READ THIS if you are part of the Barrow-Down's Birthday Party

[Rose Cotton]

I can't post on the Barrow-Downs party. Is it because that topic is all filled up? If it is we can keep going here.

[Veritas]

Yes, I posted after the REG-post, but it didn't show up, but at the main page i could see that I had posted something.

It just began to be fun, i was planned to kick Caleaedwen again (soory if I spelled your name wrong!) I don't know, maybe the topic is just full. smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif

[Rose Cotton]

We can keep it going here. I'll continue.
Back to Story:

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

[Rose Cotton]

Even though Stacy tried to be quiet while getting out of her tent she still woke the half asleep Rose in the next tent over. Rose hadn't slept well the whole night. The longing for new adventure made her wide awake. So she walked over to where they sat by the fire.
"Sam, that coney stew would be absalutly wonderful." She sat down beside him intending to have a chat. But being nest to Sam seemed to finally comfort and relax her and she felt her eyelids get hevey. She rested her head against her hero's sholder hoping that wouldn't hurt him and fell asleep.

(ooc:Com'on everyone! We can't let anything stop us!!!!!!!!!!)

[Veritas]

Veritas looked around, that elf Celeaewen was disappeard in the oak, and she didn't want to join her. So Veritas walked away and saw Pio standing near the river, another mysterie solved.

She found Kettle waking people by sprankling water over them. Veritas shook her head when she saw that the people didn't like it very much.

"Come on, Kettle, stop it, say, can you found out if we can use the boat, he's unused, maybe we can sail a bit over the river."

And they walked/hopped to the boat.

Celeaewen climbed out the tree, and followed them, her revange hadn't finished yet...

[Child of the 7th Age]

[off topic & out of character-- Rose, I did post on that last thread. I saw you were sulking and deciding whether or not to go on that boat. I had what I thought was a good way to gently and humorously shove you into sailing to the Far West which stemmed from Child's blundering mistakes, but it was right after you posted and you indicated you wanted to stay. So when I saw that I erased it.]

[It might be fun to do something other than chase after the REG. I actually thought that ship was a great idea for a number of reasons, including the fact that Frodo and Sam presumably have some knowledge of those lands.]

[If we don't want to do that, does anyone else have a good general idea?]

[Kettle of fish]

[My exams are here, so I won't be posting for a few weeks. Feel free to include or exclude my character in your adventures according to your discretion. My love to the dragon.]

[Frodo Baggins]

(Well Rose, I do not know how it happened, but I'm here. And you beat me to it as for posting about a continuation.)

Back to story

As for wondering how Frodo was feeling, he is pretty much all right. The Maia knife and orc clob in the same spot did him in a bit. He did not think anything was broken however. He was still quite weak, still not fully abe to stand on his own. Other than that, I'm fine

Frodo woke to see Prim, but Sam and Stacey were gone.
"All right you two." he said, "This is not funny. WHRER ARE YOU???!!!"

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child went over to check on Frodo and see how he was feeling. She was pleased to see that he had consumed a bowl of Sam's coney stew. At least his face was no longer green!

Actually, Child had been searching some time for Samwise. She thought Frodo might be able to let her know where Samwise was. She needed to find Sam and deliver one of the last pieces of her mail which was addressed to him.

Under her arm, she held a large and bulky envelope which had official looking stamps on it. Usually, people who used the messenger service put their return name on the envelope, but this particular package had no identification of any kind whatsoever. Quite strange, she thought.

Actually, Child was snoopy enough to want to stick around and watch Sam open his mail. She had often found that she could learn a great deal just by looking at the person's face and standing on her furry brown tiptoes iin close proximty.

"There you are, Frodo," she said. "Have you seen Sam? I figured you'd know where I could find him. I've got a funny looking package here marked "Urgent delivery" which seems to have his name on it. You wouldn't know where he is, or what this strange parcel is all about, would you?"

[piosenniel]

ooc:: I PM'd Mithadan, he said that perhaps this board site might not accept threads that long and closed it (of course, he also mentioned it might be the work of an evil administrator!) I thought it extremely interesting that the last post was from 'someone' named "reg" - I was beginning to think the REG had come back to life and taken over the thread!!! I did try to post the opening to a new story line. I'll post it after these comments. We can either try to blend it in with the ship idea, or save it til later - if so, I'll delete it for now. I'd reallylike to see the birthday crowd party and adventure til next year's celebration!!!!::
********************************************
Rose was still sitting in the bar when Pio walked in. She was slowly sipping on a soda and staring dreamily into space.

Pio motioned for her to come sit in a booth in the corner, out of earshot and eyesight of most of the customers in the bar.

'I can see you've got a little case of wanderlust going, Rose. I know just how you feel - the open road, the adventure around every corner, a wealth of new sights and sounds that can make you quite dizzy with delight. It doesn't seem that long ago that I first started my travels with Gildor Inglorion and his Wandering Company of Kindred. Such a lovely, and rich life . . .', sighed Pio with a faraway look in her eyes.

'O! I would love to have done that!', said Rose.

'Yes, I know - which is why I have come to you with this proposition. What would you say to an expedition to Gondor to see if we can retrieve the copy of The Red Book of Westmarch given to king Elessar. I believe it was called Thain's Book, and I know it was recopied during Eldarion's reign (Elessar's son) and given to the Hobbits. This is the volume which survives to this day. What I don't know, exactly, is where it is! In addition to this, I was thinking we might have a look-see for the Stone of Orthanc, the palantìr that King Elessar used during his reign.'

Rose's eyes lit up, then narrowed, 'Isn't that going to be a LOT of walking considering we have no idea where we're looking?'

'Well, Rose, that's where I thought your talents as a thief extraordinaire would come in handy. I thought we might head back to the Barrow Downs and from there to the Shire where we might pick Child's brain as to where she thinks those items could be located. & then, we might, perhaps, "borrow" Angara since that would cut our travelling time to a fraction.' Pio glanced at Rose, inquiringly.

'Sounds interesting', said Rose. 'When do we start?'

'As soon as we find someone who knows Child's address we can be off. Now, who might know it?', asked Pio.

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

[Rose Cotton]

When Rose woke up she found herself at Sam's feet by the fire. She looked up at him and he smilled back at her.
"You fell asleep." he said.
"Oh." she replyed. She got up and told Sam she was going to get a drink of somthing. Then walked over to the bar. She still wanted adventure.

When Pio took Rose aside she felt her heart flutter with anticipation. But then she thought about the party. She had promised herself to stay as long as she posibly could but.....was there anything left to do?

"Would it be only us on this venture or shall we choose companions to go too?" she asked. It would be alot more fun if they could have more people.

ooc: Your right Pio. It's freaky that that last post was by "reg". I thought it was Mithadan because HE was the one who showed up to the party as another person untill he decided to reviel himself. Perhaps he knows somthing.

[Veritas]

<<good luck with your exams, Kettle!>>

By the boat they could see no-one, and so Kettle and Veritas hopped and walked to the bar, they heard Rose and Pio talking about an adventure, and they seemed to find more people to join.

"We want to join!" Veritas said, "If you like it, of course!"

When Kettle began a conversation with Rose, Veritas looked around and saw Celeaewen dive behind a table.

"i know you're there..." Veritas said to herself when she turned around to join with the conversation.

[piosenniel]

:: ooc -- I think it would be fun to include others, but it looks as if they are off the board at the moment. I'd like to wait and see what Child might like to do with the ship idea. I don't think she'll be back 'til (?)Sunday. So, let's just hang out at the Fields and enjoy ourselves for a while until some others show up::

Pio and Rose scanned the area for a likely informant. 'I wonder if Frodo might know where Child lives', mused the elf.'Perhaps you could go over and chat him up a bit.'

Rose went back to sit by the dear hobbit, who was now dozing by the fire. She waited patiently for him to wake up.

Pio wandered over to help Kettle straighten up the tavern's common room. Gimli had knocked over a few chairs when he attempted to stand up and walk across the room. He was now in a crumpled heap by the door, the latch on it having proved far too complicated for a well-aled dwarf. As she helped Kettle resettle some of the fish which had been inadvertently knocked out of him, she thought about who might prove best to come on this little adventure. 'Say, Kettle,' she asked off-handedly,'you doing anything tomorrow that you can't get out of?'

Kettle paused in his track and assumed a considering manner. 'I think the Tavern could probably run itself for a while. What have you got in mind? & please don't tell me it involves a dragon ride!!'

'Well, only a short one . . . or two!' laughed Pio.

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: great! I'd like to hang around a bit.:

Rose was going to wake Frodo up but when she saw how peacefull he was she decided just to wait.

"What was that about?" asked Sam.
"An adventure." she replyed with a grin.
But Sam looked worried.
"I beg your pardon, but are you sure you want an adventure NOW?"
"Well...ya. I like the feeling that somthing new is coming from every corner. Oh Sam, when you and Merry and Pippin and Frodo came back from your adventures I wished that I had gone with you. I want to do somthing worthy of a song." and he could see the light of adventure burning in her eyes.

Then Frodo stired.

[VanimaEdhel]

OOC: I haven't been on the other one yet, so I don't know how it is, but...

Menelduliniel follows the others, desiring now to actually do something other than drink!!!

[Samwise]

OOC: Uh...could I ask a favor? I know sometimes other characters have to be played when their alter-egos arent around, but as much as possible, could you let me play mine myself? I enjoyed the last adventure except that is was downright confusing enough without other folks saying stuff/acting for me (us....). smilies/tongue.gif
Yours confusedly,
Stacey
************************************************Pr imrose got up and stretched. Seeing no one else in the tent, she crawled out and shook herself, then spied Miss Stacey and her Papa by the fire. She wandered over.

[ June 06, 2002: Message edited by: Samwise ]

[Samwise]

OOC:Yeah, I thought it was freaky that the last post on the other thread was by 'reg' too...and that "he" was unregistered to boot....*cue spooky music*....

[VanimaEdhel]

*continues spooky music*

Dum-dum-duuuuuuuuum...

Menelduliniel sneaks up behind everyone and scares them, to add to the tension...

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: I'm sorry Sam. It won't happen again.::


As Rose waited for Frodo to feel fully awake she heard someone behind her. She turned to see Primrose running up to Sam.
"Hello Primrose. Your father doesn't seem very keen on adventure right now. Though I don't blame him. What do you say?"

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen was, for the most part, able to follow Veritas silently enuf that she did not notice. now, if Veritas had been an elf, that would have been another matter altogether. but thats not the point. she overheard the conversation about an adventure, and Celeaewen's eyes lit up. she was feeling better, and this sounded like a very safe, battle-free type adventure. she decided that she would tag along. Unfortunalty, in her excitement, she had allowed herself to creep from behind the table. Veritas turned around, and Celeaewen dived behinde the table, cursing her stupidity

[Frodo Baggins]

"NO!! No more adventures now!! Please! (yes I heard you)

"No Child, I know nothing about the package to Sam. I would tell you if I did. It seem's he's skipped off somewhere, all three of them, and left me. Oh well."

"Piosenniel, Come over here. You'll have to do most of the talking, but chat away."

[Samwise]

Stacey, hearing Frodo's voice, turns around.

Stacey: Frodo, we're over here!

Sam: smilies/frown.gif Sorry, Mister Frodo, when I woke up my joints were stiff and I needed to loosen 'em up.

Primrose: Don't feel bad, Uncle Frodo, they scared me, too. smilies/wink.gif

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

gimli drains his 426,890th mug.

[Samwise]

Primrose walks over to Frodo's side.

Prim: Did someone say something about a package for Papa?

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

Gimli all over a sudden gets a drinking urge and drains his 600,076th mug.

[ June 07, 2002: Message edited by: Gimli Son Of Gloin ]

[Rose Cotton]

Rose was disapointed that she didn't have very many takers on the adventure.

"Oh, Frodo. I was supposed to ask you, do you know where Child's hobbit hole is?"

[Samwise]

OOC: 'Sokay, Rose, like I said, I just get too easily confused.
----------------------------------------------
Prim: *Whispering* I wouldn't mind adventure, but the last one was kind of hard on Papa and Mister Frodo...
*Aloud* Miss, what about the package for Papa?

[Frodo Baggins]

Child has the package, find her and ask her. And no I do not know where Child's hole is.

Sorry, I do not mean to sound cross, I just am tired and don't feel well.

[ June 06, 2002: Message edited by: Frodo Baggins ]

[piosenniel]

It had been a quiet day at the Fields. The party grounds had been cleaned up by the remainder of the guests, and many of them were packing up and on their way home.

Frodo was still snuggled in by the fireplace, and Rose sat patiently by him. The dear old Hobbit kept drifting off midsentence. 'And no wonder!' thought Pio, 'It's been a long hard two weeks for him!'

Pio wandered over and sat down by Frodo , next to Rose. He stirred from is nap and fixed a kindly eye on the elf. Rose ran to get him a hot cuppa tea to warm his bones, and Pio tapped him lightly on the knee and asked for a story or poem, if he pleased, from the old days, one from the Red Book. She liked those tales of adventure and danger -- perhaps too much.

[Rose Cotton]

That's alright Frodo. I realize our last dealings took alot out of you two. You know when I had the REG I tried to use it to make you feel better. But I guess it has no healing powers.

[Rose Cotton]

As Rose went to get Frodo somthing she noticed the feued between Veritas and Celeaewen and forgeting about the tea she went over to investigate and maybe join in.

[Frodo Baggins]

That's all right Rose. Frodo began telling the both if them about the three trolls that Bilbo and the dwarrves ahd run into. And how Gandalf had very intellgently kept them arguing until the sun rose.....

[Samwise]

As much as Sam loved to hear Mister Frodo's stories, hearing his cross words reminded him of long ago, and he became sad. Quietly, he got up and walked away from the group.
He still could not breathe without a little pain, but he would just have to bear it.

Sam: *Sighing* Poor Mister Frodo. He wouldn't be in such bad shape if it weren't for me...

He walked off over the feild.

[Rose Cotton]

There wasn't much happening with Veritas and Celeaewen so she looked for somthing else that would grab her atention. Then she noticed that that boat was still there. Just as beautifull and mysterious as ever. And noone was with it. Not even the elf capion. She was curious so Rose walked over to it.

But as she was about to board it she felt her guilt again very strongly. It was a warning against going on the ship. But it was just a boat. What could it do? Rose climed up onto it with some difficulty as it was built for elven use and onto the front of it. She felt enchanted to be on it. The wood, was it wood? It felt so smooth under her hands. And the sails were as gentil looking as clouds. She could see far from there and gasing across the fields noticed Samwise walking slowly by himself.

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

[Samwise]

Sam walked for a while, then finally found a tree to sit down by and leaned his back against it.

Sam: None of this would have happened if it weren't for me. Oh, poor Mister Frodo. He was just tryin' to save me....

A tear slid down his cheek. After a moment he looked up and gazed over at the Anduin. There was Miss Rose...Miss Rose!?!
That ship! What was she doing???
Sam: *struggling to get up* Miss ROSE!

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo had finished the story..

"Now where is Sam??" Frodo saw Sam just as he called out after Rose. Frodo stood leaning on Pio (hope you don't mind) and said "OH no!! Rose!! NO wait!!!"

[Rose Cotton]

ooc:Am I cursed to cause trouble forever? smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif ::

As Rose watched Sam he sat down next to a tree and looked up at her. Then suddenly he looked very distressed. And there was Frodo going at it too. What was wrong? She was just looking at the boat. But then Rose felt the boat lurch benieth her feet and caught off guard she was flung onto the floor. The ship was moveing?!

[ June 07, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[Samwise]

OOC: oh, dear, oh, dear.....
Well, we've got to have something to do, don't we?
Sorry to say, but I've got to get off line for the night. Stop the boat 'til tomorrow!!
~Samwise

[Frodo Baggins]

ROSE!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: I think Sam is right Frodo. I have to go to bed too. We will save me tomorow. smilies/wink.gif ::

[Child of the 7th Age]

Off the story line----Well, I'm back!

Rose and others involved in this plot line--

I have been dealing all day with nasty machinery that breaks down. Down with machines! I usually don't post much Friday evening and Saturday morning and afternoon, but other than that I'm generally available, as the saying goes.

I hope Frodo feels better. He sounds miserable.

If you want to do the ship to the Undying Lands, I can give you a nice send off early tomorrow morning--a humorous mixup which ends up me thinking I'm giving you a nice present and you sure it's a not too gentle hint that everyone wants you to depart. Just make sure the boat remains docked till I get there. I won't post it till you or somebody tells me to go ahead.

Since we're all dead here already, I would think some of the restrictions on visiting Tol Eressea and Aman would not exactly apply to us. As far as the rest of us getting there, if we could get a ship from Mith, wouldn't Sam or Frodo (or Gimli) remember how to find the Lost Road? Maybe Frodo and Sam could get over their wounds on the ship. The journey is sure to take a while, and we might even have some adventures on the way there or back. (I heard a nasty rumor about some very bad guys trying to refloat Numenor, but it may not be true!)

My dragon could come along and fly overhead. That way, we'd have additional transport, if someone or something needed to come later, be rescued, etc. Once we're actually over in Aman, maybe one of the Valar or the Elves would have an "assignment" for us back in Middle Earth to go retrieve something they need.

If you want to do something else like the Red Book, that's fine too. Just let me know--I'll hang low till I see what you want to do.

The package? Too tell the truth, I'm not sure what's in it. I was just trying to start a new story line and I thought I or someone else would figure that out along the way. Maybe it's from that REG guy, he, he, he.....

[piosenniel]

:: ooc - Yes, let's do the ship adventure! It will be interesting to see how this elf responds to a trip overseas! We can always save the Red Book and the Last Lonely Palantìr for another time. After all, as you said, we're all dead, so we should have plenty of time!!

FRODO - No, I don't mind you leaning on me; I spend most of my day at work with someone leaning on me!::

Pio wondered at how insubstantial Frodo had grown. His leaning on her was no more than the weight of a feather on her arm.

She looked toward the place from where Sam's cry had come, and could just see Rose fall onto the deck of a boat which was slowly slipping its moorings.

Easing Frodo back into his chair, she ran like the West wind toward the ship and managed to grab the rope end and secure it. The ship had drifted into the swifter current of the river, and the length of rope was pulled taut - a distance too far for Rose to jump back to shore. 'Not that the little scamp seems in a hurry to do so!', thought the elf.

Pio jumped up on the taut rope and made her way to the deck of the ship. 'What's this?', she said, surprised. Rose was lying on the deck, fast asleep and no amount of gentle prodding or calling to her would wake her. 'What strange magic do we have here?' she said, yawning; feeling her limbs get very heavy, and her eyes begin to close.

She struggled to wave for help to the others on the shore, but her last glimpse of them was the same sort of drowsy spiral down to sleep that she was making . . .

The mooring line held; the ship rocked gently in the current, lulling her cargo into deeper slumber and dreams . . .

[Rose Cotton]

ooc:I'd love to do the ship story. And as you can see I'm one step ahead of you. But I must warn you, anything that concerns the Valar or lands beyond Middle Earth I'm clueless on. smilies/biggrin.gif ::

Rose couldn't get up. She was too sleepy. Then she felt a thud next to her and someone trying to get her up. But then they too fell asleep next to her.

[Veritas]

"Why would Celeaewen follow me the whole time? I don't even know why she's hunting me." Veritas thought.

Suddenly she heard a scream: Sam! She runs outside the bar, and almost falls over Celeaewen, who was sitting near the table. But Veritas had forgotten that they were hunting eachother and ran further, muttering "Sorry!". When she reachs the place, she sees nothing was wrong.

She looks up, the boat was lying quiet and mysterious...

Veritas gets a strange feeling that she HAS to go there, and walks driven by curiousity to the boat.

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen was snoozing behind the table, and was awakend by Veritas tripping over her.
"oh, thats nice. wake me up and step on me is it?"
Veritas hurried out the door, and Celeaewen followed, even more intent on vengance. Celeaewen hadnever, in her kife, seen a ship.(which is understandable, seeing as she lived the better part of her life in the woods). she was immnensly curios, and Veritas was forgotten, as she climbed up the ship, jiust to inspect it. unfortunatly, she felt very sleepy and sank down to the floor, just as the ship began to move.

[Sindacuion]

Sindacuion was not in such good shape and decided that he had had his part of the excitement and adventure.

"I am sorry, friends, but I am needed at home. I shall travel back to Lothlorien. I hope you a happy journey and a nice party.. I may return, but it is uncertain.."

He went off and disappeared to the hills..

[ June 07, 2002: Message edited by: Sindacuion ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

[off topic--Birdland sent me a pm that she had to work early shift and will catch up with us this afternoon; looks like I won't have to "lure" Rose on board. LOL I'll still take that book though. Might prove useful]

Child stared with amazement at the scene that was taking place. One by one, her friends were wandering on to the ship and sinking down into deep sleep. How very strange, she wondered.

Oh, well, let them have their fun. I'm going home, she thought.

Child was loaded down with all the implements and supplies she would need for her trip back to the Shire. Plus she had a small palantir keychain for Birdland that she wanted to give as a gift. Birdie had seemed so upset when she had given the last one to Frodo.

Oh, yes, there was one other thing, she had a travel book she had wanted to give Rose. She knew how depressed Rose had been about the whole affair of the REG. She just wanted to cheer her up. The book was one of Frodo's latest publications:

Your Travel Guide to the Undying Lands,
or How I Went There and Back Again
By Frodo Baggins, Esquire, with
Added Notes by Master Samwise
Gamgee

Rose loved travel books. She hoped she would find this one useful.

But she did want to find out what was going on with that ship. At least it now stood still in the water.

To Child's amazement, a large bearded Elf appeared at the edge of the deck. He carried a very official looking envelope. Actually the envelope looked identical to the one Child had under her arm which she was supposed to deliver to Samwise but had never done so.

Child was amazed. She had never seen an Elf with a beard. The Elf drew out the proclamation and began to read:

To Masters Samwise and Frodo, It has recently come to our attention that both of you have been grievously injured in a battle. As per our earlier agreement, you have unlimited rights of return to the land of the West. We have therefore sent this ship to permit you to sail and receive healing for your wounds. Please indicate as soon as possible whether you wish to comply with this request. Your dearest friend Galadriel, with special kisses and hugs to Frodo!

PS It is possible that we may have a very small and insignificant mission for you after you have rested and received succor. The Masters of Taniquetil, Manwe and Varda

Cirdan glared at Child and stated, "I am not leaving until I receive a response from Sam and Frodo."

Cirdan continued: "Now as to all these sleeping bodies on the deck, the Elves may stay but all these miscellanous hobbits and other beings must immediatly depart."

Now, the worst thing in the world you could do was to tell Child to depart. She generally became very stubborn.

Child glared at Cirdan, "There is no provision against dead souls of hobbits in Elvenhome, only live souls. Now, we all happen to be very dead, so don't act so high and mighty!"

Cirdan snarled back and asked her to produce her papers which she did. She showed him her Barrowdowns visa and passport. He also checked the documents of the other hobbits sleeping on the ship.

"All right," but you better mind your manners. I'm only letting you on because you are friends of the Baggins and Gamgee families who do have special privileges in this realm."

"Special privileges, humph!" Child muttered under her breath. "We'll see about that!"

Child put her foot on the deck and expected to be sawing Z's quite quickly, but she remained wide awake. How could this be?

Cirdan scratched his head: "You wouldn't by any chance have previously voyaged to the West, now, would you? Only those who have seen the halls of the Valar are immune to the sleep draughts here."

Child remembered her brief 30 second trip to Aman which she had experienced in the last adventure. She drew herself up to her full three feet.

"Of course, I am an experienced traveller! Err, and by the way, will you wake up my friends once our voyage starts. I'd like some company."

"Yes, yes," muttered Cirdan. Now all of you unauthorised, dead hobbits will have to act as servants on the ship. You can help the Baggins and Gamgee families and the Elves with their provisions and needs. You, Child, can start by mopping off the deck."

Child stared in misbelief. Mopping the deck? Or waiting on Pio, or on Sam or Frodo???? Child's hair stood straight off her head. She liked her friends very much, but she did NOT want to be their servant.

"We'll see about this," she thought. "And I can imagine what Rose Cotton will say when she hears about this!"

It seemed there was an hierarchical order in Aman, and she wasn't sure she was going to like her place on the chain.

She yelled out to Angara. " The boat won't leave till this Elf talks to Frodo and Sam, but just in case something weird happens, you stay here so you can pick up latecomers. I know Birdie wouldn't miss this for the world, and there may be others."

Child begins mopping deck.

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

[Rosseiliantiel]

All this while, Rosseiliantiel had been following along behind the others, excited for an adventure. Everyone had again forgotten about her. Finally she came to the ship. Not being sure if she was aloud on this official-looking sea-craft, she felt it would be better to stay hidden. She climbed up a mooring rope & onto the deck. Seeing Cirdan, she quickly and silently hid away in a pile of torn & used sails in the corner. Her now dirty & ripped robes matched the dark shadows falling across the pile perfectly, so it was very difficult to see her unless you were looking for her, and it was very unlikely that anyone would be doing that. As soon as she had settled in, she felt her eyelids beggining to droop and she soon fell fast asleep.

[Frodo Baggins]

(souds great C7A!!!)

Frodo realized he had been holding his breath. When he saw that the mooring held, he leaned back with a gasp of relief. "Thank you, God." he said quietly.

"Now Child, It wont be all that bad. Besides, Sam may try to take over your job anyway!" Frodo smirked.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Several hours had passed. Frodo had turned up at the dock an spoken secretly to Cirdan. Child had tried to lean over and listen to their conversation, but they had been quite discreet.

"Are we going, now?" asked Child.

"Humph, no, we're still awaiting to speak with Master Samwise and his family," replied Cirdan.

Child slunk away and continued polishing the ship's railings as she had been instructed. She had already mopped and swept the deck, washed and folded blankets, and emptied chamber pots.

She had also been instructed to make a comfortable bed for Mr. Frodo to rest and to bring him glasses of water and lembas when he required them.

Child hoped Sam would get on board quickly. It did seem that Mr. Frodo took a lot of waiting on!

Child decided she had enough of that. She found a small closet to hide in, and drew out from her backpack a well worn volume: Quenya in 20 Easy Lessons. She sat down and began to work on a short vocabulary list.

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

[Frodo Baggins]

"I heard that Child!!!!" Frodo said and threw a pillow at her with a laugh.
"You better be nice or Sam will give you a severe tongue-lashing when he arrives!!!"

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel gives up on trying to follow the plot line, she is totally lost.

So, she decides that the Gimli plot line is, after all, the best way to go...

Sooooo...she goes back to sitting next to Gimli and drinking.

"So...you want to talk about anything, or just drink?" Menelduliniel asks Gimli.

She is greeted with a grunt, so decides that means to just drink, so she grabs herself and ale and drinks...

[Rose Cotton]

ooc:Sam better hurry up cause half of us are asleep and would like to wake up and join the.....uh...fun. Well, maybe you elves will have fun. Like I didn't do enough work when I was stuck in a hobbit hole.

As Rose slept she dreamed about a story Frodo had once told about his adventures. She was walking at night in a lighted garden when she saw what looked to her like a sort of bird bath. She remembered that Frodo had told her it was an elf's mirror or somthing like that. She walked over to it and stood on tip-toe to see into it.......................

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel drains another mug of ale, then decides this isn't how she wants to spend her party!

"I want to go to...hmmm...dunno, I just want to wander!"

She goes off into the woods and wanders among the branches. She then jumps into a tree and moves along through the trees, as she loves to do. She watches the nature around her...

[Samwise]

Stacey stepped out onto the grass with Primrose behind her.

Prim: "Where could Papa be? "

Stacey: Don't know, Prim, maybe--

She looks out to see Sam lying prone on the ground.

Stacey: Oh, for the love of--Sam!!

She runs out to the little hobbit with Prim on her heels. Kneeling down beside Sam, she looks up to see several people she knows on an odd-looking ship. A bearded elf(?)stands at the gangplank impatiently.

Primrose: Why do I get the feeling he's waiting for us?

Stacey: Dunno, but I guess we may as well go. smilies/rolleyes.gif

She lifts Sam, who groans a bit, in her arms and walks over to the ship. The bearded elf looks at them expectantly.

Elf: Well, now we can be off. Aboard, please.

Not knowing what else to do, Stacey carries Sam up the gangplank. Primrose scurries up ahead of her.

Stacey: Oh, brother, what now.....

[Rose Cotton]

In the water Rose saw all that had happened ever since she had arived at the party. It seemed like such a long time.

Then the mirror showed Child's face. It kept saying "Get up now. Come on. Rose wake up." Her eyes flickered open and she saw Child standing over her.

"What's going on?" She asked sleepily.

[Samwise]

Stacey sat down on the deck with Sam still in her arms.

Primrose, with her hands on her hips, said,
"That's what I'd like to know."

[Frodo Baggins]

Sam?? Is that you?? Its about time, maybe you can talk some sense into C7A.

(you will know what is going on of you read the previous posts.)

[Samwise]

OOC:I did, sir. It's just my characters who wanted to know what was going on. smilies/wink.gif

Sam opened his eyes slightly.

Sam: Mister Frodo?

Stacey: smilies/frown.gif I came out and found him on the ground. Maybe the pain from those busted riblets of his made him pass out.

Sam: I was....running to stop Miss Rose an' I fell. Ow...right on those 'riblets'.

Primrose: And people say I get into trouble...

Stacey: Like father like daughter... smilies/wink.gif

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

Gimli robs a liquor store and drains his 1,873,904th mug. Gimli starts to feel a little dizzy. Gimli takes a break. --------Long enough! Gimli drains his 2,000,142nd mug.

[piosenniel]

Mentally, it was the most refreshing sleep she had had in a long time thought Pio. But, then again, there hasn't been much chance for sleep since this party first started. She got up and stretched mightily. For some reason her left side felt a little sore as if she had been sleeping on something very hard. She looked down at where she had been lying and gave herself a mental kick - of course it had been hard; she'd been snoozing on the deck of a ship. She looked about her and recalled the events of last night. 'Looks like the knot held,' she thought to herself. 'But why is everyone on board now? I thought the purpose was to get Rose off the boat?, she mused out loud.

'Let me out, elf!!!' came a frazzled voice from the closet door she had leaned against while trying to sort things out. 'Let me out and I'll bring you up to speed.!

Pio opened the door carefully and peered in, only to see Child come rushing out into the light, blinking.

'Child! You're here too!', she said giving her a hug. 'Did you bring Angara, by any chance? I miss the little wyrmlet!

Child stood fussing with her clothes for a bit, while Pio stood and wondered idly to herself who had parked a ship in the Great River.

**I did, Piosenniel** came the thought back to her.

'Excuse me, Child, did you say something to me?' Child looked at her as if she had suddenly gone mad.

'I *said* it.' came the deep voice behind her.

Turning, Pio saw someone she had never thought she would see. Her mouth dropped open slightly and her eyes widened in surprise. 'Son of a Seagull' she blurted out.
It's Cirdan!'

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel travels until she reaches the sea.

"Ai! The sea!" Menelduliniel breathes, "That's what I wanted to see!"

She turns back and runs back to Gimli.

"Hey! You didn't save some of your liquor store booty for meeee?"

She tackles the drunken Dwarf to the ground...

[Child of the 7th Age]

[OOC -Menilduliniel and Gimli -- Sure you guys don't want to board the ship to the Undying Lands? Gimli, you can visit your pal Legolas there. In case you don't make the sailing on time, I'll leave my dragon Anagara behind to pick up stragglers.]


Child stretched. She had fallen asleep for a brief spell. She didn't think it was the mysterious sleeping draughts. She had just found Quenya vocabulary lists quite sleep inducing. She put her book away and opened the closet door.

There was Pio waiting for her. Pio seemed somewhat surprised and alarmed to discover they were on a ship with Cirdan at the helm. Child explained about the proclamation asking Frodo and Sam to come for healing to the West, and about the possibility of a further assignment from Manwe and Varda. Child was actually quite jealous of Pio. Because she was an Elf, Cirdan seemed distinctly more friendly to her.

Child turned around and saw Rose Cotton who was looking up at her expectantly. She again explained about the proclamation for Frodo and Sam. Child knew she would also have to explain to Rose how Cirdan thought the hobbits, other than the Gamgees and Baggins families, were expected to work as servants on board. She figured that Rose would have a distincty negative view of such an arrangment.

She briefly explained the situation to Rose who did not look terribly pleased.

Now, Rose is quite an intelligent hobbit nd she immediately saw a way out of this less than desirable situation. She leaned over and whispered in Child's ear.

Child smiled back at Rose and said she'd be glad to take care of that. Then she went on her way to straighten out the situation.

"Oh, Cirdan, " Child intoned. "I forgot to tell you something. Miss Rose and I also happen to have ties to one of the Ringbearers, so it is highly inappropriate for us to be scrubbing the decks and doing other menial chores."

Cirdan tilted his head quizically, and Child continued. "We are the favorite nieces of the esteemed Bilbo Baggins. Our uncle couldn't make it today so he sent us as his representatives. I know Uncle Bilbo would be displeased if he knew we were being used as servants!!"

Now, this was not exactly true. Rose and Child were distant cousins of Bilbo, since almost all the hobbits in the Shire are distant cousins of each other. But Child knew that hobbit family trees were so complex
that there was no way Cirdan could check on this claim.

"All right" grumbled Cirdan, "Gandalf might be angry if he knew I was slighting Bilbo's favorite nieces."

"Oh, yes, Cirdan, since we are Bilbo's official representatives, Rose and I expect to be consulted on all serious issues on this trip, both on the voyage and in Aman." continued Child.

Cirdan grunted and shook his head. Child was amazed that she had pulled off this scam.
She hoped she and Rose would not run into Gandalf on Tol Eressea, or they might be back to scrubbing floors again.

"Oh, yes, Cirdan, by the way, hobbits do care for each other, and I will be happy to help out in taking care of Frodo and Samwise since they do seem grievously wounded. I doubt that Sam will be able to assist Frodo as he usually does, and we will try to help out" Child said.

This statement, unlike the earlier ones, was truly and sincerely meant, and she thought that Rose would also be happy to help if the two hobbits were still ill.

Child went to get extra pillows for Samwise, and extra Lembas for Frodo. She wondered when the ship would sail, what she would see, and if her friend Birdland would come on time, or would have to fly with Angara. She also wondered about the rules for admiting dragons to the West. Oh, well, they would surely manage something.

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

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel runs.

"Did you say Legolas? As in Legolas-Legolas? I'm coming! Wait!"

Menelduliniel jumps onto the boat, with a keg of ale with her.

"I haven't seen my boyfriend in over 50 years!" Menelduliniel exclaims, excitedly.

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Menelduliniel keeps saying on the way...

[Samwise]

Stacey: Thank you, Child.

She gently lifted Sam off her lap, arranged a couple of the pillows as a bed for him and tucked one behind his curly head.

Stacey: I'll help in any way I can.

Prim: *coming around the corner of the ship's cabin* And so will I, if it has anything to do with Papa or Uncle Frodo.

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen woke up breifly at the sound of a thud and a voice shreiking "legolas!legolas!" and then "are we there ye? are we there yet?" Celeaewen groaned. the delusions some people labored under. she looked blearily at Melenduliel, then threw the nearest object at her. it turned out to be a rag, so Celeaewen searched around till she found a nice book. taking careful aim, shge threw it,m and it hit Melenduiel square in the head. She crumpled, unconsius. Cirdan shot her a grateful look, but she missed it, already being fast asleep.

[Rose Cotton]

Now, Rose is quite an intelligent hobbit nd she immediately saw a way out of this less than desirable situation.
ooc: I take that as a complement. Thanks. Hm..I wonder if Hobbit's give each other high-fives. Oh well:

After Child returned from deceiving the elf caption, (Rose still hasn't learned his name and didn't think he could be tricked) she gave her a silent high-five.]
"And beside's" Rose whispered, "I'm Sam's wife arn't I?"

(ooc:I'm assuming this since I was his wife in the books and since Primrose is here I just thought I'm probably his wife by now. Till now I didn't feel like touching up on this. Correct me Sam, if I'm wrong.)

Rose was relieved she wouldn't be serving the elves. She wouldn't mind taking care of Frodo and Sam but the fact that some elves consitered themselves better then other creatures made Rose angry.

[Samwise]

OOC: Well, technically, yes you are. If you want to act in that capacity, that's fine with me.
---------------------------------------------
Stacey looked over at Rose and Child.

Stacey: Um--is this ship going anywhere? I mean--this feels really wierd. I feel like I know what this ship is supposed to be for, but I can't put my finger on it. smilies/frown.gif
(Remember, I'm not from Middle Earth, and I'm also not that well Tolkien-versed).

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: Sure we'll go by that. And besides the fact that I'm in love with Sam it will get me out of scrubbing. smilies/biggrin.gif :

Even though Rose was a little anoyed at being put into an enchanted sleep she was still taken away by the beauty of the ship. She had only seen ships every once and awhile when she visited the Brandywine River. But since not many hobbits were much into water they didn't put much effort into their water vessels. So Rose decided to explore. She found a small staircase leading into the lower decks and decided to explore.

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

Gimli drains his 2,586,981st mug.

[Rose Cotton]

Even below the upper decks the atmosphere was very welcoming. Rose walked around the corridors looking for somthing that would catch her intrest. Then at the end of a hallway she saw a light coming from a door that stood ajar. Her heart fluttered once more as she crept up to the room trying to listen for anyone who might be inside. Or anyone that might have followed her.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child crept up behind Rose and pulled on her skirt. "Psst," she whispered, "What's in there? "

[Samwise]

Stacey sits on the deck with Sam until he falls asleep. Deciding he'll be okay with Primrose, she wanders off. Frodo appears to be asleep, too, and where did Child and Rose wander off to?

She walks through the ships' cabin and finds a set of stairs. Walking down them, she finds herself in a corridor. Doors line either side.

Stacey: Hm. Well, I guess they needed somewhere for the folks on this ship to stay....
No one had answered her question while she was above deck, so she still had no idea what the ship was exactly or where it was going. She shrugged.
Stacey: Oh, well. Whatever adventure we wind up on, it can't be any worse than last time......
She walked down the corridor and began trying doors.

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo looked over at Sam, thankful that he was finally asleep "Nothing is your fault,Sam" he said to himself. And then rolled his eyes at C7A and Rose.

[Samwise]

Sam was lying on the rock, tied so tightly he could not move. Suddenly he heard Frodo's voice:

A Elbereth Glithonel!

and the big fight started. The Orc leader that stood above him said,

Ah--Baggins. I've been waiting for you.

And with that, using his sword like a spear, he peirced Frodo through.

*POP*

Sam's eyes flew open.

Sam: Mister Frodo! Noooo!

He sat up and sobbed into his hands. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/crying.gif

Sam: You shouldn't have come, Mister Frodo, you shouldn't have come.......

[Samwise]

Stacey walks along the corridor below, trying doors. Some are locked, some are, as she suspected, rooms for whoever's on the ship to stay in, with beds and such.
Finally, she gets to a room at the end of the corridor. As she walks up to it, the door swings open.

Stacey: Hello?

Slowly, she walks in. The room is lighted, though she can't tell by what, and the walls are lined with shelves. On the shelves are rows upon rows of bottles and vials, each with a label and a different colored liquid.

Stacey reaches for one of the bottles.

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

Gimli drains his 4,536,893,987th mug. He cannot find a single drop of ale left in all ME! "Nooooooooooooooo! I drank all the ale!!!!!!!!!! BEER! ALE! VODKA ! PLEASE! Gimli kneels over and dies from despair.

[ June 07, 2002: Message edited by: Gimli Son Of Gloin ]

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo jumps up (with difficulty) and trost over to Sam. Kneeling next to Sam, Frodo puts his arms around him.

"Sam, it's all right. I am still here. I will always be here" Frodo is now crying as well
"And nothing is your fault"

[Samwise]

Stacey takes down a bottle and looks at the label. "Sorrow".

Stacey: Icch. Don't want that. Our Sam and Frodo are depressed enough, especially Sam, darn him....

She reached for another bottle. It held about 10 ounces of a clear liquid and was labled, "Joy". (ooc: no offense to our Miss Joy).

Stacey: Ah. That's more like it.

[Samwise]

Sam buries his face in Frodo's shoulder.

Sam: Oh, Mister Frodo, I was so stupid! I should never have wandered off by myself. If you hadn't come to rescue this silly old hobbit, you wouldn't be hurtin' now!

[Samwise]

Stacey is about to leave the room, when another bottle catches her eye. She takes it down. Its is filled with about 12 ounces of a pinkish liquid, and is labeled, "mirth".

Stacey: Sam could definitely use some of this.

She takes a bottle in each hand and heads out the door, which closes slowly behind her.

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo held onto Sam with his head on Sam's shoulder and wept himself

[Samwise]

Stacey came up the steps onto the deck. Seeing the two hobbits, she could not help but let a tear come to her eye herself.

Stacey: Aww. Those poor things. smilies/frown.gif

Primrose comes over from where she herself had been exploring. Seeing her father and "uncle", she starts to go forward, but Stacey holds a hand out and shakes her head.

[piosenniel]

Pio watched as Rose and Child went below deck. She wanted to go with them, but she knew she'd better not. Her presence might compromise anything of interest that they might find.

Her thoughts were out of control at the moment, stuck on this ship with probably the mightiest Sindar this side of the Sundering Seas. 'Probably? the mightiest - no, THE mightiest.' she sighed to herself. 'I am going to have to walk the very straight and narrow from here to Aman!'

She peered toward the West as if her eyes might gauge the distance. 'It's going to be a long trip.' she thought.

Turning back toward the bow of the ship, she looked up and saw Cirdan smiling at her.

'A very, very long trip!' she thought.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Just as Rose was about ready to push open the door, she stopped.

She turned around and looked at Child.

Now Child was extremely curious about what was behind that door, but she wasn't sure whether or not Rose wanted her there at this exact moment. In any case, she had something puzzling which she needed to show to Rose.

"Rose, take a look at this," she said. "Remember, this was the letter addressed to Samwise which I never gave him"

Now Child looked down at her big furry toes and seemed a bit embarassed. She continued, "Well, the edge of this envelope was open just a little bit and my finger happened to catch on it, and somehow it came open. Now, I don't usually read other people's mail, but something in there caught my eye. Here, you read it:

Dear Master Samwise,

It has come to our attention that you and Master Baggins are currently residents of the Barrow-downs. It has also come to our attention that, within the Barrow-downs, reside a number of Elves.

As you well know, all Elves were supposed to leave Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age. Those left were required to shrink, diminish, and be forgotten.

We have carefully looked at a number of the Elves in the Barrow-downs, among them Piosenniel and Veritatis, and it does not appear that they are shrinking or diminishing. In fact they seem quite healthy.

We therefore request that you give this missive to the Barrow-wight or his chief assistant Mithadan. We require that all Elves currently in the Downs, but especially Pio and Veritatis and the others who will wander onto this vessel and who are of an ancient age, be required to come and live in Elvenhome in perpetuity. I repeat, they will not be permitted to leave the shores of the West once they have arrived.

We are calling upon you and Frodo as the chief of the Elf-friends to help enforce this rule. As you know, this is a very strict requirement which was put down by Eru and enforced by his chief agents Manwe and Namo.

Sincerely,

The Official Council of the Valar

Child glanced at Rose: "What should I do with this? And Rose, maybe I hallucinated this,but didn't you once tell me you were part Elf?

[Samwise]

Up on deck, Stacey and Prim stood until Sam and Frodo cried themselves to sleep. It wasn't until then that she and Primrose went forward and made both of them comfortable on the pillows that laid on the deck.

Stacey put the bottles down.
Stacey: These can wait until later.

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

No one noticed I died? Or is it just you don't care? Com'on! I was doing you people a favor! I was drinking everything before anyone else could get drunk! I was doing a public service!

[Veritas]

After Veritas was 'lead' to the ship by her curiousity, she sank into a great sleep, and she dreamed:

'Veritas was walking over the water, over the sea, because she didn't see the end of the water. "How strange, nobody can walk over water," She thought, and sank under water.

It was very beautiful there, with flowers and and fish, and it all was so close. She sank to the bodem of the sea and began to walk, she walked for hours and hours, and then she reached land.

She came to a beach, with palmtrees and white sand, an azul sea and a sun shining bright.'

And then she woke up... Lying down on the ship. Where had she been in her dream, she thought, could it be, no it couldn't... Maybe that were the Undying Lands...

[Samwise]

Sam was dreaming again, although this time the dream wasn't bad.
He and Mister Frodo were walking along a beach together, and his heart felt light. Somehow, he knew they were safe.
He murmured, "Thank you, Lord, for bringing us here..."

He looked out at the blue water, the waves gently going in and out on the shore.

He woke up slowly. The boat was gently rocking. He was lying on a little bed of pillows, and Frodo was asleep beside him.

Sam sighed contentedly.

Stacey, who was standing at the rail, heard him and turned.

Stacey: Sam! You're awake! I hope you rested well.

The little hobbit nodded. "I did." he looked around. "Where is everyone?"

Stacey: Well, Rose and Child went below deck some time ago. Probably exploring for something to do. Your daughter found a rope and tied it to one of her arrows *snickers* and is trying to shoot fish. Poor thing's bored out of her skull. smilies/wink.gif

Sam chuckled himself. "I'm sure she is."

He glanced to the side as something caught his eye. Two bottles, one with a clear liquid and one with pink, sat by the cabin wall.

Sam: What're those?

Stacey: Oh.

She went and picked up the bottles, then brought them over to Sam and kneeled in front of him.

Stacey: I found these in a room down below. There were a zillion of these bottles, all of them with a different label on them.

Sam took the bottle with the pink liquid in it.

Sam: Mirth, eh?

Stacey: I was thinking of you and Frodo.

She showed him the other bottle, labeled 'Joy'.

Sam: I wonder, are you supposed to drink them straight or make stew with 'em, or what?

Stacey grinned. "You would think of something like that. "

Sam uncorked the "Mirth" bottle and sniffed the top. "Hm. Smells kinda sweet. I'm feeling a bit better now, though--he glanced down at Frodo--but for a while I couldn't get th' thoughts that this was all my fault outta my head.

Stacey: Sam, it was hardly your fault that you got kidnapped by Orcs.

Sam: Well, maybe not, Miss Stacey, but if I hadn't, Mister Frodo wouldn't have come and rescued me, and he wouldn't have aggravated the hurts he already had, much less get more....

Stacey: AGH... smilies/rolleyes.gif Sam, I think you'd better take some of that 'Mirth' before you go on a guilt trip again.

Sam: Maybe...

He tipped the bottle to his lips and drank a bit. It was sweet, like it smelled, and it left a slight tingly sensation on his tounge and down his throat.

Sam: Hm...

Stacey: Well?

Sam: well, I don't feel sick or nothin'--

Just then the boat hit a swell and lurched. Stacey fell on her side, and Sam went backward. Looking over, Stacey saw the mouth of the bottle meet Sam's, and within seconds it's contents were drained.

When the boat righted, Stacey got up and hurried over to where Sam lay. Frodo slept on, undaunted.

Stacey: Sam, are you okay?

Sam sat up slowly. "Yes, yes, Miss Stacey, I am. " he held his stomach and looked at the bottle in his hand. "Oh my, I've done drunk it all, haven't I?"

Stacey: smilies/frown.gif I hope it dosen't hurt you. "

Sam shook his head. "Now Miss Stacey, I don't think anything on an Elf ship would..."
He stopped and held his stomach.

[Samwise]

Stacey rushed over to where the little Hobbit sat. "Sam? What is it?"

Sam held his stomach and shivered. "No-nothin' bad--just kind of a--kind of a tingly feelin."

The corners of his mouth twitched, and he snickered.

Stacey: Oh, great. What now?

Sam's snickering turned into a chuckle.

Sam: M-Miss Stacey--giggle--I--teehee--I can't--

He held his sides and bowed over in helpless laughter.

[piosenniel]

Cirdan strode down the deck and passed the elf who had resumed her west-gazing. He noticed the swinging door to the below-deck area had been pushed open and it aroused his suspicions. 'Confounded Hobbits!', he thought to himself. 'What are they up to!'

For such an imposing elf, he slipped down the stairs quite quietly.

Pio took this opportunity to sprint up toward the Wheel for a little look about. She had never actually been on a ship and wanted to study the mechanics of how it worked.

She stood in front of the Great Wheel and placed her hands on it. A wondrous thrum of power communicated itself to her.

A small box with a clear crystal covering caught her eye just to the left of the Wheel. Taking her hands from the Wheel, she leaned closer to it and saw a curious site - there was a bright silver bar running the length of the box's interior with an indefinite number of deep indentations in it. In the seventh of the indentations was set a brilliant, clear, white gem, pulsing like a small star.

Her hand reached for the cover of the box, but quickly withdrew as she heard a loud voice booming beneath her.

'HOBBITS!!! Show yourselves!!!!!'

[Samwise]

Stacey just stood there, not knowing what to do. Poor Sam was rolling on the deck now, completely helpless with laughter.
Sam: *gasps* http://www.plauder-smilies.de/yellows/lechz.gif M-Miss Stacey--ha, ha,ha--m-make it stop! *gasp* P-please! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/yellows/lechz.gif
Stacey watched her little friend's face turn red. Oh man.... Somebody! HELP!!

[VanimaEdhel]

OOC: Gimli: 1: kind of hard to notice when we're on a ship far away from you and 2: if you hurry, I snuck some kegs of ale onto the boat, so SWIM! SWIM LIKE THE...wind???

Menelduliniel wanders around the boat, trying to be useful.

"Where are my skills needed, as a healer, fighter, or sailor?" Menelduliniel asks, "Anyone?"

She wanders around the boat, restless and waiting for her help to be needed...

[Samwise]

Stacey can only watch as Sam rolls on the deck, helplessly giggling. Looking over her shoulder, she sees that Frodo is still sound asleep.
Stacey: Agh, I got the stuff to make him like this, so I guess I'd better fix it!

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel looks at Samwise:

"What can I do to help in anything? I can heal...I can do what you refer to as 'magic'..."

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo sits up with a very disepleased and still half asleep face. He bops Sam over the head with his pillow

"SAM!!! Do you MIND?? I am TRYING to sleep!"

[Samwise]

Sam: *Giggling* S-sorry, Mister Frodo....*bursts out laughing again*

Stacey: Aw, Frodo, WAKE UP!! *Turns to Vanima:* I found a room downstairs full of these bottles, and one of them was labeled 'Mirth'. I took it, thinking of Frodo *glares at him--how could he sleep??* and Sam, since they've kind of been depressed lately, and....well, the ship rocked and Sam wound up pouring the whole bottle down his throat, and now he's laughing and he can't stop!!

[Samwise]

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/roflmao.gif
*Sam is beating his fists on the deck, screaming with laughter. Tears are pouring out his eyes.* http://www.plauder-smilies.de/crying2.gif
Sam: Oh! Haahahahaha--h-help!! I don't know how much--heeheeheeheehee-h-how much more I can take--take of this!! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/rofl.gif

[Rose Cotton]

Somehow Rose and Child managed to miss seeing Stacy and went into the room she was just in they were debating about the letter to Sam.

"I don't like the sound of it." Rose said. "I think that once your dead you should beable to go where you please. And yes, my great grandmother was an elf (I made that up)." They started to look around the room when Child stopped and cried,

"Listen, someone's coming." they hid behind some boxes. Someone outside the door shouted,

"Hobbits! Show yourselves." Rose went rigid with fear. It was the elf caption. She decided there and then that even though she didn't know why, she was terrified of the bearded elf.

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo was even more displeased than before.

"Samwise Gamgee!! If you do not cease this minute...."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rose and Child hid behind the barrels. It was good they were so short. They held their breath and didn't speak a word.

They were so afraid that Cirdan would find them, but then unexpectedly the captain quickly closed the door. Rose and Child listened carefully. They heard something about "missing bottles" and "Mr. Samwise being in a very bad way."

They also heard Cirdan mutter: "It's those crazy hobbits. They stuck in and stole the bottles. I should never have agreed to take them on board, dead or not!!"

Child scratched her head and looked at Rose: "Did you steal any bottles? I know I didn't. I only used the bottles of polish to shine the railings, but the Elf told me to do that."

Rose groaned: "We're about to be blamed for something we didn't even do. I hope whoever did this is honest enough to admit it, or we may be in very big trouble."

Child sighed: "Something else bothers me. I'm worried about Sam. What has happened to him? To tell the truth, I always rely on him to be responsible and to keep Mr. Frodo's head tied to this earth. Sometimes, I feel I can act crazy just because I know Sam is there, and he'll pull me back if I get too far out. He has always done that for the other hobbits in the Shire."

Child glanced again at the official letter. "I was going to show this letter to Sam and ask him what we could do to help the Elves so they wouldn't have to leave the Barrow-downs. It just doesn't seem fair. I feel we are in way above our heads. I like a little fun, but I can't imagine going up to the Council of the Valar and arguing for the Elves. Now, Mr. Sam and Mr. Frodo would have the knowledge and standing to do that."

She continued: "But now Sam is ill, so he can't even help us. And there is something else I fear. And it's not the Valar themselves. What if the Elves, our barrow-Downs Elves, feel the wind blowing from Elvenhome and smell the salt in the air and see the glow of the light, and they just forget about us and their real homes."

Child looked down at the floor and felt sad. It's true she got irritated at the Elves sometime, since they had such strange ways. But she could not imagine living without Pio's beautiful words or Ver's tremendous imagination or any of the other Elves. She knew her life would be emptier without them being in it..

And she couldn't imagine what Mr. Frodo would do if the Elves left the Downs. He had such a mystical thing about Elves. Sometimes Child thought he must have been part Elf himself. Maybe Frodo would even decide to stay in the West. He had tried that once before.

And if Frodo left, Master Samwise would probably be close behind. And then.......Child stopped, then Rose, her dear friend Rose, would have to go too.

Child was feeling increasingly depressed. She wished Birdie were here to discuss this mess. Maybe Sam would get better soon and then she could bring him the letter and he could tell them all what to do.

"Er, Rose, I know you like to be independent, but don't you think you better go check on Sam?"

[Samwise]

Stacey is getting a tad upset. *Frodo! Read the above posts!!*
Where did Vanima go? Maybe she left 'cause I called her by the wrong name....

Sam: S-sorry, ss-sir, I can't!!!!

Stacey: smilies/rolleyes.gif Okay, Sam *she kneels next him* I'm going to find something to fix this. *glances at Frodo*
She goes to a rope hanging on the cabin wall. Lifting the wriggling Sam, she sits him down and ties him to the ship's mast.Frodo, as much as I respect you, I'd like to smack you right now...... smilies/mad.gif
Okay, Sam. I'm going below to find something to fix this. This is just to keep you from rolling off the ship, okay?

Sam can only nod. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/laugh.gif His face is beet red and tear streaked.

With that she runs through the door and back to the hold of the ship.

[Rose Cotton]

"I would go check on Sam but, I don't want to go out there with that elf looking for us."

"It's alright." Child whispered back."He's left. Here, let's go back up."

But as they walked out the door they ran straight into Stacy who was rushing down the hall.

"Slow down a sec!" called Child in suprise. "Stacy what's going on?"

She told them about Sam.

"Sam!" and Rose ran off towards the stair.

"Come on, I'll help you look for somthing." said Child and they went back into the room with the bottles.

What they didn't know was that Cirdan was listening from one of the side rooms.

[Rose Cotton]

Before Rose could reach the stair Cirdan grabbed her by the back of her dress and put his hand over her mouth so she wouldn't screem from suprise. He took his hand away and turned her around.

"What is going on?" he asked her.

[Samwise]

"Rrr...I can't believe myself!" Stacey said as she looked at the bottles. "Stupid! Now Sam's up there laughing himself to death and it's my fault! "
She looked at the others. "Which one do you think will help? "

[Samwise]

Stacey: Wait a sec....where'd Rose go?

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo hung his head

"I'm sorry, and don't smack me. smilies/frown.gif I don't know waht came over me. *sniff* I gues I am still depressed."

[Samwise]

Stacey: OOC: It's okay, Frodo, it's just that it's Sam for goodness' sake....

[Samwise]

Sam sits tied to the mast, still giggling. It's beginning to hurt.
Sam: *Glancing through tear-filled eyes at his friend* http://www.plauder-smilies.de/laugh.gif Oh--gasp--M-mister Frodo?? http://www.plauder-smilies.de/crying2.gif
He gasps, then starts giggling again. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/laugh.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Faced with 22 shelves of bottles, Child was having second thoughts. She looked at Stacey and shook her head. "Do you really think we should be stealing one of these bottles?"

Stacey glared at her in disbelief, "You were one of that gang who wanted to steal the REG and hold it for ransom. How could you possibly question my efforts to help Sam?"

Child grimaced: "I'm not questioning your efforts. I have no problem with a bit of burglary. We hobbits are quite good at that. Even Frodo, though he doesn't always admit it. Just get him to talk to you about his techniques for stealing mushrooms."

Child continued: " It's not the "borrowing" I'm concerned about. We just don't seem to have the skill or knowledge to use these bottles the way they're supposed to be used."

Cirdan's angry visage suddenly broke into the room, "If I were either of you, I would take your hands off that bottle. I've never had this kind of mischief on my ship before. No, I take that back. There was that time I had a very full ship, and that crazy horse Shadowfax got loose. But at least Gandalf was able to bring him under control."

Cirdan continued: "Now, to tell the truth, I was ready to throw you two hobbits and this woman into one of the brigs under the deck, but there is one Elf on board who has as contrary opinion. That Elf resides in the West, but he had received special permission to attend a birthday party of some sort and was now returning to his residence on Elvenhome. He claims you helped him escape from some very frenzied and crazed female persons who ran after him at this party. So he is willing to speak up on your behalf."

"Moreover, this Elf has acquired skills in healing, and is an old friend of both Samwise and Frodo. It may be that he is willing to come to the aid of these two valiant Ringbearers. And it appears that, at least for now, you Child, and Stacey and Rose have escaped from the brig."

Rose glanced at Child and whispered a single name under her breath: "Legolas!"

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

[Rose Cotton]

When Cirdan mentioned 'the brig' Rose gasped, horrified but now she was calming down. She knew exactly who he was talking about.

"Where is THIS ELF now?" Rose said half mokingly. But when Cirdan turned to answer her Rose dropped her playfull manner.

"On the Deck."

The three girls went swiftly past him and up into the air. Sitting beside Sam, trying to heal him was Legolas. Menelduliniel was hovering around Legolas, helping out when nessesary.

Rose quickly ran to Sam's side.

"Oh dear Sam. Thank you very much, Legolas."

"Ya" Said Child, "We were going to be thrown in the brig."

"It's the least I can do after you helped me with those fangirls." He replyed.

"Will Sam be alright?" Frodo pleaded.

"Of course. This hobbit's been through much worse than laughing fits. There's nothing to worry about."

[Veritas]

Still confuzzeld about the dreams she had, Veritas looks around and sees that on the deck a lot of people are bussy, Menelduliniel is with Legolas and others are walking around.

Did nobody notice her? Well that was possible, she was fallen asleep behind some barrels and ropes. She looked out over the water and felt a big loning for the Undying lands, she had read a lot about it, would the Valar be just as she imagened?

But wait, what if she didn't had the right to come with them, would she be send back, or worse, be killed? What am I going to do.

Veritas was in panic, she wanted to stand up and walk towards the others, but she didn't dare. There had to be a way to come there without noticing.

She moved the barrels to bould a little hiding place.

This is ridiculus! Why has it to be like this? The Valar are so mighty, I can't hide for them? Maybe I just have to tell them that I was fallen asleep on the boat, and...

Alright, gether all your mood and step to Cirdan or the others, said Veritas in herself and stood up, walking to the other people...

[Rose Cotton]

Rose looked up from Sam and saw Veritas walking towards them.

"Hullo, Veritas!" she said. "So you've come on this little expedition too?" (ooc:where is that line from?)

"What's wrong?" qustioned Child as she caught the look on Veritas' face.

[Birdland]

Birdie comes strolling back across the Pellenor Fields, after spending a lovely day in bed catching up on her sleep, then checking her e-mail, paying some bills and putzing in the garden. She was now ready for a bit more feasting and merriment at the Never-Ending Birthday Party, now that the excitement seems to have died down.

She noticed the mighty Elven vessel still tied to the riverside quay. "What's that thing still doing here? Gee, you mention one little thing from the Canon around here, and then you're stuck with it. Nice prop, though. Really adds an air of class to the place, what with all the rustic tables, ale barrels, greenery, and the other Hobbitity stuff they usually buy to decorate the place."

Birdie strolled closer to the ship. Suddenly she heard screams of raucous laughter coming from the deck. "That sounds like Sam. Boy, he hasn't laughed like that since Will Whitfoot got dusted at the Delving. 'Bout time he found his sense of humor again. I was beginning to worry about him. He was becoming soooo broody! Think I'll give him a little surprise."

Birdie morphs into her carrion crow character and flies up to the little railed platform at the top of the mast. She peers down upon the deck, where Frodo, Primrose, and Stacy are gathered around Sam. Sam seems to be the only one laughing, though.

"Hey!" yells Birdie, raising her wings and waving them over her head. "I'm in the crow's nest! Get it? 'CROW'S NEST'?"

Sam look up wide-eyed and gasping. Then he immediately bursts into another fit of loud, braying laughter, rolling on the deck and kicking his heels. The others begin to wring their hands and shake their heads worriedly.

"Well, gee, Sam", says Birdie, "it wasn't that funny. More of a 'groaner', than a belly laugh. Soooo, what's so funny, everybody? C'mon, let me in on it."

Sam continues to laugh, wheezing in between. His face is turning an unhealthy shade of purple, and his eyes are bulging in an alarming way. Primrose bends down and seem to check his pulse.

"Fine!" Birdie sulks, "Don't tell me." Birdie gazes around her, enjoying the view from the top of the Elven mast.

"Hey, you can see my house from here!"

[ June 09, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen woke up, and rubbed her eyes a little dazedly. the last thing she remebered was that she had been following Veritas, and had come on to this ship, and that Rosseil had snuck on behind her. Celeaewen decided that the best thing to do would be to find Rosseil, and thento business.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child was still puzzled by the look on Veritas' face. But it appeared she was not going to get any immediate answers or explanations.

Most of her friends were gathered around Legolas as he began to administer healing to Samwise. Things seemed to be going quite well until Birdland turned up and again had Sam rolling with laughter.

Legolas looked grave and shook his head in the direction of the large bird in the mast.

Child, however, was extremely glad to see Bird. She looked quite relaxed and rejuvenated. Child vowed to corner Bird the first minute she could in order to show her the strange missive concerning the Barrow-downs Elves.

Meanwhile, Child had carefully scoured the entire ship. She wrote down the information she needed and posted her list onto the main masthead. This notice read as follows:

A List of All Elves from the Barrowdowns Known to be on Board this Ship:

Veritas
Piosenniel
Meneldulinier
Celeaewen
Rosseliantiel
Legolas (Honorary Barrowdowns resident)

A List of All Persons of Uncertain Heritage Who May or May Not Have One of More Elves on their Family Tree (i.e. one of the Took relations):

Frodo Baggins
Rose Cotton

If you feel your name has been added to this list in error, please inform Child immediately so appropriate corrections may be made. Conversely, if your name should be added here, please indicate by signing the list.

The above persons should be on the lookout for any strange symptoms during this voyage, indicating you may be "unwell", e.g., have dreams and visions of the Sea, have an uncontrollable urge to read travel books about the Blessed Lands, have a sudden compusion to sell your existing home in the Barrowdowns and invest in new property across the Sea. Please report such symptoms immediately to Child.

Child looked at the petition she had posted. As soon as Samwise was feeling better and she could talk to him, she would scratch out her own name and insert that of Sam, since he was undoubtedly better qualified in such things.

Suddenly, the ship gave a lurch. They had finally thrown off the moorings and were heading steadily toward the distant sea.

Child was surprised to find that she was terribly excited and full of desire to reach their destination. How very strange, she thought.

Now that Bird was on board, Anagara had also decided to come along. She flew some steps ahead of the vessel. Child shook her head in puzzlement. It was clear that Angara knew exactly where they were going.

[Birdland]

Legolas the Drop-Dead Gorgeous Silvan Elf had been called to the scene to treat the mirth-ridden Samwise. The Wiley Wood-Elf had little faith in Cirdan's collection of bottles and potents belowdeck, since he had a decidedly Third-Age distrust in Western medicine.

Legolas believed in a more holistic approach to healing. To cure mirth you treated it with small doses (very small doses) of mirth. So Legolas pulled an extremely thin pamphlet out of his backpack, titled "Humor of the Eldar" and proceeded to read over the body of the prostrate halfling.

"How many Elves does it take to change a Simaril?" This question was followed by a two-page monograph discussing the various possibilities, depending on the age of the elves in question, their linage, gender, and whether they were present at the fall of Numenor, and lots of names, names, names. It was, in short, a real party-killer of a joke.

It seemed to be working. Sam had now reached the point where he was merely chuckling politely at the various obscure references, and was trying to crawl away without offence, when he suddenly saw the frantically waving Birdie up in the crow's nest. Seeking any way to change the subject, Samwise pointed aloft and immediately relapsed into a state of helpless, life-threatening mirth.

Legolas looked aloft and spied the black and white, feathered distraction. Wrinkling his nose in distaste, he muttered "Crebains. I hate Crebains!" In one fluid movement he pulled a blue and silver arrow from his quiver, nocked it to the bowstring, and let fly.

PFFFFSSSST! THUD!

Birdie pitched forward off the crow's nest, and plunged headlong towards the deck of the rolling ship.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child had been innocently posting her notice when she looked up at the overhead sky. She was watching her dragon soar overhead, but then looked back towards the upper portion of the mast as she heard an arrow swish through the air.

Child stared in disbelief. Legolas' arrow soared upward and came to rest in Birdie's breast. She fell with a horrifing thud.

Child screamed" "NO, NO, what have you done?"

A strange fury seized Child's mind. She raced towards Legolas and, with all her three feet, began furiously thumping on his chest. "I should have let the fangirls get you and tear you into tiny pieces."

Child was crying. Indeed, Child was hysterical. "What have you done? Birdland didn't know, she didn't know about Sam and what happened., she was only telling a joke. Birdland was just trying to be a friend to Sam. She didn't mean any harm."

"If you knew Birdie, you'd know she does this all the time."

She glared fiercely at Legolas, unmindful of her own safely, "But maybe you don't know about friendship. I should gut you with my knife."

Rose came and pulled Child back. "No, no..." Rose murmurred. "That won't solve anything." Rose hugged Child, and pulled her over to the side of the deck.

Stacey was examining the body of the fallen Birdland. "Look, she's still breathing. Maybe all is not lost."

[Veritas]

"Why are you looking so strange?" Asked Rose.

Veritas sat down and sighed, why didn't she tell:

"Alright, I came on the ship and fall asleep, just like anyone else. And when i slept, I had a dream, a dream about the Undying Lands, at least I think it was. That's all, but has anyone ever seen the Undying Lands? I mean, what does it look like,is it warm, or temperate. i never thought about that kind of things, I assumed that it was a paradise. But now we are going to see it, I just wonder what it will like to be there..."

"So, when are we going?" Veritas asked totally cheered up.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Angara certainly did not consider Child to be her master and tended to go her own way whenever she desired. However, although Child was totally unaware of it, Anagara did keep a tiny portion of her mind tuned in to Child so she could tell when something was drastically wrong.

Apparently, now, something was drastically wrong. Angara felt alarm bells going off in her own head, and she sensed a single name spoken again and again, "Birdland."

Angara halted in mid-air and swung back towards the vessel. She shrank herself to a comfortable size to land on the deck and quickly did so. She came over to where the body of Birdland lay huddled and shuddering.

Stacey bent over Birdie now, as did Child. Rose had pulled back from the scene to speak with some of the other Elves who seemed strangely wrapped in their own dreams and musings.

Legolas looked truly contrite. He had merely thought the flying Birdland had evil intentions on Samwise. His intention had not been to strike down an innocent creature.

Angara lowered her green head to Birdland and slowly rubbed against her feathers.

It was strange how things that flew through the air seemed to know so much about each other. Sometimes the winged things were friends, and sometimes not. Once, a tiny bird Thrush had revealed her knowledge to another and had brought about the death of an evil dragon.

But Angara was not an evil dragon. She would probably not be considered good by human or Elf standards, but, by the standards of the dragons, she was very good indeed.

Angara's heart actually felt a shred of pity as she gazed at the flying thing which lay injured on the deck. To Angara, all flying things looked beautiful, whatever their outward appearance.

Angara opened her mouth and let out a puff. For one horrified second, Child thought the dragon was going to let loose a cloud of fire and incinerate them all. But instead of fire or smoke, a strange thing issued from the dragon's mouth. It was pink and puffy and smelled just wonderful.

Child stared in amazement. How talented Angara was! It looked like a silken cloud. But no, not a cloud. It looked instead like a shred of pink light, something that had broken off from the Silmarils and now floated above Birdland's head.

At the same time the dragon gently probed with her giant teeth and pulled Legolas' arrow from Bird's body.

In a single instant, the pink light disappeared. The flow of blood ceased, and Birdland softly stirred. Still dizzy and hurting but alive, Bird pulled her head upward and softly whispered, "Where, oh where, am I?"

[Rose Cotton]

Birdland was bairly able to relize what was happening before Child had her in her arms.

"Oh Birdie! Your alright!" Cried Child.
"Yes, yes I am but you don't have to choke be to prove it." she replyed. Giggling, Child set down the bird and Birdie transformed back into her regular ME form.

Meanwhile Rose had caught site of Child's notice. She didn't like the thought of living in the Undieing Lands forever.

"Well," She said to herself." I havn't shown signs........yet."

[Rosseiliantiel]

meanwhile
Rosseiliantiel's sleep was disturbed by a sudden commotion on deck. She poked her head up from her bed of sails and looked around.
The first thing she saw was Birdland and the 'little dragon'. Then she saw a tall, blonde elf whom she recognized as Legolas, who had an odd expression on his face.
Having a characteristic distrust of Royals, systems and all things official, she ducked back into the pile of sails. Then she snuck off to find Celeaewen. However, she was distracted on her way by a washbasin. Seeing in its reflectioin that her hair was tangled and she had dirt on her face, she quickly washed her hands, face, and hair, which she hastily combed with her fingers, before she continued looking for Celeae.
She found a sleepy looking Celeae on the far side of the deck. Celeae was staring astonishedly at Legolas.
"Celeae! Over here! Are you all right?" Rosseil cried happily, forgetting momentarily that she wanted to be quiet and unnoticed.
"Rosseil! I was beggining to wonder wether you had made it on, I couldn't find you. Why is Legolas on here?" Rosseil looked confounded.
"No idea. But what happened to Bird, is she okay? Why is the little dragon over there? I'm confused..."
"Rosseil, you're always confused. But anyways it seems that Legolas shot Birdland."
"WHAT? SHOT? AI! Is she...alive? Why shot? Huh?"
"Angara seems to be helping her. But I really have no idea why he shot her."
"Um, I think we should find out. I think. Maybe I'll just go back to bed? No, I'm not tired anymore. We had might as well go over there..."
And they joined the mystified crowd around Birdland.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Legolas apologized profusely to Birdland and explained that he had not realized she was unaware of Sam's dire plight.

"I thought you were coming to attack Samwise, especially after that dangerous joke you made. Of course, fair lady, you did not know of Sam's condition.

Child stepped forward and made a general anouncement. "All Elves on board, or anyone with Elvish blood, should check the notice that is now posted on the masthead. Anyone, and I mean anyone, who experiences symptoms of this nature should immediately check in with me. I am keeping a notebook of all Elves who experience intense longing for the West. You will be advised to seek treatment for your maladies."

Legolas was staring at Child with incredulity in his eyes. Then he laughed and shrugged his shoulders. He went up to Child and poked her in the ribs, an unusual gesture of familiarity from one of his kind and rank, "Lady Hobbit, fair one, let me remind you. You can't fight Mother Nature!! And before you go throwing around posters of this kind, I would advise you to check your own family tree."

Child turned, "What do you mean? Check my own family tree? "

Legolas smiled, "You are, are you not, a Fallohide?"

She replied" "Of course, I am a Fallohide of good hobbit stock, very practical and sturdy. None of this Elf nonsense."

Legolas continued: "Do not be so sure. If you shake the Fallohide tree very hard, I think you may find a small silvan Elf fall out."

"That's ridiculous," growled Child, suddenly feeling much less certain of herself.

"Perhaps," said Legolas, "You may or may not feel the pull of these things. I cannot say, but sometimes she who denies loudest has the furthest to fall."

"I would not be so certain. I have noticed, for example, that you and your dragon have an ability to communicate feelings to each other. Do you think this is coincidence?"

Child stared at her furry feet, "For your information, that is all Angara's doing. She's the one who can get into my mind! It has nothing to do with me."

Legolas laughed, "Have it your way then, but, as you get closer to the West, you may find yourself conversing with a green dragon in your head, and longing to see the sandy white shores. Anyone who meddles with magical beasts or objects should not be surprised when hidden parts of her soul awaken. Just speak with your cousin Frodo on this. He is quite the expert."

Child plugged her ears and refused to listen further. She turned around looking for Sam
who had always been the voice of reason and good sense. But Sam, the laughing Sam who had started this whole business, was nowhere to be seen.

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

[piosenniel]

Pio peeked over the balustrade that separated the upper foredeck from the rest of the ship. "Leave it to hobbits to cause a commotion!' she smiled to herself.

It did provide an excellent opportunity for her to examine the box attached to the side of the Wheel, as Cirdan's full attention now seemed to be directed to the drama on deck.

Her agile fingers made short work of the silver bolts holding the box to the wood. Opening the covering to the wooden box, she saw that it was actually a clear crystalline box within it that held the silver bar with the pulsing jewel. It seemed locked with an intricate puzzle-lock of mithril. She removed the inner box without trying to open it, wrapped it in her small silk neck scarf and put it into her pocket, next to Mithadan's cell phone. 'I'll figure out the lock later, when I have more time to myself.'

She put the now empty wooden box back next to the Wheel and rebolted it securely.

She stood up and turned to go down to the main deck. Once down the steps, she blended into the crowd as if she had always been part of it.

To her left, on a mast, she noticed a proclamation, in Child's characteristic script. 'Dreams and longings, hmmm?! No, none of those yet . . .'

A small voice hissed in her ear, 'He's here, you know.' Pio felt the small familiar weight of Angara settle on her shoulder, & reached up her left hand to scratch the wyrmlet's head. 'Who's here?', replied Pio, scanning her memory for any unfamiliar figure she might have glimpsed when she had first looked at the commotion.

She felt the light weight of a hand on her right shoulder, and a voice she thought never to hear again in Middle Earth.

'Mae govannen, dear cousin! So you have come to your elvish senses and are coming home. My heart rejoices!', came the silken tones of Legolas.

She turned, and he smiled that old sweet smile at her. & then, in an uncharacteristic action for an elf, she fainted.

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

[Samwise]

Sam was in pain. It felt as if his stomach were being tied in knots. Through tear-filled eyes he glanced over at Frodo, who still appeared to be asleep.
Sam: Well, I've never really heard of anyone actually dyinglaughing, but this may be one case.....
He rolled over on the deck and starting giggling again, pounding his fists. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/rofl.gif

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo was already beginning to have 'symptoms'. He knew he should report it to C7A. but he wanted to make sure Sam was alright.....

[Samwise]

Sam held his stomach in another fit of belly laughs. Gasping for breath, he cried out,

H-help!!

[Rose Cotton]

So much was going on. But Rose wanted to tend to Sam too. He was still under the spell of the mirth potion.

"Oh poor Sam. Poor dear Sam." Rose kept saying.
'I could help him.' said a voice in her head. She turned to see that dragon (she didn't know it's name) flying over to her from Pio's sholder. Rose had never heard it
"speak" before and was very alarmed.
Angara used a simaler healing light that it had used on Birdie exept this time it was blue. Sam stopped laughing and layed down on the deck trying to regain his breath.

"Thank you.." Rose said then stopped. The realization of what she was doing struck her. She had herd Legolas and Child's conversation:
"Anyone who meddles with magical beasts or objects should not be surprised when hidden parts of her soul awaken."

Rose sat for a moment in fear. Then ran off to be alone. Was everyone on this ship destined for the west?

Rose didn't watch were she was going. But when she looked up she saw she was in the back of the ship. From there she could see a small strip of land. Middle Earth. She watched as it sank into the horizon wondering if she would ever see it again.

[Samwise]

Sam lay gasping for breath. His stomach hurt badly.

Stacey:Sam!!

She ran over and scooped the little hobbit up in her arms, smiling a thanks at the dragon. Sam was still gasping for breath.

Sam: M-Miss Stacey:

She put her hand on his mouth.

Stacey: Ss-s-hhh. Just concentrate on breathing.

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen was delighted to find Rosseil (granted, she looked like a drowned rat). they watched interestedly as Angara healed the sick people on the ship.
"i want one"
Rosseil groaned. "yes, i know you have and obsession with shiny objects, but thats taking it a mite too far."
a glint of something shiny caught Celeaewen's eye. she bent down and came up triumohant. it was a dragon scale.
"oooh, pretty!"
Rosseil rolled her eyes. "whatever Celeae. i got an idea; lets get some food."

[Rose Cotton]

Rose was torn between a homesickness for the Shire and amazment of how huge the sea was. She had never seen so much water in her life.

But after awhile the enormity of the ocean scared her and she sat down against the side of the ship. Then her guilt came back.

What if the Valar knew she had almost caused the REG to take over Middle Earth? What would they do to her?

Rose started to grow weary from worry and slowly drifted off to sleep, lulled by the roll of the waves.

[Rose Cotton]

........Rose was on a beach. The sand was as white and soft as flour. The scent of the water filled the air. The sun smilled down at her and warmed her face. She was at peace.........................

[Rose Cotton]

......she wanted to stay on that shore forever..........

Rose woke up and sat up straight. She was shaking all over. She knew what her dream had been about. The Undieing Lands. Her heart ached to be back at that beutifull land and it frightened her almost into hysterics. She didn't want to go across the sea.........but she did want to. And that's what scared her.

[ June 09, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[piosenniel]

Pio felt a hand gently shaking her shoulder. 'I must have fallen asleep. & what a strange dream! Legolas - here! Impossible!' she spoke half out loud to herself.

'Possible, and true, Pio.', came that familiar voice.

She leaned up on one elbow, and cracked open one eye. An all too real face stared at her in concern, then smiled.

'Perhaps, if I just lay back and close my eyes this will all go away and be only the after effects of a bad bit of lembas.', thought Pio as she flopped back onto the deck, groaning.

'Not likely!' came the booming voice of Cirdan, just coming up the steps to the Wheel deck.

Pio raised herself on both her elbows and regarded the elder elf. 'Can you not stay out of my head?!', she said indignantly. Don't you think it a bit rude?' She had never been one to mince words when plain talk would do.

Cirdan laughed uproariously, and Legolas shook his head. 'If you weren't broadcasting like the beacon at Tol Eressëa all the time, it would probably be easier!', he said. 'You should have listened a little closer during lessons instead of stardreaming about adventures and glories!'

'Don't lecture me, cousin! You were always good at that stuff. I was made for other things. Not stardreams, but real excitement and adventure in the company of good friends.' returned Pio. 'That's why I made the choices I have. I wish to stay in Middle Earth, in the Downs with my companions.'

'Wishes are one thing', said Cirdan, growing serious, 'but there are orders from Aman to bring back all elves. And that is what I intend to do.' He strode past her and toward his place at the front of the ship.

'The journey is set,' said Legolas 'and perhaps once you see the West your mind may change. In the meantime, would you like a little help with the finer techniques of osanwe-kenta? I think we'll have plenty of time to discuss them and other things.'

Pio nodded her assent, what else could she do at the moment. 'Why do I feel like a mouse caught in a trap?', she thought to herself and sighed.

'Ah, yes!' said Legolas, Let's begin with that thought.'

[Birdland]

Birdie sat crouched by the rail of the rolling vessel, feeling both unimportant and unsafe. "Half a wet mile from here to shore," muttered Birdie. " I wish I could slip over the rail and swim back to the party unnoticed. What did I come for? I am not wanted."

Birdie looked around the deck, which was crawling with elves, half-elves, and seemingly, half elves/half hobbit combos as well. She even thought she spied Rosseil and Celeae lurking amidst the cargo, but couldn't be sure. All going to the West, apparently. She had hoped for a minute that they were talking about West L.A., but alas, it was not to be.

Pio had just collapsed at the feet of Legolas, but that was hardly worth a mention any more. The Silven elf seemed to have that effect on some people. Birdie idly scratched at the small, diamond shaped scar on her breast bone, the only indication left that she had been shot and well-nigh killed before the journey barely started. She wondered just where she would fit in this little adventure, since as far as she knew, she was neither half-Elven, or quarter, or one eighth Elven. She had been found in the forest and raised by some kindly Beornings, and had even developed some of their shape-shifting abilities, but she had never got down bear. Couldn't morph into a bear if her life depended on it.

Her stomach lurched sickenly as the ship pitched with a swell. Sea journeys did not seem to be agree with her. She also found that her shape-shifting was a no-go once the ship had left the dock. Did this mean that she was a witch? She'd read somewhere that witches couldn't cross water.

Birdie's thoughts got bleaker and bleaker as the ship rolled on and on, up and down...up and down...and UP...and DOWN...UP...DOWN...UP...DOWN...

Sudden her stomach gave a jump and a twist, and Birdie was at the rail. She hoped that no one was down wind at the moment, then forgot everything else as she heaved up two days worth of ale and mushroom pie.

After a minute or so, Birdie lay across the rail, barely able to move. she looked down at the white tipped waves racing from the bow, carrying her farther and farther from her cozy little barrow.

That is when she saw the green toned face looking up at her. At first, she thought it was her own reflection, but then realized that the choppy waves would cast no reflection. Besides, this particular face had a small, kelp-brown goatee on it's chin.

"Oh, nice. Lovely. Are you coming down here to clean that up, land-lover?" The emerald green nose wrinkled in disgust, and with a flip of a silver tail, the creature was gone.

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel awakes from below deck, where she was curled up in a corner, asleep. She yawns, gets up, stretches, and puts her hand to her head, for she has a horrid hangover. She runs her hands through her long, knee-length, silky, blonde hair. She picks up a brush and runs it through her hair a few times, but, as usual, her hair managed not to tangle.

She hears a familiar voice, saying:
'Ah, yes!' said Legolas, Let's begin with that thought.'

"Elbereth Gilthoniel!" Menelduliniel exclaimed, "Legolas?!"

Although she was prepared to sleep off her hangover, she quickly takes off the robe she was in, and puts on her lavender silk long pants and her matching silk spaghetti-strap tank top. She remains barefoot, as usual.

She runs her brush through her hair about 10 more times, before she feels satisfied about her appearance.

"Ai! It has been so long!" Menelduliniel sighs, "I wonder if he has forgotten..."

She runs up the stairs, then gets suddenly nervous, and hides herself in a closet.

"ARGH!" Menelduliniel groans in the closet, "It's not like he doesn't feel the same! You're acting like a silly Elf child! Come on! Get out! Get out!"

She struggles with herself, then turns and sees what she thinks is a corpse. She screams and runs out of the closet. In the sun, she sees it was only clothing, a mere jacket.

She laughs, and can't stop laughing at her own silliness.

She collapses in front of everyone, including Legolas, on the deck, laughing and pointing at the closet.

"Haha! A coat! A mere coat! Not a body! Hahaha! Woo! Haha! What a hangover! Wow! Haha! I wonder how Gimli is feeling? Naah, he's probably still drunk! Woo! I might be too...hahahaha!"

She ignored all inner voices telling her how un-Elf-like this conduct was, and continues laughing...

She eventually stops, and, still giggling, rises to her feet, seeing everyone staring.

"Aiya! *gasp* Haven't *gasp* laughed *gasp* like that *gasp* in ages *gasp*! Woo! *giggle* That feels good! *giggle* *gasp* You all *gasp* should *giggle* *gasp* *loud exhale* try laughing like that *gasp* sometime *loud exhale*!"

She looks at all the eyes staring at her.

"Well...?" Menelduliniel asks, looking at all of them...

[Rosseiliantiel]

By the time she and Celeae had found any food, a parcel of lembas to be exact, Rosseil was finally drying out. In fact, she looked nearly normal, except for her robe. The dark material of the skirt was muddy and torn, and half of her sleeve had been burned away in the battle.
Roseil broke of a bit of Lembas and nimbled on it gingerly, to make sure it was ok to eat, i.e. not rotten, wet, poisoned or stale. Satified, she tore off a larger hunk and chewed it gratefully. Celeae had been distracted by the dragon's scale she held clenched in her fist, cooing "Ah, pretty!" and "Lovely sparklies!" until Rosseil smacked her over the head with a wooden spoon.
"OW!" Celeae looked mutinous. Rosseil glared back at her.
"Well, it is for your own good. Otherwise, you will simply stare at a dragon's scale forever and waste away. And then who would I annoy?" she said smugly.
"Probably, all of Middle Earth, knowing you. OR you might blow up small children. Who knows.Now pass the lembas!"

[ June 09, 2002: Message edited by: Rosseiliantiel ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel giggles, dusting herself off, and tries to make herself presentable. When everyone, including Legolas, is still staring at her with their mouths open, she looks back.

"WHAT?" Meneli demands, "Haven't you ever seen a person still a bit drunk...ow! All done with that...now a wicked hangover though..."

OOC: Wait: did I just say "wicked"? That went out of fashion here in New York...well, it was never popular in New York...oh well...

She looks at all the open mouths, waiting for someone to address her...

[Rose Cotton]

Child, along with everyone else was staring at Menelduliniel when she heard a whisper from behind some barrels.
"Psst..Child. Come here." Child walked over.
"What's wrong?"
"I had the symtoms. I dremt about the western lands. Oh Child, I don't know what to do. I don't want to live there forever and yet I feel a longing....like some kind of call." Rose was shaking like a leaf.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child took Rose in her arms and gently rocked her back and forth as she might do to one of her children when they were younger.

"Don't listen to this nonsense in your head,' she pleaded with Rose. "We are good, sensible hobbits, and this whole thing is ridiculous!"

"Remember how beautiful the Shire part of the Downs is. All the green fields and the places to swim and lots of birthday parties. Who needs beaches? I certainly don't"

Child hoped that her voice sounded convincing, because inside she was beginning to have some serious doubts.

Just at that moment, she heard a clear message that was coming from some unspoken source.....pst, pst, this is Angara, and I would like you to pay attention to me......perhaps take me for a little ride......acknowledge how wonderful I am.......

Child could scarcely believe the words ringing inside her head. This was bad, very bad.

She set out to look for cousin Frodo.

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen and Rosseil watched Meleiendulial, having had experience in this sort of thing. they inched away from her, screaming about coats and such.
Celeaewen wa alternating between eating lembas, and staring transfixedly at her dragon scale.Rosseil rolled her eyes, and plucked the dragons scale out of her hands.
"lets see this"
"noo! preciousssssss!"
Rosseil inched away from Celeae, looking rather worried. she gave Celeaewen back her scale, and Celeae then immediatly went into her "ooh, shiiineeeee. pretty" antics. Rosseil rolled her eyes. it was going to be a long trip.

[Samwise]

Stacey sat with Sam in her arms, feeling tension in the air and wondering what all of the confusion was about.

She looked down at the sleeping hobbit, who was now breathing normally.

He'll have a stomachache for days, Stacey thought.

She wondered where Frodo had gone, and why he was acting so strange. Granted, he was tired, but she always thought he'd do anything for Sam. Here the poor little guy had been laughing himself to death, and all Frodo could do was throw things at him. Stacey shook her head.

Stacey: Maybe it's been the stress....

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child had searched up and down the ship for Frodo, but had not been able to find him. She was getting desperate to talk to someone, anyone, who might be able to explain what seemed to be happening to her and to others on the journey.

This had seemed to be such a fun thing to do when they had first stepped on board. Now, it seemed to be much more serious than she had ever thought. She could not imagine what the Valar would do when the ship docked and they were confronted not only with Elves but a considerable group of hobbits seemingly striken with longing for the West.

Child decided to leave a note for Frodo. She discovered he had been assigned to the same cabin that Legolas was in. She speedily wrote a note and tacked it onto their cabin door. It said in big letters:

FOR FRODO BAGGINS ONLY-- NOT TO BE OPENED BY NOSEY ELVES

On the inside, the note read:

Dear Cousin Frodo,

I am coming to you for some serious help. I know that I have sometimes played tricks on you and acted silly, but I am truly upset by what has been happening on this ship. And since you know a whole lot about Aman and Elves, you might be able to provide some information and insight.

First, what Legolas said was true, I am mainly Fallohide just like you are. But, believe me, I never heard of any Elves hiding in my family tree. They must be very far up the tree as I have never seen nor heard of them!

Why do I keep having dreams of sandy beaches and salty sea air? It is practically driving me crazy. I think Rose is having the same problem; apparently she also has some distant Elf ancestor. And tonight I clearly heard Angara communicating with me inside my own head.

This is not good!!!! I want to go home. I don't want to stay on some distant isle far from my friends.

Are you having similar problems? What about Sam?

I know one time you and Sam lived over the Sea and then decided to return to Middle-earth and the Barrow-downs. How did you persuade yourself to come home? Do you have any special words of advise so we can keep our heads on our shoulders and figure out a way to get home?

I am sorry to take up your time with this, but it does seem frightfully important.

Your Third Cousin Twice Removed,

Child a.k.a. sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo found C7A.

"Child, I am having the same symptoms, only worse, and I am uder enough stress already. I believe we may both have Elven blood in us. I don't know about Sam. I wish I could find him and aplolgize for what I did. You can talk to me. I miss the Shire terribly, but I feel drawn to the Undying Lands. Ummm.. BTW how did Legolas and I end up sharing a cabin???"

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child nodded her head in agreement with Frodo. "I have never felt this way before, and I'm finding it very upsetting. I keep thumbing through your guidebook to the Blessed Lands and looking at the pictures of Tirion and Valimar and Avallone. They look so beautiful. I keep imagining myself living in one of those cities in my own house, or maybe with Pio or Veritas. I've heard they have wonderful, big libraries and I would love to sit down and study those old books."

Child continued, "Of course, the whole thing is ridiculous. Most of my brain says I'm a hobbit and I don't really belong there. But a tiny voice in my head is whispering something quite different. To tell the truth, I'm feeling desperately confused."

Child sighed, and looked at Frodo, who truthfully looked even less happy and certain than she did.

"Oh, you asked about the room assignments? I think since you and Sam were both ill, Cirdan assigned you to separate rooms since Sam was in no shape to do anything except lay on the floor and groan or laugh. Plus, Cirdan said Legolas could help tend to your nursing if that was required. And I also wouldn't be surprised if he assigned you with Legolas, so you could help defend him against the invading hoards of female Elves."

"If you're feeling a bit better and would prefer your own place or to bunk with the Gamgees, I'm sure Cirdan would be happy to arrage whatever you want. He certainly seems very positive about both you and Samwise and I know he'd do anything to please you that he can. And at least Sam has stopped roaring with laughter so you'd be able to get some sleep there."

[Birdland]

Birdie fell into an exhausted sleep at the rail. She dreamed she beheld white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise.

The Elven ship was pulling up to a great, stone dock, and Cirdan stood by the pier, shouting "Welcome home, Elf-Kind! Return to Aman!"

And the passengers disembarked, but there were no half-elves, or half-elf/half hobbit combos. Every one was an elf, and every one looked exactly alike, tall, fair, and impossibly beautiful. In lock step, they marched down the ramp chanting "We return to Aman, We return to Aman", while Cirdan called "Off the ship! Everyone off the ship!"

"They look like such shiny, happy people," thought Birdie.

Birdie saw someone she knew was Child, though she looked just like everyone else, and her face had a polish like stone. All lines of hobbit character were erased, and her feet were uncomfortably naked.

Birdie tried to follow Child, Pio, and the other down the ramp, shouting "Wait! You don't want to do this!" Suddenly Cirdan turned to Birdie, but instead of the face of the wise, bearded elf, she saw the face of a demon!

"Off the ship!" he screamed, and pushed Birdie off the ramp into the sea. As Birdie sank into the blue-green waters, she saw the light flashing through the ceiling of the waves. Suddenly a greenish face with a kelp brown goatee looked down on her. "Sink or swim. Sink or swim," he said in a matter-of-fact way. And then he began to sing:

"O what hills are yon, yon pleasant hills,
That the sun shines sweetly on?"
"O yon are the hills of heaven," he said,
"There you will never win."

"O whaten a mountain is yon," she said,
"All so dreary wi' frost and snow?"
"O yon is the mountain of hell," he cried,
"Where you and I will go."

"He strack the tapmast wi' his hand
The foremast wi' his knee
And he brake the gallant ship in twain
And sank her in the sea."

Birdie woke with a start. "The Demon Lover. The Demon Lover!?...I have to find Child!"

[piosenniel]

The lesson had been cut short by a giggling elf girl. Pio had never understood what those young females saw in her cousin. He was nice, of course, and his hair was always just so, but honestly he was a little too much on the scrawny side for her taste. She would concede that he was a master with his knives, and at the bow none could surpass him. But to her mind a nice down to earth Boromir or a dashing Meriadoc Brandybuck was more to her liking.

Before Legolas had retreated to his room, he had managed to get her to understand how to moderate her private thoughts. She had been successful in keeping thoughts to herself around him, but she still wasn't sure about Cirdan. Best to keep a physical distance from him til she locked in the lessons completely.

She made her way to the railing of the ship where Bird was still hung over the side, looking a little green still about the gills.
A glint of silver caught her eye as she glanced over the side at the effluent of Bird's stomach floating on the waves.

'What was that?' she asked her. 'I could have sworn it had a face.'

Birdie shrugged her shoulders, then turned a paler shade of green as the pitching of the waves increased in intensity. 'I've got to go below and get a hold on my stomach she moaned!

Pio helped her down the stairs to her quarters and settled her in with a bucket by the head of her bed. Placing a cool rag on Birdie's forehead, she leaned down to her and whispered, 'When you're feeling better, we should help each other - I want off this boat!'

'Find Child,' whispered Birdie ,'Tell her it's the Demon Lover . . .'

Pio closed the door as she left and went back up on deck to find Child, Rose, and Veritas. It was time for some sort of plan to start taking shape where they could be back in control of their futures. Visiting the old country was one thing; being kidnapped was quite another.

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

[Rose Cotton]

After Child left, Rose just sat for awhile thinking. It was fine for Child she was a strong willed hobbit. But the REG overpowering her had proved her worthiness. But she used Child as a roll modle. She wouldn't let this have her.

Then she decided to go down into her room. But before she entered Pio came out of Birdie's quarter and brought Rose over to her.
"Rose. C'mon. We have to find Child and Veritas. We're going to get off this ship."

"What about Birdie."

"The sea has not agreed with her. And she said...said for me to tell Child...it's the Demon Lover."

"What does she mean by that?" said Rose.

[Veritas]

Veritas was looking out over sea, in the beginning it looked like this was going to be fun, but after a while she didn't want to go anymore, she longed for her own Middle-Earth, not for the Undying Lands.

It were Pio and Rose who wake her up out of her thoughts.

"Come," wispered Pio, "We're going to get of the ship."

"Sounds already like a good plan, who are going with us?"

"Pio, Child, you and me." said Rose with a sad face, "Birdie said that the sea has not agreed with her, and something with a Demon Lover."

Veritas' happiness for the flight had fainted, what was that with Birdie? She didn't understand, what did she mean with 'the sea has not agreed with her' and what or who is the Demon Lover.
Things to think about later, Veritas, thought the wizard, first find Child.

"Come on! Hurry!" Pio stimulated then to come with her to go to Child.

"Coming!" said Veritas while she just grabbed a rope, maybe it would be usefull.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child got up and stretched. She had a splitting headache. She was sitting in bed with the classified ads spread out in front of her. She was comparing the desirability and price of various pieces of real estate in Tol Eressea and Amon.

Birdland was banging incessently at the door of her cabin. She sat up in bed just as Birdie with her enormous strength took the door off its hinges. Behind Birdie stood a contingent of her friends.

Birdie went over to the bed and shook Child very hard. "Wake up, wake up!!!" The she stuck a mirror in front of Child's nose.

Birdie glared: "Does that look like an Elf face?? What are the possibilities of the Valar sending a real ship to pick you up and bring you to Aman?? Since when has the Council of Valar paid the slightest attention to your private affairs. The last time you went to Amon by mistake, Varda ushered you out through a time warp in exactly 30 seconds and told you not to fall into the wrong story again!!!"

Child had to admit that the possibility of Varda wanting her to return had seemed quite remote indeed. And even if she had been lucky enough to go there, it would surely be on a holiday, and not as a permanent resident.

Frodo and Samwise--now that was a possibility, but herself and Birdie???? It did seem like a mistake had been made, or else something much more sinister was happening. Birdie seemed to incline to the latter view.

After she listened to the whole story told by Birdie and the assembled throng, she had to admit they might be correct. For one single instant, Child felt deep and genuine sorrow that a beachfront home in Avallone did not seem to be in her future. Then she pulled herself together and tried to think things through.

Her brain was really rather muddled. It was almost as if someone had drugged her. She remembered the big room with all the bottles and began to have serious doubts about what exactly was in the water on this ship.

Then Child retorted to Birdland, "You can do what you want, but I am not getting off this vessel. What about the others on board? I will not leave Samwise or Frodo or some of those Elves who are still hidden behind the barrels. And do you think I can swim across the ocean. You must be kidding. Now if I wanted to, I could fly away on Angara and leave the rest of you here. But that doesn't seem like the decent thing to do."

"And what about Legolas?? Is that a demon Legolas? I don't think so. I think he was captured at our birthday party and bewitched, just as we were."

"I wonder if any of this has anything to do with the remnant of that REG. Of course, I'm sure whoever had that piece certainly trashed and destroyed it, didn't they???" Child looked directly at Pioseniel.

Child continued, "Our only course is clear. We have to mutiny and gain control of this vessel. You know we do have a few things on our side and one of them is Angara. Last night, before I went to bed, Angara told me she thought there was something very fishy going on. I didn't even listen to her, because I didn't want her to be right. But I guess she was right, and things have gone very wrong indeed."

"Now, let's put our heads together and figure out how to get out of this mess. I do have my dagger and bow, and I see some of you also have weapons. Any ideas??"

"And, oh yeah, who is going to break this news to Samwise, Stacey, and Frodo? The two of them may be very disappointed because, unlike us, they actually have been to Aman."

[Birdland]

Birdie looked around at the elves, wizard, and half-elf/half hobbit combos sitting in the cabin. Pio and Veritas seemed more than happy to make their way back to the Downs, but Child seemed to be bitterly disappointed that she would not be seeing the golden hills of Tol Elressa.

"Don't feel too bad, Child", said Birdie comfortingly. "However you got on this ship, it seems that the captain only wanted people with Elven blood, and that's what he got. So your having elven blood must have some truth to it. I'm just here by accident; maybe that's why Legolas shot at me so hastily. He was tricked into it.

You mean...?" asked Child hopefully.

Yes, Child," smiled Birdie, "somewhere in your family's past, there was an elf in the woodpile."

"But how will we get Frodo to believe all this?" said Rose. "And can you be sure that this dream you had really shows that this ship isn't going to the Undying Lands. After all, you say yourself you have no Elven blood, so how do you know this dream is real?"

"I don't know!" said Birdie, "But all of you seem to be having second thoughts about this voyage. If this ship was truly going to Aman, you would have no doubts. As for Frodo...do you think Frodo has ever read Child?"

Well, Frodo has read several of my monographs on M-E history, and said he found them quite enjoyable."

"No Child! Not you! Child!"

"OK, I'm confused."

"Child was an ancient scholar, who traveled Middle Earth collecting all the old ballads of the common people. And we all know the importance of oral history in preserving our past. Maybe if we can show Frodo the ballad 'The Demon Lover', he'll believe what has happened before could be happening again."

"Maybe one of you Elves could put that "mind reading" you do to use, and see if you can find out if Cirdan is really "Cirdan". I don't know what else we can do."

Then Pio spoke up. "I might have something that could help us." she said, and reached into her pocket...

[Mithadan]

It was late afternoon. Mithadan stood on the shore watching the sails of the west-bound ship slowly sink below the horizon. The Barrow-Wight stood next to him gingerly nursing a truly awe-inspiring hangover.

"Well there goes a good chunk of our membership," said the Wight. "Knew I should have given in to my instincts and abducted them."

Mithadan scowled, then looked up at the sun. "We have a big problem, BW," he said.

"Don't worry Mith," replied the Wight. We'll get some new members. And I'm sure they'll enjoy the Uttermost West."

"No. They won't, said Mithadan. "Elven ships departing for the Straight Road always leave at dusk, not at high noon. Where ever that ship is heading it isn't the West."

[Child of the 7th Age]

It was early morning. Child was recovering from her genuine disappointment in not being on a real Elvish vessel headed for the Blessed Lands. Oh, well, if there really was an Elf in the woodpile, maybe she would get there some day. Those ancient libraries sounded just amazing. And the music......Oh, well. Better think about their real situation.

She stood on deck in the middle of the ship. She looked forward to the West as the ship ploughed ahead. She watched the vacant waters on all sides, but could see no sign of birds or fish or other life. Quite unusual!

Looking ahead, she saw how beautiful the sunrise was. She was reminded of the scene in Frodo's manuscript where Samwise could sense the beauty of the skies and the overall goodness, even in the midst of immediate darkness.

And then Child suddenly realizd something quite amazing. She dragged Birdie and Pio out on deck.

"Look, look, I'm not too good on natural history, but I do know one thing." she blurted out. "Look straight ahead of you to the front of the ship, up in the air. What do you see?"

Birdie tilted her head in a birdlike gesture: "Well, that's just the morning sunrise. Nothing special."

Child snorted, "Nothing special? If that's the morning sunrise, which it is, I'll be a monkey's uncle if we're sailing West. The sun rises in the East, even I know that. So we are sailing due East. There is no way we are going to the Blessed Lands."

"In fact, I would say we are going in the opposite direction, maybe towards those lands where the two istari disappeared, and they have some kind of crazy mystery cults and worship of demons."

"If you can show Frodo or Samwise the sun, maybe they will believe that this ship is up to no good."

"And also give them a copy of that Demon poem which Birdie mentioned. My annotated copy of "The Ancient Child" is back home in my bookcase, and I'm not sure if I can remember all the words of it. But I do know what piece Birdie is talking about."

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

[piosenniel]

Pio gathered Bird, Child, Rose and Veritas into Child's cabin. She, too, had noticed that the ship seemed to be heading in a definitely un-Westerly direction. She was hoping that the object she had found on the Wheel might help.

Pio pulled two objects from her pocket. Bird rolled her eyes and shook her head in wonder at the elf.

'You never cease to amaze me!This combination of elf and hobbit is a very dangerous one, I think,'she laughed, 'Quick thieving fingers and complete fearlessness!'

The elf set Veritas against the somewhat shattered door of Child's cabin to guard against unwanted eyes and ears. She laid the objects on the bed. One was a bright silver cell phone whose previous owner had apparently not missed it after Pio had borrowed it. The other object was wrapped in a piece of silk.

'O stars above,' said Child, 'You still have Mith's cellphone?!' 'But what is that other thing?'

Pio unwrapped the crystalline case with the silver bar in it containing the clear, shining crystal. 'I'm not sure what this is exactly, but I think it is something important - something that has to do with the guidance of this ship. You see how this bar has an almost uncountable number of little holes in it that the gem will fit into? Look at which hole it's positioned in right now - the 7th one. I think this represents the 7th Age - the one we're from. And if I'm right, then these other holes are other Ages, past and present, in sequential order. If we can determine how to manipulate the gem, we may be able to manipulate the ship it self. But we'll need to mobilize all our companions to get past Cirdan - that is if it really is Cirdan. Honestly I've never heard of an elf with a beard!'

The companions bent over the crystal box and threw ideas out about how to work with it. The buzz of brainstorming rose and fell.

It was in one of the quiet moments when a ringing broke into the thick silence of the cabin. Their heads all turned at once to the cellphone lying on the bed. Pio picked it up and pressed the starred key.

'Hello,' she said quietly. 'O! Mith it's you! What! Oh, yes, she's here. Hang on a bit.'

Holding her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone, Pio whispered to Child: 'Child, it's for you. It's Mith and I can't tell if he's angry or relieved.'

[Samwise]

Stacey sat on the deck with Sam for a long time, not knowing what else to do. Just like at the party, she felt on the outside.

Stacey looked down at the little hobbit, who was sleeping peacefully. "Sam, what's going on?" she whispered. "Where's Frodo? I don't like this one bit."

With some difficulty she stood with Sam still in her arms. Going around the side of the main cabin, she found Primrose, again trying to shoot at fish with her arrows.

Stacey: Bored, eh, Prim?

Primrose: *Kicking the guardrail* Extremely."

Stacey looked around at the seemingly empty ship. "I have the weird feeling you won't be so bored for long. I wonder where we're going to sleep?"

Primrose pulled in a rope and retrieved her arrow. "I think there are cabins down below. "

Stacey: Okay. Let's go look. Your father's getting heavy.

[Mithadan]

"Child? Hi. Glad you're still in range. That ship you're on isn't going to the Uttermost West. You figured that out? OK. I have no idea who would want a passle of Hobbits and Elves but this can't be good. Let's see... the old REG is destroyed and I have the new one here and its off. This is no illusion I guess." He listened to the description of the device from the wheel room. "Time travel? Still odd."

"Historically, neither Morgoth nor Sauron had much by way of sea power. Umbar supported Sauron and, of old, they were governed by Black Numenoreans, some of whom were great sorcerors. You may have been taken by some present day secret remnant of those people. Or they may have travelled forward to seize you. But why? You have no weapons of any significance that I know of. Revenge? Frodo and Sam maybe? Possible, but a heck of a lot of effort to do so and why take others along? Hide the guidance device and snoop about. Maybe you'll find out. Keep in contact and I'll help if I can. Oh, and keep Ankara under wraps. She's the only potential weapon you really have other than knives and bows."

[piosenniel]

Pio wrapped the crystal box back into the piece of silk and put it in her pocket. She slipped out the door, telling Veritas she would be back in a moment. One of her reasons for going was that she didn't want to be there in case Mith asked to speak with her. Child and he seemed to be having a long and serious conversation, and she left them to figure out the logistics of the problem.

She ran back to her room and leafed through the stack of ballads she had stored with her small harp. Aah! there it was! The one that Bird had mentioned. She read through it quickly and then went up on deck to see if she could find Frodo.

Frodo was no where to be found. But Stacey and Prim and a somewhat somnolent Sam were just making their way to the stairs leading down to the cabins. Pio drew near Stacey and handed her the folded up piece of paper.

'Can you get Frodo into your cabin somehow and tell him Bird and Child want him to take a look at this. Then all of you need to meet with us as soon as we can. Keep the paper hidden until you get somewhere away from any prying eyes.

Stacey unfolded the paper and glanced quicly at the words:
THE DEMON LOVER

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hey, Mith, don't hang up. There's still some things I need to check with you about.

"Mith, Mith, Is that you? This connection is getting worse. I can barely hear you."

"Yes, yes, we'll bring your cell phone back. Yes, I know it was a $150 deposit for the phone, and you hold us personally responsible."

Child secretly cursed Pio..

Yes, I know the eastern lands are not a particularly nice place to spend a vacation. And I can't figure it out either. What do they want with us? I think the key may have something to do with Elves and Elf-friends. Everyone here is an Elf, or an Elf-friend, or at least has some Elf blood. Except for Birdie and they tried to shoot her"

"I honestly think the "big fish" may be Frodo, Sam, and Legolas, and we just got caught up in the trap."

"What do you mean I'm a three foot hobbit and not an Elf. I'm a Fallohide. Of course I have some Elvish blood. My family tree is of great pride to me"

"Sam and Frodo????"

"Well, to tell the truth we haven't seen them all day. They think we're still sailing to the Blessed West."

"Yes, yes, we promise to tell them. That is, as soon as we can find them."

"No, Mith, I'm sure they haven't hurled themselves over the railing with longing and despair."

Yes, I understand that, next to you and the Barrow-wight, they are the two most famous residents of the Downs, and they're the ones we most have to save and bring back. Yes, of course, if a sacrifice has to be made, it won't be them, it'll be one of us....."

Child glances at the ceiling and rolls her eyes upwards.

"We'll be very, very careful. But I don't agree with you about the ship. If we do manage to hijack this vessel, as far as I'm concerned it'll be ours, not yours. What do you mean we can only act as representatives of the Downs!!!!! We'll see about that

"Yes, we'll try to keep in touch. Farewell for now."

Child put the cell phone down and shook her head. The batteries looked perilously low. What kind of mess are we in? she thought.

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

[piosenniel]

THE DEMON LOVER
"O where have you been, long, long, love,
This long seven years and mair?
O I'm come to seek my former vows-
Ye granted me before. "
"O hold your tongue of your former vows
For they will breed sad strife;
O hold your tongue of your former vows,
For I am become a wife."
He turned him right and round about
And the tear blinded his e'e.
"I wad ne'er hae trodden on Irish ground
Had it not been for love of thee."
"I might have had a king's daughter
Far, far beyond the sea;
I might have had a king's daughter
Had it not been for love of thee."
"If ye might have had a king's daughter,
Yer self ye had to blame;
Ye might have taken the king's daughter,
Fer ye kend that I was nane."
"O false are the vows o' womankind,
But fair is their false bodie;
I ne'er wad hae trodden on Irish ground
Had it not been for love o' thee. "
"If I was to leave my husband dear,
And my two babes also,
O what have you to take me to,
If with you I should go? "
"I have seven ships upon the sea,
The eighth brought me to land;
With four-and-twenty bold mariners
And music on every hand."
She has taken up her two little babes,
Kissed them baith cheek and chin:
"O fare ye well, my ain two babes,
For I'll ne'er see you again."
She set her foot upon the ship,
No mariners could she behold;
But the sails were of the taffetie,
And the masts of the beaten gold.
She had not sailed a league, a league,
A league but barely three,
When dismal grew his countenance
And drumlie grew his e'e.
The masts that were like the beaten gold
Bent not on the heaving seas;
And the sails that were o'the taffetie
Filled not in the eastland breeze.
They had not sailed a league, a league,
A league but barely three,
Until she espied his cloven foot,
And she wept right bitterlie.
"O hold your tongue of your weeping," says he
"Of you weeping now let me be;
I will show you how the lilies grow
On the banks of Italy."
"O what hills are yon, yon pleasant hills,
That the sun shines sweetly on?"
"O yon are the hills of heaven," he said,
"There you will never win."
"O whaten a mountain is yon," she said,
"All so dreary wi' frost and snow?"
"O yon is the mountain of hell," he cried,
"Where you and I will go."
And aye when she turned her round about,
Aye, taller he seemed to be;
Until that the tops of the gallant ship
Nae taller were than he.
The clouds grew dark and the wind grew loud,
And levin filled her e'e;
And waesome wailed the snow-white sprites
Upon the girlie sea.
He strack the tapmast wi' his hand
The foremast wi' his knee
And he brake the gallant ship in twain
And sank her in the sea

[Samwise]

Stacey went below deck and down the hall she had before, steering far clear of the room with all the bottles. She peeked into some of the rooms, which already appeared to have gear stowed in them. Finally she found a room with two bunkbeds in it.

Stacey: Here we go.

She laid Sam on one of the lower beds, then turned to his daughter.

Stacey: C'mon, Prim. Let's go see if we can find someone to explain what's going on.

The two left the room. Stacey noticed the number on the door: 7.

[Samwise]

Stacey: Okay, let's go find Frodo.

She glanced at the paper again. Demon Lover--- icch.

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo is talking with Legolas. He is a bit stronger but still not well, can only walk short distances.

"So then, when I am at the end of my rope about the pinched jewels, Rose comes nonchalantly waltzing up and returns the with an 'if you don't mind'. Sam and I just stared at each other. Actually that I think on it now... It is funny!"

They both laugh.....

[Rose Cotton]

While Child was on the phone Rose was given the chance to sit by herself and think things straight. She didn't understand half of what was going on.

Her feelings for one thing, were very strange. Unlike Child, Rose was relieved at not having to fight the Valar. But then why was everyone dreaming of beaches? She'd figure that riddle out later.

So they were heading east? Rose walked out of Child's cabin with an absentminded "I'll be back." Rose wasn't very familar with anything with the first two ages and lands beyond Middle Earth. But in her oun quarters there had been shelves filled with books that looked like they hadn't been read for ages. She reached the books and saw what she was looking for. 'The Atlas Of Middle-Earth.' Rose had that book back home and knew it showed lands other than Middle Earth and might be usefull for her to understand where they were going.

Oh, drat it. The book looked mockingly down from the top shelf. Like a little child Rose had to push over a chair and stand on it to reach the dusty volume. And still it was inches out of reach.

Rose jumped into the air and snached the book. But at that moment an especially large wave hit the boat and it sent Rose flying onto the floor with a loud bang and falling into unconsiousness
...............................................Ros e was back on the beach. But before her eyes the waves grew and smashed rentlessly opon a dark sanded shore strewn with weeds and stones. Black clouds rolled in and struck mangled trees down with powerfull spears of lightning. Then the coast was compleatly transformed. It was a place Rose had only heard named but never understood. Out in the water a familar vessil was being tossed about. Behind Rose from the inland came a dark shadow. It flew over her and swallowed up the boat dissapearing once more beyond the hills.

Then a voice in Rose's ear spoke.


It will happenit said.
"who...who are you" asked Rose.
Do not be afraid
"Is this what will happen to us when we reach.........Is it our fate?"
It does not have to happen
"But how......?"
You will find the way but in order to do so you must give no more thought to the blessed lands
"I feel it's call. It's like a constant ache."
You must look away or you will be swallowed in darkness
"I will try." And Rose knew she would never again long for that distant shore.
I can't help you further exept to tell it is Cirdan and Legolas who are not whom they seem
"Then we were right."
There are others too but you will know who they are in timeFor now you must go and warn the others
"May I know your name?"
But she only laughed in Rose's ear and was gone................................

[Samwise]

Stacey and Primrose walk back up on the deck.
There, still on the pillows, sits Frodo, now awake and appearing to be feeling better. Next to him is Legolas, and they are both talking.

Primrose starts forward. "Uncle Frodo--"

Stacey throws out her hand and holds her back. "Wait, Prim". she whispers.

Primrose: *Also whispering* What?

Stacey: Something's not right here.

Prim: How do you know?

Stacey: Well, in my world they call it a 'gut feeling...'

[Rose Cotton]

Rose's eye's fluttered open. It took her awhile to relize why she was lying on the floor with a book in her hand and a big sore on her head.

Then Child, Birdie, and Veritas ran in.
"Rose!" gasped Child."Are you alright? What happened. We heard a loud bang."
"Looks like she couldn't reach the top shelf." comented Birdie eyeing the chair witch now was toppled over.

"Never mind that." said Rose now coming back to her scences. She told the three about her dream.

"Frodo was lodging with Legolas." exclaimed Child.
"Let's go." said Veritas.
And they all hurried to were Frodo and Legolas were.

[Samwise]

Stacey and Primrose back up and go back around the cabin.

Prim: *still whispering* What's a gut feeling?

Stacey: A feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when something's not right.

Primrose: What could not be right about Legolas?

Stacey: I don't know--but now that I think about it, we were all here on the ship after we all ran after Rose....I remember Frodo, Sam, pio, Veritas, Child, Birdland... (ah! sorry, I'm forgetting names!)...but I sure didn't see ol' Lego running for the ship. How'd he get here?

[ June 10, 2002: Message edited by: Samwise ]

[ June 10, 2002: Message edited by: Samwise ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child, Veritas, Bird, and Rose came charging towards the door of Legolas' cabin.

At that exact instant, a memory jogged in Child's brain. Just yesterday, she had been speaking with Frodo. He had seemed genuinely puzzled why he had been assigned a room with Legolas. At the time, Child had thought it was because Sam was ill, or that Frodo needed extra nursing and Legolas could handle that.

Now she suspected someone was trying to drive a wedge between Sam and Frodo. This seemed even more likely when she examined Frodo's very strange behavior over recent days. When Sam had been literally dropping over from laughter, Frodo had thrown a pillow at him and complained that he wasn't being quiet. This didn't even sound like the Frodo Child knew.

Moreover Frodo was extremely intuitive about certain things, and she suspected that, deep down in his soul, the hobbit had sensed this was not the Legolas whom he had known and respected. This was the real, if unspoken, reason he had asked this question of Child. She was quite sure of it now.

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

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel realizes that no one is paying any attention to her whatsoever, so, being who she is, she picks the most opportune time, and runs in as Frodo and Legolas are speaking, and tackles Legolas.

"Haha! You guys notice me now?" Meneli said, sitting on Legolas's chest. She was jealous that nearly everyone else was in on the action, but she was not.

She gets off of Legolas, and finally greets him after 50 years.

"Aiya! You have not changed!" Meneli shreiked, happy.

"And neither have you," Legolas said, matter of factly, as always around her...it drove her crazy: he hardly ever got passionate about anything around her. He quickly embraced her, then said, "Ai, eithel, off with you now, Meneli...real business to be discussed."

Wrong thing to say.

"WHAT? AND I CANNOT SPEAK OF THIS "REAL BUSINESS"?" Meneli said, incredulously, "JUST because I am 1: hungover and 2: generally cheery, I cannot talk this so called "business"? I ask what kind of relationship will this be if I cannot hear any of your conversations?! You, you, of all people should want me around now! We've been apart! And there was a time when I was exiled and we couldn't see each other at all! Now...now...now you just want me to leave? Ha! I'll be...ummm...over there!"

She points over to a tree, and she goes and climbs it, pouting, and glancing over at the others, to see if anyone is going to come over and fetch her from the tree...anyone meaning mostly Legolas...or anyone else...

[Rose Cotton]

As they raced to Legolas' quarters Rose asked the group around her:
"Who spoke to me?"

[Samwise]

smilies/wink.gif (There are trees on the ship?)

Stacey walked down the deck looking for someone,anyone to tell her suspicions to.

Stacey: Child? Rose? Somebody? Okay, this is tooo wierd.... smilies/frown.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child shot ahead down the corridor and abruptly bumped into Stacey. She was gasping for breath.

"Stacey, Stacey, are Sam and Frodo alright," she gasped. "We've been trying to get hold of any of you. There is something terribly wrong."

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

[Rose Cotton]

Rose asked again:
"Who do you think spoke to me?"

[Samwise]

Something's weird. Sam, he seems to be okay, he's sleeping in cabin 7. But Frodo's up on the deck talking to Legolas...something's not right about that Elf. smilies/frown.gif

[Rose Cotton]

Rose gave up pestering everyone about who had spoken to her in her dream. They probably didn't know either.

"It's not Legolas who's up there with Frodo. I fell and was knocked out. I had a dream I was on a beutifull beach like in my last dream. But then I was.....somewhere else. I saw our ship engulfed in shadow. Then a voice said that was our future unless we do somthing. It said Cirdan and Legolas are somthing else. It said there were others on board who are not who we think they are. It said we'd know them when we saw them."

Rose looked up and saw how confussed and terrified Stacy seemed and knew she probably look the same.

[Losthuniel]

<<backtracking a lil bit, dont mind me>>
Celeae hung over the railing watching the waves under the ship. they looked red in the sunrise. Rosseil groaned
"Celeae, dont do that, you're making me sick."
Celeaewen grinned. "its fuuun". she had finally given up staring at the dragon scale, in favour of wave-watching, and it was now pierced and hung on her neck on a fine gold chain.
Rosseil was watching the sunrise absentmindedly." Celeae, where's this ship going again?"
"er, i think its the Undying Lands. i have no idea why, so dont ask me. mebbe its cuz we fought agaisnt Morgoth and the REG?"
Celeaewen did not notice that Rosseil had gone completly white until she rised her head from the railing
"Rosseil hwat is it?"
rosseil regained some of her composure.
"where is this ship going?"
"the West?"
"what direction does the sun rise in?"
"East..." realization struck through like a thunderbolt.
"you mean..?
"i do"
Celeaewen went as pale as Rosseil had been a moment ago.
Rosseil continued speaking " that obviosly isnt Cirdan"
"of course not, elves dont have beards!"
Rosseil glared at her for the innteruption.
"Cirdan does. i lived at the Havens for a while, with my mother. that is what Cirdan looks like. but that isnt Cirdan. he would not be taing us East. something fishy is goin on here."
"aside from the air."
Rosseil looked at her. "your sense of humor gives me the urge to dive off the crow's nest. And you know thta Legolas would not normally shoot a crow. especiallly not a talking one. i belive he knew about Birdland's crow shape."
"so what are we going to do about it?"
" I'll get someone to distract CIrdan and Legolas, then me and you will poke around. i will kill you if you tell me you forgot your lockpicks"
celeaewen produced a small package from her dress.
"bring me to your locks"

[Samwise]

Rose looked up and saw how confussed and terrified Stacey seemed and knew she probably look the same.
LOL, Rose--I don't get terrified. confused, sure, terrified, no. smilies/wink.gif
*********************************************
Stacey looked at Rose, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Rose. We'll get out of this." If we don't, she thought,at least I know where I'm going.....
Primrose piped up, "So--are these things that are pretending to be Mister Cidran and Mister Legolas gonna hurt Papa and Uncle Frodo, or what? smilies/mad.gif If they try, they'll have me to deal with!

[Birdland]

Birdie is huddled over the copy of the ancient verse supplied by Pio. "See, it says right here:
'And the sails that were o'the taffetie
Filled not in the eastland breeze.'

So whatever they were talking about in this song, they were going east, too!"

"But where are 'Ireland' and 'Italy', I've never heard of those places, before", said Birdie, with a worried frown.

"They sound scary," whispered Rose.

"There are probably many regions in the East, that we don't know the names of," guessed Child, "The maps we have of the East Lands are mostly blank. No one from Middle Earth has ever explored there...and come back."

"But who was speaking to me in my dream!" demanded Rose.

"This song speaks of a woman who supposedly 'wronged' a lover, and married another instead of him. I wonder who that woman was? I wonder if there is any tale in the books that speaks of such a thing?"

(o.o.c. - I'm serious. IS there a tale in the Silm or U.T. that speaks of a woman refusing to marry someone? Or a guy who got mad at a woman who ditched him?)

"Maybe the voice you heard was the 'fea' of that woman, Rose. She may be trying to warn us. I wonder if it was an Elf who stepped on that deadly ship in the song?"

"And", said Birdie, "who's ol' Green-Face, that I saw in the water, and in my dream? Is he a kelpie, or a selkie, or even a mer-man? In the dream I couldn't tell if he was taunting me or warning me. It's like we don't know who to trust on this voyage. And now we even suspect Legolas of being something other than what he seems. And we don't even know who really lured us on board. Is 'Legolas' working for 'Cirdan' or is 'Cirdan' working for 'Legolas'."

As Birdie sat and pondered these riddles, a small, mean thought came to her head, and she forced it away. If she could only use her shape-shifting on the ship, she could have morphed into a crow and flow away from all this. Birdie hung her head as her face turned red with shame at the thought. Child could have flown away on her dragon, but didn't. Birdie told herself that even if she had the means to escape, she would never leave without her friends.

"Never!" she silently swore.

[ June 10, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child sat on the deck hoping for a few minutes of peace and quiet. But, wait, what was that? A voice in her head? It must be Angara surely.

But, no. This voice sounded very different than Angara. Suddenly, she remembered that Rose had heard one or more voices and couldn't identify who they were.

Now, they came again but stronger.

"Child,.....Child.....resistence is hopeless. We are Allatar and Pallando, heirs to the ways of Sauron, Masters of the East. We are the Inheritors of the Blue Robes....... As Sauron was to the earlier ages, we shall be to your people."

"But your people are wicked and stupid. They do not believe in the reality of Evil. They do not believe in the reality of Good. So how will you withstand us?"

"Look at our power and majesty. While Sauron and Morgoth languish in the void, we have gone forth in your world. So many evils........you scarcely need us to lead the way. You have great weapons of terror, and you kill each other over differences in your looks or beliefs."

"You may ask why we have need of such small ones as you?"

"We desire to build an army of Orcs to accomplish our goal. Now the Orcs of this age may be different in form than the Orcs of ancient days. You may still retain your hroa (sp?), and yet your fea and your eyes will be cold, as cold as a heart which knows only Evil......as cold as he who turns against his friends."

"For we have come to split friend from friend, and to reveal the Evil which lurks in the hearts of all, even the great Ringbearers of old."

But only Elves can become true Orcs. So you all are here, gathered on this ship, that we may use you for our purposes. At the end you may beg for death, and yet no relief will come to you. For all here, except the dragon and bird creature, have some Elven blood or bear the soul of an Elf-friend which we may use for our purposes and goals."

"What fools you are. NOW YOU WILL LEARN OUR WAYS."

Child shuddered, fell to the deck, and knew no more.

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

[Samwise]

Sam slept peacefully for some time. That was, until the dream.
**********************************************
He saw, through his own eyes, himself walking down a farmiliar path in Hobbiton. He was by the water.
As he walked, he saw three farmiliar figures--young, younger than they were now, and playing together. One of them looked up, and jerked his head toward Sam.
Sam recogmized him as Mister Merry!

"Well, well", said another he recognized as Pippin. If it isn't the little poorling Samwise."

"Been out pickin' taters for your dad?" snickered Merry.

Sam was hurt. How could they be treating him like this? That was when the third turned.

Mister Frodo?

The hobbit looked like the Frodo he'd known in his youth, but his eyes were cold--so very cold. They looked Sam up and down with disdain.

Frodo: Eh--I wish Uncle Bilbo would be rid of this Gamgee filth--but no--he has to let the rabble live right on the Hill!

Sam felt the blood drain from his face. What was going on?

Frodo: But no matter. I have something that will at least take care of this one.

With that he put his fingers to his lips and blew. Sam heard a gurgling in the water behind him. Turning, he saw a horrid creature--a huge head with numerous arms like snakes. Before the little hobbit could think, one of the arms wrapped itself around his ankle and lifted him into the air.

Sam: Whoooaaaa !

Below, he heard the other hobbits laughing.

Frodo: Sic 'em, Beastie!

Sam craned his neck and looked upwards. One of the arms was coming down toward him. He lost sight of the end of it behind his foot, and the next thing he knew--

Sam: *eyes widening* No--oh, no--giggle--stop--ha,ha,ha--M-Mister Frodo, m-make it s-s-stop!"

The Frodo below him only looked up with a smirk. "Later, Gamgee." he said. "Maybe when you can't breathe."

He, Merry and Pippin walked off, laughing.

*********************************************
POP!

Sam:AH!

He sat up, breathing heavily. What had happened? Frodo had been awfully strange actin' when he'd had his laughin' fit before, but he didn't want Sam to die from it, surely?

He looked around. He was on the bottom bunk in a room that he figured must be their quarters.

Sam: Ai...I've got to go find Mister Frodo and figure out what's goin' on.

He got up and went out the door, noting the number 7 on it for when he came back.

[Frodo Baggins]

Frod had been reading and had dropped of to sleep on the deck of the ship.

Frodo ans Legolas were talking of their past adventuers togehter. Suddnely He felt his old wounds, the sting and the blade, as well as the one from the Maia. He looked to Legolas for help, but Sauron was there and Legolas had disappeared.
"Come with me, my rong bearer. Your evil in you knows you want to."

"I AM NOT EVIL!!"
Frodo woke up screaming.......

[Samwise]

Sam was walking on the side deck, wondering where everyone had gone to. That was when he heard:

NO! I AM NOT EVIL!!

Sam: Mister Frodo!?!?

He ran as fast as he could to the foredeck. Frodo sat there screaming.

Sam knelt by him. "Mister Frodo, it's me, Sam. It's okay, Mister Frodo, it's okay. "

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child awoke on the deck of the vessel in the middle of the night. She remembered the words in her head from the night before. Was it a dream? Was it a vision? Or merely her fears speaking in what seemed an increasingly cold, empty world.

She listened carefully to the sounds of the ship. She could hear the creaking of the wood and the groaning of the taut lines as they stretched and curved above her head. But beyond that, she heard the sadness of people, each in an isolated cabin, each locked in silence and unable to see or feel or touch their neighbor.

Once or twice, she thought she made out a sound of fear or nightmare. Perhaps Frodo, or Sam? She could not tell.

Child shuddered, not from cold but from loneliness. She felt so very, very alone.

But then she heard a whirling above her head, saw a red-gold light of flame and a flash of wings.

"Angara, Angara come here great one. Have pity on me." The dragon lit on the deck and lowered her head until it fairly fell into Child's lap. Never before had this taken place.

Child bent over the great creature, her own curly hair, mixed brown and grey, falling down onto its scales of green and gold. Angara, her precious Angara, was weeping. Never, in all the tales of old, had she witnessed such a thing.

And into her mind, there came a sadness. The two istari, they who dressed in blue and walked with Curunir in an ancient age.....They who still used strange potions and set heart against heart, it is they who killed the line of my people. It is they who slaughtered my mother and my father, my kin, my spouse, and my little ones until only I was left. For we were the last dragons of gentle heart, we who lived with Man and Elf in peace.

For peace is not in the hearts of these wizards. They set Man against Man, Elf against Elf, even Hobbit against Hobbit. Guard against their wiles, oh wise woman of your people, for they look to you, your small band, to make a single crack in the universe, and should they make that crack, they will enter therein. No peace shall be left on earth.

Guard well Child, or all that you know and love will perish, as happened to me and to mine.

Child bent down and brushed a gentle kiss on Angara's nose.

[piosenniel]

Luckily elves do not require much sleep, if any.

Pio stood in the shadow of the great mast and listened to the troubled sounds of the night. The ship was uneasy; its planks groaning in protest against the waves and wind which propelled it on.

'Funny thing about that wind,' she thought. 'It seems so still and close as I stand here and yet the sail billows out with a great seeming wind that blows from west to east. And the waves, they seem like grasping hands that pull and force the ship along against its will.'

The most troubling to her heart was the sound of small ones crying out in their sleep. What should have been a peaceful time of rest was marked with fretful cries of terror and confusion. She felt a growing shadow in her mind, a sort of sickness that was creeping into her companions' souls.

Her eyes and ears and mind were open wide to ferret out the source of this malady. Her senses strained to pick out all the creatures on this ship - Frodo, Sam, Rose, Prim, Stacey, Child - she ticked the hobbits off on her fingers; Veritas,Rosseil, Celeaewen, herself - the elves; the unique Bird; and dear Angara, a glowing ember in her mind.

'Funny,' she thought, 'I can't pick out any other beings as present.' She narrowed her focus of concentration to her cousin, Legolas - no, she couldn't find him anywhere, not a trace. The same went for Cirdan, though she entered into that search with great care.

This finding puzzled her greatly. Making her way quietly across the deck to where Child lay dreaming fretfully, she knelt down and gently shook her shoulder. Angara, who lay nearby, awake, nudged the sleeping hobbit on the other shoulder.

'Child, wake up and come with me,' urged Pio. 'Legolas and Cirdan have somehow left the ship. Make haste and we can look in the captain's cabin for any helpful clues.'

[Rose Cotton]

ooc:sorry Stacy about the terrified thing. I guess I thought you were scared because I was scared.::

They were planing to finnish the plan in the morning. For now they tried to go into uneasy sleep. But Rose like most could not sleep. She gave up trying and went purposly through the ship.

Rose arrived in the room with the bottles. Everyone was being so brave and meanwhile she was hysterical with fear. She would find the bottle labled BRAVERY. And she would drink all of it. How could a little courage hurt her.

She begain to search and found, in the corner, a small glass with dark red liquid that looked in the dim light like blood. But Rose uncorked it and put it to her lips.
"Here goes nothing." and drank.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child woke with a start to feel Pio tugging at her shoulder. Angara also woke abruptly and took off for the top of the mast. She seemed determined to keep her distance after the closenss of the night before.

Child shook her head as she listened to Pio's words. "Maybe you are mistaken" she said. "Who is sailing the ship, if Cirdan has gone?"

Child got up to follow Pio as she started on her search.

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen and Rosseil traversed the basement of the ship, hoping to find anything that might help them. they knew that the passengers wuld havce to regain control of the ship, and Rosseil and Celeae were trying to help. they were completly noiseless as they opended doors and searched rooms. they saw a door at the end of the hallway, and knowing the ways of doors, decided that they would try that before they continued forward. it was locked, and the lock was rusty, as if it hadnt been opend for a while. Celeaewen picked at it persistently, while Rosseil was hissing in her ear.
"hurry up. we're going to get caught!"
"quiet."
click
"there. having people lock things away from you your whole life has its advantages."
the door swung open to reaveal.....a broom closet. Rosseil swore quietly.
"well, we might as well check it out."
they looked through the closet, moving brooms and mops out of the way. Celeaewen was replacing a box when she stood up, hitting her head on the ceiling. but instead of coming in contact with a solid ceiling, the panel was pushed up by her head.
"Rosseil, look at this"
they inspected the panel, and the others around it. it was the only one that lifted up.they pushed the panel into the ceiling, and, climbed up into the space. it was a secret compartment, and they saw why it was secret. now THIS was what they had been looking for.

[Veritas]

The thing about the ship sailing with no-one who lead it was wandering trhough Veritas mind. Trying to get to sleep was not easy either.

What could it be, she never read or heard about things that could move theirself, without anyone helping it.
What if Cirdan blocked the ship, in a way that the ship would sail straight ahead?
But then he must have left the ship, how? She didn't see him, nor any other people, as far as she knew.

She dicided to go to the wheel. Coming there, she found that the wheel was not blocked, she could move it, but the ship was still sailing straight ahead. She couldn't find out WHY the ship was sailing that way.

Then the other thing, 'Ireland' and 'Italy', she remebered that she read about it, but she couldn't find out where or what was said about it.

A great feeling of sleep overcame her, and she fell down on the deck, sleeping...

[Birdland]

Birdie sat crouched in the stern, biting her fingernails. Her seasickness seemed to have passed, but only to be replaced with a growing withdrawal and resentment from her companions. She hadn't eaten, hadn't slept, and was feeling utterly wretched.
"Listen to them all," she thought back on the night of cries, screams, weeping, and shouts of defiance. "They all think they're so wonderful, with their Elven blood. What good does it do them now? They couldn't even tell the real Cirdan from a fake, the real Legolas from a shadow."

"And they don't even want me. It's just all a mistake that I'm even here at all. Leave them to their fate. I'm getting out of here."

Birdie spread her arms and closed her eyes, trying with every fiber of her being to feel the change of morphing. But it was no good. She remained in the body she was born with. Remained on the ship.

"What am I doing? I can't leave them." A small nasty voice in her head suggested that she was not leaving everyone, she was going to go get help. "But that's silly. By the time I got back to shore, and another ship could be sent out, they might all be dead, or something even worse."

"Why am I acting this way. I haven't laughed or cracked a bad joke since I came on board this barge. What's wrong with us all?"

Birdie decided that she may as well try to do something to help them all out of this situation, she went over what the other had told her, thinking back on all the dreams and signs given to them throughout the voyage, ending with Child's declaration of seeing a vision of the Blue Wizards, and their plans for their elf captives.

And now Legolas and Cirdan are gone, could they have been the Blue Wizards in disguise? But who was piloting the ship? Or was it piloting themselves.

Birdie ran to the wheelhouse. There she found Veritas slumped in enchanted slumber, and the wheel of the vessel, seemingly unmanned. But the small cabin had an icy feeling to the air. Birdie had lived in the Downs too long not to know when someone was in a room, even if no one was in the room, if you take her meaning.

"Who is captain, here?" she whispered. Silence answered her, but the air grew thicker and colder. "What do you want from us?"

Suddenly, the vapors of the room coagulated into a form. Birdie had seen many elves in her day, but known had feeled her with the horror that this Eldar did. Tall, magnificant, splendid, but his face had a ghastly pallor far beyond the fairest of the Fair Folk, and his eyes burned unseeing with rage, shame, and longing. He gripped the wheel of the vessel with a dead man's grip, and his hair flew about his face in a wind not of this world. He was quite mad. His mouth opened, lips curling back as he shrieked one word:

"Idrillllllllll.........."

Then he was gone. But the ship sailed on.

Birdie backed out of the cabin, stumbling and screaming with no sound, she started to fly from the horrible vision, but then remembered Veritas slumped on the floor. Sucking a deep breath, she dashed back into the cabin and dragged the somnamulent elf/wizard out of the there by her heels.

"Wake up, Veritas! Wake up! We've got to find the others! I know who the Demon Lover is! The Blue Wizards have called back Maeglin!"

Then once again the horrible, mad cry came again from the wheelhouse:

"Idrilllllllllll........."

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo looked in a mirror and then looket at Sam.

"Oh! That was awful! Sam? do I look evil to you?"

[Veritas]

In the dream she dreamed, Veritas was flying in the air, she had become a Hawk.

She was flying above the sea, and she saw a small ship under her, it was the ship where they were kidnapped! She dived down to the ship.

When she arrived, it was abandon... At least, it looked abandon.

She hadher normal form back. She ran to the cabins and saw all people sleeping, or where they dead...

She got a terrible haedache, and ran to the wheel, there she saw herself lying on the ground.

"Wake up!" Birdie screamed.

Veritas was back on Earth, or sea, and then she heard a icy scream:

"Idrilllllllllll........."

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Veritas ]

[Mithadan]

A 40 foot long tri-hulled catamaran swayed in the ocean swells by the docks of the Falas. Many Downers bustled about the vessel preparing it for departure. A crew of 12 had been assembled, 4 elves, 3 dwarves, 3 men and 2 hobbits had volunteered for the journey. Mithadan stood by the gangway with a pack on his shoulder, a sword hanging at his side and a cloth bundle in his hands. Beside him stood the Barrow-Wight.

"Mith, are you sure you can do this?" the Wight asked. "What if the wind dies down? What will you do for food? How will you find them?"

Mithadan smiled grimly. "We have lembas and plenty of water. I do not think the wind will die down. Something big is happening. We will have to rely upon Manwe and the Valar for help with the winds and I think they will not fail us. As for finding them..." Mithadan pointed to the gps system. "We will track them through my cell phone. I can recharge it with the REG. They have come about and are travelling east. They will pass within ten miles of here if they hold their course." He smiled again. "Don't worry. Seamanship runs in my family." He drew his sword and showed BW the runes on the blade. "This has also been in my family for some time." The Wight raised what was left of his eyebrows in surprise. The runes spelled the name AElfwine. "Sometimes the best stories are true..." said Mithadan.

[piosenniel]

The old man leaned against the piling at the end of the Falas dock, his staff supporting him. He looked with interest at the hustle and bustle of preparations taking place for some great voyage. It had been a long time since he had seen such a ship and crew set out. He smiled at the young man leaning in toward the older fellow, giving him assurance that all would be well. His hand tightened on his staff in anticipation as that same young man drew his sword and the sun glanced off the ancient lettering. He had thought never to see another cycling of this story during his long span of years.

The young man resheathed his sword, and boarded the ship, a final check that all was in order. Glancing over the side, he noted an old man in tattered robes. His eyes, as he met the young man's, were deep as the unfathomable sea, and his long beard was blue and grey. An ancient memory stirred the young man's heart.

The old man touched the prow of the ship with his staff and murmured a parting blessing:
May your oars have skill to steer
When hands that hold them fail;
May you always find lost courses;
May you steer truly by stars that are hid.

He tapped the wood of the ship three times then turned and strode quickly through the parting crowd, until climbing he came to a great pinnacle of the cliffs. Then he leapt far out and down and vanished with a mighty flurry of foam where the great breakers gathered to assault the towering shores.

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child and Birdland had searched the entire ship tono avail. No sign of Cirdan or Legolas could be found. Whether they were real or not, whether they were phantom spirits, Child could not say.

Suddenly Birdland and Veritas burst upon them, full of amazing words that could scarecely be believed. Maeglin??? Searching for Idril? A chill pierced Child's heart.


Think Child, think. What special aid did Maeglin have? What special object to help him?

It hit her suddenly. "Bird, I do not know how we can defeat this mighty Maeglin, but there is one thing we can do now to begin to weaken and harass him. Now, when you looked upon this evil mariner he wore no sword. But I tell you there is one sword abve all which Maeglin held dear."

Child continued, "It is the sword Anguirel which the wicked son Maeglin stole from his father Eol. It is forged of a metal galvorn which Eol alone, in kinship with the dwarves, knew how to bring from the earth.'

"I am sure this great and mighty sword, accursed as it is with the blood of his father, lies somewhere on this vessel. For Maeglin would not dare to go forth without it."

I, as a hobbit, do not even have the strength to lift such a weapon. But you, Birdland, are strong. And you do not bear Elf blood so you would be more resistent to the evil charms Maeglin has woven into it."

"This sword must be found and hidden from his eyes. It is our only hope to stand against him until we can figure out some way, I know not how, to overcome his evil."

[Rosseiliantiel]

meanwhile on the doomed ship in the mysterious broom closet

The two elves were startled when a horrible scream went screeching throughout the ship.
'Ai! ELbereth! What was that?" Celeae squealed. Rosseil growled low in her throat.
"I really do not like the sound of that. We should get out of here, yes?"
"Agreed, But what about...?"
"We can deal with that later; and not by ourselves. No! Do not touch it! We must not! We need to warn the others. Now let's..." But Rosseil was cut off by the sound of someone entering the broom closet...

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Rosseiliantiel ]

[Mithadan]

Under its billowing sail the catamaran cut through the waves as it rushed headlong to its destination. The Hobbits, already regretting their decision to join this venture cowered atop the central hull while attempting to retain their breakfasts. A dwarf clambered over to Mithadan who was crouching near the mast and looking to the west.

"Well, this is a fine vessel and no mistake," growled the Dwarf. "Not that I have much use for boats. But why did we not simply have the REG drop us onto the deck of our foes' ship?"

Mithadan squinted into the spray while checking the gps. "We are tracking them using my cell phone which Piosenniel 'borrowed'. Its signal is not strong. We know where they are within perhaps a few hundred meters but no better. If we used the REG we would, like as not, 'drop' into the waves rather than their ship. Also, all who board that vessel, save by the 'grace' of its masters, fall asleep. Sleeping warriors are little help. Some power is at work which I don't understand and I am reluctant to use the REG except for the simplest tasks. Its use may work against us. We must rely upon our wits and wills this time."

"How shall we defeat an enemy on a boat which we cannot board?" complained the Dwarf.

"We must use our wits, as I said," responded Mithadan. "Or else..." He glanced meaningfully at the prows of the ship which were each shod with steel tapering down into dire points which lay below the waterline. "Or else we must sink that vessel and save who we can."

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel watches everyone abandon her, even Legolas. She sighs...

"Why does everyone always do that?" Menelduliniel muses, "I always get left alone...no, wait! Not true...I usually abandon others...well, I guess I deserve this then. Wait! No! They didn't abandon me! I'll abandon them! I'll show them...I take a ship...and sail...and sail...on a wild adventure!"

An inner voice within Meneli sighed at this. Her inner voices were getting quite fed up of Meneli's vanity.

OOC: Meneli is Menelduliniel's nickname. It is pronounced Me-ne-lee.

Meneli wandered back to the shore, looked for a boat to steal, found there was none, then got briefly distracted by something shiny. Upon further investigation, it was nothing much, just a rock, but...shiny was shiny!

She then makes the most stupid decision she's ever made in all the many thousands of years she's been alive:
"I'll SWIM across!" Meneli said.

She gets her stuff together, and leaves it on the beach. She sets out swimming.

"This isn't so bad!" Meneli thought...all of about 10 yards out...

She swam and swam (she was a fairly good swimmer), and, eventually, started to get tired.

"Blah, just a little further, I'm sure," Meneli thought...but it wasn't a little further!

She swam some more, 'til she could hardly swim.

"Oh, poo!" Meneli thought, "Now what?"

Coincidentally (notice how stuff like this always happens?), a boat came along just at that moment.

"OOO! A BOAT!" Meneli thought, "I'M SAVED!"

She waved the boat down and got onto the deck, soaking wet and shivering.

"Well, you got saved again," Meneli thought, disgusted, "One of these days, Meneli, you SHOULD drown..."

She told that boat it could take her wherever, but they said they could only drop her on a small island close by.

After they left her on the island, Meneli got to thinking.
"NOW what am I going to do?" she despaired, "Ai, well, I'll think of something!"

She sat down to either think or wait for help...

"HEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!"

[Rose Cotton]

"Or else we must sink that vessel and save who we can."

ooc: I don't think I like the sound of that plan Mith. I hope plan A works. Hey wait a sec, I drank the bravery potion. In that case: BRING IT ON!:

The potion tasted sweet and thick on Rose's tongue. She pocketed the now empty bottle and went off in seach of her friends. She didn't feel any different but that was because she could now see the expression on her face that she had never worn before. As she went down the hall she heard noices from a room that had been left open.

Upon inspection Rose relized that it was not a room but a broom closet. She looked around but didn't see anyone inside. She hadn't noticed the loose panel that Celeaewen and Rosseil had used.

"Come out!" Rose called as she put her hand on the hilt of her sword.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Bird and Child continued to search the lower decks, trying to find any sign of the cursed sword Anguirel. They were also looking for their friends Celeaewenen and Rosseil who had disappeared without a trace several hours before.

Child saw Rose round a corner and abruptly disappear into what appeared to be a small room. She and Bird quickly caught up to enter the room and stare into the darkness of what now appeared to be a closet filled to the ceiling with great piles of junk, cleaning supplies and mops.

Child was carrying a small torch which she and Bird had used to illumine the corners of the ship in their search. Now she held it up to better see the contents of the closet.

Some paces ahead of her, she could hear the command issued by Rose as the hobbit stepped bravely forward to brandish her sword.

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel's head now hurts from thinking to much.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAH! THEY'RE NOT COMING FOR ME!" she cries, tired of being a poised Elf.

She sits and cries like a baby, lonely.

"Will no one come to the isle and save me?" Meneli thinks...

[Rose Cotton]

Rose caught sight of Child and Birdie by the light of the torchlight that now filled the small space.

She smiled and said "Hello. Had trouble sleeping too? There's someone in here." She was suprised by how her voice didn't waver anymore but was strong and sure.

ooc:Um, Meneli.....we are a bit busy right now. As soon as we have some free time we'll come pick you up.
smilies/wink.gif

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[piosenniel]

Pio listened intently to the words of Child, explaining the history of the sword Anguirel and Maeglin. The mention of the sword's name brought a sudden chill to her, and she felt as if her doom were upon her.

She pushed through the lethargy which gripped her as they approached the Wheelhouse where Maeglin raged.

'If you will gather the other companions and search for that accursed blade, I will hold that monster at bay.', she said with a steely resolve.

She stepped before Maeglin and drew her great sword from its sheath. It burned with a dark fire. She held it before her, blade upraised and advance upon the evil creature, who glared at her with hatred.

A silver light was in her eyes as she drew herself up and was revealed in all her diminutive power. Maeglin stepped toward her, and she commanded him to halt, levelling the sword just inches from him.

'I bear the great sword given to Elu Thingol by Eöl the Dark Elf. It comes to me through my mother who bore me, wedded briefly to Elurìn, son of Dior, great-grandson to Thingol. It is the sword which Beleg bore and was later born by Túrin Turambar, when he named it Gurthang. But it's first name you remember - Anglachel, 'Iron of the Flaming Star', the mate of Anguirel'

Maeglin drew back and held his position, a considering and fearful look was in his eyes. He advanced no further.

'Hurry, you two! Find it!!!!' she shouted to Child and Bird as they raced to gather the search party.

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Mithadan]

Just north of the catamaran's course is a small island. One of the Elves, standing watch on the center prow, cried out suddenly, "There is someone on that island!"

Gritting his teeth at the delay, Mithadan diverts his ship towards the North. As the ship swept by the island a rope was thrown to the lonely elf who caught it and climbed aboard after being dragged a dozen meters in the water. The dripping elf collapsed to the tarp only to be splashed again by an errant wave rising between the hulls. Sputtering, she rose and clambered over to Mithadan. "Thank you!" she said. "I am Meneli and I was picked up by some fishermen while I was swimming and they dropped me off on that island and..."

"Don't thank me until our little adventure is over," interrupted Mithadan. "I hope that you're armed." Meneli began to wonder if being rescued was such a good idea.

[Rose Cotton]

Rose heard a noise again. This time from overhead. She turned sharply away from the two by the door to look up at the celling and the bottle labled BRAVERY fell onto the floor. She tried to grab it before they could see but Birdie got it and lifted it into the light.

Rose watched to see how they would react. But she didn't care. She wasn't scared of what they thought. She wasn't scared of anything.

ooc: I seem to have a knack for getting into trouble, don't I. smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child's natural reaction in most situations would have been to point to the bottle, poke Rose in the ribs, and tease her unmercifully about it. However, she did none of these things.

She looked at Rose and said "That was a wise idea. We may all have need of such help before this story ends. Guard it carefully so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

Just at that instant, there was a loud crash and the ceiling came crashing down with two Elves, Rosseil and her friend, clinging to each other.

Between them was a sword with runes along its hilt. It glowed steadily, but not with any light that mortal or Elvish eye would care to see. Dark and forbidding, it clattered to the floor, leaving an unearthly silence in its wake.

Child bent down to inspect it. She shook her head; yes, this is it. The sword of Anguirel.

The two Elves looked back up at the ceiling. They almost looked guilty.

"Look you two, is there something else up there," demanded Rose.

There was no answer, but suddenly they heard sounds, as if some person were bound and struggling. A light voice, an Elven voice, but filled with pain.

"We saw nothing of this sort" Rossei procaimed. "All was quiet when we were there, but we could not see far, since we had no light"

"Help me" Rose cried. With unaccustomed bravery, the little hobbit was crawling into the space above the false ceiling.

"There is a beautiful Elven woman here, who has been asleep, just as we slept when we first came to this ship. "She is bound, and shows many signs of having struggled against her captors."

Rose untied the unknown woman and helped her down to the floor.

Child came forward to stare transfixed at the Elf......golden hair, the ring of marriage upon her finger, a gold sparkle-brilliance on her face, beauty untold.

This creature of beauty moaned: "Tuor, Tuor, he has seized me from our great ship Earrame which was docked off of Eldamar, and I can not get back."

Child sank to her knees stunned. Elves did not get kidnapped off the shores of the Blessed West. It was impossible for man to even find these shores. The very fabric of the world must have been torn for such an injustice to occur.

Child was shaking. She placed her arm about the waist of the beautiful lady, for this was how high she could reach on a being of such magnitude. She turned to her companions, "I am a scholar of the ancient lore, and this is the Elf Idril--Celebrindal, Silver-foot."

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Samwise]

Sam looked confusedly at his old freind. He shuddered at the last memory of the dream he had had. "N-no, sir. You don't look evil. Why do you ask? "

[Samwise]

OOC: Ugh....can someone explain what's going on on the ship? I can't make heads or tails of any of it. smilies/confused.gif
That's okay, Rose. That's what I meant by pleeeese not playing my characters though. You don't know what we'd do. (Though it's perfectly fine to describe something we're already doing from your own eyes).
Like I think I said before, someone else playing me all of the sudden just confuzzles this already confuzzled hobbit to no end!! smilies/tongue.gif

[piosenniel]

There was a small commotion belowdecks, and the sound of someone moaning. Maeglin gasped and stepped forward, as if to push past Pio. She smote his left arm with a great blow, drawing blood, but not severing it. Smoke streamed from the blade edge that had touched him, and he drew back in great pain. She advance on him, pushing him against the wall of the Wheelhouse and held him there with Anglachel.

She felt a presence near her. Angara had come to lend her help. In the light of the lantern, her small dragon body threw a large shadow across the floor. She fixed Maeglin with a smouldering stare, and wisps of sulphurous steam streamed from her nostrils.

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo was still trembling as he told his dream to Sam
"That is why I asked" He said when he finished.

[Samwise]

Sam frowned. "No, sir--you don't look evil to me in the least, but...."
He told Frodo about the dream he'd had in which he, Mister Merry and Mister Pippin had tried to get rid of him.

[Birdland]

"Pio!" screamed Birdie,"Hold him off! The Blue Wizards promised him the hand of Idril if he would betray his Elf-Kin, just as he betrayed the city of Gondolin to aid Morgoth!"

The specter of Maeglin shrieked as he heard the name of that ancient city. "Yes!" accused Birdie. "Kin Slayer, Betrayer of your Race! Servant of Morgoth! Idril spurned you then, and she will spurn you now. Release this ship and return to the Void where your fea is cursed forever!"

Then Child shoved the magnificent, cursed blade Anguirel into Birdie's hands. Birdie had never held a blade in her life; it felt heavy, and awkward, and the malevolence of it's owner infused the very metal from which it was forged. Birdie felt extremely self-conscious.

"Rose!" yelped Birdie, "The 'Bravery' bottle, quick!"

[Samwise]

Stacey and Primrose came running into Frodo's room.

Stacey: Sorry to interrupt, but there's a fight going on topdeck!

Prim: There's this "spectre" -- thing, and it's got an Elf woman, and it's a traitor to it's race, and....well, anyhow, that's what I got from all the yelling!

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo listened to Sam's account of his dream with tears in his eyes.
"Now, Sam, you know that neither Merry, Pippin, nor I would ever do that." He hugged Sam.

They followed Stacey and Primrose to the deck to see what was going on.....

[Samwise]

Sam:*Wiping a tear from his eye* Thank you, sir.
He runs out of the room after Frodo.

[Child of the 7th Age]

[OOC -- To the best of my knowledge, this is what is happening. The very nasty First Age Elf Maeglin has come back to seize control of our ship. He is driven by his unrequited love for the Elf Idril who spurned him to marry the human Tuor many years ago, Apparently Maeglin has kidnapped Idril from Tuor's ship in the Blessed Lands and has her on board.

Also we (the good guys) found Maeglin's sword Anguirel hidden on board. Birdie has the sword and is about to crunch Maeglin. Maeglin apparently is working for the two blue wizards of the east. They want to create an army of semi-orcs and subvert all the Elves as their first step in world domination. He is focusing on our group because we are Elves, partial Elves, and Elf-friends. That's why we're having bad dreams and getting mad at each other.

In addition, Mith has sent a ship to try and rescue us. It is out there somewhere but is having trouble locating us. He is threatening to blow us up if nothing else works!!!]

[Hope you enjoyed that simple, straightforward plot summary!!!]

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Samwise]

OOC: LOL--Yes, thank you!

[piosenniel]

Pio stepped back one pace and allowed Birdie to take the fore. The words Kin Slayer rang through her mind. She did not want to have to slay another elf, but if she must, she would.

The twin blades of Anglachel and Anguirel blazed up together. Bird advanced on Maeglin, and revenge was in her eyes.

One step behind her came Pio, ready to defend her friend to her own death.

And behind them, a fierce hobbit of great bravery, Rose - a look of determination and strength on her countenance, her small blade shining.

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Samwise]

Prim, as usual, outran her father and Stacey,
Quick as could be, she whipped an arrow out of her quiver and set it to the bowstring.

[Child of the 7th Age]

While all the commotion was going on above the deck, Child was below tending to the beautiful Elf Idril. She provided her with soothing baths and healing salves for her injuries.

The only lady Child had ever seen this fair was the great Varda whom she had briefly glimpsed on her brief sojourn in the Blessed Lands. Although Idril was a figure of high regard, Child wasn't quite as scared of her as she had been of Varda.

Indeed, Idril smiled gently at Child's fumbling efforts to make her comfortable. When she discovered that Child had a son at home, she talked with her about the difficulties of raising headstrong boys, just so Child would feel more at home in the presence of such a great lady.

Child had heard that Samwise's eldest daughter had once served as a handmaid for the lovely Arwen, who also had a human husband. What fun, Child thought, that might be.

Curiously, Idril had never seen a female hobbit since there had never been one in the Blessed Lands. She looked politely but intently at Child to take in all of her visage.

Child excused herself to go try and call Mith on the cell phone. To her great frustration, Mith did not answer, but she was able to leave a brief message, explaining their current situation.

She wondered what Mith would think when he heard about the captive Idril.

[Samwise]

Still not comfortable with fighting, Sam went below and was shocked to find Child and a beautiful woman there--who appeared to have been badly mistreated.

Sam: Oh--p-pardon me...

Embarrassed, he bowed awkwardly.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The Lady Idril looked upon Samwise and smiled. "Do you not remember me, Samwise? Has your stay in the Blessed Lands so fled from your mind that you do not recall the pleasant evening where you and Master Frodo came onto our ship in the harbor of Avallone?"

"For, to tell the truth, both Tuor and I had much joy that evening. And both you and Frodo seemed pleased to speak with one who, like you, did not come from Elven stock."

"I would greatly like to look upon Master Frodo again, should he have the time during my stay."

Child helped the Lady move from one chair to another as she wished to get a closer look at Master Samwise.

"I can see that your face has aged, but your eyes still shine forth as the eyes of an Elf-friend should. I am much aggrieved to have been torn so from my husband by this wicked Maeglin who thinks to betray his people once again."

"And do not trust these two blue wizards, for I think they are cut from the same cloth as Morgoth and Sauron in days of old. Since they hold the rank of Maia, they were able to find the lost road and break into the peace of Elvenhome, much to my sorrow."

"No rest will come to the Blessed Shores until these creatures of evil have been sent back into the void. For as evil as Maeglin is, he is nothing without the backing of those who stand so much higher in the great chain."

Child sat in enchantment unable to take her eyes from this high lady, about whom she had read so much in the ancient books of lore. And then the Elf turned to her with a gentle nod, "I know that you are a scholar of the ancient ways. And that you pass these stories on to your own people as Bilbo himself did so very long ago."

Idril nodded, "It is good that you and your people do not forget your roots or the tales of the Elven past, even in this reckless age in which you live. So sing your songs, spin your tales, and chant your poems of ancient lore and love. For to this truth, Maeglin and the evil wizards have no true answer."

Child lowered her head for she did not wish for Idril to see the tears that crept now from her eyes.

[piosenniel]

OOC: All credit for this scene goes to JRRT, the master writer, and his exquisite telling of The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

*******************************************

Bird and Pio advanced upon Maeglin. They cried out in one voice as of old,'Begone foul dwimmerlaik,lord of carrion! Leave the dead in peace!'

'Come not between and elf lord and his prey!'answered the cold voice of Maeglin. 'Or he will not slay you but bring you through darkness, to a place where your flesh will be devoured and you will scream for death.' He hefted a large spar into his grip.

Birdie's sword rang as it cleaved the air in front of Maeglin. 'Do you what you will,' she said,'but I will hinder you if I may!'

'You fool! You cannot hinder me!' screamed the Elf.

'You stand between me and my way back home.' cried Pio, stepping up to Birdie's side. 'Begone if you be not deathless! For living or or dark undead, I will smite you if you do not let us go!'

Rose felt the darkness and confusion of the past days fall from her as she beheld her two companions face the fell specter. She looked toward Pio and Birdie and saw their eyes, grey as the sea, fixed upon the monster, and a fell light shone from them.

Maeglin screamed in rage at the two women who blocked his way, and all his thought was bent on killing them. Pity filled the heart of the little hobbit and great wonder, and suddenly the slow-kindled courage of her race awoke. She clenched her hand. They would not die alone, unaided.

The face of the Elf was turned from Rose. Slowly, slowly she began to crawl aside and toward him. So intent was he on the women before him that he heeded Rose no more than a worm in the mud.

The foul being stepped toward Pio and Birdie and loomed large above them like a bloated shadow. With a cry of hatred that that stung the very ears like venom, he let fall the spar and knocked both women to their knees. They were perilously dazed, and he raised up once again to make the kill.

But suddenly, he too stumbled forward with a cry of bitter pain, and his stroke went wide, driving into the ground. Rose's sword had stabbed him from behind and pierced the sinew behind his mighty knee.

'Pio! Birdie!, cried Rose. Then tottering and struggling up with their last strength, the pair drove their swords between the head and shoulders of the looming specter as it bent over them. Their blades were white hot, and the clothes which had given form to the wraith of Maeglin fell to the ground in front of them in a heap. Pio and Birdie fell forward in a deathly faint upon their fallen foe.

Shapeless the clothes lay now on the ground, torn and tumbled; and a cry went up into the shuddering air, and faded to a shrill wailing, passing with the sea breeze, a voice bodiless and thin that died, and was swallowed up, and was never heard again in that age of the world.

Rose the hobbit stood in the midst of the seeming slain and wept for her fallen friends.

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Birdland]

Rose the hobbit stood blinking through her tears, and the 'Bravery' bottle lay broken at her feet. Then she looked for her sword that she had let fall; and Behold! there lay her weapon, but the blade was smoking like a dry branch that has been thrust in a fire, and as she watched it, it writhed and withered and was consumed.

So passed another blade of the Barrow Downs. Barrow Downs blades are some of the finest swords you can get. Trouble is: you can only use them once.

"Wow! What a rush!" marveled Birdie. "I was in a real battle, with a sword and everything! Did you see how I came down on that Maeglin? Biff! Pow! Take that!" Then Birdie turned to the stawart little Rose. "But you delivered the killing stroke there, Rose Bro!"

Pio raised herself achingly off the deck. Weakly, she protested "I think it was a joint effort on all our parts. Rose merely wounded the foul specter. Then we delivered the blows that slew him."

"No way, said Birdie, "Rose's sword cleaved his unseen sinews, and if you look up the Old English definition of "sinews", it clearly states that it means 'strength' or 'will'..."

"I'm on Pio's bandwagon", piped up Primrose, "I think you ALL killed Maeglin..."

"Enough of that!" said Rose, "We've still got the Blue Wizards to deal with. If they return to the ship and find their captain has been overthrown, there's no telling what they might do to us all."

Then tilting her head towards Birdie, she whispered, "So do you REALLY think I deserve the credit for slaying Maeglin?"

"Well that's how I read it," Birdie whispered back, "but you're gonna have a hard time convincing everyone else of it."

[Rose Cotton]

ooc: Well Birdie, even if it was a joint effort I still looked cool smilies/cool.gif . And I know who's part I played from RotK. Merry!
Anyway smilies/rolleyes.gif ................:

"And besides Rose, you were acting under that bravery potion." Birdie eyed the broken bottle.

"Not entirely." Rose answeared proudly."You see I had entended to drink all of it but I didn't liked the way it looked so only had a few drops. I felt fading just before the battle. The only magic I needed to find courage was the magic of friendship."

"Oh now don't get mushy on me." said Birdie.

Now that the battle was over everyone started to come out onto the deck.

When everyone (that means everyone on the ship. no snooping. besides, Pio would be able to tell if you wern't there) had gathered Pio ran over and exchanged info with Child then stood on a crate to speak.

[Child of the 7th Age]

For a messenger had been sent below deck to apprise Child and Iril of the dispatch of Maeglin into the void.

At that point,a great burden had been lifted from Idril's heart,yet part of her was sad. She explained to Child: "He has given Tuor and myself evil after evil, yet I can not forget still that he is my cousin."

At this point, Idril deeply sighed: "Perhaps before the final battle Maeglin will see the error of his ways and return to the Valar to beg forgiveness. Then the Elven folk will welcome him back with great joy."

Idril was also surprised to hear that her rescuers with sword, and dagger, and bow were all women. "For in my day, it was never so, she explained. "But, whether man or woman, I wish to express my gratitude to those fair creatures who have risked their lives for me."

And with the help of Child, she made her way to the deck of the boat, where many people of varied kindred had gathered.

And even before Pio could speak to the crowd, she spoke privately with each of the four warriors, even the small Primrose, to extend her thanks. And it gave her special joy to see Samwise's young daughter among the valiant warriors.

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

And Idril reminded Pio that the two evil wizards were still at large. And until they were dealt with, no peace would be had for the Blessed Lands.

And Idril stated that she would surely stay and aid them on this vessel until the evil wizards could be dispatched. But, after that, her heart longed to return to the arms of her husband Tuor whom she greatly loved.

And now that the evil spells of Maeglin had been dispersed, the minds of Idril and Tuor were able to fly to each other over the swelling Sea. And Tuor saw the plight of the small ship and the still evil plans of the wizards.

And Tuor went to Ulmo and begged permission to sail his vessel out on the open sea and join with the small ship to go against the forces of evil.

Now, of all the Valar, Ulmo still had a soft spot in his heart for the Children of Iluvatar. And seeing how they had fought so valiantly against Maeglin, he spoke with Manwe and received permission for Tuor to go and rescue his Lady from the forces of evil.

For when Maeglin stole Idril from the very shores of Elvenhome, he had gone against the true order of the world. And now the old bindings and prohibitions had been loosened so that the mighty Tuor was allowed to go forth once again into the world.

So the great vessel Earrame pushed out with great speed towards the East which was a marvelous thing that had not been seen for many thousands of years.

And Idril told Child and Pio of these good tidings. And Child left another message for Mith on that strange contraption was called a cell phone to apprise him of these miraculous things.

And Child begged Mith to speed his voyage so that they all might stand against the wizards of the East.

[Mithadan]

The wind continued to fill the sail of the Barrow vessel. Mithadan, absorbed with tracking the demon ship, failed to hear his cell phone ring. But even as his crew first caught sight of a distant sail, he noted that someone had tried to call him. Listening to Child's hasty messages, Mithadan's eyebrows raised in wonder. Then he smiled and turned to the crew.

"See now the sail of the ship which bears our friends!" he cried. "We go now to their aid but we must take great care for we know who our foes are. None other than the Ithryn Luin, the Blue Wizards, who ages ago were sent by the Valar to succor the peoples of Middle Earth. Our foes are mighty but our will to defeat them is great. We go to rescue our friends!"

Meneli whospered to a nearby Dwarf, "Does he always talk this way?" The Dwarf growled back a response, "No, only when he is in character."

Mithadan turned to the Elves and said, "Now is the time to show a token of our allegience to our friends." He lifted the cloth bundle which he had carried from the Downs and unfurled a banner which he bade the Elves to raise upon the mast. It had been fashioned centuries earlier by his forefather, AElfwine, in token of that great man's lineage. It was the banner of Earendil the Mariner.

[Birdland]

It was Idril, with her far-seeing Elven eyes, who first saw the proud and fair banner of Eärendil the Mariner as it first appeared over the horizon.

"My baby!!!!" screeched Idril, as she ran to the railing of the ship, and started waving frantically. "Yoo-Hoo! Eärey! Mommy's here!" The proud Elven woman bounced up and down in excitement. "Isn't he just the handsomest thing! Of course, he doesn't return my calls as often as I'd like. But I realize he's busy, what with being master of an ENTIRE fleet. "And ladies...he's single!"

The various Elven maidens on board shuffled their feet in embarrassment, or quickly check their breath behind their hands, while Birdie and the hobbits snickrered and and nudged each other in the ribs. Across the wave came a far-off cry"

"Awww, Ma!!"

(O.C.C. - OK, I realize that Idril wouldn't do this, but I couldn't resist. smilies/evil.gif Carry on.)

[Frodo Baggins]

Earendil was a mariner...... Frodo remembered the song made by Bilbo in Rivendell. And now he was gazing on the true Earindil...Father of Elrond.

"But...but...you are supposed to ba a star..??"

[VanimaEdhel]

Meneli holds back a giggle at Mithadan, who sends her an icy look.

"So-or-ry..." Meneli mutters, then, out loud, "I will fight with thee, Mithadan! Thou...pardon the plagiarism...hast my daggers and bow! But...art thou in need of assistance? I can call upon my daughters and sons to assist thee in thy conquests..."

She looks to Mithadan for an answer...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Now Child began to fiercely giggle seeing Idril's reaction to the distant ship. But she hid her mirth so as not to embarass the great lady of the sparkle-brilliance.

And Child went to Idril, explaining that many ages had passed since Earendil had last sailed the seas of Middle-earth. This gentleman coming to join their cause was a distant descendent of the Mariner and not the Mariner himself. And she showed Idril how to gaze up into the sky just before dawn and see her most beloved son who was called the Morning Star among her own people. For he brought much hope to earth, and his light had great power.

And the name of this new captain was Mithadan of the Barrow-downs for he had inherited the great flag of his ancestors.

And Idril was right curious and asked whether this Mith was the heir of Elrond or Elros. And Child scratched her head in puzzlement and said she did not know.

"Should we win this battle," Child continued. "Perhaps you may ask him yourself. For I am of the lowly and humble estate of a hobbit, and therefore do not know such things."

And Child's head was getting right muddled with such high speech and rarified air. And she decided to go below deck and crack some jokes with her friend Birdland, and also to sharpen her dagger and gather her arrows in preparation for the battle which still appeared likely.

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

As the catamaran neared the demon ship, the crew of the Downs vessel worked feverishly to match the speed and course of their friends. The ocean, which had been quite choppy, seemed willing to cooperate and settled into a flat mirror-like surface.

Mithadan turned briefly to Meneli and said "If your kin have ships with which they may meet us, any help would be welcomed. We have a long return voyage and know not what devilry the Blue Wizards may attempt."

As they pulled alongside the demon ship, the elves crouched on the port hull with bows at ready. Others held hooks and ropes and prepared to grapple and tie their friends' vessel. Mith lifted his cell phone and called Child. "Bring everyone up on deck and prepare to catch our lines and tie them off! Then we'll start bringing you over..."

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen and Rosseil had not helped in the battle against Maeglin, preffering to help Child with whatever small tasks she found for them. after Maeglin was killed, they went up to the deckwith Child and Idril.
Rosseil and Celeae were not extremly unnerved by Idril's antics, having dealt with the less-than-sane before. they helped others to haul on the ropes, to pulll Mithidan's ship in. Celeaewen, in the process, maneged to sucesfully give both herself and Rosseil ropeburn. which did not improve tempermants anywhere.

[Samwise]

Memories. Foggy ones at best, but memories all the same. Sam did remember--the awe of first meeting the Lady--and the wonderful time he and Mister Frodo had spent....

He looked over at Primrose, who looked exhausted, but still smiled. Sam smiled too.

[Rose Cotton]

Rose was honered to be praised by such a high person. Though she did raise her eyebrows at Idrill's um....less than expected actions.

But there was one thing troubling Rose. Her sword. She had it for such a small amount of time and now all she had left was the blessed handel. If there was more trouble then she would have no weapon.

Then she saw the banner streaming high in the air. Mithadan! She wondered what he would say about Pio, Birdie, Primrose, and her defeat of that evil being. She also wondered if he wouldn't mind rewarding her with a blade.

Just then Child was rounding up people to help and Rose volintered her servises.

ooc:So how about it Mith. Can I recieve a weapon so as not to perish when we come across our next foe? Ack! Now I'm starting speek funny! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif

[piosenniel]

Child relayed the message to the people on board the ship. Most began to go to the starboard railing in preparation to secure the grappling hooks. All that is, except Rose, Bird, and Pio.

They stood looking at each other with eyebrows raised in question at the activity. Bird put two fingers to her lips and whistled loudly, everyone on the ship turned to look at her. She waved her hand to Pio, as if to invite her to speak, and Pio stepped up onto a keg top.

'We have just been through a terrifying time and fought hard to defeat the specter Maeglin. We are more than grateful that Mithadan and his crew have come to join in the battle against the Blue Wizards. But to us should go the spoils of this particular battle . . . namely, this ship and all her cargo. Now I have looked this craft over fairly thoroughly (Yes, I'll bet you did!smirked Bird), and I do not believe it was built by evil hands. It is an elven craft put to evil uses. I believe we can pilot it if you're willing, and fight alongside Mithadan and his crew. What say you? I know I am willing to abide by the group decision.'

'A veritable flotilla of two!' said Bird, once Pio had stepped down. 'Against those odds, the evildoers must be quaking in their blue boots!'

'O Pio, can I steer the ship some times?', asked Rose, her eyes shining.

'Of course, you can! We'll put you on one of these (she lifts Rose up to stand on the keg top) and you will commandeer the Wheel!'

The group on board gathered together and began to discuss Pio's proposal. The conversation rose and fell as points were debated and precedents discussed.

Mithadan stood on the deck of the catamaran which was staying alongside the ship. He flipped open his cell phone cover and pushed #1 on his speed-dial. On the ship, the phone in Child's pocket vibrated insistently against her leg.

Pio, Bird, and Rose sat down wearily on the deck while the others talked. Pio leaned against her pack, and started to clean her blade, inspecting it for any nicks. She saw Rose glumly looking at the hilt of her own little sword, the blade of which had disintegrated after dealing a fatal blow to Maeglin.

'Rose,' said Pio, reaching into her pack. I'd like you to have something which has been mine from childhood.' She brought out a slender, oblong object about 18" long, wrapped in soft leather. This was my first sword, given to me by my father's sister, my dear aunt. It was the blade she first used as a child.'

She laid the packet in Rose's hands and unwrapped it. It was of Elven silver, worked with an intricate design of stars flowing down the blade. In the pommel was set a clear, white, evershining jewel blazing with an inner fire. Rose's eyes widened in delight, and her mouth formed a little O! of wonder as she gripped the sword and brandished it.

'It is called Elemmìrë, Star Jewel, and was made for Elwing.'

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Rose Cotton]

The first thought that came into Rose's head as the saw this new blade. "WOW" smilies/eek.gif

She stood and slashed the air with it. It was exactly her size. And so light. So aerodinamic.

She repeated it's name to herself, "Elemmire" Then she turned to Pio. "Who is Elwing?" she asked curiously.


ooc: That sword is absalutly fantastic! I hope this one stays with me for a long time. Oh, and could you give me the pronounciation of it's name?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Child grinned at Pio and Bird. She had no question in her mind. For, way back, on the second page of this tale, she had already apprised Mith of the fact that the crew had no intentions of surrendering the vessel to the Downs, should they be fortunate enough to commandeer her.

As far as Child was concerned, she now had...let's see.....about an %8 interest in this fine seaworthy vessel. Perhaps, after their little adventure, this ship might be put to some profitable ends which could contribute to the remodeling of her hobbit hole, or even for going off on another adventure.

Child hoped Mith would see the reasonableness of this stance. But just in case, should he need more persuading, she called out to Angara and had her perch atop the masthead keeping a careful eye on the activities below. Child hoped Mith would not need further persuading as their main task was to go against the blue wizard and not against each other.

[Birdland]

Birdie was whistling through her teeth with delight, thinking how far up she had come up in the world to be a one eighth owner of such a fine vessel. She thought of all the wonderful things they could carry on their ship to the far ends of Middle Earth; pipe weed from the Shire, honey from the Beornings, lumber from Dale, horses from Rohan...

Should they hire an Elven crew to sail her? Birdie reluctantly let this idea pass. Elves were wonderful sailors, but you never knew when they might up and quit to head West. Turnover would be a nightmare.

Pio strolled over and asked Birdie, "What will you use for a weapon Birdie? Do you intend to go into battle wielding the sword of Maeglin again?"

"Nooo," said Birdie, "I have a feeling it might be unlucky for me against the Blue Wizards. Might turn in my hands or something. I'll just stick to my faithful sling. It's gotten me out of plenty of scrapes in the past."

"And see," Birdie held out a handful of rough, crystalline stones, "I found plenty of ammo in the hold. Must be ballast stones or something."

Pio's face went white, and she gulped, then spoke" Uh, Birdie...those aren't ballast stones. Those are uncut diamonds!"

"Really!!???" said Birdie looking at the stones with curiosity. "Well, you know what they say: 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend.'" And with that she sent two diamonds whizzing through the air, to bury themselves in the side of the mast.

"Hey Child!" hollered Birdie happily. "What do you think we should call our new ship?"

It was at that moment that the storm struck.

[Losthuniel]

the storm was feirce, which was not surprising, considering that they were in the East, and inthe domain of the Blue Wizards. as the first wave struck, all the passegers were thrown onto the floor. Celeaewen jumped up, and made her way with surprising dexterity to the mast, shimming up it like a monkey. Rosseil followed, knowing full well that Celeaewen, loose on a mast in the middle of a thunderstorm not onl;y spelled trouble, but defined it.

[Samwise]

Stacey: *Looking up at the sky* Great.

Sam: What now, Miss Stacey?

Primrose: *Looking around* Where's Mister Frodo?

Stacey: I don't know, but as soon as we can, we're getting out of here. I'm tired of being a fifth wheel...*Goes off in search of Frodo*

[Frodo Baggins]

"Hahahahah Ohh Rosie! You still have mugh to learn. Elwing was the mother of Master Elrond."

[Samwise]

Sam peeks around the corner.

Sam: Mister Frodo! I was wondering where you'd gone to! *turns his head* Miss Stacey, he's over here!

[piosenniel]

OOC: Here's a sort of family tree to explain things -

Thingol(one of the originally awakened elves)
married
Melian (a Maiar)
they had a daughter = Luthien

Luthien
married
Beren (a Man)
they had a son = Dior

Dior
married
Nimloth
they had 2 sons and 1 daughter =
Elurèd ----- Elurín ----- Elwing

Elurín was the father of Piosenniel

Elwing married Earendil and had 2 sons =
Elrond ------- Elros

Piosenniel’s mother was Holly Stoor of Wilderland.

Elurín, along with his brother Elured, was killed in the assault of the Sons of Fëanor on Menegroth before he could marry Holly.

Eärendil’s father was the Tuor(a Man) and his mother was Idril Celebrindal, the daughter of Turgon, the Elven King of Gondolin. It was Eärendil who bore the last Silmaril into the West.

So, as you can see - I am quite old, except in comparison to Idril.
********************************************

The storm raged against the two ships. Waves crashed over each bow and threatened the smash the two crafts together. Lightning played about the masts and seemed to arc from ship to ship in a cold, blue current. The reek of ozone and evil filled the air. Pio and the rest of the ship's crew ran to throw off the ropes that had been securing the two craft together. She could see Mithadan rallying his crew to pull away from the elven vessel. Pio yelled at the two young elves who had gone up the main mast to take down the sails and secure them and then to get the hobbits down below before they could be blown off the ship by the howling gale. She and Bird grabbed the Wheel and attempted to steer the the elven ship away from the catamaran.

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

[Rose Cotton]

"Oh" said Rose blushing. "I guess I have to go back to history class."

ooc:Um..just to show that I do pay some attention to old tales:Wasn't Luthien that elf famous for giving up her imortality for the love of Beren. Or am I getting mixed up?::

Then the storm came. It was like it just popped right out of the sky. Rose was being ushered to the stairs but she pulled away. She didn't want to huddle in a corner while others worked throught the wind and rain. She saw a leanth of rope and used her new knife to cut a long piece of it. Then she tied one end around her waist. The other end she tied to a old hook. She set the hook on the railing. This way she could keep her balence but she could move the hook around to where she was needed.

Rose looked around to suggest the idea to other hobbits. She wondered if Sam had thought of it already since he was so good with rope.

[piosenniel]

OOC: Rose, no you are not mixed up. Luthien Tinuviel was the most beautiful Elf-maiden ever to walk in Middle-earth. She was the first Elf-maiden to reject immortality - for her beloved Beren, the son of Barahir.

[Rose Cotton]

ooc:Yay! I got it right! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/lol2.gif
Thanks Sam for that link.

[Birdland]

Birdie struggled to help Pio with the giant wheel of the Elven ship. It took the two of them to even get the wheel to respond, and the two vessels pitched and reared on the waves like horses in stampede.

"We were fools!" screamed Birdie over the shrieking of the wind."Did we really think the Blue Wizards would stand and face our swords and slings! They'll smash us and send us all to the bottom!"

Suddenly, Pio raised her voice above the waves and called in a clear voice: Ulmo! Lord of the Waters. Help us and preserve us!"
And Birdie joined in, invoking names she never realized she knew: "Ossë! Uinen! Vassels of Ulmo! Help us!"

At that moment the ship pitched violently to the left, as a massive wave slammed into it's side. Birdie lost her hold on the wheel, fell flat on the deck, and slid helplessly towards the railing!

[Losthuniel]

Celeaewen was hanging onto the mast for dear life, but enjoying the heavy wind that pelted her face. she heard a called order to tie up thje sails. she did it rather clumsliy, having never ben on a boat before. Rossseil worked effeicently, having experience with boats, and groaned when she saw Celeaewen trying to tie up a sail
"hapless little git"

[Mithadan]

Mithadan gritted his teeth as his friends tarried upon the demon vessel debating some topic unknown to him. "What is taking them so long?" he growled. He lifted his cell phone and rang Child but she did not answer. Suddenly Birdland, Piosenniel, Child and their fellows seemed to reach some decision. They stood and, smiling, waved to Mithadan and his crew, then set about trimming the sails as if they did not intend to leave their vessel.

"Fools," he spat. "That ship is the focus of the Blue Wizards' activities and attention. They have proved they can control it and come and go with impunity. To stay on board is folly."

As if to confirm his concerns, a great storm formed above them as abruptly as a door closing. Waves crashed against the ships threatening to smash them one into the other. "Cast off!" he cried. "We cannot be lashed together in this storm."

The two ships parted and an elf ran up to ask if the sail should be lowered. "No," he responded. "We must retain control of our vessel and continue to make headway. Trim the sail as needed. Turn into the storm. But we must remain close to our friends. The Blue Wizards will not harm them...yet."

He thought back to the old man who had tapped the ship with his staff and blessed it while at port. "Ulmo," he muttered. Then, to the surprise of all around him, he seized a rope, tied it to his ankle and leaped from the ship into the grey wrack of waves.

He bobbed atop the wild sea for a moment, yelled to his crew to remain close to their friends' vessel, then disappeared under the surface. Alarmed, his crew shouted to him, then, after a moment, pulled on the rope. It came out of the water easily, but its end was cut clean as if by a knife. Mithadan was gone...

[ June 13, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[Rosseiliantiel]

As Celeaewen was fumbling with her knot ("Really, Celeae, you can't just do silly double knots, you need at least a double sheet bend or a bowline"), Rosseil paused for a moment and surveyed the scene. She saw a splash off to the portside and looked oveer just in time to see Mithadan dissappearing into the dark, rough waters.
<Ai, this really can't be good!> she thought and turned to Celeae.
"Celeae, what's Mithadan doing?!" Celeae squinted at the water.
"Probably swimming."
"That's not what I meant, you...Argh! Glenna medi salch na yrch! And you're not doing that knot right! Ai! You see what I have to deal with!"

[ June 13, 2002: Message edited by: Rosseiliantiel ]

[ June 28, 2002: Message edited by: Rosseiliantiel ]