard against that, even if we see sadness that tears at our hearts. For some sadness was woven into the world by the Valar and Eru. And it must be so for the greater good. Only the Stoors may we rescue."

Idril continued, "Child, you may go now, for I must speak with him who controls your vessel. But, promise me, you will try to follow the path laid out in your dream. For, if you do, the ship shall sail true, and your dragon's heart will laugh again. For she is old and wise and undersands these perils better than you."

"I promise," Child whispered, and she left.

"And now, Mithadan, you and I must speak. Do you understand what I ask? I must have your word that, wherever you sail, you will remain obedient to the light. You may rescue the hobrim's cousins but do not interfere with the plans of the Great Ones, even if you see suffering. Can you follow such a course? And beyond this, I can offer no aid."

[ July 03, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

The tale of Child's dream spread like wildfire through the ship. And although none yet knew exactly where they were going, or the meaning of Kali's strange words, they had learned that the hobrim's cousins were in trouble and must be rescued, and that the voyage might even carry them to a different age.

Rose stood on the prow of the boat, and excitedly pointed ahead, "Look, everyone, look, the mouth of the Great River!"

[ July 03, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

"Idril, your words and the dreams of Child trouble me greatly," replied Mithadan with a frown. "I believe I understand portions of these riddles, yet the full meaning is hidden from me."

He pondered Idril's words for a moment, then looked at the Elf. "The acts and decisions of the Valar I will not interfere with, though it may be that it will be difficult to separate what is their will and and what is not. And if the will of the Valar and Eru brings suffering, then so be it. No doubt it is not without reason. But tell me this. If I read these dire hints rightly, we will be attempting this rescue in even an earlier Age, am I not correct? For the secrecy which veiled the Hobbits became significant only at the end of the Third Age. This gives me pause, for to meddle with the past is to assume a great risk."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Idril smiled and gazed at Mithadan, "Your words are true, and you understand the peril. Child is so anxious to rescue her kin. Her heart and that of her friend Rose, are so soft when they see suffering, especially that of children, that they may try and reach out further than this tale can bear."

"But I see you hold wider understanding. Do not fear to rescue the hobrim, for this is in accord with the threads of the Music, but take care to leave all else alone. And all must be done in silence, especially as regards the hobbits Rose and Child, and even Pio who holds hobbit blood in her lines."

[ July 03, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

With a heavy sigh, Mithadan climbed up the stairway to the helm. Carefully sidestepping the pool of dragon bile (which was by now slowly eating its way into the deck), he walked to where Pio and Birdland stood by the now secured wheel.

"Idril warns that this venture may be treacherous in many ways," he said. "More so than any danger it may present to us. To find the Hobrim, it seems we may be forced to travel back to an even earlier age, which creates a real risk of disturbing the stream of events which leads to our present life at the Barrow-Downs. If we undertake this task, we must act in secret and the Hobbits must not be revealed to the attention of any great power else we risk the role that they play...played...will play in the Third Age. She also cautions us to avoid disturbing the will of the Valar and Eru even if great suffering is to result. We are also warned to avoid waking the evil that sleeps under hills. That said, the rescue of the Hobrim may be possible."

Piosenniel's eyes narrowed. "Kali's fear of the West, the will of the Valar bringing suffering during an earlier age, Angara's reticence, evil under hills?" she asked.

"What does this mean?" asked Birdland.

I am not certain yet," responded Mithadan. "But I fear..."

"Numenor?" finished Piosenniel.

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: I'm going to be doing my perspective of events since the boat went out of control. Um...are we in the Third Age now? Or are we going to be going into the Third Age sometime soon?::

Rose was trying to sleep off the effects of drinking too much ale untill with a sudden jolt she was thrown from her bed imedatly awakening her. She tried to stand up but was cast upon the floor once more. The boat was out of controll! Was there a storm?

Rose made one more attempt to get onto her feet and managed to stand. She walked out into the hall and stumbled into Kali. "Why does ship move so much?" he asked.
"I don't know. Let's find out." They made thier way too the stairs walking as if they were still drunk when the ship became calm again. A minute later Veritas came down the steps carrying a sick looking Angara. Curious the two "cousins" went up the the top deck. Pio and Birdie were setting the wheel straight and on the planks a horrible mess of somthing. Birdie turned to see them stareing at the mess and said brightly. "Angara's stomage didn't quite agree with our little joy ride just now. And she decided to share."

"Don't like" said Kali and he got away just in time. Because just after he was out of sight Pio said.
"Why don't you clean that up Rose?" Birdie handed Rose a mop and a pail as the hobbit eyed the fowl vomit with disgust. But she thought it was probably better to clean it up then to let it sit there so she started to mop it up. When she finnished there was a burn in the planks that the contents of Angara's stomage made.

Rose went to empty the pail over the side when she saw somthing up ahead. "Look it's the Great River." She watched as the mouth approached.

Mithadan came over to talk to Pio and Birdie. Rose pondered what they discussed. And her heart fell. Third Age? They wouldn't be able to meet Aragorn. And by the sound of it they wouldn't meet Faramir either. Or anyone else if they could help it.

Rose turned to the others and asked "So are we in the Third Age now? Does that mean we can't go to Minus Tirith? Where are we in the Third Age? That should oviously count. Like, what if we are at the very end of the War of the Ring? Then it would be alright if Kali, Child, and I revieled ourselves."

"Either that," said Bird. "Or you could use stilts."

[Birdland]

"No, Rose," smiled Birdie, "we are in the Fourth Age, and King Elessar sits on the throne of Gondor and Anor. Child wants to search the ancient records of Minas Tirith to see if there are some clues as to the origins of the Hobrim."

"If nothing else, we will be able to take on some needed supplies before we continue our voyage. Maybe we can pick up some, nice, greasy sausages for Angara." Birdie said with an evil smile.

"I just hope the "Lonely Star" rides high enough in the water to make the passage up the Anduin. I suppose if Aragorn could do it, then we can do it, too."

"After that...who knows?"

[piosenniel]

It was early evening; the ships had moored just off the northern tip of Tolfalas. Pio wanted to consult with Mith before she used the crystal to take the catamaran and its crew back to the seventh age Barrow Downs. Since none of them had ever used the crystal before, she was unclear how far away the cat needed to be from the Lonely Star, so that the time effect would not suck it in. Mith and she decided the Lonely Star and Tuor's ship would sail west toward the opening of the Bay of Balar and the cat would sail into the mouth of the Anduin, before using the device.

Bird piloted the Lonely Star toward the open ocean, followed by Tuor, and Pio sailed the cat up the river, using the crew also as rowers. Once the elf could no longer see the elven ships well, she opened the cover to the device which she had mounted on the helm. Carefully moving the crystal to the number 7 hole, she inserted it, closed the covering, and sent a small prayer to Eru.

It seemed as if nothing had really happened. But when she reached out in her mind to Idril, there was no response at all.

The crew was all on deck and very excited. They were pointing out familiar landmarks from their trip down the Anduin to join the rescue. Pio breathed a sigh of relief. 'They'd made it!' This was followed by the darker thought of something she'd forgotten to consider. How was she to get back to the 4th Age?

[piosenniel]

The catamaran was there, and then the air around it had shimmered just slightly and it had winked out of existence in an instant.

This is the description Celeaewen had given once she'd descended from her perch on the Lonely Star's top mast.

'Then they are on their way back to the Downs!' said Rose. 'It worked!'

'Where were we going to pick up Pio?' asked Bird.

At this moment, Veritas came back up on deck with Angara who had recovered much of her former color, and seemed in a better mood.

Noting the companions all standing about, near the rear of the ship which now faced toward the mouths of the Great River, and which seemed to have moved farther out to sea, Veritas looked about in surprise. She had been so focused on cajoling Angara that she was unaware of what had happened.

Thinking everything alright, she announced with a cheerful tone: 'If you're ready, Angara will tell us her riddle now.'

[ July 03, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child knocked on the door of Rose's cabin and went inside.

"I heard you speak with Birdland, and I wanted to say everything should be fine for us in Minas Tirith. For we are in the early Fourth Age, which is after the Ring Quest. We do not have to worry about revealing ourselves, since all here is well, and the Evil One is vanquished."

"Our danger lies in the earlier ages where it appears we may be heading. For, should we travel back to an ancient kingdom, we run the risk that the Evil One may see us or learn something of our people. And that would not be good for Mr. Frodo or Samwise, or indeed for any of us."

"How strange it is that those two chose to leave the ship just before this adventure. Now that I see where we are heading, that may have been wise. For should the Dark Lord have learned about them, things might go very badly. To leave an imprint of Frodo or Samwise in the mind of the Shadow would be folly."

"Now, I certainly hope no hobbit or hobrim will fall into the hands of the Evil One or his servants. We must try hard to make certain that doesn't happen.

But, if misfortune befalls, our path is clear. We, hobbits and hobrim, must act exceedingly stupid and clumsy, devoid of reason and skill, so that he will think we are worthless fools. Hopefully, this won't be needed, but anything is possible.

Rose queried, "I have heard that we are going to Numenor. Is that true?"

Child sighed, "It would appear so. Only today Kali told me that, according to the old stories, all of his people had second names in Elvish, just as the great lords did. That sounds suspiciously like Numenor. I plan to reread the Alkallabeth to see if I can learn more."

"And I have learned that the words Kali speaks come from the tongue of the Adunaic, which indeed was spoken by the common people of that realm."

"But we can be certain of nothing. Even if it is Numenor, we do not know exactly where Kali's cousins live. Numenor is a large place. I hope that Angara may help us, or perhaps, we can meet with Faramir. I have always understood that he had strange memories of those ancient times."

[ July 03, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Birdland]

Angara loved being the center of attention. The little golden dragon preened and raised her wings to the sun, making sure that all could see her in her best light as they gathered around her.

Everyone stood in a semi-circle, by arrangement of Child and Pio. Birdie grumbled at leaving the wheel, but was finally convinced that only by providing an attentive audience for Angara would the dragon's ruffled feelings be soothed, and she would begin to divulge her secrets.

"I am ready, now," trilled Angara. Looking around at all who attended to her, she assumed a wise, lady-like aspect. Then raising up on her hind legs, she gave her riddle...

[piosenniel]

OOC: Bird - Pio isn't there. She's stuck in the 7th age, trying to figure out how to get back with the crystal time device after taking the catamaran back.
********************************************
Angara spoke two riddles as if they were stories of old, repeated.

Anadûnê zîrân hikallaba...

Five stars there are
Upon a single star
And in their midst
The great root star,
Heaven's pillar of old.

They are there,
The little-folk,
Now sea-changed,
Hidden.

She paused and then began the second one:

Êphalak îdôn Yôzâyan

Giver of Gifts, he came,
Zigûrun;
Land of Gift, brought down
We hid them,
Nimîr, the shining ones.

'So, now you have it', said the dragon, 'where they are, and who put them there. The danger is in the why and when of it - for this age and for all others.'

[Rose Cotton]

Rose immediatly wrote down the words so she would remember them.
But there were words like:
Nimîr and
Zigûrun that she did not understand. Where they names? She'd figure that one out later. First she went to find Kali. Perhaps he would beable to help her with the first riddle.

[Birdland]

At that moment, Piosenniel, (in the 7th Age) was trying to figure out what she would do to get back to her friends in the Fourth Age.

She watched as the crew of the catamaran gleefully frolicked on the shores of the deserted party field.

"Hmmmmmm," thought Pio. "The crew is home safe, which was the main point. I guess I'll just take me and the catamaran back. We can sell the thing in Minas Tirith, if nothing else." She pulled the Age Transporter out of her pocket, and inserted the peg in the hole marked "Four".

-------------------------------------
"Attack!" screamed the pirate. But at just that moment a 30-foot catamaran dropped out of the sky, landing with a crash and breaking the hull of the Narcranoth like match-wood (for the pirates were not good at basic ship maintenance, and had not kept up with their ship-worm extermination program.)

The Narcranoth sank to the bottom, with all hands on board. The Mer-Folk gathered the pieces of the wreakage and used it to line their dens and build patio decking.

Pio clung to a bit of flotsam, and looked ruefully around at the damage, waving to Angara, who had come to pick her up.

"I hate violence."

[piosenniel]

OOC: Thanks Bird!
***************************************
Angara extended her talons and was about to pluck Pio from the water when the elf waved her off.

I have something I need to recover, Anagara. Will you wait, O Beneficent One? Pio had learned her lesson about the temperament of dragons well.

Angara went into hover mode and watched as Pio dove repeatedly among the debris, searching.

'Ah! There it is!', she thought to herself. A piece of the helm column on which the wheel was attached had been caught in the long fronds of a kelp bed. She reached for the crystal device attached to it and removed it, securing it within the waistband of her pants.

As she kicked her way upward, she saw a darker figure ahead of her making for the surface. Someone long, tall, and thin.

Ulrich the Black broke the surface first, his glowing red eyes glowering evilly at the dragon above him. He shook his fist at her, and she screamed in rage at him and thought to dive at him and rend him stem to stern.

But then his face registered an unholy look of surprise and with a soundless scream he sank beneath the surface of the waves, an ominous stream of red flowing out from where he had gone down.

Pio rose to the surface, and washed her longblade in the clean seawater. Angara swept down, plucked her from the waves,and headed back to the Lonely Star.

I hate violence she thought to the dragon, but sometimes it's expedient.

Angara looked back at her, and smiled.

[Birdland]

Birdie watched the proceedings from the deck of the "Lonely Star". She called back over her shoulder to the others:

"Pio's back!"

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen thought about Angara's second riddle from the deck of The Lonely Star.
"Giver of Gifts, he came,
Zigûrun;
Land of Gift, brought down
We hid them,
Nimîr, the shining ones." she muttered.

"hmmm. Wait. Sauron at first called himself Lord of the the Gifts, or some such twaddle. And he was responsible for the destruction of Numenor, the Land of the Gift. So to find the hobrim we go to Numenor in the second age." she bounced up and down with excitment, and raced off to find an authority figure.

[Rose Cotton]

Rose didn't notice the events taking place in the water. She was pondering Angara's words.
Celeaewen walked by muttering to herself "Numenor in the second age." So that was the answer to that riddle. But what did the answer to the very first riddle, tommorrow, have to do with it. Perhaps if they figured out the last riddle.

Five stars there are
Upon a single star
Rose couldn't think of anything literaly or figurtivly that fit this discription.

And in their midst
The great root star,
Heaven's pillar of old.
Heaven's pillar? What did that mean? And there was that star term again. What could a star represent? Rose thought that it probably had somthing to do with Numenor but she didn't know anything about the place. She went in search of refrence books.

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen paced around, muttering "Numenor, second age, Numenor, second age" she walked past Rose, who was trying to figure out the first riddle
"Heaven's pillar of old" she muttered. Celeaewen thought about it, then recognized the term.
"Rose!" she grabbed the hobbit, almost knocking her over. "Heaven's Pillar was the mountain on Numenor!!"

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC-- Spent the day on the Gulf with seagulls and waves. I look like a red lobster. Ouch!

_____________________________________________

Child had spent the entire day buried in the small library of ancient texts housed on the ship. She had not even been aware of Pio's return or the instrusion of the other vessel.

Unlike her Uncle Bilbo, Child was exceedingly bad at riddles. Much of what Angara said did not make any sense to her.

But Child did have one advantage. She had spent the past several days immersed in ancient Adunaic. In fact, she believed she was the only resident of the Barrow-downs who now knew more Adunaic than Elvish. She intended to use this to her advantage upon her eventual return to the Downs to show off to those pesky Elves that they were not the only ones who could be linguistic scholars!

Child set her ideas about the riddles down on paper and presented them to Angara. Her letter looked like this:

11 Afterlithe
Cabin #6
The Lonely Star

Dearest Angara, Most Ancient and Wise One,

O beneficient one, with my poor skills I will attempt to decipher your learned riddle. Could you please let me know if I am going about this the proper way?

"Anadune ziran hikallaba..." This means that beloved Numenor fell down

"Five stars there are upon a single star" I don't know what this means. I can't find any five stars in the Silmarillion, but I will look again tonight. (I do know that stars are "gimil" in Adunaic!)

"Heaven's pillar of old" Kali taught me this one. Heaven's pillar is Minul-tarik or the Mount of Menaltarma which has the Hallow of Eru at its very top. This is where private and public worship of Eru took place. It was a holy place, never defiled by Sauron.

Perhaps this is where the hobrim are now. There are old legends that, when Numenor sank, the Hallow of Eru rose again above the waters and formed a new Isle....."a lonely isle lost in the great waters."

"They are there, The little-folk, Now sea-changed, Hidden." It sounds like the little ones may have been transported to Menaltarma for safety after the actual flood, and that their hobbit bodies may have been changed to become hobrim.

"Ephalak idon Yozayan" Far away now is the land of Numenor.

"Giver of Gifts, he came, Zigurun" The bad wizard, i.e., Sauron came and brought bad gifts to people and made them forsake the right ways.

"Land of Gift, brought down" Numenor brought down.

We hid them, Nimir, the shining ones-- Nimir means Elves.

Angara, does this mean the Elves hid the Hobbits in the isle of Menaltarma, and changed their bodies so they could live in the Sea? This means we have to go to Numenor not before the flood, but after it. Is that correct?

Your devoted friend who greatly admires you,

Mistress Goodchilde of Hobbiton

[ July 04, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Rose Cotton]

"A mountain? Heaven's pillar!" said Rose enthueasticly. "Hm......five stars upon a single star. And it sounds like that mountain is " in thier midst." So what could the stars be?"

Just then Angara landed on the deck of the ship with Pio and everyone's attention was turned to them.

[ July 04, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[piosenniel]

Angara set the elf down gently on the deck, then landed next to her and resumed her diminutive size.

Pio thanked her profusely for flying her to the ship, and then excused herself to go below and take a hot shower. She was cold and wet and very tired.

She showered quickly and changed into a soft robe, sage colored, trimmed with a delicate border of embroidered beech leaves. Running her fingers through her damp hair, she climbed back to the deck to greet her friends. They all seemed busy, talking to themselves or to each other in snippets about some sort of riddle. All except Bird, that is, who was at the helm gazing at the river course as they advanced up the Anduin.

Even Angara seemed busy, reading a piece of paper.

Pio went up to the helm deck and asked Bird what was going on.

'It's those dragon riddles.', said Bird, not taking her eyes off the river and its banks. 'She gave them to us while you were gone and every one is trying to puzzle them out.'

Kali had come up to the helm also, and was busy looking out at the passing land. He looked at the elf when she asked her question and then waited for Bird to finish her explanation. 'The dragon spoke in the old language, so the riddle must be old, too. My poor head can't figure them out though.'

Pio asked Bird to repeat the riddles to her, and Kali filled in what Bird could not remember.

'Has Mithadan attempted these riddles yet?' asked Pio.

'No, not yet.', said Bird 'I think he's resting. His wounds still make him weary at times.'

Pio thanked them both for filling her in and went to speak with Angara, who was chuckling over the paper in her claws.

'Something funny?' she asked the dragon.

'Not funny, delightfully on track. I think that hobbit has the makings of a true scholar!' She handed Pio the paper. 'Look at this, she almost has it.'

The elf scanned the letter quickly. Well done, Child she thought. And well done , too, Rose and Cele whom she had heard exchanging thoughts on Numenor.

She handed the letter back to Angara. Her face was thoughtful, her thoughts guarded. 'This may prove to be a fearsome if not deadly undertaking.' she said as much to herself as to the dragon. 'The prospect of it chills me.' She shivered and drew her robe about her more tightly.

She looked at Angara. 'May I help them with this riddle, Old One?'

'As you wish, Old One. It is you and the other kuduk who have the most to fear.'

Pio went to her cabin and drew her leather mapcase from her pack. She unrolled them carefully and looked for the one she knew might help. 'Ah, there it is!, she said. She ran upstairs with it, and called her companions round her. Unrolling the old map on a barrel top, she pointed out the image in the center of the great sea:


http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/maps/numenor2.gif


'These are the five stars and the One.'

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC -- Pio, I am very impressed with that map!
_____________________________________________

As Child looked at Pio's map, her mouth perceptibly dropped. "Of course, of course," she groaned under her breath. Uncle Bilbo had always told her that she was quite good with words, but that she had not done enough to train her eyes to see things right under her own nose.

Child saw Angara preening herself and looking very pleased. She walked up to the dragon and dropped a slight curtsey. "Oh, wise one," she said, "I have another question which you have not discussed yet. Not only would I like to know why and when the hobrim were put on this strange island, but I would also like to learn why the hobbits originally chose to travel to Numenor some time before the flood.

Or perhaps they did not choose. Perhaps, they never went to Numenor of their own volition, but were scooped up by the Elves from someplace else and deposited on this island dedicated to Eru immediately after the flood, for some reason unknown to them and unknown to us."

Child went on to explain, "I trulywish to know this. I have looked long and hard at the history of the Anduin region, and I have encountered a particular event....I believe it was in the year 2350.... which might explain how the Stoors came in contact with the Elendili as well as why the Stoors were overcome with wanderlust and the desire for the Sea, a desire that might voluntarily send them West to come to the Land of Gift."

"But I do not know if I should pursue these ancient tales further, unless I find out whether the Stoors migrated south down the Anduin and into the Bay, and then West, of their own free will, or whether they were spirited away by some greater power for some mysterious reason which might have even come from the Music itself? Can you tell me anything of the Stoors' departure from their hobbit homelands?"

"And, great one, do you yourself know why and when they were placed on that island, or is this also something which we must search for in Minas Tirith?"

Child bobbed a second curtsey and looked Angara in the eye.

[ July 05, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

'I cannot answer all your questions, Child.', said Angara. 'Recall though, that within a year after the fall of Numenor, Elendil the Elf-friend and his sons Isildur and Anarion, who had escaped the cataclysm, had established the Realms in Exile of Gondor and Arnor. Against these two realms of the Faithful was set the spirit of Sauron and the forces of Mordor. It may well be that you may find in Minas Tirith something or someone to aid you in your coming quest.'

Not to mention some fresh food thought Pio, dreaming of platters of ripe, succulent fruit.

[Mithadan]

Mithadan woke and stretched carefully. His wounds were healing, but he was still extremely stiff. He dressed quickly and climbed to the main deck where he found Pio, Child and Birdie deep in conversation. He was told of Angara's riddles and their interpretations. "You all seem to have unraveled the threads of Angara's chestnuts," he said. "But the details remain obscure. When were the Hobrim, or Hobbits, brought to Numenor? Who did so and why? When did they acheive the form of Hobrim? And, most importantly, when do we need to get their to rescue them? To this I'll add my own questions. If the Hobrim were brought to Numenor/Meneltarma by persons of good will, why does Kali fear the West? And are we seeking Hobbits or Hobrim? And this is pure speculation, but could it be that the reason the people of Middle Earth knew so little of the Hobbits be that they ALL were brought to Numenor only to return to the banks of the Anduin at a later time?"

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child awoke with a headache. She had hoped answering the riddles would solve the problem of where and when to rescue the hobrim, but it had not.

Several of Mithadan's points seemed critical. Why was Kali afraid to sail West? Child had assumed he was simply following the advice of the Faithful not to go to lands forbidden to mortals. This could be true, but perhaps something else was at work. Perhaps he was afraid of something dreadful that had happened to his people.

Child had also assumed that the hobbits' removal to Numenor had been a voluntary one, done by them for personal reasons. But Mith raised the chilling prospect that their removal had not been voluntary and that they had been thrust there by some power, perhaps evil, for reasons unknown.

And strangest of all was the question why hobbits were never recorded in the history of Elves or Man before the middle of the Third Age? Perhaps, hobbits had been safely tucked away in Eru's mount for some reason, and not just the Stoors but all the hobbit community. Perhaps, indeed, the safety of the world depended on them being hidden. Then, any attempt to rescue them before the designated time would not be a boon, but a terrible mistake.

They must be very careful, or they could do more harm than good.

[piosenniel]

It was early morning, and a glorious day had dawned on the Great River. A brisk wind filled their sails, and the elven craft was making good headway against the current.

Bird had gone into the small cabin on the helm deck for a much needed rest, and Pio stood at the helm. Not a great deal of correction was needed to keep the craft true to course, so she spent much of her time wondering at the great flocks of seabirds that wheeled and turned in the sky above the ship. The sky was thick with them, even this far from the great ocean.

'They're lovely to watch, aren't they?' remarked Veritas coming up behind her. 'In all my times up this river, though, I've never seen so many of them. It's almost as if they herald our approach.' She walked toward the low hanging roof of the small cabin. 'Give me a hand up here, Pio, and let me see what I can see.'

The elf secured the helm, and gave the wizard a boost up. Stepping back to the wheel, she watched as Veritas scanned the river and its lands ahead, straining to catch a sight of the famous city.

It was not long before Veritas cried out, pointing toward the northwest. 'The peak of Mount Mindolluin is clearly in sight now!'

A bleary eyed and clearly unrested Bird stumbled out of the cabin. 'Hey! How can you expect a person to get any sleep with an elephant tapdancing overhead and shouting out points of interest like some rabid tour guide!?'

'Come up, Bird!' said Veritas, extending her hand to her. The city should be coming into sight soon.' Even a tired Bird could not resist this offer, and up she climbed.

Pio shouted to the rest of the crew to come and view their approach. She pulled out a map to show them where they would dock the ship once they reached Minas Tirith.

http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/maps/minastirith.gif

[GreatWarg]

((Mind if I join? I've been keeping track of this thread and the previous one for some time now. And great riddles! A most amazing thread!))

[piosenniel]

Rose, sitting high on Bird's shoulders, was the first to see the city, itself.

'Look, look!', she cried, clapping her hands together excitedly. 'What beautiful tower is that, shining so bright in the sun?'

'The White Tower of Ecthelion!', came the voice of Mithadan, his dark eyes sparkling with delight.

'O!' sighed Childe, 'I never thought to see this image come to life!' As if in a dream, she quoted a much loved passage from an old book of hers:

...the Tower of Ecthelion, standing high within the topmost walls, shone out against the sky, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, tall and fair and shapely, and its pinnacle glittered as if it were wrought of crystals...'(ROTK)

[ July 05, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

OOC: Have invited Warg to join if he can think of a suitable character. He will probably meet us in Minas Tirith - in the Library or perhaps a tavern.
*********************************************
The Lonely Star approached Harlond, the port of Minas Tirith. Small boats came out from the docking area to bring in the ship. The crew of the ship threw them lines from the foredeck, on either side, and the boat-tenders secured them to the rear of their vessels. They slowly and surely drew the Lonely Star into dock.

A single man, stood on the cleared dock, and watched the ship approach, Once secured, he hailed the comapanions, now all hanging over the railing and gazing at the city.

'Well met!' he cried in a great voice to them. 'How comes it that the banner of Eärendil should grace this fair city?'

[GreatWarg]

((Okay, then I'll find the right time to jump in... thanks))

[piosenniel]

OOC: GREAT WARG please see the PM (private message) I sent you - I would like to see what character you propose to be. And please tell me which of the two places I mentioned you would like to meet us in. Thanks!

[Birdland]

Birdie admired the tall, graceful spires of the city as much as anyone, (and looked forward to stepping on land again, at least for a little while).

But her irritation wasn't solely due to "tapdancers" overhead, nor was her lack of sleep just from the noise. She had been unable to make heads nor tails of the riddles, and was glad that there were more scholarly minds among them. But the answers just seem to lead to more questions.

Is everyone saying that halflings go as far back as the days of Numenor? It doesn't seem fathomable, but yet it seems to be so.

But it's said that halflings are a off-branch of men. Does that mean that Halflings were Numenorians? Birdie looked at the men working on the pier, some with the aspects of kings, though they were only lowly dockhands. Halflings a branch of the Numenorians??? A loud shout of laughter burst out of the skin-changer, and a dockhand on the pier looked up at the sound and raised a friendly hand.

Alright then, Birdie mused further. So Sauron deceived the Numenor, and fed on their vanity, and so the island sank. The few survivors escaped by ship and sailed back to Middle-Earth...apparently without halflings.

Birdie glanced over to Kali, who stared, listlessly it seemed, at the white towers of the Setting Sun.

So how did these Numenorian halflings escape the fate of most of the Men? Did the "sea change" happen then!? But that would mean Hobrim came first! At least as far as Middle-Earth was concerned.

From Halflings, to Hobrims, then Hobrims AND Halflings? Birdie's head was throbbing. It sounded so amazing and far-fetched. But then she thought of the amazing, far-fetched world that she lived in.

"Kali!" called Birdie, and walked over to the Hobrim leaning on the rail. "So what do you think of the works of Men?"

"So tall and proud," said Kali, almost sadly. His face looked pale and drawn. Birdie looked closely at him and said "When's the last time you were in the water, Kali? Awhile, I think. Can you bear fresh water?"

Kali raised his head and sniffed. "Smells different, but not bad. I feel I could stand this "fresh water", though it does not smell as fresh as the sea."

"Then let's go in. No, wait," Birdie urged. "Not in front of the men there. Let's go to the far side and slip in there."

Birdie and Kali hid behind some barrels and slipped silently over the side, Bird morphing into dolphin shape as the cool river-water folded over her. It made her skin itch in an odd way, and she wondered how long a dolphin could bear saltless water.

A shadowy form slid past them in the cloudy current, and then Levanto, of all people, appeared before them. His usual emerald green color had taken on a paler hue, but his eyes were gleaming with delight.

"Levanto!" whistled Birdie. "Can you tolerate this river water, too"

"It is not the most agreeable of elements, but bearable". Levanto waved his hand dismissively. Then he exclaimed "I must admit that the works of these men have exceeded all my expectations! These towers! These walls! How do they build so high without the buoancy of water to support it? Some of these spires are almost as tall as the ones in my own beloved city beneath the sea."

Levanto raised his head cautiously above the water line and looked with longing at the white towers. "Ah, if only I could walk these streets and study these buildings. Talk to these Men about their works."

Birdie looked at Kali, who seemed to be feeling better, even in the river water. The hobrim nodded his head in agreement. "I too, would like to see how you live on land."

"Hmmmmmmmmmm..." Birdie mused, then her dolphin smile grew even wider. "And see the city you shall!" This was the kind of adventure Birdie really enjoyed!

Raising her head above water, she cried to Child, who was leaning over the rail. "Child! Talk to one of those men on the pier. Tell them we are in need of a pony and cart!"

[ July 05, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Mithadan]

Mithadan stepped down the gangway and approached the waiting man. "Well met!" replied Mithadan. "The banner?" Mithadan paused trying to decide waht to tell his host. AElfwine was a resident of a distant future, as were they all, except for Kali. He chose the course of caution, ever mindful of Idril's words. "The banner is an heirloom of my house, where it is said that Earendil the bright is one of our distant forefathers," finished Mithadan.

"And what errand brings you to Minas Anor?" inquired the man.

"We wish to visit the fabled library of this city," replied Mithadan. "Among our number are Halflings, Hobbits if you will and I have heard that your King is familiar with their kind. They seek records which may shed light upon their ancient history, ere they crossed the Anduin and made their way to the land now called the Shire."

"Periannath?" cried the man. "You are indeed welcome. It is rare that any of that race visit this city. I am Amdir, master of the docks. Your vessel will be safe here. Welcome to Minas Anor!"

"Thank you, Amdir," replied Mithadan. He turned and made his way back on deck, where he approached Piosenniel. "Our people must take great care to neither reveal our origin or our errand, I think. And there remains another matter of concern," he said, looking at Angara who lay on the foredeck sunning herself. "I doubt that the people of this city would welcome a dragon, even a small one."

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen hopped off the ship, and nearly fell over. she was so used to the sea that the solidity of the ground felt rather odd. She marvelled at the huge white city, quite unused to anything quite like it.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child called out to one of the dockhands in the street. "We have need of a pony cart. Can you tell me where I could rent one?"

"That way, little one. There is a stable a few paces down this street," one replied.

"Little one, indeed!" Child thought. But she was not about to make trouble.

She had strapped her bag of silver and gold coins close to her body under her cloak. And just to make certain, on her other hip, she carried a small dagger. She sincerely hoped she would find no reason to use it.

Child went to the stable and made arrangements for a cart and pony for Kali and Birdland. She also rented a small pony for herself and Rose to share.

Child had gathered all her books, papers, and writing implements and slung them into the pony's saddlebag. She was also carrying a hooded cloak which she gave to Kali as he and Birdie emerged from the water.

"Better be careful, Kali," she said. I don't know if the citizens of Minas Tirith have ever seen a creature quite like you. I am sure they are kind-hearted, but it's best to be cautious."

Child returned briefly to the ship and gave Angara a polite, but firm, lecture. "O ancient one, for your safety, it is best to remain on this vessel. For the citizens here may be overwhelmed at the sight of your magnificence."

Angara was not pleased at Child's words. However, Child presented her with the key to the fish storage bin which did help to soothe her temper.

Angara countered, "I will remain on deck this evening. About days to come, I will not promise. And you, Child, may need me to help find and decipher the ancient documents."

Child scratched her head, but said nothing.

Child mounted her pony to journey to the great library. She took Rose with her. They did not intend to do research so late in the day, but merely to find out where the library was and if special arrangements had to be made for their entry. She and Rose agreed that they would later find an inn where they all might gather for an evening of food and entertainment, something which had been sorely missed in recent days.

As they trotted off the docks, she and Rose could see that Mithadan was already arguing with a multitude of vendors to provision their ship with needed supplies.

[Birdland]

Birdie checked out the cart and good pony that Child had brought back from the stables, and paid her back the let fee. It looked to be just what they needed, a large two-wheel cart with a driving bench and not too deep sides.

She took an old cloak that Rose had lent her and threw it around Kali. "That should do to cover most of you, the feet look a little bare, but we'll be riding in style most of the time, not walking, so no one should notice."

"Ask whatever questions you please, and we'll go whereever you like, if the cart will pass. But let me do the talking!"

"But what of Levanto?" asked Kali.

Bird held up another cloak and cloth half-mask. "We'll pick him up farther down the weir, where there are not so many people."

"Now", Birdie called up to the ship, "Who's coming with us to see the sites?"

[ July 05, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rose and Child came cantering back on their small pony. They had quickly gone to the library and made arrangements to return the next day.

Bird and Kali were in the cart which was just making its way across the bridge onto the main street. Rose waved her hand in recognition to the two.

"Bird, Child and I will join your fun, but will follow along in back on our pony. How about looking for somewhere where we can get some food and hear some music, but especially the food? We're very hungry, and we haven't seen a piece of fresh meat in ten days."

Child turned the pony around behind Bird's cart. Kali waved back at them both.

[Rose Cotton]

Before Rose left with Child see approached Mithadan. "Hey Mith, how are you feeling?"

"Better" he replyed.
"Everyone seems to be very up tight about being here. Why do we have to hide anything from Minus Tirith? Birdland said that Aragorn was king. Surely we can confide in him. Can't we?" In all the stories she had heard of the king Rose imagined him as a true and rightious man. One that could lead others flawlessly. She longed to meet him.

[Birdland]

"Hurrah!" cheered Birdie. "Scholars you may be, but I couldn't really see a couple of hobbits burying themselves in a musty, dusty library on their first day of 'shore leave'. Time for books tomorrow, eh Kali?" Kali smiled uncertainly, not quite certain what Birdie might have planned for them all.

"But first we must pick up another passenger." Birdie pulled up on a raised road that ran beside the river and looked around carefully. Then spying no one but themselves in the evening dusk, she threw a rope over the side of the cart and into the water. The rope tightened with a weight, and slowly, Levanto pulled himself out of the water, his wiry muscle flexing with the strain. Reaching the top of the cart's side, he flipped over and landed with a thump in the cart bed, looking half like a fish out of water.

Birdie handed him a soaked blanket to wrap around his tail, and threw a cloak over his shoulders. "Comfy?" she asked.

"Hardly, but I am not here for comfort, but for education. I am the first of my people to venture into a Men's City. When I return home, I shall publish my observations for all to read! This," intoned Levanto, "is an historic occasion for all of Mer-Kind."

"Well, send us a copy of your book when it's finished." laughed Birdie. "But where is Pio? She certainly wouldn't miss out on our soujourn?"

[GreatWarg]

((OOC just did poi. but if I'm going to join, I s'pose we'd better hurry...))

[piosenniel]

Pio watched the cart with Bird and what appeared to be a hobbit drive away from the dock. 'Great Eru!', she swore under her breath, 'That 'hobbit' is Kali!'

At that moment, a fruit and vegetable vendor began to haggle over the price for his merchandise, and she had no further time to stew over the consequences of this outing.

The bargaining done, the deal agreed to, she shook hands with the vendor who promised to bring his good early in the day of their departure. He gave her the location of his stall in the marketplace, and she assured him she would come to tell him when they were to depart, and then pay him on the morning of delivery. She did take on at that time a goodly number of small, tightly sealed barrels containing dried fruits and dried vegetables.

The purchase done, she strode over to where Mithadan was bargaining for other needed supplies. She asked him to excuse her for a while, that she had a pressing situation to sort out in the city. 'Whatever you cannot get today, let me finish it tomorrow.', she said.

He looked at her quizzically, but she excused herself once again and ran down the street she remembered the cart had taken.

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: um...how do you write and read a book underwater?::

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: I WANT TO SEE ARAGORN! smilies/smile.gif ::

[Birdland]

ooc: um...how do you write and read a book underwater?::

Very carefully.

[ July 05, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[piosenniel]

OOC: GREAT WARG please read my PM reply to you.
***************************************

She saw the tailgate of the cart a little ways in the distance. The party seemed to have stopped . . .and, she shaded her eyes to get a better look, they were pulling something out of the water. Something large, definitely mannish appearing in the torso, but by the Barrow Wight, it had a tail . . a fish's tail. Curse them to the bloody Void - it was Levanto!.

'So much for secrecy!' she thought, and doubled her pace to catch up to them.

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC - LOL-- Rose, calm down. We'll be here a couple of days. By hook or crook, we'll get you to Aragorn! (Actually, I want to see Faramir.) HeHe

[GreatWarg]

Khelek quickly scanned several scrolls in the flickering candle light. The text was written by the most skilled scholars, now passed away over the Sea, but the information contained within the scrolls was valuable.

"For the love of Earendil, please be here," he thought. A loose scroll caught the corner of his eye, fluttering to the stoned ground. Palms sweating slightly, the Elf bent over to bring the script into the light. He knew it was the information he sought.

Holding the scroll in shaking hands, as close to the candle without burning the delicate paper, he read:

Anadûnê zîrân hikallaba...

Five stars there are
Upon a single star
And in their midst
The great root star,
Heaven's pillar of old.

They are there,
The little-folk,
Now sea-changed,
Hidden.


Êphalak îdôn Yôzâyan

Giver of Gifts, he came,
Zigûrun;
Land of Gift, brought down
We hid them,
Nimîr, the shining ones.


Raising his head after reading the words, the Elf furrowed his eyebrows and thought long and deep.

[GreatWarg]

OOC Got it poi. And I hope I jumped in at the right time...

[piosenniel]

OOC: Good lead in post, Khelek!! smilies/smile.gif
****************************************

The elf was quite red in the face when she reached the front of the cart, and taking hold firmly of the pony's reins, brought it to a halt.

Breathing deeply, one hand on her hip, her eyes blazing, she confronted the driver of the cart.

'Bird!! What in the Great Rift are you doing?'

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: Thanks Child. Now on to the library!::

[Birdland]

"How, now", said Birdie, a mischievous grin on her face. "Cannot a poor farm woman, with her young son and her crippled grandfather come to the City to take the sights and peddle some wares?"

Levanto, hearing Pio's voice, peered from out of his hood and called" My fair lady! Come in the back and ride with Grandpapa."

Birdie laughed and nudged Pio. "Poor granda lost his legs on the Pelennor Fields, he did. Come Pio, join us! It is an 'historic occasion'. We're not going to knock on the door of Elessar's chambers and announce ourselves, after all. Just a turn around the city and home again, home again."

[Rose Cotton]

As they aproached the library Rose finnally realized people wern't just looking at her and Child because they were hobbits. Now that she was away from the boat Rose noticed how dissheveled she looked. She wore the same dress she had come to the party with and it was now damp, salty, torn, and wrinked.

So when they finnally sat down to read the dusty old volumes and maps Rose was also sewing together a new dress.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child and Rose had been sitting at one of the tables in the entry way amid the dusty volumes. Rose had brought along material and was sewing a new dress. Child shook her head and affectionately laughed. Then Child approached the librarian and explained they were seeking tales and poems of two sorts: the drowning of Numenor, and the history of Hobbits.

The librarian shook his head, but said nothing. "What a coincidence," he thought. Two parties searching for the same information and on such obscure topics! How strange, particularly the part about the hobbits, since few show interest in a people who only recently were known to us. And most of their history still seems so uneventful and unimportant!"

"Now, this group, I might understand, since at least these are hobbits. But the other one is quite beyond me." He shook his head again, but asked no questions and led them towards the library doors.

Child was eager to get into the archives. She was very comfortable in places like this and was not at all worried about her dress or cloak, which admittedly were quite worn. She loved even the smell and feel of such rooms with their piles of old books and parchment manuscripts, some in languages she could not even understand.

The librarian brought out a large brass key and led them to the entrance of the stacks. As the door unlocked and swung inward, it groaned on its hinges. Rose's eyes grew larger and larger as she surveyed the hundreds of shelves and tables filled with what must be thousands of items, all looking very ancient.

"How will we ever find anything here?" Rose whispered, gazing about in awe.

"Don't worry," Child replied, "Everything does have an order although it doesn't look like it. And we can ask the librarian to help us begin. We'll show him the riddles and ask to see a volume or scroll that contains similar text."

Child had a clear list in her head of the questions she wanted answered. She mentally reviewed them, one by one.

1. Was it only the Stoors who had left the Anduin, or were other membrs of the community involved?

2. In what age did the hobbits depart? Did the hobbits go voluntarily to the west, or were they forcibly removed? If so, by whom?

3. Had the hobbits gone directly to Numenor, or had there been other stops on the way?

4. Why had the Elves intervened to hide the hobbits on the Pillar of Heaven? What was so unique about hobbits that the immortal Elves had sailed from the Blessed Lands to intervene in their behalf, while so many others had died?

5. Most critically, what had happened to the hobbits after their hiding? Were they still hidden on the Isle? Had they disappeared in ages past? Had some or all been transported elsewhere?

Such a long list of questions! But, then, Child abruptly realized that both she and Mith had overlooked one possibility.

Perhaps the hobbits had not left Anduin of their own free will, or been forcibly seized. Perhaps one with a slick tongue and an evil heart had tricked them into departing their homeland, in hopes that they would perish or never return. That idea would explain much about the hobbits' later mistrust of adventures and fear of boats and water.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a voice came into Child's mind. She truly did not know from where it came. Child stood as if in another world, while words poured into her heart:

"Then Iluvatar spoke, and he said: 'Mighty are the Ainur, and mightiest among them is Melkor; but that he may know, and all the Ainur, that I am Iluvatar, those things that ye have sung. I will show them forth, that ye may see what ye have done. And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.'"

Rose pulled insistently on Child's cloak. "Child, Child, pay attention." But she ignored her.

Child felt as if in a dream. She knew these phrases were from the Ainulindale, but why they had come into her heart and mind with such force, she could not understand.

In some hidden recess of her mind, Child could also hear the librarian saying something, as if speaking through a long tunnel very far away: "Excuse me, another gentleman has the scroll you were requesting. The two of you will have to share."

Child looked up, still in a daze, and saw an Elf, one who looked majestic and very old. The Elf was reciting the same riddles which Child and Rose were seeking, except he was singing them with a beautiful melody she had never heard.

With one hard pull, Child fell back into reality.

But the strange Elf had evidently not been part of her dream for he was still there, quietly voicing the music and its mysterious words.

Child and Rose stared in amazement and disbelief.

[ July 06, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

For some reason, perhaps because she had been brought back so rapidly from the world of vision, Child was filled with mistrust and apprehension. She clutched at Rose's hand to steady herself.

How could another being, a majestic Elf, be searching for the same information that they also sought?

Child no longer felt like a scholar, but only a very small hobbit who had stumbled in among the affairs of the great and wise. What could she possibly be thinking, intruding into a matter where mysterious Elves appeared out of nowhere and the ancient words of Eru flooded into her heart?

But behind all this, behind the great visions or the seated Elf, stood a very small hobrim, one who was even smaller and more alone than Child herself.

Child silently vowed that,whatever it took, whatever sacrifice was required, she would see this through. This was more than an adventure or whim. For Kali, who lived alone without kin or hobbit friends, surely deserved a people. And his people, her own ancestors, surely deserved to be rescued and not left stranded amid a strange ocean.

She waited for the Elf to speak, determined to find out what secrets he might hide.

[piosenniel]

Pio raised her eyebrows and shook her head at Bird and 'Grandpa'. Her better sense said Turn this cart around and take them all back to the ship; but her sense of adventure overcame the warning and she climbed into the cart, careful not to sit too close to 'grandpa'. His legs might be gone in the 'war', but, as she recalled. his arms and hands were working just fine.

Bird shook the reins on the rump of the pony and urged him onward. 'I'm thirsty!', she announced as the moved down the road. 'Now I wonder where a tavern might be?'

'Just a turn around the city and home again, home again?!', said Pio.

'Relax, just a small drink. We'll be discrete. I want to savor all the delights of this fair city. I'm writing a book, you know.' He winked at her in a decidedly ungrandpa like manner.

Bird rolled her eyes at the announcement again of his book, and clucked at the pony to move along a little faster.

The elf looked at Levanto and laughed. 'Assure me, dear Levanto, that you do not have me on the list as one of the delights you intend to savor.'

[piosenniel]

OOC: Veritas is still on holiday
*******************************************
Veritas was helping Mithadan get supplies for the ship. She was keeping the list of things needed, and ticked each one off as the deals were struck.

It was getting late in the afternoon, and since most of the provisions had been gotten in, Mithadan called a halt for the day. He was tired and just wanted to lean back in a chair on the deck with his legs on the railing, and let the breeze off the harbor cool him down. And then,there was Angara to entertain. She must not go flying into the city and arouse suspicions. And besides, he thought, there is the matter of those kegs of fine wines and hearty ales - someone needs to do a little testing of their quality. He strode back aboard the ship, telling Veritas that they were done for the day.

Veritas put the list away in the captain's cabin, and went looking for her friends. She knew Child and Rose were headed for the Library, but it was a fine afternoon and she didn't relish the thought of being shut in a room of dusty tomes. Where were Pio and Bird? It was just like them to go haring off seeking fun while others did all the work.

She shook off her feelings of being unjustly left behind, and decided to find the elf and the skin-changer. 'Now, where to look?!', she asked herself.

'Ah, yes, the nearest tavern!'

She raced down the gangplank and waved at Mithadan. 'Be back later!!'

[ July 06, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

OOC: Tuor and Idril are still with us, correct? They probably should not sail into port, eh?!
********************************************
Tuor had anchored his ship well beyond the waters of the bay. Idril stood at the prow and gazed toward where the mouths of the Anduin would be. She looked further north, imagininng the entrance into the harbor at Minas Anor. A slight frown creased her forehead.

'They'll be alright.' said Tuor to her, taking her hand gently in his in an attempt to comfort her. 'Child has a good head on her shoulders, and Mithadan seems to have a solid grasp of the dangers involved. What could go wrong?'

'It's not those two I'm worried about. It's Pio and her cohort, Bird. I've been trying to contact Pio, and can't seem to get through.' She laughed a silvery laugh and shook off her sense of foreboding.

'What could go wrong?' she asked. 'Nothing, I hope!'

[GreatWarg]

The Elf memorized the words, putting it into song that had just floated to his mind from the Eldar days. Sensing someone watching him, he swung around. Khelek stood politely, and with a gracious movement of his hand, beckoned the lasses to come in.

"You are searching for the scrolls," he stated, searching their faces with keen, starlit eyes. Child nodded, still gazing at the Elf in wonder. Rose took the scrolls curiously, looking at the words, then turning to the blank side.

"Then there are, as I thought, others that are searching for answers; answers that may fill in gaps of lost history in the Fall of Numenor." The Elf continued to search them.

"Excuse me, but who are you?" Rose inquired, embarresed at interrupting the Elf.

Khelek bowed, letting his dark cloak sweep the floor. "Excuse me for not introducing myself sooner. I am Khelek, from the House of Elrond, whom has sailed West. I have made Mirkwood my abode, but now I seek answers; answers which you may also seek."

[Rose Cotton]

Rose had complete trust in this elf with his polite smile and pleasant manners. It didn't trouble her at all that he was intrested in the information that they sought. As soon as she had seen this city on the horizon she had found no reason to fear or hide anything from anyone who dwelt or visited it. But she felt Child hesitate in frount of the stranger. So she decided to build the conversation. "Why do you want to find these answers? And...if you would be willing to share, have you found any clues? For there are many mystries besides the fall of Numenor that we wish to uncover."

[ July 06, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[GreatWarg]

The Elf looked at the unfearful lass, sizing her up. "That will be known to you later, perhaps. But I can't tarry here long, I'm afraid. These clues could very well be the key to..." Khelek stopped as he heard approaching footsteps, and the librarian came back.

"I'm sorry, but we're closing up early today. I'll keep the scrolls for you until tomorrow," she said, politely ushering them out.

"I fear that someone else may be searching too; someone who does not mean well," the Elf muttered darkly under his breath so that only Child and Rose could hear.

[Birdland]

Child and Rose had decided that they would ride on to the library after all, after seeing that Pio had caught up with Birdie. "She should be able to keep them out of trouble." Child thought. They had all agreed to meet back at an inn on the waterfront after they had finished.

It was a fine road that led up to the city, and it was full of people of all races, eager to enter the city as the day waned. Elves on fine horses, doughty dwarves stumping along in groups, Men and women of every shape and color, all flowing into the the great white city like schools of the most colorful fish. Laughter, songs, and languages blended in the air above them.

There were even a few halflings. Pio spotted two hobbits of unusual size and stature, mounted on small horses with fine livery. One actually wore a suit of mail, and the other carried a green shield with a white horse running upon it. They laughed and sang as they rode, and shouted greetings to various people on the route.

Pio nudged Birdie hard in the ribs and gestured frantically towards the pair. "Bird! she whispered excitedly. "Do you suppose..."

Birdie craned her neck to look at the halfling riders and shook her head. "Nah, couldn't be" she said dismissively. "Feet aren't big enough." Then she had to put a restraining hand on Kali who had also spied the laughing Periannath. Standing in the cart and raising his arms to them, he started to cry "Cousins!"

Birdie pulled him down again, not ungently, and explained. "Kali, you have to stay in disguise. These people don't even know Hobrim exist, and now's not the time to show them. Perhaps later we can introduce you to more of your 'cousins', but for right now you have to pretend to be a Man-child."

Kali looked at the lofty, huge men surrounding him, and then cast a doubtful look at Birdie. But he pulled his hood close about his face, and subsided into silence, looking longingly after the two diminutive riders who were disappearing into the crowd.

But all thoughts of the people around them were forgotten as the cart approached the Great Gate. Bird pulled up the cart, and all gaped in silence at the magnificant structure rising before them. It was only the shouts of those behind that brought them to their senses again. Pio and Bird had read often of the Great Mithril Gate built by Gimli and his folk, but all the words of all the authors in the world could not duplicate this first sight. It was a true Wonder of the World, and its like would never be seen again.

Levanto knelt behind Pio and Birdie, peering out at this work of the "Land Races". For one of the few times in his life, he was completely without words. Bird smiled back at him, then shook the reins and clucked to the pony. They were entering the city at last.
---------------------------------

O.O.C. - Here's a link to an great map of the cityMinas Tirith, now Minas Arnor (http://members.rogers.com/gondor/maps/minas_tirith.jpg)

[ July 06, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child and Rose decided to stop for a snack in the inn which lay closest to the dock. All around mariners were eating and singing, enjoying the release of shore life after so many weeks at sea. The inn was a pleasant one, much gentler than some they had passed along the way.

Child sat and ate in silence. She was hungry enough to eat with relish, but confused enough not to be able to keep her mind on the singing. The picture of the Elf sitting with the scroll and singing a gentle tune kept intruding on her thoughts. She vowed to return to the library first thing in the morning, if possible before the arrival of the Elf. She wanted to look over the manuscript carefully.

Then Child remembered Angara sitting upon the deck of the ship with no companion save Mithadan and a barrel of fish. She felt badly and vowed to return to keep her company. Child said goodbye to Rose and made sure she could find her way back to the ship on her own. Or perhaps Rose would decide to find Bird and join the sightseeing party. Chid promised to try and join up with them again if they stopped at the inn for dinner. Then, she sat upon her pony and made her way back towards the dock where the ship lay at berth.

[ July 07, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Rose Cotton]

After Child left her for the ship Rose finnished her drink and exited the Inn. If she met up Pio, Bird, Kali, and the mer-man she would be delighted but she wasn't ready to look for them yet. She wanted to walk alone around the city. It had been a long time since she could stroll carelessly with her own thoughts.

She was now wearing her newly made dress and was glad for the long boring hours in which she had learned to sew for it was nice on her.

She walked though the streets greeting those that went by. She didn't know where she was going but after awhile she relized she was far up away from the river. This didn't bother her. On the contrary it enlightened her to plunge deeper into the city. She longed to see a familar face from her stories.

[Child of the 7th Age]

As Child walked onto the plank that led to the ship, she could see Angara sleeping on deck. The dragon was carefully hidden under a tarpaulin which Mithadan had prudently draped over her back.

Angara awoke and stretched out her gleeming body, the scales on her back catching the glint of the sun. Her eyes immediately sought Child's face. The dragon glared and then bellowed, "It has taken you long enough to return to me! I have finished the entire barrel of fish, and I am exceedingly bored. If you do not amuse me, I will undertake a short flight for my own entertainment to take in the views."

"Of course, unlike you, I have been to Minas Tirith several times and am quite familiar with the sights. I will know exactly where to go to drop in on a number of persons whose names we know well from the stories."

Child assured Angara that she would stay to read her poems and bring her treats, and otherwise tend to her well being.

Angara nodded her head and began preening her scales with her claws. "You know," the dragon said, "If you would listen to me, your trips to the library could be considerably shorter and much more productive. Once you finished answering the two riddles, you assumed that there was no reason to consult me."

"I regret to inform you," the dragon continued, "that your assumption was incorrect."

Child tried to weedle more on this subject out of Angara, but, beyond this, the dragon would add nothing. She sat on her haunches, blowing smoke rings through her nose, with golden-green eyes whirling like rings of fire.

[ July 07, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Angara trudged over to where Mithadan was seated, and curled up near his side on the deck. She was still huffing and puffing a bit at the injustice of making HER stay on the ship, not to mention the audacity of the others not thinking that she might have something more to offer them in the way of information.

Mithadan reached down,unmindfully, and rubbed the scaley plate on the top of her head with his knuckles. Her harumphing soon turned to gentler thoughts from his heedless ministrations.

As long as I'm trapped here on this ship, perhaps I should consider some new riddles to move these creatures along in their searchings. Hmmmm?! Now how to phrase it, how to phrase it . . .

She dropped off to sleep, warring images of cold lands and hotly fought battles filling her dreams. Her talons twitched in remembrance.

[ July 07, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[GreatWarg]

Khelek walked down the crowded and bustling streets teeming with life. Exotic plant life imported from Mirkwood lined the busy roads, and the fine worksmanship of the Dwarves could be seen down every paved street and every stone wall.

Down to the docks, the dark Elf decidedly went, to catch a whiff of the Sea breeze and, possibly, the news of Ulmo. Looking upon the ships in their docks, and the mariners singing gaily in the salty breeze, Khelek came to a ship named 'The Lonely Star.' Looking over the proud-bearing ship, the Elf knew that it was built with fine craftsmanship.

Two voices came floating to him with the wind, one of which belonged to a hobbit lass he had met earlier in the library. The other voice was unknown, but it was filled with wisdom and of long years.

"Verily, few have seen a dragon in Minas Tirith," the Elf commented.

[piosenniel]

She marvelled, once again, at the minds of the men who had constructed this city. And the addition of the gift of the Dwarves, the wondrous new Great Gate, reinforced her opinion of it.

Pio had been to Minas Anor twice before, in earlier times, to do research in the vast library. She had never tarried long, and so had never seen most of the city. This would be a grand opportunity to drink deep of its richness.

Birdie turned the cart left at the Great Gate. The city was constructed on a hill with seven concentric walls protecting each part of the ascent. Gates through the walls were set in such a manner that the traveller had to pass back and forth between them in a weaving pattern to acces each level. It was indeed a well defensed city!

'Say, Bird!' said Pio, giving her a nudge in the back. 'I am getting a little thirsty back here. There's a small tavern just up the way where we can park the cart in the courtyard and sip some ale in the open air before we go on. What say we do that?' She rummaged through the small leather pouch at her waist, counting coins. 'I'll treat!'

The pony's hooves clattered over the cobblestones and the four travellers looked for sign of the tavern.

'There it is!' cried Levanto. 'And how fortuitous we should come to this one!' He winked at Pio.

She laughed, and entreated Bird to pull in there.

'So, this is a tavern.' said Kali, as he read the name on the swinging wooden placard:

*****THE SIGN OF THE MISCHIEVOUS MERMAN*****

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child sat at the stern of the ship, her books and papers strewn about like a tumbled mass. She went from map to tale to chronicle, searching for some light on the sinking of Numenor and its relation to the hobrim, but was unable to find even the smallest hint to explain what had happened to Kali's family or his distant cousins.

Child made a mental note to try and speak further with the little hobrim. Even if he could recall few stories about those who had been lost or hidden in ancient times, he might be able to remember his immediate family and what had happened to them.

Child already knew that he had once possessed a mother and grandmother, since he had referred to them several times and to the things they had taught him. Perhaps she could approach the hobrim and ask about this. She knew it would have to be done with gentleness. For, whenever Kali referred to his close kin, so obviously absent, he did so with longing in his voice. Still, it might prove important to their search.

Child went back to her work, singing gently to herself as her pen went back and forth across the page. She heard some noise from the area of the docks and got up to stand by the rail. She looked down and saw two vendors arguing over a pushcart full of fruit which had spilled onto the causeway. Each was accusing the other of causing the accident.

She laughed and was about to turn away when something stopped her retreat. She shook her head, as this sight appeared far more ominious. For looking down into the shadows, she could see the figure of a tall Elf staring transfixed at their ship.

There was no question in her mind. This was the very same Elf whom she had met just hours before at the Minas Tirith library. She wondered grimly what he happened to be doing in this particular vicinity.

Just then, Angara's clipped tones rang out clearly from the vessel, "Stop that Mithadan, you are treading on my toes with your great heeled boot. Can't you be more careful? I do not like being woken up out of a perfectly lovely dream. Son of Man, you are a blundering bear!"

The Elf had glanced up again to the vessel, his eyes shining with the light of his kind and a slight smile upon his face. It was quite clear that he had heard and understood every word that the dragon had spoken.

Child cowered and shrank away from the rail.

[ July 07, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Rose Cotton]

Rose did not know how long she had been walking though the city. But she knew it had been a long time. Many times she had come upon dead ends or found she was going the wrong way. She wondered if she was being missed. With the amount of trouble she'd caused ever since the party she thought the others would be worried about her being on her own. Though, everyone had thier own affairs to deal with so she was most likely given no thought. She prefered it that way.

Finnaly she made it.

[piosenniel]

OOC: A short post before I'm off to work!
******************************************

Angara licked her trod-on talons carefully. She hated to see them smudged.

A movement caught her eye.

It was Child, and she was cowering back fearfully from where she had been sitting. The wyrmlet's protective nature came to the fore, and she came swiftly and silently to the side of her friend.

'What troubles you, little one?', she whispered. Child pointed toward the dock.

The dragon flattened herself to the deck and eased her way to the edge, her small eyes peering over the raised decking under the rail.

She spotted him . . . a shadowy figure who appeared much too focused on The Lonely Star for it to be casual interest.

He stepped into the light, and turned as if to stroll away. A fleeting glimpse of his face confirmed her thought.

Another damnable elf! she thought to herself.

'He bears watching.', she whispered back to Child, who shook her head in agreement.

[piosenniel]

Veritas heard them, before she saw them. They were never ones to make a quiet entrance. As if to prove her right, Pio and Bird were singing one of those ballads they so liked to do at the top of their voices.

'But, no,' she said to herself, 'it's not Bird who's singing with Pio. It's a deeper voice, more in the bass range. Unless Bird has a horrible cold, I would swear it's a man.'

She took the sleeve of her robe and wiped some of the grime off the window facing into the courtyard. Once the circle of clearer glass had grown large enough, she could make out a cart and pony pulling in and three, no four, figures talking to the tavern-maid. Two of them she recognized - Pio and Bird. But who was the small child swathed in a large hooded cape, and who was that man bundled up in the bed of the cart?

Veritas hopped off her stool carefully, mug of wine in her hand, and walked out side to greet her friends.

[ July 08, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Rose Cotton]

Rose stood outside the last wall into the center of the city. She didn't go further yet though. She didn't know why she headed in this direction anyway. She wouldn't be able to see the king. She was just a small hobbit. She had been sure that all would be alright when they came to the city. But what did Aragorn know about hobrim? Perhaps she could just take a closer look at the tower.

Rose stood for what seemed like forever. Then two horses came up from behind her. No, they were ponies. And the ponies were not ridden by men but by hobbits richly clad. Rose smiled and called out to them.
"Hello there. And where would two hobbits be going in such fine rainment and upon such fine steeds?"

The hobbits turned and Rose knew her guess was accurate.

[Mithadan]

Mithadan overheard Child's discussion with Angara about the mysterious Elf and leaned over the railing to look at the intruder and memorize his features. "Bears watching, eh?" mused Mithadan. "Then perhaps we shall watch him." He turned to Child and inquired about the location of the others. When he heard that they had entered the city with Kali and Levanto he became alarmed.

"Foolishness," he hissed. "Tramping about with members of two unknown races as if they were tourists gawking at the sights. We must be more careful than that." He asked Child to mind the ship while he sought out Pio, Birdland and the others. He strapped on his sword and bounded down the gangway. He did not notice a grey figure slipping out from behind the wall of a shop to follow him.

[piosenniel]

Bird pulled the cart beneath the shade of a large tree in the courtyard, where the pony happily munched on a tuft or two of stray grass.

Pio and she dragged a plank table and abutted it against the back of the cart, so that 'Grandpa' wouldn't have to get out. They admonished him to keep the blanket securely covering his lower half.

Bird brought a bench for the table and Pio lifted Kali from the cart seat and placed him between them, adjusting his hood to cover most of his head.

'Pio! Bird!' came the voice, from the figure crossing the courtyard toward them. The elf shaded her eyes against the background sun and waved her hand in greeting to Veritas.

'I've found you!', she said. 'Somehow I knew you would wind up at the first watering hole on the route! But who are these two friends with you?' Veritas leaned closer to see their faces and introduce herself. 'Oh!', she said, 'but I thought . . .'

She was cut off Pio who said, 'Yes, we didn't think grandpa would feel up to coming along, either. But when his little grandson here insisted his gramps come along and get some fresh air, he was persuaded.' Levanto and Kali nodded their heads in agreement with this statement.

'I see!' said Veritas to this scenario. 'Well, in that case, allow me to buy the next round of drinks for this merry group.'

The five companions sat in agreeable silence letting the cool breeze in the courtyard refresh them while they waited for the return of the tavern maid.

She was there, soon enough, with a chilled pitcher and four cups. 'Here it is, my good travellers! Our finest Dorwinion wine!' She poured them each a cup and setting the remainder in the center of the table, turned to go.

'I say, pretty lass,' came the voice of grandpa, 'before you go - how comes the name of this fine establishment?'

She came to the side of the cart, and smiled prettily at him. 'I'm sorry, sir. I'm new here and can't answer your question, but if you'll wait a moment, I'll fetch the tavern keeper. He'll be sure to know!' She dropped a small curtsy to the venerable gentleman and hurried back inside before Bird or Pio could call her back.

'Levanto!' hissed the elf at the merman. 'It would be best if we kept our actual contact with the locals to a bare minimum. Now we have the tavern keeper coming out to speak with us! They are an all too discerning breed of men!'

'It's just a story, dear Pio. What could happen from just the hearing of it?' He smiled and raised his cup to her, his eyes twinkling.

From out the door came the generous figure of the tavern keeper. Wiping his hands on his apron, he came toward their table, a smile on his face.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child remained on the ship at Mithadan's command, pacing back and forth. It had been a long time since the departure of her friends in the small pony cart. Nor was there any sign of Pio or Rose. Perhaps they had chosen to join up with the sightseeing party or to strike out on their own.

To be truthful, it was not Pio or Bird or Rose or Veritas who were at the center of Child's concerns. It was Kali who most tugged at her heart. The hobbrim had been fearful and disapproving upon merely seeing a sword strapped on the waist of one of the hobbits. She had questions about his ability to defend himself should the need arise.

Child sincerely hoped that Birdland was being careful and exercising discretion, but somehow she had doubt.

"Find them, Mith, find them," she pleaded inside her head. "Before they run into someone who is suspicious and wants to pry into our affairs."

"And Ulmo, he is your child. Please protect the hobbrim."

Child did not know what their next step would be, but, the more she studied this puzzle, the more certain she was that they were involved in something both wide and deep, something that went far beyond her own limited world and concerns.

It would not surprise Child in the slightest if she discovered that there were others about them who were keeping an eye on their activities. Certainly, the mysterious Elf fell in this category. But she wondered if there were others.

[Mithadan]

It was quite a distance to the main gate of the city. Mithadan covered the ground as quickly as possible without running. Even if his ribs were up to the task, racing up to the gate might attract unwanted attention.

He entered the first circle of the city and made his way through the daily traffic of merchants, guards and citizens, pausing now and again to peek into various taverns and common houses. He passed The Green Apple, The Rusty Scupper and The Sailors Retreat without spotting his friends. Continuing on, he began to curse creatively under his breath. The Black Sail, The Crusty Barnacle and The Sinking Corsair brought no better results. Given the denizens of some of these establishments, he was almost pleased to not find his friends.

Rounding a corner he came across a more pleasant tavern with outdoor seating shaded by trees. He almost choked as he read the placard. 'The Sign of the Mischievous Merman' it read. At a table under a tree was a pony cart and several familiar faces as well as a tall, bearded man with an apron. Fixing a smile on his face, he approached with such semblance of calm as he could muster. To his astonishment, the tavern keeper was speaking to Levanto. Even Piosenniel and Birdland appeared uncomfortable with this turn of events.

"The tavern's name?" said the barkeep. "Well, no doubt you have heard legends and rumours of man-like creatures dwelling beneath the sea? Now, these tales are true, and I've seen them myself and others here besides." He turned to two sailors sitting at a nearby table. "Angrim, Durmir! These fine people be asking about mermen. You've seen such creatures haven't you?"

One turned and drained his pint before speaking. "Aye! And right evil slimies they be too! If yer fool enough to post no watch, they creep aboard in the dark of night and steal yer cargo. Partial to drink they are. And if ye wake and try and stop 'em well they slash at ye with claws and they're not beyond takin a bite from one's leg." With that, he heaved up a leg and rolled up his breeches to show a thin scar on his calf. "One near got me one night," he said.

Levanto's face became dark and he made as if to rear himself up on the cart. "Bite..." he began.

Mithadan placed a firm hand on Levanto's shoulder and pushed him back down. "Do tell," said Mithadan. "Barkeep could you fetch these fine men two more pints for their tale? A fine tale, but we don't want to scare the children..." He motioned towards Kali then searched about for Rose. But she wasn't there.

"Where's Rose, Pio?" he said with a smile of gritted teeth.

[piosenniel]

'Rose?', said Pio. 'Why I haven't seen her since she rode off with Child. Hmmm, they're both probably at the Library. Yes, I do recall Child say that's where they'd be going.'

Her smile at Mithadan soon turned to a concerned frown as she saw his eyes snap with irritation. The elf stood up, rubbing her chin in thought.

Oh no, she can't possibly have tried to do that! she thought to herself, recalling a scrap of conversation Rose and she had had just before they disembarked.

'Will you see these four back safely to the ship, Mithadan? I fear I know exactly where the little one has gone.'

She turned to leave the courtyard.

[ July 08, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Mithadan]

"Child's back on the ship," Mithadan called after the receding Elf. "Rose isn't with her." Piosenniel waved and turned towards the gate to the second circle.

Mithadan walked over to the waitress and paid for the drinks. When he returned, his friends were draining their mugs and making ready to depart. Levanto was clearly still irritated. "Ignorant, near-sighted, hairy, foul-breathed humans," he muttered. "If my people chose to attack his ship, we'd do more than scratch his leg..."

"Be quiet," Mithadan suggested with an obviously forced smile. "You can drill holes in his keel some other time." Levanto brightened at the idea.

Birdland and Veritas rose and prepared to guide the pony and cart along the streets. Mithadan looked about and noticed an Elf in a grey cloak staring fixedly at Levanto and Kali. Levanto's blanket had slipped slightly and a bit of his tail protruded from under the cloth. Mithadan strightened the blanket, then motioned for Veritas and Birdland to head off to the gate. "Straight to the Lonely Star. No detours," he growled.

[ July 08, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[piosenniel]

She remembered now, as she passed through the bastion of stone on her way to the second level's entry gate why she had not oftened fared to the upper tiers of the city. Being under so much rock unnerved her, though the passageways themselves were wide and tall.

Mustering her courage, she proceeded upwards in winding loops, walking quickly. As much as possible she melded into the groups she encountered, trying not to draw undue attention to herself.

Reaching the sixth level, the one just before The Citadel, she drew into the shade afforded by the near wall of The Houses of Healing, and paused to assess her next move. Drawing her cloak about her she leaned back against the wood.

She was sure that Rose was in the next tier, hoping to catch a glimpse of the King. It was this information that she had recalled from their brief conversation on the ship - a sighing Rose, gazing dreamily at the White Tower. 'Oh, I hope we can see Aragorn!', she'd said, with longing in her voice.

Pio drew further into the shadow of the wall and sought a plan to enter the Citadel. Once there she would find Rose quickly and deliver her safely back to the ship.

It was then she saw another elf, wrapped in a grey cloak, come out of the tunnel. He stopped and breathed deeply as if he had just made a hurried ascent. His eyes scanned the area quickly, looking for the object of his obvious pursuit.

'Who's this?', she thought to herself. 'And whom does he seek?' She drew her cloak tighter about her and pressed against the cool wall.

[ July 08, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: Merry and Pip would know me right? Since I (Rosie Cotton) was alive when they were. If i'm wrong i will delete this post.::

"Rose?" cried the hobbit nearest to her. It was Merry. "Why are you here? How did you get here?"

"How I got here is a long story. The reason at this time is to see the sights and to meet the famous Aragorn."

"Well then follow us. We are just about to see him." said the other hobbit named Pippin.

So Rose walked alongside the two ponies and they approached the tower and entered.

[ July 08, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[Birdland]

Birdie and her party, (or what was her party, until Mithadan had come and spoiled it!) were at the first level, heading back towards The Lonely Star. Even the pony seemed chided, and plodded along slowly, head hung low.

"Well, what did you think of the city of Men, Kali?" Birdie asked the Hobrim. Kali's eyes were full of many emotions; delight, speculation, and a touch of sadness. Bird had the feeling that hobrim, or at least this hobrim, wase a little more introspective then the average halfling. "It was most beautiful, Bird-eee. I am glad we came, though your friends seem angry at you."

"Oh, they'll get over it, Kali. They always do. Here!" Birdie reached and plucked a yellow flower from a wildly climbing vine growing over an old crumbling wall. "Cities are indeed wonderful, but here is one of the true wonders of Middle Earth. It's called a rose. Smell it."

Kali held the rose to his face and sniffed tentatively, then with obvious delight. "It is beautiful! I have never smelled anything like this!"

"It's a yellow rose. That symbolizes friendship in the language of roses" explained Birdie."

Kali cradled the rose in his webbed hands, "I will keep it forever."

"Oh, Kali, you can't keep a rose forever. It will wither and die in short time. You can only keep the memory."

"Then the memory I will keep forever." declared the hobrim firmly. "Here, Lee-Van-to. Smell the rose."

But Levanto was not looking at the rose in the cart. He was craning his neck, looking back at the wall where the dozens of wild, yellow climbing roses was clinging. "Birdie, stop the cart, go back to that wall!"

Birdie pulled up the pony and looked back over her shoulder. "Do you see it! Back up!" urged the Mer-Man

Birdie carefully coaxed the pony to inch back to the crumbling wall. The first level of the city was, obviously, the first to be built, and the age of the wall testfied to that. It had guarded the house of some noble or sheltered lady in days long gone, but the ages showed the effects, even on such well-sculpted stone. The people of Minas Anor had done much to restore the city since the end of the war, but parts of the first level were still sadly neglected.

"There! Do you see it?" Levanto pointed to a carved bit of stone peaking through the vines. It was a face. A strikingly familiar face.

The three in the cart stared at the carving, then Birdie got down from the cart and started pulling more and more of the twining vines away and down from the wall, disregarding the thorns buried in the leaves. An ancient bas-relief carving was revealed as more of the branches were pushed back.

It was a carving of a ship, proudly riding the waves. Figures of mariners and passengers could be seen on the deck, one standing at the prow and pointing towards an Eastern sun. A star was carved on the single, stone sail.

Mer-folk could be seen riding the bow waves looking up at the lordly, but small band of Men and Women standing at the rails of the ship. One imitated the gesture of the Man on the prow, also pointing towards the East.

Behind the ship, dwarving it, yet protecting it, was the figure of a Valar. The familiar symbols and features of Ulmo, as he had been represented by artists through the ages. It was a work by an master carver, long hidden by the forces of nature, and in surprisingly fine condition.

But it was not the skill of the artist that held the eyes of all in the cart. It was two small figures who rode the waves at the feet of Ulmo, their arms raised towards the ship, (whether in entreaty or farewell could not be told.)

A male and a female. And the male bore a striking resemblence to Kali.

[ July 08, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC-- I erased the earlier post and put this later in the story line with some editing.

Child was standing at the end of the gangplank as the four chastened sightseers returned to the vessel chaparoned by Mithadan. She didn't know whether to embrace them or throw something at their heads. Child was about to do the latter when she noticed how silent and thoughtful they were. So she held back her hand and tongue.

Child immediately asked where Rose and Pio were. Mithadan briefly explained what had happened in the Inn and how Piosenniel now sought for Rose.

Mithadan came up to Child and, with hesitation, explained the strange bas relief the four had uncovered on the tumbling, ancient wall.

"So this," thought Child, "is why they are all so quiet. Not even what happened in the Inn, but their discovery of that strange work of art."

Child felt it was time she shared her part of the story. She explained to the group about the unknown Elf in the Library and his presence on the dock. Mithadan was able to add his own observations to her comments.

Finally, Child built up her courage to get to the strangest point of all. She really did not feel comfortable discussing this, but she felt she had no choice. Perhaps, it was nothing, or perhaps it did mean something. It was not her place to judge.

So she quietly spoke of her vision from the Ailundale and the words of Eru.

Birdie and Veritas looked frankly credulous as she recalled her experience. Mithadan looked her steadily in the eye and said nothing, gving no indication whether he believed her or not.

Suddenly, Angara turned and came to stand by Child. The dragon softly growled, "Believe what you want, but Child speaks the truth. You know not half of what you have taken upon your shoulders. And if you take my two riddles to be the beginning and end of your path, do not be so sure. For even I have seen more than I have spoken to you, and there is much beyond this which is still unknown to me."

The group stood silent. All that Child could hear was the flapping of the limp sails, and the banner fluttering overhead. She walked over to the stern to watch the setting sun, a sight she found familiar and comforting.

[ July 08, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Late afternoon had moved to evening, and from her hiding place, Pio watched her pursuer, for that is how she thought of him now, approach the guardhouse and speak with the posted sentries. She noted that his presence caused no alarm to them, that after only a few moments he passed into the passageway leading to The Citadel.

As he strode into the tunnel, a party of three emerged, talking and laughing as they came. Three hobbits! Two males and a young girl, her cloak on against the chill of evening, its hood obscuring her face from view.

Pio recognized the merry voice. It was Rose!

She watched as Rose made her farewells to one of the hobbits, and he turned back toward the tunnel and was gone. Listening intently, she heard the other hobbit offer to see Rose safely to where she was staying.

Alarmed that the all too trusting hobbit might accept his offer, Pio stepped forth from the shadows, hailing her.

'Rose! Here I am! I've come to walk you home!'

Hasty introductions were made, and the hobbit, assured by Rose that this indeed was one of her friends, bid her farewell.

'Oh, Pio,' exclaimed Rose in delight, 'you'll never guess who I've seen!'

Pio pulled the hobbit quickly into the tunnel without answering, and hurried her through to the fifth tier, keeping in shadow when she could. Rose protested the haste and the elf drew her into the deeper darkness of an alley.

'There is danger here.', whispered Pio. 'Another of my kind followed me as I came to find you. He passed into The Citadel, seeking something or someone. We need to get back to the ship quickly before he thinks to follow again.'

Rose nodded her silent assent. The two companions strode quickly through the tiers and made their way cautiously to the ship.

Once on board, Pio knelt before the hobbit and helped her off with her cloak. Smiling at her, she said, 'Now Mistress Rose, tell me, how came you to be with two such handsome hobbits, and who did you see?'

[ July 09, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child was again relieved to see Piosenniel and Rose climbing on to the vessel. She briefly gave a welcome to them, and then backed away, as they seemed to be wrapped in some lengthy discussion.

Child went down to the lower deck and found Kali rummaging about in the ship's galley to begin preparing dinner. She offered to help with the food preparation, and the two were soon engaged in a lively conversation.

Kali went on at great length about the wonderful sights he had seen. He was so happy and animated that Child almost forgave Bird for her foolish sightseeing stunt.

With so many new provisions on board, it looked as if dinner would be a decided improvement over their most recent meals, when the ship's supplies had been so depleted. As Kali prepared the food, he was going on with great glee, waving a kitchen knife in the air to punctuate a description of the proprietor in the inn and the response of Leventro to his story.

Then he came to the point in his tale where the strange bas relief had been discovered. Kali seemed quieter now and more thoughtful. Child sensed a moment when she could direct the conversation to a subject that had been of great interest to her for some time. She decided now was as good a time as any to bring up he subject of Kali's own family.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child began her conversation, "What did you think of that strange and ancient piece of art?"

Kali looked up and smiled, "Very, very old. This was kind of ship my mother said came from long ago." Then he fell silent.

"Kali," continued Child, "did your family pay special homage to Lord Ulmo? I had a feeling from the picture itself and how your face looks now that Ulmo must be special to you."

"Oh, yes, yes," the hobbrim continued, his voice filled with excitement. "Mother and Grandmother teach Kali stories about Ulmo. He is special friend to the hobbrim. Make our bodies good for swimming in the Sea."

"Do you remember any stories?" she continued.

"A few, only a few. Mother and Grandmother tell stories when I am little. Tell how water rise and only a little land left. Later, Ulmo come and tell us we must hide. Water good for hiding. Ulmo ask for brave hobbits who want to learn how to live in water."

He turned to her with pride in his face. "Hobbits who are Stoors already love water so we are brave. My family and others are Stoors. Water hide us and keep us safe."

Kali lowered his voice, "Some hobbits afraid of water but this silly. Even Elves sometimes wrong. They think only Fallohides go on adventures, but that not true. This time, Stoors brave and do what Ulmo say. Ulmo choose us special. Great Valar say we are chosen to do something important, but very far away in distant age."

Child asked quietly, "Where and when did this happen?"

Kali shook his head in response, "Do not remember, many years ago, before mother and grandmother born, very long ago."

"So you were all together, all the hobbits, and your particular family and friends who were Stoors said 'yes' when Ulmo came to make you special?" Child probed.

"No, it was not like that. Most hobbits already gone away but some left behind. Maybe four or five big families. We stay and meet Ulmo because we love the Sea."

Then Kali brightened, "I remember, Ulmo tell us to sail east, east into Bay of Belfalas. And he give big promise. He say some others will be like us someday! I, Kali, want to find others."

Child looked up startled at Kali's remark about a Valar asking living beings to sail towards the east. This was very strange. Why would Ulmo ask the hobrim to sail east? In every other tale she knew Elves and Men, were asked to go west towards the Light. And what was this about the promise of other hobbrim?

Before she could ask Kali the rest of her questions, at least some of the answers came pouring out of his mouth. "Ulmo say, for a little while, our families hide in shadows, nice shadows of the ocean, instead of coming into the Light. He say we go east because we wait for ship to come, ship with a single star. Ship important. Have something to do that is special. You, Child, your friends, bring this ship."

"Mother and Grandmother tell how our group of hobbrim got smaller and smaller over the years. They tell Kali he will be only one left. When Grandmother and Mother die, I am sad. Sad and alone. Before Mother die, she say to go find others. The stories will light my way."

"Kali brave because he must remember stories. Stories make hobbrim who we are. Other hobbits on land lose stories, but not Kali. Kali remember. And now I tell you stories, and you help me. Now you and your friends part of stories too. Now you chosen like me."

Calm and confident, Kali looked into Child's eyes with a sentiment that was surely kin to "estel".

[ July 09, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

A small group had gathered round Rose to hear of her adventure. Veritas and Bird urged her on, wanting her to expand on every detail. They envied the sights and sounds she had gleaned that day. She was a good storyteller and kept them hanging with every tidbit she doled out.

Pio sat apart from the group, half listening to the ebb and flow of questions and story, her thinking focused on other concerns. That elf weighed heavily on her mind.

A glance to her left brought the figure of Mithadan into view. He was dressed all in black and making his way to the gangplank,as if he meant to leave the ship. He moved silently, and as he strode through the shadows of the ship's deck he seemed to disappear altogether, reappearing only briefly when he chanced to walk through a puddle of bright moonlight.

Pio rose stealthily from her place and followed him to the gangplank, reaching to touch his arm. She stepped back quickly when he turned to face her, his eyes hard.

'Before you leave, I must needs tell you something.' she said quietly to him. He nodded his grim assent.

She told him of her going up through the tiers of the city to find Rose. That as she paused to wait in the shadows of the sixth tier, she saw an elf come hurriedly through the entrance tunnel and look about him as if in pursuit of someone. And that she felt he had been following her. Her next words brought a certain chill to his features.

'I had expected him to turn round and go back through the tunnel as he did not see me,' she said, 'but instead he spoke with the sentries, who greeted him with some familiarity, and passed through to The Citadel.'

[ July 09, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Mithadan]

Mithadan nodded grimly. "I am aware of this Elf. Child met him in the library, if indeed it is the same person. Then I saw him at the Tavern staring at Kali and Levanto. Angara believes he bears watching and so do I. And to that end, I will take a turn exploring the city. But first I will tarry in the area of the docks to see if he appears again. With Kali safe on board and Levanto back in his watery home, I will not hesitate to 'force' a meeting with our footpad."

He gestured back to the foredeck where Rose and the others were chatting animatedly. "They must not leave the ship without our knowledge again. There is a new game afoot and until we understand the rules and the objectives we cannot risk any more carefree 'adventures'."

[Rose Cotton]

Rose told her audience about how she had met Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took and how they had taken her to see the famous king.

"He is just as the stories say. He really looks and acts the way a king should. I asked him to let us have a private conversation. Just him, Merry, Pippin, and me. I told them about our company. What our past adventures have been and what we now seek." As soon as Rose said this everyone became silent. They looked worried. "They have promised to, for the presant, keep this a dead secret. And some of us can go meet with Aragorn tomorrow and we can work somthing out. He could possible give us aid."

Rose waited for the crowd around her to praise her efforts.

[GreatWarg]

The sentries at the Citadel had agreed to keep a sharp watch for mysterious, or untrustworthy-looking folk. Though the term 'mysterious' seemed to apply to himself as well. Khelek had wandered around Minas Tirith, several times catching sight of folk he knew had come with the two hobbit lasses he had met in the library earlier. They all carried the same air of mystery and knowledge of long-forgotten events that even the wisest lore-masters did not know.

The Elf was a common sight indeed in Minas Tirith, for he was a lore-master whom often visited and would give counsel to the Lords of the West. Faramir had been a most interesting young Man, loving lore and eager to learn more. King Elesser's time marked the end of the knowledge of Elves, though they were still preserved in the hordes of scrolls in the library. "And in that library contains the information about the fall of Numenor," the Elf sharply reminded himself.

[Mithadan]

The shadows of the docks concealed Mithadan well. But after a few hours passed without the appearance of any person more unsavory than a drunken sailor, he resolved to again enter the city. Khelek, if the Elf who Piosenniel had encountered was indeed Khelek, had last been seen entering the citadel itself, but that had been nearly ten hours before.

Upon entering the city's second circle, he inquired of a passerby what inns or taverns might be frequented by the elder race. He was given three names and set off to find the nearest; Lasgalen, The Green Wood.

[GreatWarg]

Khelek slowly wound his way to a tavern called 'Lasgalen, The Green Wood.' Though it was midnight, there were still folk on the streets, and in the many inns and taverns there were still many a folk gossiping and trading news. Elves normally preferred sleeping under the stars, but a sudden deep longing for the Sea had erupted within the Elf and could not be quenched when he had seen 'The Lonely Star.' The music of the Valar was tempting him to leave Middle-earth. "Not yet," the Elf sighed sadly, looking at the Stars of Elbereth. "There is still much to do before I go West.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child sat in her tiny cabin below deck, perched on her bed, with books and papers again spread around her. This was beginning to be her customary pose.

Child was stll trying to make some sense out of what Kali had told her. Sometimes she felt that she was unravelling an onion. One layer would be stripped away, and there were ten more underneath. Indeed, she had later asked Kali where the main group of hobbits had gone, when his own family and friend had been left behind on the little piece of land. He had merely shaken his head and told her that he did not know.

Child had not yet had time to share Kali's information with her friends. Perhaps, that would come later. She felt that it was particularly important Mithadan be given whatever scraps of ancient lore she could unearth, even if the meaning of these tales was not yet certain to her. She wrote a hurried note to summarize what Kali had said and slipped it inside her belt. She reminded herself to slip it under his door later that evening.

Rose had spoken excitedly of her meeting with Lord Merry and Pippin and then of her private session with the king. Child had to admit that she had felt a twinge of regret. It sounded far more exciting to be out meeting great figures of lore than hunting and scraping about in dusty scrolls.

Perhaps she could go out tomorrow and meet Aragorn. That, however, was unlikely. She needed to go back to the Minas Tirith library and search again for clues. That strange Elf might even be there.

She was about to bury her head back into her books, when the figure of Angara appeared in her door frame, totally filling it. The dragon tucked her head down and came tumbling into the room.

He quipped to her quite sharply, "Read any good riddles lately?" and then he disappeared.

[Mithadan]

Lasgalen was an inn housed in a two story building crafted of white stone. Outside its door stood large planters in which white and blue flowers grew. As he approached the air became filled with the scent of fresh baked bread and spiced meats. He slipped through the open door and looked about at a common room lit by hanging lanterns and cnadles atop the several tables. Brightly coloured tapestries decorated the walls.

Several elves and a number of men filled the tables and the quiet murmur of conversation barely obscured the sound of someone playing a harp. He made his way to the bar and chose a seat from which he could see the entire room. He ordered a cup of chilled wine as he discreetly examined the faces of those at the tables.

He had nearly finished his wine when Khelek entered the room. Their eyes met and the Elf appeared to consider leaving for a moment. Then he shrugged and approached Mithadan at the bar.

"Well met," said Mithadan. "Perhaps you might join me for some quiet conversation?" Somehow, his voice made the polite request seem like a demand.

[Rose Cotton]

Rose was happy to see that no one was angry at her for having told their secrets. But the fact that she had not seen Child at all for a long time put a damper on her spirits. She asked around and was told the the hobbit was down working. So Rose went down to them.
"Child?" she looked up at Rose quickly before looking back down at her work. "Child, you will be coming with us tommorow, won't you?'

"I might Rose, but I have to find out what happened to the hobrim. I will probably have to go the library again."

"Oh come on Child!" pleaded Rose " Please! Aragorn could help us. And he will be able to aid our cause better if we can give him all the information we have. And NO ONE has looked into this more then you. He even invited Kali to go to him. Take your nose out of your books and come have some fun. You never know, we may see Faramir..."

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen leaned forward to listen to Rose.
"Could we really go and see the King?"
Rose nodded. "Come along with us"
Celeaewen smiled broadly.
"I'd love to!"

<<i hope no one minds if i am accompaning you to see Aragorn. if its a problem, I'll edit this out>>

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child flashed a warm smile at her friend. She was secretly pleased Rose had remembered her in all her adventures.

Child laughed and then replied, "I can not promise, but I will not say no. We will see whether Mithadan discovers anything tonight, and how things spin out tomorrow. Perhaps, there is some way I can satisfy both my obligations in the library and my curiosity to meet such a great King."

"Although the look Mithadan gave us as he departed this vessel was not encouraging. I would not count on him letting anyone off this ship, other than to forage through dusty and ancient scrolls."

"In fact, Rose, if there is any question about your leaving," Child lowered her voice, "I would definitely advise you to volunteer for the task of assisting me in the library, as this is the one way we can manage to squeeze in an adventure without too many questions from Mithadan!"

"Yet before we can say for certain, we must wait to see if anything happens tonight with this strange Elf."

And this time, Child silently pledged, even if we manage to meet Aragorn, I won't leave Rose roaming through the streets, but make certain she returns to the ship!

[piosenniel]

Pio had been quite busy since the departure of Mithadan. She enlisted Angara to patrol the deck with her, promising that she would trade riddles with her and listen to her songs of the 'old days'. She could almost see the wyrm puff up like a pleased music teacher when she agreed to sing a Lay or so with her.

'We need to sing quietly, though.' she admonished the dragon. 'The others will be sleeping soon, I hope.'

'You mean to make a night of this, don't you?' asked Angara.

'Yes, the ship will be safe and all our precious "cargo" will be safe, also.'she replied. 'Now, please watch the exits from the deck while I speak with Levanto.'

Entering silently into the inky waters below the Star, she called softly. 'Levanto! Are you there?'

A ripple of water beat soft against her back and she turned, just in time to see him surface.

'Nice night for a swim!' he said in a hushed voice. 'May I join you?' The starlight sparkled in his merry eyes.

'Not tonight, sweet sea-prince,', she replied, in a flattering tone. 'I have a favor to ask of you.'

'Ask away, lady mine!', he replied in kind. 'I am yours to command.'

'Well, then, here's my plan.' she said, cozying up to him to seal the agreement, and began to talk to him of patrolling the waters about the ship to keep it safe tonight. And if anyone tried to enter or leave the ship by water, then he was to net them and bring them to her.

She climbed back to the deck and shook off the water as much as possible. There was a gentle, warm breeze playing up from the harbor to the land, and she hoped it would have her dry soon.

Sitting down in the shadows near the gangplank, she loosed her knife from her belt, and made herself as comfortable as possible to pass the night.

Angara! Come let us sing and talk. The night is long, but our memories are longer.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child lay in bed awake. She simply could not sleep. Even the ship seemed restless and unable to be silent. The timbers creaked, the ropes whined as the wind hit them, and she could still hear the noises from the docks below where men worked under the light of torches into the night loading and unloading provisions in preparation for the early morning departure of a vessel. It was quite unlike the time they had spent on the open Bay, when the silence of the night had been absolute and pure.

A small knock came to her door. It was Kali wearing a nightshirt and small candle in hand to guide him through the dark passages of the ship.

"Kali can not sleep. Heard noises so knew you were awake too." the little one whispered.

Child laughed, "Yes, I am having trouble closing my eyes, just as you are. Let's sit here and talk a bit."

Kali and Child went through a range of topics, most of them relating to the magnificent sights the hobbrim had seen the day before.

Then, they went on to play a game with words. One would suggest a word, and the other say what it made them think of. They managed to finish a number of words, many of them related to eating or things a hobbit might do at a party. They were both laughing and feeling much better. Kali reminded Child of her own son back home, or at least how he had been years before when he had been in his 'teens.

Without thinking what she was doing, Child started with words related to the ship. She began using terms that described the physical vessel and then moved on to those associated with sailing itself.

Again, with her mind wandering and teetering on the edge of sleep, she casually brought out the word "west." Kali shook his head and looked serious, "Not good, not good."

Child was too curious not to ask him what he meant by that.

Kali patiently replied, "I already tell you. Explained this afternoon. Ulmo say Kali's people go east, towards the Bay, and wait for ship with star. Going west not good."

The pieces of the puzzle clicked in place within Child's mind. So that is what the hobbrim had meant by clutching on to the helm and attempting to wrest it from Pio.

Child reassured Kali and explained, "Kali, I think Ulmo meant for you to wait here until we arrived. Now, however, our path of searching may take us again towards the west. And I think this is what Ulmo would have wanted. The West isn't bad. In fact, most of us believe it's very good and even special, just like you and your people are special."

Kali thought a moment, and seemed to accept Child's explanation. He went padding back to his cabin, as Child lay down to sleep.

[ July 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

Khelek sat next to Mithadan at the bar. Mithadan examined the Elf carefully, noting that he appeared to be unarmed. Khelek was raven-haired and clad in a grey tunic with light blue breeches. He wore a grey cloak with a hood that was presently hanging behind him. Khelek exhibited the agelessness typical of Elves but possessed the air of one who had dwelt in Middle Earth for time uncounted.

"I am Mithadan," said the Man. "I am a member of the Lonely Star's crew. I believe that you have made aquaintance with some of my comrades already."

"I am Khelek," replied the Elf. "Well met indeed. Yes, I met Child and Rose at the Library of this city. You and I have also crossed paths as well as the Elf maiden who accompanies you."

"We have some mutual interests, I believe," replied Mithadan.

Khelek smiled. "That is not a question, is it? Yes, I have some interests in Hobbits and Hobrim. It appears our research and concerns may overlap."

"And what precisely might your interests be in this matter?" asked Mithadan. "For this is an issue of some concern to myself and my friends."

"All will be made clear soon enough," replied the Elf. "You and your fellows are invited to meet with myself and King Elessar on the morrow. Perhaps his approval of me will ease your obvious, but justifiably cautious, concerns. Good evening." With that the Elf rose and disappeared into the night.

[piosenniel]

The moon had crept in its silver course across the sky,and hung now, a slim crescent, just above Arda's western rim.

Pio lay on her back on the deck, head cradled on one arm. With the fingers of her free hand, she traced the last pale star patterns in the sky.

It was that quiet time of night, just before day, when most creatures were still lost in dreams, and even the birds had not risen to give voice to the coming light.

Angara nudged her with her tail. Elf! are you awake?

In a quick fluid movement, Pio sprang to her feet, knife in hand. What is it! Someone comes?!

The dragon chuckled. 'Relax, good elf. There's no intruder. I've thought of a good song. One we didn't sing this night.'

Pio groaned inwardly. 'There is one we didn't sing yet? Hard to believe!! Alright, then, I did promise, and you've kept your word to watch with me. But still we must be quiet and not wake the others.'

She took a drink of water and cleared her throat, while Angara hummed the tune for her.

'I remember that! An ancient song of Dark and Light as I recall. Sad, and yet triumphant in its melancholy way. Let us start in the midst of it, where lies my favorite verses.'

In a soft, clear voice the elf began.

In that vast shadow once of yore
Fingolfin stood: his shield he bore
with field of heaven's blue and star
of crystal shining pale afar.

She sang on for several lines in the same soft voice, and then her voice took on a deeper tone.

Come forth, whom earth and heaven abhors!
Come forth! O monstrous craven lord,
and fight with thine own hand and sword,
thou wielder of hosts of banded thralls,
thou tyrant leaguered with strong walls,
thou foe of Gods and elvish race!
I wait thee here. Come! Show thy face!

Picking up the song in a darker tone, Angara sang.

Then Morgoth came. For the last time
in those great wars he dared to climb
from subterranean throne profound,
the rumour of his feet a sound
of rumbling earthquake underground.

Her voice trailed off, as she and Pio noted the two figures who had quietly crept to the top of the stairs to listen.

'Oh, don't stop!' cried Child. 'It's a grand song, and one I have not heard before. Please go on! One question though - what is it called and from where does it come?'

'It is called "The Lay of Leithian".' said Pio.

'And,' added Angara, smiling at her as if to share a secret, 'it is a lay from Beleriand.'

Kali crept closer to Child, his eyes wide.

[ July 10, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Mithadan]

"Now where were we?" said Piosenniel. "Oh, yes...

Then Morgoth came. For the last time
in those great wars he dared to climb
from subterranean throne profound,
the rumour of his feet a sound
of rumbling earthquake underground."

At that moment, a figure clad entirely in black appeared at the top of the gangway with a cloak billowing in the breeze like wings of shadow. Kali shrieked and hid behind Child. Angara unfurled her wings and stepped forward with a snarl. Piosenniel drew a knife and stepped forward to meet the stranger.

The dark figure reached up and pulled back his hood. The dim lantern light revealed the face of Mithadan who stepped wearily forward to take a seat on a barrel.

"Mithadan!" cried Child. "You did give us a fright! Did you find Khelek? What did he say?"

Mithadan looked at Rose with a faint grin. "I hope that you are up to some more sewing, Mistress Rose," he said. "It appears that we are in the need of some finery. But it appears you will get your wish and see the King again."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child breathed a sigh of relief. She and Rose would not have to slip out and skulk about the streets to set up a secret meeting. It appeared they were to have an official audience with the King. But before there were any thoughts of a new dress or skirt, something else needed to be done.

Child slipped out of the group as Mithadan left the deck. She extended her arm to his shoulder and gently guided him to the rail for a private conversation.

"Mithadan, I have a great favour to ask when we go to see the King. Is it possible to request that Aragorn set up a meeting for us with Lord Faramir before we leave Minas Tirith? This meeting needs to include at least myself and Kali, although I'd be very happy if others decided to come as well."

Mithadan looked slyly at Child, "Mistress Goodchilde, I thought you had reached the age when a handsome face no longer turned your eye so quickly."

Child laughed softly, but shook her head, "No, it isn't that. Kali is having dreams of a great flood. I can only assume that these dreams focus on the kingdom of Numenor. I am aware that Lord Faramir has had a number of visions as well. Perhaps, if the two could speak, or if Faramir could ask the hobbrim questions, Kali may remember things which he has not yet revealed to us."

Child then went ahead and explained to Mithadan what Kali had told her about his ancestors. She told how he and his friends had been separated from the other hobbits, and how they believed Ulmo had called to them to begin living in the Sea. Then she spoke the sad tale of how the little group had sailed east and, over the years, dwindled in numbers until he alone was left. Mithadan appeared thoughtful and said, "We shall see. It is not a bad idea."

[ July 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

Rose worked long that night, hurriedly preparing clothing for all. The next morning, a messenger arrived bearing a note inviting the crew to an audience before the King Elessar. Rose, clad in a purple dress adorned with white lace, knocked on Mithadan's door. She handed him a parcel with a smile. "Not purple, I hope," he said with a dubious look at the package. "No, silly," replied Rose. "That wouldn't match your eyes." Mithadan blinked in surprise as he rarely considered his eyes when selecting clothing.

Rose had prepared for him a white shirt, a royal blue tunic trimmed with silver, grey breeches and a matching grey cloak. He put these on (how is it that women always have a sense for size and fit) and climbed to the deck, where he was greeted by Angara. "Very pretty," she said. "And what shall I wear? Perhaps a bandana round my throat?"

"Your skin would be beautiful enough," replied Mithadan. "But I am still unsure of your welcome. It would be best, I think, if you remained here. Besides, who would be left to rescue us if the sole purpose of the invitation were to arrest the lunatic 'time travellers'?"

"I doubt that we shall be arrested," laughed Rose who had come up behind him. "But, dear Angara, I fear Mithadan is right. Due to the acts of your 'cousins', dragons tend to have a poor reputation."

Angara blew an annoyed stream of smoke. "They were not my cousins. Those corrupted by the Enemy were disowned long ago. But I suppose you are correct. I will stay here while you have all the fun."

[GreatWarg]

Khelek paced in front of the door to the King's chamber. He had much on his mind; including the 'chance-meetings' with the two hobbit lasses, the man Mithadan, and the brief glimpse of the Elf among the crowd.

The sentries barely glanced at him as they stood, tall and straight, bearing the insignias of the Tower of Guard. Khelek let his eyes stray to the walls, where magnificent tapestries and statuettes decored the broad hall, and minstrels, unseen, sang sweet music at times.

Footsteps echoed from down the hall, and turning, the Elf looked upon Mithadan and his company.

[Mithadan]

As they walked towards the citadel, Mithadan turned to Rose and asked "Just how much did you tell Elessar of us? Did you portray us as seekers of knowledge concerning the Hobrim or did you tell him tales of the future and the battle against the Blue Wizards? If the latter, I suspect that we may be facing some doubt as to our truthfulness."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rose pulled on Lord Mithadan's cloak and, as he bent over, whispered into his ear. "No, I was more discreet than that, since Child has been whispering in my ear both day and night how we must keep our business to ourselves."

"I did explain how an evil mariner had seized this vessel deceiving many good people into thinking they were sailing to the Blessed West. Hearing his many lies, we vowed to overpower him and his allies which we did using both strength and the small magic which our Elves possess. I said nothing of the REG or the wizards or even of Tuor or Idril."

"I did tell the King about finding the little hobbrim and how we hope to search and seek his family. The strangest thing, of all, is that Elessar did not seem totally shocked at the words I spoke. He looked thoughtful and questioning, but nothing more than that."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Kali looked thoughtfully about the great halls and antechamber. His eyes grew wide with wonder. He had lived his entire life in the Sea. Never had he seen such beautiful objects so lovingly made by the hands of Elves, Dwarves, and Men.

Kali was, however, a bit frightened. He walked close to Child's side and actually tucked his hand into the pocket of her new dress. He felt stiff and a bit uncomfortable in the formal breeches and cloak which Rose had skillfully made for him.

As the herald announced their presence and they walked through the door, all eyes in the group were rivetted on the King who stood at the front surveying them with eyes, both gracious and stern.

All in the group, even Kali, dropped into a polite bow or curtsey to show the respect due a King who had already accomplished so much and brought life back to the land.

Elessar surveyed the group, giving a polite nod of acknowledgement to Mithadan and Khelak, and a smile to Rose. And then his eyes came to a halt.

He walked up and came before the figure of Kali. He looked into the eyes of the hobbrim and smiled.

For an instant Child thought Kali might freeze and do nothing, and that she would need to introduce him. But this did not happen.

Instead, Kali stepped forward and spoke with the lovely manners common to hobbits and hobrim:

Zirfan Aru Elessar,
(Beloved King Elessar,)

Kali, Azrubel, hobbrim.
I am Kali, lover of the Sea, a hobbrim.)

Hobbrim lai ayadda ephalak ad adun
(The hobbrim people went far away to the west.)

Kali, zaira nenud hobbrim lai.
(I, Kali, have a longing for the hobbrim folk.)

Kali continued in the common tongue so all could understand. "My friends and I seek my people. We do not know where they are, but we look. My friend Mistress Goodchilde will explain."

Child nodded and briefly explained the strange riddles and the stories Kali had shared with them. She continued, "We seek your blessing, and any tales or ancient lore you have that will aid our search."

[ July 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: This is my perspectivie of events since my last post::

Rose couldn't sleep. But not because she was uncomfterble or frightened. She was exighted about a second meeting with the king.
So when feet shuffled past her door she went to follow. It was Child and Kali going to the top deck. She went behind them to find Pio and Angara singing a lovely tune.
Then Mith came aboard the ship and anounced that they would all go to the meeting and that Rose was to make sutible garments for all.
So a happier awake Rose went to work on elegant clothing the rest of the night.

The next day as they entered the king's hall Rose could barely keep herself from jumping with joy. When she saw Khelek she was overjoyed.


Everythings going to be alright.She thought.Everyone of importance will have a great talk and all will be resolved. We'll find Kali's family and there will be nothing to worry about.

When she was asuring Mith that she had kept their business to themselves she wished they could tell the whole truth. But she knew that that could never happen and therefor should not spoil her contentment.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Aragorn looked again at Kali and directly addressed him, "Master Kali, I wish you great luck in your endeavor. I do not know what direction your ship should sail, or how to explain the strange words of these riddles or even to understand the tales that your own family has passed on."

"But I can tell you one thing which, long ago, Mithrandir spoke to me. It was after he had researched for long years into the ancient history of the realm. And I know that he looked at many scrolls in the archives of Minas Tirith."

"One evening, at a campfire, as we sat alone in the forest, he told me that there was a great deal more to hobbit history than had been remembered or recorded. And that perhaps one day, that lore would become important again. And that things that had long been forgotten would need to see the light. Or else, there would be great danger. Indeed, a danger so great that it threatened to undo that which our own fellowship accomplished in the Third Age."

"I do not know what he meant, and he refused to speak more. Only to say that we must remember the old documents at Minas Tirith and keep them safe."

"I know not if these words will help you, but since this fellow claims kinship with hobbits, I thought it might hold some value."

Then, he looked diectly at Lord Mithadan and Elf Khelek.

"Mithadan, I feel your cause is just. Is there any practical aid I can offer to you in your journey, either in the protection of your vessel or in provisions, or in those whom you wish to meet with in this city? Please speak what aid I may offer you and yours."

"And Khelak, good Elf whom I have long known, explain to me what part you bear in this, as you do not seem part of this group. Indeed, if I did not know differently, I might say there was some strangeness between these folk and you."

King Elessar, Mithadan, and the Elf Khelak drew over to the side of the chamber and began to speak privately.

[ July 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Losthuniel]

ooc: i will do my POV
Celeaewen awoke just before dawn, anxious about meeting the King. She wore her favourite dress, which she had packed, White trimmed with silver. She joined the rest of the party asthey left the ship. she was slightly uncomfortable in the big city, and was awed by the King's Hall. she was unused to splendor of this sort, prefering woods to halls. She lingerd at the back of the group, nervoius in the presence of such a legendary king.

[piosenniel]

Pio spoke with Rose as she sewed the finery for the companions. 'I thank you for your offer, Rose, but I think I may have something that will do to meet the king. Get the others dressed to your heart's content. And tell Mithadan I may be just a little late, but I will come as directly as I can.'

Rose looked askance at the elf. 'If she has a dress, it's probably stuck in her pack, and all wrinkled!', she thought to herself. 'Oh well, I guess when you're an elf, the covering doesn't matter.'

*****************

But covering did matter to Pio. She was going to see the King of this fair land today. From her pack she pulled a dress made by elven hands and shook it out. What wrinkles there were fell out quite naturally. It was of a soft velvet-like material of blues with a shimmer of white that played across it in the light, like sea foam playing on the undulation of the blue water. On her feet, soft slippers of the finest leather in dark blue. She combed her fingers through her dark mass of wanton curls, arranging them as best they would allow. Upon her forehead she placed a fillet of mithril, set with a green stone, the color of the glassy sea.

'Well, that's the best I can do,' she said to no one in particular as she looked in the small mirror in her room.

As a last precaution, she pulled up the skirt of her dress, and attached her knife in its scabbard just below her right knee.

Running up stairs, she checked to make sure the others had all left, then pulled a medium sized soft leather purse from off her shoulder and opened the top.

Stay small and quiet! she whispered, as if to herself. Striding hurriedly, she ascended toward the citadel.

The audience was already in session when the guards admittted her to the room. She stayed near the back, watching and listening intently.

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Birdland]

Birdie was unaccountably shy about meeting with the King of all Middle-Earth. So she morphed into Neeker-Breeker form and hitched a ride in Child's pack, trying carefully not to "neek-breek" at inappropriate moments.

[piosenniel]

The Elf looked up when Pio entered the room and considered her closely.

She looked at him coolly in return, no flicker of emotion betrayed her uneasy mind. Moving to a tall table set against the wall, she placed her purse upon it, arranging it strategically so that it seemed to survey the room. She turned back to track the movements of the Elf, but only the King and Mithadan remained speaking, heads close together, looking at a document before them.

She heard him move near her, though his steps were light. 'Well met, Master Elf!', she said aloud, turning to extend her hand toward him, more a gesture asking him to advance no further than of common courtesy.

Mithadan, had glanced her way on hearing her greeting and excusing himself from the King, strode her way to head off any confrontation.

'This is Khelek.', he said, indicating the Elf, who nodded his head in affirmation.

'And Khelek, this is the Lady Piosenniel, daughter of Elurìn the son of Dior, and great-great-granddaughter to Thingol Grey-cloak, Lord of Doriath.'

Khelek's eyes widened slightly for a brief moment. Recovering himself, he greeted her in the manner of his kind.

Mithadan excused himself, to finish his conversation with the King. Though before he left, he leaned close to her ear and asked that she not use the knife he knew she had somewhere about her to emphasize any points.

'Let us skip the niceties of first meetings.' she said to Khelek. 'Our time here is short,' she continued, indicating the companions, 'and since I see now that you are in the good graces of both the King and Mithadan, I should like to ask you some questions.'

Khelek perceived this to be more of the nature of a statement than a request, and indicated she should continue.

'First, who are you and from where do you come. Second how come you here inquiring of the hobrim - how is it that you know of them? Third, what is it you intend to do with the information that you find. Fourth, do you think to aid or hinder us.'

He made as if to answer, but she stopped him once again with her hand. 'Consider well your answers, Khelek. Come to the Lonely Star this evening and speak with us.'

She turned and walked quickly away from him toward the table where she had left her purse. It seemed to be emitting the occasional puff of smoke. She picked it up and hurried out the chamber door and down toward the gate to the city, leaving the elf staring after her in consternation.

'Is she always so abrupt?' he asked Child who had come up to him.

'Well, she is alway one to get right to the point of things.' said Child. 'Oh and speaking of getting to the point, since you have the ear of the King, will you be able to get us an interview with Faramir tomorrow?'

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

'Hmmmph!', came the muffled voice from her purse as the elf made her way to the dock. 'That was a pointless trip. You didn't even get to meet Aragorn!' Angara poked her snout out from under cover for a breath of fresh sea air.

'I only wanted to see him, & how he fared now that he's come into his own. The less we make entanglements in his Age, the better things will be I think.' She gently pushed the dragon's snout back under cover and nodded at a passerby who looked askance at her as if she'd gone slightly mad.

They reached the ship at last. Angara hopped out once they came on deck and stretched her wings while Pio went below to change her clothes.

Once more in comfortable breeches, a soft shirt, and barefooted, the elf seated herself on the deck and called Angara to her. The day was warm, and she wished for a breeze to bring some relief. Taking a small notebook left behind by Child, she fanned herself lazily.

'Angara,' she said, after a comfortable period of silence, 'I have a problem that only you may be able to help solve.'

The dragon looked up, in interest.

'I fear this quest is as becalmed as any ship on such a windless day. Will you help to move it onward?'

'And what is it you need from me, elf?'

'For myself, nothing, but for the sake of the other companions who seek to aid the hobrim, we need your riddles.'

The dragon eyed her. 'Can you not speak plainly to them, Pio?'

'You know I can't! They must find their own answers, in their own way.'

'Then, yes, I will help them.' said Angara, turning the riddles over in her mind.

Pio looked toward the West where Tuor's ship lay anchored.

Will you not aid them, Idril? she thought.

When they have found the right questions, Pio, then let them come to me.

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Rose Cotton]

As Mith spoke with Aragorn Rose watched the the king. At his movements and features. She wanted to keep this memory. Tuck it away in her mind and bring it out again when she choosed. But she still saw when Pio entered and then left the hall. She noticed the purse and immedietly knew what lay inside. She was glad Angara got a chance to see the city and the hall.

When Rose looked back at the men they had finnished and were coming back to join the others.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Piosenniel had left to return and keep watch over their vessel. It was not good to leave a ship unguarded in a city such as Minas Tirith. Anyone might venture on and steal provisions or even personal belongings.

It was true that the King had returned much peace and securty to the kingdom. Still, it was a large city with people pouring in from all over Middle-earth, and one could not be too careful in Child's humble opinion.

Child, however, decided to remain in the chamber with Kali and Rose and the others until Mithadan had finished his counsel with the King. She wanted to hear from Mithadan how he had fared in his conversations and whether they could expect additional help to come from that direction. She also felt reponsible for Kali's well-being. He had refused to leave until he heard something more concrete from Mithadan or the King.

What Elessar had spoken concerning Mithrandir and the history of the hobbits did not surprise Child. She knew that the earliest known date in hobbit history was 1050 of the Third Age, only some 2,000 years before the saga of the Ring. Yet she also knew, in her heart, that there had to have been something more ancient than that. But she had never, in her most wild imaginings, thought that this something might involve Numenor and the Seas to the West.

The heralds provided some small refreshment for their group as they waited for the ending of the conference. Child sat and ate. It was truly good, but her mind was not on the surroundings or even her meals. As so often was her custom, she sat in one age and thought back on the affairs and dreams of another time and place.

Strangely enough, she kept hearing in her mind the strange lay of Beleriand which Angara had been singing on the ship. Pio seemed to be familiar with the tune and words. Child vowed to remember to ask her friend to teach her the verses to the Lay.

Such a dark and monstrous time, Child thought. Somehow, those tales seemed even more frightening than those of Numenor. Perhaps it was beause they were so very ancient.

Child laughed. Whenever she read the Silmarillion about Beleriand or heard such tunes, she had an instinctive desire to turn about to find her hobbit hole and go crawling into it very quickly! She remembered when Uncle Bilbo had taught her the Elvish histories from the translation he had done. Even he had confided to her that the tale of Morgoth's doings in Beleriand and the great earthquakes and water brought both wonder and discomfort.

Child laughed. She was very glad that she was not alive then.

Khelak had returned into conference with Lord Mithadan and the King. Child was thankful that Pio had raised her voice and demanded that the Elf come to the ship and explain all to them in person. For whatever, Mithadan or the King might say, she would not trust Khelak until she heard some words of explanation out of his own mouth. She tuned her ears and thoughts on the three men talking and thought she heard Khelak explaining to Mithadan that he would offer them all the details of his involvement, beyond that which they had just discussed, when he actually boarded their ship as guest.

Child also was glad that Pio had mentioned to the Elf about the need for a conferece with Faramir. For truly, that was her first concern. She had already raised the question with Lord Mithadan as well.

Now, she thought, if only they would hurry with their conference and let us know what has happened. Then she saw signs that the men had finished their talk and were starting to approach. Child waited with anticipation.

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

They had been lying indolently in the shade for some time when the imperative words of the dragon cut through the silence.

'Elf! Take up your pen!'

'Your wish is my command, O Wingèd Terror!' Pio scrambled to find one of Child's many writing instruments and borrowed a few sheets of vellum. She sat before the dragon in readiness. 'Now what exactly am I to be writing?', she inquired.

'I propose to leave them a series of clues.'

#1

Awakened, they came West. For it was Ulmo, himself, who put the longing in their hearts, that they might fulfill their part in the design.

#2

Came they, then, by his hidden rede,to the foot of steep hills, and these hills made a great circle wherein lay a wide plain, and set therein, not rightly at the midmost but rather nearer to that place where they stood, was a great hill with a level top, and upon that summit rose a city in the new light of the morning.

'Should I put that in quotes?!' chided Pio. 'It sounds very familiar.'

'It's from those series of untold tales, as you well know.' said Angara. 'I think, as an elder creature I might take some liberties in using them.'

'As you wish!', said Pio, smiling.

#3

Where have we come, they asked their unseen guide, and he replied: Rejoice that you have found it, for behold before you the City of Seven Names where all who war with Melko may find hope.

#4

What be those names? 'Tis said and 'tis sung:
Stone Song; City of the Dwellers in Stone; Garthoren - Fenced Fort; Loth-a-laden - Lily of the Plain; Gwarestrin - Tower of the Guard; Ardholen - the Fenced Realm; Ondolindë - The Rock of the Music of Water.

'Hmmm . . . I don't recall that exact list.' mused Pio.

'Well, I try to keep my eyes and ears open to new interpretations as they come up.' explained Angara.

#5

The Capture

Lo! The sun had set and all was dark, a new light suddenly began, and a glow there was, but it was beyond the northward heights, and men marvelled, and there was a thronging of the walls and battlements. Then wonder grew to doubt as that light waxed and became redder, and doubt to dread as men saw the snow upon the mountains dyed as it were with blood. And thus it was that the fire-serpents of Melko came down upon the city.

The dragon's voice had stopped; she shook her head in sorrow.

'That is enough for now.' she said. 'Post them about the ship where they will be easily seen.'

'And Pio, get your map case out.'

[piosenniel]

OOC: I'm posting this as a link - the map is too big to post on the thread space.
****************************************

Pio searched through her case for the needed map. 'Ah, here it is!'

She unrolled it and marvelled once again at it's beauty and detail:
MAP OF BELERIAND
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5b/c5/47/5bc547882b387f626beeb7ba29db12fa.jpg)
Then rerolling it carefully she placed it close at hand and waited for the others to return.

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Mithadan]

The King Elessar summoned Mithadan and Khelek to the side where they spoke quietly.

"Khelek," said the King. "You are well known to me from even before I took up the Sceptre of Annuminas and the Crown of Gondor. I do not believe that you mean any ill to the Hobrim or their cousins from the Shire. Yet the words of Gandalf move me to caution. So I ask from whence your interest in the Hobrim arises. Maybe in this way, the doubts of my guests may be allayed."

"My Lord," began Khelek. "You are wise to heed the cautions of Mithrandir, who I also knew. And when I came upon these Hobbits researching precisely the same matters in your libraries, I was also alarmed. For in my travels I came across stories and ancient lays dating from ages past dealing with Halflings, which warned that within that race was held the key to the destruction of great evil but that even after that evil might be destroyed danger yet abides for the Halflings also hold the key to reviving such evil. Little more do I know, but I am now satisfied that Mithadan and his friends should hear what I have to say and should receive my aid."

Aragorn looked long at the Elf who met his eyes unwaveringly. Then he nodded. "Mithadan, if I be any judge of these matters then I believe that you should accept Khelek's aid. He has not before been a worker for evil and he is not now. But what would you have of me now? Such assistance as I may give to your quest is yours. Indeed, I consider this a payment of a debt for rarely indeed have new things arisen under the sun and you have given me a chance to see one such thing, your friend Kali here."

"My Lord," replied Mithadan. "You are exceedingly generous. I will accept your advice, but as to your offer for now we need only one thing; to meet with the Lord Faramir. For it is said in the Shire by those who know these tales that when he first met Frodo and Sam he revealed to them certain dreams he had of a great wave of dark waters rising up to cover lands. It seems that Kali shares these same dreams and we hope some benefit may come of such a meeting."

"That shall be done simply enough," said Elessar with a small smile. "For Faramir is in the City today, having come but recently from Ithilien. I shall have him meet with you on your vessel, for I beleive he would also enjoy meeting Kali."

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[Mithadan]

The group walked back down toward the main gate accompanied by Khelek. Birdland suddenly morphed back into her own form giving the Elf a considerable start. He looked closely at Birdland. "A shapechanger?" he asked. Mithadan grinned wryly. "We are rather...resourceful," he responded.

Khelek took his leave. It was agreed that Child and Rose should return to the library to continue research while the others would proceed to the Lonely Star. All would meet at the Star later, hopefully joined by Khelek and Faramir.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Before Mithadan left, he leaned over to whisper a word in Kali's ear, and a smile appeared on the hobbrim's face.

He also voiced one cautionary word to Child just as she turned towards the library, "This evening, we are hoping for a visit from the Elf Kheklak who will share with us how he came to be searching on the same path we are presently on. We will, of course, offer him hospitality and dinner as well as a gracious welcome." There was a slightly harsh edge to Mithadan's voice, an underlying command that all would refrain from accusing or criticizing the Elf until he could be fully heard.

Child and Rose headed over to the Minas Tirith library to spend part of the afternoon at work. She promised to be back before Faramir's visit as it was important that both she and Kali speak with him.

The rest of the group were to spend the afternoon scrubbing, polishing, and preparing suitable refreshments for the arrival of both Faramir and the Elf. The little group made its way back to the docks, and had soon spilled out all the words and excitement to Piosenniel who awaited them aboard the ship.

The Elf smiled and said, "You may wish to take a look at some new questions Angara has posed for us. She has left them in our cabins and also posted a copy up on deck. As you swab and clean the ship, you may wish to think on these clues, and what they might mean for us."

Pio soon had the entire crew organized and hard at work, even Bird who had tried to shape shift and slip out to swim in the seas. Bird looked back at Pio. She had the strangest feeling that the Elf knew a great deal more about the dragon's words than she was actually saying.

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

It took only a short time to get the ship in order. It gleamed like a little star.

A large table had been set up on the main deck and covered with a clean white cloth. Rose and Child were to bring flowers with them when they returned from the Library. Kali, Angara, and Pio were consulting with one another over what to serve, and the little hobrim was beside himself with excitement at the possibility of cooking for his friends and the guest.

Bird had swept the last dust-bunny over the side, and was just finishing arranging some chairs for all when Pio nudged her.

'I'm hot! Are you?' whispered the elf. Bird nodded her assent.'It looks as if preparations are well in hand - Kali and Angara have taken over the menu and are working on the preparation; Rose and Child will bring the flowers; Mithadan is multi-tasking as usual - choosing suitable wines for the meal and after, & trying to decipher the clues as he goes along. Just help me hang up the last of these candle lanterns. Then what say we go for a swim?!'

'One question.' said Bird, putting a fresh candle in the lantern she held and handing it to Pio. 'Will Idril and Tuor be here?'

'I've thought about that and I don't see how it will be possible. Tuor's ship would cause a large stir were it to sail into port, and so would Anagara if she were to fly them here. I think we shall have to rely on other means of communication to keep them in the loop.'

She stored the remaining candles away and ran to the aftdeck. 'Last one in's a one-legged neeker-breeker!!' Bird followed her over the railing.

'Hey, you two!! Come back here!', shouted Mith at their falling forms. But his only answer was the trail of bubbles floating on the surface of the water.

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Mithadan]

Mithadan scowled as Piosenniel and Birdland leaped into the water. The ship was nearly ready to entertain guests but Mithadan had wanted to speak to them before Khelek arrived. He watched as they frolicked and splashed in the water, then smiled. There would be a consequence to their little flight of freedom. Faramir had arrived early.

[piosenniel]

Bird nudged Pio with her flipper. 'I hate to tell you this, but someone important has arrived.' She pointed with her dolphin nose at the small retinue of men who were accompanying someone up the gangplank.

'Well, then,' said Pio, ' there's nothing we can do but climb the rope at the stern, and see if we can make our way to our rooms without being seen. I certainly don't want to meet him in these wet clothes! Come, Bird, you'ld better change back to human.'

Hand over hand, they ascended to the stern railing.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rose and Child had spent the afternoon in the Library with absolutely no results. She had searched and searched through the papers relating to the fall of Numenor, and had found absolutely nothing.

She had returned to the ship and now stood at the gangplank with Kali and Mithadan as Faramir stepped out on the dock. Mith and Kali gracefully bowed to Lord Faramir, while Child dropped a little curtsey.

Lovely Rose was on hand and presented a little bouquet of flowers which she had picked for the occasion, asking Faramir to present them to the beautiful Eowyn when he returned to his home. Faramir smiled and took Rose's hand and placed a gentle kiss on it. Rose's eyes widened and she came perilously close to fainting there and then on the deck.

At the last minute, there was a bit of a commotion as two members of the crew, dripping wet and trying not to laugh, slid into the back row of spectators. Apparently Mithadan had taken the liberty of locking the cabin doors to ensure that everyone appear promptly on deck.

Upon seeing this strange sight, Faramir's face lit with a smile. He responded with kindness: "Indeed, it is a hot day and, if I could, I too would take a dip in the cool water."

Faramir then made proper greetings all around, and assured all that he would stay to share a meal with them. Then, everyone sat down in the shared galley area to listen to what Faramir and Kali had to say.

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Rose Cotton]

Rose was a little disapointed. Why couldn't they all hear what was to be said. But Khelak was not there yet so Rose got ready to great him. There was also those clues Angara had for them. She took her own copy and sat on the crate next to the gangplank so she could jump onto her feet as soon as the elf arrived. She didn't find any reason to be cold to him. She would make sure that he knew at least somone on the ship had full trust in the stranger.

For awhile Rose stared at the clues.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Faramir looked fondly at the small hobbrim. He had never seen anyone quite like Kali. Faramir had, however, known and respected a number of hobbits so he was not about to make the mistake of dismissing Kali as a young child.

Faramir sat next to Kali and asked him to describe his dream.

Kali responded, "First earth shake lots. Then water, lots of water, make big holes in ground. Sea rush into big holes. Some rivers die. Go down under ground. Some rivers big. Get bigger and bigger. Kali see one river change directions. Used to flow east but now go west. Valleys rise up, hills fall down. Pretty soon no more land. Only islands left. Three islands."

Lord Faramir looked thoughful and shook his head, but said nothing.

The he continued, "Kali, how often do these dreams come?"

Kali responded, "Sometimes long time no dream, then many dreams in one week. Kali frightened." He added, "Kali not only one to see. Father used to see too. Maybe even grandfather."

Faramir queried, "Were you ever in a big storm or flood in real life"

"No," Kali said. "Little storms, yes, but not like this. This huge." The hobbrim stood up and held his arms apart to indicate the fury and force of the weather.

Faramir sat forward on the edge of his seat, "Do you remember a single gigantic wave that crashed over the island? Do you remember a huge wind that blew from the West?"

Kali shook his head, "Big, big wind? No, wind blow but not that big. One giant wave that fall over island? Kali see water moving all over but no huge wage. Many waves, land breaking up, but not one wave."

Kali looked up again with a puzzled look on his face, "Island? What island? Kali didn't see any island. Not in the dream."

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

"No island?" asked Mithadan. "But land which shakes and crumbles, valleys which rise up and hills which fall, leaving three islands? That doesn't sound like Numenor. That sounds more like... Tol Morwen, Himring and... what would the third be? Maybe Haudh-en-ndingen, or Glorfindel's mound? I don't recall there being a third island."

[Birdland]

Birdie noticed Mithadan's disapproval as she leapt over the side, and flipped him a flipper in return. She didn't know if he understood the gesture, but it made HER feel better, anyway.

When the guests started to arrive, and Pio went to climb the stern rope, Birdie perversely turned away and swam off down river. Heaving a sigh, Pio let go of the rope and plunged back in. She was starting to get use to the skin-changers "moods".

a few hundred yards downriver they came upon Levanto. He had found a deep section of the river, full of the detritus of battle. Silver mail, uncorroded in the sweet water, swords and the frames of shields littered the river bed, amongst the ribs and planking of destroyed ships. And there were bones. Many, many bones. Levanto was playing a strange ball game with a half a skull, flipping it with his tail, watching it roll slowly through the water and silt, then flying ahead of it to flip it back upstream.

"Levanto, what ARE you doing?" Bird whistled in irritation.

"Studying history." replied Levanto idly. "Why are you not on board the "Lonely Star", greeting your guests, Birdland?"

"I have a problem with Authority Figures" stated Bird loftily. Levanto gave her her a silent look that spoke volumes. Bird suddenly slapped her tail in frustration.

"Scrolls and Kings and Elves and Riddles!" She whistled shrilly. "What about Kali? How will all these things help him find his people?" Birdie sped down the river and braking suddenly, slapped the skull with her flukes. It flew downriver with the current, finally hitting an upthrust rock. The three watched as the head of the unknown mariner split and settled in pieces into the mud of the bottom.

"He should be down here right now, not me. But instead he will be questioned, and grilled and riddled, with the greatest concern and gravity. And then when we discover the origins of Men, Halflings, Elves, Wizards, Ents and perhaps old Bombadil himself; then what? Push him overboard to return to his rock cave? Alone?"

Pio and Levanto floated in front of Birdie, open-mouthed and silent. She glared at them both, doing her best to draw her fixed dophin smile into a sneer. Then she shuffled her tail-fins in the river silt, drawing a random pattern that flowed away with the current.

"Where are they, Levanto?" the dolphin asked sadly.

Levanto and Pio swam over to Birdie. They would have put their hand on her shoulders, if she had had any. Levanto looked into the one black gleaming eye on the right side of Birdie's delphinic head.

"I don't know, little skin-changer. But I may have found something that will give us another clue to this riddle that seems to grow bigger than anyone here understands. Come with me."

"Levanto lead the two farther downriver, around a bend in the broad Anduin. Pointing through the murk, he lead them up to the riverbank on the south-eastern side. There was a tunnel mouth. Close to the bottom, it would never be revealed, even in the times of deepest drought.

"It goes far." Levanto said quietly, "and it goes under the city."

(O.O.C. - I have no idea what is at the other end of the tunnel. Any ideas?)

[Mithadan]

Mithadan's eyes narrowed. "Angara's riddles! They awoke in the East, for they are of the race of men and came West during the First Age, drawn by Ulmo. And like Tuor they were guided to the Hidden Realm, Gondolin, until it was overthrown by Morgoth...and then what?"

Faramir looked about in confusion. "Ulmo? Gondolin? And who is Angara?"

[Child of the 7th Age]

Everyone was having dinner with Faramir, that is everyone but Child and Birdland and Pio.

Child was below deck and, being a good hobbit, had managed to burglar her way into Piosenniel's cabin. She knew she should not be rummaging around in her things, but she did not care. The last few days, she had worked so hard at being a scholar that her brain felt as if it would explode. She needed to be a hobbit again.

All this work had established certain things. Kali's dream obviously referred not to Numenor but Beleriand. The three islands, and she had checked this on the map, were Tol Morwen, Tol Fuin, and Himling. And Angara's first riddle had definitely made reference to hiding hobbits in Numenor. She had not yet looked at Angara's second set of clues, but she promised to do that later, And she did plan to spend some time in the Minas Tirith library tomorrow. Perhaps then they could decide where to sail.

Now, however,her mind dwelt on something else. It appeared that, wherever they were going, it involved time travel. That meant using Pio's nautical and time-travel device that had originally been attached to the ship's helm.

Now Child had a theory about this device. This clever instrument had been made in the Fourth Age. She know it could convey a ship precisely and accurately from a specific place in the Fourth Age to another specific place in the Seventh Age, or it might do the same from the Fourth to the Third Age. Child was less certain, however, about its precision and accuracy when dealing with ages from the distant past.

It was one thing to deal with a world where the ideal of history operated, and quite another to deal with ages where myth and legend were the norm. History and myth were simply not the same thing, either philosophically or chronologically. The First and Second Age were definitely different from those that came later. The Third Age, she thought, might be borderline.

Child worked over an hour with the device using different dates and places, and then judging what the actual destination would have been if they had utilized these settings in real life.

Her results were astounding. It was quite clear there was a definite distortion whenever she put in very ancient dates, especially those from the First and Second Age. The device clearly showed that you could aim for a particular age and get there. But within that age, your results were variable. If you wanted to visit coastal Beleriand during the flood, for instance, you might find yourself some 50 years earlier on the River Sirion at the time of the fall of Gondolin. Or, if you wanted to go to the west coast of Second Age Numenor, you might end up in the Bay of Eldamar, Second Age, knocking on Manwe's front door. Child remembered uncomfortably how some men who had sailed unbidden to these lands had been swallowed up in the earth.

Geography and time could be mastered, but precision was definitely lacking. No matter how much research Child did, no matter how many documents she discovered, using this time travel device was a bit like playing a cardgame where every third card was a joker.

The hobbit in Child took delight in this: it was almost like playing a game. The scholar in her despaired how they would ever get to the specific place and time that they needed to be.

Child scrawled a note to Pio and another to Mith explaining all this. She left one on Pio's desk plus a note of apology for burglaring her cabin, and slid the other under Mithadan's door, which she was careful to do without picking the lock. She made a mental note to tell Veritas, Rose, and the others as soon as she had a chance. She then returned to the feast which was still going on.

Bird and Pioalso slid into the hall late and beckoned Child over to sit by them.

[ July 12, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Bird and Pio had come late to the meeting. Levanto had shown them the underwater entrance to the tunnel, but it was growing too dark for them to explore it. They agreed to let the others know of their find, and come back on the morrow to explore it.

Pio stank of river water, silt, and the myriad of decaying plants dying in the eddies. She excused herself from the party and went down to her cabin to wash and change. There was a feeling of oddness about the room, but she shrugged it off. She pulled her dress on, and smoothed it over the planes of her body. Running her fingers through her curls, she placed the silver fillet on her forehead, and went up stairs to greet Faramir.

[piosenniel]

She came on deck, and saw Mithadan speaking with Faramir, who seemed quite perplexed.

Drawing nearer, she heard the Prince of Ithilien question Mithadan: 'Ulmo? Gondolin? And who is Angara?'

She placed her hand on Mithadan's arm and asked him if he might introduce her to the guest. He did, most courteously, and then pleasantries aside, she asked them what they had been speaking of, discerning that Faramir had no idea what the dragon's clues pointed to, much less that Angara was a dragon.

'You mustn't mind Lord Mithadan's ramblings. He often thinks out loud, starting in the midst of a subject, much to our confusion. We've learned to wait until he has turned his thoughts over several times in different ways. it is then that the true clarity of his thinking comes through.'

Pio went on to explain in full the purpose of their journey to Minas Anor, what they hoped to find out about the history of the hobbits, and the clues that Angara had left for them. She could see the light of understanding dawn in his eyes, and he shook his head assent.

'A Dragon!, my Lady' he exclaimed at her explanation of who Angara was. 'Indeed, that is beyond my comprehension.' His eyes widened in delight mixed with some apprehension, as Pio called down Angara from the Mast to meet the Lord of Emyn Arnen.

The Wyrm and the Steward took an instant liking to each other. Angara was as courteous and gracious as an Old One could be, and Faramir delighted in her stories of the days long gone, and especially in her storehouse of old songs.

Pio left them to their growing friendship and drew Mithadan aside. 'Where is Khelek?' she asked him. 'I thought to see him here.'

Mithadan shook his head. 'I thought to see him here, also. Perhaps he has some pressing business that makes him late.'

'Perhaps.' she rejoined. 'But, tell me, as I came up to you and Lord Faramir, I heard you talking about Angara's clues. It seems you have them mostly figured out. Is there one that yet puzzles you?'

'It is the last one', he said. 'The clue does not go far enough --

"Lo! The sun had set and all was dark, a new light suddenly began, and a glow there was, but it was beyond the northward heights, and men marvelled, and there was a thronging of the walls and battlements. Then wonder grew to doubt as that light waxed and became redder, and doubt to dread as men saw the snow upon the mountains dyed as it were with blood. And thus it was that the fire-serpents of Melko came down upon the city."

We know that the city was sacked and destroyed in that great battle, but what does it say of the fate of the hobbits?' he asked.

'I think she meant to go further in that series of clues, but the great sadness and anger she feels at the corruption of the dragons by Morgoth stopped her. Were I to guess at what came next, it would be the story of how Tuor led the exiles from the city, and though they endured many trials and miseries, yet were they free of the dominion of Morgoth at last with the aid of Ulmo. But naught is mentioned of the hobbits in this band of wanderers, and it is in my mind that they were not as fortunate as those led by Tuor. Though, in the end, I believe that Ulmo did not abandon them, even though the earth split apart and fell from under them in the Great War of Wrath when Morgoth was thrown down and Thangorodrim broken.'

Child had drawn near during this discussion and was taking notes as the elf and man spoke.

'And what of the three islands Kali spoke about?' continued Mithadan. 'I recall Tol Morwen, where stands the Stone of the Hapless; and Himling, once Himring where the fortress of Maedhros stood; but what is the third one?'

'You recall the highlands of Dorthonion, called Taur-nu-Fuin, the forest under Nightshade when Morgoth corrupted them?, asked Pio. He nodded 'yes'. 'It is the other Western Isle, Tol Fuin, the last remnant of that region just north of Beleriand which fell under the shadow in the Dagor Bragollach, The Battle of Sudden Flame.'

'Ah! I see where this is going!' said Mithadan, rubbing his hands together, 'but if we consider what you've said to be true then what of . . .'

She laughed and stopped his further questions with a shake of her head. 'Perhaps a Man, such as yourself, can live on the sustenance of words and thoughts, but this poor elf is both hungry and thirsty. Let us join the rest of our party at the table and put aside our serious thinking for just a while.'

[ July 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Rose Cotton]

Rose was growing weary from sitting unmoving on the crates and thinking about the clues without any hope of coming up with anything. But then she felt a presence behind her. She turned to see someone coming down to the ship. It was growing dark so Rose couldn't see any of the person's features but she knew who it was.
She walked down the gangplank to meet the elf.

[Mithadan]

Rose escorted Khelek up the gangplank and brought him to the others who rose to greet him. Mithadan was somewhat relieved to discover that Faramir also knew and appeared to respect the Elf. Unsurprisingly, after a toast to the company and some initial niceties, Pio immediately engaged Khelek in conversation. Rose stayed by the two Elves occaisionaly interjecting a comment or a question. Mithadan stayed with Faramir, content to discuss matters with Khelek or hear Pio's report later.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio and Khelak were engaged in conversation. Pio's face had initially appeared strained, but seemed to relax a bit as the discussion went on. She was still leaning forward, however, and listening intently.

Child decided to leave the two of them be, at least for the moment. Child had found from experience that Pio, as an Elf, had an easier time communicating with another Elf and assessing their trustworthiness than Child herself did.

Child had tucked a copy of Angara's riddles and clues in her pocket. She pulled one out, the latest edition, and began to review it. Interesting, she thought, Gondolin seemed to be involved. But if Gondolin played a role, what about Tuor and Idril?

Child remembered the very strange look that had come over Idril's face when Kali had first described his ancestors being separated from his cousins at some point in the past. She also remembered that Idril had refused to give further information, saying that it was their task to discover the mystery without aid from her or Lord Tuor.

Child tucked her hand into her pocket to draw out a copy of the first set of riddles which she wanted to examine again. They were not there. Then Child remembered. She had left them on top of her pile of books and papers in her room. She reminded herself to get hold of them when she went back to her room.

Child looked over to the corner where Pio and Khelak sat. They were still bent together in conversation. Child wondered what they were saying, but decided to wait before going over to them.

[piosenniel]

He had a pleasant voice, she noted, and in another time she might have relished the thought of engaging him in conversation and in argument. But now his words flowed past her like a river, while her thoughts turned toward other concerns.

Most in her mind was that tunnel. It intrigued her. Yet, she had also felt, as she strained to look down its depths, a certain darkness beyond the ordinary lack of light. Bird and she must see what it held when there was time.

He had paused in mid-sentence. She looked up, saying, 'Your pardon, I was distracted for a moment. Will you say that again?'

He laughed. 'More than distracted, Piosenniel! You were miles away. Perhaps we should save our talk for another time.'

'Time is what we don't have, Khelek.' she replied. 'It is time which presses us even as we speak.' She shook her thoughts from her head, and focused her attention on him.

'Come', she said and smiled at him. 'Begin again if you would. As I recall I was somewhat rude with you in the city, and I challenged your intent. I would apologize for that and for my inattention now, but still I would have answered the questions which I posed to you.'

[ July 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

He told her he was an elf of The Wood, Eryn Lasgalen - Mirkwood as it had long been known before the Dark Tower fell. Long a student of Numenor's history, he had volunteered to aid Thranduil in what then appeared as a small research into the history of the hobbit race. The King of the Wood-elves had come upon a small reference to the disappearance of this race, soon after their awakening, in an ancient ledger in his own vast library. Pages were missing after this curious entry, but on the last ragged page was another still more enigmatic entry: We are taking them to Numenor.

As to the hobrim, he said he did not know of them until he came to Minas Anor. He had seen the sculptured wall and wondered at its meaning. But it was when he overheard Child and Rose in the library discussing something they called hobrim that he put the picture and the name together.

'As to your last two questions, Piosenniel, My intent is to bring what I have found to Thranduil. And no, I do not seek to hinder you.'

She judged the sincerity of his words to be true. No hint of darkness obscured the intent behind them.

'Let me ask two more questions of you, Khelek. First, does Thranduil expect you back directly? & second, if not, do you wish to travel with us?'

'There was no time limit set upon my research. He did not make it seem a pressing matter to him, more one of simple interest. & as to travel, where might you be going?'

She leaned toward him and spoke in a lower voice. 'We are going to Beleriand, & we mean to leave soon.'

He drew back from her, his features registering surprise. 'Beleriand?!'

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child came up to Piosenniel and Khelak who were seated and speaking. She thought they wouldn't mind if she sat down beside them.

She had heard Khelek's voice registering surprise. "Beleriand?! Why do you chose such a destination, and how do you intend to go?" Then there had been more whispered words.

Pio was obviously on edge for, as she came towards the table, Pio had responded with a gentle warning which Child chose to ignore. Perhaps, Pio had read her note and disapproved of her meddling with the time-travel device.

The room was largely empty. Child, Pio, Khelak, and Kali lingered in the galley which was now only half lit by a single candle still left burning. Most of the others had withdrawn, said their goodbyes for the evening, and retired to their cabins. Faramir himself had departed with many gracious gestures and expressions of good will. He and Mithadan had walked out arm in arm, so it was possible they were still discussing something.

Child was grateful when Kali came over to sit by her and lend support. Like Child, he was deeply concerned about what would happen next. Both his body and words implored Piosenniel and Khelak to let him know more of his fate.

[ July 12, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Pio saw Child as she drew near them. She could almost see the hobbit's ears grow larger as she tried to pick up each word.

She put her hand on Child's shoulder and looked at her fully.

'It can be a dangerous thing to listen to the conversations of Elves, little one. For often their thoughts turn to perilous action with no regard for anything but the outcome of the plan they are intended to fulfill.'

Her features were unreadable, regarding Child from some deeper place within.

Kali had come over, too. And now sat beside his friend, Child. Pio turned to him, and looked at him, thoughtfully. He reached toward her and placed his hand trustingly on her her arm.

'Please, Lady Elf - what plan?'

[ July 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

At that very instant, a strange thing occurred. All around, the city lay quiet and sleeping. There was an almost eerie silence which was quite unlike the other evenings when so many sounds could still be heard from the docks even in the moonlight.

The moment that Kali voiced his trustful and wondering question, four pair of eyes turned instantly to the corner of the galley. For it seemed that, out of darkness, a thin shadow could be seen inching along the wall. You could almost hear the faint rustle of a cloak or skirt. Piosenniel lept up and maneuvered quickly over to that spot, expecting to see someone or something hiding amid the tangle of tables and chairs. But there was nothing to be seen.

The moment passed, and all was silent. Kali sat waiting for the Elf's reply.

[ July 12, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

[OOC: I'll be back next thursday. Be gentle with my persona, please.]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Piosenniel looked Kali directly in the eye and said, "It looks like Beleriand it will be. I promise you, little one, that we will do all in our power to find your lost cousins and reunite you with your family."

Then she looked at Khelek, "Let me know of your choice by tomorrow, by messenger if you do not intend to go, or in person if you hope to join us."

Then all settled down to a short night's rest. But many in the ship could not sleep and lay in their cabins, thoughts and apprehensions spinning in their minds.

[piosenniel]

Mithadan, standing near for Pio's admonishment to Child and her words to Kali, wondered at the elf's reply.

He spoke with her, once all the guests had been seen off the ship, the farewells spoken.

'This plan,' he said, 'you spoke of it as one which you were intended to fulfill. It is not just to Beleriand, is it?'

'Not just I, Mithadan. But I can speak no further of it now.'

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child woke at the first rays of dawn. She had slept poorly, but was determined to get an early start. She slipped out of bed and put on her clothes, hoping to head out to the library just as the first bells of the city began to rang. She knocked on Rose's door and roused the young hobbit to come with her.

The two ran down to the galley and took a few items left over from the night before for a quick breakfast. Angara and Kali were the only other crew members awake and on deck, watching the sun rise. Child began to cross over the gangplank, when she was suddenly stopped by the dragon. Angara pulled her back by lifting her up by her skirts and depositing her in the stern of the ship.

"Take a look, Child," said Angara in an almost wistful tone, "And you'd better tell Rose and Kali to come."

A small sailing vessel pulled near as a tall lady covered with cloak and hood emerged. Angara offered a ride on her back so the Lady could come to their ship.

When the woman gracefully slid off the dragon's back and pulled back her hood, there stood the Lady Idril. Without hesitation, she walked up to the hobbits and hobbrim. In her hand, she held what appeared to be the remnants of an ancient scroll. She bent down to Kali and kissed him on top of the head.

She immediately spoke, "So you have figured out some pieces of the puzzle and are determined to sail to Beleriand. And you have learned something of the secret lore of both Beleriand and Numenor. Because you and your friends have puzzled out these secrets through your own reason and will, there are some small things which I may share with you now."

Child wondered how Idril could possibly know these things, but she did not question. One of the Elves from the Blessed West surely had resources not known to a simple hobbit.

Idril reached out and handed Kali a small, broken scroll. "This is one of the most ancient parchments in the library of Minas Tirith. I have taken the liberty of securing it for your use. Child, you might have found this on your own, but it would have taken many weeks of searching. And I fear that we do not have many weeks left. For certain events must come at a certain time and place, or else they come to ruin."

"You have learned on your own where you must go and some of the physical dangers you may face. But there is more to it than this. The Elves in your crew and even Lord Mithadan understand, I believe, whom you must face. For each of these families has an ancient ancestor who fought against the Dark."

"But you are hobbits and hobbrim, which means that both your past and your destiny are hidden from you. Read this scroll and understand. It is in the language of the Elves which was widespread in those days even among the servants of the Shadow. I have also put these words into Westron so you three may understand as fully as any Elf what is said here. I do this because I want you to understand the Evil that you face."

She inclined her head to look at them with a touch of sadness, "You three may see things which bring grief to your hearts. I want you to remember that I cared and still care for your people, and Kali's, very much. But sometimes things do not turn out the way we hope and plan."

"Do not be afraid. If you and your friends see this journey through, you can do your part to bring a small sliver of light into the world." She bent down and kissed each goodbye.

"I must depart, since Tuor and I cannot follow where you now go. Please give my love and respect to Lord Mithadan and all of your friends."

She turned to leave, but then hsitated for an instant, "Please tell the Elf Piosenniel that I hope she may find peace in her heart. Ask her to be gentle with herself and, I am certain she will find her way."

Child's eyes were wet with tears as she saw Idril return to her boat. Child then glanced down at the paper. It was an order sent to a field commander in the year 510, ordering him to seize and imprison the hobbits who had made their home in Gondolin. Although crumpled and torn, the scroll was signed in letters clear even to Child's unpracticed eye. At the bottom was the name "Morgoth".

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

[GreatWarg]

After leaving 'The Lonely Star,' Khelek had made his way slowly to the nearest inn, thinking of the Elf maiden's words. There was not much more that could be found here in Minas Tirith, nor anywhere where Men ruled. But Beleriand? What secrets could such a place hold? Kali came into the Elf's mind - eager and full of mystery, his own past hidden from him, and his own future unsure. Yes, the Elf realized, Beleriand would be the next step: the most likely place.

The Elf hadn't lied to Piosenniel; there was not much interest from King Thranduil about hobbits, or even the Fall of Numenor itself. The Elf lord had much else to do: restoring his woodland realm. But simply the matter itself was interesting, raising enough questions for it to seem worthy of investigating. But after seeing Kali, the perspective had changed somewhat in Khelek's mind...

[Rose Cotton]

Child looked at the paper then handed it to Rose. "Oh no." she said "We arn't up against Morgoth again, are we?"

[piosenniel]

Idril! You are leaving? Will you not stay to aid us?

My part is done for now, Pio.

Then who will take them safely, by the secret way.

You must do this now. They will look to you.

Will I not see you again?

In time, perhaps. Namárië!

'Namárië.' she whispered, standing in the shadows, and watched the craft speed down the river and disappear.

One tear rolled down her cheek and was wiped quickly away.

She felt a small hand creep into hers, and looked down to see Kali looking up at her.

'I know.' he said patting her hand gently. 'When family goes, much sadness comes.'

[Child of the 7th Age]

No longer was there the need to travel to the library of Minas Tirith. Child thought she had everything which could be gained here.

Only two small matters remained. First was the strange tunnel which Birdland had found. She hoped Pio or Bird would have the chance to search it later in the day. If not, she would try herself in the afternoon. And, secondly, there was the matter of the Elf Khelek. They waited on his decision whether to come aboard.

Child decided to go to her cabin and begin arranging her papers and belongings in preparation for their departure which surely must occur soon. After that, she intended to show Lord Mithadan the scroll which Idril had given her.

Child used the key hanging about her neck to unlock her door. Since she had so many valuable manuscripts here, she had taken to routinely doing this whenever she left. Then Child turned to the small table which she used as a desk. Books and papers were tossed here and there.

To any other eye, it would look like the normal scatter of belongings which any hobbit would leave. But, as Child turned, her eyes grew wider. This was not the way she had left her table or her books.

Child went over and began searching on the table. To her dismay, she discovered that at least one paper was missing, the one that had listed Angara's last riddles. For one instant, she thought Pio might have done this to get back at Child for her explorations of the night before. But this could not be. That was the type of gentle joke that a hobbit like Rose might play. If Piosenniel was angry or even annoyed, she would simply have told Child to her face.

There was no doubt in Child's mind. Someone had been in her locked room, and removed at least one thing. And Child did not have the slightest idea who it was.

[Rose Cotton]

Rose had followed Child down to her cabin still studying the paper in her hand. After a minute though she looked up and saw Child was looking at her with a worried expretion.
"Rose, have you or anyone been in my room?"
"I don't think so. Not that I know. Why? Is somthing wrong?"
"Angara's riddles that I wrote down are gone."

Rose immediatly sprung into action. "We can figure this out. Are you sure that it's not just buried under somthing?"
"I checked."
"When were you last in here?"

[ July 13, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[piosenniel]

Mithadan was in the galley, foraging for breakfast when she found him. His head was in one of the small cupboards, and she could hear him opening containers and humming some familiar tune, though slightly off key.

'Mithadan?', she called, 'May we speak for a moment?'

He turned, an apple secured in his teeth, and waved her toward a chair with the pot of jam he'd found. In his other hand was a thick slice of bread and the spoon for the jam.

He sat down at the small table and looked at her questioningly, busy spreading a thick layer of jam on the bread.

'I wanted to talk with you about setting sail,' she said,'either tomorrow or the day after, with the early morning tide. We're well provisioned now, the ship is in good shape, and the crew is ready. We have only to wait today to see if Khelek will be going with us, else I would recommend we sail today.'

With a small, sharp knife, he quartered the apple and offered her a slice without teeth marks. 'Tomorrow would be better, Pio, unless this departure is an emergency.' He raised his eyebrows questioningly.

'No, no emergency.' she replied, chewing on the apple slice. 'Is there something you need to do?'

'Yes, remember, we told the fresh fruit seller we would let him know a day ahead of time about delivering our order. Also, we need to tell the water-seller we need several more casks of fresh water.' He finished his bread and jam and licked his fingers with a certain satisfied grace. 'I'll take care of that directly, and we'll be ready. Anything else?'

'Has Child spoken with you yet?' she asked.

'No. Of What?'

'Idril and Tuor are leaving. They won't be going with us to Beleriand.'

'I see.' he said, and looked at her appraisingly. 'Then that must leave you in the catbird seat - not a comfortable place to be, eh?'

Not waiting for her reply, he hurried up to the deck to speak with Child and then be on his way to get the last of the provisions on board.

She rinsed the plate and spoon, put them in the dish drainer, and went looking for Bird.

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

Mithadan came over to Child as she stood on the deck. He questioned her about the hobbits' meeting with Idril and what she had spoken to them. Then Child showed him the small, torn scroll which she had secured about her waist on a special belt. Mithdan looked at it thoughfully and noted the signature in bold red letters.

"We will have to be careful in Beleriand where we go and whom we speak with. I certainly wouldn't want to encounter Morgoth as we are not outfitted for war. We have neither the manpower or the provisions. I will need to speak with Piosenniel about this, since it could affect the course we plot."

He continued, "I am hopeful that Veritas will be able to make some modifications to our nautical device so we can get reasonably close to where we need to go. But even with those modifications, there would be considerable risk."

"There is one more matter. A scroll emblazoned with such a name as this should not be carried casually about your waist. It needs to be stored in the small, locked chamber for valuables which stands near the helm."

"Rose also mentioned what happened to your papers. You undoubtedly misplaced your belongings, but, just to be certain, we must be particularly cautious."

Child did not reply to Mithadan's conjecture that her paper had been merely lost. She knew that was not the case. However, she agreed with him that a safer holding place was needed for the scroll.

Child followed Mithadan up to the small chamber for valuables located near the helm. She placed the scroll inside the chamber with her own hands, and watched Mithadan close the and lock the door.

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

[Rose Cotton]

Meanwhile Rose had sayed down in Child's room (with Child's permition) trying to figure out the mystery of the theivery.

The suspect list was:

Pio
Mithadan
Birdie
Veritas
Kali
Celeaewen
Khelak
Faramir
Angara

Rose didn't think any of these people would have stolen the riddles but they were the only ones on the boat.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child returned to her own cabin, only to find Rose and Bird pouring over a list of names they had drawn up of possible suspects for the theft of her papers.

They thought and talked, but could not come to any agreement about what might have actually taken place. Bird threw up her hands in frustation. "I've had my fill of this for now! Let's go to the galley and make some lunch. I have a treat for you. I visited the marketplace yesterday, and bought a large bag of mushrooms for all of us to enjoy."

So, with many exclamations of thanks from Rose and Child, the three went down to the galley to fix a meal.

Bird went to the locked cupboard where she had deposited the mushrooms. She unlocked the door and pulled it open. Her eyes grew wider with disbelief, for the bag of mushrooms had completely disappeared.

"This isn't possible," she muttered. "I was the only one with the key. Where has that thing gone to?"

Child suggested, "Perhaps you forgot and put it in another cupboard." She and Rose searched the galley from top to bottom, but found no signs of the missing bag.

Bird was not happy, but Child found some eggs and offered to make them a meal. After Child relit the fire on the stove and cooked the eggs, Bird proceeded to tear apart the galley again looking for her lost possession.

"Maybe Mithadan got hungry, and forgot to leave a note," Child suggested.

And then Rose looked over at them, her face serious and questioning, "You don't think whoever took the papers is the same person who stole the mushroom bag?"

In her mind, Child had a mental picture of a large and ugly Orc hiding somewhere on board, gloating as he read the paper and eating a large pile of mushrooms. This image just didn't seem to make any sense.

She shook her head. Out loud she said, "Probably just a coincidence. the mushrooms and the papers, I mean." But inside she wondered what had happened.

[Rose Cotton]

Rose had a sudden idea. It was probably wrong but worth a try.

"Bird! Show me where the underwater tunnel is please." she said while making for the side of the ship. "You can come too Child if you want"

"Alright." said Birdland. "Coming Child?"

[GreatWarg]

Khelek once again made his way down to the docks, watching fishermen unloading their morning catch for the midday meal. The sea breeze was thick and humid, and the gulls were already standing on the ports, waiting for scraps of fish dumped over by the seamen.

The Elf slowly found his way back to 'The Lonely Star.' There was a large splash on the other side of the ship as three figures dove into the water. Curious, the Elf carefully swung onto the rigging of a nearby ship in time to see a dolphin and two hobbits surface.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Suddenly, a fourth figure slipped into the water. Unlike Child and Rose, he swam with grace. He cut through the waves without effort, with no foam or splashing visible on the surface for he was indeed completely comfortable in this environment. Kali descended to the bottom faster than either Child or Rose. Only Bird could manage to keep up with him.

Kali saw the tunnel looming ahead, then deftly slipped inside and closed the door. There was air to breath and only a few inches of water on the chamber floor. The strangest thing of all was that this tunnel looked just a bit like a hobbit hole, one of the poorer and rougher ones that you might find tucked into the hillside of the Shire itself. It wasn't terribly frightening, but instead looked comfortable. It was also less fancy than most hobbit homes you would see today if your journied to the Shire. Indeed, it seemed as if it belonged in a simpler time.

Kali had never even seen the Shire or a hobbit hole on land, but he had heard many stories from Child, and knew how such a home should look and feel. This strange, cozy, and very simple tunnel was just like his dreams. The room had a small bed, a table in the middle, and even what looked like an ancient kitchen where fires had once been lit and fine meals shared.

Around the wall were simple representations carved in stone. There were one or two that seemed to be pictures of hobbits, although their hair was very long and their curls stuck out in all directions. They were wearing what appeared to be animal skins. There was also a stone reief of what seemed to be a tall young man in a long robe, his face glowing with light and holding a staff.

On the table itself there sat a single chest, sealed tight against the waters. Kali thrust the chest under his arm and made his way back towards his friends.

Just as he was leaving the chamber and had secured the door tightly, the old stone archway began to shiver and shake. Stones held tight for thousands of years slowly began to crack and pull apart. Kali was barely able to swim a few feet away when the entire structure caved in on itself. Whatever else was down there was beyond their reach or the reach of any others who might be searching.

Kali collided into Birdland and showed her the small chest. The two swam swiftly together back to Child and Rose, helping the latter reach the boat again. Birdie quickly morphed back into her land-dwelling form. Rose, Child and Bird were first to surface, with Child spluttering and coughing. Kali followed a short distance behind, weighed down by the burden of the chest. Then they climbed up a rope ladder thrown down to them by Veritas, and stood safely on deck again.

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

[piosenniel]

Pio leaned over the side of the ship and watched the three sink below the surface and then come up. Child was sputtering just a bit, and it looked as if Rose was attempting to give her some of the fine points of swimming underwater. Child was a quick study, and soon they were off toward the tunnel mouth.

As she turned to head toward the helm deck, Pio noticed Khelek had come and was standing by the ship looking in the same direction as the trio had gone.

She caught his attention with a yell, and motioned him on board.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Kali took the locked chest and put it into Piosenniel's hands. The Elf immediately wrenched a crowbar off the main mast and began straining to open the lid. The news of the discovery had spread very quickly so that everyone had now gathered round.

Cautiously, Pio pryed open the top of the chest. With utmost gentleness, she tilted back the lid and peered inside.

An old bag lay there, made of some rough material. Pio began gently working the knot. She reached into the bag and felt a mass of small parchments, very delicate and fragile, animal skins that had been stretched out and written upon with some rude instrument. Although they had been held in the underwater chamber, they were surprisingly dry and brittle.

Pio looked down into the bag. She could see that no actual writing appeared on the skins, but there were many pictures. She could not make out exactly what they were.

Although Pio lifted the parchments out of the bag with exquisite care, many of them began to disintegrate and crumble the moment the air touched them. The Elf howled in frustration. She knew that some of her kin had developed techniques for preserving such ancient documents, but at the moment she had no tools for such delicate work. Within a space of five minutes, only scraps of parchment remained. A pile of dust and crumbled strips sat on the table.

But then Piosenniel reached once more into the bag, and drew out a piece of stonework with a picture inscribed on the front. It was identical to one that Kali had seen in the Sea tunnel: a young man in a grey cloak holding a staff. Light beamed from his face. This picture, however, had a name etched under it. It read "Ancalimon" which means, in Quenya, "he who is most bright."

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

[Rose Cotton]

Rose asked Kali about what he saw. He described it as best as he could and Rose looked up in triumph. A piece of the puzzle she believed had been found.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Mithadan and Piosenniel had puzzled over the stone with its engraving of a young man holding a staff. Neither of them could recall any tales about a hero who bore such a name. They remembered there had once been a "Tar-Ancalimon", an evil king of Numenor, but no plain "Ancalimon." In any case the engraving on the stone looked nothing like a king.

Pio took the shreds of parchment to a table set up on deck and sifted through them, wondering if she could read meaning into these meager scraps. Later, Bird and Veritas came by to peer at the scattered pictures. So far, none had been able to make sense of these strange images.

Discouraged with their efforts, Pio put the parchments scraps back into the bag. Then she and Veritas took out the time travel device, carefully examining it to see what modifications would need to be made to chart a course to Beleriand.

As the evening shadows lengthened, Child, Kali, and Rose sat listening as the hobbrim played a small, wooden recorder. It was surprising how many tunes Kali played which were equally familiar to Child and Rose.

Child was tired from her swimming expedition earlier that morning and excused herself to return below.

Just before leaving the deck, she glanced up at the mast. Angara was perched at the very top. She wondered why the dragon had been so quiet and distant in recent days. Angara had a faraway look in her eyes and was oblivious to everyone else on board. Child felt there was some deep sorrow here, but did not understand its source.

Child again looked up and called to the dragon, "We leave for Beleriand quite soon, Angara. Please come down and take a look at a stone inscription we found today."

The dragon did not answer. But, in the next instant, Child felt a single scalding tear fall upon her arm from far atop the mast.

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

[piosenniel]

In her cabin, Pio rummaged through her pack and found the small bottle she had hoped would be there. Holding it up to the light, she looked carefully to see if any fluid were left in it.

'Aah, there is some, then!' she said to herself, and gently shook the bottle to remix all the ingredients. This was an elixir for preserving papers, gotten from one of the elves who had managed the Great Library at Rivendell.

She had brought the rude bag back to her room, along with the disintegrated pieces of parchment that had been exposed to air. She shouldn't have been so hasty in taking them out, but there was nothing to be done about that now.

Her object now was to try to pull out intact that small piece of papaer she had felt in the bottom of the bag as she pulled out the stone carving.

She carefully opened the bag top just enough to place three drops of the elixir within. Then she closed it quickly and placed the bag and its precious contents into a dark box for the night. By tomorrow, she should be able to see what was on that last scrap.

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC -- I like your new sig and picture. Very good taste.

[piosenniel]

Pio closed and locked her cabin door and went up on deck.

Night had come and the moon hung low in the sky, an orange crescent. She recalled the words of a poet she had read in the seventh age -

notice the convulsed orange inch of moon
perching on this silver minute of evening

She wondered if somewhere in time, he was looking at the same moon, memorizing the colored image, to later bring it forth in black on white.

What brings you up to look at the night, Elf? The dragon's thoughts jarred her own.

Can't sleep. I'm too excited about setting sail tomorrow. Pio shivered, though the night air was warm.

'Excited' . . . now that is a word I hadn't thought to apply to where we're bound.

Pio grabbed the deck rail and gazed out into the darkness. Her hands clenched the wood, and a small sigh escaped her.

I'm dreading it, too, Angara. I fear having those dreadful memories made real. All my life has been moving toward this, and I cannot say I find myself adequate to the task.

We are neither of us adequate, Pio. And possibly, we will fail. Hope is all we have now and that is cold comfort.

Yet hope is what we do have, Angara, and I will take comfort from it as I can.

They sat together on the deck and watched the moon move in its downward course to sink below the Western horizon. Then came darkness and the little light of stars, and memories of lands lost and loved ones gone.

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

[Rose Cotton]

Very near morning Rose went up to the deck to find Pio in a half dose next to Angara.
"Pio?" She asked shaking the elf slightly "Have you been up here all night? Still think we need a guard? Pio your troubled. Far more then anyone else. What's wrong? What do you know..or guess."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Before Child had fallen asleep the night before, she had spent several hours reading about dragons and how they had fought for Morgoth in the wars of Beleriand. Now she understood why Angara had been filled with sadness and fear.

Child also sensed that there was something missing from the ancient lore. For there was nothing in the stories about the dragons who had lived in Middle-earth before Morgoth had tampered with them. Yet she knew that such dragons must have existed. Her Uncle Bilbo had once confided to her that, however strong evil might be, the Shadow could not create life out of nothing. It could only take and corrupt beings that already existed. And no sentient being was created who did not have freedom to chose their path in life, whether for good or evil.

On more than one occasion, Angara had expressed great anger that Morgoth had ruined and distorted most of her kin. She had told Child that only a few of her kind remained. Indeed, these true dragons were so rare that most people did not even believe they existed.

Moreover, these original dragons were smaller and less powerful than the creatures manipulated and bred by the Shadow. They had just one advantage over their evil cousins. They were exceedingly fast and agile, more so than the powerful, lumbering creatures who served the Dark.

No wonder Angara was reluctant to return to Beleriand. Once again, she would witness the sad fall of her kind, and be powerless to change their fate. Once again she would rage with fury against Morgoth who used and distorted her kin.

Then a terrible possibility struck Child's mind. What if Angara intended to face the Dark Enemy and force a confrontation, a scenario that could only end in disaster for the dragon? Or, even more to be feared, what if Morgoth determined to corrupt Angara and, like so many before, she found it impossible to resist?

These thoughts wove in and out of her dreams all night and were still on her mind as she awoke the next morning.

Then, as she rose to meet the day, one last possibility hit her. What if these doubts and fears had been purposely placed in her mind, and Angara's as well, and perhaps even that of Pio, by some outside force to dissuade them from going?

Child knew that Elves had many strengths which she did not, but they were also prone to extended bouts of longing and sadness, feelings which she as a hobbit did not normally have. Hobbits might know fear in a frightening situation, but they did not dwell on imagined evils. Yet that is precisely what she had been doing last night.

Child shook her head and resolved to push back the cloud afflicting her thoughts. She decided to have breakfast with Kali, and then go to speak with Piosenniel and Mithadan about how quickly they could manage to make their way out of this harbor. For surely they would need to sail down the Anduin to reach the Bay before they could attach the time-travel device and mysteriously vanish from this age.

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

[GreatWarg]

Khelek's heart told a dark foreboding during the night. He watched the white foam playing on the waves of the ocean until the moon had reached it's peak for the night. Feeling restless, the Elf made his way to 'The Lonely Star.' In the moonlight, the ship gleamed, and the real dragon perched on top seemd just like another part of the ship. Khelek heard Poi talking gently to the dragon, and knew the dragon must be responding. He drew his cloak closer around him and balanced himself on a gangway, watching the water shimmer in the starlight and moonlight until the Sun shone her brightness across the Sea.

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: I'll be gone till Friday or Saturday. There might me computures where I'm going but I doubt it. Be nice to me and answer my questions Pio! LOL! Don't kill me. And don't have too much fun without me. Good Luck! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/wave.gif

[GreatWarg]

OOc just so you guys know, I'm going to Europe starting the end of July. I might be posting a little, depending where I am, but not a whole lot. smilies/frown.gif Don't get mad! Have a great time Rosa!

[piosenniel]

The gentle nudge of Rose's hand brought the elf back to waking, and she heard the hobbit ask, 'Have you been up here all night? Still think we need a guard? Pio you're troubled. Far more than anyone else. What's wrong? What do you know..or guess?'

She shook off her dreams and memories and smiled warmly at Rose.

'Now, Mistress Rose, how can I have any worries with such a sunshine face waking me?! I'm only tired. Angara and I were up late talking over many things. And look at her! Still snoring! Best we rouse her. We need to be sailing just when the sun's two lengths above the horizon. The tide will be favorable for us then.'

She left Rose to deal with the sleeping dragon, and went to speak with Mithadan, who was just paying the last of the suppliers.

'Have we gotten all the supplies on board now?' she asked him. He nodded in the affirmative, saying that the fruit seller had just delivered the last of the crates of fresh fruits and vegetables, placing them in the hold, and the waterman had secured additional barrels of fresh drinking water on deck for them.

'Let's get the rest of the crew up here, then, and get what we need lashed down. Have you seen Khelek?'

Mithadan motioned toward the galley in response to her last question, and then went to rouse the crew. She could hear the hobbits protesting that breakfast was needed first, and the Man explaining that breakfast would be 'after'.

'Khelek?!' she called, as she entered the galley. He responded with a wave of his cup of tea at her. 'Come with me and bring your drink. I'll show you to your cabin and you can stow your gear there. Finish up your tea, soon, as we have a little work to be done before we sail.'

She looked him over. He was dressed in nice clothes and a pair of fine leather boots was on his feet.

As delicately as she could she said,'I think perhaps you will find yourself more comfortable if you put on some . . .um, work oriented clothing, and perhaps a different pair of boots, or better yet, go barefoot. Save the boots and finer clothing for dry land and less rough conditions as we may encounter.'

He followed her down the hallway to the cabins and placed his bag neatly on the bunk. She began to close his door to allow him some privacy to change, but stopped and said,'Oh, and if you don't have clothes that are less prone to damage by sea and sweat, then just let me know. Mithadan, I think is about the same size as you. See you on deck soon!'

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC - Rose, goodbye!! When you return, I will be leaving. I am on vacation July 19-29 in Michigan and Toronto. Don't know if I'll have access to a computer. smilies/confused.gif

Great Warg -- Europe?! You lucky guy. How long are you gone. We normally post for each other while someone is away. Nothing drastic, you won't get killed or anything!

Boy, we sure have a lot of summer vacations. Mithadan is away till Thursday, and possibly a few days a week later. Rose is away through July 18 or 19. I'm away July 19-29, and Great Warg in early August. And I think Veritas is still away too!

I hope Pio and Bird are up for LOTS of posting! Presumably, the story line will move a bit slower with so many out of town!

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

[piosenniel]

OOC: Yes, I think we can spend a leisurely time cruising slowly up the coast toward the now sunk Beleriand. Perhaps some deck chairs, a few good books (Tolkien, of course!), and those little drinks with parasols!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Slowly, the ship pulled out of dock and began its journey south back towards the Bay. They all stood in the stern of the ship watching the towers and levels of Minas Tirith recede into the distance.

Kali was exceptionally quiet, gazing at the wonderful turrets and towers. In his heart he knew that he would never return to that place. He wasn't sad. Where he was going was where he was supposed to be. In fact, the thought of reuniting with his cousins brought him great joy. But still, even in moments of hope, there can be slivers of sorrow and silence, and this was such a time.

Child and Rose stood on the rail, arms linked about each other's waist. They talked about meeting Aragorn and Faramir, and how the men were just as they had imagined them to be. Child was still disappointed that she had not seen Merry or Pippin. But she was certain that there would be another day for that, one way or the other. For her, there would be more journeys to the Shire and to Minas Tirith in the Third or Fourth Age. She was quite certain and content.

Mithadan paced back and forth on deck, calling out commands to Piosenniel and Veritas to shift the sails and man the helm. Bird had chosen to remain in the water until they reached the Bay, her dolphin body gleaming as she lept up into the bright sunlight. And the Elf had come up on deck dressed in a simple tunic and light footwear.

The trip was underway, and all appeared well.

[piosenniel]

'Why is it that he is pacing the deck?' said Veritas to Pio, the sweat glistening on their foreheads and arms as they labored to hoist the sails and secure them, 'while we of the "fairer sex & the Eldar" are working like a pair of conscripts!' She looked to where Mithadan was now speaking with Khelek who had come on deck. 'And himself, there! Why is he not here doing this job. We outrank him, by Eru!'

'A little too much celebrating at the tavern last night, Veritas?!', asked Pio, laughing. 'Let's get this job done and then we must take a closer look at the crystal device. A job we can do over a chilled glass of wine!'

'If you ask me,' said Angara who perched on a barrel near the two, 'which you didn't, but I will tell you anyway - Such ever is the way of Man and men!'

The two elves let go of the rope at this comment and howled with laughter.

Mithadan looked toward this raucous sound and yelled, 'Belay that rope!'

Khelek, bemused, stood and wondered at the source of their laughter.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The ship slid out of the Great River into the choppy waters of the Bay. It bobbed and nodded as the wind blew out of the East.
As the vessel spun around, the sails flailed, and Khelak went to help Pio and Veritas hold them tight against the force of the gale. It was just enough of a storm to have everyone on board chilled and damp.

Child's stomach was bobbing up and down along with the deck of the vessel. She decided to go back to her cabin and lay down. She unlocked the door. With the dark shadows from the storm obscuring the sun, her bunk and table were outlined in an eerie half light. Child came inside, shaking from the cold of the storm and lit a single candle. She threw a warm cloak over her shoulders. Shadows could be seen along the opposite wall.

She looked up in sudden bewilderment and shock for directly in front of her a strange shape loomed. The shadow itself took the form of some creature. Images of Orcs and corrupted Men competed inside her head.

This, then, was the intruder. Child pulled out the dagger that was still belted around her waist from an episode of gutting fish just that morning. She whirled around faster than she thought possible to face the unwanted shape. Her small closet door had been flung open to reveal something inside the darkness.

Her heart pounding, Child lunged forward with her blade, a small but determined bundle of energy intent on injuring whatever unwanted creature lay hidden in the darkness. And then, with an intensity and deftness that surprised even herself, she came to a halt in mid-thrust. For standing in front of her, or rather huddled into a ball, was something which she could not have imagined even in a dream.

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

[Birdland]

Bird shot down the river, bow-riding in front of "The Lonely Star", glad to be away from the drudgery of deck-hand work by volunteering to "guide" the ship out to sea.

She looked around for Levanto, surprised that he was missing the opportunity to ride the wash of the ship. Suddenly, the Mer-Man swam in front of her, almost bumping her into the bow.

"Who is yon gentleman standing on the deck?" he asked in a huffy tone.

Bird slipped out of the wake of the ship, and started pacing beside the hull of the vessel, lifting her head to spy who was on deck. She saw the new "crew member" watching as Pio and Veritas went about their duties. He stood watching the two, looking as if he would like to help, but having no clue as to what he should do. Bird turned her head towards the hovering Levanto.

"That, is Khelek. An Elf Lord of Mirkwood. He has been researching the same Age as we. Pio and he have been working trying to figure out where in the First Age we should go to look for Kali's ancestors."

"Oh, has he!" sniffed Levanto. "He hardly looks the type to know anything about the Sea Races. Why is he standing so close to her?" Levanto fumed.

Birdie could not resist. It was just too good an opportunity. Besides, Levanto might need some extra "incentive" to come on their next adventure.

"They look a handsome couple, don't they?" she observed casually. "Perhaps they are discussing their mutual interests, both being Elves and all. I noticed they stayed up quite late talking."

Levanto slapped his tail and glared upward at the dark-haired Elf-Lord, his emerald green skin flushing almost black. Then he turned and dived back under the ship and away up river.

Bird spent the day swimming by the Lonely Star, feeling the water turn more brackish around her, the feel of the returning salt water soothing her skin. She was enjoying herself throughly, and had even chased down a few fish as she had gotten hungry in her travels. Her doubts about their future journey, and her worries about the fate of Kali were receding from her mind, as she became more and more in tune with the rhythms and flows of the Water World.

Suddenly, a small voice in the back of her mind was saying "Too long. Go back". She shook her head in irritation. She was fine! She would go back on board in a little while.

The sea was rough as they left the shelter of the bay and entered the open water. Looking up, she spied Kali, standing by the rail, hand on a line, facing towards the far horizon. His face was lifted to the forceful wind, and his eyes were closed.

Birdie started to call to him to come over the side and join her, come back to his true environment, which he had been away from for so long.

But suddenly, a loud cry of surprise and dismay reverberated through the hull of the ship! Bird lifted her head again and heard the others on board running and shouting. Racing to the side of the ship, she leapt for the deck.

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child could hear some commotion taking place on the deck above her head, but it scarcely registered in her mind. The knife in her hand slid out of her fingers as she started down at the apparition facing her.

Looking into her eyes was the visage of a small hobbit, a bit dirty and disheveled. The giant shadow on the opposing wall which had loomed so huge was now shrunken considerably, revealing a girl who could not have been more than three-feet tall. By Child's estimation, she must have been about sixteen-years old.

The only reason Child could tell she was actually a girl was the halo of springy brown curls that framed her face. For she was dressed in the clothes of a boy: a shirt and pants, the worn garments of a worker from the Shire or perhaps one of the servant boys.

And although her eyes shone blue and clear, her face mirrored both suspicion and doubt. Clearly, she had not expected Child to return at that moment and discover her secret hiding place. She stood up slowly. For one strange instant, Child thought the girl might actually attempt to knock her to the ground and race out of the cabin. But, instead, she remained silent, looking down at the floor.

Once Child had recovered from her initial astonishment, she took the girl by the hand and had her sit in a chair. She spoke to her in a voice that was remarkably quiet and calm, "Now, excuse me, please, but what is your name? And what are you doing in my room?"

The girl, with eyes still full of mistrust, clipped back a sharp reply, "Daisy Greenhand, at your service, Mistress Goodchild. A serving maid for the Took family in their residence at Great Smials."

"My, my," thought Child to herself, "What a very long way we are from the Great Smials!"

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child felt the hull of the ship lurch forward. Daisy instinctively reached out to grab Child's hand.

The older woman spoke soothingly, "Don't worry, it's probably some navigational problem. You never know when Piosenniel takes the helm."

Silently, however, Child wondered. Had the time-travel device activated prematurely because of the storm, or had the winds intensified to throw them off course? Still, as long as Ulmo himself had not come to tip them into the water, Child decided to remain where she was and to find out something about the girl.

"Daisy," Child continued, "The first thing you must do is stop calling me 'Mistress Goodchilde.' Your family, like mine, were farmers in the Shire. There is nothing dishonorable about that. So I am certainly not your 'Mistess'. Please call me Child, which is what all my friends do."

"Secondly, you must tell me exactly how you got here, and why you crept onto this vessel without permission. I am concerned that your parents, or Thain Peregrin, may be worried about where you are."

Daisy sullenly shrugged, "You needn't worry. My mother died last year, and I've been on my own ever since. I started working for the Tooks last month as I had no other place to go."

"But why didn't you stay with your own kin?" questioned Child, as this would have been the normal pattern for a young hobbit.

Indeed, after her own parents' deaths, Child herself had been cared for by Cousin Bell Goodchild, wife of Hamfast Gamgee. This was how she had first met Bilbo Baggins who had then done everything possible to encourage his young neighbor in her strange bent for learning.

Daisy shook her head, "My relatives were not eager to take in the daughter of a seafaring hobbit. My mother's family were Greenhands, but my father was a Stoor, and the Sea called to his heart. He went over the waters, and I have never seen him since."

She continued, "I let Master Pippin know that I would be absent several days to visit a friend. But I did tell another servant to tell him the truth after your ship pulled out of port."

"The truth? countered Child, "What is the truth?"

Daisy replied, her eyes glittering for the first time, "The truth is that I was with Masters Pippin and Merry, helping in the marketplace, when Mistress Rose came to speak with them, talking about her adventures. I decided then that I wanted to be like my father. I would never return to the Shire, but would sail out with Mistress Rose and her friends upon The Lonely Star."

"I actually planned to speak with her because she promised to visit the next day. Instead, she sent Pippin a note of apology, explaining that her friends had an audience with the King. So I disguised myself, ran away, and slipped onto your ship while you were at court. Later, I found my way to your cabin and your papers because I wanted to understand where we were going. And, yes, I did borrow a bag of mushrooms from the galley so I would not starve."

The hull of the vessel again lurched forward. Child looked at Daisy and thought, "You do not know what you have gotten into!" Aloud, she merely told her to lie down and rest, while she went up on deck to find out if anything had happened.

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

[piosenniel]

The air was more brisk, cleaner, the farther away from shore they pulled. A good wind filled their sails, and the ship went scudding over the choppy waves at a fair clip.

Pio motioned for Mithadan to take the helm for a while. She wanted some breakfast and she wanted some sleep. Veritas agreed to meet her later in the afternoon, wanting to sleep off the effects of trying to drink a dwarf under the table with dwarf spirits. The contest had turned out a tie, but her head was making her wish she had never gone into that particular tavern.

She walked down stairs to get a warmer shirt, and met Child coming up.

'What is going on?' asked the hobbit. My stomach is doing flip-flops and it feels as if the ship is lurching along!'

'It's just the bay.' said Pio, reassuring her. The wind is making the water a little choppy, but once we get out into open water a little further it should calm down. No need to worry.'

She moved past her, as if to continue toward her cabin, but stopped abruptly.

'What have we here, Child? Someone has crept up the stairs behind you. Will you introduce us?'

Pio sat down on the stairs to be at eye level with the young hobbit, and smiled.

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child was amazed that Pio could take Daisy's presence so calmly. She wondered if Mithadan would be so understanding. Child briefly exlained what she had learned of the girl and her background.

Pio laughed and shook her head, "Another adventurer who can't stay put in the Shire or Buckland? Child, you should have some sympathy for that!"

"I do," Child grinned, "Only I can't imagine what Thain Peregrin will say to me when I actually do meet him someday. He'll accuse Rose and I of luring away his best servants."

Pio laughed, "Of all persons, Pippin has little to complain on that score. He did plenty of roaming in his younger years. Even now, he can't bring himself to stay away from Gondor for too long."

Pio contined, "Whatever Mithadan says, there's no question. The girl has to stay. We can't turn back to the River and find our way to Minas Tirith and then make our path down again. That would take an extra two or three days on the water. We simply can't afford it. The girl will have to make her home here with us."

Daisy interrupted and, for the first time, sounded both cheerful and positive, "Miss Pio, I do know something of boats and sails and water. When I was little, my father would take us out on some of the little rivers nearby. Of course, our craft was tiny, compared with this. But I love the Sea, and I know I can learn. And I've worked in the fields of the Shire, so I'm not afraid of hard work. I can be just as good a mariner as Mistress Rose."

It was clear that the Rose had become a model in Daisy's eyes and one whom she wished to copy. Daisy had also scrubbed her face clean, and managed to borrow clothes from Rose whom she had met again while walking through the hallway.

For some time, Kali had been listening to this conversation from the other side of the deck. He looked at her, then looked again. She was actually the first hobbit he had seen who was his own age. After hearing that Daisy loved the Sea and was also an orphan, he was particularly curious about her and wanted to be friendly.

Shyly, he inched over to their group. Daisy looked up, her eyes widening in astonishment. Then she looked over to Child and demanded quite sharply, "Who or what is that?"

In Kali's eyes, Child could see hurt and confusion. She herself was disappointed and furious at Daisy. However parochial they might be, hobbits were known for their polite ways. So it was difficult for Child to understand or forgive an intentionally rude comment such as Daisy had made.

She demanded that the girl apologize immediately. But, judging from the look on Kali's face, Daisy's awkward and grudging words had done little to heal his feelings.
Child then took Daisy by the hand and forcibly led her to the deck below for a serious conversation about the challenges of living on a small ship with Men, Elves, Hobbits, Hobbrim, and even Shapechangers.

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

[piosenniel]

'Kali,' said Pio, looking at the sad face of the hobbrim,'don't mind the words of Daisy. She's very young, but seems good at heart. She's not seen much of the world, and you are new to her. Let Child fill her in on all the assorted crew we have with us, and remind her of her manners. Rose, I think, too, will take her in hand. I think once you become more familiar to her, you three may become fast friends.'

The hobbrim considered Pio's words and shook her head 'yes'. 'I will be more nice to her.',he said.

'That just might win her over a little faster.' agreed the elf. 'Now, why don't you come to my cabin. I put some preserving elixir on a scrap of paper left in that bag we opened yesterday. I want to check it, and see if it will provide us with any more clues.'

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child spoke with Daisy at some length about the hobbrim and their quest to find his kin and reunite them. The girl shook her head in disbelief. "How can he possibly be a relative of ours? He looks nothing like any hobbit I know!"

Child gently reprimanded her, "If you will look beyond his face and body into his heart, you will see how very much alike we are. Kali enjoys the same things we do. He loves mushrooms, and parties, and being part of a large family. He is gentle, has an impish sense of humor, and is always playing little tricks."

"And he loves the Sea, in the same way that my family loves the brown soil and the green things that grow. Since you also claim to love the Sea, you two should have something in common. Daisy, he is young and doesn't speak Westron well, although his Elvish and Adunaic are far more fluent than mine. But he is not a child. Like you, he has had to manage on his own, without parents or kin. And he knows more about Ulmo and the Sea and its creatures than anyone I have met. I know he will be glad to teach you, if you let him be a friend."

Daisy looked skeptical, but promised to try and hold her tongue.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and Veritas thrust her head in. "Mithadan wants you and Rose and the new one there to come to his quarters. And, if I were you, I'd be quick about it. He didn't look too happy when I left him." Child put her hand to her forehead and groaned.

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

[Birdland]

Birdie pressed her ear to the door of Mithadan's cabin, snorting with amusement as she listened to the Mariner rant on to Child about "stowaways", "loose lips sinking ships", and "the brig". The presence of this new Hobbit Daisy meant little to her, though she did begrudge the theft of the mushrooms.

Bird wondered just how much this little chit of a servant girl understood about their destination and what they might be facing. "Well", she thought "She'll find out soon enough that she'll be dealing with a bit more than a day of hoeing the 'tater fields of the Took family. I hope someone can teach her to wield a sword. Perhaps we can give her a sickle."

Bird was a bit more upset with her reaction to Kali, and his disheartament at being rebuffed by a "cousin." Child had given her a good talking to about being polite and looking beyond a person's outward appearance, but what did she expect? Child had been out in the wide world for many years, and seemed to have forgotten the the typical Shire reaction to "outlanders". Kali had been alone for a long time. Anyone would have been embraced by the lonely Hobbrim; the fact that some of his new-found companions looked even vaguely like himself would have been just icing on the cake.

This made Birdie wonder: what would a Hobbrim's normal reaction have been to outsiders? The skinchanger sought out Kali, and after comforting him with the usual excuses of ignorance and youth, she asked Kali:

"How would Hobbrims have treated outsiders, Kali? Did you ever have other sea folk who would cross your borders from outside? Did your folk look on them with suspicion?"

"Borders? What are 'borders', Birdee?" asked Kali in confusion.

"Borders? Well, you know, where you lived, and hunted. The place where you and your family stayed and called your own."

"We lived in the sea, Birdie. But no one called the sea "their own". What? Own the sea like I own my knife or this necklace my mother made me? I don't understand!"

"Never mind, Kali. But what about strangers. People who were not known to you?"

"All hobbrim were known to us. We always welcomed other Hobbrim, where ever we found them. Then there were the Mer-Folk. We loved the Mer Folk, but..." here Kali shook his head sadly, "the Mer-Folk would not come to us. We would watch them from afar. Look on their beautiful cities, but they did not want us to come near. When they see us, they laugh. Of course, they were so much more beautiful and wise then us. Why should they bother?" Kali sighed, then looked up at Birdie. "Maybe Daisy is more a cousin to the Mer-Folk then me?"

Then Kali brightened "But the dolphins knew us and would come and visit. I had many friends among the dolphin-kind."

Bird gave Kali a hug and said, "Well, I can certainly understand that."

[ July 16, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rosie and Child hurriedly left Mithadan's quarters saying nothing to friends who happened to cross their path. They did not look very happy.

Inside, Child was fuming. She did not know whether to be more annoyed at Mithadan or the hobbit girl. "I had nothing to do with Daisy coming on this ship or choosing my cabin as her unofficial headquarters, yet Mithadan talks to me as if I was personally responsible."

Mithadan had been quite angry at Child for not notifying him the moment she had first seen the girl. He had also been unhappy with Daisy's curt and discourteous reply to Kali, news of which had spread over the entire ship, and had told her so in unambiguous terms. Then, he had warned all three that they would shortly be departing for an unknown and dangerous destination, and had best keep their mind on their assigned duties.

Daisy was given a long list of chores, most involving ship maintenance. She was told to report to Piosenniel as soon as possible to begin her apprenticeship. Even Child and Rose were given additional assigned duties. Child was to begin looking at the maps in the library, to see which rivers in Beleriand might be navigable by a boat such as theirs.

Worst of all, in Child's mind, were the new cabin assignments. Since they were no vacant rooms on the ship, and Child had the largest cabin, she was told to make room for Daisy as her new roomate. Mithadan told Khelak to shift a bunk bed into the cabin for the hobbits to share.

Child gritted her teeth as she watched her old comfortable bed rolled out, and an older bunk bed rolled in. Daisy immediately climbed to the top bunk, hung her legs over the edge, and began swinging them in the air directly over Child's head.

Child reminded herself again that Daisy had been through much sorrow in the past year, but she quickly found her patience wearing thin.

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

[Birdland]

Birdie's eyes lit up when she saw Child's old bed being rolled out of her cabin. It truely was a very comfortable bed, one of the best on board. She figured she would have a good chance of claiming it for herself, if the rest of the crew could draw straws for it.

Hope was soon dashed, though, when she saw that Khelek took the new bedding immediately to his own cabin!

Birdie went storming up on deck, fuming "Elves!"

[Losthuniel]

<<ooc: i was away for a little while,what happend while i was gone?>>

[Child of the 7th Age]

all OOC -----Losthuniel -- Welcome back. Here is the plot summary since your last post.

1. We met with Aragorn, and he told of us a
mysterious saying by Gandalf which indicated that there was a secret history of hobbits and they might need some assistance even after the end of the third age.

2. The Elf Khelek has joined our crew (Great Warg).

3. We learned we had to go to First Age Beleriand, since the hobbits apparently had an earlier origin than Numenor. We discovered this by a second set of riddles given to us by Angara the Dragon, and by a meeting with Faramir who was able to interpret Kali's dream about a flood.

4. Idril and Tuor sailed away. They left us a copy of an ancient scroll that indicated Morgoth had issued an order in Beleriand in 511 to capture and imprison all the hobbits.

5. Pio and Bird discovered a very ancient tunnel under the city which turned out to have a stone picture of a young man with a staff and shining face named Ancalimon.

6. Several items were reported stolen from the ship. We just learned yesterday that a stowaway was aboard -- a young hobbit girl named Daisy Greenhand, who has a bit of an attitude problem. She's now part of our crew.

Other than that, we've been relaxing and enjoying the sun for the past week! A number of people currently are or will be on vacation quite soon so the story may move a bit slower. Welcome back, and start posting! We should be departing for Beleriand shortly. sharon

smilies/smile.gif

[piosenniel]

Amidst all the hubbub, Pio had forgotten her original plan to take a look at that last scrap of paper. Kali had gone off with Bird, and the elf never made it to her quarters, feeling it best to go back up on deck and stay out of Mithadan's way. He didn't get angry often, but when he did, it sometimes spilled over onto the innocent and unsuspecting.

Veritas came up to talk with Pio, and plopped down on the deck next to her, back against the wall of the captain's cabin.

'Did you see that roster of duties Mith's drawn up? Sun-up to sundown, every minute seems like it's filled with something to do!' Veritas sighed. 'It's not like we're some warship in hostile waters!' She caught herself, 'That is, not yet.'

Pio shifted her position, and brought her knees up under her chin with her arms wrapped around them. She rocked back and forth, thinking. 'We need a diversion,' she said, 'something to take our minds off the seriousness of the matter before us for a while. Something to bring the crew together and smooth over tempers.'

'A diversion, yes!' agreed Veritas, wiggling her toes in the warm sun.

They fell into companionable silence, thinking.

A voice came from around the corner of the cabin. 'Did I hear the word *diversion*? Count me in!'

Bird stepped into view, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

[Losthuniel]

<< ooc: Thanks Child >>

[Child of the 7th Age]

The waters of the bay had stopped bucking, and people were returning to their normal routines, although in a more unsettled frame of mind. With two new crew members on board, it would take a while until things felt totally comfortable.

Child was in the galley preparing food for the evening meal. She was soon laughing and chatting with Rose, forgetting her problems with Daisy and Mithadan. She had heard something about Bird or Pio preparing a diversion for the ship, and that sounded fine to her.

Daisy had gone up on deck with mop, bucket, and polishing cloth to begin her list of chores. She was still in an angry mood, and was standing in the middle of a large puddle of water, vigorously attacking it with a mop when Kali came up to her.

"What are you doing? Big mop for little hobbit!" he commented.

Daisy scowled at him, "I can handle this mop very well, thank you. "And Mithadan has given me a list of chores that will take forever to finish. Child and even Rose were no help defending me. They just hung their heads and said they were sorry and acted very respectful."

Kali nodded, "Mithadan in charge of ship. At Sea, where bad things happen fast, someone make big decisions. And everyone respects that someone, even if they don't like what he says. On Lonely Star, Mithadan is that someone for us."

Daisy said nothing, but kept mopping with renewed energy.

Kali picked up the polishing cloth which had been flung over the rail and systematically began to attack the brass fixtures on the ship. Daisy glanced back at him. "What are you doing?"

"I'm helping you," Kali replied. If you finish early and the bay stays calm, we go out for a swim before dark. Pio and Child told me you like the Sea and are a good swimmer. Kali can show you many things in the ocean."

Daisy continued mopping, but did not say no.

[GreatWarg]

Khelek sat on the deck, his chores done for the evening, looking over the glossy waves that were sparkling in the last few rays of the sun. He was contemplating about Kali again in his mind, and was careful to avoid Mithadan, suspecting the man was not one to reckon with in extreme pressure. He sang a tune softly to himself while looking over a scroll he had brough with him from Imladris when Elrond had left.

"Where did you learn that, Elf?" a voice asked. Khelek looked to the side, realizing he had been sitting not more than twenty feet away from the dragon.

"It came to me," he replied. "While I was in Minas Tirith." Anagara gave the Elf a critical eye. Khelek fell silent and continued reading the scroll.

[Birdland]

Birdland flew down the stairs into the galley, whipped mop and polishing cloth from the hands of Halfling and Hobbrim, and commenced to dance a springle ring with the dirty mop head.

"Enough of this swabbing! Kali, I believe that Mith could see his scowling visage reflected in that brass now."

"The sun is going down, the waves have soothed themselves, and it's time for us to go to sea. The dinghy has been lowered for those too fussy or faint-hearted to join us below. But Pio, Kali, Veritas and I propose to go for a swim!"

Birdie led the laughing hobbits up on deck, where she saw Khelek deep in discussion with Angara. Flouncing over the the Elf-Lord, she stood, arms akimbo before him and said "Studying at sundown is bad for the eyes, but there is enough light left for us to hunt our supper, if you care to attend us, my Lord. This may be our last chance to venture under the waves, since by tomorrow we may be in VERY strange waters. And besides," she added with a glance toward Pio, "it is time that you met a most important member of our party, who unfortunately, is limited in his ability to visit with us on deck."

Kali ran towards the rail, more than ready to venture off the ship after a day of galley duty. But he paused as he saw Daisy hanging back. "I don't know if I can swim in the Deep. I've only been on rivers before."

Bird, Pio and the others looked between the two "cousins". Then Birdie said, "Well, you could not find a better guide for the first time than Kali."

Kali held his hand out to the young Halfing and smiled. Slowly, doubtfully, Daisy reached out and clasped it.

[ July 17, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen had spent most of the day perched in the mast, and descended around sunset to see what was going on. She heard Birdland lecturing Khelek, and coaxing him into swimming. after a little teasing, he got up, and Celeaewen stepped forward
"may i come?"

[Kettle of fish]

The kettle yawned languidly. It had been brought together with some pots and pans and stowed aboard the ship in preparation for the large sailing group. Trilling happily, it burst out of the cupboard and looked around.

[ July 23, 2002: Message edited by: Kettle of fish ]

[Birdland]

(Kettle O' Fish! You ol'...kettle o' fish, you! smilies/biggrin.gif )

Birdie turned towards the lookout elf, and grinned from ear to ear. "Of course, Celeae! But I've always wondered if you could dive from there to the sea?" and she pointed back up to the crow's nest.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The ship lay quiet, nestled in a small cove, with sails flapping loosely about the masts. The swimming party was assembling on deck.

The more adventurous were daring each other to climb up onto the side rail and dive into the depths. Birdie, the Elves, and even Mithadan were doing spins and somersaults into the water, showing off their elaborate tricks. Without a doubt, Birdie was the most striking of the group, since she instantly morphed into her Dolphin form when she hit the waves.

Rose, Kali, and Daisy stood in the bow of the ship. Rose climbed up onto the railing, wobbled a bit, and proceeded to make a loud splash as she tumbled in. Kali was about to follow her by executing a backflip off the rail, until he stopped to look at Daisy.

Daisy's eyes were large and round as she stared at the Bay. Even though it was calm, the water looked very different from the swimming holes and rivers that she was used to in the Shire. She was clearly afraid to jump in from such a height, but didn't want to show hesitation in front of the others.

Kali climbed down from the railing, grabbed her hand, and pulled her over to a small rope that had been dropped from the deck to the ocean below, for those who might be hesitant.

Child had already let herself slide off the deck and was inching downward on the rope towards the water. She maneuvered with both hands till she reached the bottom and then slipped off with a plunk into the Bay. Kali came next and climbed down effortlessly, motioning Daisy to follow. She looked determined but grim, akwardly wrapping arms and legs about the rope, while Kali held the other end taut. Inch by inch, Daisy slid down the rope till she reached the end and then let go, splashing into the water.

Rose had brought along a ball and the two girls began to play, snapping it back and forth. Within a few minutes, a game had emerged, with Daisy trying to throw it over Kali's head so he wouldn't be able to catch it. This was no easy task since Kali had a natural grace and athleticsm in water. There was much giggling and splashing and general nonsense which was not at all unusual for hobbits.

Then they swam over to the small dinghy where Child sat perched, watching their antics and eating a little cherry tart which she had purchased from the marketplace in Minas Tirith. Neither Kali nor Daisy could resist the temptation. Within a short space, they had rocked the dingy to the point of tipping, and Child found herself and her snack drenched in the waves.

Eventually, they set the boat upright, and the girls climbed in, arms extended and pointing to the sunset. Kali dove down into the waters and, after what seemed to Daisy and Child a frightfully long time, returned with three handsome shells in his hands. He gave one to Child and another to Rose, and then took the third, the most beautiful of all, and shyly offered it to Daisy. Child noticed that she seemed uncertain, as if she wasn't used to getting little presents, certainly a very strange reaction for a hobbit. But Daisy took the shell with both hands and even said thank you before she and Rose retreated once more to the dingy.

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

[piosenniel]

As landbound elves go, Khelek wasn't a bad swimmer. Unfortunately he wasn't a good enough swimmer, either, for what hit him next.

Two delicate pairs of hands grasped each of his arms in viselike grips and hauled him a hundred yards from the main body of the swimming party.

'Oh look!' said Bird to Pio, and pointing with her flipper. 'Khelek has made some new friends!'

Two creatures circled him, their eyes twinkling, and playful. Long, green hair drifted in the water like sea weed. Their faces and torsos those of trim young women, bodies narrowing down into long muscular scaled appendages ending in large fish-like tails, Oarni, mer-Maids.

'How did they get here?', asked Pio. 'We'd better go get him before they drown him!!' She started to swim in the direction of the Elf when her own leg was grabbed by something and she was pulled under.

She kicked hard to move herself upward and felt the pull on her leg loosen. Resurfacing, she spluttered and wiped the saltwater from her eyes.

'You're not going anywhere! He doesn't need rescuing!' came a familiar voice.

'Levanto?' she asked; the form in front of her still a blurry green image.'What do you think you're doing?'

'Bird told me about her *diversion*, and now I'm creating one for you!'

Her sight had cleared, and she could see him clearly. He had placed himself between her and Khelek, arms folded across his chest.

'Oh, by the One! Someone's been filling your little green brain with stories haven't they?' she demanded.

He looked at her, perplexed.

Before he could answer, she heard the muffled sound of a dolphin laughing, and saw Bird slapping her flippers on the water with glee.

'I'll get you for this, my fine fishy friend!'

'It's m-a-m-m-a-l to you, half-Elf! and I'd like to see you try!!'

Pio was about to go after Bird, when she heard a tiny, frightened voice ask: 'What is that?'

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

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen looked up to the crows nest, and her eyes lit up.
"I'll never know if I don't try" she said, with a mischevious grin. SHe climbed up the mast, gauged the distance, and dived off, causeing a scramble in the water to get out of her way. She splashed everyone in the immediate vicinity, and was laughing at their half-serious indigant glares, she something smooth and rather slimy ran across her leg.
"what is that?"

[Child of the 7th Age]

Although Daisy and Rose remained in the water, Child decided to leave to begin dinner preparations. Kali had already caught a number of fish and entrusted them to Child to take down to the galley. She climbed back up the rope until she reached the deck, precariously balancing her load, which consisted of a large new seashell and a pail full of sea bass.

After depositing the fish in the galley, Child dropped by her cabin to get out of her wet clothes. She unlocked the door, a precaution she had taken during the time of the unknown stowaway and which she still adhered to both from caution and habit. For at any given time, she still had a number of older manuscripts and artifacts in her care which she was studying.

Child glanced about the cabin which now seemed quite cramped with all her belongings as well as those of Daisy scattered about in all directions. She laughed in recognition. Apparently, this was one way in which Daisy was a completely normal hobbit. Yet there were others, Child reflected, which seemed to hint that the girl's background and experience hadn't been quite so "normal".

As Child gazed around the room, she noticed a small note sitting on her desk which had not been there before. Now, who had put that there, and how had they gotten in? This time, however, her questions were quickly answered as she surveyed its contents:

Child --

I couldn't resist "burglaring" my way inside your room. You might remember a previous instance when my own possessions were similarly disturbed.

But, this time, I have a good excuse. Veritas and I have completed our studies of the time travel device and our calculations show that there may be some navigational problems, as you suggested earlier. We have come up with some suggestions as to how these may be minimized.

We may be expecting too much of the device by not only asking it navigate thousands of years of history in one instant, but also to come out in the precise location where we need to go. In order to minimize possible distortions, we are advising Mithadan to sail here and now in the Fourth Age to the spot where we actually need to land in Beleriand itself.

This will ensure that the device focus on our chronological destination only, and should minimize any distortions inherent in attempting to transverse so many thousands of years. We are also suggesting that we do the temporal journey in a series of shorter hops, again in hopes of getting closer to our desired target.

This sailing will take some very precise maritime calculations to figure out exactly where, amid the waves, the ancient lands lie. We feel we have the skill and expertise to do th

I have already spoken with Mithadan, and he concurs with this approach.

I did want to thank you for bringing this problem to my attention. And, Child, I am sorry if I have been a little more abrupt than usual. Your friendship means a lot to me, but I have many personal matters on my mind, and I find that these occupy my concerns to a very great degree. I ask your patience and understanding.

Piosennel

Child looked at the note and smiled.

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

[Mithadan]

Mithadan shuffled through a series of charts showing the Northeast coast of Middle Earth during the First, Second and Third Ages. He felt relatively comfortable with the latter two, at least for the specific periods during which they had been drawn. The Second Age chart was of Numenorean vintage from late in the Age and was likely to be fairly reliable. He was concerned however that it showed islands and large segments of coastline which were absent on the Third Age map which had been copied from one drawn by Cirdan himself. The First Age map, however, was of late manufacture and was not specifically intended for navigation purposes. Rather it was a historical document. There was no way that he would rely upon it for a direct jump into those waters from their present location. He agreed fully with Piosenniel's suggestion that they proceed in a series of short (temporal) hops, giving themselves plenty of cushion to avoid landing on some uncharted rocky shore. But even that created concerns. Too big a cushion and they might find themselves in the midst of the legendary and uncharted Shadowy Isles which had been created to fence in Valinor during the First Age. Just when they could have used the advise of Tuor and Idril....

[Child of the 7th Age]

One of the mer-maids had doubled back in the vicinity of Piosenniel and Birdland, who were still thrusting verbal jabs at each other. This mer-maid was purposely swimming under water, pressing her giant tail against the torsos of whichever unfortunate swimmer happened to be in the way. She had no truly evil intentions, but, like many of her kind, loved to cause serious mischief.

It felt very strange indeed to those like Celeawen who were swimming about. The Elves were annoyed, but not deeply disturbed since they had all seen many strange things in the course of their long journies through Middle-earth. What the mer-maid had not reckoned with, however, was the presence of a young, landbound hobbit who had never dreamed of such a being, let alone actually encountered one.

Daisy's voice rang out, trembling and uncertain. She stared and stared again at the strange sea creature. The mer-maid, however, took this as a challenge turning to face her head on. She swam swiftly towards Daisy, swinging closer and closer. The girl's face which had previously registered apprehension went up several notches to full scale terror. The mer-maid smiled so that her teeth gleemed silver white under the moon's soft rays. She lowered her head and was about to rush forward in hopes of lifting Daisy physically out of the water and redepositing her in a different direction, perhaps some fifty feet distant.

At that instant, Kali came racing up and placed his equally small body between the creature with gleeming teeth and green hair and the cowering figure of Daisy. He had no physical fear of mer-people, since he had dealt with them since childhood. Indeed, he liked mer-people but he knew that they could be brash and intimidating to any who showed fear. And Daisy was definitely radiating fear.

Kali cried out and spoke with the mer-maid in the language of her people, commanding her to back up and leave the two of them alone. The mer-maid grinned, her visage green and wondrous like some picture from a misty dream. She nodded respectfully, and faced around, swimming off into the night.

Daisy, who had stood as if frozen at one spot in the water, immediately began retreating towards the ship. Kali came right behind her. The two of them scrambled up the rope and came onto the deck.

The minute that Daisy's feet hit the wooden boards, she whirled around towards Kali, her face a mask of anger and shame. In a voice that brooked no opposition, she turned on him, "Stay out of my life! I don't need your help. I can take care of myself. I've done it before, and I can do it again. I don't know what kind of creature you are, but stay away from me!"

Below, in the water, there was silence. All eyes had focused on the scene in the Bay. Now, Daisy's loud and hurtful words from the deck of the ship could be heard by everyone. No one knew quite how to respond. Daisy spun around and ran down to the cabin, stumbling through the darkened hallways, seeking a refuge to be alone with her fears.

Kali said absolutely nothing. He went to the stern of the ship and dove into the waters of the night.

The swimming party abruptly broke up. There was silence in the galley as Elves, men, and hobbits sat down to share their dinner. And nowhere could Kali or Daisy be seen.

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

[piosenniel]

The conversation around the table that night was subdued, and Pio added nothing to it. Daisy's words to Kali and Kali's sudden departure were all that were on her mind.

She pulled Bird aside and asked her to seek out Kali. He was the focus of this quest and she would not have the gentle creature abused.

Pio made her excuses and left the galley. Walking down the hall to the cabins, she stopped at Child's door, took a deep breath, and entered the room.

Daisy had been lying on her bunk, crying, but had roused up and looked defiantly at the intruder. 'Go away!', she sniffled. 'Just leave me alone! Everyone hates me!', she burst into tears, again.

Pio looked at her, expressionless. Her voice was icy as she clipped out each word. 'Come down, hobbit. And face me.'

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

[Mithadan]

Child stood on the deck anxiously, looking out for some sign of Kali. Mithadan approached her quietly and rested a hand on her shoulder.

"He will return," he said. "We are his hope, his Lonely Star. I am not concerned about Kali. His feelings are hurt but they will heal. I am more concerned about Daisy. If she is to become a member of our crew and join in our quest, she must be a comrade -- she must act as our sister. Otherwise she will disrupt our work and our morale. And she has done so already. Her fear and anger have some source; there is some reason behind her behavior. The only person who can discover the source of her angst is you. You are a Hobbit. She understands you and you her. She will trust you. The rest of us are just 'big people' to her. A source of authority and, perhaps, punishment. From my experience, punishing her will do no good. Nor will threats. We must understand her and she must learn to trust us. You must do this, Child."

[piosenniel]

Daisy slid down slowly from her bunk, her eyes wide. She glanced at the cabin door, wondering if she could make a quick escape. All hope of that left as the elf pushed the door shut, never taking her eyes of the hobbit.

Pio sat herself in a chair, directly in front of the door, to be more of a height with the hobbit. 'Come here Daisy. Stand up straight and let me get a good look at you.' She handed the hobbit a clean handkerchief and gave her time to dab the tears from her face, and blow her nose.

'You've stepped over the line twice, now.' she said in an even voice to the frightened girl. 'The line of courteous behavior and of kindness. Once can be excused. You are new and unaccustomed to the companions with whom we travel. But twice is a different matter.'

Daisy opened her mouth to protest, but the elf cut her off.

'You seem a bright young woman,Daisy, and I had hoped that you could school your temperament and your tongue. But I find it not so. Needs be then, I will be your teacher.' She stood up from the chair and handed Daisy one of child's old rucksacks. 'Now pack what belongings you have in here. You will be bunking with me.'

'With . . . you? Pio?' stammered Daisy.

'Yes, you heard correctly. You will be my shadow, stuck to me by day and night. And here are your beginning lessons. First, when you address me, it will be as ma'am, or Lady Piosenniel. And second, you will not speak with anyone but myself unless you first ask me and I have given you leave to do so. Are we clear on that?'

'Yes', came the grudging reply.

Pio looked at her, eyebrows raised.

'Yes, ma'am.' said Daisy.

'Good. Now hurry up! We need to get your gear stowed in my cabin. Then a quick wash up to make yourself look more presentable. I have a number of things to do tonight, and you will come with me.'

'Ma'am,' said Daisy, following her quickly down the hall. 'What happens if I step over that line you talked about again.'

Pio, opening the door to her cabin said in a very matter of fact tone: 'Then I will put you in a boat and the mer-people will speed you back to Minas Anor. And you will have missed out on the greatest adventure of your life.'

'Oh!' said Daisy as they entered Pio's cabin. & then remembering herself, finished with 'I see, ma'am.'

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen watched Daisy following Pio around, and shook her head.
"Poor thing. Though I suppose she deserves it"

[Birdland]

Daisy was carrying her few belongings to Pios cabin, but before she could reach it, Birdie was there in the passageway, dripping wet, arms stretched to block the hall.

"Now where are you off to, little field hand?" she asked mildly. But the look on her face was far from mild.

"I'm...I'm going to my new cabin." stammered Daisy.

"Oh, 'your new cabin', is it? Moving from the one you stole into uninvited, Stowaway?" Suddenly Bird reared up before the hobbit, pulling a little of her Ent persona into play so that she appeared even larger before the 3-foot tween. "Kali was invited on this voyage. In fact, Kali is the very REASON for this voyage. I don't recall that anyone invited you!"

Birdie suddenly clasped Daisy around her throat and pulled her close, lifting the terrified halfling almost off her feet. "And do I ever hear you speak to Kali again in such a manner, YOUR ticket on this voyage will be revoked - by me. You'll wish your swimming skills vastly improved if you find yourself swimming back to Minas Tirith."

Bird dropped Daisy back on deck as suddenly as she had picked her up. Daisy was left kneeling and gasping at her feet. The skin-changer bent low and hissed at the hobbit lass. "I know not what manners you learned in the sties and fields of the Took Estate, but here you will mind your tongue around your betters. And never forget that Kali IS your better, in every way. He is worth ten of you, stowaway."

Straightening and looking down on the now terrified halfing, Bird said. "Remember. I will be watching." Then she strode away and climbed the ladder to the deck.

[piosenniel]

Daisy burst into tears after Bird had gone. Pio handed her another handkerchief and waited for her to get hold of herself. When the sobbing had turned to just a few sniffles, she redirected her gently to begin stowing her gear in the cabin.

Pio helped her find places for her meager possessions and make up the small bed across the room from the elf. While they were busy with these few little chores, Pio said to her, 'Those words of Bird's were quite unkind.'

Daisy nodded 'yes', while she slipped the fresh pillow case on the pillow Pio had give her.

'But not unlike in tone to the words you used with Kali, were they?' She picked up her mapcase and the rucksack, to return it to Child's room.

Daisy said nothing further.

'Can you tell me what the difference is between your words and Bird's, Daisy?', she asked as they both went down the hall to Child's room and left the rucksack there.

'I can't think of anything, ma'am.' came the hobbit's small voice, as they headed down the hall toward the stairs.

'No action of Kali's provoked your anger, Daisy. It came up out of yourself, unrecognized. And that is very dangerous to yourself and others.'

'Where did Bird's come from then, ma'am?'

'Your action provoked it, and it came from her sense of protectiveness for both Kali and for the rest of the companions who are on this quest.'

'So she was right and I was wrong, ma'am', asked Daisy.

'No, neither of you were right. But it will be your duty to figure out your part in it. Tomorrow you will see Child and talk to her of your conclusions, and she will tell me of your progress. But now we must talk maps with Mithadan.'

She motioned for Daisy to hurry after her, as they both climbed the stairs to the deck.

[ July 19, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child heard Mithadan and Pio discussing maps and navigation in the captain's quarters. As she slid her ear up to the door, she could also hear the muffled sounds of Daisy's sniffling. Child knocked on the door.

"Mithadan, it's Child. Please let me in."

Mitadan went over and pulled open the door. Child coureously relied, "I would like to ask both of you if Daisy could come out with me on the deck and take a little walk. I have a few things I need to discuss with her."

Mithadan and Pio both nodded their heads in consent. Then Child turned to Daisy, "You have hurt me greatly. I am ashamed of your behavior. You make me ashamed to even be a hobbit. Our people are not fiercely brave like Men, nor do we generally create beatiful things like the Dwarves, or Music like the Elves. But the two things we are prized for, from one end of Middle-earth to another, are our laughing ways and our good hearts."

"Something is wrong in your heart, Daisy, that you would act like this, when we have taken you in with kindness."

"I have asked Pio to take you into her cabin and under her strict control to teach you discipline and respect. I think she will be better at that than I would. But, that alone, is not enough. There is some hurt in your heart, and we are going to find out what lies at the bottom of this."

"You have something inside you that needs to come out, and we're going to start working on it now."

"One more thing, when Kali comes back, which he will, you will apologize to him. But words are not enough. You gave words once before, and they meant nothing to you. So we will talk too of how you may make some honest recompense to the hobbrim, who in truth is your cousin, just as he is mine."

Daisy followed Child out the door.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The sea was calm and quiet. Everything looked peaceful in the moonlight. The older hobbit and her young charge sat on two barrels looking out to sea.

"Alright," said Child, "Who hurt you? What is in your past that you repay kindness with harsh words? Someone has hurt you badly, for you are thrashing out at those who come across your path in peace."

Daisy looked out at the waves and listened to their sound as they gently lapped against the ship. Then she began to cry. Not the sniffling and fretful tears that she had shown when Pio and Birdland had chastised her, but tears from the very depths of her soul, tears that no young girl should know or understand.

Child was by nature a mother, and she knew what had to be done. There could be no discussion or healing until some of these tears spilled out and took with them the pain that they hid.

Child wrapped Daisy in her arms and drew her head down onto her shoulder. The little body trembled and pressed against her own, clinging to Child as if she was the only safe haven in a very troubled world.

Then the sobs stopped and the little body lay still, still as a swan feather at rest on a silent ocean.

"My mother, my mother," Daisy whispered, "The others did not accept her marriage to my father, because he was different. He loved the Sea, and the winds, and even the storms that blew over the mountains into our village. He looked beyond and saw things that others could not see or understand. Sometimes he even walked in the woods at night and looked for Elves."

"Though, of course," she said sadly, "I don't think he ever found any."

"My mother was raised by her grandparents, and they would not accept my father, Folco Boffin, into our kin. My mother and father had to leave and make their own way in life. And it was a very hard life. Even after he died, they would not help us. My mother finally went away. She gave up trying. She travelled as far as Bree, trying to lose herself in a place where none would know their name."

"And I sweaf to you that, when she died, it was from no mortal illness. For loneliness and tears can kill as swiftly and mercilessly as any disease I know."

Child said nothing. If a Man had said these sad things, she would not have been shocked, but for a hobbit family to do this was simply unheard of. Teasing and comments behind someone's back--Child had herself heard these because of her strange interests as a girl. But to reject a grandaughter, to chase her out of a house.....a hobbit family did not do that.

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

[Birdland]

Birdie swam along the coastline, searching with her eyes, and sending out the echoes of the dolphin kind, anything to try and find Kali. Levanto swam with her, pointing her in the last direction that he had seen the hobbrim go.

She had looked everywhere in the three dimensions of the surrounding sea, but it was Levanto who finally spied him. "There" he had said, pointing to a small cliff of rocks that were pounded by the surrounding waves. A great wall of rocky shoreline was to his back, the waves washing and climbing against it, but he ignored the dancing, dangerous waters around him, only gazing out on the horizon, where Tilion's charge was slowly disappearing into the sea.

"Kal-eeeeee! Come down!" she called. Levanto had backed away from the cliff face. It was too dangerous. Birdie wondered how in Middle-Earth Kali had ever managed to come to such a spot. It took all her skill to hold her place in the water without being dashed against the rock face before her.

"Kali! I can barely hold out against the waves, but I will stay here until you talk to me, even if it means the rocks chew me to bits!" Her dolphin form twisted instinctively as a wave caught her and tried to throw her into the land.

Kali saw this last maneuver, and dived off the rock, knifing through the water away from the sucking tide against the cliff face. Birdie followed him with relief, swimming around him and cutting him off as she gained the open ocean again.

"Kali, what are you doing? We were all worried for you."

Kali looked around Birdie; at the wave, the moon, horizon; everywhere but her face. Finally he said: I'm afraid, Birdee. It seems as if the tales are wrong. The Hobbit Daisy does not accept me as one of her own. Perhaps there will be no meeting of the land and sea folk, as I was taught."

"Daisy hardly represents all Hobbits, Kali. What about Child, and Rose? They certainly have embraced you, and accept you as their cousin."

Kali made a universal gesture when any people are at a loss for words or explanation: he shrugged, and studied his long feet waving back and forth in the current.

"Oh, I know, hate and rejection can have such power, said Bird, "but you mustn't let it win out over the love that has been shown to you by all the others on the 'Lonely Star'. After all, you've earned that love. Daisy's feelings towards you have nothing to do with you, and everything to do with how she has been treated by other people. She is to be pitied, Kali. That's all. She has no power over you or your destiny."

"Has she been treated badly, Birdee?" asked Kali.

"Perhaps. I can think of no other explanation for her most un-hobbit like behavior. Come, Kali. Come back to the ship. No one there will let her hurt you. You have friends on your side. Don't let her destroy your faith in your cause. Or yourself."

"Alright, then. I will come back. But it has been so long Birdee. I did not know that adventures could last so long."

Birdee laughed, a strange whistling sound that echoed through the water. "Some say adventures never end, but I don't think that will be your fate, Sea Halfling. Come on. The others are waiting."

The swam back towards the "Lonely Star" side-by-side in silence. As the vessel came into view through the night, the could see lanterns hung along the sides, and people on the rail calling out "Kali! "Kali!", and a few times "Birdie!"

They raised their heads to call back to the crew. Birdie drew breath through her blowhole to call back to Child and Pio, but when she tried to holler back, the sound that came out shocked both her and Kali. Instead of "We're here!", a sharp, shrill whistle came from the skin-changer. She tried again, but again the only sound that she could make was a dolphin's whistle.

Birdie stopped dead in the water, looking wildly about her. For a minute she looked at Kali with a air of almost panic. Then shaking her head violently, said to Kali in a strained voice "Get me to the ship, Kali."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child and Daisy were sitting and quietly talking on the far side of the deck when they heard Bird's sharp whistles for assistance. Pio was the first to respond to tne note of panic and fear which was so clearly evident in Bird's pleas for help. Bird's dolphin body sat unwielding and unchanging, her eyes blinking up at them riddled with fear.

Pio turned around with bitterness in her face. "Bird was out far and long searching for Kali. She has found him, but I do not like what I see. I know little about these ancient secrets, but I am afraid she has given too much and stayed out in the ocean too many hours. I hope she will find her way back."

At this point, Pio turned around, and glared at Daisy. She said nothing, but the thoughts on her face were easy to read. If there had been no argument, if Daisy had treated Kali with respect, they would not be sitting here worrying about their friend.

Pio spoke to Child, "Go now and get the hobbit girl back to my cabin. Stay with her till I come back." Child weakly nodded.

Child whispered, "If Bird needs me, just have Khelek come and knock on the door."

Kali and Pio sat unmoving beside the shapechanger.

[piosenniel]

Pio sat as close as she could to the dolphin, placing her body in contact with Bird's. She had asked Kali to haul up sea water and keep the dolphin body wet. Looking Bird in the eye, she leaned near her and said softly, 'Listen to me, Bird, I'm going to call you back with some music from another life, some tunes from a Welshman.'

The elf cleared her throat, and sang in a clear, low voice the lyrics from 'La Peste', and then worked her way through 'Exile on Coldharbour Lane'. Over and over until dawn the words ran over the dolphin mixed with the water from Kali's bucket, until the radiant morning star peeked over the horizon.

Kali was very tired, and Pio's voice had turned gravelly, but on she sang, eyes half closed -

U don't dans 2 Tekno anymore!
I don't see you under the strobe light
on the dance floor.
It's been awhile, since I saw your ultraviolet smile,
And U don't dans 2 Tekno anymore . . .

'Enough!" came a thin voice, as the elf started the next verse. 'I thought I'd never hear enough of those lyrics, but by the One, Pio, I think you've driven all love of them straight out of me!'

Pio and Kali lay exhausted on the deck. 'And you're welcome, too!' said the elf with her eyes closed.

'Thanks! and all that!' came the welcome voice of Bird. 'But HEY!!! can anyone bring me a robe?

Getting no response from the sleeping forms on the deck, Bird wrapped a tarp around her and went downstairs to her cabin.

[ July 19, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

Pio roused herself from sleep and got to her feet. She picked the slumbering Kali up from the deck and carried him downstairs to his bed. His arms were wrapped around her neck, his head tucked into the hollow of her throat. As she laid him down on his bunk, he sighed and said softly, 'Strange songs, Pio. But they work very good.' He rolled to his side and dropped back into slumber.

Pio looked in her cabin - there was Child lying on her bed, her arms wrapped around Daisy. She covered them with a thin quilt and went up to the helm deck.

The sun was still new in the clear sky, and the morning breeze was brisk as she leaned against the balustrade and looked as far out to the West as she could. She shivered as the breeze gusted for a moment.

A voice spoke from behind her. 'Here, I brought this for you. Thought it might warm you.'

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child and Daisy had been talking for some time, when the older hobbit excused herself to go to the galley and pick up some food. Before she returned to the cabin, she checked back on deck and heard the good news that Bird was going to be alright. She raced back to tell Daisy.

Daisy's face relaxed a bit after she heard that Bird had pulled through. She visibly sighed and shook her head. "It would have been my fault, if anything had happened to her," the hobbit whispered soberly.

"No, Daisy, not really. What you did to Kali was wrong, but you did not intentionally hurt Bird."

"Bird had a free choice to go out and help Kali who is her friend. She could have said yes, or she could have said no. But her heart told her to do it. And, if something had happened, Bird would have accepted that as the price she had agreed to pay, even if that choice brought sadness."

"Just like Bird, you have that same choice every day you live. You can choose to exercise the same cruelty that the people showered on you and your mother. You can choose to show disrespect towards Kali because he looks different on the outside. Or you can break away from all that, and find your own path in life. It isn't easy, but it is possible."

"And I will promise you one thing. I will not desert you. I will stand by your side if danger arises. And I know that every person on this vessel would make that same promise to you."

"Daisy, think about this. You must have loved your mother very much. If you didn't love her, if you didn't care so much about her, you wouldn't be so angry now, angry at the people who treated her with so little kindness or respect. Let the anger go and build on the love. Everything you have told me about her, her dreams for you, and her feelings for your father, tells me she would have wanted it that way."

"Oh, yes, and don't be surprised if Kali avoids you for a bit. He is shy to begin with, and now he has been hurt. If I were you, I'd think of something nice to do to show him you are truly sorry."

"But what can I do? Daisy queried.

Child laughed, "Isn't it obvious? You're a hobbit, and he's a hobbim. Cook him a meal with all his favorite foods. It always worked for me when my husband was alive, and he was upset with me. Now go to sleep. It's very late and Mistress Pio has an unending supply of chores for you tomorrow."

Child kissed the girl on her forehead and lay down beside her. Daisy cuddled into her side. Within a few moments, they had both fallen asleep.

[ July 19, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC--See you the end of this month, unless I manage to dredge up a computer on vacation. Have fun, and feel free to use my characters. sharon

[Kettle of fish]

The kettle was bouncing along with a teacup balanced precariously on its lid. Sliding to a halt, it looked around before navigating carefully down steps, around doors, between feet.

With a quick snap, it propelled the cup upwards, which tumbled down and landed upright, causing the kettle to give a smug toot. With great care, it poured tea into the cup and then regarded the sleeping form of Kali.

Then with another toot, it bounced off again back to the kitchen.

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen was stolling the deck of the ship, when a clanking noise around the corner made her pause. Ket hopped around the corner, whistling to itself. Celeaewen jumped, before she rembered about the living kettle.I wonder what Kali would think of this she thought, chuckling, as she picked the kettle up.

[Kettle of fish]

Kettle beamed as it was picked up by Celeaewen and tooted happily. All this traveling in a rush had already given it a dent that it was very displeased about.