The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4 [Archive] - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithadan

09-17-2002, 06:25 PM

In the hall outside the common room, Mithadan took a deep breath. He had spoken to both Rose and Khelek and they had accepted his apologies. Now all that remained
was to speak with Piosenniel. Then he could get on with the task at hand.
He stopped at the gangway down to the crews' quarters and looked down the stairs to the deck below. He set his foot on the first step, then paused. Shaking his head, he turned and made his way back up to the main
deck. He took a deep breath of the night air, and looked up at the stars glowing gently above. Then he realised he was not alone. He stepped quietly toward the figure sitting by the rail.

"Mithadan," said Piosenniel in a soft voice without turning. "You should take lessons from our Hobbit friends. You walk as loudly as a horse on cobblestones."

He laughed, then silenced himself when he saw the sleeping Daisy resting at Piosenniel's side. "I did not see you here," he whispered. "I did not mean to interrupt."

She carefully lifted the sleeping Hobbit from her lap and stood, stretching a bit as she rose. The two moved from the tired Halfling and leaned on the rail a few feet away.

"Levanto is on his way back to the caverns," she said. "We will know the usual number of the guards and where they patrol tomorrow. Then we will be able to plan our
approach."

"Yes," he replied. "And if I do not drive the others to distraction, we can begin working together towards the rescue of the Hobbits. I am sorry about my behavior earlier. It was uncalled for."

"You are troubled by something and it is not just our proximity to Numenor," Pio replied, turning towards the Man. It was not a question.

Mithadan sighed heavily. "I am troubled by many things," he reponded. "Before he left, Levanto told me to make sure you are safe this time."

Piosenniel laughed. "I am quite capable of taking care of myself. Levanto should know that!"

Mithadan closed his eyes for a moment. "That's what I thought...in Gondolin."

"That Piosenniel was rash and impulsive," she
retorted. "She would have leaped into a pit full of snakes if there was a profit to be made. I have grown a bit since then." She looked at the Man with a sad smile. "I am not that Elf now. The Halls of Mandos
teach patience and wisdom, if one will learn
them...though Tule seemed to have forgotten those lessons."

"Why did you take the guise of Tule?" asked Mithadan. "To avoid inflicting the further sorrow of good-byes upon us?"

She leaned back against the rail and looked out upon the endless motion of the seas. Under the stars the waves seemed to sparkle like a faceted gem. "And upon myself. We Elves bear enough sorrow upon our brows. I
thought to avoid more. But I was wrong. By playing the part of Tule, I avoided that which was most important; the love of my friends."

They stood silently together for a long time. Behind them, Daisy stirred and rolled over. The stars burned ever on overhead and the waves lapped gently against the ship; a gentle but restless rhythm. At length,
Mithadan stirred and turned towards Piosenniel. With a slight smile he reached out and touched her curly hair. "This will, I trust, grow out?" he said. "It is the last remaining vestige of Tule."

"You would have him gone entirely then?" Piosenniel answered. "You would have only Piosenniel remain?"

"I would," he responded. "I would have only
Piosenniel." And with that, he pulled her close and kissed her. From behind them, unnoticed and unheard, there came a quiet gasp from Daisy.

Mithadan

09-17-2002, 06:26 PM

Post by Rose:

Rose's heart was lightened with Birdie's word's, Mith's appology and Levanto's news. She felt like the crew was back together and her old optimism was back.
She had her first restfull sleep in days and as morning came she went to spend time with Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup.

Mithadan

09-17-2002, 06:27 PM

Post by Great Warg:

Khelek took a deep draught of air, letting the coolness of the dawn comfort him. Passing near where the sea cows were kept, he smiled to see Rose dangling pieces of seaweed and kelp to the three cows. The wayward Moon was still in the heavens, drawn to the Sun. Westward, the sky slowly illuminated. Stars diminished in the fiery gaze of the Sun. Westward, a single, shining star could be seen, sailing away to port: Eärendil.

The dark mood had seemingly passed away over the crew, leaving only a memory of tempers and anxiousness. If all fared well, they would be tending to sick hobbits within a day or two. If not... the Elf did not want to think about that. How many things can possibly go wrong in one quest? Too many possibilities.

"Perhaps I should copy down a few more songs? After all, there are many that will be appropriate to sing and teach, though I daresay Cami and Kali would be better at hobbrim songs!" the Elf mused to himself.

[ September 17, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

piosenniel

09-17-2002, 06:28 PM

Pio stepped back from the circle of Mithadan's arms, and regarded him gravely. She brushed a stray lock of silvered hair from his face. Her fingers gently traced the curve of his jawline, coming to rest on the lips that had claimed her own. The sea pooled in the deep grey of his eyes as he held her in his gaze.

Moonlight and starlight shone upon him. Then did he appear to her more than any other Man, but rather as one who has come from the West, an Elf-lord come over the Sea. She smiled, and pushed that image from her mind. 'Nay! Naught but a man. It is Mithadan who stands before me.'

She reached softly for his mind. 'He loves me!' she thought in wonderment.

He held his hands out to her, and she placed her own within.

'Indeed, have I claimed your lips, Piosenniel!' he said, smiling gently at her.
Now shall I claim your heart?

Now by those words was her choice made and her doom appointed.

Mithadan! She stepped back into the circle of his arms, and he claimed her.

******************************************

Daisy now stood as still as a stone, watching the Man and Elf who stood before her. She could barely breathe for the beauty of it.

She took a deep breath and pulled her wits together. 'I have to tell someone!' she thought to herself. She ran downstairs, and found Cami and Rose sitting in the galley, having tea. She was so excited and her thoughts so jumbled that she couldn't think what to say when she stood before them.

'Sit down, Daisy!' came the firm voice of Cami. Daisy plopped down in a chair, fidgeting. 'Now slowly, one thing at a time.' said Cami, looking over the rim of her mug. 'What has got you so excited?'

Daisy's face turned red with the thought of what she'd seen. She blurted it out. 'It's Mithadan! He's up there kissing Lady Pio!' She took a big gulp of air and then went on. 'And she's kissed him back!'

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

Child of the 7th Age

09-17-2002, 06:37 PM

Cami shook her head and laughed. She was scarcely surprised, but the two hobbit girls had eyes as big as tea saucers from back home in the Shire. Their tongues were wagging in a rapid beat.

It appeared she would have to be a stern dame teacher twice in a single day. "Rose Goodchild, and Daisy Greenhand! You will keep your eyes where they belong, and your tongues in your mouths. If and when Piosenniel or Mithadan have any news to share with us, they will let us know. Meanwhile, you will respect their privacy."
Then she sent them off to bed. She could still hear their giggling and whispering all the way down the corridor.

Cami shook her head and laughed and was about to turn in for the night, when a large puff of smoke came wafting through the crack underneath her door. This could only mean one thing. She went over and pushed the door open, to be faced with Angara's smoke rings. The dragon had been in such a rush that she hadn't even bothered to shrink to appropriate size. She filled the entire corridor, and could barely squeeze into Cami's cabin.

She looked accusingly at the hobbit, "I suppose you've heard." Her golden/green, glittering eyes rolled backwards and upside down all at once. "What do you know of this?"

"No more than you and probably less, since you spend most of your day staring down at us from your perch high up on the mast! People have the right to friendships. Let them be."

"Humph!" Angara snorted. "That seemed a bit close for 'friendship'."

"Well," retorted the hobbit in defense of the pair, "There are different kinds of friendships."

"What twaddle, Camelia Goodchild. Are you going to stand by and let this happen?" Another large smoke ring ascended to Cami's ceiling, and she began to cough.

"Well, what do you propose I do? People have their private lives to live, and I'm certainly not about to stop them. Anyways, if what everyone is saying is true, I'm quite happy for them!" The dragon looked at her with a pained face and snorted, sending smoke over the entire cabin.

As Anagara gave a final "humph" and huffed out of the room, Cami sat down on her bed. One part of her wanted to laugh, and the other to cry. Her eyes stung from all the smoke, or at least that's what she thought it might be. The hobbit had a vivid image of those final nights in the camp when she and Maura had snuck off to get a bit of privacy. At least they had the surrounding forest where walks could be taken. Although once or twice, she could have sworn she'd heard some Snowhobbit giggling not very far behind.

Poor Pio. On a tiny ship, in the middle of the seas, there were no forests to go wandering about in. A small ship was a small ship with many large ears.

Cami decided to speak with Pio the next day about the sea hobbrim rescue. Kali and Bird had already worked out the details, and they had all hoped to leave the next afternoon. The distance to the caves was not far and, barring unexpected complications, the whole rescue shouldn't involve more than a few hours. Perhaps, during their conversation, Cami could raise some other concerns as well.

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

Mithadan

09-17-2002, 11:39 PM

Lovely smile in moonlight beaming
Shining hair in starlight gleaming
Darling Pio, Bright Pio,
Lovely Piosenniel.

Song and dance the heart enchanting
Ancient wisdom understanding
Thoughtful Pio, Wise Pio,
Noble Piosenniel.

Birdland

09-17-2002, 11:42 PM

Birdie was walking past the galley, on her way to feed the sea-cows, when she heard:

"It's Mithadan! He's up there kissing Lady Pio! And she's kissed him back!"

Bird stopped short, and edged back down the passageway. So it had happened. Of all the strange changes that had come over Pio since she had accomplished her 'resurrection', this was the one that convinced the changeling that her old companion, her friend that had shared so many adventures, and taught Bird so many things, would never return. Pio had found love at last.

Birdie was happy for her old friend. She had known love once. Given herself to one strange, laughing man who had seemed to want nothing but what the skin-changer could offer in her "human" form. It had not lasted, but what love of Man did? Perhaps the Elf-Kind had all of eternity to work through the "rough patches", but humans only had a few short decades to forgive betrayal and loss of trust. It was not enough.

The Halflings, even those on board the Star, would too soon be making their choices. Pio and Mithadan would find another road together, one that would not include a small, shape-shifting creature. In her heart, Birdie said good-bye to her laughing, reckless friend, and wished her happiness until the end of her days.

She found Ancalimon up on the crow's nest of the 'Star'. It was a place where everyone on the crew retreated at one time or another.

Bird morphed into her jackdaw form and flew up to the battered cup at the top of the mast. It really could use a coat of paint, she noted.

Ancalimon stood with his staff, leaning out over the low rail of the crow's nest as he gazed at endless stars of Arda. The small black and white crow perched beside him and gazed upward as well.

"Hello, Birdland." said the wizard, not taking his gaze from the black, glowing sky.

"Hello, Gandalf...Gandalf? The Hobbrims you spoke of in your tale...the ones who were commanded to wait in case they were needed?...Where are they?"

piosenniel

09-18-2002, 01:36 AM

He moved quickly through the waters this time, the path was now familiar. Levanto turned east just before he reached the mouths of the Siril and swam close along the shore of the southeastern peninsula.

There were numerous caves along the edges, their openings just below the waterline. Some of them looked unused, with silt and rock blocking much of the entry way. But there were others whose entrances were cleaner and smoother in appearance. He did not approach these closely, but only marked their position in his mind to tell Pio.

Once done with this task, he returned to the river and entered it, swimming swiftly upstream. It was evening, now, and night would soon be falling.

He stayed deep beneath the waters until he reached the part of the caves where he was to meet the elders. He surfaced then and hid in deep shadow until darkness had come and he heard them moving down the tunnel.

Phura had come with them this time. Levanto smiled and greeted him. 'No, skulking behind rocks today!' he said grinning. Phura ducked his head, a tinge of pink staining his cheeks. Levanto greeted the elders courteously. He pulled himself up onto the rocky bank, settling in comfortably to hear all they had to say.

They had memorized every detail and now repeated it to him. The numbers of guards each day and each shift; how they were armed; where they were positioned; what kind of men they were; who supervised them. They told him of the hobbit schedules - when the work parties left the caves; what they did; how they were guarded. They left nothing out.

When they had finished, he repeated everything they had said back to them, word for word, and then told them he must go back now and deliver the information.

'When will you come for us?' one of the elders asked, just before he entered the water.

'A fortnight, I think.' he said. 'That will give you time to prepare the hobbits. I will come to you in a week's time and let you know what exactly the plan will be. Then the night before we are to come I will come a final time and stay with you until the rescue is complete.' He looked at them, standing there with hope in their eyes. 'There will be fighting, you understand. All the men here will be killed so that none may bring word of your rescue to any ear. You must be brave, all of you. No panic. Just move quickly to us when we come, and we will take you away from here.'

'One last question, please!' came the low voice of Phura. 'How will you take so many of us?'

'The Elves. The Elves from the West will bring their swan-ships, and Piosenniel will lead them. Now I must get back!'

They waved to him as he disappeared beneath the water. Then hurried back down the tunnel, talking softly and excitedly about what he had said.

Levanto swam strongly, making good time. He would be back before first light to the Star.

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

piosenniel

09-18-2002, 01:57 AM

Mithadan held her close, until he heard her laughing. 'Do I amuse you, elf?' he asked smiling down at her.

'Not you! Your stomach! It's empty and protests its condition.' She stepped away from him. 'Come let's have something to eat and drink. Day is fully upon us now, and we have much yet to accomplish. Levanto will be back early next morning, and we can start the final planning once we have the information from the elders.'

They walked toward the stairs and started down toward the galley. 'Today,' she remarked, 'I want to find out when Kali and the hobbits are planning to take a skiff out and seek the hobbrim hidden along the coast of Hyarrostar.'

His hand grasped her elbow and stopped her in midstride. His face had an amusedly irritated look on it. 'Plan?! What plan are you talking about?'

'By the One!' she laughed, and blushed. 'You have thoroughly distracted me, Mithadan! Cami asked me to tell you of it. I had forgotten. I can tell you about it over breakfast. I think it might sit better on a full stomach.'

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

Child of the 7th Age

09-18-2002, 06:16 AM

Cami woke from her sleep in the middle of the night. She was certain there was something they'd forgotten to do. Then she rememberd. The day before, the hobbit had asked Pio to consult with Mithadan about the hobbrim rescue, but somehow she doubted that conversation had ever taken place. At that particular point, Pio had seemed strangely distracted.

Cami had considered speaking with the Man herself, but he'd been in such a foul mood then. She had instead elected to leave the job to the Elf. Tomorrow morning, first thing, she'd better make sure Mithadan knew about their plans.

Cami also hoped to speak with Levanto as soon as he got back. It was those two hobbit brothers who intrigued her. Perhaps Levanto had seen them and found out more about them or their families. When Levanto had spoken of them, what they looked like and how they'd responded to each other, Cami had the strangest sense she'd already met the two.

She slid back under the covers and quickly fell asleep.

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

Mithadan

09-18-2002, 07:39 AM

As they approached the galley, they heard the usual cacaphony of chatter and laughter. Mithadan gave Piosenniel's hand a quick squeeze, then let go just before they entered. Rose, Daisy, Kali, Birdland and Veritas turned as one to face the door. The usual noises of breakfast fell suddenly into a deafening silence.

Mithadan smiled gently at his companions, then proceeded to prepare a plate of dried fruits and, to his surprise, bread. He ignored the smoked fish and proceeded to a table, followed by Piosenniel. Behind them came a hurried whisper followed by a giggle.

He stood and faced the West for a moment before sitting. Ignoring the now uncorfortable silence, they began to eat, occaisionally exchanging a quiet word.

Khelek burst through the door with arms spread wide. "Ah! What a glorious morning! The sun shines through a slight mist and has cast a rainbow over us!" He stopped suddenly, becoming aware of the utter silence. "What?" he asked, confused. "Is there some problem?"

Piosenniel could no longer contain herself. Laughter burst from her like a flower first blooming in spring. After a moment, to Khelek's discomfiture, the others joined her.

Above on deck, Ancalimon stood by the helm. Hearing the laughter from below, he smiled. "Indeed, no one can see all ends...."

Child of the 7th Age

09-18-2002, 12:44 PM

Cami sat cross legged on the deck near the helm. She'd brought her breakfast down from the galley.

This wasn't the first morning she'd done this. Quite often, when Ancalimon took the wheel, she'd sit beside him, sometimes silent, at other times chattering away. Cami would ask questions or argue a bit on this or that. What she liked best was when he called her "Nitir" or, if she was being particularly difficult, "Andreth". It was almost as if a piece of her came alive again.

Today, she had one worry tugging at her heart. The hobbits were busy deciding where they hoped to go, or, if they'd already decided, speculating what this change of residence might mean. Mithadan and Piosenniel were wrapped in each other's hearts. Cami hoped they'd hurry along and choose to marry before she had to leave. But what of Bird? Where was she going? And, more importantly, who would she be with?

Cami looked at Ancalimon, "You know it isn't good for people to be alone, especially if they're friends who've stood beside you. In the camps, Bird was the only one visiting there who wasn't a hobbit."

The peddler raised his bushy eyebrows and laughed, "Am I a hobbit then? I was certainly there, as I recall."

"Not quite, but almost. You and Bird are honorary hobbits. You're...." Cami searched for the right word. "You're 'hobbit-friends', just like others are 'elf-friends'. And, if there ever was a 'hobbit friend' on this earth, it's Bird!".

He turned a curious look on her. "Go on."

Cami responded, "Many times, the Star managed to scramble through only because Bird saved us. It wasn't easy for her. There I was, complaining about the lack of hobbit history, when Bird didn't even have a people, let alone a past."

"The lore says that some elf-friends were allowed to journey West to hear sweet tales and linger. So, if Bird is a hobbit-friend, she should be permitted to journey to Meneltarma, the Anduin, or the Fourth Age."

"I know she's sad. I've seen her eyes. So, please, don't forget her."

"Perhaps," said Gandalf softly, "Bird has choices you know nothing of."

"Maybe so," Cami agreed. "But, right now, she doesn't seem to know them either."

Gandalf sighed, "Nitir, I'll promise one thing. I'll speak with Bird after the hobbrim rescue, and see if she'd like to discuss this, and exactly what her choices might be."

Cami leapt to her feet to go hug the tall peddler. She was late for her talk with Mithadan. She said goodbye, and ran off to find the Man. As she departed, Ancalimon called out. "Be careful when you rescue the hobbrim. Keep your weapons near!"

"'Hobbit-friends'"? Ancalimon pondered after Cami had left. "In all of Middle-earth and Aman, I've never heard this term. Yet all who've served on the Star surely qualify. Mithadan, and Birdland, Khelek and Veritas, even Idril and Tuor....I think it might indeed be fair to call these folk special hobbit-friends."

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

Pio's post:

Cami had come in just as most of the crew were finishing up the last of breakfast. Pio motioned for her to come sit by her.
'I've just filled Mithadan in briefly on what Ancalimon said about the hobbrims along the coast.' she said, pouring her friend a cup of strong tea, and pushing the honey toward her.'I wanted to tell you I've also sent Levanto along that part of the Isle to scout for possible cave sites. You will need to tell Mithadan the finer details of your plan.' She stood to leave them to talk. 'And please,' she whispered as a parting comment to the hobbit, 'convince him that you will be safe and nothing will go wrong!'

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

Sharon's post:

As the others left the galley, Cami went over to Mithadan. She had come armed with a stack of charts with marks inserted on the coast to show where the caves were hidden. Under her arm was tucked a description of how the rescue would work. Each member of the party was listed along with their duties, the arms they would carry, and diagrams showed how the parties would swim and row back to ship. Kali and Bird would lead the expedition and stay in the water, while she and Daisy and Rose were to man the boats and go onto the shore.

Piosenniel had urged her to be as thorough as possible with her explanation since that was how Men operated. They were generally reassured if you could take a real thing and somehow reduce it to words. Mithadan asked many questions about the lines and squiggles on the map. Cami tried her best to answer.

The man shook his head. "I don't like this. There are too many things we don't know. I wish there was another way. You say this will take less than five hours. Let's at least give ourselves extra time. Start out in the morning, and be back by dinner!" Cami nodded in agreement.

"You're certain this shore is deserted?" She again nodded. "I hope you're right. But why take the two skiffs? It would be safer if Kali and Bird could do this on their own and stay below the water. The hobbrim can swim. We'd draw far less attention."

Then Cami explained how Ancalimon had said the mothers with small babes wouldn't make it any other way. And unless those babies came along, the rest of the hobbrim would refuse to leave.

Mithadan scowled and looked unhappy. "We really have no choice. We can't leave Kali's kin to die on the shore. When we began this voyage, the first thing we promised was to find his family. We can't go back on that."

"But Cami, there are three things you must promise. You must do everything you can to stay hidden, since anyone you meet may be an enemy. If you are seen by any of the King's men or Sauron's spies, they must be killed. Not a single one can be left alive. Your people's survival is at stake. And finally, if you get into serious trouble and need help, have Bird secretly swim or fly back to tell us."

"Tell the others to begin their preparations tonight. And, Cami, good luck to all of you. It will do our hearts good to see some of Kali's kin aboard the Star."

_____________________________________________

Pio's post:

Pio caught Rose and Daisy before they left and asked them to bring their swords to the main deck, as well as Khelek, who was staring dreamily out the porthole. 'I want you all to practice with your real blades this time. And each of you will have a chance to go a round or two with me.'

She drew her sword and saluted them. 'Come now let's go!'

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

09-18-2002, 01:50 PM

Rose tried her sword against Pio first. It only took a few seconds for the elf to knock the blade out of her hand.
Then Daisy tried. She had practiced more and was able to hold her ground longer. But then she too was caught off guard.
Khelek did by far the best. For a long time he was an equall match to Pio. But then Pio pulled a quick move and had Khelek pinned to the rail.

Mithadan who had been watching laughed and walked up to them. "How about I try."

mark12_30

09-18-2002, 02:10 PM

Gamba wearily looked out from under the three children who had just soundly defeated him in a tickling match as Phura returned from the rendezvous with Levanto. He was too tired and out of breath to ask, almost, but Phura spared him the need.

Phura and Gamba reviewed the details of what the elders and Levanto had discussed.

Phura admired Levanto. "He must have quite a ways to swim, all the way up the river, and then back, and all the way to the ship. He must be strong. And brave. And you were right, in your dream. At the very end, I asked Levanto how they would take all of us away. There is a fleet of elven ships coming. In two weeks."

Gamba laid his head back down as the children, discerning the serious turn, clambered off of him and sat close nearby. Gamba smiled, and then wept, and then smiled again. "The elvish fleet. Elvish ships." And then more sorrow. "Two weeks."

"They'll come. They'll be here. Nitir and Azraph. I-- I mean Azra." Phura blushed suddenly, but in the dark Gamba missed that.

"What did you call her?"

"Sorry."

"What? No, I heard you. You said Azraph. Why did you say that?"

Silence.

"All right, what are you hiding? Who is Azraph?"

"Not-- No. Azra. Her name is Azra."

"Tell me..."

"All right, but you can't tell anyone, " Phura reluctantly agreed.

Gamba rolled up and sat closer, and then turned to the children. "Kesha, take Roka and Asta and go bring dinner. For the five of us. Go on."

They marched off, feeling important.

Phura dropped his voice way down. "You asked me how they tell the aunts from the neices. Well, when an adult Nitir marries, they add her husband's first initial to the end of her name, preceeded by the first vowel in it. So... say, Nitir and Asta; Nitiras. Or Nitir and Kesha: Nitirek. If you say it fast enough, only the people in the family really hear it."

Gamba nodded, and then pondered. "So... Azra. Azraph. Ph-- " His eyes flew open. "You?"

"Shh!!" Phura nervously looked around. "Her sister Nitir Calls her that to tease her. She laughs at her. She calls her that all the time."

Gamba waited, wide-eyed.

"But Nitir's parents don't stop her from saying it, and they smile too. And her brother says she likes it!"

Gamba had to cover his mouth with his hand. They both know that Phura had twelve years before he came of age.

"Don't tell anybody, " Phura pleaded earnestly. "Not even Loremaster."

Well! At last, thought Gamba, I finally know what's been on his mind all this time. No wonder he was nervous and cranky. I don't think Loremaster really had any idea what was actually upsetting him.

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

Mithadan

09-18-2002, 05:42 PM

Mithadan strapped on his vambrace and unsheathed his sword. He saluted Piosenniel and took a half step back, holding the pommel of his blade with both hands. The tip pointed upward and was canted slightly to the right, pointing at Pio's left ear with an edge facing the Elf.

She bore a shorter sword which she held at a sharper angle, with its tip directed at a point several inches to the left of Mith's shoulder. Taking short, light steps and keeping both feet planted as often as possible, they began to circle one another moving clockwise.

Pio made an exploratory feint which Mith met by simply dropping the point of his blade, directing the Elf's sword away to the side. Then he took a short step back. As Pio followed, he took an angular swipe at her shoulder which she avoided by skittering back herself.

Again and again, their blades clashed as they moved about the deck. She was graceful, her movements almost catlike. He was more powerful and capable of great bursts of speed. They appeared evenly matched. For nearly 4 minutes they fought until the Elf leaped aside, avoiding a slashing cut. She slipped her sword under his and swiped toward his midsection. Pirouetting on one foot, he barely evaded the attack and continued his spin, bringing the flat of his blade across her back. At nearly the same instant, Pio, though a bit off balance, nonetheless landed a hard blow to his shoulder with the flat of her blade.

They stepped back and regarded each other with slight smiles. Piosenniel nodded while he rubbed his shoulder. "Not bad for a mere child," she said.

Mithadan shook his head. "I would have thought that with 6000 years of practice you might have been better," he retorted.

"Nearly 7000 years," she replied with arched eyebrows. "Excuse me," he responded with a chuckle. Then the two turned to speak with the Hobbits about the proper manner to lift a blade.

piosenniel

09-18-2002, 09:34 PM

After a while, Mithadan excused himself from further blade practice, saying that he had some matters which now drew his attention.

She watched him walk down the stairs, rubbing his shoulder, and shook her head, smiling. Her own back ached where the flat of his blade had met it. She rubbed it for a moment, and stretched to ease the pain. Her right hand fingered the knives in her belt, and she commented to no one in particular, 'That wouldn't have happened had I used my knives.'

She heard a small gasp behind her. Daisy was looking at her in a strange way, as was Rose. 'You don't mean you should have thrown them at Mithadan, do you?'

Pio laughed and rubbed her back. 'No! you silly hobbits!' Then her face grew more serious. 'But when it comes to Númenor and you are faced with a foeman - take him any way you can. And if you cannot, then run hard back to the ships, or to me.' She looked at both girls, their eyes now grown large, their faces serious. 'Do you understand? Will you promise me that?''

They both nodded 'yes'. She laughed then and gathered them in for a hug.

'Let's stop for now!' she said. We can practice again another day. She sheathed her sword and motioned for them to follow up to the helmdeck.

They each took a cool drink from the barrel there, passing the cup from one to another. She bade them sit at the table there and spread out a large diagram she had made of the River Siril, with twenty ships noted on it.

'I'm noting here which ships will carry the crew of the Star.' she said, indicating the spaces near each drawn ship where she would write in names. Her name and Mithadan's were in the first ship, all the rest were blank at present. 'Where do you think I should put you two?' she asked them. 'Where do you think you would be most effective?'

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

09-19-2002, 11:51 AM

The experience with their real blades, and the talk that Pio had given them, made them choose cautiously. But being adventurous hobbits, they didn't want to be too far back in the line. They argued back and forth for a few moments, pointing to one ship and then choosing another, and then repeated the process again many times.

Pio waited patiently for them to make their decision, and pencilled a few more names into the empty spaces. Khelek should be in the first boat - quick on his feet, quick thinking, and he handled his blade well.

Angara she wanted at the middle of the line. She had a good mental rapport with her and it would be a quick link once it was time for the transfer. Now who could she put at the rear of the ships? Ancalimon perhaps? She pencilled in his name lightly.

She chewed her bottom lip in thought. Two others left. Cami should go in the boat Rose would choose. She tapped the pencil on the diagram. That meant Rose needed to be in one of the first ships, so that she and Nitir sould be at hand to bring the hobbits on board.

Now what to do about Bird? She tentatively pencilled her into the second boat, not knowing if she would travel by ship or choose to go another way.

'Pio!', came Daisy's voice, breaking her concentration. 'We've made our decision. We want to be in the second boat - behind you.' The elf wrote their names there, as well as Cami's.

'Excellent choice!' she said, grinning at the two satisfied hobbits. 'Especially since I was going to put you there anyway.' she thought to herself.

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

09-19-2002, 01:05 PM

Satisfied at her assignments, she pushed the paper from her and sat back, heels resting on the table edge. The plans and preparations were finally coming together. Barring any problems with the upcoming rescue mission by the hobbits, Kali, and Bird, all should proceed on smoothly to the final rescue. She closed her eyes, letting the sun warm her face.

Her heels hit deck with a sharp thud, pushed off their perch with a sudden impact. She opened her eyes to find Angara sitting on the table, her tail lashing in an angry manner, and one claw piercing the place where Pio had written her name.

'And what if I should decline to be on this ship - or any ship for that matter?!' she hissed, challenging the elf.

Pio looked at her calmly. 'Then I shall simply have to work around you, dragon. Though I am loath to lose such a valuable ally by leaving you on the Star. She bent to the diagram and made to rub out the dragon's name.

'Hold! I did not say I would not do it!' said Angara, placing her talon now against the elf's hand. 'I see your ability for negotiations did not improve in the Halls. You are as arrogant as ever in your decision making!'

Pio laughed and nodded her head in agreement. 'Yes, dear dragon. I can still meet arrogance with arrogance as need be! Now tell me, what has really put your tail in such a twist? Surely not something so simple as this?' She tapped her finger on the diagram and waited.

'I don't like how things are going of late. They seem ill-fated.'

'Things? Ill-fated?' asked the elf, her face a mask of innocence. 'The plan is going well. We are far more ready for this venture than for our ill-fated one in Gondolin. What could you possibly be thinking might go wrong this time.'

'It's not the plan, you thick-headed elf! It's you! You've become addle-brained!' The dragon's tail twitched in irritation.

'Me! Addle-brained!' She could not contain her laughter at this characterization. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she inquired, 'Whatever has brought you to this conclusion?'

The dragon put her face close to Pio's. Small wisps of smoke escaped her nostrils, causing the elf to cough and back away. 'An Elf . . . and a Man! It's unnatural! The mer-man was bad enough, but that only seemed a harmless flirtation on your part. What are you thinking?'

Pio brought her face dangerously close to the dragon, her demeanor quite serious now. 'My thoughts are my own on that subject, Old One! I thank you for your concern, my friend. And I hope that in time it may change. For now, though, I will not be swayed by it.' She sat back and eyed Angara levelly.

A moment passed, the dragon put her claw where her name still stood. 'Alright, I have decided I shall be here!' She hopped off the table, heading for the galley, muttering all the while.

'If he does you ill, I shall simply have to put an end to him!' came to the elf's ears quite distinctly.

Pio watched the retreating tail of the dragon as it disappeared down the steps.

'Unfortunately she probably really means that!', she thought to herself, then put it from her mind.

Mithadan

09-19-2002, 01:35 PM

Mithadan walked along the main deck looking for Cami. His conversation with her had been cut short by the sound of swordplay, but now he wanted to further discuss her plan concerning the Hobbrim. He tripped suddenly and fell heavily to the deck.

He rolled to a sitting position grasping his right ankle in pain. Looking back, he saw what he had tripped upon; Angara sat there with tail extended looking self-satisfied.

"Angara!" he cried. "You have nearly broken my ankle!"

"Be content that I did not break more than that, Man," she replied.

"I see that you again do not call me by name," he responded. "Why would you do such a foolish thing, now of all times?"

"Consider it a warning," growled the wyrm. "Do no harm to Piosenniel, Man."

"I would as soon harm myself," Mithadan said with a grimace.

"She is 6000 years your elder!"

"Nearly 7000," he replied with a slight grin. "What business is this of yours?"

"It is her fate to return to the West," hissed the dragon. "You may not accompany her on that voyage."

"That is her choice," snapped Mithadan. "And she is Half-Elven. She may choose not to pass into the West. She may make the choice of Queen Arwen. She may choose to stay with me and..." He stopped in shock realizing what he had been about to say. A strange look came over his face.

"You are thinking now, Man," said Angara as she turned away.

Mithadan sat for a moment, lost in thought. Then he rose gingerly and proceeded to his cabin to wrap his ankle.

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

piosenniel

09-19-2002, 02:02 PM

Khelek and Ancalimon had agreed to their ship assignments. 'Thank the One for that!' she said. Pio rolled up the diagram and stored it safely away.

The shadow of the mast had grown long, and day was tending toward evening. She wondered how Levanto had done on the extra task she had set him.

The murmur of soft voices drifted up from the deck, where Ancalimon, Kali, the hobbits and Bird sat in the last of the sun and spoke about tomorrow's mission. Khelek sat a little to the side, writing in a journal, and occasionally speaking to Veritas, lying on her back, arms beneath her head, the very image of elven indolence.

Angara was perched once again on the mast, looking smugly at the elf. Pio's brow furrowed a little, and her eyes narrowed as she looked up at the dragon. 'Now what mischief has she wrought?'

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

09-19-2002, 02:03 PM

It was now late night and would soon be morning. Pio sat on the deck once again, watching the waves break and flow down upon themselves. The companions slept peacefully in their cabins, no troubling dreams. Except for Mithadan. He was awake, she could tell and his thoughts appeared uneasy, troubled by something. She delved no further than that surface feeling, allowing him his privacy.

He hadn't come to supper that evening. And she had written it off as other concerns needing his attention. She had sent Daisy to his room with a small plate of food and a glass of wine, thinking that when he was ready he would come to her.

But she had seen no sign of him, and now she thought to go below to speak with him.

The splashing of water, and a familiar voice called to her. 'Pio! Are you there?'

Levanto raised up and beckoned for her to come down to him. 'I have much to tell you!' he said, eyes gleaming. 'Come down! And bring the Mithadan, he will want to hear what the elders have found out for us.'

She hurried down the steps, making her way quickly to his cabin door. She rapped on it lightly, keeping her voice low. 'Mithadan, come up on deck! Levanto has returned and wishes to speak with both of us.' She stood a moment, waiting, but heard no answer. 'I will await you in the skiff, then.'

Her retreating footsteps echoed softly down the hall.

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

09-19-2002, 03:51 PM

Mithadan rested on his bunk with his foot propped up on a pillow. He had bound it tightly with cloth, but the pain had not subsided. Nor had the pain in his soul. Angara was right. He could not accompany Pio into the West. But how could he ask her to choose the lot of Man and die, passing beyond the circles of Arda, never to see Valinor again?

It was her decision, he knew, but how could he ask her to choose to die? And the other choices grieved him as well; to let her go or stay with her until he departed, leaving her in sorrow for the life of Arda. He sighed. Yet love her he did and to let her go was not worthy of consideration.

He had loved her for a long time, he knew, perhaps even before her death in Gondolin. But that dark day had driven any hint of his emotions away lest he fall into a pit of despair. Then, beyond hope, she had returned, as had his feelings and they had gnawed at him since. He had not intended to allow her to know of his love. He had not dreamed that she would love him in return. But he had and she did and he could not deny that which he had declared openly. It was her decision.

A knock came at the cabin door. He heard a voice but could not quite identify its owner. He lifted himself from the bunk and nearly collapsed to the floor. Gritting his teeth, he righted himself and shambled slowly to the door. When he reached it, whoever had been there had gone.

mark12_30

09-19-2002, 04:16 PM

ooc: these recent posts might be better somewhere else, I seem to be clashing with the flow again. Apologies. Suggestions for better placing gratefully accepted... (end ooc)

Over young Kesha's snoring, Gamba heard Phura's restless sigh beside him. Gamba rolled halfway over. "You awake?"

"Yes."

"Bad dreams?"

"No, not bad. The same one I always have."

Gamba thought that over, guessing that at last, he understood. "Down by the water, when Levanto first came, and I said that everything good was finally happening, you said you wanted one more thing."

Phura waited.

"You meant Azraph, wasn't it? That one more thing that you wanted."

"Well-- no, not really. I mean, that wasn't what I had in mind. At the time."

"No?"

"I wasn't thinking about her at the time, " Phura stammered. "I guess if you put it that way, then I could ask for two more things. Azra and the other."

"So what's the other?"

Silence.

Gamba persistantly bugged Phura, and at last he hesitantly replied.

"It's not something I really know how to talk about."

"Well, try."

"It's got to do with an old song. One that not many people learn."

"I hate it when you and Loremaster have these deep secrets."

"I know."

"So, tell me."

Phura hesitated. "Nobody quite knows, " he waffled, "but some people think it's about somebody that Lindo met."

"Who did he meet?"

"Well, nobody quite knows exactly, anymore. That's been lost, although there are hints in Tocca's Addendum. But something happened to him."

Gamba blinked. "To Lindo?"

"Well, I think so. Loremaster doesn't think it's quite like I think it is."

"What isn't like you think?"

Phura sighed. "I've said way too much. And nobody really knows. It's all guessing."

More answers that didn't answer anything, Gamba fumed, knowing that once Phura started closing down, pressure would only tighten him further. Gamba gave up. "Well, are you going to be able to sleep?"

"You could sing, " Phura sighed. Gamba sang several lullabyes but Phura did not sleep. Gamba finally did, though, drifting off in mid-verse, and Phura lay awake listening to both Gamba and Kesha's snoring together.

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

Child of the 7th Age

09-19-2002, 04:25 PM

The first pink threads of dawn streaked across the sky as Cami went out on deck with the raiding party to prepare the skiffs. She directed everyone to work as quietly as possible. Last night, she'd heard that Mithadan was searching for her to discuss the plans yet again.

As far as Cami was concerned, the party had been granted final permission to go. The last thing she wanted was more planning and waiting. She and every member of the party had memorized the maps and instructions to perfection. Weapons had been honed and sharpened. Rose and Daisy carried swords. Cami's daggers were strapped to her waist and her bow slung across her back. Weapons had also been tucked onto the boats for Kali and Bird.

Cami was quite sure the group would never be more ready than they were at that very moment. There was absolutely no sense in waiting.

Cami had expected Pio to make an appearance on deck and to update her on Levanto's findings, but nowhere could she be seen. Ancalimon, however, stood at the helm and came over to wish them luck. Kali and Bird slipped quietly into the waters. Kali was to help tow one boat and Bird the other. Rose and Cami sat in the lead skiff, with Daisy coming just behind.

Just as they were about to leave, a large winged bundle dropped from the mast with eyes glittering green. Cami feared the dragon might start in as she had the other night. But Angara seemed strangely pleased with herself. There were no smoke rings or signs of displeasure. She stepped up to the party and wished them good speed, placing a final thought in Cami's mind.

Ah, what a joyous morning it is! So good to see you up and about. I believe the man is still sleeping. Is he not? At this point, Angara smiled broadly and preened her scales with pleasure. Now, be off with you quickly before anyone else sees you and decides it might be better for you to wait. My, my the wind does seem to be blowing briskly today! Good luck to you all.

Cami wondered what had happened to the dragon's earlier grumpiness and displeasure. She seemed to be immeasurably pleased with herself. But there was no time for such thoughts. The skiffs slipped into the water from off the pulley, and soon they were on their way. The wind was blowing sharply from the east, and the sky had turned from blush pink to a glowing red.

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-19-2002, 05:23 PM

Mithadan was miserable. Within 10 minutes of his standing up, his ankle had begun to swell and shortly thereafter he was unable to walk at all. He had unwrapped the ankle, bathed it (painfully) in cool water from his basin, then carefully rewrapped it a bit more loosely to avoid cutting his circulation. Whoever had knocked on the door had not returned and no one had visited all evening. The absence of Piosenniel troubled him in particular. He considered shouting but it would be unseemly and embarassing.

So he suffered through the evening with his pain and his thoughts until sleep found him and he passed into uncomfortable dreams. But there was no beach, no wave rising from the depths, no mighty Vala appearing to give him messages or solace.

A mighty hunger woke him at dawn. The swelling had receded a bit and he found that he could stand if he were careful. He pulled on his boots, which supported his ankle a bit more and hobbled out the door in search of food and company.

GreatWarg

09-19-2002, 05:41 PM

Khelek wrote once again in the journel that Pio had given him. It only seemed right to use it for poetry, though he doubted they would really be sung by anyone except himself. An unfamiliar hobbling sound startled the Elf out of his reverie. Turning around, he spotted Mithadan with a leg wrapped loosely in cloth.

'Mithadan, what has happened? No one has seen you since last night,' was all Khelek could think of to say. The Elf stood up and went to assist the Man. Taking a closer inspection, the Khelek could clearly see the swelling.

'There is no possible way you could have hurt yourself like that in your cabin, Mithadan.'

Mithadan

09-19-2002, 06:17 PM

"You are quite right Khelek," Mithadan said as he shuffled over to take a seat at one of the Galley's tables. He gratefully accepted a plate of fruit and, to Khelek's astonishment, some smoked fish. He ate ravenously and in silence. When he was finished, he looked up and asked, "Where are the others?"

"I have not seen Piosenniel", he replied with a knowing smile. "Nor Veritas. But Cami, Kali and Bird departed this morning in their attempt to rescue the Hobbrim."

Mithadan froze for a moment. Then he stood and moved towards the door. "Khelek," he said. "Help me up the gangway. I must speak with Angara."

The two made their way slowly to the main deck. Grasping the rail, he walked carefully to the bow of the Lonely Star. There, on a coil of rope, lay Angara, lounging in the sun. The dragon looked at Mithadan in amusement as he approached. "What may I do for you,mighty warrior?" she asked, her tone dripping with scorn.

"When did the they leave, Cami and the others?" he asked.

"Perhaps an hour ago," replied the wyrm as she examined one of her claws.

"Do you know where they went?" said Mithadan.

"If I knew, I surely would not tell you," hissed Angara.

Khelek stepped back in shock, but Mithadan moved closer. "I know where they went," he said quietly. "I asked if you knew where they went. Do you understand the difference wyrm?"

Angara hissed and began to rise. Even as she began to move, Mithadan stepped forward until he could nearly touch her. "You will listen to me now Angara!" he shouted. "Follow them. Make sure they come to no harm. Remain unseen but nearby. If they find trouble, help them if need be. But none who see them or you may live. Do you understand me dragon?"

Angara's golden eyes met Mithadan's. For a moment, neither wavered. Then the dragon stirred and nodded its assent. As it lifted from the deck, the Man heard a voice in his head. "We will have words later Man!" He watched the dragon fly off to the North. "No. You are wrong. We will not have words about this. And by the end of the day you will see that I am right. You may yet live to understand me Angara. Your concern about Piosenniel is noted but you will obey me concerning our task!"

Mithadan

09-19-2002, 06:54 PM

Far to the North, in Armenelos, Gorthaur stirred in his chambers. A red fire lit his sumptuous surroundings; a chair of gold sat next to a table of fine wood inlaid with pearl. The walls were hung with tapestries of red cloth embroidered with golden thread. Two men stood by the door awaiting his merest whim. But he stirred and frowned...

A thought. Distant. Far to the South. He felt a thought. He fingered it in his mind, caressing it; attempting to unravel its meaning. It was fuzzy, hushed, too quiet for him to glean words from it. But it was a thought...of what? He tasted it again. A man. Just a man. Soon all men here would be in his web. The fool king and his armies would be dead and he alone would rule here and in Middle Earth. Just a man. Not an elf. A weak man. He let it go and turned to other matters.

Birdland

09-19-2002, 11:52 PM

The skiffs flew over the waves, powered by forces not seen by anyone aboard the ships, if anyone aboard the ships had been watching.

After a mile or so, the small boats slowed, and Birdie raised her sleek, black and white head above the water. "Cami! Neither Kali or I can read maps and tow boats at the same time. Which way do you want us to go?"

piosenniel

09-20-2002, 02:48 AM

They waited for a brief while, but Mithadan had not come to meet with them. Pio listened to the information that Levanto brought and memorized each detail. He told her that he would meet with the elders again in a week and then just before the rescue. He hoped that by such time she would have a detailed plan he could relay to them. When she asked him about his success at finding the hobbrim caves, he gave her the locations he had spotted.

She saw that he was weary from his efforts, and bade him take some rest, thanking him as he turned to go for all his assistance.

He turned back to her, and drew himself from the water to rest his upper body on the edge of the skiff. 'I love you, Piosenniel. I think I will always love you.' He reached out a hand and stroked her face gently. 'I would do anything you ask of me.' Her breath caught in her throat at this simple declaration. 'And if you wish it, then I will step aside, graciously, for the one who loves you and whom you love.'

'Thank you.' she said softly, tears glittering along the line of her lashes. 'If you will, then I would have it so.'

He took her hands in his, and kissed her on the brow. 'So be it!' Then he dove beneath the waves to find some rest.

piosenniel

09-20-2002, 03:33 AM

The elf sat for some time in the skiff, alone with her thoughts. They were jumbled, her thinking cloudy. What had seemed so simple at the time, was now unclear to her. She envied Tulë his dispassion, her early self that callous and casual attitude. But they were no more, and it was this Pio who must choose her way.

The sound of boats pushing through the water, and the merry voices of the hobbits broke through her dark thoughts. She stood and dove into the water, swimming strongly toward them.

'Wait!' she cried, and pulled up alongside the skiff carrying Cami. She told her what Levanto had spied out, and the hobbit marked the sightings on her map. Then they were off, pulled swiftly across the waves by Bird and Kali.

She lingered for a while after they had gone. Then swam far out to sea, until her muscles burned with the effort. She turned, swimming slowly back to the Star, and climbed aboard.

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

09-20-2002, 04:14 AM

The exchange of thoughts she heard shocked her. She had told them both they must not do that here.

No!came the single, sharp thought of the elf to both of them. Angara flew on, unheeding. Mithadan turned toward her, his face set in hard lines.

A terrible dread came over her, and she felt a shadowy mind reach out to hers. She was sick with the feel of it, and closed her mind against its foul touch. It insinuated itself against her defenses, seeking to breach them. Her senses reeled with the onslaught, and she fell to the deck.

Mithadan

09-20-2002, 08:27 AM

Even as he sent his thoughts to the dragon, Mithadan saw Piosenniel heaving herself to the deck from the ocean. He felt her project a single imperative, No!.
But it was too late.

Within seconds he felt a wave of darkness focus upon him, prying at the crevasses of his mind with greedy fingers. His mind snapped shut as the wave engulfed him. He sensed rather than saw Khelek reeling from the dark presence, Veritas kneeling with arms clasped tightly around herself, Angara diving from the sky to settle in the waves, and Piosenniel falling to the deck.

Mithadan gripped the rail, willing himself not to fall. The dark thought swirled about him and he sensed an insistent query; What, who, where?.

The world spun about him and his head felt caught in a vice. Thinking feverishly and with an effort of will he opened himself a tiny crack and let flow out: Salt. Water. Fish. Boat. Capsized. Drowning. Then he snapped his mind closed and let the dark thought slide around him again. He felt amusement, enjoyment of death, and then the darkness receded and the sun shined again.

Staggering from the release of pressure, he stepped unevenly to the unconscious Piosenniel and cradled her head. Gasping and ignoring the pain in his head and leg, he lifted her and carried her down to her cabin, where his tears washed her cheeks.

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-20-2002, 08:53 AM

As Angara took off and traced her path across the skies, she could feel the iron touch of the Man's mind brushing against her own. Frustration and humiliation gripped her. She had no wish to repeat the scene on the Star. She felt a new message coming through, and, with an effort of will, sought to free herself from its grip.

But, then, from some unknown shadow, she sensed yet another mind, strangely linked through that of the Man. The enormity of it all stunned her. It hovered on the edge of her consciousness seeking to encompass the Man and then to engulf her own self as well. She struggled against its potency. As blackness overcame Angara, and she plummetted into the waters, she sensed a question posed from the beyond.

A wyrm? A winged wyrm? From whence came such a creature to the shores of Elenna? What a valuable ally this one would make!

The mind let go of the Man and searched instead for the one behind it. A feeling of sick joy spread at the imagined vision of a giant dragon with its claws fixed on a hapless vessel smashing it down into the depths. Yet when the mind searched again for the source of that destruction, it could not be found.

The touch had been so fleeting, felt only through another, that it was impossible to tell from whence it came. It might have com from anywhere along the isle's twisted coastline. Still, a winged wyrm in the sky merited investigation.

---------------------------------------------
Just as Cami was about to respond to Bird, Pio had made her appearance at the skiff. After taking down the information and bidding goodbye to the Elf, the hobbit had again turned her attention to the question of directions.

She had looked at the maps, and then at the choppy waters surrounding the boats. One final glance at the rising sun had confirmed her first guess.

"Bear east," she had cried. The wind is pushing us too far west. It's strong today, so be careful. You need to approach the coast from the east, since that's where the caves are. That way, we're less likely to meet any small boats."

For the longest time, she had sensed the presence of something in her mind, as if she was being followed. It was not an unfriendly touch, merely curious and probing, and a bit disgruntled, almost as if it had been given some responsibility to keep an eye on them. The hobbit was suspicious. But when she turned and looked in all directions she saw nothing. Then, almost instantly, she felt the presence withdraw. She could not understand or explain, but she felt greatly relieved that they were no longer being followed.

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

09-20-2002, 09:34 AM

Pio lifted her head from the pillow and opened her eyes to the light, slowly. A wave of queasiness washed over her. Her head pounded with the effort of the movement. She pulled her hands from beneath the blanket and rubbed her temples slowly, affording a small respite from the pain.

'Pillow? Blanket?!' she thought to herself, eyes now closed. 'How did I come to be in bed? And whose bed is this?' she murmured.

She struggled up, resting on her elbows, and looked through half-closed eyes about the small cramped space. Strewn with maps and books piled here and there she recognized it now. Her own room! Again the question nagged at her. Her last memory had been of coming aboard the Star, the last image that of Mithadan impassive at the rail staring after Angara.

She dared to sit a little higher now. And saw him sitting at her side. Slumped down in a chair he had pulled near her bed, his right leg propped on the edge of it, he dozed. His face was care worn even in the depths of sleep, and she saw the salty tracks with which his tears had mapped the contours of his cheeks.

Reaching out a hand, she traced one track with her finger. He stirred at her light touch, coming awake.

'Mithadan, what happened? I cannot recall it?'

Birdland

09-20-2002, 10:29 AM

Bird was not touched by these assaults of the mind, except for perhaps a vague uneasiness, that could be put down to the reactions of the people around her. But there was something else that was troubling her as Kali and her towed the boats towards the East.

The wind was stronger, and as the boats came nearer to the shore, she noticed that flocks of seabirds were also heading towards the land.

"Looks like we may be in for some rough weather," she thought, even though the sky was still blue and fair. She began to swim harder. At the same time, Kali, perhaps being more weather-wise, also picked up his pace.

Child of the 7th Age

09-20-2002, 10:32 AM

The little hobbrim child ran across the shore. She was playing with the shells and stones and small creatures which she found on the sand. She was very careful not to harm or injure these little living things in any way.

Scampering down the sand, the child came to a bend in the shoreline where piles of drifwood often came to rest. She looked down the coast expecting to see heaped mounds of driftwood caught between large rocks as she'd found so many times on her explorations. She peered again in puzzlement.

Something strange seemed to be lying on the sand, right beside the water. It was very large and lifeless and green. Curiousity overcame the hobbrim. Against all her more prudent instincts, she reached out a hand to touch the silent body. A head lifted softly from the sand, but only an inch or two. The child could hear heavy breathing and looked to see one golden green eye open very slowly. With difficulty, it fixed on the youngster, seeing but not seeing. A voice came from the creature's mouth, "Is that you, Kali?" Then, the head fell again, and the mammouth slept.

The child responded swiftly. She raced from the coastline back to her home in the caves. Her feet pumped over the sands, as she sought the comfort and advice of family. "Mother, father, come see what I have found! It's as big as our cave. And, it talks. The big creature talks."

Together the three--mother, father, and daughter--walked back to the giant form which still lay silent on the windswept beach. Overhead, the sky began to darken.

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-20-2002, 11:00 AM

The mother turned to the father with a disturbed look on her face. "What is this lying here?"

He shook his head in disbelief, "I don't know. I've never seen anything like it." He paused a moment and then said to the girl, "Coral, run back to the camps and try to find the wise-woman. She must come down and look at this."

The girl nodded in agreement, and turned about to race up the shoreline once again.

Within a few moments, Coral came back. Behind her was an elderly hobbrim, her face a mass of wrinkles and kindness. The girl took the woman's hand and led her over by the silent body. "Look, Andril, here it is."

Andril knelt beside the still form. She was not afraid. She reached out her hand to stroke the scales, once so beautiful and glittering, now as dusky as the night sky. When she looked up again, tears had begun streaming from her eyes.

"They have come," she whispered. "For the lore speaks of a giant golden dragon who was ridden by Nitir and Azra when they left the shores of Tol Fuin. But what has happened to the riders now, I do not know. I fear for their safety. Coral, run to the elders and tell them what has happened. We must send out scouts to search the shoreline and the waters. And have Brecca come here with his life-giving herbs to tend to this dragon's wounds."

For the third time that day, Coral turned and ran back to find her kin.

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-20-2002, 12:15 PM

Mithadan leapt to his feet and seized Piosenniel in a tight embrace. It was some time before he could bring himself to trust his voice. "I sent Angara to look after Cami and the others. They were ill-equiped to withstand an attack, let alone slay all who might see them. The dragon and I...communicated through Osanwe. I know we should not have. Then...the Dark One turned his thought to me. He must have perceived my presence. I believe I fooled Him. I focused my thoughts on being a drowning fisherman..." He shuddered. "He was amused. He enjoyed thinking about the death of an innocent Man. Then He departed. You and the others were affected by His dark presence. I thought you would never wake!" He held her close, stroking her hair.

Piosenniel pulled away a bit and looked carefully in the Man's eyes as if examining him for some indefinable injury. Satisfied with what she perceived, she kissed his brows. Then she asked, "Why did you and Angara do this? The danger is very great."

He was silent for a moment, then said "Angara confronted me yesterday. She tripped me, then announced her disapproval of...us. She made me realise the gravity of our choices; that you must ultimately choose to pass into the West or perhaps you may choose the lot of Man and dwell for a time in Middle Earth before dying. Either choice presents great sorrow for you or I or both of us."

She looked sharply at him. He shook his head with a smile. "What is done cannot be undone. I have given my heart to you and I will not take it back. These choices are yours to make, not mine. I will have you for a day, for a season or for a lifetime, if you will have me. And let our fates go where they must. It is your decision."

"This is why you did not answer when I knocked yestereve?" she asked gently.

"That was you? No. I tried to answer but could not reach the door quickly enough."

She looked at him with questioning eyes. He sat and removed his boot to reveal his wrapped and swollen ankle. "Angara?" she asked with concern. "Yes. I fell when she tripped me."

"I will have words with that wyrm," said Piosenniel. "And as for you..."

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

piosenniel

09-20-2002, 12:23 PM

‘And as for you, I see my thoughts have not been clear. You have not understood.' She took his hand and kissed the tips of his fingers. Her grey eyes met his and held them, seeking the words to tell him that all this talk of choice was meaningless.

His brow furrowed at her hesitancy, afraid what she might say. She smoothed the worry from it with her fingers, and smiled gently at him. Outside, the edge of the storm beat against the ship, the rain drew a dark, thick curtain across the waves.

Inside the tiny cabin, a clear, steady light burned between the two - the Man intent on understanding; the Elf on being understood. 'My choice was made when first I beheld you loved me. My fate sealed when you claimed my heart and kissed me once again. It cannot be undone, Mithadan. Not here, not in Aman. Nor would I wish it so.'

Her face was grave, then, as she spoke to him, and an elven-light shone in her eyes. 'I have turned from the way that leads West, Mithadan. My course is joined to yours, and I am happy for it. He took her hand and laid it over his heart, covering it with his own.

Pio looked deeply into his eyes and saw the nascent hope, the dawning understanding.

'There is a certain custom among my people, Mithadan, which seals forever the bond of which I speak. Simple words, spoken clearly, in which our union is both blessed and witnessed.' She took his hands in hers. 'Will you now say them with me?'

He returned her gaze steadily. His hope now secured.'I will, Piosenniel. Gladly, and without constraint.'

She called then upon Varda Tintallë to bless their union; to kindle the undying flame of their love for all the years of their life in Arda and for the unknown times beyond.

Then prompted by her, Mithadan called upon Manwë Súlimo to bless their union; to fill them with the breath of Arda that gives hope to those who dwell within it, and dispels all darkness.

With hands and hearts now joined, in a clear voice, filled with Light, Piosenniel now asked that their bond be sealed and witnessed by Eru, the One, Father of All, Ilúvatar.

So was it done. And no further words passed between them

She reached for him, then, and drew him gently to her.

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-20-2002, 12:35 PM

Huge clouds filled with rain and thunder streamed overhead. The two skiffs bobbed out of control, spinning this way and that in response to the rising gales. Kali and Bird tugged hopelessly on the ropes. They could no longer swim forward, no matter how much they strained or struggled.

Kali cried out to Bird, "Do you know where we are?' His voice barely rose over the backdrop of the storm. In response, the shapechanger shook her head no, and turned once again to the traces, pulling and tugging in vain.

Cami peered out into the darkness. The light of day had totally disappeared. She did not know where they were or what she should do. Her heart pounded furiously in her chest as fear and despair took hold. The lighthearted jests of a few moments ago were gone, replaced with uncertainy and doubt. Water had begun to come in over the side of the skiffs. Rose bailed it out as quickly as she could manage.

Then, suddenly, from nowhere, Cami felt a stern tug at the ropes. In an instant, the boat began to slide forward through the waters. On and on it went. The same thing happened to Daisy's skiff. In relief and surprise, Cami called out to her friends, "How did you manage that?"

Bird quickly responded, "We didn't. It's not us. Something's happened we don't understand."

At that moment, a head popped up by the side of the vessel. Cami looked into the eyes of another hobbrim, a face that looked strangely like Kali, and yet somehow different."

The face gazed up at her and smiled, "You are Nitir and Azra. We have found your golden wyrm on our shores and have come to rescue you, as we feared you'd fallen from her back into the seas. I see now you have a boat, but you still may need our help. I am Batta. There are four of us now on each of the ropes. "

Cami spluttered out the words from her rain soaked face, "Yes, I'm Nitir, and this is Azra." Rose nodded in respect to the hobbrim. "Thank you, thank you. We did not know where we were and had lost control of the boats."

They were interrupted by Kali suddenly popping up and squealing, "Cousin? Cousin?? COUSIN!!!!"

In joyful desperation Kali launched himself at the newcomer, throwing his arms around Batta's neck. Batta replied, "Hello! Hello," as Kali repeated, "Cousin! Cousin!" and clung to him. In another moment, another head popped up out of the water, and Kali released Batta and siezed the second Hobbrim, crying, "Cousin!" gleefully.

Then Kali momentarily ducked underwater, popped back up, and delirously shouted, "Eight! Eight cousins! Eight cousins!" and dove back under.

"What's happening?" shouted Daisy, straining to see below the grey and tossing surface. "I don't know, I can't see," Cami shouted in reply. Cami was afraid that they would lose control of the boats again if a general reunion was about to happen. But her fears were unfounded.

Below, Bird in Dolphin form had a better view. One at a time, a hobbrim would release the rope, embrace Kali, and Bird would hear their soft, high-pitched greeting; then that hobbrim would return to the rope, and another would embrace Kali.

If I was in human form, thought Bird, this would be a real tear-jerker, it would. But now that I'm in Dolphin form-- well, shucks, I may as well celebrate. She circled, faster and faster, around the wonderful group of eight-- no!-- nine happy hobbrims, and then building up speed she dove, and turned upward, and letting out a high-pitched sqeal she shot into the air, twirling and squealing with sheer delight. As she reached the top of her trajectory her squeal suddenly paused as she thought, Uh-oh! I hope I miss the skiffs.

Miss them she did, coming down between them, but she splashed into the middle of the hobbrim party, thrashing.

The skiffs rocked as Bird thrashed in the tangled ropes, and a few hobbrim lost their grip. "Bird! " Cami wailed, already soaked from the rain and now even wetter. Rose and Daisy, much less aware of the danger, laughed and laughed.

As the laughing hobbrim untangled themselves and Bird from the two ropes, Kali cried gleefully, "Cousins! Meet my good friend, Birdee! Birdee, these are all my cousins! Eight cousins!" When she was free, the hobbrims reached out and greeted her with gentle caresses, and Bird's whistles of delight could be heard even in the bobbing skiffs.

One more gleeful laugh, and then they returned their attention to the ropes, four hobbrims on one rope, and five on the other, escorted by their newfound Dolphin friend. But the one with five hobbrims didn't go that much faster at first, because Kali, although he tried to pull hard and keep up, was now shedding underwater tears of joy and relief. His wait was over. Whatever happened next, he had a tribe to belong to.

Batta popped back up and said to Cami, "Just hold on and we'll get you to the coast, to the warmth and dryness of our caves."

Despite her own tears of joy for Kali and exasperation about her second drenching, Cami threw back her head and laughed. The rescuers had become the rescued. And what was Angara doing on the shoreline, she wondered? But, right now, was no time to question. She felt in her heart enormous gratitude and relief that they were making their way to the safety of the shore.

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-20-2002, 01:02 PM

Ancalimon watched as the storm swept over the coast. This day had gone awry. But matters could be worse. Gorthaur had overheard the Man, but had not discovered his task and dismissed him from thought believing him to be insignificant. Nor had he perceived Ancalimon's presence or the existence of the Lonely Star, else his attention would be focused on the ship.

But the dragon... Gorthaur had sensed Angara briefly before the wyrm plunged into the seas. Just a whiff, but enough to draw his attention to the shoreline to the North. The storm would provide some valuable time and cover, but it would not last long. Then Angara, Cami, Bird and the others would be in danger.

He was uncertain of what course to take. Khelek and Veritas had recovered quickly. He sensed warm thoughts from Piosenniel's cabin below. But Mithadan was injured --curse the foolishness of that dragon! And the storm prevented the Star from approaching the shore, even as it hid Angara and the others.

He sighed. Fate had decreed that the Hobbits would be hidden. But should he trust fate against the wiles of Sauron?

Rose Cotton

09-20-2002, 02:16 PM

As they left the Lonely Star Rose felt strange for a moment. Like there was a darkness all about her. But the feeling was very brief and Rose decided not to worry about it.

Things looked grim as the waves became rougher and the rain came down harder. It was a relief when the hobbrim showed. They took the boats to a shore where Rose, Cami, Daisy, Bird, and Kali were invited into the caves. Once inside Cami rushed over to where Angara laid.

Child of the 7th Age

09-20-2002, 03:02 PM

Helen's and Cami's post

Cami sat towards the bow of the skiff, watching the shore grow, until it was almost full-size. Then she called to Daisy, and they pulled up the centerboards, lifted the rudders and shifted to the stern so that the skiffs could be beached.

As the hobbrim emerged, still pulling the ropes, a happy chatter commenced. Batta called softly, and on shore, about fifteen more hobbrim emerged from the rocks and sand-dunes. Another call from Batta, and some older children surged forward to care for the boats while the adults and small children came forward to greet the newcomers. Bird, now in little-lady form, gravitated towards the older children, helping them stow the boat, and thinking to herself, this moment belonged to the hobbits and hobbrim. Somehow she wanted to stay in the background.

Standing on the wet sand as the waves still lapped their toes, Batta introduced Azra and Nitir and Daisy to all of the hobbrim on the beach, while behind them they heard Kali's happy greeting over and over. "Hello, Cousin, " he said, and warmly spoke each new name aloud as he clasped hands with the women and the men, and knelt down to look into the eyes of the small children. They welcomed him warmly and happily. Azra smiled, wondering how Kali would remember everybody's name, until she remembered that hobbrim do have good memory. He would remember.

Kali was immersed in his new family, and Daisy wondered if perhaps she should wander over and introduce herself to some of the older children who, with Bird's help, were now stowing the boats. But as she cast another glance at Kali, their eyes met, and he held out his hand.

She came forward, taking his hand as she had so often done on The Lonely Star. "Cousins, " he said, with something in his voice that Daisy couldn't quite place, "This is Daisy. She is my good friend."

She studied him even as he introduced her, by name, to each and every one of his newfound cousins. He did not forget one name. And she wondered at the occasional hint of sadness in his voice. She squeezed his hand tighter, wanting nothing to ruin this time for him, and as she did so, he studied her, and squeezed back.

Two more hobbrim emerged from the mouth of a cave just as Cami walked onto the beach. A young girl came up to her in greeting, "I am Coral. I found your wyrm injured on the shore. We will take you to her now."

The older woman extended a hand in friendship, "And I am Andril, wise woman of my people. I have waited my whole life to meet you and your little sister Azra. I am honored to welcome you among us."
Cami did not even know what to say. The two women embraced and then slipped apart. Andril took her by the hand and led her into the largest cavern.

Once inside, Cami looked in amazement at the silent figure of Angara still asleep. Several hobbbrim were near the wyrm's side, tending to her wounds. Angara lay just at the entrance to the cave, her nose poking out into the sands.

Cami looked at Andril and shook her head, "I don't know why she's here, or what happened. When I left the Star, she was safely sitting at the top of our mast."

Andril explained, "It took a long time, but we managed to get her inside the cave. We pushed and pulled a tiny bit at a time. Then she finally woke up and managed to limp the rest of the way."

A secret smile played itself on Cami's mouth, at the thought of a group of hobbrim pushing and pulling on the giant wyrm as she lay dead in sleep.

Cami sat down intending to stay and guard the wyrm. Andril pulled her away and shook her head. "You should come inside where it's warm. They will tell us if she awakes."

Cami ran her hand over the dragon's shoulder, and then accompanied Andril inside the large cavern hoping for warmth and dryness. There was indeed a small fire, and she and Rose gratefully melted beside it. Not far away, she could hear the soft voice of Kali as he told his story, of how he had been alone, and how his friends from the Lonely Star had rescued him from his loneliness and become his friends, and promised to help him find his family. "They have labored long and hard, and today their work is done, " he said, his voice shaking with emotion. "Today I am with my cousins."

Even as she blinked back her tears, Cami thought, Oh Kali, it is over, and yet it has only just begun. There is yet more to do. And we will all be lucky to make it out of this alive.

Suddenly thinking of Pio and her frequent mysterious references to the West, she added, And may The One watch over us and protect us all.

But she said none of this, and turned to warm her hands by the fire, and let Kali rest in his newfound joy. She noticed that Daisy was still with him. Rose noticed too, and they shared a thoughtful smile.

_____________________________________________

Helen's post

Andril set several young hobbrim to the task of making Nitir and Azra comfortable. Then she smiled. "I am a Loremaster, and that is my strength; but I am not a cook. I would do you no service if I prepared your food or drink."

Nitir began to politely debate her, but one of the children raced by carrying some seabird eggs, and said, "Mistress Nitir, it is true. She really can burn water."

Nitir, Azra, and Andril shared a good laugh. "The children are quite skilled, and will take good care of your physical needs. And what of your other needs? How can I help you with them?"

Nitir smiled through sudden tears. "You already have, Andril. To hear our old names on your lips means that a dear friend kept a promise."

Andril smiled, and Azra took Nitir's hand and squeezed. "You remember Maura with fondness, I see," Andril replied. "This gladdens my heart."

One of the children brought a cup of some warm brew to Nitir and Azra and Andril, and Andril tasted it carefully. "It's a bit strong today, " she warned them. "Seaweed tea. We are used to it, but you may find it unpleasant."

Nitir sniffed hers, her thoughts elsewhere, and said nothing. Azra took a sip, and grimaced, but took another, and another. She was cold, and the warmth of the bitter drink was welcome.

Andril sipped at hers, and watched Nitir. "Tell me, " she said. "What was he like? All we have are songs."

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

Sharon's post:

Nitir did not know how to respond. Cautiously, she glanced about. Every eye was filled with trust, evey head craning forward. Within Nitir's heart, a tiny splinter of light gleamed. All her doubts and questions, the sadness of things forgotten, dissolved before its quiet truth. For, whatever she spoke in this circle, whatever tale she told of Maura or the camps, would remain firm till the end of time.

Her people, the hobbits who loved the soil, were soon to lose their memories of the past. Only traces of lore would be left, hidden in their bones. But her cousins in this circle, sheltered within Ulmo's kingdom, would cling to every word and poem. For them, lore was a lifeline of memory. It would console them when their kin were stripped away, as they waited for a distant and unknown task in the shadow of Eru's Mount.

Nitir measured every word before answering. "I can't really tell you what he was like. My own feelings make it hard for me to see him as others might. But I can say this. I loved his gentleness, his caring, his learning, even his laughing ways."

"But there was more than that. I cherished him because of the path he was on. He saw and felt things I could only guess at. And, for some strange reason, he wanted to share that path with me."

Nitir halted, uncertain what more she should say. Then the wise-woman gently asked, "Have you found peace leaving him behind, and a way through to that path he was on?"

She shook her head, "I do not have his gift, but he will never leave me. When someone you love is torn away, there's a part that stays inside you. I try to do the best I can, and think of how he would do things. Yes, sometimes there is pain." An image of Mithadan and Piosenniel entwined on the deck of the Star came unbidden to her mind. "And sometimes, I wonder why this one finds fulfillment, and another must wait. But, mostly, I am grateful for having had his gentle presence."

Andril grasped her fingers and whispered, "For what you have done, for what you do tomorrow, my people thank you." Nitir shook her head, and looked up with a soft smile.

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

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

GreatWarg

09-20-2002, 06:12 PM

Khelek sat inside the galley with Veritas, rubbing his forehead. There was only one power in Middle-earth that could do that. Miruvor can only do so much in healing the power of the Dark Lord. Veritas fidgeted with a few pieces of smoked fish. The sky grew dark, and a tumult of waves was already beginning to lash at the Star.

'May Lady Uinen restrain the Wrath of the Valar long enough for us,' Khelek sighed, peering outside to the unwelcoming storm.

'What do you think of Sauron?' Veritas asked suddenly. 'He may still have a great force under his power.'

'If he does, then curse him a thousand times,' Khelek answered regrettably. 'Vain is our hope in rescuing the hobbits if we must fight an army hundreds of times stronger than the scant few we are.'

'You must still have a headache if your mind is still in dark thoughts,' Veritas said notably. 'A fool is one who calls any hope vain. We still have Cami and Kali, Rose, Daisy, Mithadan and Pio, Levanto. And Angara. Angara can survive nearly anything. It takes much more to kill a dragon. Remember the Fall of Gondolin? How we despaired after we learned Pio had died? Mithadan still found hope within his despair. Numenor will be gone, and Gondolin is no more, but the Lonely Star is still here. And so are all of the crew who have accepted fate.'

'For now,' Khelek said softly. 'But sometimes it seems better to die honourably than continue fighting. The worse Doom is to those who still live.'

piosenniel

09-21-2002, 12:20 AM

Wind howled about the ship as the storm moved slowly on. In the room, the air had grown chill. Pio shivered and drew her grey cloak about her. She stood watching the now sleeping form of the man as he lay on her bed, beneath the thin sheet. He stirred in his dreamings, and she pulled her thick quilt up about him. ‘Let him rest for now.’ she thought to herself. ‘He has need of it.’

Moving quietly, she pulled on her breeches and boots and threw on a warm shirt to ward off the cold. She put her cloak about her once again, and drew the hood up as proof against the rain. Softly she withdrew from the room, and made no sound as she hurried down the hall and up the stairs to the deck.

Ancalimon stood there, watching the course of the storm, and she drew near to speak with him.

‘The storm grows less and moves on.’ she said. Narrowing her eyes, she bent her gaze toward the coastline, still obscured by the rain. She could make out nothing for good or ill that moved along the shore. ‘Do you have a sense of them?’ she asked, thinking about her small friends upon the sea in their fragile vessels. ‘Or of Angara?’

He shook his head ‘no’. ‘You feel it though, do you not, Piosenniel? That growing shadow that casts itself over the land and sea now. Gorthaur sits uneasy in his chambers. He searches for the source of His discomfort.

The elf pulled her cloak more tightly about her, as if to hide from that terrible, dread shadow. She shut her mind tightly against it. Her thoughts, now closely guarded, strayed to the West and the seas which led from it. She ached to call to them in warning, but she dared not.

Ancalimon put his hand upon her shoulder.
‘I, too, pray He has no sense of them. It would be dire, indeed, should we have to face him.’

They stood then, in silence, for a long while. Two grey clad figures gazing northward.

[ September 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

mark12_30

09-22-2002, 06:08 PM

The smell of eggs blended with strange seaweedy and briny smells, but mingled with that, Cami and Rose happily recognized the scent of Searooms. The homey mushroom smell worked its wonders on the hobbit psyche, and both the land-hobbits felt themselves relaxing right down to their toes. Cami sighed, and stepped out to the doorway to let the wind and moist air refresh her. The rain still fell.

Beside her, the still, hot form of Angara sent up little wisps of steam with every raindrop that hit her, and Cami laughed.

"Dinner, " called the Hobbrim lasses, and Cami and Rose let the scent of Searooms pull them into the inner rooms, where the meal was now ready.

***********************

Phura and Gamba sat on the stony lip overlooking the river, both daydreaming. The children sat between them lined up, trying to swing their heels, and wondering what Gamba and Phura were thinking.

"Your dream, " Phura said. "The one about the waters rushing in after Levanto came and spoke to the children. Do you know what it reminds me of?"

"Well, it reminds me of Tol Fuin, " Gamba replied.

Phura nodded. "Yes. I was thinking the same thing."

Gamba shifted uneasily. "Do worlds drown whenever Nitir and Azra show up?"

Phura shook his head. "They're important, but they're just hobbits, like us."

"How do you know?"

"Silly. If they were more powerful, the songs wouldn't be about them singing lullabyes."

"Oh."

Gamba pondered while Phura dreamed.

"There's a storm out to sea, " Phura murmured. "Can you feel it?"

"Well, it's muggy, and I can hear the wind."

"It's more. Doesn't it pull and pull at your soul?"

Gamba looked at his big brother, puzzled. "Should it?"

Phura suddenly seemed on the verge of tears, which he bit back. "I just wondered if you could feel it, that's all."

"All I can really feel, " said Gamba, "is I'm afraid they'll come for one of us next. I hate going to bed. I hate wondering who is going to disappear."

"I know." Phura came back to his little family, for a while, for his brother's sake, and tried to be there for him. But shortly after that his soul took flight again, down the river to the sea and into the heart of the storm.

Gamba studied his brother, and saw no fear; only longing. Wild, sad, hopelessly hopeful longing, seemingly growing more intensely painful with each breath he drew.

Gamba watched his brother for a while, and tried to understand what lure or promise a storm might hold for him, and why it was important, and what it meant. But all he could see in his own heart were freshly filled graves.

He shook himself, and in order to try and forget the graves, began reviewing a poem. It wasn't a Ladros poem. It was from Tol Fuin.

[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ October 04, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Birdland

09-22-2002, 07:08 PM

Bird was hungry, but she couldn't tear herself away from the back of the cave. And someone probably should stay with Angara, though Bird wasn't sure if she would know if a wyrm took a "turn for the worse". She could only hope that Hobbrims were not so much like Hobbits that there would be no leftovers.

The Changling ran her fingers across the rough, warm walls of the cave, being careful not to touch the images. They were all there, in bold strokes and vibrant colors; the man figure with a fish tail. Elves dancing, and one striking figure with raised sword. A man robed and staffed, with a pony companion. She smiled to see the small coal and white bird hovering around them. And of course dragons, in gold, and silver and black.

All the figures were interwove with the Halflings, telling their take on the story of Gondolin. But there were many other stories on the wall as well, that Bird was not familiar with. For the lives of the Hobbits, and these Hobbrims, had gone on, long after the strange creatures of the First Age had left them.

Andril had said they had only the songs. But how could she forget about these? Bird hoped she could meet the one who had drawn these. If he or she were still alive.

mark12_30

09-22-2002, 07:16 PM

Coral, having nibbled her way through the cooking and hence now not hungry, wandered back to the outer cave. "Hello, " she said to the thoughtful, raven-haired lady who was inspecting the paintings. "Aren't you hungry? The children gathered plenty of seafood, and there is no lack. Why are you still out here?"

"I'm watching my friend, " Bird replied, gesturing at the sleeping Angara.

"Oooh, " Coral replied. "You know her? What is she like?"

Birdland

09-22-2002, 07:35 PM

What was she like? Bird looked down at the tiny Coral, and wrinkled her brow in thought. Then she smiled.

"Coral, my lass, have you ever known anyone who could irritate you to no end, never gives you a straight answer to a simple question, always thinks that they know better than you, and yet you know that they will be one of the truest friends you will ever have?"

Coral gave an equally thoughtful look, then smiled as she thought of her cousin, Ganote. "Why yes. I think I have."

"Well", said Bird, giving a nod to the sleeping dragon, "she's just like that."

[ September 22, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Mithadan

09-23-2002, 08:00 AM

Mithadan woke refreshed after a long, undisturbed sleep. He swung his feet to the floor, stood and nearly collided with a chair that stood next to the bunk. A brief wave of disorientation passed over him until he recalled the events of the previous day and realized what cabin he was in. He readied himself hastily for the new day and walked out into the corridor, limping slightly.

On deck, he saw Veritas at the helm, unperturbed by the light rain which continued to fall. However, the wind had changed and the sky appeared to be lighter. Next to Veritas were Ancalimon and Piosenniel. He ascended the short flight of stairs to the helm and greeted the others.

"Any news of Cami and the others?" he asked.

"No," replied Ancalimon. "Though I am not yet concerned. The storm was strong enough to prevent them from returning, but it is passing now. Perhaps we shall learn more this day.

"However, I perceive that Gorthaur's attention has been drawn to this area. He will, no doubt, send men to search for Angara, who he would consider to be a valuable ally. We must keep watch for ships from the North."

Mithadan closed his eyes and shook his head. "So my folly has wrought ill consequences and brought danger to us all. I am a fool."

"Perhaps," said Ancalimon with a slight smile. "But Angara was the bigger fool, sticking her snout where it did not belong. Do not torment yourself about this. For now, our presence remains a secret and, with luck, it will remain so."

Mithadan turned to Piosenniel, who stood by Ancalimon. Her cloak was soaked and her hair a mass of tangles. He ran a hand over her shoulders and said, "You should have roused me. There is much to do."

"It seemed you needed rest," she responded. Then with an impish smile she added, "I never knew that Men snored so!"

Mithadan laughed. "Go below and change into some dry clothes," he suggested. "I will take up the watch for now."

When she had gone, Ancalimon turned to him and said, "The two of you have made your choice. You are bonded together." It was not a question.

Mithadan smiled at the grey-beard. "Yes, we have made our choices. We are joined, whatever fate may bring."

Ancalimon smiled, and it was like a beacon in the darkness of the storm. "Then there is at least some cause for celebration when the others return."

"But no time," replied Mithadan. "The time for celebration shall be when our task is done and not before."

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Mithadan

09-23-2002, 08:43 AM

Zimrakhor was summoned to speak with his Master. He hurried through the halls of the palace with his red robes flapping as he ran. He composed himself a moment before the door then knocked, and was admitted by the guards. He bowed deeply before Gorthaur.

"Zimrakhor, my loyal friend," said Gorthaur. "A ship must be sent to Hyarnustar with all haste. I have perceived that there may be a dragon lurking there."

"A dragon?" cried Zimrakhor with alarm. "That is news indeed! But there is a storm over the Southern coasts..."

"Surely in this great Kingdom of mariners, there can be found a crew brave enough to sail through a little storm, is there not? The reward would be great."

"Yes!" said the Numenorean, eager to please the King's Advisor. "I shall find a crew and man a vessel with many archers to slay the beast!"

"Fool!" hissed Gorthaur. "Dragons were servants of the mighty Melkor, of old. I do not want it slain, even if a few bowmen could do so. It may prove a mighty ally! I wish it found and its location given to me alone. I would make the King a mighty gift of such a beast."

"Yes, my Lord!" replied Zimrakhor as he backed out the door...

Child of the 7th Age

09-23-2002, 11:04 AM

Morning had come to the isle of Elenna. Outside, the storm continued unabated. A number of hobbrim had bedded down inside the large cave on reed mats, and were now waking up. A single hobbrim still stood guard outside under a cliff overhang. His task was to wait and watch, and to alarm the others at the earliest sign of intrusion or danger.

Bird had woken up some time before, but sat listening to the winds' roar and the pounding of the waves. Suddenly, a loud, bellowing noise echoed through the whole chamber. The shapechanger grabbed hold of Cami, who still slept, and jerked her into awareness. The women scrambled to their feet and raced to the front of the cavern where Angara had been lying.

The healer Azril, who'd been tending the wyrm, pointed towards the beach. "I'm sorry! I couldn't stop her. She awoke, and began to cry and bellow. Then she wrenched free and insisted on going outside."

Bird had already made her way to Angara's side. The golden wyrm reared up on wobbly hind legs with wings flapping vainly back and forth. Although the dragon's wounds were not grievous, she clearly lacked the strength to lift her massive body from the ground. And from her mouth came a single name, spoken in derision, that of "Mithadan."

Cami and Bird looked on bewildered. Then Angara turned to the woman and insisted, "I must return to the Star immediately to speak with Piosenniel and Mith. The Man's blunder has placed us in great danger." Once again, the wyrm arose, bating against the fury of the winds and rain.

Cami cried out above the storm, "Angara, stop it! You're too weak. Wait until this storm dies down, and we'll all make our way back through the waters. You'll shift to your smaller form, and rest in one of the boats."

The dragon's eyes narrowed. Reluctantly, she agreed, "Unfortunately, under the circumstances, hiding me under your skirt may be our safest course."

This answer greatly puzzled Cami, since Angara had never been known for modesty or restraint. But, no matter how much the two women pleaded for further explanation, the dragon refused to say anything more.

[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

09-23-2002, 11:32 AM

Pio hurried down to her room. She was chilled and wet, where the wind had pushed the rain beneath her cape. She towelled off her hair, now an unruly mass of curls, and searched for some thicker leggings and a pair of sweaters. Even her socks were wet, where the water had run down the tops! 'So much for the vaunted Love keeping me warm!' she said, laughing. She shook the dampness out of her cape, drawing it around her, and hurried to the galley.

Four cups of steaming tea in her hands, the elf returned to the deck. Ancalimon and Mithadan were engaged in some close discussion, and had turned away from their watch for a few moments to speak with Veritas on some point. She handed each a cup, and they returned to their discussion, heads bent low over a map.

Pio went to the bow railing, and cradled her cup in her hands, savoring the warmth of it and the scent of the tea. She took a sip and scanned the Isle in the distance, slowly sweeping from east to west. Her eye caught something small heading out from the bay waters near the southern coastline of Hyarnustar. She narrowed her eyes, and shaded them from the light.

'Mithadan! Ancalimon! Come quickly!' She pointed toward the enlarging spot in the distance. 'It is a ship, bearing a plain black banner without device. And it appears to be heading in our direction!'

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-23-2002, 01:56 PM

As Bird and Cami returned to the warmth of the cave, they found the hobbrim guard in discussion with Andril. The two had put their heads close and talked in hushed, earnest tones.

Yet, apparently, whatever they said had leaked out to Rose. For the girl brandished her sword and strapped it about her waist. Several of the hobbrim came over to take a closer look. They'd apparently not seen such a weapon before.

Andril walked towards the women shaking her head and pondering. "Storms in seasons where there should be no storms; sailing ships on a coast that's been deserted for years! I do not understand it."

Then she went on to explain, "Lights have been sighted in the distant sea, as if two ships were coming together. We do not know the meaning of this, but we fear no honest fisherman would ply his trade in such a gale. And these lights suggest something far larger than a fishing boat. Do you know anything of this?"

Bird looked at Cami and sighed. They excused themselves from Andril and, without hesitation or discussion, turned to Angara. They shared the wise woman's words and waited for a reply. But the only response the beast gave was to dig a hole and bury her head in the sand.

Cami cried out to the wyrm with fierce determination, "You will tell us what is going on, at least enough that my people may defend themselves against this unknown danger. Or, I swear, I will run you through with Rose's blade, and, although I may die, you will suffer! What has happened, Angara? Who pilots these ships, and to what purpose?"

Slowly, the dragon's head lifted from beneath the sand. Cami thought she looked more green than golden. "I am not sure," came the answer, "But these ships may belong to Gorthaur, and perhaps they are searching for me."

"Gorthaur?" A chill touched Cami's heart. "And for you?" she asked incredulously. "But why?"

"Do not ask further," she pleaded. "It is not my fault. It is the Man's stupid blunder, as I told you before. Only bring together all the weapons that you have and think how you may defend yourself. I, alas, can not help you. And," here she looked at Bird, "I would strongly caution against including any dragon in the assault, as it appears to be prime hunting season on the winged beasts."

At this point, Angara tried to send forth a blast of fire, but only succeeded in emitting a very small spark. She receded into the corner of the cave, and began digging an even larger hole to conceal herself.

Cami sat down in great chagrin. The Star had hoped to bring rescue to Kali's cousins. Now it appeared as if they had brought only danger and disaster.

The wise woman directed the hobbrim to bring all their arms within the cave. This included daggers, and bows, and hunting spears. "It is possible," Andril continued, "that their business may be in deep waters, and they will never turn to the shores. But if they wish to explore the coast, they will likely send a landing party on a good-sized skiff, and it would be no small threat to us," she explained.

Kali stepped up and asked, "My own people used to swim down to the bottom of the seas or sometimes even in shallows near the beach and find the precious pools of black liquid which burn even in the rain. We would dip our arrows in it, and then light them with flame."

Andril looked over, "Well done, Kali. Yes, there's a source of that here. Coral will take you and the young ones down to gather some in barrels."

From out of nowhere, the hobbrim were dragging several large rafts which could float in the water. Yet these were so concealed under seaweed and driftwood that they faded into their surroundings.

Andril continued, "If a landing party heads to shore, we'll wait until they reach the shallows. Then, hopefully after dark, we'll swim under water, using the rafts as cover for our heads and also to hide our other weapons and the black fire liquid. When we're close enough, the hobbrim will send flaming arrows onto the ship."

"Bird, you're the only one who can pass as a woman of Numenor. Can you take one of the small skiffs, and bring the burning torches? Perhaps, you should even act as a friendly local, waving in glee to the approaching vessel. We'll need the flames to light the arrows and to destroy the boat itself. Your other skiff that lies under the driftwood we'll scuttle this afternoon to throw off any others who might come along the shoreline."

"Once we harry and disturb them, we must board and destroy all, even the boat itself. For, if anyone learns of hobbits or hobbrim on the shores of Numenor, we will all find ourselves imprisoned in the tombs."

At that instant, the guard returned. "A fair-sized skiff now heads for the coastline, and she bears the banner of the black flag. She still sails some way off, but it is only a matter of time."

Cami turned and shuddered, The black flag, the symbol of the tyrant Gorthaur, now approaching the hobbrim refuge!

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-23-2002, 03:19 PM

Piosenniel kept watch as Mithadan went below decks to gather arms and inform Khelek and Veritas of this new menace. Ancalimon watched quietly for a moment, then he too went below decks.

Mithadan found him in the galley with an assortment of tubes, vials, rods and cords spread before him on a table. Mithadan watched for a moment as Ancalimon began mixing what appeared to be sands of different colors into small cloth bags, which he tied together and inserted into the tubes, sometimes supported by the rods.

"What are you doing?" asked the Man.

"Preparing some surprises for our Numenorean friends," responded Ancalimon, and he would say no more.

GreatWarg

09-23-2002, 06:01 PM

Khelek balanced himself in the rigging of the Star, straining to get a better view of the ship. It apparently had not seen them yet. The only things saving them was the mighty waves of Ulmo, and the growing fog. The ropes shook underneath the Elf for a moment and he fought again to regain balance, cursing himself for his folly of climbing up in such a storm.

The searching ship was staying within sight of land, evidently looking for Angara. So Gorthaur thought he might find himself a new ally. Yet the ship was drawing near to where the hobbrim dwelled in their hidden caves. Another wave smote the side of the Star and caused it to rock made Khelek quickly climb back down to the deck. 'Escaping goblins to be caught by Wargs,' Khelek mumbled as another wave drenched him in water.

Child of the 7th Age

09-23-2002, 06:31 PM

As evening dipped over Numenor's coastline, everyone sat honing and polishing their weapons. The skiff, which to the hobbits and hobbrim looked gigantic, had laid down anchor in shallow water. The landing party presumably intended to disembark the next morning to search the caves and cliffs for any sign of dragons.

Cami sat carefully selecting and balancing her arrows, covering the head with the black pitch which the hobbrim had gathered. Andril came over to sit by her. Even she was arming herself, carrying a fine bow and quiver. "You know," observed the wise woman, "you would always be welcome to stay with us, both you and Azra."

"But how could I do that?" Cami laughed, wondering why Andril would raise such a point "I do not have your way with water."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. Just think on it when the time comes. The stories all say you were in love with lore, and the sea-hobbits are the keepers of that lore. You might find much dear to you in the life that we lead."

Cami did not reply with words, but her eyes met those of the wise woman. Neither of them spoke, but both knew what the other was really saying.

"I promise to think on it," she stated. For truly, she had never even considered this as a possibility.

Birdland

09-23-2002, 11:45 PM

Birdie, cloaked and hooded, rode one of the skiffs out onto the waves, slowly approaching the landing craft of the Men of Gorthaur. Cami and Rose were hidden under a skin laying in the bow.

Under any other circumstances, there would be no way that Bird could have controlled the light skiff in the choppy, chaotic waves of the shallows. She noticed that even the strong men in the landing boat were having a hard time making progress. But her own skiff was being supported and guided from below by tens of Hobbrim, who had their long, strong fingers clinging to ropes attached to the hull. To anyone observing the boat's progress, it would look as if it were guided by the magic of Ancalimon.

"No one is going to believe I'm a Numenorean. I'm too short!" muttered Birdie to her hidden passengers.

"Just think tall!...and regal" Cami whispered back. "You're the only one who can pull it off, Birdie. They're certainly not going to believe that I'm one!"

"Get ready. We're close." Bird whispered. She threw back her hood and stood up in the stern of the skiff, raising her arms to wave at the landing boat before her.

The Men in the boat looked up in amazement as they saw a small boat bearing down on them, containing a lone woman whose hair and cloak whipped in the wind of the storm. Her and the boat seemed to glide across the waves guided by some unknown force. A high, thin voice called to them from across the waves.

"Help me! Help me! I am lost!"

The skiff bore down upon the Men, who back-stroked to keep their own boat in place. One man, obviously the leader, stood up in the boat, his hand on his sword, and called back to the fast approaching woman. "Lady, where do you come from, and what is it you seek?"

The small skiff touched the side of the landing boat, as the woman stooped and picked up two clay pots. Raising them high, she cried. "I come from your nightmares, and I seek the Halls of Mandos!"

And with that, Bird broke the two pots against the side of the Men's boat. Oil and hot coals mingled, and the boat of the landing party was quickly consumed in flames. At the same time, an army of small, scaled figures rose from the waters, dipping thin arrows into the surrounding waters. The arrowheads blazed up, and were sent whizzing into the air around the crafts.

The last thing the Men on the landing craft saw was the small figure of the woman growing and changing into a a massive, black and silver dragon, and the last thing they heard was the dragon screaming "Cami! Rose! Bail out now! The boat's on fire!"

Bird rose into the air on Dragon wings, and turned her attention to the second black-flagged vessel waiting off-shore.

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-24-2002, 12:34 AM

As the flaming boat began to tip and plunge into the depths of the waters, Cami remembered Angara's stern warning to Bird, not to take on dragon form. But heedless of all admonitions, the shapechanger glided through the skies aiming for the mother ship. Cami rubbed her eyes in disbelief. If Gorthaur had been looking for one dragon before, perhaps he would now be seeking two. But at least, no eyes had focused on hobbits or hobbrim with this rare spectacle in the heavens.

Cami had been shooting arrows, but now flung herself out of the small boat into the churning waters trying to reach the distant shore. All about her the sea burned hot with patches of blazing oil floating atop the waves. The stench and heat were overwhelming. She fought to stay afloat, but felt her lungs give way as heavy smoke filled the air. Cami remembered looking up and crying out for help, and then thinking no help would come. But, at the last instant, the black and spun dragon spun about in its path, veering away from the black flagged ship, and swooping down into the waters. Then she changed to dolphin form. The last thing the hobbit remembered before passing out, was a familiar body coming underneath her to stop her descent into the depths of the sea.

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Birdland

09-24-2002, 01:21 AM

Dolphin and Hobbit beached themselves on the sand; Birdie quickly morphing into human form as she scrambled on the shore towards the limp form of Cami.

The sky and sea behind them was lit with red, flickering light as the Changling hovered over Cami. Bird looked over her shoulder at the larger vessel, where the black shadows of Men stood on deck, pointing and crying at the conflagulation that had appeared on the water where their shipmates had been. Some of the crew were even jumping into the water in panic, where they were quickly dispatched by the waiting Hobbrim. The sails of the black-flagged ship were furled and tacked, as they tried frantically to pull away from the burning waters and the mysterious attackers.

"Cami! Cami! Speak to me!" Birdie futilely patted the Hobbit's hand, and laid her ear on her chest to detect a heartbeat. "What do I do? What do I do?" Bird started pumping on the Halfling's chest, intoning "Out with the bad air...in with the good...out with the bad air...in with the good...".

"Oh, Cami! Wake up!" Bird looked in panic over her shoulder. "Cami! I don't know where Rose is! Cami? Cami! Wake up!"

At that moment, the little hobbitress groaned, rolled over, and began to cough up seawater.

piosenniel

09-24-2002, 02:34 AM

Pio watched the larger ship come round and head back toward the coast line. She cried out to Mithadan and Ancalimon as they stepped from the stairway, onto the deck.

'They have turned!' She shaded her eyes and looked hard at the far shoreline. 'There is something burning on the coast there that draws them.' A great fear rose in her as she watched the distant scene play out. Where were the hobbits and Bird? Where was Angara?

'We are too far out! Bring us closer in!' she shouted to Veritas. The Star now moved more swiftly over the waves, though still it trailed far behind the other ship. She strained to see what was happening on the beach, but could not make it out.

'We cannot have come all this way to lose them now. That would be too cruel. We must find them, Mithadan, and quickly!'

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Rose Cotton

09-24-2002, 05:31 AM

Rose dove into the water and struggled despratly to get away from the flame and oil. The salty waves stung her eyes and tasted bitter in her mouth. They tossed her about and she couldn't find any air. Then Rose felt strong little hands grasp her and pull her up. The hobbrim helped Rose onto the shore where Cami and Bird lay. "What do we do now?" cried Rose. "The larger ship is coming."

Child of the 7th Age

09-24-2002, 07:33 AM

The hobbrim had gathered on the beach, bringing Rose with them. She looked to be in better shape than Cami who still sat on the edge of the shoreline, holding her sides as she gasped and heaved up water.

Angara had managed to find her way out from the back of the cavern and raced over to the group. Thr dragon was evidently feeling a bit stronger as she directed several small blasts of flame dangerously close to Bird's head. "What have you done?" she growled. "You can change from dragon form into another, but I am stuck in this body. And now the great ship has turned, and is bearing down on us to find this mysterious silver and black wyrm who dived into the waters. You are as stupid as the Man!" Angara looked as if she wanted to roast Bird over an open fire.

All eyes on shore now turned towards the great vessel which flew under the black banner. It sailed towards the coastline at an alarming rate in an easterly direction. The storm had abated, but the winds were still blowing fiercely, pushing everything before it first this way and then that. No clear pattern was evident in these whirling gusts. Behind the ship with its black device, came the Star intent on rescue also sailing to the east, but still far behind.

Cami tried to clear her mind. Out of the fog in her head, she struggled towards an answer. It was quite clear that their own vessel would not catch up with that belonging to Angthaur and his crew. There was only one thing to be done.

"West," she croaked, "We must get in the water and swim and row due west, and the Star must also tack in that direction. Bird, can you take any form except that of dragon and swiftly go towards our ship and bring them to where we'll be in the water?"

Within an instant, a silver dolphin had slipped into the waters and headed on a straight line underwater towards the Star. Still unable to fly, Angara plunged into the waters swimming along with Cami and Rose and Daisy and all of the hobbrim.. Cami hoped that the great black ship would continue its easterly course towards the burning vessel, and ignore the straggling group of survivors swimming to the west.

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-24-2002, 07:51 AM

Mithadan watched grimly as the Numenorean schooner approached the shore and the conflagration which had engulfed its skiff. The Star was well behind and struggled to close on the larger vessel despite contrary winds. Piosenniel stood next to him, squinting through the smoke and mist at the shore. The diminished crew of the Star were all armed and prepared to take on the larger crew of the Numenorean vessel.

Despite the chaos, Ancalimon laughed. He stood by the bow, holding a large tube in his hands. "Clever Hobbits," he cried. "They feed the fears of the sailors with sudden fire! You seek dragons? Very well! Chase this one!"

Ancalimon propped the tube up on the rail, and taking up a tinder box, appeared to set fire to the end. With a whoosh, something leapt from the end of the tube and shot out toward the schooner. In a cloud of smoke and flame, it grew and lifted high above the Numenoreans' mast where it unfolded and took shape.

To the amazement of the Star's crew, a golden glowing dragon appeared before the schooner where it hovered for a moment, spouting flame and smoke. The screams of the Numenorean sailors could be heard above the din. Then the glowing dragon turned and sped off to the West toward and over the tip of Hyarnustar. The schooner floundered for a moment as its crew adjusted its sails and turned to follow the apparition.

Several of the Numenoreans began waving frantically at the Lonely Star. "Ware! Ware! A dragon!" they shouted. Mithadan turned the wheel bringing the Star about to an easterly course and waved to the Numenoreans as if in thanks. In a matter of minutes, the schooner began to shrink with distance as it moved toward the West in pursuit of Ancalimon's dragon.

piosenniel

09-24-2002, 09:21 AM

Pio watched the golden 'dragon' as it flew west, the black bannered ship in swift if futile pursuit. She turned her attention quickly back to the shoreline and sought a sign of her friends. Nothing! Only the reeking black smoke of the burning skiff, curling into the sky, like some funeral pyre.

The Star continued on its course toward that part of the coastline where the destroyed craft lay. Grim thoughts filled her mind as their ship closed the distance.

Then a cry came from Khelek, standing at the bow. 'A dolphin! There is a dolphin which makes for us!'

Pio ran to his side, and a small measure of hope came to her when she saw the form of her old friend, Bird. She hailed her with a wave, and the dolphin now turned and swam in a northwesterly direction.

'It's Bird!' she shouted, running up the steps to the helm. 'Keep her in sight, Veritas. She's come to take us to our companions.' The Star now bore along the same path as the dolphin.

They slowed the ship as it drew nearer in. Pio shaded her eyes and could see the dolphin swimming a large circle around a small boat and some struggling swimmers, too near in the shore for the Star to safely reach them.

'Bring her in as close as you can, Veritas.' She moved quickly to where the Star's skiffs were. 'Come, Mithadan! We must make for them before they drown. Khelek, Ancalimon, help us ready the boats!

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Birdland

09-24-2002, 09:52 AM

The Dolphin sprang from the sea and morphed into woman form in mid-air, landing on the deck and immediately striding towards Pio, Mith and Ancalimon. "Ulmo take you all to the Halls of Mandos! And you can take that great, gilded Wyrm with you!"

"Woman, hold your tongue, and mind who you curse." Mithadan glowered at the angry skinchanger.

"I WILL NOT!" Birdie stood on tiptoe and glared eye-to-eye at the Man. "Be a dragon. Don't be a dragon. Birdie, change to this. Birdie change to that. I've tried to do everything I've been told to on this journey, and all I ever hear are complaints!"

"I never wanted that form, you know. It's freakishly hard to control. And dangerous. But I did it for you!" She shot her finger, one at a time, at Pio, Mith, Khelek, Veritas and Ancalimon. "You Elves, and Half-Elves, and Quarter Elves, and Whatever in Arda you all are. You said you wanted dragons, I gave you a dragon. And as thanks that great, brassy beast YELLS at me. And shoots FIRE at me. ME!"

"And as if that wasn't enough, The next thing I'm seeing is ANOTHER Dragon! You want a Dragon? I'LL give you a Dragon." And before the aghast crew there stood on the deck a gigantic half woman/half dragon form, with streaming black and white hair flagging in the wind over massive silver wings. It crossed it's black scaled arms across its chest, and tapped its taloned foot on the deck. "There. Happy?"

A small voice came calling from off the water. "Could we settle this later. We've no boat, and we're floating in the water, here."

Birdie strode over to the rail and shouted down into the water at the mass of Hobbrim surrounding Cami and Rose. "Oh, really? Well you should of thought of that before you decided to use burning pitch on a wooden skiff!"

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Mithadan

09-24-2002, 12:12 PM

Mithadan nearly laughed after recovering from the sight of Bird. "Bird, I would hug you if not for the fear of being scorched," he cried. "But where in all this wrack and wreckage is Angara?"

"Angara? ANGARA?" she shouted. "You should be the last person to ask of her! I would not come near that wyrm if I were you, unless you'd enjoy getting sliced into ribbons and eaten for an appetizer!"

Nonetheless, Bird shifted back into her human form, at which time, to her great consternation, Mithadan made good on his offer. "Not now, Mithadan," she mumbled. "The missus is watching."

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-24-2002, 12:31 PM

Pio's Post

Pio hugged Bird, and whispered in her ear. 'I have never known you to be cautious with regards to a man who was spoken for, old friend!' She drew back from her friend, and regarded her with a grave and considering look. Bird blanched and fidgeted.

The elf let her twist in the wind for a brief moment, then broke into a big smile. 'It's a joke, you scurvy skin-changer!' Drawing close again, she clapped her on the back and laughed. 'Besides, dragon or no, you are no match for my sword and knives should you offend me!'

Bird's eyes widened at the threat, and she drew back.

'Got you again! That dragon form must have made you slow-witted.' Pio laughed again. 'Now come! Let's haul the rest of the crew from the water. I see you've brought guests - we shall have to get them on board and all sorted out.

---------------------------------------------
Sharon's post

Still swimming in the waters, Cami wildly raised her hand, "I have Angara. She's on my shoulders. The wyrm told me she couldn't swim, and would drown unless I helped her out."

Mithadan peered over the side of the ship. The hobbit's curls barely remained visible above water, but Angara had shifted to her smallest form and rode neatly on top of Cami's shoulders. The dragon seemed quite comfortable, her hind legs dangling on either side of the woman's neck, her upper body and arms comfortably dry. In her most imperious voice, she commanded Cami to swim this way or that to assure her the most cozy seat and the very best view.

With this heavy burden upon her back, the hobbit again seemed ready to sink into the depths of Ulmo's kingdom. But, this time, it was Mithadan who was her rescuer. He leaned far over the railing and, with a long pole generally used for helping secure the boat to the dock, jabbed Angara in the ribs to force her to topple off.

"By all that is sacred in the waters and the earth, this is a sight to behold. A great dragon so weak that she sits like a queen on the back of a hobbit! What new excuses have you come up with to condone this ruse?" He shook his head and laughed.

But the golden wyrm was not to be outmatched even with words. Her eyes whirled and gleamed, "Look in your own mirror Man! If it were not for your carelessness, I would be flying on wings of ease, instead of cowering under this woman's skirts and sitting on her shoulders. But your stupidity has drawn me into this fix."

Mithadan's glowered, his eyes as dangerous as those of the wyrm. "We will discuss these matters later, my scaly friend. I do not recall this affair as simply as you have stated it."

"But now," he said turning towards the rest of the party, "we wish to welcome our hobbrim friends to the Star, and say how very, very pleased we are to see you."

From below, came many excited exclamations and responses. Bird and Veritas unwound the winch and let down a large basket for the hobbits and hobbrim to climb inside and be raised up onto the deck of the ship. This was repeated several times untill all had come safely aboard.

When noses were counted, the wise woman was pleased to discover that all thirty hobbrim had come safely to the ship. Even the women with young ones, whom Ancalimon had feared wouldn't make it without a boat, had somehow managed to bring themselves and their children safely through the ordeal.

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

09-24-2002, 02:00 PM

Rose, exuasted from swimming so much colaped on the deck. A wave of laughter escaped her. She had enjoyed the adventure. "So!" she called out over her mirth, "Who was the third dragon we saw today?"
"That was Ancalimon's doing." said Pio. "I'm not quite sure what he did but it worked."

Birdland

09-25-2002, 12:34 AM

Bird watched in delight as the Hobbrim overran the Lonely Star, exploring their new, temporary "home" as if they had discovered a brave, new world.

This is what all the trouble and strife had been for. To preserve a long-forgotten branch of the Free People. Of course, they would be "forgotten" again, perhaps even by Birdie, if what Pio and Child said was true. But she felt like she would always remember the emotions she felt this day - even if she didn't remember the reason for it.

Then she spied Angara. Bird's eyes narrowed as she glared at the insufferable Wyrm. "I could be a better Dragon than you with one hand tied behind my back!" she thought to herself.

The Dragon's golden head turned towards the skin-changer, and her eyes whirled with amusement and challenge. Bird got no message in her mind, but eyes said it all.

"We'll see, Changling."

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

piosenniel

09-25-2002, 04:39 AM

It was late evening and thirty hobbrim had been fed and found places they could bed down in later. Now they had gathered with the Star's crew on deck to sit and talk and tell each other their stories. Pio made her excuses and withdrew from the group, saying she would relieve Veritas of the watch, and send her down to them.

She walked slowly to the bow, where Veritas stood watching the waters to the north. Pio could hear her humming an old song, softly, as she swept her head in an arc from west to east and then slowly returned to center. 'I've always loved that song!' said Pio. She sang the first verse of it in a clear voice, joined by Veritas for the remaining. Their voices wove together an image of such light and loveliness that it flowed over the Star like a gentle stream and washed away the shadow and the darkness, if only for a moment.

'Perhaps we should not have done that, Veritas. It might not be wise to raise Elven voices in this dark time.' Veritas agreed reluctantly, loathing the thought of having to hide what was beautiful. Pio sent her to the circle of hobbrim and crew, while she assumed her place. The waters before her were empty of any threat, and she turned her thoughts to other matters, for the moment.

She sensed, rather than heard the dragon land lightly behind her. 'I see you have regained your strength , somewhat, Angara. Do you come now to apologize?' She faced the approaching dragon.

'And what have I to apologize for?' returned the Wyrm. 'It was that Man who drew the attention of Gorthaur, not I.'

'You forget, I "heard" all you said. And it was you who drew the dark mind to us.' Pio shuddered at the remembrance of his foul touch. 'You and your insufferable pride that endangered us.'

She advanced upon the dragon. 'The hour grows near, Angara, when friends will rely on one another to keep each other safe and whole. I had thought I would be able to do this with you at my side. And now I do not know that I can trust you.'

The dragon looked down and would not meet the Elf's eyes.

'I miss you, my old friend.' spoke Pio, kneeling down close to Angara's head. 'I need you now by my side.' The dragon looked up and saw hope mirrored in Pio's eyes.

She wondered at it, as the Elf touched her forehead to hers and opened her mind briefly. Angara's mind reeled at the contact, as the images of such grace and light reached out to her. She staggered back, breaking the contact, and sought to steady her breathing.

She saw Pio smiling gently at her. 'You have not told . . .?' asked Angara. The elf shook her head 'no'.

'I cannot. I must see this last thing done. Will you help me?'

The dragon sighed, and she came forward, to place her head in the Elf's lap.

'So be it, Piosenniel. As I can, I will.'

'I can ask no more, my friend.'

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-25-2002, 11:57 AM

Cami had anticipated that the advent of families and children on the Star would bring about many changes. In this, she was not disappointed.

The hobbrim settled as a group on one of the lower decks. Blankets and mats were scattered about as well as the few belongings that they'd managed to salvage by tucking them into packs and belts. No one was actually placed in charge, but somehow things ran quite smoothly. There was much laughter and good-natured jostling as, family-by-family, they laid out their possessions and staked out an enclave on the deck. Young children made up nearly half the group.

Cami wasn't surprised that Kali had removed his belongings from his cabin, and opted to join the hobrim. Daisy hadn't made that commitment yet, but seemed to be spending every waking moment with her new friends. As Piosenniel's roomate, the hobbit had felt some reservation about seeing Mithadan occupy more and more of the Elf's time. But, in those moments when Daisy was actually part of the hobbrim party, all her sadness seemed to disappear. Two of the girls had even adopted her as an honorary sister.

Rose and Cami and Bird circulated throughout the floor to make sure everyone was settling in. The two hobbits kept busy racing back and forth from the storerooms to the galley to the lower deck, distributing food and needed supplies. Bird chose the sea cows as her special project. She made many trips with the children to visit them and brought back pails of milk which were needed for hungry mouths.

Although normally well behaved, the youngsters bubbled over with energy and excitement. They explored every cranny of the ship and shyly introduced themselves to all on board. The Elves merited their special attention, since the little ones had never before seen such tall and beautiful beings.

Khelek found himself doing daily chores surrounded by a bevy of small admirers. They were more than happy to assist him, but generally managed to get in his way, overturning buckets and mops in their enthusiasm. Pio found two of the youngsters hanging off the helm, and chased away a few more out of her cabin where they had gone to explore the maps.

Ancalimon, who seemed well known to the hobbrim, also came in for a share of this attention. The peddler revelled in the children's presence, and did his best to keep them occupied by telling tales and even joining in their games.

But most surprising of all to Cami was the role that Angara played. For, out of all the company on the Star, it was Angara whom the children singled out as their favorite. Although initially frightened by the wyrm's size and appearance, they had crept closer and closer to admire her gleaming golden scales and magnificent wings. The dragon had eyed them curiously at first, but then with increasing interest.

Cami expressed reluctance to let the youngsters near the wyrm in view of the latter's foul mood over the past few days. The dragon seemed a bit more settled since speaking with Pio that morning, but the hobbit still doubted her change of heart.

The wise woman had pleaded Angara's case, pointing out how lonely and sad the great beast must have been to act in such a pitiable manner. Andril begged she be allowed to speak with the dragon privately, and Cami finally agreed. Whatever the wise woman said or did in that meeting, it seemed to have a magical effect on the wyrm's behavior.

The children surounded her, warming her with small hands, soft embraces, and gentle laughter. Angara responded as if this was the most natural development in the world. Cami couldn't help comparing the dragon's behavior to that of a mother duck who tolerates her children's antics with good humor and carefuly shields them from harm.

Seeing how the little ones had managed to get into too much mischief, Andril and Cami decided to try and organize a least a small piece of their day. Each child was assigned to help in the galley or in the cleaning brigade on the main deck, as well as taking lessons with either Mistress Andril, Mistress Cami, or Ancalimon.

Angara was given the supervision of the children's chores, an aspect of the ship in which she'd never shown the slightest interest. This time, her response was different. She watched over the hobbrim like a vigilant mother, praising their efforts and gently correcting their mistakes. The wyrm showed every sign of being fiercely protective of her charges, yet still deferred to Andril or their parents as the need arose. Never before, had Cami seen the dragon try so hard to behave. And if the hobbit had not witessed it with her own eyes, she would not even have believed it possible.

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-25-2002, 02:25 PM

The Captain was met at the docks by an escort from the palace. They mounted horses and rode hard for hours until they reached Armenelos. There, the Captain found himself waiting in the antechamber of the quarters of Gorthaur, formerly the prisoner and currently the King's Advisor. He sat uncomfortably, fidgeting as he waited for his audience. After several minutes, a guard, clad in red, opened the door and ushered him in to stand before Gorthaur.

"I understand that you sighted the dragon, is that correct?" began Gorthaur, pleasantly enough.

"Yes, my lord," replied the Captain. "Not far from the mouths of the Siril. I sent a landing party to shore. They were assailed and their craft set afire. Then the beast approached our ship, only to turn away. Moments later it appeared again and flew over our bow, then turned west and passed over the tip of Hyarnustar. We followed and attempted to locate it to no avail and returned to port immediately."

"Very good," said Gorthaur. "It flew to the Western parts of the island." He turned to his servant and instructed that two more ships be sent out to search the western shores. Then he turned back to the Captain. "What did it look like?"

"Well," answered the Man. "It first appeared to be dark of color, lighter beneath, though that may have been some trick of the light -- shadows from the storm. When it overflew our vessel and proceeded west, it seemed to be golden in color. It was very large."

Gorthaur squinted, considering the Captain's words. Golden. That might be Smaug perhaps -- but he would not be mistaken as dark in color. Yet I recall no other flying worm which survived the downfall of the Thangorodrim that was dark above, light below. Unless the beasts have spawned others while they cower in hiding.

"Very well, Captain. You and your crew shall be rewarded. But return to sea and join the search. If the beast is found, I myself will come. And if it cannot be found in the west, expand your search towards Hyarrostar. Perhaps it will return there."

piosenniel

09-25-2002, 06:33 PM

Daisy had come seeking Pio and found her talking with Angara. She waited patiently until the dragon had left, and then approached the Elf shyly.

Pio looked at her questioningly. She held her hand out to the hobbit. 'Come, Daisy!' she said gently. 'What troubles you?' The hobbit stood tongue-tied and silent. 'Just blurt it out.' prompted Pio. 'We can sort through it after you've done that.'

'Well, it's about Mithadan . . . and you,' she said in a low voice, 'I suppose you'll be having your own cabin, now, and . . .' Her words trailed off, and she studied her feet as if she found them the most fascinating of subjects.

'And?!' prompted Pio, once again. And then it hit her. She raised Daisy's chin with her fingers and shook her head. 'Of course, . . . and then you'll be lonely!' She grinned and hugged her tightly. 'I'm not giving you up for him! Push that idea right out of your head!' She thought for a moment. 'In fact, I'm sure he would like a whole bed to stretch out in by himself tonight. He'll need all the rest he can get to ride herd on thirty hobbrim and the crew. What say I come to your room tonight and sleep in my old bed? We'll talk, and perhaps I'll tell you more stories to put you to sleep!'

Daisy hugged Pio hard and laid her head against her. 'Oh, would you?!'

'Yes,' returned Pio, 'but first I need you to deliver a message to him. Tell him that I have gone to speak with Levanto. There is something I need to ask him to do.'

She withdrew into the shadows, and left all but her small-clothes folded neatly on the barrel near her. From her boot top she withdrew a small knife and held it in her hand. 'I will be back soon, Daisy. And then will come to your room. If you are sleeping I will wake you. Now go quickly, and tell Mithadan so that he will not worry.' She put the knife between her teeth, and went over the side quietly.

Daisy watched her as she entered the water and then swam strongly to the north. She went down to the deck below and searched for him, but could not find him. She meant to find him in his cabin, but she was distracted, thinking of what story she would like to hear from Pio. She went to her own cabin, and lay down on her bed meaning to tell Mithadan when she heard him going to his cabin. But she was tired. And sleep was so inviting. 'I'll just close my eyes for a moment.' she said to herself, settling her head on her pillow.

The bright sun through the porthole in her room woke her. That and the sound of Mithadan's voice, booming loudly in irritation down the hall.

'Now where has she gone off to?!' she heard him yell. The hobbit sat up quickly and looked toward Pio's bed. She hadn't come!

Daisy ran to her door, and poked her head out just as the man was passing.

'Mithadan?!'

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

09-25-2002, 06:55 PM

Mithadan halted his march down the hall and turned to face the Hobbit, who now wished that she had not tried to catch the Man. "Yes, Daisy?" he said in irritation.

"I'm sorry," said Daisy. "But Pio asked me to give you a message last night but I couldn't find you and I went to my cabin to wait for her because she was going to tell me a story and stay with me but I fell asleep and..." She halted her speech breathlessly for a moment.

"And?" prompted Mithadan.

"She said that she needed to speak with Levanto about something and swam to shore. That's what I was supposed to tell you," she replied. "But she said she would come back and sleep with me last night and she never returned!" The Hobbit looked on the verge of tears.

"Come now, Daisy," said Mithadan. "Its alright. Now I know where she is and I'm sure that she's fine with Levanto. They had a lot to speak about I'm sure."

Daisy seemed relieved that Mithadan was not angry and smiled. The Man smiled back, then turned away to walk up to the deck. But as he turned, his face shifted from a smile to a mask of concern.

piosenniel

09-25-2002, 08:42 PM

The Star had moved just beyond the waters of the bay after the rescue of the hobbrim and hobbits. Pio swam a great distance, toward the middle of the bay, to a point about ten miles off shore. She paused to get her bearings and then kicked her way deeply beneath the waves.

She remembered a certain place that Levanto had described to her, and she thought now to look for him there. Her eyes picked out the rocky formation, and she made for it. She entered into the grotto, and found him sleeping there, a long strand of seaweed wrapped about his torso to secure him in place as the gentle currents washed over him.

She unwrapped the tether, and kissed him softly on his cheek. When he awoke, she took his hand and brought him to the surface. He grinned at her. 'You've come to your senses! You've left him!!'

Pio laughed and shook her head 'no'. 'I've come to ask a favor of you.' She told him what had happened concerning the finding of the hobbrim, the rescue of Angara, the search ships, and the scrutiny of Gorthaur.'

'I have spent much time below these past days. I did not know of these happenings.' He paused for a moment, thinking. 'But now it comes to me why the waters seemed troubled, as if a shadow had passed through them.' He looked at her. 'What is it you wish of me, Pio?'

'I need to have information of the number of ships bearing the plain, black banner of Gorthaur that now patrol along this coastline.' She swept her pointing hand from west to east. 'Or if you have noted any such ships now patroling the River Siril.'

'The whole coastline? and the river? That will be a daunting task, even for me.' he said, thinking out loud. 'Perhaps I can enlist the aid of some of the creatures I have met here. Yes, I think I can do it in that way.' He leaned toward her, his brow slightly furrowed. 'You're being very cautious, this time, aren't you?'

'I cannot afford this time to be careless or caught by surprise.' she said, her face grave.

'And why is that? I never knew Piosenniel to be so bound by caution.'

'There is much relying on this caution.' she answered him. But he pressed her for her reasons, and she relented, drawing him near.

Her explanation was short, and given in a serious tone. He drew back from her, regarding her with a measure of surprise.

'And you have not . . . tol . . .?' he asked, holding her gaze with his own. She shook her head 'no'.

'Only Angara knows. And she will keep the secret. Will you?'

'But, why?'he pressed her, again.

'Because I must be there, in that first boat, for the transfer to work. I cannot be left behind.'

He made the promise, though reluctantly, and told her he would see her tomorrow to give her his findings.

'Thank you, my friend.' she said, then bid him goodbye and swam swiftly back toward the ship, hoping against hope that no one had missed her.
____________________________________________

Mithadan sat in a chair next to the barrel on which she had laid her clothes. The quiet time spent looking north over the waters had not improved his temperament. He held her bundle of clothes on his lap, and waited for her return.

She climbed quietly over the railing and made for the barrel. Her eyes grew wide when she saw him sitting there. She approached him, and stood before him, dripping.

'Are you looking for these?' he asked,rising to his feet, his face unsmiling.

She rubbed her arms to drive away the chill. 'My cloak, at least, if you please.' she answered him. Water dripped from her hair to her bare shoulders, and she shivered. 'Please, Mithadan, I am cold.'

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-26-2002, 06:16 AM

Cami stood on deck watching the scene where Piosenniel clambered aboard, wet and shivering. She looked curiously at the Elf, and then she looked again. She shook her head and rubbed her eyes looking at Piosenniel one last time. No, there didn't seem to be much doubt. Cami might have been absent from the Shire for the past twelve years, but she had lived there long enough before that to be quite sure about such things.

Mithadan had been sitting on the barrel as if transfixed, a mingled look of worry and frustration on his face. He was not responding to Pio's request. Cami swept forward and with a single gesture of one hand pushed the warm cloak towards her friend. With the other, she urged upon her a cup of hot, steaming tea, and told Pio to sit and rest. The Elf looked quite tired from her extended swim in the cold waters of the sea.

But inside her mind, she wondered, This is not right. There is too much risk here, and the risk bears on more than one. I must try to talk some sense into her!

Cami left Mithadan and Pio in privacy, but resolved to talk to the Elf later that day.

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-26-2002, 11:04 AM

Relief mixed with anger and concern, causing Mithadan to ignore Piosenniel's request. While his love for her vied with his outrage for control of his tongue, Cami rushed forward and snatched the cloak from his hands and wrapped it around the Elf. This broke the spell; the tension spilled from his shoulders taking with it his anger, and relief won the day. If Piosenniel expected a tongue-lashing, she was surprised.

He stood and warmed her in his arms, pressing his cheek against hers. "Must you always run off like this?" he asked quietly. "Must the proud Elf never ask for or accept the aid of others? I am sure you had your reasons and I'm sure they were good, but you are only one among many of our crew. We are all seeking to complete our task, not you alone."

He handed her the bundle of clothing and turned to go below. After a few steps, he looked over his shoulder. "Are you coming along? You should have some hot tea and breakfast."

piosenniel

09-26-2002, 12:50 PM

Relief flooded through her at his words and actions. She walked with him as far as the gangway, then excused herself to go to her cabin and change clothes.

'He's right, you know.' she said to her reflection in the small mirror as she towelled her hair. 'You're not the only one on board with concerns about what might happen. Nor are you the only one who can make it happen.'

She pulled at the tangles in her hair with a comb. Perhaps she could put Ancalimon in the foreward ship and she could stay on the Star alongside Veritas. A viable option, but it irked her not to be in the midst of action.

And then there was the problem of Mithadan. It was difficult, learning to consider things in terms of being a 'couple'. True, she had learned the lessons of patience and wisdom in the Halls, but it proved harder work to translate these lessons into action. Old inclinations warred with newer insights as she pulled on warm, dry clothes.

Her thoughts tenuously resolved, she drew herself up and stretched to relieve the tension and tiredness of her body.

Almost to the galley, she met Cami just coming from it. Her old friend looked at her and opened her mouth to speak. 'Let me speak with him first.' she said, cutting off the hobbit before she could utter a word. 'Then later, come to me and we will speak.'

Mithadan sat at ease, reading from some book and glancing often at the door. She smiled at the sight of him, and went to sit with him. He had fixed her a bowl of porridge sprinkled with dried fruits and honey. A cup of strong, hot tea stood beside it. 'Thank you!' she said, touching him on the shoulder as she sat down.

They made small talk as he watched her eat. She told him of her talk with Levanto, his promise to watch the coastal waters for any signs of increased patrols and the river, also. Her last spoonful half-way to her mouth, she noticed him watching her with narrowed eyes.

'That wasn't all you spoke of, was it?' he asked gently. 'What trouble lies beneath the surface of these other concerns? Surely not that he and I would be at odds somehow?'

She lowered the spoon back to the bowl. 'No, not that Mithadan. That has been resolved, and concerns me no longer.' He waited patiently, saying nothing, for her to make the decision to clear the air of any remaining secrets. He would not press her, she must come to him willingly. She saw this, and made her decision.

Pio took his hand and led him to the deck, to a place in the fresh, clear air that afforded them some privacy. They stood close together at the railing, watching the waves rise and curl. Then she turned to him and sighed. 'There is something else which lies at the base of my concerns of late. Though, I would not call it a "trouble". I only wish that it had come for us in less shadowed times.'

His brow furrowed, and he looked at her with concern, fearing what she might tell him. 'Speak, then, to me.' he said, his voice low. He took her hand in his. 'Let me share the burden.'

She brought his hand against the flat of her belly, and opened her mind briefly to him, letting him feel the energies that sought his.

A look of great wonder and astonished joy filled his face. A light shone in his eyes. He bent to kiss her as she broke the contact.

'A child! You bear my child!' he said, laughing.

'Our children, Mithadan,' she corrected him, placing his hand once again upon her, letting him sense the already curious energies.

'A son!' he smiled. 'And a daughter!' He laughed, feeling his daughter's energy fight to be first in his mind. 'And a spirited one, if I have the right of it!'

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-26-2002, 12:53 PM

As Cami left the galley after breakfast, she was thinking about Piosenniel and how she might persuade her friend to take better care of herself. Then she caught a glimpse of Kali and Daisy wandering about the corridor hand-in-hand. Coming even with the pair, she nodded a brief good morning, only to have the two shyly part.

Secrets! Wherever Cami turned, she encountered yet another secret curiously concealed within the Star. So many things in life appeared perfectly flat and transparent in the bright light of day. Yet, when they were encountered in the shadows of evening, a sudden and unexpected flame darted forth.

Piosenniel's behavior and the wise woman's probing question certainly fell within that category. Stranger still was the presence of the hobbrim on the Star, the "hidden hobbits" whom Andreth had so curiously described. Yet, of all these wonders seen in Arda, none seemed more puzzling to Cami than how Angara was responding to the hobbrim.

It would not be correct to state that the wyrm totally transformed her personality overnight. She continued to moan at length about Mithadan's supposed deficiencies, and 'borrowed' great piles of Cami's books with little intention of returning them. When her duties with the hobbrim ended by late afternoon, she lay indolently draped over the masthead, studiously ignoring everyone's cries for help with shipboard duties.

Still, the Angara who turned up in the morning to supervise the youngsters in their chores did seem like a different beast. On one occasion, Cami stumbled upon her rocking a small baby in a cradle. She and the hobbrim mother had improvised the contraption out of an old wicker basket with cords attached to the upper beams of the hull. Another time, Cami glimpsed Angara offering dragon-back rides to the children, flying slowly in circles around the ship. Cami quickly put an end to this activity, reminding the wyrm that she still lay under the watchful gaze of Gorthaur.

Cami hated to admit it, but she was becoming increasingly suspicious over this blossoming of maternal instincts in one who'd never shone the slightest indication of it before. She decided to wait until Ancalimon took the helm later that day and ask him about the wyrm's behavior.

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

09-26-2002, 02:37 PM

Piosenniel and Mithadan held each other close for a long while. Words seemed unnecessary; they were satisfied to be close to one another in the summer sun. But soon, after several members of the crew walked by with faint smiles on their faces (and several giggling Hobbrim as well) they recalled that their task was not yet done and reluctantly parted.

Piosenniel returned below decks to seek out Cami, but Mithadan remained above, standing by the rail with the wind blowing through his hair. He wore a smile that could not be erased no matter the gravity of the matters at hand. He awoke from his reverie at a pull upon the cuff of his breeches. Looking down, he saw a young Hobbrim looking at him with bright eyes. "Please, sir, are you and the Lady Piosenniel married?"

There was a stinging in his eyes and a lump in his throat. He felt as if he could fly higher than Angara. When he could speak, he smiled at the little one and said, "Yes, we are, little one."

To the surprise of the Hobbrim, he spun about and ran down the gangway as quickly as his sore ankle would bear him. In his cabin, he retrieved a small wooden box filled with various items which he had saved during the course of his life. He drew out an unadorned ring of gold which had belonged to his mother long ago, before she had died of a sudden illness in his childhood. He stared at it for a moment, then placed it in his pocket. You would have liked her, Mother.

Then he left his cabin.....

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

piosenniel

09-27-2002, 02:37 AM

Ancalimon regarded her with an amused smile. She had gone looking for Cami, and not being able to find her, had asked him if he had seen her. 'No.' he said. 'But I did see you at the railing with Mithadan.'

His face grew serious then. 'I also sensed that which you shared with him. Do you think that was wise, considering where we are and who might be listening?'

'Don't be such a storm-crow!' she chided him, smiling. 'It was only for a brief moment. Surely nothing ill can come of it.'

She saw that he did not return her smile, and her brow furrowed, now, with worry. 'Surely you cannot think something as small as this would draw his attention from other, more pressing matters?'

'I hope that it is nothing to him.' he said, his gaze turning toward the north. 'But I cannot be certain. He ranges far and wide in his seeking, that I can sense. You must be more careful, Piosenniel.'

A certain dread came over her at his words, and she trembled, though the summer sun was warm and bright. 'I have foolishly brought danger to us!' she thought to herself, her mind racing amid dark possibilities.

A small hobbrim pulled at his robes, and Ancalimon bent down to speak with him, turning his attention from her.

She went below deck and hurried to her room. Pulling the door shut behind her, she sat on her bed, looking hard into the shadows, and considered the problem in all it's variations.

The luxury of such a space of time to herself was not to be hers today, though. Soon a knock came at ther door, and Daisy's voice could be heard. 'Pio?! 'Can you please come up to the deck? Veritas is in need of your assistance.'

'Thank you, Daisy!' she said as she left her cabin. She put a small smile on her face for the benefit of the hobbit, and followed her up the stairs.

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

09-27-2002, 07:17 AM

This thread is closed temporarily for character and plot adjustments.

Mithadan

09-27-2002, 12:46 PM

OK, open for business. Nothing to see here. Carry on.

piosenniel

09-28-2002, 01:57 AM

Levanto sent the dolphins to look for the ships. Two to go east, along the coastline, and two to go west. They would go as far as the tips of each southern peninsula, near in to shore, then pull out to sea and do a return sweep to the area of the bay near mouths of the Siril. He would go upriver to check for any increased patrols.

What he found, alarmed him. There was a single small ship, black bannered, at anchor, halfway up the river, near the main dock for export of goods. It appeared lightly armed, though his vantage point from the shady river bank did not afford a view of what was hidden on the deck. He counted five people on board, all with blades.

He swam farther up the river, almost to the caves, but saw no more ships. At this he was relieved. Then swiftly he swam back down the Siril and out to sea to meet with the dolphins.

'Two!' they cried. 'Two ships, close in, along the shore.' They raised up on their tail fins, chattering at him. 'One goes toward the rising sun and then returns. The other toward the setting sun, and then returns. Back and forth they go, or so say our cousins who swim these waters.' He bowed to them, and thanked them for their help. They turned their smiling faces to him, then slapped the water hard with their tails and dove deep beneath the waves.

He, too, dove beneath the water's surface, and swam for the Star. The thought of Pio and what she had told him, drove him on. He thought long and hard about his promise to keep her secret. It was an ill-made pledge he now realized. He would talk to Mithadan when he arrived.

Rose Cotton

09-28-2002, 05:24 AM

Rose leaned on the rail and looked out on the waters. If she had knew nothing of what was beyond the coastline she would have never suspected any evil. For however close it was for now it didn't seem to have an effect on the Lonely Star. Rose was at peace.

As Rose stared at the waves she thought she saw something. She rubbed her eyes to bring herself out of her daydreams and looked again. Yes, there had been somthing in the water. It was Levento coming toward the ship.

As he reached it Rose called down to him. "Wait there. I'll fetch Pio for you." She turned but was called back by the mer-man.

"No. Wait, Get Mithadan instead. I want to speak to him alone first." Confused, Rose asked why. "Just go get him little hobbit." So Rose ran down to where Mithadan sat in his quarters.

"Mith. Levento's here and he wants to talk with you. Just you."

Child of the 7th Age

09-28-2002, 10:15 AM

Cami had just finished her lessons with two hobbrim boys, teaching them how to add up long lines of seashells. She was rocking a baby in the crook of her arm, when she spied a glimpse of Piosenniel. As usual, the Elf was darting about here and there, trying to finish a lengthy list of tasks in the shortest possible time. Cami had earlier managed to speak briefly with Piosenniel, just enough to confirm that her suspicions regarding the Elf were true.

For one fleeting moment, gazing over towards Pio, Cami poignantly reflected that she was unlikely to see the children born of this union, let alone have the chance to watch them thrive and grow. For it seemed that, whatever positive choices you made in life, you had to leave so many other good things behind.

Then, she looked at the Elf more closely. Piosenniel's outward expression radiated happiness, yet her eyes looked troubled and mirrored untold depths of weariness. Cami remembered that Pio had spent most of the night swimming in the seas. She had returned to the ship without bothering to rest, and despite her words to Mithadan, had eaten but a few crumbs. At this realization, the hobbit entrusted her small bundle to Daisy and grabbed Piosenniel by the wrist, physically wrenching her from the deck and pulling her along towards the cabin.

"You're coming with me now. I said, right now!", the small hobbit insisted.

Once inside Pio's old cabin, Cami slammed the door and glared at her friend. "By all that is sacred in Arda, what were you thinking of? You have been given a gift, a wonderful and precious gift. You have the man you love standing beside you, and you carry life within your body, the children of this union. However long, it may have taken you to find this joy, it has come to you now. And how many others would give everything they have to be in your situation?" The words came wrenching out of Cami's mouth, perhaps more than she'd meant to say.

She turned about gruffly and went on, "Now I'm not one to say a woman with child has to lay in bed and sleep away the day. But you do have to take care of yourself and your family. And driving yourself to exhaustion and starvation, for whatever reason, is a betrayal of that trust."

As Pio opened her mouth to respond, Cami sharply interjected, "No, Piosenniel, daughter of Holly, I am not finished! There are others on board who can do some of these things you're so worried about. Sometimes I think you don't trust us. I will say to you what I told Mith in Gondolin. Whatever our light-hearted ways or short stature, hobbits are not children. We, along with the others on this ship, are perfectly capable of taking on a few more duties, especially if you let the crew know what is going on. And I do hope you've spoken with the father-to-be!"

"One last thing," Cami added, I've been worried about Bird and what is going to happen to her after this quest ends. And, here, you may have the perfect answer. If you do not get down on your hands and knees and beg her to join your family to help with the rearing of these children, then you are a greater fool that I took you to be. For with a father like Mithadan and a mother like Piosenniel, I fear these little ones will indeed need some plain common sense and good laughter which Bird possesses in abundance."

She stared at the Elf, awaiting her reply.

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

09-28-2002, 12:33 PM

Pio covered her face with her hands and sat down hard on the bed, her shoulders shook. Cami, concerned, that she had pushed her friend over the ragged edge she balanced on, came close, thinking to comfort her as she cried.

But Pio's reaction, was not what she expected. The insufferable Elf was laughing! She had fallen backwards now on the bed, howling in laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks. The hobbit stood there, looking at the hysterical Elf before her, and shook her head.

A few moments later, Pio collected her wits and sat up to face her friend. She wiped the tears from her face, saying, 'Thank you!' The elf sighed deeply, a long luxuriant sigh as she felt the tension of the past days leave her body. She stretched, pushing the last of it from her shoulders. Pio took Cami's hand and drew her down to sit next to her on the bed.

'I really do mean that "thank-you"', she said seriously. 'These past few days have found me trying to knot too many ends together, and your plain speech has brought me to my senses. Or such senses as this poor Elf might have' Her eyes twinkled, and a laugh of genuine relief came from her. 'I have long been accustomed to proceeding as I think best, to keeping my own counsel.' she went on again in a serious tone. 'And even after the lessons of Gondolin, I have found it hard not to take action as I see fit.' She glanced away from her friend, as memories of that time came back to her.

'I cannot do that anymore! There is not enough of me to handle everything. I am stretched too thin.' She put her forehead to Cami's and closing her eyes, said, quietly, 'Will you help me?'

Now it was Cami's turn to laugh, though a single tear escaped her. 'Of course, I will! We'll all help you. You have only to ask.'

'And who will school me to this asking? Old habits die hard for me, I have had them for so long now.' 'I will!', said Cami, 'as will the others as soon as I have spoken with them.' She looked closely at her friend. 'That is alright with you, isn't it? That I spread the word?' A look of concern crossed her face. 'You have informed the father, have you not?'

Pio laughed again. 'Yes, that is one thing I have managed to do right today! And yes, please let the others know. I don't relish the thought of getting up at dinner and making a general announcement of it!' She looked at her friend and chuckled. 'And about Bird, perhaps we had better broach this idea of yours gently to her. She may have other plans you know. Though, the idea of Auntie Birdie appeals to me greatly!'

They sat in silence for a while, relishing the comfort that close friendship brings. Cami stood up from the bed first. 'Let's go get you something proper to eat and drink, and then go on deck to enjoy the sun. We'll see how Ancalimon is getting on with the hobbrim children that swarm about him!'

A shadow passed over Pio's face and her brow furrowed at the mention of Ancalimon. 'Now what are you thinking?' asked Cami, noting the change in the Elf's demeanor. 'Tell me that I might help you.'

'It was something that Ancalimon spoke about with me, earlier in the day. I don't know how you can help me with it.'

'That is my decision, not yours, Pio. Now tell me.'

Pio told her of how she had let Mithadan 'know' his son and daughter when she had told him of them. How she thought that so brief a sensing of them would do no harm. But now she feared otherwise. Ancalimon had been conerned that the attention of Gorthaur might be drawn their way because of it. She put her hand protecively against her belly.

'It frightens me that he may come to sense them, and then us. And I cannot see what I might do about it.'

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Birdland

09-28-2002, 02:15 PM

Birdie walked by the cabin door at that moment, a string of young Hobbrim following her. She peaked in briefly, saying "What are you two doing sitting down here? It's a beautiful day topside." Then she continued with her "education" of her young charges.

"Now see, this is how Ancalimon created the 'dragon' that you all saw. At least I think it is. Now this is called 'saltpeter', and this is 'sulpher'. Coral, do you have the flint and steel, there? Good! Now, you mix the two together..."

Pio turned towards Cami: "Are you sure you don't want to rethink your suggestion about Birdie's future plans?"

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Child of the 7th Age

09-28-2002, 05:28 PM

Cami looked over at Bird and laughed. She didn't answer the question directly, but retorted with an observation of her own. "I can see there is only one in this group with a shred of common sense. And, at least for today, I fear that title can go neither to the Elf or shapechanger. But perhaps, with time and patience, I may make something of you yet!"

"Bird, you need to linger with Pio a moment in her cabin. I believe she has some news for you."

Bird looked a bit puzzled as she watched the small hobbit take charge and ceremoniously guide her friend over to the chair and set her down with great authority.

"Stay there until I get back!" she ordered. "I'm going upstairs to find Ancalimon and Mithadan, and ask them to come to your cabin. I'll tell them my idea, and they can use their minds to sort it out and see if it's of any worth."

For she did indeed have an idea which might set her friend's mind at ease or, at the very worst, confirm exactly what they were up against. Cami knew little of Osanwe or the machinations of the Shadow, but she certainly knew something of hobbit stealth. And she remembered a rather important event in the Third Age. That time, the forces of goodness had called upon a hobbit's ability to slip through the shadows in silence and practice deception, even in the very heart of darkness. Perhaps their own situation, although humbler in origin, would need similar skills.

Cami thought how she would love to volunteer for such a task. In her mind, she pictured herself breaking into the hobbit tombs and slinking about to get the needed information. Then common sense interjected. If Nitir or Azra were to show up at the foot of Eru's Mount, their presence would not remain secret very long. No, it could not be her or Rose, however much they might like it.

As she stood in the doorway pondering, she saw Daisy race by with a packet of blankets in her hand. Cami looked at her retreating figure as she sprinted down the corridor. Daisy was young and bright and daring. She knew how to act as a servant and certainly had skills of deception, judging from how she'd first come aboard the Star and remained hidden for several days. But did she have the required sense of judgment and responsibility? It was certainly a risk.

Just as Cami was about to set out to find the men, she heard Bird mention to Pio, "I think Levanto returned, and he specifically asked to speak with Mithadan. The two may be together."

All color left Pio's face, as she struggled to throw off the shapechanger's hand and get up from the chair. Cami turned around and gave stern orders, "Bird, keep her in the cabin one way or the other, until I get back with the men!" Bird nodded. Cami had a wry image of her friend changing into a dragon and guarding the doorway with large blasts of flame. Whatever is needed, she thought!

"And you," she said, wagging her finger at the Elf, "had better remember your promise to me." Then the hobbit turned and disappeared.

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

09-29-2002, 02:51 AM

'So!' said Bird, plopping herself down on the desk, feet propped on the chair. 'What is going on? Cami orders me to keep you in the room like a prisoner, and you look as thrilled about it as a bowl of yesterday's fish stew.' She leaned back against the wall and waited for Pio to speak.

The Elf drew a deep breath. 'You're going to be an Aunt, my dear Bird. A little niece and a little nephew for you to teach all sorts of strange and interesting things to.'

'Really?!' said Bird, a puzzled look on her face. 'Who's pregnant?' Pio rolled her eyes. 'I am, O, Dense One!'

Regret and happiness warred for control of Bird's face, and happiness won. She bear hugged her friend and then stepped back to look at her fully. 'I'm glad for you. For both of you.' she said. 'I guess this really means you won't be sailing with me when this trip is over, will you?' Pio shook her head 'no'. 'Not this time , Bird.'

There was an awkward moment of silence between the two old friends. Then Bird shook her head and laughed. 'You and Mithadan! I would never have guessed that at the beginning of this venture. Mr. Rules-and Regulations and Miss Unruly-and-Unregulated!'

The sound of giggling just outside the closed door, and a chorus of 'SHHH!'s' caught their attention. Bird went quietly to to the door and yanked it open . A covey of young hobbrim came spilling in. 'Bird! Bird!' they cried. 'Come see what we've made! We want to go up on deck and fire it off!.' Bird herded them out the door. 'Well, seems like I have to be going now. Hmmm! I guess that means you'll have to guard yourself now.' She winked at the Elf and grinned. The hobbrim children pulled her out the door and pushed her toward the steps. 'Make sure you don't escape!' she yelled over her shoulder and then disappeared on to the deck.

Pio left her room and ran quickly up to the deck. she wanted to hear Levanto's report, and she was curious why he asked to speak with Mithadan, not her. She found them, heads close together, talking quietly. Mithadan sat in one of the skiffs moored to the ship, and Levanto rested his torso on the skiff's side.

'I'm coming down to you!' she shouted down to the pair. 'I wish to hear from you also, Levanto.' Pio climbed down the side ladder and then jumped for the skiff when she reached the last rung. She landed with a cat-like grace, and then sat down where she could watch both of them. 'Carry on!' she said, looking at both of them. 'I'm listening!'

[ September 29, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

09-29-2002, 12:59 PM

Mithadan was deep in conversation with Levanto when Piosenniel dropped to the deck of the skiff. The Mer-man had first advised of the methodical search being conducted on the West coast of the island. Then he turned to other matters.

"I have spoken with Pio," he said. "You have my congratulations and my envy. But you must know that she revealed mor to me. She is with child...children, I should say, twins. I feared she might not tell you..."

At that moment Piosenniel announced her presence. Mithadan, smiling broadly, stood and placed a hand to the hilt of his knife. "What's this? You say that I am not the father? Who then?"

Pio leaped between the two, and glared at the Mer-man. "Levanto!" she cried, accusingly. Levanto merely spluttered for a moment. Then he regained his composure. "I did not tell him that!" he retorted.

The Elf spun upon the Man. "Mith!". However, Mithadan had dissolved into hysterical laughter and howled uncontrollably...even after Piosenniel pushed him overboard into the waves.

piosenniel

09-29-2002, 01:46 PM

She left the Man to the mercy of the water, and turned back to Levanto. 'I did not hear what you said of patrols. Will you tell it once again?' He told her then of what the dolphins had seen and how he had encountered a black bannered ship docked upriver.

'Were you able to visit the caverns to see if the guard patrols there had increased in any way?'

'No,' he said, 'It was too light still, and I dared not look about too much or make contact with the hobbits, for fear I might be seen.'

She sat in thought for a few moments. 'I . . . that is, we,' she looked at Mithadan, who had made his way back into the skiff, 'need to have that information. Would you do that for us? Rest tonight, and then make your way to speak with the hobbits?.

'Your wish is my command, sweet Lady!' He ducked as Mithadan chucked a strand of kelp at him. 'I'm well rested and will leave now. By tomorrow this time, I should have something to tell you.' 'Don't go as yet, Levanto.' she rejoined. 'I need to speak with Cami before you do. We may have something specific you need to relay to the hobbits.'

She stood, eyeing the sodden man, and threw her cloak about him. 'Come soon, and change those wet clothes! We cannot have a lame and coughing captain lead us in our mission. I fear it would strike no fear into our foe. Unless you mean for them to laugh themselves to death at the sight of you!' She squeezed his hand and smiled at him. 'I'm going up now to find Cami. There is a plan, I think, which may help us know what we stand against.' She grabbed for the ladder and started up the rungs.

'That plan . . . are you thinking of sharing it with me . . . before you put it into action?!' called Mithadan to her retreating figure. She made no answer, as she disappeared over the railing.

'Must not have heard you.' offered Levanto. He looked at Mithadan and grinned, shaking his head. 'Now that I think on it, Mithadan. I wonder that I should have ever thought of envying you.'

'And why is that?' asked Mithadan, standing to go aboard.

'It is one thing to love a creature so lovely and spirited from afar. And quite another to live with her!'

'Indeed!' said Mithadan, sighing. 'You have the right of it on that one!'

The clear voice of the Elf came down to them. 'I did hear you! Now come up and we will speak of it.'

The Mer-man and the man grinned at each other, like two boys caught in some guilty act. Laughing, Levanto dove beneath the waters to wait for instructions. Mithadan, dripping still, clambered aboard the Star.
____________________________________________

While Mithadan changed, Pio searched for Cami. She had a vague idea for a plan that she wanted to discuss with her. It would involve one of the hobbits, and she wanted Cami's ideas on who might be well suited to it.

She found her on deck. Cami had been looking to speak with Mithadan about a plan of her own.

'Let's go up to the bow, where we might have some privacy.' said the Elf, taking her friend's arm. 'I'd like to hear of this plan of yours as mine is only half-formed if that, at the moment. My concern, though, is that we be able to get more information about what is going on in the prison. I fear that the guard may have been increased and suspicions aroused somehow.' They leaned against the railing and looked out toward the coast of Númenor. Pio told Cami all of what Levanto had said. The concern on the hobbit's face mirrored her own.

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

Rose Cotton

09-29-2002, 02:56 PM

Rose had watched what had gone on in the skiff. She hadn't caught all of the conversation but could still understand what had just happened. As Pio climbed onto the deck Rose rushed over to her. She wanted to hear the plan too.

Child of the 7th Age

09-29-2002, 07:49 PM

Cami had not been able to speak with Ancalimon or Mithadan earlier that day as she'd intended to do. The Man had been cornered with Levanto for some time. Moreover, she herself had been called away on several occasions to search out needed foodstuffs and supplies for the hobbrim.

As the Elf came over and pulled her towards the rail, Cami thought it might be wise to share her earlier thought. With the news from Levanto, their need for accurate and up-to-date information seemed even more critical than before. She briefly explained how Daisy might be brought up the secret waterway into the tombs. From her own experiences in Beleriand, several prisoners would be serving in the headquarters for the guards. Such positions tended to roll over quickly as they were among the least desirable, and in certain respects, the most dangerous of the prison assignments. Cami reminded Pio of Daisy's obvious skills with concealment and deception when she'd hid on the Star as well as her experience acting as a servant in the Took household.

Pio looked concerned. "Your plan seems too risky. If Daisy's found out, it could endanger her own life and the rescue itself. Could we use one of the hobbits already in the prison to gather infomation? At least, they'd be familiar with conditions, and have a better idea what risks were acceptable. And Daisy's so young." The Elf shook her head.

Cami thought a moment, "I don't see how an imprisoned hobbit would really understand what kind of information we'd need. Daisy knows enough about our plans to understand the type of details that might prove valuable. Plus, we can't risk sharing our strategy with one of the younger hobbits in the tombs. They might not realize the seriousness of the situation, and inadvertently blurt out something that could get us in trouble. And it's the younger ones who inevitably get assigned to work in headquarters at the simple menial tasks."

Pio thought a minute. "I wish there was another way. Let's share these ideas with Mithadan and Ancalimon, and see what they think. If they approve, we'll go ahead and meet with Levanto. If we're going to do this, we should be ready by nightfall."

[ September 30, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

09-30-2002, 01:09 PM

Pio sent Cami to look for Ancalimon and Mithadan, thinking she might have a quick word with Angara. She found her with little trouble among the hobbrim children. The Elf stood and watched her for a while, wondering what had brought on this show of gentleness and genuine delight which the dragon showed toward her charges.

Rose came for the children and shooed them off for a snack and rest. Pio approached Angara from behind, and tapped her on the tail with her boot. The wyrm's tail lashed dangerously across the deck, and the Elf jumped, just managing to avoid being knocked over. Angara turned to face her 'attacker'.

'You!' she huffed indignantly. 'You should know better than to sneak up on me!' She eyed Pio. 'And, by the way, do you realize that rumor is rife of your condition, among the hobbrim children. So much for your Elvish secrets!'

Pio laughed. 'I thought Cami would have told you by now that that is no longer a secret. Mithadan knows, and I see the hobbit/hobbrim network has spread the news well.' She sat down on the deck next to Angara. 'But I still need your assistance.'

'Yes?!' said the dragon, hesitantly, not liking the feel of this conversation.

'I haven't spoke with Mithadan as yet, but I plan to be in the first ship up the river. You know he is a cautious man, given to worry, and I'd like to allay those worries if I can.'

'And how is it that I should be involved in this decision? Shouldn't that just be between you and him?'

'It will be. I will present it to him soon. But I'd like you to speak with him, also.' She touched the dragon's neck. 'I want you to be on the boat with me, to fight at my side. Let him know that you will watch out for me, and free him up to take charge with one less worry.'

Angara laughed and regarded the Elf closely. 'You have become addle-brained! Just get on the boat! The old Pio would be there.'

'And so she would have!' she said, grinning.'And it may yet come to that. But will you do this for me?'

Reluctantly, the dragon agreed, saying she would await word from Pio that she had already broached the subject with Mithadan. Pio thanked her, and turned to go. The dragon called out to her. 'Must I be be civil when I speak with him, or shall I threaten him if he doesn't comply?'

'Civil, if you will! And, please, no further injuries to him!'

Child of the 7th Age

09-30-2002, 03:20 PM

Reserved: Cami's discussion with Ancalimon re Angara; set up scene between Mith, Pio, and Ancalimon regarding Daisy.

Child of the 7th Age

10-01-2002, 12:27 AM

Cami found Mithadan and Ancalimon sitting in the galley near mid-day. With all the hobbrim buzzing about, the galley seemed perpetually noisy. Rose had installed herself at the front doling out bowls of fish soup. Cami squeezed into a crowded table, wedging herself between the men. Their figures dwarfed her.

Once again, she laid out her idea of having Daisy go up the waterway on Bird's back to secure an assignment in the guards' headquarters. There, she'd hopefully hear or see something to benefit the Star. The shapechanger had already taken to the seas. She was swimming about in dolphin form, awaiting the command to proceed with Levanto. Cami assured Ancalimon she'd spoken with Daisy, and the girl was eager to go forward.

The two men asked questions, but offered little in response. They promised to meet with Pio soon to reach a final decision. From the hesitant look on Mithadan's face, Cami almost expected the answer to be no, but she wasn't certain.

As Mithadan left, he thanked her, "This situation isn't easy, and no plan we devise is without risk. But I need to make sure this one gives us our greatest chance of success." Cami nodded in acknowledgment.

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

On the deck above, the sky beamed a bright blue with fluffy clouds, and the sun blazed down as if no shadows existed anywhere in Middle-earth. As far as Cami gazed, there were no other ships in sight. She lowered herself onto the wooden planks, her legs pulled tight to her chest, her arms encircling them. Ancalimon stood at the helm.

He glanced down at her and laughed, "I know that look, Andreth. What is it you need to know this time?"

And, within a moment, Cami had blurted out her suspicions of Angara and the strange maternal instincts she was showing.

Analimon looked at the hobbit and shook his head. "You don't trust her. I suppose you think you could do a better job with things. You find her tiresome and irritating."

Under her breath, Cami distinctly muttered, "I'm not the only one."

He turned and faced her with some irritation, "Perhaps, not. But, of all people, Cami, you should understand, since you do have something in common."

Cami looked up. She was frankly puzzled. How could she, a hobbit, have anything in common with the crotchety Angara who beamed down on the Star in such an imperious way? She said simply, "Please explain."

For a long time Ancalimon stood silent, as if he was uncertain what to say or even if he should speak. Then he continued, lowering his voice, "Have you met any other dragon who stubbornly refuses to follow in the path of her kin? Somehow, even with her pig-headed and frustrating manner, Angara has managed to stumble along in the path of goodness."

"She is unique, and alone, in all of Arda. Once there were others like her. These wyrms were not so different from your own people. For they had families and little ones and things they treasured. And just as your hobbits love well-stocked holes, with furniture and possessions neatly laid out, these dragons loved caves with a goodly amount of treasure. Not an unreasonable amount, just enough to keep them happy with glittering golden toys.

Then, a whiff of evil came into their lives. One-by-one, they traded in their toys for a greater share of gold and gems, until they became enchained by the hoard and could not resist its pull. And from this, it was a simple matter for Melkor to lead them astray."

"But what of Angara?" Cami pressed.

"Ah, Angara was a stubborn one, and she had her own idea of what a golden treasure meant. For she had two little ones, twins indeed, who were as golden and fair as the sun in the sky. And this was the only treasure that hard-headed Angara sought."

"But long ago, when the world was young, a great one approached the dragon and asked her to help guard the light of the trees. And Angara, though grumbling at the task, consented to do this for just one day. She left her little ones neatly hidden in the cave, or so she thought, and like you, Cami Goodchild, went off to take up her chore.

But, when she returned that night to her cave, her precious chidren lay lifeless on the ground, with the signs of Melkor all about. First, she raged and roared against the Valar for summoning her away. Then she awoke to her wits and swore an oath over her children's bodies, never to give fealty to the Dark One, even though she be the last true dragon left in Arda. And, now many ages later, she still holds that promise dear."

"I can understand why the hobbrim childen touch her heart, but how," puzzled Cami, "am I like her?"

"Ah, you don't see?" He looked steadily at her. "Cami, like yourself, Angara lost that which she held most dear trying to do what was right. Only, you are fortunte to have a loving people beside you, while Angara stands alone. So perhaps you may judge her less harshly next time."

Cami was silent when the story ended. She looked into Ancalimon's eyes, "Is there any way you could help her, so she wouldn't be so sad or angry ?"

He shook his head sadly. "The marring of Arda can not yet be undone. But, perhaps, there is some other way," he mused to himself. "Perhaps. We shall see."

[ October 01, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rose Cotton

10-01-2002, 05:23 AM

As Cami's talk with Ancalimon ended Rose rushed over to her. "Oh Cami, please can I go with Daisy to the caves. I can use concealment and deception. I can.." but Cami held up her hand and Rose fell silent.

Mithadan

10-01-2002, 11:48 AM

Mithadan stood watch on deck, surveying the horizon for any sign of a sail. None had been sighted since the day the Hobbrim had been brought aboard, yet he had no doubt that their good fortune would not last. When no sign of a dragon could be found in the West, the search would be extended to the south and east. He regretted bitterly his choice of using osanwe to respond to Angara's barbs. He also regretted his falling out with the dragon.

Could Angara be sent back out to the Western portion of the island to lure any searchers away? He was reluctant to place the wyrm at any further risk, yet he was uncomfortable waiting for the searchers to discover the Star. They had avoided, at best, some difficult questions and, at worst, a battle when Bird and the Hobbits had set the landing craft on fire.

And what of Cami's latest plan? He was loath to have Daisy play at being a spy. While she had grown in maturity, she was still just a girl and likely did not appreciate the danger involved. He sighed. What was it that so attracted Hobbits to what they called 'adventures', as if it were a game? Yet he could see no alternative at this point.

GreatWarg

10-01-2002, 06:03 PM

Khelek arrived late as usual to the galley for his meal. Though Angara and Cami were doing wonderful jobs with the hobbrim, the Elf had his chores to do about the ship, made harder by the constant merriment and excitement of the hobbit children. He took a glance around, noticing everyone else was gone and sighed. A few hobbits were sitting around the table and talking away: of their lives, of their future, of their dreams and hopes. Khelek sat at a distance, listening.

Surprisingly, they seemed little affected by their captivity. The young were as rambunctious as you could expect, and seemed as well-off as hobbits in the Third of Fourth Age. Catching several poems that interested him, the Elf began writing again in his journal, pausing every few minutes for a quick bite and a drink.

Amazing what you could learn from the innocence of hobbits.

piosenniel

10-01-2002, 09:24 PM

Pio walked lightly up the stairs to the helm deck, and came quietly behind Mithadan. The sun was dropping low in the western sky, and a soft southern breeze was stirring. She reached up to brush back a a wayward curl from her face as the breeze riffled through her hair.

'I know you're there.' he said, quietly, and turned to face her, smiling. 'Your ears are keen for a Man!' She laughed, and stepped up to the railing next to him, looking out to sea. 'So beautiful!' she said looking toward the Isle, the sun catching the top of Meneltarma. 'It belies the danger that we face.' She sighed, remembering fondly her trips to the top, and the great eagles of Manwë which once flew there. 'I wish that you had seen it; had come to know the Men of Westernesse in the early days when Elves still walked among them as friends.' They stood, shoulders touching lightly, and watched the sun sink further behind the western horizon.

'We need to talk about Cami's plan to send Daisy to the caverns.' Her statement broke the comfortable silence between them. He turned to her, a look of concern shadowing his face. 'I, also, am uncomfortable with it.' she said, before he could speak. 'But I see no other way of getting the information we need for the rescue. That there is one of Gorthaur's ships patrolling the river,now, makes me uneasy, and I would know if there are any plans to implement a closer guard on the prisoners.'

'I have been thinking about this problem, too.' replied Mithadan. 'We do need the information, and Daisy would be the only one we can send who might fit in among the hobbit population there. Cami and Rose must not go, I am sure of that.' He regarded the Elf, closely, as if to read her thoughts in her face. He took both her hands in his. 'And you, my wayward Pio . . . simply put, you will not be going either.'

She frowned at this final statement, and thought to question him on it. But he went on. 'I do have a small solution that might make us feel better that Daisy will be there without our protection. If Bird will agree to take her there, I thought she might stay with Daisy, perhaps in her neeker-breeker form, and give her any aid she might need. What do you think of this idea?' They discussed his suggestion, and agreed it might prove a workable solution, provided Bird would do it. It brought some comfort to Pio, knowing that Bird would be there to watch over Daisy, but it was small comfort knowing that both her friends would now be placing themselves in danger.

'It is agreed then,' asked Mithadan 'that this might be an acceptable plan? If so then we should talk it over with Cami and with Bird, first, before we present it to Daisy.' 'Yes.' said Pio, 'And let us find them soon. I want to send Levanto to the caves to let them know we are sending Daisy and Bird, and why.'

Khelek came up, then, to take the next watch, while Pio and Mithadan went down to the galley to eat. As they walked across the deck to the stairs leading down to the galley, Pio casually brought up Mithadan's declaration that she would not be going to the caves. 'Let me understand this fully.' she asked. 'You did mean, only, that I would not be the one going upriver to gather information. You do understand that when the time for the rescue comes, I intend to be in the lead ship, do you not? Please, correct me if I'm wrong.'

He stopped in midstride, and brought her round to face him. His face was serious as he regarded her, and he spoke in a quiet, firm tone.

'You are wrong, Piosenniel. You will not be on the first ship. Or anywhere near it, for that matter!'

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-02-2002, 12:22 AM

Cami briefly greeted Piosenniel and Mithadan in the corridor. The pair had been in deep conversation; the Elf was apparently displeased over something that had been said. She halted a moment to share her latest information, including the suggestion that Bird be included as an escort and guard. Then she and Mithadan hurried along, seemingly locked in one of their eternal debates on strategy.

Cami agreed such a course seemed prudent. If only, she thought, it brings us what we need. So many great things hinging on small ears and hands. And, if something happened....., but she refused to think about that. If something happened, they would deal with it in its own time and place.

Cami smiled at the image of Bird darting about the tombs, picking up information here and there. She remembered the black and white bird who had made such an impression in Beleriand. Now the bird would fly free in the form of a small insect, while Cami sat frozen back on the ship. She knew she wasn't the only one who felt this impatience. She had seen Rose pacing back and forth earlier that day barely able to contain herself.

Things on the vessel were going as well as could be expected. The hobbrim were managing to care for themselves and their own needs. After Angara had solved the problem of occupying the children, they had taken over most matters on their own, quickly mastering the layout of the ship and the location of the storerooms. In fact, they seemed to be setting up their own small community. Kali had already melded his own life with theirs. Cami almost felt as if he was beginning his own slow departure from the Star.

Except for a few tutoring sessions late in the morning, the hobbit soon found herself with hours to fill. She'd thought of going to Andril, to try and learn more of the later history and lore, but something stopped her from doing that. Sometimes, she visited the wise woman in the evenings, but their talk usually focused on other things. For as much as she loved such learning, something inside whispered it wasn't meant for her. Cami had the strange sensation she'd forgotten something very important, yet she couldn't recall exactly what it was.

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

piosenniel

10-02-2002, 02:11 AM

The Man was adamant, the Elf insistent.

'We are not done discussing this, Mithadan!' she said quietly, picking at her dinner in an irritated fashion. 'I cannot understand how you might think I will not be completely safe. Angara will be at my side; I will wear my mithril shirt and helm; I will even stay on the ship if you insist. You can take the lead if you wish. But I have thought about this - I need to be there, on that ship, to make the transfer link work.'

He sat there, considering his next line of argument, when Khelek poked his head through the galley door.

'Sorry to interrupt!' he said, looking at the hard set faces which now turned toward him. 'But, Pio, Levanto is asking for you. He said you would have some instructions for him . . . before he left?!'

The Elf took a deep breath to clear her mind, then stood to go. Mithadan pushed his dinner from him and got up, also. 'We can finish this later.' he said. 'I'll wait for you in our cabin. In the meantime I'll look at the ship assignments and see what other arrangements we might make.' He strode off in a determined manner.

She shook her head as she watched him go. 'OTHER arrangements?!. . . WE might make?!' she muttered to herself, as she followed Khelek up to the deck.

Levanto awaited her by the moored skiff. He could tell she was irritated. But the way her eyes snapped when he greeted her, made him hesitate to ask why. Instead he asked her what the general plan was, who was going, and instructions for the hobbits in the caverns on what was needed from them to make Daisy's mission work. He was glad that Bird would be close at hand for her. He questioned Pio closely on a few points to make sure he had understood them. A silence fell between them once she had answered his last question, and he looked at her, hoping somehow to draw her out concerning what troubled her. But she remained silent on it, and he took his leave of her, saying he would be back late the next day, before sunset. She waved at him as he swam off, her mind far away from his departure.

The moon had moved almost half way across the night sky by the time Pio had thought through all her arguments. She had remained sitting in the skiff since Levanto left, and now she rose and climbed back onto the Star.

She made her way quickly to the cabin and went in. Mithadan lay asleep on the bed, one arm tucked behind his head, as if he had just lain back for a moment to rest briefly. She sat cross-legged on the bed beside him, and watched the slow, light rhythm of his breathing. Pio put her hand gently on his chest and roused him from his sleep.

'Mithadan!' she called, quietly. 'It is "later" now, and I have come to finish our discussion.'

She waited . . .

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

Mithadan

10-02-2002, 12:28 PM

Mithadan's eyes flickered open, but did not come into focus. They sparkled brightly and seemed almost to glow in the dim light of the cabin. He murmured under his breath, then frowned but nodded as if engaging in an unseen conversation. Abruptly, his eyes snapped shut again, only to open a moment later, focused and clear. He blinked, then looked up at Piosenniel.

"Beloved?" he began, with a yawn. "Is it morning so soon?"

"Nay," replied the Elf. "It is late in the evening. I am sorry to wake you. Were you dreaming?"

Mithadan looked at her for a moment, then sat up in the bunk and reached for her hands. "Yes, I was. No matter. Is there some problem?"

"We must speak," she said. "We must resolve the question of whether I shall be on the first ship. Of all the Elves aboard the Star, I am the most skilled at Osanwe and know the most of our plans and the caverns beneath the tombs. If I am not at the forefront of our efforts, there may be great delays in rescuing the Halflings and preparing the Elven fleet to depart. Angara has pledged to protect me at all times. I will be as safe there as anywhere."

Mithadan looked troubled and seemed to look within himself for answers. He answered softly, almost as if speaking to himself, "I would keep you from the risk of assault, both you and our children to be. I would not risk you..."

She smiled and laid her hands upon his cheeks. "There will be no risk. I will keep myself safe and Angara will aid me in this. You've seen her lately. She would not put a child in harm's way."

"WHAT KNOW YOU OF THE RISKS!" he shouted. Then his chin tilted downward. "Many will be at risk," he continued in subdued tones. "Our task is to rescue those who would otherwise perish and with them perhaps take away hope for Middle Earth. Many will be at risk. I cannot concern myself about one alone."

He looked up and his grey eyes met hers, but now his eyes were dull and troubled, while hers shone with the light of the West. He took a deep breath. "So be it! You may come along and be on the first ship."

She smiled broadly and wrapped him in a tight embrace, then kissed him hard on the lips. "Thank you! You shall see, I will take care of myself and those within me as well!" They kissed again...
-----------------

Sleep would not come to him. His dream played itself out over and again in his mind. ...In response to his question, the Lord of the Seas looked grave, but answered, "Thy entry unto the river and thy travel there shall be under my protection for my power runs through all the rivers of the world. But once thou enter the tombs and caves, thou wilst have gone beyond the reach of my mantle and all the skills and the resolve of thee and thine friends will be tested. But thy efforts will be for naught if the Elf Piosenniel takes not her proper place at the forefront, and if she does so she will be safe and thine efforts may yet succeed. But even so..." The remainder of Ulmo's words echoed in his mind. He shut his eyes tight, then opened them and rose quietly, put on his clothes and climbed to the deck. He looked up at the stars, but they offered him no solace...

Birdland

10-02-2002, 11:54 PM

"But are you sure that you want to do this?"

"Of course I am! I want to do this. This is my chance to really do something on this voyage. Why? Are you afraid?"

Bird stepped into the cabin and sat down on Daisy's bunk. "Of course I'm afraid! This is not some lock-hole that your Bounders use to keep a tipsy Hobbit in until he's sobered up. This is a real prison, Daisy, run by Men."

"I'll be in disquise. But you will just be another Halfling among many, and if things go wrong there you will suffer and die with the rest of them. I even wonder if you are prepared for what you will see there?"

Daisy looked up from her packing. Suddenly, it seemed to the Skinchanger that the troublesome Hobbit lass aged ten years before her eyes. "No, I'm not sure what I will see there, though I can image that it will be bad. Worse than anything I've seen.

"But Birdie, I can't help but wonder if this is the reason I stowed away on the Lonely Star in the first place. That this is the reason that I'm here. You've all done so much for Kali and the Hobbrims. I just guess it's my turn, now. Can you understand that?"

"I suppose I do, Daisy. I've puzzled myself over why you turned up in this cabin. Your reason sounds as good as any." Birdie laughed at the affronted look of the Hobbit maid. "Well, you can't say that you didn't notice my "reservations", now can you? But I guess you've grown into your role, and now is as good a time as any to show what you have learned. And if things go wrong, you and I will be no safer on this ship than we'll be in the prison, I suspect."

Daisy had no answer for this, so she turned and tied up her bundle and slung it over her shoulder. "Well, I'm ready. When do we set out?"

"As soon as they tell us to. But here," Bird reached out and took the bundle off of Daisy's shoulder and slung it on the bunk. "I can lighten your load, some. Nothing you have in that pack will match what those poor folk are wearing in that prison. You'll have to dress for your part when you get there. The only thing you'll need is this." Bird held out a small, but keen Elven dagger in a buckled sheath. "Go on. Take it. I can carry no weapon in Dolphin or Neekerbreeker form, so you'll have to carry this for both of us."

Daisy took the small dagger, and studied the buckles. "Where do I wear this?"

"Anywhere you can hide it. You'll figure that out when we arrive."

The Hobbit pulled the dagger from it's sheath, and ran a finger over the shining steel. "Bird?"

"What now?"

"When we get there. You won't...well...fly away or anything...will you?"

Bird whirled around, ready to give the child a "piece of her mind". Then she saw the look on the girl's face as she gazed at the dagger. Bird walked over and placed both her hands on Daisy's shoulders.

"No, Daisy. Once we get there, I'm not going anywhere. Least not until we all are going."

Child of the 7th Age

10-03-2002, 12:53 AM

Abruptly, Cami sat up in her bed. Even in the warmth and protection of her cabin, she could sense the eerie silence which seemed to enwrap the ship. It chilled her to the core. She tried to huddle down and return to her sleep, but rest would not come.

She slipped a cloak over her shoulders and came onto the deck. To the stern of the vessel sat Mithadan. The Man was locked in his own thoughts, his face a sullen mask that was impossible to read. Cami walked by without even nodding an acknowledgment, keeping her feelings to herself. She stood near the helm. Her body shook in the chilled night air. All seemed cold and strangely quiet. A few wisps of fog encircled the mast.

Cami remembered how it had been in the Shire right before the Scouring. Everyone felt the ugliness and pain. It knocked on the doors of their homes, and never left their sides even in the fields and marketplace. A hundred times, they had sharpened their axes and restrung their bows waiting for the fight to begin. But, here, on the Star, it had always been different. The ugliness had seemed far away. The ship was a refuge from all that lay outside. Sometimes, Cami had even forgotten the troubles that lay at the base of Eru's Mount, or the hearts that grieved from cruelty and death.

But tonight was different. Tonight, she had no trouble remembering. And she feared that their refuge was gone. That tomorrow and the next day would only bring reminders of the blanket of fear that had descended over their ship. There were too many hints of all the things that could go wrong and how many ways they could fail or die.

In the distance, Cami saw another figure slowly approaching, bearing a staff in hand. Perhaps no one was asleep on this strange night. Perhaps all her companions lay awake in reflection or walked like ghosts upon the foggy deck. It was impossible to say.

The figure emerged from the shadows and came to confront her. "Ancalimon," she whispered. "Is that you? What has happened to the ship? Is this some doom that reaches out to touch us and our plans."

He shook his head in denial. His hand went to her shoulder, warm and assuring. "Now we are feeling what those in the tombs have sensed for many days. The power of Angthaur is growing, and it reaches out beyond Eru's Mount to all in the land and waters."

"Cami, you have a choice. The Star has a choice. You can give in and accept the darkness in the sky, or look beyond to try and glimpse the stars."

"But there are no stars tonight," she nervously said, staring up into the bleak heavens.

"Oh, no, they're there. The stars do not move or change, only that which comes from below and tries to block out the light."

"But what if I can not see them?," she asked.

"Then, you must remember them as they were. For such memory can be a precious gift in times when all else is gone. You know this in your heart, for you have given a great part of yourself to seek out and rebuild your people's past. And you remember Maura and his kin and what they tried to do. And these memories are a worthy thing."

"Now, return to your cabin and think on this. For I fear the blanket of regret will not leave this vessel until the power of Sauron is broken."

Cami made her way quietly down the coridors. When she got inside her cabin, she dug down underneath her bed and pulled out a volume bound in vellum with a cover that gleamed as blue as the mid-day sky. And she set it on her table. No one on the ship knew of this treasure. At first she'd been faithful day-by-day, but, too long ago, she had set it aside, making one excuse or the other. The memories would all be lost unless she could find words for them. She opened up the volume, took up her pen, and began to write.

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

piosenniel

10-03-2002, 03:03 AM

She had feigned sleep. Something troubled him and she left him to the privacy of his thoughts. Her eyes followed him as he left the room, and she recalled the words he had spoken earlier. For all the tenderness that had followed them, still they troubled her.

'WHAT KNOW YOU OF THE RISKS!'he had shouted, in frustration and in anger. And she had not answered him, then.

Now she put on her clothes, drew her cloak about her, and climbed quickly up the stairs. Cami passed her on the steps, going down to her room, lost in thoughts of her own.

Pio found him sitting at the stern railing. Dark thoughts moved across the features of his face. He paid no heed to her approach. She had brought his cloak and now put it about his shoulders. Then kneeling at his side, she took his cold hands in hers. Her face, grave, looked up at his.

'I have been selfish, Mithadan. And for that I am sorry. Your concern should be, and rightly so, with the task we are meant to accomplish. The fate of Middle Earth turns on this, as do the lives of all those who dwell or will come to dwell in it. You carry a heavy burden as the day draws near for the rescue. The greater needs of the crew, of those we are meant to rescue, the needs of the task, itself, necessary to accomplish it - these all weigh heavily on you. I would share that burden with you, if you would have it so. But if you cannot, then I will not add to it. Let me know what it is you need for me to do. Or barring that, let me remove my self as a cause for your concern. I will stay on the Star, far from risk, as you wish. I am certain, with you in the lead ship, we can forge the link from there. We will be safe, Mithadan. And when the task is done, you will come to us.'

She stood and kissed him lightly on the brow. Then turned, and made to go below to begin the new day.

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-03-2002, 07:28 AM

When Cami awoke, the morning sun stood high in the sky. She could hear the scampering of hobbrim feet echoing at her door. An instant later, a knock came. She wrenched herself from bed and walked over to lift the latch. On her table, left over from last night, the book and pen still lay. At least, she'd remembered to tighten the lid on her ink bottle.

"Mistess Nitir, Mistress Nitir," came the whispers of small hobbrim children.

"Yes," responded Cami, staring sleepily out at them.

"We've come for our lesson. You weren't in the galley this morning so Mistress Andril said we were to knock politely at your door. She said we should check to be certain you fared well. So, are you alright?" the boy continued, eying her up and down.

Cami laughed, "Yes, I am fine this morning." And she did feel well. She could still sense that pall which had crept in under the dark skies of night. It hung like a great sail over the ship itself, but somehow they'd manage to push it back just a bit so that their hearts could breath freely again. It didn't surprise Cami that Andril had also sensed something wrong.

"Please thank Mistress Andril for her concern. Then ask her to meet me in the galley. I have something special we're all going to work on together We'll need the large tables and the extra space."

"One more thing, please check first with everyone on the ship and see if they have any old clothes or extra scraps of cloth. If so, have them to bring it to the galley."

When the boy opened his mouth to question why, Cami told him to wait, and promised she would explain everything later. "But now, make haste. We have a big task to undertake, and only twelve days remain to complete it."

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

Mithadan

10-03-2002, 08:15 AM

"Wait!" he cried softly. She paused, then turned and came back to his side. He stood and faced her. His eyes, which had been dull and troubled, were now clear and sparkled as with a new resolve. Whatever darkness had troubled him, seemed to have passed, leaving him calm and certain, and when he spoke his voice was clear and fair.

"It is said that the Eldar do not suffer the weight of bearing children as do Women of my race. And though you be half-Elven, I see in you the grace and strength of the Eldar. You are needed in aid of our task at the forefront of our efforts; not left behind waiting breathlessly for news. I trust you. I have learned to do so despite myself." He laughed quietly.

"When we first met, you seemed strange, your motives unfathomable. You troubled me, I who had bound myself with rules, routines and cares. You were beautiful then, as now, but I did not understand you. But when I came to know your singlemindedness, your fierce determination and dedication to those to whom you owed nothing, I found that you are altogether admirable and I loved you." He kissed her tenderly then stepped back and looked into her eyes.

"I could lose myself in you," he murmured, then he spoke in a strong voice. "I trust you not to risk yourself without cause. We shall do this thing together; I will not be selfish. You shall ride in the first ship as you planned, and we shall both do our parts."

She burrowed her head in his shoulder and embraced him tightly. When she looked up, tears sparkled in her eyes. "I have never met one such as you," she said.

"Nor I you," he answered. "Let us rejoice now, for later our task will consume us." Hand in hand, they went below decks.

Child of the 7th Age

10-03-2002, 12:42 PM

The wise woman sat at a table in the galley, intently studying the book Cami had placed in front of her. Rose joined them, peering down over Andril's shoulder.

The small volume had sturdy vellum pages, and was clearly intended for a lady. Its design and craftsmanship appeared distinctly Elvish. The cover was made of pure white leather, with tiny blue flowers inlaid all about. Slivers of mithril, almost like flecks of light, decorated its back and spine.

Rose's eyes widened in appreciation at the rich detail. "But wherever did you find a jewel like this?" she asked. For her friend's simple possessions would not have included such a treasure. Andril looked up from the book to listen to Cami's answer.

"When we first arrived in Gondolin, Idril noticed as I sat with pen and paper in her courtyard. I explained that, every evening since boarding the Star, it was my custom to sit and record the events of the day. She turned towards her house and said nothing. But the next morning, she brought this over to me. Its pages were pure and clean, except for the very first.

Cami pointed to a sheet where, in fine Elvish runes, appeared the words, Idril's Day Book, written in the Lady's own hand. The next page was blank, and then came script and pictures which Cami had carefully copied.

"But what is this blank page?" Rose asked.

"Our own title must go there." Cami said. "But until the rescue is ended, I can not guess what it might be."

Rose shook her head, "I am amazed you kept this secret. But how did you get it out of the camps and back to the ship?"

Cami laughed, "I was very lucky. For it was so small I could tuck it under my belt. Once or twice, one of the Orcs glimpsed it as they pillaged through my things, but they didn't think it was worth stealing. For a book is only nonsense to them, and has no real value like a jewel or a weapon."

Cami explained how she'd written the entries. "In the camps, I left the first pages blank. These earlier pages were only filled in after I returned to the Star. Then, I copied down all my pages that I'd done before on separate sheets. I've tried to write every night since then. Lately, I've been less faithful. But I promise that will change."

"Has no one seen this before?" Andril questioned.

"On the Star, no," she replied. "But in Beleriand, I shared it with Maura and Ancalimon. Maura said he'd never seen a book of lore that so clearly showed a woman's hand. For it looks and reads differently than those that speak of battles and other great matters. I discussed those things, but also children and their songs, and how the hobbits struggled to find hope, and even some of the feelings I had for Maura.

"Ancalimon told me to keep writing, and someday I would know where it could be safely kept. And now, I do know." She looked intently at Andril. "I am sorry. I can not come with you to live by the Mount. My place is not there. Maybe I even wish it so, but it's not."

She stopped and struggled for words to say what must be said. "This, however, belongs to the hobbrim children This little book with its tales and songs. Perhaps it will help your children to remember the Star, who we were, and what we tried to do. I hope I will be able to pen the last chapters on the rescue and the choosing. I think so, but I don't know for sure. If something were to happen to me, Andril, please write down those things so they won't be lost and keep the book with you wherever you go."

She held out the chest that her companions on the Star had found months earlier under the very foundations of Minas Anor. Inside, was the stone inscribed with a picture of Ancalimon just as they'd discovered it within the strange hobbit dwelling.

Cami explained "Use this chest to keep the book safe from the water of the sea, for we know it rested many years in a sea cave and the papers inside remained dry."

Andril stood up to hug Cami. She said, "You keep this till our journey has ended. I believe you will come safely through, but if not.....Then, yes, I will complete the tale. And I will hold the book in trust for the hobbrim children to remember what has been endured by so many to try to keep us safe."

_____________________________________________

Child made her way to the sleeping cabins where she found Daisy and Bird together . She hugged them both and wished them all speed and safety.

"Daisy, I was in the camps of Beleriand, but I fear that, where you're going, conditions may be even worse. Certainly, these hobbits have been imprisoned much longer than Maura's people were. Don't forget the Star. Don't forget that we are here waiting for you. Sit and dream sometime about what lies behind you."

Before the two women left, she spoke with them briefly of the great dream quilt which she and the hobbrim would make from scraps of cloth. For this quilt would be given to Piosenniel's twins and, even when the words had gone away, the children would still see the dream pictures and understand a tiny bit of what had taken place, though thinking of it only as a fantastic dream.

And each character on the Star would be asked to say what image stood strongest in his or her mind. And that image would be woven into the great quilt, without any order or chronology, but with the truth still lying underneath. And Daisy knew immediately that she wanted a scene which showed her coming up the waterway clinging to the dolphin. Bird leaned over to Pio and whispered the words in her ears to tell Cami what her picture would be. Then the three women parted, each going the way that they had chosen, and hoped to come together quickly again.

And Cami went to every other person on the Star: hobbit, hobbrim, Man, and Elf. And even the grey peddler with his staff. And they all told her what scene to place into the dream quilt to represent their deepest memories and hopes.

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

piosenniel

10-03-2002, 02:51 PM

Once below, they separated to see to their different duties. Pio had gone toward Daisy's room, wanting to speak with her about her role at the caverns. The sound of Veritas' voice stopped her, telling the Elf that Levanto had returned and wished to speak with her. She hurried up stairs and down to the skiff where he was waiting.

'You must have swum with strong strokes to carry you there and back so quickly!' she smiled at the tired looking Mer-man, resting against the side of the ship.

He smiled back at her and yawned. 'I thought it best to go and return quickly. Too soon will the Teleri be here, and we should have the informaton we need to finalize our plans before then.' He stretched and yawned again. 'I am right in thinking that once they are here we will proceed quickly to the rescue, am I not?' She nodded to him and bade him tell her of what he had arranged.

He said he had spoken with the Elders. They were concerned greatly when he told them of the ship which now patrolled the river, but did not know of any increased guards that had been assigned to the prisoners. They understood the need for Daisy to be placed in a position where she could obtain information for the Star, and after a brief conference among themselves, seemed confident they knew a way to accomplish this. He had told them Daisy would come to them this night, and they had assured him they would be waiting in readiness for her arrival.

She clarified a few points in his story, and then satisfied, kissed him on the cheek. 'Thank you, dear Levanto! One last thing I ask of you. Bird will be taking Daisy to the caverns and staying there with her. Will you show her the way?' He assured her he would, saying, 'Bird, eh?! How interesting!' He took his leave of her, then, and went to take his rest before the trip tonight.

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

piosenniel

10-03-2002, 03:21 PM

Daisy was nervous as the time grew near for her to go. This was her time to show she could be counted on, and she wondered if she were up to it. She packed the last of the necessaries she thought she might need in an old worn bag - another old dress, made to look well worn, a torn and stained cloak, and a dilapidated looking comb. The knife that Bird had given her she slipped into the waistband of her skirt, hidden by the overhang of a tattered vest. She longed to take the sword that Pio had given her, but she dared not. She must look and be the very image of one of the prisoned hobbits.

Her stomach grumbled loudly, protesting that she hadn't eaten anything all day. Daisy gave herself one last look in the mirror, and hurried out the door to find some lunch. 'Can't be fainting from hunger!', she said to herself. 'Who knows when I might get some decent food to eat again.'

The familiar smell of stew met her as she entered the galley. Dipping a bowlful from the simmering pot, she sat at one of the tables and dug in.

Pio was just entering the room, when she saw the Hobbit tucking into her meal. She laughed, drawing the girl's attention to her, loaded spoon halfway to her mouth. 'Must be especially good today!' she said, pointing at the near empty bowl. 'Or are you stocking up because you think this might be your last good meal in Middle-earth!'

Daisy blushed, then laughed, herself. 'Come sit with me!' she said. 'I wanted to see you before I went and talk to you.' 'And I with you.' returned the Elf, seating herself across from her. She poured herself a cup of tea and stirred a generous spoon of honey into it.

The hobbit had finished her stew, and now sat and fidgeted in her chair, not sure where to begin. Pio waited, letting her work out where she wanted to start in her own time.

'I'm scared, Pio!' is how she began. 'I've tried to think what you might do if you were me, but I just don't feel I can do this the way it needs to be done. You should have sent Rose. She's braver and smarter than I am, and wouldn't disappoint you.' Tears welled in Daisy's eyes, and Pio came round and drew a chair next to her. She pulled the now sobbing Hobbit close and let her bring out her fears. 'I could never forgive myself if I did something wrong that would hurt all you here on the Star!

Pio let the tears stop of their own accord, then took the hem of her cloak and wiped the hobbit's face and nose. She turned the girl's face up to hers, and regarded her closely. 'There are many parts that must be accomplished as we bring this venture to its close. Some are great and some are small, but each is necessary to the task at hand. This is your part, Daisy. And we chose you because we have all the faith in you that you will accomplish what is set for you to do. Let that be your focus, and do not worry about the larger aspects of this business. Leave that to others whose task it is to do them. Can you do that for us?'

Daisy nodded her head, reluctantly. 'You'll be my eyes and ears.' said Pio. 'You will help us to get in and out of the caverns safely with your information. I, and all the ones I love, will be kept from harm because you do this for us.' She pushed the curls back from Daisy's face and kissed her brow. 'You are a brave young woman, Daisy, and I have grown to love you. You could never disappoint me.'

They sat close, in silence, for a while, until one of the hobbrim young entered the galley, hoping for a snack. Then Pio smiled at Daisy and asked her to go find Bird. She wanted to talk with both of them before they left, to let them know what Levanto had told her.

Daisy ran from the room to find Bird, and Pio turned her attention to the expectant hobbrim and the serious business of the snack.

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-03-2002, 06:46 PM

OOC--Please consult the discussion thread for an important notice.

---------------------------------------------
Daisy ran back with Bird, only to find both Pio and Cami awaiting their arrival. Cami had asked for a moment to say goodbye to the women. Then she intended to excuse herself while Bird and Pio and Daisy hammered down the last details of their mission. Cami hugged them both and wished them good speed and all the safety in the world.

She had only one small word of advise about surviving in the prison. "Daisy, Bird, the one thing that may help you is to never forget who you are and what stands behind you. You must remember the Star. You may have so much fear and sadness all around that it becomes easy to think that's all there is in the world. But that's not true. Cling to your memories of this place and your friends. Sometimes take a minute to sit and dream about what lies here."

Then she told them of her own idea for a dream quilt, since she thought it might carry a little solace on the road ahead. And Cami said how she and the hobbrim would craft a dream quilt from scraps of cloth to be given to Pio's little twins. For, as they grew, even after the words had slipped away from their minds, the children would see the pictures and understand something of what had taken place, though imagining it to be a strange dream or vision.

And each companion on the Star would be asked to say what image stood strongest in his or her mind. And that image would be woven into the great quilt, without any explanation or chronology, but with the truth still lying underneath.

Daisy knew the scene that she wanted. She asked Cami to make a picture which showed her coming up the waterway on the back of the dolphin.

Then, Bird leaned over to Cami and whispered some words in her ear to tell what her picture would be. But she would not say it so any others could hear. Then Cami parted from Bird and Daisy, each woman going the way that they had chosen and hoping to come together quickly again.

And then Cami went to every other person on the Star: hobbit, hobbrim, Man, and Elf, and even the grey peddler with his staff. And they all told her privately what scene to place into the dream quilt to represent their deepest memories and hopes. And the hobbit returned to her cabin, feeling as if she had been given a great bouquet of flowers, each with a different fragrance and color.

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

Mithadan

10-04-2002, 07:59 AM

Mithadan stood at the helm watching the preparations for the departure of Daisy and Bird. There was little left to be done, yet the crew and several Hobbrim crowded about giving advice and words of encouragement. Yet, for the most part, these were directed to Daisy. Bird stood nearby, listening, but said little. Occaisionally, she would glance away to the North as if attempting to perceive what the days to come might bring.

"Bird!" he called and waited while she climbed the steps to the helm. "I wished to speak with you before you go..."

"I know," she interrupted. "I will take good care of Daisy and will learn all I can. Do not worry."

Mithadan looked at the woman gravely. "I have no doubt you will do these things. I wished to speak of other matters." He moved to the rail and she followed, standing tensely next to the man.

He smiled at her nervousness then spoke quietly. "It seems to me our friendship has waned somewhat since Gondolin. Perhaps it is simply that we are both busy or maybe there are other reasons that I do not or will not understand. Certainly, the love that has bloomed between myself and Piosenniel has not helped matters."

He placed a hand on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "You and Pio have been together for a long time, at least from the perspective of our younger race. This should not change. She needs you at her side, as our children will, and, if it may be, I would have you there also. Please consider this. You do not have to answer now."

He took her face in his hands and kissed her brows. "Good luck. And do not take care only of Daisy. Look to yourself as well." Then he turned away and walked back to the helm.

Child of the 7th Age

10-04-2002, 10:00 AM

As Daisy and Bird waited for Levanto, Kali came over to them. He took Daisy and awkwardly pushed her towards the side. "Please, there's something I need to say. I tried to do it before, but I didn't know how to pick the right words."

The two small figures stood facing each other. Kali took Daisy's hand in his. "I really want to go with you and be able to help. But I know I can't do that. If I went anywhere near there, there'd be no secrets any more."

Daisy looked at the sea and waited a minute before responding, "I promise to be careful, Kali, and Bird will look after me too."

She signed and shook her head, "Kali, you're so different than anyone I met before. You reach out to people and make them feel good. You don't even have to think about it. It's part of who you are."

"For me, it's been a struggle, all my life. I want to learn how to be a little like you, to show that I care about something. I'm tired of being alone. I want to do something for somebody. I'm not afraid, at least not much. I'd rather go together too, but that's not possible."

She reached over and hugged him. They stood together for a moment. Then Kali looked down at her and said in a voice that sounded far more determined than his usual manner, "I swear, Daisy Greenhand, that if anyone hurts you, I'll come flying from wherever I am. And I won't stop running and fighting until I see you laugh again." Then, he kissed her softly on top of her blond curls.

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

Birdland

10-04-2002, 10:23 AM

Well! That was a surprise, thought Bird. She eyed the moody, dangerous Man that had won the heart of her equally moody, dangerous friend. She supposed he meant well.

The thing was that the Races, looking at Skinchangers in their outward form, assumed they were of the Race of Men. A smaller "lesser" branch of Men, but Men nontheless.

And this was just not the case. Oh no. Not at all. A Skinchanger living amongst Men was assuming a form, every bit as much a disquise as if he had changed to a horse, or a hawk...or a dragon.

So Skinchangers had traditionally stayed safely on the fringes of the societies of other Races, taking what they needed, and rejecting the rest. Particularly the Race of Men. Especially the Race of Men. For Men had ever coveted and taken what they could from the other people of Middle-earth: the wisdom of the Elves, the skills of the dwarves, the lands of the Halflings. And from Skinchangers? Men would take their very being, seeking a Power that resided nowhere but in the very fea of Skinchangers.

And what was this he had spoke of? That Pio and the coming children "needed" her? Bird had a good idea just what that invitation entailed. A governess. A servant. A faithful family retainer who lived on the fringes of that society every bit as much as a skinchanger lived on the fringes of Man's society. But never taking. Always giving. Birdie shuddered at the thought.

Of course, if asked to speak of these things, Birdie couldn't have put it into such words. She only knew that she could have answered Mithadan as soon as the words were out of his mouth. But she left it for now. There were other things to deal with. And after this was over? Well, Bird had other plans.

She only said to herself: "I'll visit them from time to time. I'll bring presents."

piosenniel

10-04-2002, 11:06 AM

Levanto and Pio went over some last minute details. Levanto would make contact with Daisy and Bird every two or three days to bring back what information Daisy might find. The Elf saw this as a limited action on Daisy and Bird's part. Once the reports had been evaluated, and it was felt that nothing further would be gained by them being there, then Levanto was to have Bird and Daisy come back to the Star. Pio emphasized this several times to the Mer-man.

He put his hand on her arm. 'I'm worried, too, Pio. It is a dangerous place they'll find themselves in. It frusrates me that once out of the water, they will be out of my protection.'

The Elf sighed deeply and looked toward the north with worried eyes. 'Do the best you can, Levanto, that's all I ask; that's all you can do.' A cold tremor ran through her, though the night was warm.

Bird entered the water in her dolphin form, and Pio helped Daisy to seat herself on Bird's back. She looked at both of them, and thought to tell them not to go - that this was a foolish idea; they would find another way. A look from Bird stopped those words.

'Fare well.' was what she said, instead. 'And please, come back to me.'

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

Birdland

10-04-2002, 12:26 PM

"Daisy, hold tight to my dorsal fin. No! Not my fluke! The dorsal! That tall fin sticking out of the middle of my back. There, that's right. Now lay close to my body, and try not to get in the way of my tail."

Birdie wondered if the small hobbit would even survive the journey to the caves. The water was cold, and the dead weight of Daisy in the water would slow Bird's movement. To carry her in dragon form, or tow her in a skiff would have been easier on all of them, but infinitely more dangerous. The small form of a dolphin might pass unnoticed by any spies on shore or on ship. This was the only way they could get close to the caves of the prison.

Bird struggled on the surface, doggedly towing Daisy, when suddenly Levanto came up on the other side of the hobbit, bracing her body with his, and wrapping his arm around her to support her and take some of her weight off of Birdie. He synchronized his swimming with Bird's, and suddenly Daisy felt herself supported above the water and warmed by the presence of the dolphin's and Merman's bodies. She was wet, but she was warm, and her head was above water. Their speed increased.

"Hold on, Daisy", said Levanto, "It's won't be that long, and the Elders will give you warm food and drink, and dry clothes, as soon as we get there. In the meantime, chew on this." Levanto handed Daisy something that looked like some type of root. "It will warm you, and give you energy."

Daisy took the small piece of "root", and chewed slowly on it. It's effect was immediate, and very similar to miruvor. Daisy looked up at the stars above her, marveling anew at the wash of light that could only truly be appreciated at sea. She felt that she could have swum the distance to the caves on her own. But instead she clung to Bird's fluke more tightly, and gave herself over to the sea and her friends.

Levanto gave small pieces to himself and Bird as well, and their speed increased even more. And so the three continued their journey with renewed heart and hope.

The crew and passengers of the Lonely Star watched the three until the sea and the night swallowed them. Then they returned to their own tasks, and the long wait for the final rescue.

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

mark12_30

10-04-2002, 09:44 PM

Coral, having climbed up the bow and leaned over to watch Levanto, Daisy, and Bird depart, sighed heavily. She wondered what kind of danger the three went into. She especially liked the raven-haired lady, that was the friend of the wyrm, and wished that the raven-haired lady didn't have to go.

After she lost sight of them, she turned and watched Kali, who was leaning over and watching too. Kali looked ready to jump in after them, and Coral half expected him to. But he didn't. He stood and watched long after they were out of sight.

mark12_30

10-05-2002, 05:05 AM

Two elders had slipped down into the entrance to the tunnel that led to the water, and Gamba desperately wanted to follow. But he had to go and dig, and Phura could hardly sneak down with all the children in tow. He stretched painfully, having hurriedly eaten his breakfast, and nudged the sleeping Phura. "The kids are all yours, " he said. "I've got to go."

Phura rolled over and sighed. "Is it morning already?"

Gamba leaned closer, whispering. "Did Loremaster tell you?"

"Yes. A girl. Not Azra, not Nitir. And not Piosenniel, either. A girl."

"With Levanto. Why did he say we couldn't be there?"

"I don't know. And no questions. No questions!" Phura was awake now, and sat up. "You'd better go."

"Tell me anything you find out."

"Don't worry."

Gamba stepped over Asta and Roka, and headed for the graveyards, melting into the twilight. All around him, other hobbits were doing the same. Phura sat up, and studied the children. There were five now. Two more boys had joined them-- little Ban, four years old, and tiny little Maura, who could barely speak.

Phura didn't get nearly as much studying done anymore as he used to.

Child of the 7th Age

10-05-2002, 10:40 AM

Cami sat up in the galley with a pot of hot tea. She couldn't tear from her mind the receding image of Daisy as she sped towards the prison upon Bird's back. Daisy had looked even smaller and younger than when Cami had seen her before.

Except for Rose and herself, the others on the ship had never been in such a prison. You never knew from one moment to the next which guard would lash out in anger, or what unreasonable command would fall on your head. Cami kept remembering the day they'd demanded she choose one child to die. She couldn't bring herself to do that, so there'd been two small bodies lying in the sand. And, as hard as she tried, she could never totally put that image out of her mind.

Rose came over to the galley and sat near Cami, pouring herself a cup of tea. The young hobbit whispered, "I did alright, and you were afraid for me. She'll do alright too."

Cami looked up with haunted eyes, "But you followed me by choice. Perhaps it was a foolish choice, but it was your own. I'm the one who suggested sending Daisy. I'm the one responsible for her being there. Back home, we would never have someone so young face a danger like this."

Rose shook her head, and answered with a quiet wisdom older than her years. "But this isn't home. And Daisy had a choice. She could have said 'yes' or 'no'. You know how Mithadan is. If Daisy had even blinked once, the whole plan would have been scrapped. But she didn't. She wanted to go and do this. You did the best you could, and that's what Daisy's doing too."

Then Rose made Cami finish her tea and directed her back to the cabin with strict orders to get some sleep.

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

Rose Cotton

10-05-2002, 03:05 PM

After sending Cami to get some rest Rose made the familar climb up to the crow's nest. From there she strained her eyes vainly to see where Daisy and Birdie had gone. She dearly wished she could streach her mind across the distance as her friends did so that she could know what was happening. If only Rose felt as confident as she had sounded to Cami. It wasn't that she didn't belive Daisy could do this but there was a constant worry that nagged at her all the same.

piosenniel

10-05-2002, 04:16 PM

'She should be there by now.' thought Pio. She looked toward the North and wished that she were there with her. Bird would protect her, she knew that. Though the nagging feeling of unease she felt was not allayed by this assurance to herself.

It was hot out on deck, the sun blazed brightly overhead. She had stripped down to a lightweight, no-sleeved shirt and a pair of short breeches, and bound a rolled up cloth about her head to keep the sweat from her eyes. Her arms and legs glistened with it as she practiced with her blade and knives. She was alone now. The others had earlier begged off any further sessions with her when her blade had left them sore and bruised as she put them through their paces. Even Khelek, whose skill was improving, had cried it quits when she knocked his legs from beneath him with a sweep of her leg, and placed the flat of her blade against his throat. 'Unfair!' he had shouted at her, flat on his back. 'It will be no fair contest when we enter the caverns!' she had answered him, extending her hand and pulling him to his feet. 'No game played by fair rules. You must seize the advantage as it comes to you, by any means.'

Tchunk! Tchunk! Tchunk! Her knives hit the mast squarely as she moved around it, moving further and further back at each revolution. Right hand, then left hand, then both hands - drawing the knives quickly from her baldric and sending them deep into the wood.

She had stopped, run out of knives to throw, for the moment, and was pulling them from the wood, when a voice spoke from behind.

'I think the mast is well and truly dead, Elf. Don't you?' Pio laughed and turned round to see Angara. 'It will be dead when I say it is dead, Wyrm!' she answered, stepping a far distance away from it, and readying herself for another round. Angara scurried beyond the perimeter of the throws and waited for her to finish.

'Come sit in the shade with me for a while.' offered the dragon as the last knife found its mark. Pio pulled her blades from the mast and sat down next to Angara, wiping her face with her shirt, and sighing loudly.

'You do realize you scared the rest of the crew with your sword play this morning? A little rough with them weren't you?. Most of them are afraid to come on deck right now, knowing that you're up here.' The dragon looked closely at Pio. There was no answer from the Elf whose eyes stared north, only another long sigh.

'Have you talked with Mithadan, as I asked you to?' said Pio, changing the subject. The dragon assured her she had. 'And have you bent your stiff neck and offered him some remainder of your old friendship?' It was the dragon's turn to be silent now. 'I thought not.' the Elf murmured. She held Angara's gaze, saying, 'I would have it so, old friend. Before we enter into battle against a new foe. Will you do that for me? I would have you both at my side, and not at odds.' Angara laid her head against the Elf's belly, and sighed.'So be it!' she said softly.

'Then you are sworn?' said Pio. 'Yes, Piosenniel, I am sworn.'

She watched as Pio resumed her practice. A dangerous and determined light shone in the Elf's eyes. 'She has plans!' Angara thought to herself. 'Perhaps I had better apprise my "new friend" that she bears close watching.'

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

Birdland

10-05-2002, 06:00 PM

They had made it, but it had been a close thing, despite the help of Levanto and the Mer-Folks herblore. By the time they had reached the rivershore leading to the cave Daisy was struggling against unconsciousness, and her cold hands had to be pried gently from the dorsal fin of the dolphin.

Loremaster and the other Elders carried the limp Halfling to the sand, as Levanto lifted his body from the water and looked on in worry. The dolphin, too, beached itself, and immediately changed to a wet, bedraggled, black haired woman, with a streak of white running through the limp hair on her forehead.

"Is she alright. Oh, I knew this would be too hard on her. Levanto, do you have any more of that root?" She looked up at the old hobbits gathered around Daisy, who were staring at her in open-mouthed astonishishment. "Oh, I'm Birdie. I'm from the Lonely Star also. Levanto, didn't you mention me at ALL to these people?"

The Loremaster stifled a smile, and bowed low to the soggy, small woman. "There is no need for introductions, my Lady. We are all aware of who you are, and are delighted to meet you at last. However, I fear that your presence here might be harder to keep secret, especially if the younger Halflings know of it."

"But I promised I would stay with Daisy", Bird said as she took the wet clothes off the hobbit and wrapped her in the dry blankets offered by the Elders. "I mean, I know you will all help her, but I did promise. I can't leave."

"There should be no need for you to leave. I believe you have your own methods for keeping yourself secret, my Lady?"

Oh, of course!" said Birdie with a grin. "I must be tired, myself." And with that, she started to morph and shrink. The other Elders gasped and murmured amongst themselves. It was one thing to teach the old tales and recite the old names of characters from the past. Quite another to see the tales become truth before their eyes.

But Loremaster just bent down and gently cupped the tiny black-and-silver neekerbreeker in the palm of his hand. Birdie waved her thread-thin antennae towards the old one, and asked "Will this work?"

"It will do splendidly, My Lady. We have no shortage of insects in the cave. One more should never be noticed."

Bird smiled, though she doubted that the Loremaster could see it, and rubbed her legs together to give a small "neek-breek" of pleasure. "You know you don't have to call me "my Lady", I'm not a Lady - I mean, not that kind of Lady. You may call me Birdie, if you like"

"Thank you, 'Birdie'. I would be honored. Levanto," he turned and bowed to the Mer-Man, "Once again we are in your debt. Please be assured we will take care of your companions, as much as we can, and do whatever is necessary to aid them. What you do for us all will never be forgotten."

Levanto just smiled sadly at the Loremaster. "Yes, Loremaster. This is a tale that should be remembered."

The Elders carried Daisy back into the cave, Bird resting on the edge of the blanket. Levanto returned to sea to rest as well.

piosenniel

10-05-2002, 06:04 PM

It was just past first light, and she felt someone shaking her on the shoulder, gently at first, then more insistent.'Wake up! Wake up, Daisy!' came the voice through her sleepy haze.

The thin blanket was pulled from her, and the chill air of the cave made her draw her legs up tight against her. Her eyes opened blearily on a bleak scene and she closed them tight again, one hand feeling desperately for the blanket to draw it up over her head. Such a nice dream she was having! Flying through the water with Bird and Levanto!

Again the blanket was snatched away, and this time she was rolled unceremoniously from her bed to land on the cold floor. 'Bird?' she cried. 'What are you doing? I'm so tired and so cold.'

'We're all tired and cold here.' came a voice she didn't recognize. 'And Bird's not here. I am.'

Daisy sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. A girl, about her age, with large brown eyes was leaning in close to her. She smiled at Daisy and stood now in front of her, offering her a hand up.

'I'm Anemone - Anee, for short. The Elders have asked me to show you around.' She pulled Daisy to her feet. 'But we must hurry! The Captain at the Guard House likes us to be there early. I told him I had found a replacement for the girl who left, and we shouldn't be late. He gets angry when things don't run on his schedule!' She pulled Daisy down the corridor at a rapid pace.

'What about breakfast?' asked Daisy, tucking in her blouse as she went. 'No time for that now.' said Anee, 'And besides, it was hours ago. You'll just have to wait now til lunch.'

They reached the gates to the compound and were escorted across to the Guard House. Daisy pushed her unruly hair into some semblance of order and stood beside Anee as the door to the House was opened. They were admitted by a lean, dour looking man who led them silently down the hall.

Daisy held Anee's hand as they hurried after him. She leaned in close to her and asked. 'About that other girl - the one who left. What happened to her? Where did she go?'

Anee's face clouded, and she turned it away for a moment. 'Not now, Daisy!' she said, turning back, her face blank of all emotion. 'Not now. I will tell you later.'

The man who led them brought them to a door, and opening it, ushered them in without a word. A tall, imposing man stood there, hands behind his back, a cat-like smile playing about his lips as he saw the two enter. 'So, this is to be my new runner?!' He looked at Daisy appraisingly, much as one might a piece of livestock.'Come closer, girl! And let me have a look at you.' He had her turn slowly in place before him. 'Looks healthy enough.' he murmured to himself. 'I hope she lasts longer than the other one.' He glanced toward Anee. 'Show her around will you, then send her back to me. I have a number of messages and orders that need to go out.' He turned his back on both of them, in dismissal.

Anee pulled Daisy from the office and took her down the hall. There was much to be shown and explained, and such a short time to do it.

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

mark12_30

10-05-2002, 08:35 PM

Tuka came in from the mines with a large canvas sack to fetch lunch for himself and nine others. As he filled the tattered sack with four loaves of bread and ten wrinkled apples, Phura approached him with his five kids tagging along.

"New girl, " Tuka muttered, with a glance in Daisy and Anee's direction.

Phura tightened his lips in acknowledgement, and fetched two loaves and six apples for his little brood. "You hear anything?"

Tuka shook his head once. "She's cute enough. Where's she from?"

"She's new. Of course she's cute."

"Looks like they're sitting down, " Tuka muttered, and shouldered his now-full bag. "I'm off. Learn what you can."

Not easy, Phura thought, since Loremaster has forbidden me to ask her any questions; but he headed towards Anee and the new girl anyway, five children tagging dutifully along. Phura pretended not to notice the dagger-like glares Loremaster was sending his way.

Phura softly warned the children not to make any noise or draw attention to the new girl. They said nothing, but sat around her in a circle, and just stared.

Daisy smild uneasily, and Anee tried not to laugh.

Phura sat down on the ground next to Anee, and started handing out bread and apples to his five little charges. "Hi, " he said, nodding at Anee, then Daisy. They nodded back.

But Phura had no idea what to say or do next. He had never met anybody new before except Levanto, and for once, Phura had been too excited about that meeting to really remember what the elders had said to Levanto in greeting. Every other hobbit in these caves had been born there, and grown up knowing everybody else. Phura sat and racked his brain, reviewing songs, and lore, and notes and commentaries. None of that information helped him to introduce himself to a new girl that had come from far away.

The silence grew really painful while Daisy and Anee and the five children munched their lunches, and finally in desperation Phura said, "If you want someone to sing for you, I will. Just ask."

Anee giggled, and Daisy smiled, surprised but pleased. "Thank you," she said, very quietly. "Maybe I will."

Phura looked away, and saw something that suddenly drained all the color from his face. Azraph had just emerged from the lunch line, and with lips pressed together in anger, was sending him an icy stare, lunch sack forgotten in her hand.

"Excuse me." He stood hastily and went to calm her jealousy. The five children trooped after him.

Anee stifled another smile. From within Daisy's collar, a tiny chuckle was heard, and a small insect voice chirped, "Watch your step, Daisy. Not a hobbit boy comes through here without noticing you." And then the Neekerbreeker's soft chuckle continued for several moments more.

Daisy sighed, and bit into her wrinkly apple.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

piosenniel

10-05-2002, 10:05 PM

Early evening had come. It had been a long workout for the Elf. Her muscles were tired, but her mind still worked at a fevered pace. One or two things from a short list of items needed to be put in place before the Teleri arrived. She had figured out the how of them and now only waited for the opportunity for action to appear.

As she drank a dipperful of tepid water from the barrel, she saw Cami leaned against the railing, looking toward the Isle. 'Ah!' she thought. 'Perhaps I can enlist her help.' She approached the hobbit and leaned on the rail next to her. A cool breeze ruffled Pio's sweaty curls.

'You miss her, too, don't you?' she observed staring north also. She rubbed her neck with her hand. 'I wish it had been me that had gone. I know that would be impossible, but still I would not have her there in so much danger.'

Cami looked at her, sensing another line of thought behind the Elf's musings.

'I understand that you are organizing a small party to secure some needed supplies for the ship.' Pio continued on. She pointed at the barrel she had just drunk from. 'That is nearly the last of the fresh water that we have. I was wondering who you had enlisted to obtain these staples that we need? And how long you think they might be gone from the Star?'

'Evasive Elf!' thought Cami to herself. 'What does she really have in mind - not bread and water, surely?'

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-05-2002, 11:10 PM

Cami knew from experience there was no use trying to bludgeon information out of the elusive Piosenniel. Her best guise would be to initiate a conversation, and then see if any helpful information came spilling or, more likely, trickling out. That might or might not be successful, but it was the best strategy she could manage.

"Actually, Pio, the Star needs a number of things. We're almost out of flour and drinking water and fruit. When we planned our provisions, we thought the hobbits would be staying only a few days. We didn't count on thirty hobbrim being on board several weeks before the rescue. I wouldn't mind going myself to pick up those things in the skiff, but Mithadan keeps reminding me I mustn't be seen. Plus, there's another problem."

"Yes," said Pio, "And what might that be?" She looked positively cheerful at the mention of a problem.

"Ancalimon was speaking to me about the kind of supplies the hobbits would need for the Anduin. Apparently, the Elven ships are carrying a number of these items like small weapons, fishing nets, farming tools, even seed. Anything and everything the three clans would require to settle in. But he's still concerned about some things in short supply, especially herbs and healing potions. He and Mithadan spoke about it this evening."

"When I heard they were planning on taking the skiff out in the morning, I also asked them to pick up the foodstuffs that the Star needed. I think it will take them a good day and a half to do all that. And Mith insisted they must be careful not to purchase too much from any one vendor, lest the men of Numenor become suspicious."

At this point, the Elf was positively beaming.

"Pio, exactly what did you have in mind?"

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

piosenniel

10-05-2002, 11:26 PM

Pio startled the hobbit with an engulfing hug. 'That will be perfect!' she said delightedly. 'It will give me just enough time for what I need to do! You are a blesséd breeze from the West on a hot day!'

The look of surprise and suspicion on the hobbit's face brought her to her senses. Her face composed itself into a mask of utter innocence. 'I feel hemmed in of late, Cami.' she said. 'Restless! And too much the object of other people's scrutiny. I wish simply to have a space of private time for myself, with no one to whom I must be accountable.' She smiled and licked her lips like a cat tasting cream. 'I think that I shall go fishing while they are gone.' She leaned on the rail and looked north once again. 'Yes! Fishing. That is what I will be doing.'

'Come! let's go down to eat now!' She took Cami's hand in hers. 'I'm hungry!'

********************************************

Mithadan was sitting at one of the galley tables, deep in conversation with Ancalimon. They had drawn up a list of needed supplies and were discussing how much of each they might safely buy from a single seller. Cami excused herself to speak with Rose. Pio approached the two men, and sat down quietly with her plate of food.

At a lull in their talk, she pointed at the list, saying 'I understand you two are going out tomorrow morning to replenish supplies for the Star? Will you be back by evening?' Ancalimon indicated it would take them longer than that. They would most probably not return until the following afternoon. She turned her attention to Mithadan. 'I just wanted to let you know while you are gone I intend to visit some oyster beds that Levanto pointed out to me. I'll bring back some as a welcome change to the perpetual fish. And freshwater eel, too, I think! Yes, I have a sudden taste for it, also. Don't worry if I return after you do, please.' She scooted her chair back from the table and got up. 'I'm going up now to relieve Khelek, and stand watch.' she said to Mithadan. 'I will see you later.'

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

Rose Cotton

10-06-2002, 05:43 AM

save

Child of the 7th Age

10-06-2002, 07:28 AM

Ah, Elves, who could fathom their ways? Fishing, fishing........ How very strange? Cami could think of a number of things that might bring her great joy, but fishing was not on that list. Indeed, she'd eaten enough fish in the last six months to last her till the end of time. Cami wondered where Pio was really going, and what she intended to do.

And what would Mithadan say if he returned to the ship, and Piosenniel had not come back? She was relieved to hear that the Elf had mentioned her trip to her husband, and had casually indicated she might be gone a bit longer. But what if a bit longer turned into a lot longer? Somehow, the Man might not be so relaxed.

In any case, Mith had been overly protective as far as Pio was concerned. Who could fault anyone for going off for a bit on her own, whether it was for fishing or some other adventure? Surely Pio knew enough not to put herself or the Star in danger. The Elf had taken care of herself for several thousand years, and only once had she gotten into serious trouble. Cami wanted Pio to eat and sleep properly, but how she used her time awake was her own business.

But men were like that, even the very best of them, especially if they tended to be moody and solemn as Mithadan surely was. Cami knew she worried more than many hobbits who were totally carefree in their approach to life, but she was certainly not as bad as the Man! She'd spend her time fretting about Daisy and Bird who had gone into a truly dangerous situation, and let Pio fend for herself in the trials of everyday life.

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

piosenniel

10-06-2002, 01:55 PM

Lunch had come and gone, such as it was. Anee had gone on to her own duties, saying she would meet Daisy later and they would walk back together. Daisy found herself dreaming of a hot bowl of fish stew from the Star as she entered the captain's office. 'Tarcil.' she said to herself. 'His name is Captain Tarcil. I must remember that!'

He was busy, his back turned to her, as she entered. She stood there quietly, not wanting to disturb him.

'Well, come here, girl!' he spoke to her gruffly, when he had noted her. 'Did Anee show you where you will be needed to go for me?' She nodded her head mutely, not looking him in the eye. 'Speak up, girl! Daisy? Is it?! I cannot read your mind!'

'Yes, sir! Captain Tarcil! I know where I'm to go.' She took the sheaf of papers he handed to her. They were carefully folded, but none were sealed, and on the top fold of each was written the place and person to whom it was directed.

He looked at her appraisingly. 'You can read, can't you Daisy? Otherwise, I'm afraid we'll have to replace you, too.' A feral look passed briefly on his face. She assured him she could. And he tested her by having her read the names and places on the messages he had given her. Satisfied, he sent her on her way, saying that she was to pick up any messages or replies for him as she went and then bring them back directly to him before going back to the caves.

He turned his back on her, returning to his work, and told her to close the door as she left. She was just about to step out the door, and pull it shut, when she heard Bird's tiny voice near her ear. 'Daisy! Let me jump to the door jamb. I'm going to look around his desk when I get the chance and see what I can discover. Pick me up when you come back this evening with his return messages.'

Daisy felt the small leap of the neeker-breeker as she jumped. She saw her climb up to the top of the door, and hide herself on the lintel. 'Good luck!' she mouthed at her, then went out, shutting the door securely behind her.

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

mark12_30

10-06-2002, 04:36 PM

Gamba was back well before dinnertime, having finished his gravedigging several hours early. The same number of graves were required each day, and the stronger he grew the faster he dug them, and was free to go. He wondered why they let him go, but they did. The guards seemed as depressed about their work as he did about his.

Phura looked up from his studies, and gave a low whistle. Gamba's eyes sparkled in anticipation, and quite soon he was tackled by Kesha, and immediately buried under five ferocious ticklers. Phura watched as Kesha, Roca, Asta, Ban, and even little Maura tickled Gamba til his tears flowed and his sides ached.

Finally he begged for mercy, and they stopped, and pillowed themseves against him and began to tell him about the games they had played that day.

"There's a new girl here today, " Kesha announced softly. "We ate lunch with her."

"Really? Where is she from?"

Kesha shrugged.

"No answers, " Phura muttered. "I couldn't manage to ask any questions at all. And she didn't volunteer anything, and neither did Anee."

"Well, I hope she's from Nitir and Azra's ship. And I hope they come soon; sooner than two weeks," Gamba said, laboriously sitting up out from under a tangle of children. "What is it now? Eleven more days? That's twenty-two more hobbit graves. Can't they hurry?"

"I wish they could hurry, too. Perhaps we'll find out at dinner, " Phura said quietly.

Gamba said, "Maura, what did you have for lunch?"

"Bread and apples, " lisped the tiny child.

Gamba picked little Maura up, and held him close. Roka and Asta leaned against Gamba, and Ban squirmed into his lap. Kesha put one hand on Gamba's shoulder, and Gamba began softly to sing The Snowbattle of Ladros.

Phura put his pen down, and softly joined in.

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Birdland

10-06-2002, 04:36 PM

Birdie sat high on the door lintel, gazing down on Captain Tarcil as he worked at his table. His room, in a way, reminded the Changling of Child's on the Lonely Star, every surface covered with stacks of reports, maps, and letters. But Captain Tarcil's tastes were far more spartan. And there were no books. Not a one.

Suddenly the door jamb shook as a prison guard entered the room and saluted his superior. Bird gazed down on the "Black Numenorean", still surprised that all the Men in the prison looked "normal". This young soldier could even be described as handsome. Bird knew better than anyone that Evil does not always show a foul face, but still had to wonder what had led these Men - who could have been mixed in with any of the Dunedain or the population of Minas Tirith - to instead chose to follow their Dark Master.

"Captain Tarcil, Sir. I have the names for tomorrow's selection". He handed a scroll to the captain, who took it with a put-upon sigh and unrolled the parchment.

Selection, thought Birdie. What is a 'Selection'?

"Meridoc the smith?" The captain glanced up at the soldier.

"Yes, sir. He has cut his foot, and the wound has become infected. He is having trouble standing at the forge, now."

"I wasn't aware that anything could pierce the hoof of a halfing." The captain murmured to himself. "What's this? Holly the cook? Surely not!"

"Sorry, sir. But her child is weaned now. And we have so few of the older females left."

"Pity. She makes an excellent stew. 'Primrose', 'Lobelia'...Why do these hobbits insist on continuing to name their females after flowers, when they never see flowers...very well. I'll go over this and give you my final selection in the morning. Dismissed."

The young soldier turned and left the room. Bird sat on the lintel, suddenly feeling very, very cold. "I have to see the names on that list!"

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-06-2002, 05:44 PM

Cami had at one point threatened to sleep in so she didn't have to watch the skiff push off. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she felt slightly uncomfortable. Despite this, she ran up on deck with the first light of day, and watched the two men unwind the pulley to set the boat into the water. They adjusted the ropes and let the sails billow out as the easterly breezes began to push the small vessel away from the Star.

Cami leaned down over the rail and yelled out a few final instructions to Ancalimon on the provisions that needed to be replenished for the Star. He nodded in acknowledgment and waved farewell. Mithadan stood up and holding onto the mast, leaned over towards Cami and yelled above the noise of the waves, "I'm counting on you to keep an eye on her Cami, when she gets back from her fishing venture. In fact, why not offer to take the other skiff and help her gather those oysters and eels?"

Cami nodded weakly in response. "I'll try," she whispered. But, in the depths of her stomach, she knew there was little chance of that. As the skiff with Mithadan and Ancalimon receded from sight, Cami was left with the uncomfortable feeling that the companions on the Star had now split up into four distinct parties. And something, somewhere, was bound to go wrong.

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

piosenniel

10-06-2002, 06:04 PM

As soon as Mithadan had left their cabin, Pio threw back the covers and got up. She buckled a belt around her waist and stuck several knives of varying lengths in it. Around one wrist she bound a small piece of red cloth. Her grey cloak pulled tight around her, she strode silently to the deck.

She could see Cami waving the two men off, and she heard Mithadan's voice rise up above the sea noise. Cami said something in response, and the Elf saw her nod weakly. Noting the hobbit's attention continued to stay focused on the departing skiff, Pio ran to the stern, where she had put the net bag to put her catch in, and looped it through her belt. With a last look at both the skiff and at Cami, she stepped from her cloak and dropped swiftly and silently to the waters below.

Child of the 7th Age

10-06-2002, 10:30 PM

Cami and the younger hobbrim were sitting on the floor with the quilt spread out between them. She had suggested they come to her cabin to do the work in secret, hoping to discourage prying eyes. The young ones were skilled with their fingers, and the squares were rapidly coming along. There was much good natured chatter and nonsense. Cami had just finished her journal entry for the day, and was kneeling on the floor to inspect everyone's work.

Just at that moment, Rose poked her head through the threshold, "Psst., Cami, come here. Levanto's back. He's outside off the stern. You asked me to tell you when he showed up."

"Oh, Rose, thanks. That's a relief. I really need to see him about something." Cami squeezed her hand, excused herself, and quickly made for the upper deck.

Once arriving, she lay flat on the wooden planks and stuck her head underneath the rail over the edge of the ship. The hobbit slid her body as far forward as she dared without tumbling off into the waves. Extending her index finger in the direction of Levanto, she indicated to the mer-man that she wanted him to come near so they could speak without anyone overhearing.

"Levanto, I have a big problem that you could help with." Cami proceeded to tell him about Pio's departure for the oyster and eel banks, and the Man's own instructions to her. In Cami's imagination, the eels had grown by several feet and had developed sharp pointed teeth. She hoped she was wrong. Levanto made no comment on the eels but shook his head in disapproval on hearing that the Elf had dived off the ship by herself. Levanto assured Cami he knew these banks, and should have no problem tracking Pio in that direction.

"Please," Cami whispered, "I know she wants privacy. Don't bother her unless there's a reason to do so. But it surely won't hurt to have someone around in case trouble shows up."

Levanto turned about and winked his left eye. "It's our secret. Someone has to keep an eye on that Elf! She'd better appreciate her friends."

Cami doubted whether Pio would appreciate what they were doing now, but she herself was relieved to see Levanto swimming off in the direction of the eel banks.

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

Birdland

10-07-2002, 07:19 AM

The wait seemed long, but it was only an hour before the captain rose from his desk, stretched, and arming himself with a dagger, finally left his office. He shut the door firmly behind him, and Bird heard the snick of the key in the lock.

Now was her chance. flinging herself down from the lintel, she landed on the seat of a chair, marveling again that the fall had not broke every bone in her body, and thankful that this body had no bones. She oriented herself in the landscape of towering furniture and vast space, then gathered her back legs under her and leapt for the desk.

She landed on her side, slid down a curled parchment, and righted herself, trying to peer over the towering stacks and crumpled boulders of parchment. (Which - BTW - smelled delicious! smilies/smile.gif ) Where was the list? It had been easy to see when she sat on the lintel, but now she was lost in canyons and cliffs of tan. This would never do. She glanced furively towards the door, wondering how much time she would have, then morphed into woman's shape.

Here it was! There were twelve names on the list, male and female, with a short notation next to each one listing some type of flaw. Some were injured, some "insubordinate", But most just said "aged". Bird wondered just how long a Halfling had to stay in this Void before one was considered "aged".

Next to these names, Captain Tarcil had written dates. The date next to the name Meridoc was tomorrow, as well as a Hobbit named Lobelia. Bird noticed that the name of Holly had been lined out. "He must really like that stew." she thought.

She committed the names and dates to memory, and set the scroll carefully back in place. Then she saw the letter, with the broken seal of a Black Hand.

She opened the letter with trembling hands. It was dated "8 Cermië", and Bird immediately saw the word "dragon". She started to read...

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

piosenniel

10-07-2002, 11:20 AM

Pio swam for the large bay east of Nindamos, along the northwestern edge of Hyarrostar. It was there that Levanto had shown her a number of thriving oyster beds. The sun blazed in the clear sky. She squinted up at it, noting it's position in the sky. Just past midday, she thought.

It had been a long swim, done at a leisurely pace. She placed one of her knives between her teeth to keep her hands free and loosed the net bag from her belt. Diving down she pried the oysters from their bed with her blade and secured them in the bag. She spent a longtime at this harvesting, coming up for air and diving back down many times. She picked only the larger, choice oysters and filled her bag half way full. 'No need to be greedy!' she thought to herself. She rested beneath a rocky overhang, and being hungry, pried a number of the oysters open, drinking the salty liquid they rested in and then letting each oyster slide down her throat. 'Delicious!' she sighed, contentedly.
As she ate, she scanned the waters of the greater bay, southwards, sweeping her gaze from east to west and back again. She saw only one black bannered ship cross her line of vision as she watched. 'Good! Perhaps he has given up his pursuit of the dragon and will soon call this ship in, too!'

The waters were shallower, and warmed by the sun, where she rested. She stayed there until night fell, and then moved toward the mouths of the Siril.

Mithadan

10-07-2002, 11:50 AM

Mithadan sat by the tiller as the skiff proceeded Northeast, aided by a steady westerly wind. He watched the sail with care as the craft cut through the light chop. "Duck!" he cried as the sail swung from left to right across the beam of the small vessel. Ancalimon evaded the swinging boom nimbly and scuttled back to sit closer to the Man.

"I understand that you have agreed to allow Piosenniel to ride in the first ship when you begin your assault on the caverns," said Ancalimon. "Perhaps I am unfamiliar with the ways of Men but it strikes me that not many in your position would show such flexibility in dealing with such a request from a pregnant wife."

Mithadan looked at his passenger, pondering his words for a moment and wondering what manner of being he had taken up with. "I have not yet measured Piosenniel's stubborness against her respect for me and do not wish to," he laughed. "Even were I to say 'nay', if she wished to be at the forefront I've little doubt that she would somehow do so. At any rate, I trust her skills and I...believe she will be safe."

Ancalimon's eyebrows arched at these words. "You 'believe' that she will be safe," he repeated with a nod. "I do not doubt that. Yet this will be a dangerous endeavor. We should all take care, each of us."

"I think we all understand the risks," replied Mithadan as he looked towards the town of Nindamos which was approaching rapidly. "And what is at stake, as well, else we would not do this thing. This is no pleasure cruise. If we fail the consequences may be dire. Cami and Rose were imprisoned by the forces of Morgoth. Daisy risks herself in the tombs even as we speak. Levanto meets with the Hobbits whenever we ask, with little regard to his safety." He looked at Ancalimon gravely. "Could anyone do less?"

"Yes," answered Ancalimon. "Many would do less, or nothing at all." He nodded to Mithadan, then looked over his shoulder. "We approach the docks. We must provision quickly and leave as soon as we can and without notice."

Mithadan nodded. He reached into his pouch and withdrew a handful of coins, which he passed to Ancalimon. Then he withdrew a few more from his pocket and placed them in the grey beard's hands. "Take this also," he said. Ancalimon looked at what Mithadan had given him, then placed them in his own pouch. Then he stood and made his way to the bow and picked up the skiff's lines.

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Mithadan

10-07-2002, 04:08 PM

Nindamos was a good sized town situated just east of the mouths of the river Siril. As was the case with many of the cities and towns of Numenor, Nindamos was sustained primarily by the sea. Along its seawalls were extensive docks, piers and facilities for servicing ships and their crews. A lively fishmarket was located where the town's main road ran down to the docks.

Ancalimon and Mithadan moored their skiff at a quiet dock away from the busy markets. A few copper coins secured the mooring place for the day. The two then walked to the main road, and began looking in the windows of various shops for the supplies needed by the Lonely Star. High in priority were potable water, grains and flour, meats, oils, fruits and eggs.

A butcher's shop was located quickly. They rapidly selected a number of cuts of beef, both fresh and cured and arranged for their delivery to the skiff the following morning. Mithadan paid for the supplies with several silver pennies.

As they turned to leave the shop, the owner stopped them. He squinted at the coins and read the letters stamped upon them. "Gondor?" he asked. "Where is Gondor?" Ancalimon responded first. "Gondor is a small city on the coast of Middle Earth far to the South. In happier times my family traded there."

The butcher eyed the coins suspiciously, biting one and scratching at another with a sharp knife. Then, satisfied they were silver, he smiled and nodded to Mithadan and bade them good day.

As they left the shop, Ancalimon whispered to Mithadan, "We must take care. None will know what Gondor is but nonetheless, we should avoid raising suspicions. I have coinage of Numenor which I will share with you. Do not mix it with your other money."

Child of the 7th Age

10-07-2002, 05:36 PM

Daisy had always prided herself on being one of the swiftest hobbits in the Shire. She could outrun any of her young companions on the Star. But, today, things were different

The girl trudged along the dusty path in silence. Packages were strapped onto her body. Her fingers clutched at a pile of letters that threatened to spill out into the dirt. She could not lose a single one.

Daisy had been ordered to cover the route as quickly as she could, dropping off her messages and picking up any responses sent back to headquarters. Captain Tarkil had sternly warn her not to dawdle on the road. Earlier in the day, she'd managed to keep up. Now, her ribs and side ached too much.

One time, a guard had stunned her with a backhanded slap. That was in response to some bad news her delivery had brought. The other incident might have been avoided if she'd just listened to Rose. Her friend had told her never to look a guard full in the face. She was to stand with her eyes rivetted on the ground, face impassive and head slightly bent. But she hadn't listened closely to this advice. That mistake had cost her a crushing jolt to her ribs by the guard's thick-toed boot. Now, every time she breathed, a stab of pain tugged at her side.

Daisy had dutifully checked every message entrusted to her but with little reward. They were routine lists of supplies and denials of leave for the guards. Not much of interest here!

How Daisy wished that Piosenniel would be waiting for her at the end of the day, to listen to her complaints and soothe her pain. But the Elf was far away. She brightened a bit at the thought of Bird. At least they could talk.

Even chatting with Anee would be a relief. That morning, she hadn't thought much about the girl. Now, she seemed like the only bright spot in a disappointing day. She hoped she'd get a chance to speak with her . But what if Anee asked too many questions which Daisy couldn't answer? The hobbit wasn't sure what she should do.

Daisy finally rounded the corner to headquarters. Anee was waiting on the steps, and helped her drop off the messages and packets in their right place. Daisy glanced around anxiously but didn't see or hear Bird anywhere.

"You were too slow," the hobbit scolded. I had to cover for you. I told Tarcil's man you'd already returned and left your things."

Anee was about to tell Daisy she'd need to be faster tomorrow when she caught the mingled look of pain and discouragement on the girl's face. She stopped and squeezed her hand, "The first day is always the worst. The guards want to make sure you know they have the upper hand. Not that any of us need reminding." At this point, she actually stopped and laughed. "They'll leave you alone tomorrow. You're lucky. The Elders have said you can visit the healer. Then we'll find something to eat."

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

mark12_30

10-07-2002, 06:28 PM

ooc: next 3 posts: anybody that wants to add or interpose, let me know & i'll adjust(Dinnertime) /end ooc

"Are you from Azra and Nitir's ship?" Gamba whispered softly as he sat down by Daisy.

Her eyes grew wide, and she looked at Anee, and then she looked down, thinking hard about what to say.

"It's obvious you didn't grow up in the caves. Your skin is brown not white," Gamba muttered. "Hi, Anee."

Anee glared at Gamba while Daisy went pale beneath her brown seafaring tan.

"Don't worry, " Gamba murmured, blandly inspecting his bland bowl of bland beans. "I'm not going to give you away. I just wish they'd hurry up and get here. Eleven days. Can't they speed things up?"

Daisy glanced furtively at him, relieved but badly shaken, and wondering whether Captain Tarkil had noticed her tan. "The fleet just isn't here yet. That's all. They're on their way. It's not our fault."

Gamba sniffed the beans, trying to work up an appetite and failing. "Didn't say it was," he muttered, glancing around, wondering who would be missing in the morning, even while telling himself not to think about it.

Bird peeked out from Daisy's collar. She was hungry, and wondered if Gamba was sufficiently distracted not to notice if she jumped into that bowl and shared some of those bland beans. But she hesitated. If he did notice, he'd flatten her. She wisely decided to wait.

Ignoring Loremaster's steely gaze, Gamba persisted. "Is Piosenniel on board your ship?"

Daisy stifled a gasp. "I... I don't think I should say."

"She must be, then. Well, that's hopeful. Eru, let those ships hurry," Gamba muttered, taking a mouthful and grimacing at the bowl.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

mark12_30

10-07-2002, 06:30 PM

Other hobbits, mostly teenage males, gathering courage from Gamba's brashness, began drifting in the direction of the pretty newcomer, and sitting down and joining them. They were followed, however, by jealous hobbit lasses who had had their hearts set on each lad in question, and came to be sure that the attractive, tanned interloper settled on somebody else's teenage hobbit. The result was a rapidly growing crowd.

Loremaster suddenly spoke to the elders, and strode forward. Phura thought that he would quietly break up the crowd and rebuke them in private; while Gamba braced himself for rebuke and punishment for asking forbidden questions. But the Elders followed and joined the crowd, and aside from one brief glare each for Phura and Gamba, Loremaster's bearing was mild and sweet as he spoke loudly and clearly. "Thank you all for answering my summons and coming to this memorial ceremony, " he began. "We join this evening to formally grieve for the loved ones we have lost. Please, gather close. " Surprised older hobbits emerged from side caves and everyone assembled in the main cave.

Phura blinked, his heart suddenly melting. No such ceremony had been planned or announced, no such summons made. Loremaster was improvising, protecting the new girl and covering for their communal stupidity.

Loremaster spoke for a while about grief and hope, quoting old poems about Nienna and Ancalimon, and giving words of solace and encouragement. Those still in the dinner line hurried through, and soon all were assembled.

Loremaster spoke a few more suitable words, and then began singing Lily's Lullaby. Hundreds of emotional voices softly and sadly joined in. Loremaster followed with Pongo's Lullaby, and finished with Nitir's Lullaby. The strains faded, and silence, mingled with tears, fell softly.

mark12_30

10-07-2002, 06:31 PM

Phura's head snapped up, and all heads turned, following his gaze. Marching could now be heard from the far tunnel, and five heavily armed soldiers strode purposefully into the main cave, blades drawn. Everyone held their breath and nobody moved a muscle.

Phura's heart was in his mouth. Gamba berated himself silently. "You blew it. You gave her away after all, you fool, and now she'll die, and who knows how many more will die with her, and you've ruined everything."

But the five soldiers ignored the hobbits and marched straight to one of the guards. The young guard's face went white, and for a moment his hand went to his sword hilt, but there were other guards present too, and he froze, and then surrendered, and Phura was surprised to see relief mixed with peace spread across his face.

They took his sword and dagger, and tied his hands, and marched him back the way that they came. But as he passed the hobbits, he paused, and his mild grey eyes met Gamba's. Gamba's eyes widened and his heart sank like a stone.

The guard spoke with a slight tremor in his voice. "Well, Gamba, the grave you dug today will be mine tomorrow. I trust you dug well, little one. You always do." And then the soldiers pushed him forward, and they marched out.

The other guards left in the main hall all stared resolutely forward, but more than one of them was tight-lipped with fear. Nobody dared to move, even after the six men were gone. But Phura tensed as his brother's composure slowly, slowly crumbled, and his eyes slowly grew wild and desperate. For the first time, Gamba knew in advance who would fill one of his graves. The young guard's words and his strangely peaceful eyes would haunt Gamba for a long, long time.

Tears formed in his eyes and he began to shake; row on row of filled hobbit graves hovered like a spectre in his mind, and now he also saw the man-sized graves beyond, and knew that they too were filled with pain. His pent-up grief, finally released, verged on panic, and now Phura hurried to his side, and clutched him to his chest. Gamba stifled his sobbing against his brother's ragged shirt. Their five children gathered gently around, expressing concern with their soft voices and little hands. Gamba gasped and shook, and Phura whispered to him and held him tighter still. Tuka, Esta and Azraph slowly came over and sat with them.

None of the adults dared to weep out loud, but between pity for Gamba, and protracted grief and mourning for so many lost hobbits and the plight of so many orphaned children, there weren't many dry eyes. Daisy glanced down at her collar, and met the Neekerbreeker's eyes, and shed some tears of her own.

Loremaster, keeping half an eye on the remaining guards, said a few more comforting and encouraging words, and then slowly walked away, dropping a firm hand on Phura's shoulder as he passed. The meeting slowly broke up. But snatches of lullaby were heard off and on for the rest of the night all through the caves.

Esta and Azraph went to find their families, but Tuka stayed, and Phura, Kesha, and Tuka took turns singing over Gamba. Wave after wave of released grief battered Gamba until, too exhausted to grieve any further, he gathered little Maura, cradled him close, and finally surrendered to sleep.

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-07-2002, 10:33 PM

As the haunting cries of Gamba died away, Anee pulled softly on her hand, "Come, we must get some sleep, or we'll never survive tomorrow." She led her to a side cavern which was separate from the others, and laid down two thin blankets on the hard ground.

Inside her collar, Daisy heard the faintest of echoing whispers in response. "She's right you know. Go to sleep."

Anee yawned and looked groggily over to Daisy, "What did you say?"

Daisy froze in place. "er, Nothing. At least nothing important. I just said I was really sleepy." She glared down at the collar of her tattered dress, and made a nasty face. Then Bird stared back and buzzed off on her own.

As silence descended on the caves, Daisy curiously peeked around. The darkness about them was absolute and profound. Daisy had never seen anything like it. She coud not get to sleep and whispered over to her friend, "Why was Gamba crying tonight?"

Anee looked strangely at the girl, but then remembered Daisy had no idea who Gamba was or even what he'd been doing for the last four weeks. "He's one of the Tuk brothers, and he's been digging graves. After a while, that gets hard. And the guard is one of the few decent ones left."

"Who are the 'Tuk' brothers?" she queried.

This time Anee giggled. "You're funny. You must have been born on one of the stars up in the heavens, if you don't know that!"

Daisy's frustration boiled over. "I've never been here before," she retorted. "How do you expect me to know such things?"

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," came a small, earnest response. "They're descendents of Maura Tuk and the singer Lindo. They will be loremasters someday."

Recognition flooded over Daisy as she remembered Cami's stories to her. "Ah," she smiled in understanding. Some things never change! "They're Fallohides, the "Tooks".

"Yes," said Anee, "That's what I told you."

Daisy had to bite her tongue to stop from blurting out the fact that she had been a servant in the employ of the Took heir, and had lived in Tuckborough for several months.

She lay awake for a long while after that. Perhaps, Bird would come back and speak with her. They'd managed to meet at dinner, but hadn't been alone for a single moment. Daisy didn't even know if Bird had found out anything important that day. Or maybe Anee would talk to her a bit more. She rolled over on the stony ground waiting to hear if anyone would break the bleakness of the night.

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

Birdland

10-07-2002, 10:53 PM

As Loremaster walked away down the tunnel, he suddenly heard a small voice next to his ear. "Loremaster, so they take Men as well?"

He stopped abruptly, looking cautiously around, but the others had gone, and the tunnel was empty. He did not think anyone could hear the small passenger on his shoulder anyway. "Yes. Two each. Every day."

He walked on. The voice came again. "Today, in the captain's room. I found a list. Of Halfling names. Loremaster, do you want to know the names?"

The old Hobbit stopped again. Slowly his head dropped, and he stood silently in the middle of the corridor. His shoulders quietly shook.

"Loremaster...? Loremaster...?"

piosenniel

10-08-2002, 03:49 AM

Night had finally come. The moon hid behind a bank of clouds and stars threw their dim light on the waves. Pio swam quickly and quietly to where the river entered the bay. The smell was different here. Not the clean, briny tang of the sea, something more earthy, fecund, and at times overwhelmingly rank.

It was shallower, and the slow current of the river pushed against her as she entered it. She kept to the middle of the stream, swimming with strong strokes beneath the surface when she thought she might be seen by the occasional passing craft or someone moving along the river's banks. Darkness and night were her allies. Most had gone home and were sleeping now in their beds. Ships and boats were moored, awaiting the light of day to be about their business.

Her objective was halfway up the river, as she recalled from the report of Levanto. It was the location of the main dock for the export of goods in that area, and he had told her a small, black-bannered ship was moored there. She made her way there now and waited silently in the shadows along the bank near the ship.

No sounds came from the vessel. No lights shone from it. She swam silently round the perimeter, seeking a way onto the ship, but could find none. It would have to be an entry from the dock itself. Pio pulled herself up onto it, lying low in the shadows and inched toward the gangplank. She waited for a long period of time, straining to hear the sound of voices or of feet moving about on the deck. When the clouds had blotted out the moon for a brief moment, she ran quickly up the boarding plank, knives in hand, and landed silently on the deck. A man stood watch at the stern, looking down river. He leaned on the railing, in a casual manner, unaware that Pio was now on the ship. Watching him she crept slowly about the deck and took note of what was stored there. Then quickly went below deck to see how many manned this vessel. She counted four sleeping below, and one at watch. Arms were minimal - personal swords and knives, a long bow for each man with a good supply of arrows, a number of axes, and stout cudgels. She poked into every corner of the ship, noting everything. On the bow were several cages with sleek pigeons in them, their heads tucked beneath their wings, asleep.

Satisfied that she had seen all she could, Pio eased herself over the side of the ship farthest from the man at watch, and dropped to the water below. She found an eye hook where a skiff might tie itself to the ship, and tied the narrow strip of red cloth around it, marking the ship as the one she had been on, for future reference.

The moon had moved almost to the edge of the horizon when she finished with the vessel. She drifted downriver, letting the current carry her along. When the river slowed and widened, she rested along the embankment in the shelter of the rocks and brush.

First light found her beneath the water, poking about in holes and ledges along the river banks for eels. Three nice, fat, long ones lost their freedom to her quick hands, and she stuffed them securely in her sack.

The current and her strong strokes carried her beyond the river and out into the Sea. She swam steadily south at a slow pace. Barring any mishap, she would be back on the Star by midday.

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

mark12_30

10-08-2002, 04:41 AM

Loremaster turned haunted eyes to look down at the little passenger on his shoulder.

Still shaking, he said, "No."

The Neekerbreeker looked up at him. "But--"

"No. It would be Daisy's own death sentence. Who else would see the list but her? And if we knew, what could we do? Hide them? They would know we had seen the list. They would only take two others, or worse, more than two to punish us."

He took several deep breaths, trying to compose himself. "I am not a warrior, little one, that I could storm the enemy's ranks and rescue the pair, or prevent them from taking any more. If I were, I should have tried before now."

He sighed again. "I wish we had such warriors among us, but if we did, we wuld not be in this plight now. And yet, I am a loremaster, and not a tactician. Am I being foolish? Or cowardly?"

He wrestled with himself. "If you did tell me the names, is there something I could do with the information that... that... Perhaps I should discuss the existance of the list with the Elders. " His voice trailed off. He could see nothing good that would come of it. "Can you think of any good thing that could possibly be done?" he whispered.

Neekerbreeker racked her brains, and decided not to give up on the idea just yet. "Not yet. But if I can think of something, I'll let you know."

"Good night, then. And if you think of something, wake me. You'll be with Daisy?"

"Yes. Good night."

He paused and bent down near a rocky outcrop, and she hopped off.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-08-2002, 07:33 AM

That night, no one came to Daisy to relieve the sadness in her heart. Now, it was morning again. Or at least Anee told her so. The hobbit couldn't really tell because everything still lay hidden in darkness. It was only as people got up that torches were lit, and a little light filtered through the side caverns.

Still no Bird. What was that neekerbreeker up to? She wished she knew. Or perhaps she didn't. Maybe Bird's night had been even worse than hers.

She went with Anee. They stood together in a long breakfast line. The big cave had small slits in the roof, so tiny rays of light showed through, playing here and there against the wet green walls.

This time, there was only a small bit of porridge, a few spoons dumped onto the bottom of a worn plate. Daisy's stomach gnawed with hunger. Its emptiness weighed on her like a barren pit.

Ahead in the line, a man and his wife stood together, hand-in-hand. He was past middle age, still hearty and strong, even with the cares of prison on his head. But then Daisy saw something wrong. The man's foot was bound up with bandages. She couldn't see underneath the ragged cloth. But he carefully put no weight on it, and there was an odor beyond that of the usual unwashed bodies.

When the guard came up to him and jerked away his plate, the hobbit showed no surprise. He leaned over to the grey haired woman and kissed her on the head. "You will do as I say," he whispered.

She nodded, and then their hands slipped apart.

Anee pulled Daisy back for a minute as if she was afraid it might be catching. Then they watched as the limping hobbit struggled to match the pace of the guards.

Daisy looked around. No Gamba. She was glad he wasn't here. He wouldn't have liked it.

And then, for just an instant, Daisy envied Gamba's tears. For she herself had none to spare. She couldn't have squeezed out even one. The ache in her side, the hunger, even the selection--this had quickly become normal to her. She suddenly felt very, very old.

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

Mithadan

10-08-2002, 07:50 AM

Having ordered supplies for the Star, including a small boat to tow behind the skiff to carry barrels of water, Mithadan and Ancalimon found a small inn near the waterfront and took a room there. After a light dinner and some debate between the two, they elected to enter the inn's common room to listen to the town's gossip.

The company assembled there was a combination of sailors and locals. A small fire burned in a stone-encased pit in the center of the room. Ordering two ales, Mithadan and his companion settled in to listen to the conversations around them. At first, most spoke about business or weather, but, after a few minutes, a man entered wearing some form of uniform.

A grizzled sailor at the bar turned and called out to the newcomer. "Hoy! Duinir! Seen any dragons today?" Many in the crowd laughed and hooted at the comment, but Duinir scowled. "Joke if you will," he replied. "But the word from Armenelos is that such a beast was indeed sighted and a reward will be paid to any who help locate the wyrm."

The sailor chuckled. "Ain't seen no wyrm," he cried. "But I seen some flying fish and a few birds. Any reward for that?" The company laughed and one stood and shuffled about the room with arms extended and flapping. Duinir's frown changed to a smile as he sat and received a mug.

"What word from the West?" called another. "What of the King's fleet?" Duinir turned to look at the speaker and responded, "If tales be right, the fleet won't even reach the West until a fortnight passes. Then we'll see if any may resist the power of Numenor!"

Some in the room fell quiet at these words, but others cheered and one rose holding his pint and cried, "To the King! Who seeks life everlasting for his subjects!" And the cry was taken up by others, "To the King!" The sailor rose unsteadily, and shouted, "Aye! Life and more. Once we put down the West I want me a wife, a fine Elf wench. I hear they're beautiful..." "But can they cook?" cried another.

Mithadan and Ancalimon drained their mugs and stood, ready to leave. The sailor, seeing them rise, cried out, "Hey! What's the matter? The lordling don't like Elf women?" He staggered over to stand unsteadily before Mithadan who forced a smile onto his face and spoke companionably, "I like them well, indeed. They are fair beyond compare...or so I'm told. But its been a long day and we're weary."

"Awww. The lordling's weary," replied the sailor. "Won't stay for another drink and tell some tales. Come, tell us what makes you so weary!"

Ancalimon stepped forward and reached into his pouch to pull forth a large gold coin which he held up in the light. It flashed as he turned it in his hand. Then he cried, "To the King! Drinks for the house!" He threw the coin over to the bar where it landed with a clink on its edge and spun for a moment noisily until it fell flat. Every head in the room had turned to watch the coin arc through the air, but when they turned back, Ancalimon and Mithadan were gone...

In the hallway, Ancalimon smiled as they jogged to their room and commented, "I didn't say which King..."

mark12_30

10-08-2002, 09:00 AM

Having summarily excused himself from studying, much to Loremaster's astonishment, and taken the five children with him, Phura sat by the water's edge, as Gamba so often did, tossing in stones as he sang in a melancholy voice. The children brought him stones when he ran out. He wondered how many stones there were at the bottom of the river, and how many hobbits had sat and sang there through the years of imprisonment.

Now that the years of imprisonment were finally drawing to a close, he felt torn in half. He knew that something awaited him beyond the cave, far away out to sea; a restless longing that called to him, pulled at him, gave him a heartache that nothing could ease.

And he knew that his brother did not share it.

He was afraid, too, that Azraph would not share it; that the two people that he would most rather not part from, would be torn from him, and that he would go on alone, without Gamba, without Azraph.

He had spoken with Loremaster about it again and again, hoping that the old man would find wisdom enough to heal the heartache that tore at him. But the old man gently shook his head, and replied softly that one should not argue with destiny. Nor could either of them bear to discuss it with Gamba; the idea seemed to give Loremaster as much sadness as it did Phura, and Phura didn't know why.

So Phura was left with hunger and fear, side by side; oddly, he was afraid of the hunger when he felt it, but missed the hunger when he thrust it aside.

Suddenly he stood, and jumped in the water.

There were lots and lots of rocks and pebbles on the stony bottom, and he gathered handfuls of them, and brought them to the shore. Not knowing why, he began making a pile of them. The pile grew, and the children started playing with the pebbles. Kesha waved at the pile. "What's it for?"

"I don't know, " Phura said. And Kesha jumped in too. "Hey!" Phura said, reaching for him, but Kesha, after some preliminary spluttering, took to the water easily and naturally.

Soon the other four wanted to come in too. Phura gave them each a quick bath, and put them back up; little Maura stayed in the longest, in Phura's arms, before he went back up on the wall. But Kesha stayed in with Phura, and the pile of stones grew and grew.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Birdland

10-08-2002, 09:39 AM

As Daisy and Anee were walking down the tunnel, they suddenly heard a quiet "neekbreek" coming from near the wall.

"Wait, Anee. I...think something bit my foot." Daisy knelt down to "inspect" her foot, as Birdie hopped on her shoulder.

"Where were you!" Daisy hissed.

"I'm sorry! I had to speak with Loremaster, and then it was such a long way back to the sleeping quarters. I can't keep up with you Hobbit giants, y'know."

"Well, don't leave me alone like that again. It's scary here."

"C'mon, Daisy, we have to hurry!" insisted Anee.

"Coming..."

Child of the 7th Age

10-08-2002, 01:11 PM

Daisy and Anee parted at the entrance to the guardroom. Her friend went off to make beds and straighten sleeping quarters. She promised to return before the hobbit left on her deliveries. When Daisy pushed open the door to the central room, she saw no one there.

The girl hoped she might make better time today. Her ribs had been tightly bandaged and were feeling a little better. She'd decided to expose only her left side towards the guards in case one of them chose to land more blows. Perhaps this time she'd be luckier.

She wandered over to the table in the center. It was one that Captain Tarcil had admonished her not to come near. The remains of his breakfast still sat on a plate. A good share of meat and bread lay untouched. The food looked tasty. Cautiously, the hobbit extended her hand towards the platter, but then halted in mid-air.

"Noooo!" came the loud injunction of the neekerbreeker. "Do you want to end up in the Locks? That's where they put hobbits who need correction for things like this!"

Daisy shook her head no. She wasn't certain what the Locks was, but it did not sound appealing. Bird had evidently made the rounds of the camp and discovered all its hidden nooks.

"Anyways," Bird implored. "We have more important things to do. Look for a letter that has the seal of the black hand. That's the one from the Deceiver."

There were indeed piles of orders and memorandum on that table. Daisy rummaged through the mess looking for the infamous black hand. There didn't seem to be anything like that. Then she looked underneath the leftover breakfast platter. Hidden beneath it was an official-looking letter.

"Read it, read it aloud," Bird commanded. "I tried yesterday but was interrupted."

Daisy was about to ask why Bird couldn't read it herself when she realized the letters on the parchment probably looked ten feet high to her friend. The hobbit pulled out the missive and began to read:

To the commanders of all garrisons and prisons within the kingdom of Anadune:

It has recently come to our attention that a winged wyrm was sighted off the coast of our isle. This has been verified by several trustworthy observers.

A number of vessels and field troops have been commanded to locate and capture this wyrm. Until such time as this beast is apprehended, all prisons and garrisons are to consider themselves on strict military alert. The highest security precautions are to be observed. All commanders are instructed to double the number of guards on duty to ward off any unexpected attack. The officers are to make personal arrangements for the provisioning of such guards, including the reimbursement of same.

Issued by the command of Gorthaur the Cruel
under the seal of the black hand, 8 Cermie

Daisy gasped as she flung the message onto the table. At the same instant, before she could step back from that place where she had no business being, the door of the room jarred open. Without thinking and moved by some hidden instinct of self preservation, Daisy stuck her hand into the middle of the breakfast platter and stuffed a large sausage into her mouth.

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

mark12_30

10-08-2002, 02:31 PM

tbd

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Rose Cotton

10-08-2002, 02:35 PM

As Anee was deep in thought as she went about her work. She felt sorry for Daisy. It was probably hard to take in this horrible life that Anee had grew up with. She had consitered comforting Daisy a bit more. But the girl seemed too strange and Anee felt she didn't want to be caught up in anything perilous. She felt that making friends would only cause trouble and more grief. It was too dangerous.

piosenniel

10-08-2002, 03:18 PM

It was just past midday when Pio returned to the Star. She climbed to the deck and walked wearily over to Kali, standing on the deck with Rose. Handing them her bag of eels and oysters, she asked that they take care of them for her, suggesting that they might find a way to keep them fresh by penning them in some water.

The eels were a bit sluggish, having come through the saltwater. Kali thought that fresh water might revive them long enough for him to think of some way to smoke them on the ship. 'It will take most of the water we have left,' he thought, 'but Mithadan and Ancalimon should soon be back soon with more supplies.'

She thanked them, and made her way down to her cabin to sleep. She was tired through and through, and lay down on the bed.

Five men only. I can do this. were her last thoughts to herself as she fell quickly into dreams.

Mithadan

10-08-2002, 03:58 PM

Mithadan and Ancalimon oversaw the loading of the skiff and the second boat which they had purchased. After confirming that all was secure, they paid the porters and set sail towards the Southwest. Again, the wind was with them and they made good time.

Ancalimon sighed. "So a reward is being offered for news of Angara," he said. 'From the sound of things, Gorthaur is expanding his search. We must remain wary. While the searchers seek a dragon, not a ship, he can expect vessels to come near seeking news of the wyrm."

Mithadan nodded in agreement, but sat looking back at the island receding into the North. "Mithadan?" prodded Ancalimon. The Man shook himself from his reverie and turned. His eyes were haunted with the foreknowledge of Numenor's fate.

"I'm sorry," he responded. "Elenna was the home of my people; the heart and soul of my race. Many would have given fortunes for the opportunity to set foot on its shores and I have done so, but it brings me only sadness. 'Akallabeth' indeed! The words of those in the common room last night show just how far we fell."

"Yet you have risen up again," came the response. "From what I understand, your country of Gondor has revived the honour and hope of the Numenorean race."

"And yet we are a mere shadow of its greatness," mused Mithadan.

"Perhaps," answered Ancalimon. "But things built by hand alone are not the sole measure of greatness. There is also courage, wisdom and loyalty. You have, yourself, evidenced the revival of the Edain and, in doing so, you make amends for the evils of Numenor."

"Maybe in part," said Mithadan. "But not without cost. With wisdom comes also pain and the price of redemption is high."

They sailed on in silence. Soon the sails of the Lonely Star became visible. Ancalimon dug into his pouch and pulled forth a handful of coins, which he returned to Mithadan. The Man placed them in his pouch, but first picked something from the glitter and tossed it back to Ancalimon. "Hold that for me," he requested.

Ancalimon trailed his hand in the water and listened to the sounds of the seas. After a moment, he nodded. Moments later, they were greeted by the crew of the Star.

Child of the 7th Age

10-08-2002, 05:47 PM

The crew was relieved to learn that Mithadan and Ancalimon had returned to the Star. Mithadan spoke with Cami and was quickly reassured that his wife had also boarded and was resting below deck. The hobbrim helped unload the vessel and secure the supplies in the galley and storerooms.

While few details were offered, Mithadan did tell the crew that Sauron had issued orders to locate the wyrm. A number of vessels flying the black flag were rumored to be searching the coastline and rivers even as they spoke.

Cami wondered if she should say anything of her own experiences in the past day. She kept quiet in front of the others, but stopped Mithadan in the corridor after he'd gone below. Last night had proven difficult for her. It had been weeks, even months, since she'd dreamed of the hobbits or the tombs.

But yesterday had brought some disturbing scenes. She'd woken in the night with a clear image of the brothers in her head. One of the boys had been weeping. His brother embraced him, vainly attempting to quell his tears. Cami thought she'd seen Daisy somewhere in the background, but there had been no sign of Bird.

Today, she'd carried out her normal activities. Yet Cami had a feeling that all was not well on Eru's Mount. There was nothing specific to point to. Still, the fear in her heart kept whispering that something had gone very wrong.

Mithadan tried to reassure her. He reminded Cami they should soon be hearing from Levanto. Bird would keep a careful watch over Daisy. But after he went inside his cabin and closed the door, Cami's halting words kept echoing in his mind.

Dreams, what were dreams? Who could say what this meant? He hoped the hobbit's intuitions were wrong, but he was far from certain.

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

mark12_30

10-08-2002, 09:28 PM

Phura still had not returned from the water's edge, and Loremaster was growing concerned; but he was far more concerned about Gamba. Normally Gamba had finished digging well before dinnertime and returned, tired but eager, for his tickling match with the five children. But the dinner line had formed already.

He looked out and scanned the line, but saw none of his seven charges. Nor did he see Daisy, nor Anee. But he knew better than to ask, and raise the guards' suspicions. He was hungry, but he went back to his lore, to keep himself from worry.

Shortly after he sat back down, a dreary, broken voice spoke thickly behind him. "I have a message for you."

He spun, eyebrows raised.

Gamba slowly relayed the message. "If you don't want your gravedigger to lie in the next grave he digs, then send us someone who responds to the whip." Then he added, "From... from... the guard. He told me his name, but I don't remember it."

Loremaster rose and came to Gamba's side, and was about to take him into his arms, but stopped when he realized his shirt was tattered and his back and shoulders were covered with large bloody welts. Loremaster held out his hands gently, but Gamba would only lean his forehead against him.

"I couldn't do it, " Gamba said. "I dug all day, and I didn't nearly finish."

"Sit down, " Loremaster said. "Someone has to go and finish the graves now?"

"I'm sorry, " Gamba replied.

Loremaster sped out into the dinner line, and found Tuka with Azraph and Esta. Loremaster explained rapidly. Several hands shoved bread and fruit into Tuka's hands and pockets and ruffled his hair, and he sped towards the graveyards. He did not get back until very late.

Loremaster said, "I need a replacement for him in the mines." One of the food workers volunteered immediately.

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Mithadan

10-08-2002, 11:11 PM

As the day darkened into evening, Mithadan took his turn at watch. From below, savory smells were issuing from the galley as the crew took full advantage of the new diversity in foodstuffs. For now, the man ignored his growing appetite. Cami's descriptions of her dreams troubled him deeply.

From his childhood, Mithadan had been aware that his dreams sometimes carried messages. As he grew older, he began having the now familiar dreams of the seashore and of Ulmo striding through the waves. At first, he had assumed these were some foolish imagining resulting from his hearing the tale of Tuor. This was not the case. His dreams of Ulmo were "real"; they conveyed messages or information and sometimes instructions. He had learned to trust them. How could he discount the value of Cami's dreams?

He briefly considered visiting the tombs himself, but dismissed the idea as too dangerous. Smiling, he wondered if Pio would have reached the same conclusion or whether she would have simply leaped into the waves. At any rate, Levanto would soon return with news from the caverns and that either would confirm or deny Cami's concerns.

He heard a noise behind him and turned to find Angara approaching. She stopped and stood before him shifting her weight from side to side. The effect of this was to make her appear like a snake preparing to strike. "Man," she said by way of greeting. "I wish to speak to you about Piosenniel."

"My wife?" he responded, with a ghost of a smile on his lips.

"Piosenniel," repeated the dragon with a look of irritation on her face. "She wishes to be on the first ship in the assault upon the tombs. I have offered to look after her safety and assure you that I will care for her well."

This again! Mithadan nodded politely. "I have already have agreed to her proposal, Angara."

"I wish to make sure that you do not change your mind," growled the wyrm.

"I will not," he replied. "I...believe she will be safe, particularly if you watch out for her. So do not be concerned."

"This is not like you, Man, to so easily agree with the Elf," retorted Angara. "But I will accept your word for now." She turned and stalked away.

"Angara!" he called softly. The dragon hesitated and looked back. Mithadan hesitated as he fought with his thoughts. "I trust you, Angara. You will watch her and keep her safe. But please stay close to her. She might do something foolish as the assault progresses..."

"She is far wiser than you, Man," answered the wyrm. She continued on her way.

"I do not doubt that," mused the Man.

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Birdland

10-09-2002, 12:25 AM

Tarcil entered the room just in time to see the Halfling girl's hand buried in his breakfast, as she snatched a sausage and stuffed it in her mouth. She backed away from the desk, her face blanching white as she saw the huge man looming over her.

"Wha...why, you dirty little mole!" Tarcil's morning inspection had not gone well. The stores that had been sent them were barely enough to support his own men and the prisoners they watched. And now they wanted to send even more Men? How was he to support such a troop? And even if they saw one of these cursed "wyrms" that had aroused such interest, what did they expect HIM to do about it? Catch it in a net?

The only thing he had wanted to do after inspection was to return to his offices and eat his breakfast in peace. And now he had found one of these grubby, little Halflings contaminating it! Tarcil picked up the plate and hurled it at the girl, who threw up her arm instinctively to deflect the missile. Food spattered everywhere, and the plate bounced off Daisy's arm and shattered at her feet.

"Guard!" bellowed the captain, and a tall, young man came running in at the call. "See that she cleans up this mess. Then five days in the Locks for stealing food." The captain stormed out of the office, calling back over his shoulder. "I want that office clean and a fresh breakfast on that table in a half hour, or you will join her!"

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

mark12_30

10-09-2002, 05:08 AM

Phura and the children came up from the river tunnel, damp still, and entered the study; Phura watched as the children surged towards Gamba. But he did not look up, and Phura called, "Wait. Stop!" They did.

When Loremaster came back, Phura had gently removed the tattered remains of Gamba's shirt. Gamba was surrounded by small wondering voices, asking him what was wrong, and why he was hurt and sad.

"He'll need to be reassigned, " Loremaster observed, mentally reviewing the openings. "Perhaps the Locks."

"He'll get better, " Phura argued against the panic in his own soul. "He'll recover. He won't get infected. He'll get strong again."

"He's young, " Loremaster soothed him. "We'll take good care of him." With what, Loremaster did not know; there were few herbs to be had. "Wash him well, with the warmest water he can stand. You look like you've been swimming?"

"Yes, for quite a while."

"Then your shirt may be the cleanest cloth we have. Use that."

Phura stripped his shirt off and set it carefully aside on the table. "Kesha, get water. No-- not well-water. Go to the river."

Kesha started to run off with two buckets. "Take Gamba's shirt, Kesha. Wash it very, very well, " Loremaster added, handing him the tattered shirt. Phura sat by Gamba, and Gamba leaned numbly against him.

Loremaster took the children, and went to get dinner. Esta and Azraph, having heard what Loremaster told Tuka, came to the study to help care for Gamba. But before Loremaster allowed the girls into the study, he removed his long, outer, loremasters' robe, and slowly and thoughtfully placed it over Phura's shoulders.

At the moment, Phura hardly noticed.

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Rose Cotton

10-09-2002, 05:15 AM

She had only been in the locks a few minutes before she heard the sound of approaching feet though I seemed much longer. She looked up to see Anee being put in her cell. Once the guards had left the hobbit girl turned on Daisy with a furrious look. "I can't believe you!" she yelled "What were you thinking?! Now you've made things worst on both of us. Because of your theiving hands I get in trouble too."

Anee colapsed on the floor in anger her face in her hands.

When she looked up again she saw silent tears streaming down Daisy's face. Anee was overwelmed by guilt and she started to cry too. "Daisy. Daisy, I'm sorry. I've been terrible to you." She crawled over to Daisy and put her arms around her.

mark12_30

10-09-2002, 05:39 AM

Phura washed Gamba's back several times, sending Kesha down for fresh water. Azraph and Esta kept the water as warm as Gamba could bear, and kept the two shirts rinsed clean, and then the boys-- all having had baths today, Phura thought with relief-- all clustered round him, and Phura too; and Loremaster's long robe went over all, and together they kept him warm.
Asraph and Esta sang them all to sleep, and then Loremaster walked them back to their families. He brought Esta home first, and checked on Tuka, who was back, weary but bearing only a few light welts which he shrugged about. His skin was not broken. Loremaster thanked him, and Tuka got some sleep, knowing he had a full day at the graveyard tomorrow.

Loremaster the returned Azraph to her family, and gently drew her father aside. They spoke softly for almost an hour.

Azraph's sister, Nitir, did not fail to notice. But Nitir also saw the very somber look on her father's face, and wondered if something was wrong. She did not tease Azraph nearly as much as Azraph expected her to, afterwards.

In the morning, they woke Gamba early, and washed his back again, and Loremaster gave him one of his own shirts to wear over his shredded one. It was then that Gamba commented on Phura's robe. Phura looked at Loremaster, who nodded.

"I'm far too young, " Phura objected.

"I don't think so, " Loremaster replied. And that was the end of that discussion. Gamba went to the Locks that day and learned the simple few duties expected there, and rested in between.

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-09-2002, 06:04 AM

OOC: This is a companion post to that of Rose. The same general thrust and outcome, but with an earlier start and later end.

Anee had finished her morning chores when she heard a ruckus and went to investigate. She stared in disbelief, learning of the sausage and Daisy’s sentence to the Locks. Anee saw Daisy scurrying about the room as she tried to pick up the food and shattered fragments of the dish. Silent tears struggled down her cheeks.

Anee's first reaction was that of anger. She'd done what she was told, and this was the result. She looked away as the guard marched Daisy off to the prison. But, just an instant later, he'd turned to her with an accusing finger, "You, you're responsible for my problems with the Captain. You said the girl would fit in here. Since you two are so friendly, you'll enjoy each other's company."

Anee found herself marched off towards the Locks with a five-day sentence to correct her behavior. The two girls were thrust into a large communal cell. It was filled with hobbits of all shapes and sizes. Some stayed a few days or weeks, while others remained over a year. As Anee looked at a few of the old-timers, her heart ran cold. Their faces were gaunt and their eyes reflected such despair that it seemed as if all life had been squeezed from them.

The guard returned and jerked them out with a rough hand. They were taken to a central area. Each was given a small plate and mug. A long list of rules was recited.

Then the guard stepped back to grin at Daisy. He'd heard about her story and wanted to have some fun, like a cat with prey between its paws. "You like sausages. Sausages are too good for the likes of you. How about this instead?"

The guard heaved up a large sack of beans, and opened it near Daisy's head. The girl ducked, but the contents went spilling in a hundred directions.

"Go ahead. Clean it up. Every one. I hear you have experence with this kind of thing. But if I see one left, even one, you'll have five extra days here."

Anee raged. It was so senseless. For the first time, she began to think that this punishment had nothing to do with sausage. It was about the shadow on the tombs and the rescue, and her chance to have a life. She felt ashamed. Just that morning, she’d reminded herself not to speak too much to Daisy, or spend time with her. Let the girl figure out things on her own.

Anee didn’t know much, but she was certain of one thing. Daisy came from someplace where there were no hobbit prisons or lists of selection. She didn’t have to be here. She’d come for a simple reason: it was the right thing to do.

The guard turned and glared at Anee who now stood near the door, pleased to have another victim in his sights. "You, get out of here. Let her go, and you can have an easy job washing clothes with a small room away from these cells."

Anee remained at the threshold, uncertain whether to go forward or turn back. The only sound she heard was an insect buzzing inside the room. Then a tiny voice echoed in her head. “What’s wrong with you? Go help her. I’d do it myself but I’m too small.”

She looked up startled and walked over to Daisy, bending down to begin picking up beans. The guard’s voice sounded a warning, but it came from far away. Within a short time, the girls had worked together to recapture every bean in the sack. And, despite the efforts of the guard, he could not find any left behind.

As they were finishing the job, Anee whisperd into Daisy's ear, “Did you find what you needed? Back on Tarcil's desk?.“

Daisy cautiously nodded yes. Anee’s response came back, “Good, then it was worth it.”

The guard marched both girls back to their cell. Anee gave Daisy a hug to stop her tears, and held her hand so she wouldn't be afraid.

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

mark12_30

10-09-2002, 09:23 AM

Just after Gamba left for the Locks, Phura headed down to the waters' edge with the children trooping after him. Loremaster watched him go, and several elders saw him en route. More than one paused, looking at Loremaster's robe, and wondering.

Phura knelt in front of the pile of pebbles, and studied them. Kesha joined him. "Shall we get more?"

Phura thought, and thought, and dug his hands into the pile, letting them run back through his fingers. And then, "Yes, " he said. "Let's get more. Everyone else, wait here."

He wore the robe into the water. It hampered his movements, but not badly, and there was something about the way it moved through the water, billowing, that affected the way he swam and the way he thought, even as he collected handful after handful of pebbles and stones that had lain silently waiting underwater for so very, very long. The pile of pebbles grew. Many were egg-sized and smooth and polished from being on the riverbottom for so long.

They kept at it til lunchtime, and the pile of stones now took up a third of the water's edge. As they trooped, damply, up the path, Kesha began to whistle softly.

Phura looked down at him and mussed his hair. "Forget the lullabyes, " he said softly. "We've been sleeping too long. Listen. You're going to learn a song about someone called Earendil."

Listening, the children's eyes grew wide as dragons raged, ships flew in the sky, and mountains fell. Phura kept singing, softly, while he waited in line, and those around him studied his dripping robe, and the new light in his eyes, and drew closer to hear him sing.

From within his study, Loremaster heard the tune, faintly, and he knew. And he nodded with satisfaction. The robe was well spent.

Feeling very old, he bent over the page of runes and blinked back his tears.

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

mark12_30

10-09-2002, 09:43 AM

Looking down at the lunch plates in his hands, Gamba sighed. He wondered how the food could be worse than what they were usually served; but it was. He pitied the inmates.

He slipped several plates under several doors, with soft words of greeting and sympathy, and then came to the last door, to the large communal cell. He looked around at faces that he had not seen for days or weeks or even months. And then he saw two that he had seen only yesterday. He started. "You!"

Anee growled at him. "What of it?"

"What happened? Was it me?"

"No, " Anee snapped, but something inside her forbade her to tattle on Daisy. "No, it wasn't you, " she ended, a little more softly.

Gamba stepped in, carrying a large bucket partly filled with bread and a small bucket with porridge in it, and began doling it out according to instructions. It was not much to live on, and Gamba felt guilty giving them so little. Daisy thought of the sausage, and bit back tears, using anger to do it.

Gamba wanted to say something hopeful, but at the moment, his back hurt, and the atmosphere was not a pleasant one. He fidgeted. But the man-guard was watching him. He moved on, and got the water bucket, and started back at the first cell.

Each inmate got one mugful, and the ones in the single cells had to drink it as Gamba watched. There was one older woman who was ailing, and Gamba managed to slip her a second mugful. "You done yet, Pansy? Hurry up, " he said, to cover the extra time.

"Patience, " her creaky voice said. "I can only drink so fast." She sucked it down, and handed the mug back out.

Gamba got to the communal cell at the end, and filled everybody's mug. The guard was distracted, and Gamba refilled the mug again and shoved it at Anee. "Drink it now, " he said, watching her sip it. "Faster. Drink all you can."

Biting back tears, Anee forced the water down her throat. Daisy followed suit when Gamba refilled the dripping mug and gave it to her.

"Water's good, " Gamba muttered. "It brings hope."

Anee shot him a puzzled look. But Daisy looked up, and thought of The Lonely Star.

"Yes, it does, " she whispered. And she tried to smile.

Gamba looked over at the other inmates, now sipping their water or gazing listlessly at the walls, and wished he could encourage them as easily as he just had Daisy. But with the guard now returned and glowering at him, Gamba clattered off with the bucket.

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

mark12_30

10-09-2002, 10:01 AM

At dinnertime that night, Gamba came limping home, and Phura and Esta met him partway up the tunnel to the Locks. They proceeded to the study, and picking up Azraph along th e way. Phura watched as the two ladies washed Gamba's back again, but he seemed distracted, and kept one eye on the opening to the main cave.
Tuka finally arrived, and Phura greeted him softly.

"How is he?" Tuka asked, and Gamba answered, "I'm not dead yet." Tuka grinned, but came over and sat beside him, full of concern.

But Phura only gave him a minute before he interrupted very softly. "Tuka, you were in the mines while they were still forging weapons."

"Yeah?"

"Are the molds for the knives and daggers still there?"

"Yes, but--"

"Are they guarded at night?"

Tuka's head spun. "No. I-- but Phura, Phura. We can't hammer them. They'd hear us."

"We can heat them up, and quench them, and sharpen them slowly against the stones. We just can't beat them."

"What good is a weapon that hasn't been hammered?"

"We'd lose in a swordfight anyway. But with enough sharpening, we could make a knifeblade with enough of an edge to slit a throat."

Tuka's head spun. "Could we? We can't light the forge fires again."

"We don't have to use those fires. You can heat up a meat-fork in a little cooking fire til it's red, and quench it in a bucket. We just need the molds."

"You've got to melt the iron."

Details, details. Phura blushed, but was undeterred. "All right. Then we need an excuse for melting iron. Start looking for reasons."

"I can't imagine. New shovels for gravedigging? The ones we have are still good."

"New chains to tie us up with. Some excuse. Some reason to melt iron." Phura was flustered, but refused to give up.

Tuka thought, and hope kindled in him despite the lack of an iron-melting excuse. "Once we have the knives, what will we do with them?"

"I don't know, yet. Can we make them?"

"I don't know."

"Well, find out. Are there any swordsmiths left?"

"Two. I'll ask."

"We'll have to do it at night."

"Who sleeps anyway? I'm awake half the night."

"Go."

Tuka left.

Gamba looked up at Phura, wincing as Esta accidentally opened up a welt. "None of us have ever killed anything since we've been in these caves. Not even a goat, or a chicken. The only blood we've seen is our own."

"Well, then, " Phura smiled, drawing close and very gently caressing Gamba's hair, "start singing some old songs about slitting throats and spilling blood. Softly. And if it's a really bloody song, then sing it to the tune of a sweet, restful lullabye, so the guards don't know the difference."

Azraph brought over another bucket of warm water, and met Esta's eyes, and they both saw something in each other's gaze they'd never seen before. "Courage, " Esta whispered to Gamba, and took his hand. He evaded her gaze, and wearily lay back down.

piosenniel

10-09-2002, 11:51 AM

Tarcil sat down heavily at his desk, and rubbed his brow. The start of a headache played behind his eyes, and he closed them tightly for a moment, willing it to recede. The pain subsided, and he opened his eyes slowly. There before him lay the directive from Gorthaur.

'Gorthaur!' he swore to himself. 'The King not gone a fortnight and already HE issues orders as if HE were King!' He rubbed his brow, again. What was he to do? He was only a lowly Captain with no real power of his own, save over these benighted halflings. Gorthaur wanted the Guard increased. As if a dragon cared about these miserable creatures! And let the Wyrm take them if he would! They were useless, lazy, and not to be trusted. Tarcil cursed the day he had ever taken this assignment.

He sighed. And now Gorthaur wanted the Guard increased, but the order came with no increase of monies for their costs. Finances were stretched thin, as it was.

There was nothing to be done but draft a reply to the one who now wielded power in this land. He pulled a clean sheet of vellum from his desk and placed it in front of him. Dipping his quill in the inkwell, he began.

Birdland

10-09-2002, 11:53 AM

With some last encouraging words to Daisy, Birdie hopped into the folds of Gamba's shirt and rode with him back through the tunnels. She knew that Daisy was probably in the safest place in the prison, and that Amee would help her get through the five days.

Bird was actually surprised at the leniency of the sentence. In other times and places, she knew that the sentence could as easily been death.

But now she had to get back to the water, and give Levanto the information that she and Daisy had worked so hard to gather. The thought of Gorthaur's minions searching frantically for "wyrms" heartened her. At least their attentions would be focused in other areas. But the extra duties involved in feeding and boarding these new troops worried her. If nothing else, it meant extra eyes and weapons focused on the halfling captives. And it certainly had not improved the mood of Captain Tarcil, who seemed likely to take out the frustrations of these extra duties on his prisoners.

Bird hung on grimly to the rough threads of Gamba's shirt, resisting the temptation to order him to walk faster. To calm her nerves and ease her own hunger, she idly munched a small, new hole into the fabric.

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

piosenniel

10-09-2002, 01:07 PM

Despite his best efforts, Levanto had not been able to discover where Piosenniel had gone. His searches of yesterday and today had turned up no results. He had decided to take that as a good sign - that she had spent a day looking for oysters and eels and then gone back to the Star. He laid aside any thoughts that she might have done something rash, and forgone the urge to go back and check on her safe return.

Now he focused on his next task. Evening had turned toward night, and he moved up the river to the caves. Bird would meet him there and give him what report they had gleaned. He did not expect the report to take much time. They had only been there two days. What could they possibly have learned in that short time.

The Mer-man swam quickly by the docked patrol ship near midriver. He must tell Pio and Mithadan it was still there. It would prove an obstacle to the rescue.

His thoughts drifted as he swam slowly up the river. He looked forward to seeing Bird again. No need to hurry. He would not enter the caves until midnight.

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-09-2002, 02:42 PM

The shadows lengthened over the walls of the Locks. Gamba the attendent had returned to his brother and friends. Now came the long hours when there was little for the prisoners to do except sit and stare at the darkness. Here, there were no torches bringing light, but only the glimmering eyes of hobbits reflected in each other's faces.

Anee and Daisy sat together in the corner of their cell with their small meal set in front of them. There were no vegetables or fruits or milk to be had in the Locks. Certainly, no meat. Twice a day, they received a small chunk of bread, a few spoons of a grain porridge, and a cup of water.

Daisy had never had Rose's or Cami's way with children, but tonight she had a special job. There were two small youngsters who'd been sent to prison for correction. Daisy couldn't imagine what they had done to earn passage to this horrible place. But then someone mentioned it had originally been their mother confined here. When she died with no relations, the two had been left and forgotten.

How hungry they looked! The girl lay sick and listless in Daisy's arms. Somehow, someway, Daisy vowed to fight back. The shadow would not get this one. There was only a short space to wait for the rescue. Then they could find Lily and her brother a home. Somehow or other, she'd pull them through until the Star brought healing and aid.

She pushed back the hunger that gnawed at her belly, and broke her bread in half. She soaked it in the cup of water to make it soft enough for a sick little one to swallow. When Anee saw what Daisy was doing with her food, she began to do the same for Lily's older brother. One or two others in the cell added a little water of ther own to cool down the girl's forehead which was hot with fever.

That afternoon, Daisy had spoken with Gamba. She had begged him to search for a way to bring in a few meagre things for the people in the jail. A bit of fruit or soft cheese would be ideal, but even beans or bread would help.

They had one thing going in their favor. Every day the guard took a nap after lunch. The thought of escape was so remote that the Men didn't hesitate to spend their duty time playing games of chance. Daisy had no intention of trying to get out of the Locks. What she wanted to do was find a way to get a few things in.

Daisy wasn't even sure if Gamba had heard her request. His eyes had looked so tired, so distant and uncaring. But maybe underneath, there was still a spark. They'd have to wait and see.

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

Mithadan

10-09-2002, 03:28 PM

Rose had been kind enough to bring Mithadan a bowl of beef stew with a chunk of freshly baked bread. He ate silently, then continued scanning the horizon for any sign of activity. The night passed peacefully and without any cause for alarm. Sometime after midnight, Veritas appeared and took over his place at the helm.

Mithadan went below decks and entered Pio's cabin quietly. As before, she was sound asleep, but she had arranged herself across the bunk so that there was no space for the Man. He smiled and gently caressed her hair, but did not wake her. Fatigue now dogged him as well and he considered leaving the cabin to sleep in his old bunk, but dismissed this thought. Instead, he sat on the chair which stood nearby and watched her breath until sleep came to him as well.

piosenniel

10-09-2002, 06:38 PM

The new moon hung low in the night sky, a slim white crescent. Its pale light filtered in through the open porthole, throwing a narrowed band of silver across the bed. Pio stirred in her sleep, and turned over. The sliver of light played across her eyelids, waking her from dreams.

She sat up in the darkness and looked out to sea, watching the light of stars and moon dance on the water. The single cry of a passing gull echoed in the waves and receded. She smiled, and hugged herself, that at this moment was harmony revealed.

A sound from behind surprised her, and she looked to see the source. There by her bed, sat Mithadan. His chin lolled against his chest as he slumped in his chair, asleep. A soft, rhythmic snore now issued from the drowsing Man, punctuated by the soft, rhythmic slap of the waves against the hull. Point and counterpoint wove through the air, delighting her.

She reached for his hand, waking him. 'Pio?' he said groggily. Smiling, she threw back the covers and bade him rest easy beside her. 'Come, My Moon and Stars, cradle me in your arms until the Sun calls us to our task once again.

He turned on his side and pulled her back against him, his arm draped protectively over her. He raised his head and kissed the shell of her ear. 'You taste of the sea.' he murmured softly, a smile playing about his lips as he laid down his head and drifted into dreams.

'Would that I could hold back the day!' she whispered.

She settled against him, then, surrendering to the safety of his presence. Harmony, made whole.

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

Birdland

10-09-2002, 11:40 PM

"You have a hole in your shirt, Gamba." said Azraph, pointing to the raveled tear in the back of the shirttail.

Gamba shrugged, but Esta silently gestured and the boy took off the shirt so that she could inspect it for possible mending. She had one precious needle that she carried with her everywhere, and would gather threads from the few rags that were no longer good for clothing.

Esta shook the shirt to remove any dirt, not seeing the small, black and silver insect that fell out of it's folds. But Loremaster did, and he casually flicked the hem of his robe in the direction of Birdie, allowing her to hide in the hem and laboriously make her way up to his shoulder.

"Loremaster, please", she whispered in his ear, "Can you take me down to the river? Midnight approaches, and I must see Levanto and let him know what Daisy and I have found."

He gave a small nod of his head, and after a few moments, stood and stretched, miming an old man who would seek his bed. But Birdie and he, once they left the common area, hastened to the bank, hoping that Levanto would appear.

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

piosenniel

10-10-2002, 02:49 AM

Levanto waited in the shadows for Bird to come. He saw Loremaster appear, alone. A great panic gripped him that something had gone terribly wrong. He drew himself onto the bank as the hobbit approached and demanded to know where Bird was, and what had happened to Daisy.

'I'm right here, you misguided Mer-man!' came the irritated voice of Bird, as she changed to human form. Levanto started to protest this name, but she cut him off with a look. She told him what she and Daisy had discovered on the Captain's desk. He shook his head in dismay, then went over a number of points to fix it in his mind.

'I should get back the the Star now, and let them know this new information.' he said, lowering himself into the river. He looked at Bird, his brow furrowed. 'You haven't mentioned how Daisy is. Is everything alright?' Bird paled at this question. She sighed and went on to explain what had happened and how Daisy was now in the locks for five days.

I must go quickly, then.' he said. 'This is a very disturbing piece of news. Those back at the Star will be loath to hear it. Stay with her and watch out for her as you can!' he bade her.

Then he slipped beneath the surface of the river and was gone.

mark12_30

10-10-2002, 10:30 AM

Gamba's tattered pockets bulged as he walked awkwardly towards the Locks. He'd spoken with several friends about the meager rations at the Locks, and everyone had split their apples in half, and given him half for the prisoners. He carried ten half-apples, and several crusts of bread stuffed into the front of his tattered shirt. He wondered whether the guards would notice his bulgy pockets, or whether his limping would hide it.

It was dark, and often the guards did not see much. Gamba often wondered whether hobbits saw better in the dark than men did, and now he was beginning to believe it. One by one, at breakfast, as he was giving the inmates their water, he handed them the bits of extra food at the same time.

The inmates were mostly too wise to eat the apples with the guards there, but just to be sure, Gamba warned the two girls. Anee assured him that he needn't have worried.

piosenniel

10-10-2002, 12:33 PM

Pio was up and dressed when the knock came at the door. 'Come!' she whispered as she opened it. Khelek entered and told her that Levanto had returned and had asked that she and Mithadan come quickly to speak with him.

A chill crept up her back at these words. 'Tell him we will be there directly.' she said as Khelek left. She woke the still sleeping Mithadan with a kiss, and handed him his clothes. 'We must hurry! Levanto has returned and I fear the news he brings is grave.'

Levanto's face was drawn and pale. His swim back to the Star had been hard and fast, and now he leaned heavily on the edge of the skiff. Pio came down to him first, her eyes taking in the hopelessness reflected in his face.

'What saddens you so, Levanto? Is the news so troubling that you can hardly bear to speak it?' Mithadan came down to the skiff and sat opposite her. 'Tell us what you have learned, Levanto.' he urged him. 'Let us then decide what we must do with it.'

Levanto took a deep breath, then began to tell them what Daisy and Bird had found. Gorthaur was concerned still about the dragon that had been spotted and had ordered increased security for the prison. More guards were to be put on to secure the site.

'Do we know how many more and how the patrols will be increased?'asked Mithadan.
'Was there any indication that there would be more ships to patrol the rivers and coastlines?'

'There were no specifics to the directive from Gorthaur, as I understood from Bird.' replied Levanto.

'What else, then did you learn?' urged Pio. Levanto told them of the 'List' kept by the Captain for the sacrificial victims. Two hobbits, every day were taken. 'Their bodies are later returned to the graves dug by their fellow hobbits, so Bird told me.' he said.

The chill feeling returned to Pio as she waited for him to go on. He hesitated, not able to meet her eyes. 'You speak only of Bird.' she asked him. 'Where was Daisy. Did you see her? Tell me how she fares.'

In a breaking voice, Levanto told them what had happened to the hobbit. That she had been thrown in the Locks, accused of stealing. How she had used the theft of a sausage to cover her reading of the letter from Gorthaur.

Pio's eyes narrowed and hardened to a flint grey. 'Is she in greater danger there?' she asked Levanto. 'I can not assure you that she is not, Pio. I just do not know.'

The Elf was silent, her gaze locked on the north. Mithadan thanked Levanto and bade him take what rest he could. The Man turned to her, and took both her hands in his.

'Let us talk, first, before you act on what you are now thinking, Pio. I can not promise I will not try to dissuade you with my reasons. But, let me hear you out and share what suggestions I may.'

Her eyes met his. 'Let me think on it a little. Then I will come to you.' She drew her cloak tightly around her.

Mithadan returned to the deck. Kali would need to be told, and he would do this.

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-10-2002, 02:57 PM

When Gamba came in later that morning, both Daisy and Anee went over to thank him for remembering the extra food. The boy politely nodded his head, but said little. He went about his work of cleaning out the old straw and putting in new with little comment. It was as if Daisy or the rescue no longer existed in his mind.

Daisy shook her head in astonishment. The boy who had challenged her just two nights before, the boy who wanted all the details of this and that and wouldn't stop asking questions, had disappeared. Daisy wasn't sure who had taken his place. This new Gamba was a somber fellow whose grey eyes mirrored shadow and caution. Daisy didn't know what to make of him. She wasn't even sure she liked him.

She decided to try and draw him out a little, to see if he was really as uncaring as he seemed to be. She hoped not.

"Gamba, you asked me before to tell you something about who I am and where I come from. Do you still want to know that?"

He kept working at the straw, sweeping it into piles. He finally said one word in return, "Maybe."

Maybe? Daisy wondered what that meant. It didn't seem like much of an answer. But she didn't want to give up. And at least it was something. Better than silence, she supposed.

"I can't tell you a lot, but I will say this. The people on the Star really aren't much different than the hobbits you live with. They're just ordinary people. They don't have any special magic. They saw a job that needed doing, and they're trying to do it."

"Our ships can't grow wings and fly to get here any faster. I wish I could tell you differently, but I'd be lying."

Gamba turned his head and scowled, "That's not exactly reassuring. How do you expect to succeed at what you're doing? How could you think you will win? It's impossible. If I were you, I'd stop trying and go home."

Daisy turned around in disbelief. Why would this boy say such things? She was not going to keep quiet. "Don't you want to be free? Can't you see that people are doing these things because they care about you and your people? Go home? Maybe it would be easier if we went home. But because something is easy doesn't make it right."

At this point Daisy stopped and lowered her voice for fear one of the guards would hear her and come to investigate. "I used to be a lot like you. When I first came on the Star, I was very angry. But they were good people, and they taught me a lot. They took me in and showed me how to be part of something bigger than myself. It sounds like you could stand being part of something like that too."

Gamba looked at her intently. Part of him wanted to believe what Daisy was saying. Part of him yearned to do the kinds of things she was describing.

But there was also another part. And that other part just didn't think something like that was possible anymore. Maybe it was all a silly tale they told to children to keep them quiet. Gamba shook his head and went on with his work.

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

mark12_30

10-10-2002, 03:10 PM

ooc: Ok, sharon, here goes. Anybody want anything shifted please advise. (Still wondering about Kali??) \ooc

When Gamba came back from the locks, the children wanted to tickle him again, and Phura had to warn them off. Phura greeted Gamba affectionately, but then seemed distracted, and Gamba met Kesha's eyes, and motioned him over. As tall as Kesha was getting, still, he climbed up on Gamba's lap, and Gamba and Kesha had a long private talk. Then Kesha hopped down, feeling very important, and marched over to the children, and called them into a huddle. Gamba smiled, weary as he was.

Meanwhile, Phura was telling Loremaster about the pile of river stones and pebbles. "There was something about bringing them up from the darkness, where they'd been buried. Lifting them. Bringing them to the edge of the water." Phura struggled to express what he did not fully grasp.

Loremaster nodded. "It will come clear in time."

"We don't have time, " Phura growled, pacing. "We have eleven days. No, ten. Ten days."

Tuka came into the study, and suddenly Asta and Roka charged him, with Kesha next and Ban and Maura last. Roka and Asta each fastened themselves on one of Tuka's legs. Tuka blinked, and Kesha bowled him over backwards. "Whuh!" he grunted, and barely remembered to tuck and roll and avoid whacking his head on the rock. The children set to work, and soon Tuka's helpless laughter filled the study and echoed out into the main cave. The children showed no mercy, and Tuka was winded and gasping. Eventually Phura called them off.

"Lo, how the mighty one has fallen. You proud, vain and self-satisfied hobbit, you are vanquished by my stout army of children, " Gamba rumbled, as elated as any father of victorious sons.

Phura chuckled, and Tuka struggled to rise out from under the tangle of children.

Then Phura paused. "Tuka, if all five children had come from behind, what could you have done?"

"Land on my face, " Tuka grimaced, not liking the idea.

Gamba frowned. "And just how would we get behind the guards?"

Phura fidgeted. "We're quiet enough, but they're not blind."

"In the dark? I think we see better than they do, " Gamba replied, offhandedly.

Phura and Tuka exchanged glances. "Seven would be better, " Tuka said. "Two per leg, one per arm."

"And there's the use for the daggers, " replied Phura, stroking his own throat thoughtfully. Then he studied the still downcast Gamba, and looked at the children. He fidgeted. He wished Gamba would snap out of the funk that he was in, but he didn't know how to reach him.

[ October 10, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

mark12_30

10-10-2002, 03:24 PM

He went back over to Tuka. "Have you talked to the Blacksmiths?"

Tuka nodded. "The molds are all still there. The tongs are there, the buckets and hammers are there. With the cutbacks in guards, it's usually deserted except for two guards at the entrance; it's pretty deep in the tunnel. If we could get in, we could probably light the fires again without being noticed. We could probably even manage in a couple of days to set aside and refine enough iron for ten small blades, or even fifteen. That's not the problem."

"What's the problem?"

"Wood. Nothing to burn."

Phura paced, incredulous. "None? There's no firewood left down there?"

"Nothing."

"Wood. I can't believe the only thing stopping us is wood. We've got to get around this. How much do you need?"

"A lot."

Gamba thought it over. "Wood." He hadn't really expected the idea to work anyway.

"If nothing else, the tongs and the hammers would be better than no weapon at all. There are pokers, for the fire, too, aren't there?"

Tuka grimaced. Gamba chuckled, and then coughed; Esta walked into the study and primped her hair slightly. The discussion halted while the guard passed by on the way to his post. Now that she was here, Esta sat beside Gamba. He seemed distracted, still.

ooc: Sharon, I was messed up. I thought that the meeting was tonight. Cancel what i said. Here goes stonethrowing and swim.

[ October 10, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

mark12_30

10-10-2002, 04:26 PM

Phura clapped Tuka on the shoulder, and gestured at the five children. "Watch them, will you?" Phura said to the very surprised Tuka; and beckoning to Gamba, headed towards the tunnel to the river. "Come on. Come with me."

Gamba, very tired and reluctant to leave the study and the boys, dragged himself wearily after his brother, none too enthused.

"All right, we're here. What do you want?" Gamba sighed.

Phura came and faced him, hands carefully placed on Gamba's shoulders. "Your help, " Phura said earnestly.

"With what, " Gamba evaded.

"Getting ready for Nitir and Azra's arrival. We can't just sit around. We need to wake up. We need to fight back. We need..."

Gamba wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Gamba."

"What are all these pebbles doing here? It's dangerous. Someone could break their neck."

"I brought them up from the bottom. They're all the pebbles that hobbits like you and me have been throwing into the water for the past sixty years."

"What of it?"

"Sing and toss. You did it too. Don;'t give me that blank look. You sat here, and dreamed, and tossed in pebble after pebble as you dreamed." Loremaster was right, it suddeny came clear. Suddenly Phura was on fire. "These pebbles represent our dreams. Our hope for freedom. Our longings and desires. We've been tossing them away for so long. It's time to pick them up again, and put them to work."

It was lost on Gamba. "They're stones. Lots and lots of stones. All your studying has gotten to you, Phura." He picked one up, and threw it far into the water.

Phura bristled. "After all the work I did to bring them up, the least you could do is throw it further up into the tunnel."

Gamba snorted with disgust, picked up three more (larger ones this time) and sent them whizzing up the tunnel. They hit the rock walls with a very loud whack.

Phura paused. "Do that again."

Three more; whack, whack, whack.

"Bet you can't hit the same spot every time."

Whack, whack, whack. Chips flew off of the rock wall. Defiant now, Gamba took his anger out on the wall; whack, whack, and there was a small mist of rock dust in the air. Whack, whack... he kept at it until his anger began to subside, and there was a deepening indentation in the wall, and a scattering of egg-sized pebbles nearby.

"Wait, " Phura said. And he ran back up the tunnel full speed.

He jogged back, carrying a lit candle; dripping some of the precious wax, he stuck the candle on the rock wall. Then he rejoined Gamba.

"Put it out."

Gamba chose a stone, aimed, and threw. The rock neatly removed just the flame and left the candle standing. Darkness returned.

In the darkness, Phura smiled.

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

mark12_30

10-10-2002, 04:28 PM

Gamba, now weary from stone throwing and from his anger, let his arms dangle, feeling the blood flow through them.

"Tired now?"

Gamba nodded, resentfully.

"How about a swim?"

"How can you ask! It'll sting, and I'll get a chill besides. Forget it."

"Come on. It's nighttime. It's dark."

Gamba, still resentful but curious now, studied Phura.

"I've never seen them, " Phura said. "Do you think they might be shining?"

He doubted it, but still, Gamba's mouth twitched, as he weighed the pain against the possibilities.

"The air seems clear. Doesn't it taste clear?"

"I don't know."

"I do. I bet the sky is clear. Come on."

Gamba had nothing to lose. He shrugged, and something about the way he shrugged stopped Phura in his tracks.

"Wait. That's why you have no hope. You think you're going to die."

Gamba evaded his gaze again. "They take the weak ones, and the insubordinate ones. And they don't need me to dig anymore."

"You are not going to die, " Phura said, simply and with finality. "I need you. You've got work to do."

Gamba just stared at him, unconvinced.

"Into the water, " Phura urged him. "Come on." Phura jumped in, and Gamba hesitated, wondering why the stars would still be there; but as his brother turned away, the thought of only hearing the tale, if they were there, and never seeing the sight, sent him into the water. He came up hissing from the pain, but he and his brother swam downriver, and sooner than Gamba expected, they came out from under the rock roof, and looked up; in a blackness different from any they had ever seen, far, far above them they saw veils and pinpricks of glistening white-silver.

*************

Phura was too lost in his own wonder to pay much attention to Gamba at first. But eventually he looked at his younger brother.

"Aren't they beautiful?"

There was a long silence, and then Gamba spoke. "They're not gone. Is he not dead, then?"

"What? Who?"

"Gorthaur didn't kill him after all?" It was a question.

"Kill who?"

"Eru. I thought Gorthaur was at the top of Meneltarma because he killed Eru. Wasn't that what the guards meant when they said, 'Death to law, to light, to love, cursed be moon and stars above?' They laughed when they said it."

Phura was horrified. "When did they say that? Which guards?"

"My last day at the graveyards. They were new guards."

"You've been listening to the wrong guards. That's part of Morgoth's old oath. And it's not true. It's crazy. The darkness doesn't have that kind of power. It's not true."

Even in the dim starlight, Phura could see a change in Gamba's eyes. "He's not dead?"

"Not even defeated. That was a lie."

Gamba went to sit in the shallows, numb with surprise, and began laughing softly. "Not dead? He's alive. Eru is alive."

Phura joined him, amazed. "I never knew you believed that."

"But how else would Gorthaur have control of the top of the mountain?"

"I don't know, Gamba. But nothing defeats Eru. Nothing."

Gamba lay back, and drank in the stars, and their light took root in his mind's eye even as his brother's words took root in his soul. Hope grew, and courage with it. He was silent for a long time, too full of sudden joy to speak much. But eventually he asked another question. "Do people see the moon and the stars every night?"

"If there aren't clouds, yes. And you will too, " Phura replied.

Gamba shook his head in wonder.

[ October 10, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-10-2002, 10:49 PM

When Daisy pulled out her water mug for dinner, she was surprised to find a small face peering back. Bird leapt forward and balanced precariously on the rim. “We need to talk,” she whispered.

Daisy glanced surreptitiously from side to side. This wasn’t going to be easy! It wasn't the guards that bothered Daisy. They were lazy and spent most of their time sleeping or gaming. But, even in the evening hours, the cell was crowded with hobbits, all keeping a close watch on one another’s business. And a talking neekerbreeker was much harder to explain away than a talking bird.

Daisy looked about for a solution. A ragged blanket lay on the ground near the edge of the cell. She tossed it over her head and shoulders, using it as a cloak. Settling back into its folds, she was greeted by a cheerful voice, “This is comfortable.”

“Maybe for you!” Daisy was not in a pleasant mood. She was stiff and sore and hungry. Even more, she felt frustrated at being in the Locks. She was tired of sitting and waiting while others did things on the outside. This wasn’t how she’d planned for things to go. One part of her realized she’d been lucky to escape with so little punishment. The other part wasn't sure.

“The Star is fine. They’re worried about you. And Levanto is bringing our news of the letter to Mithadan and Pio.”

Bird tried to sound reassuring. “Daisy, that letter was important. I know you don’t like it here. But if you’re careful, you’ll be out in a little while.”

Daisy sighed. To her, four days seemed like forever.

Bird hesitated and went on, “I did hear one thing. Tomorrow night, the Eldar meet to discuss the rescue. They’re hoping to get hold of some kind of weapons for the hobbits. And they want to make sure everyone gets out.”

“And I’ll be sitting here in this cell,” Daisy grumbled. “You’ll be at the meeting?”

“I’m not sure. I’m supposed to meet Levanto. He’s coming back to check on us. Anyways, I don’t know how much help I could be. They need someone who knows strategy, and that’s not me. Maybe Levanto will have some ideas.”

“Bird, will you promise me one thing? Just one thing. Ask them not to forget the Locks. I don’t know how many hobbits are here, but there’s a lot. And some of them are children. We have to get them out.”

The neekerbreeker looked at her and nodded, “I promise. That's my second promise today."

"And what was the first one," Daisy asked, genuinely curious.

"There’s one more thing I want to do before I get out of here. Just once, I’d like to match wits with the monstor who sits on top of this mountain and cheat him out of his daily sacrifice. Just once, I’d like to take his ‘selection list’ and see two names scratched off instead of added on.”

“Bird, be careful,” Daisy cautioned. “That could be dangerous. You’re not just taking on guards. You’re talking about Gorthaur and his prey.”

Bird turned a bright eye upward and gave what looked like a tiny insect grin., “I know. That’s exactly what I mean to do.” Then she excused herself. “See you tomorrow, Daisy.” She hopped on the shoulder of a Man who was going towards the main cavern for supplies. She was whistling a marching tune as she left, much to the bafflement of the guard.

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

10-11-2002, 07:47 AM

Levanto's news was ill-starred; Daisy imprisoned and more guards being posted at the caverns. Mithadan rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes for a moment. Then he returned to the rail and cried out "Levanto!"

The Mer-Man returned to the surface and approached the ship. "Yes, Mithadan?"

"When you return to the caverns, we need to find out one thing," said the Man. "We need to know when Daisy will be released. If she remains imprisoned at the time of the rescue, we may need to make specific plans to assure her safety." Levanto nodded tiredly and sank below the waves again.

Mithadan stood by the rail, looking toward the North with a frown upon his face. Then he turned and went below decks. He halted before Rose's cabin and knocked on the door. After a moment, the Hobbit opened the door, blinking away sleep from her bleary eyes.

"I have a task for you Rose," he began. In the foremost port side storage hold, you will find rolls of greased cloth. We use it to make emergency repairs of small breaches in the hull. Take two rolls and locate the sturdiest needles and sail thread that you can find. We will need shears and hot pitch as well. Ask the Hobbrim elders for help. Have you paper and ink?"

She nodded and returned to the door with paper, ink and a quill. Mithadan knelt and drew quickly what was to be made with the cloth and handed the drawing to Rose. She looked at it without understanding but nodded. "I will begin immediately," she said.

Mithadan then proceeded to the Hobbrims' quarters and found Kali chatting with his new cousins. "Kali, can you come with me please?" he asked. The Hobbrim accompanied him back up to the deck. Sitting on a barrel, Mithadan took a deep breath and looked Kali in the eyes. "Kali, we have news from the caverns. Daisy has helped us greatly, but she has encountered a problem." He related briefly what Levanto had told him of Daisy's efforts and her imprisonment.

"No!" cried Kali. "She must be saved! I must help her!" The Hobbrim stood and hopped up to the nearby rail, preparing to dive into the water. Mithadan leaped forward and caught Kali out of mid-air, holding him tightly as he squirmed and fought to get away from the Man's grip.

"Kali, no!" he cried. "We believe she is safe for now. We cannot allow you to risk yourself by attempting a brash rescue. If she is in danger, I promise you we will save her." Kali ceased his wriggling and settled down in the Man's arms. He looked up at Mithadan with tearful eyes.

"If it were Piosenniel in prison, wouldn't you rush off to rescue her?" moaned the Hobbrim.

Mithadan held Kali close for a moment, then released him. Their eyes met again. "Yes," he answered. "But I would think things through first. A dead man cannot accomplish a rescue." Kali whimpered and closed his eyes. Mithadan took him by the shoulders and said firmly, "If she is at risk, we will save her. I promise." Kali opened his eyes and looked at the Man. "I promise!" he repeated...

----------------------
Later that day, Mithadan came on deck to find Rose and several Hobbrim busily cutting pieces of cloth and sewing them together. A small stack of the finished materials had already accumulated. It was a hot morning and Rose was sweating as she worked. Seeing Mithadan, she stood and walked over to him.

"We've made about 10 of these things already," she said. "How many do you need."

"Perhaps 20 more for now, maybe more later," he replied.

"What are these things?" asked the Hobbit.

Mithadan smiled enigmatically. Motioning her to follow, he took one and carried it down to the galley where a pot of pitch was being heated. Taking up a brush, he spread pitch along each of the seams of Rose's creations and waited while it cooled. Then he brought the sack to his mouth, bunching up the open end and blew into it until it had inflated. He deftly tied off the open end and dabbed more pitch into the opening.

Then Mithadan headed back up to the deck followed by a curious and slightly annoyed Rose. Going to the rail, he threw the sack overboard. It bobbed on the surface a few feet from the boat. Then, to Rose's surprise, he leaped in after it. Mithadan swam over to the sack and threw his arms over it. The sack supported him on the surface. He kicked back towards the Star and shouted up to Rose, "These are bladders. They will support those who do not swim well and can be used to carry things which are heavy or should not get wet. We can use these to carry things into the caverns and to carry Hobbits out!"

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

piosenniel

10-11-2002, 02:21 PM

Pio sat a long while considering what Levanto had said. She brought the images to her mind of The Valley of the Tombs, and the network of caverns which lay beneath the Pillar of Heaven. She traced the course of the Siril back to its source, the springs deep within the caverns. The natural outlay of the land and the positions of the tombs were clear in her mind, but nothing came to her when she sought to see how the prison grounds might look themselves.

Where were the hobbits kept? Where did they go to work? Where were the guards stationed & how many were there? Where were the headquarters. Where was the armory? Where were the Locks and how were they guarded. In order for the meager troops of the Star to stage a succesful operation, all this needed to be found out.

She could not ask Levanto to increase his trips. He was already exhausted. And the information would have to be gleaned from what the prisoners told him. It would be too long a process. She wanted the whole picture, seen the way she needed it to be seen, and now.

What concerned her most at the moment was the exact location of Daisy. Anger that the girl had been placed in such a dangerous position and anger at herself for agreeing to such a scheme pushed her resolve to go to the prison grounds and see for herself what she might do. 'Probably nothing.' she thought grimly to herself, knowing she could not jeapordize the larger rescue to bring back Daisy now. She contented herself with the thought that at least when the day came she would know exactly where to find her.

Mithadan was overseeing the making of flotation devices and discussing the techniques in using them with Rose when she found him. He looked at her as she approached and she motioned for him to continue his discussion, but asked that when he was done, would he come speak with her in her cabin.

She found her map of Númenor among the piles of books in her room and was just laying it out on the bed when he entered. 'Come look at this.' she said. 'I have a detailed map and journal notes on all the areas of the Isle. We know exactly how we will get there and how long it will take us.'

'Yes?!', he said, wondering where she was going with this, and hoping it was not what he knew it would be.

'The prison area itself is a cypher to us, Mithadan. We cannot go into such a dangerous situation having no information about its particulars. Too many lives here and in the future depend upon us to complete this task, to do it well. Time grows short. The day of the rescue will soon be upon us. We need that information now, if our few hands are to be successful.'

'I am going to the caverns. When I return I will have the answers that we need. Tomorrow morning, early, I will leave for the River Siril, and by late night I should be under the mountain. It should not take me long to find the information, and then I will return directly.'

She looked at the map, and pointed to a place about halfway up the river. The site of a large dock, as he recalled, from that first excursion up the river with 'Tulë'.

'There is another matter we need to take care of once I return. I think I will be too tired to take care of it myself this trip.' She indicated the area just north of the dock. 'This is where a small patrol ship is at anchor. It bears the black banner and is the one which Levanto saw on his early trip upriver. It seems to be permanently stationed there.' She paused, considering her next words. 'I saw it there when I was looking for eel. That night I boarded it and inspected the interior. There are five men aboard, and a moderate number of weapons - mostly blades and bows for the use of the crew. They do have pigeons aboard, probably for carrying reports north to Gorthaur or one of his close minions. I had planned to travel back upriver to eliminate this problem before we took the elven ships upriver. I wonder now if perhaps you might have some thoughts on how we might do this together. Think on it, if you will and we can discuss it when I return.'

She went to the end of her bed and opened the small chest. Selecting four knives, she laid them out on her bed, and then looked for the sharpening tool. Mithadan had not spoken a word as yet, and she considered that a favorable sign.

Pio sat on her bed cross-legged and began to inspect and hone the blades. He sat down in a chair and watched her. 'He will speak when he's ready.' she thought. 'Until then, I will make ready to go.'

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-11-2002, 02:34 PM

Cami sat on deck staring at the endless waves that slapped against the hull of the Star. Usually these brought comfort and consolation. Today this was not the case.

Each wave seemed like a giant hill separating her from where she wanted to be. Here on the Star, she could do nothing, nothing, to help her people. She wished a hundred times that she had skill in arms and swordplay. But young hobbit girls brought up in the Shire in her day were unlikely to have been taught such things. It was true that she was a good hand with the bow, but in the close quarters of the tombs this hardly seemed helpful.

She envied Rose and Daisy their youth and quick hands. At least then, she could have stood in the front line of those advancing and actually accomplished something. A few days ago, it didn't seem to matter, but now everything had changed.

The Elf had asked Cami to her room and told her about Daisy and selection lists. Cami listened in horror as she heard how hobbits and men were sacrificed day after day at the top of the Mount. For several hours, she had sat and cried at the image of Daisy held captive and the cruelty of the guards. Finally, she had stopped crying and tried to think her way through the problem.

She wanted to help, but what could she possibly do? She thought of speaking with Ancalimon, but this was something important for her to figure out on her own. Maybe the figuring out was almost as important as the doing.

Then it came to her. It was so simple that she'd had trouble seeing it before. She wasn't sure how to do it, but she was certain what should be done. She'd talk with Rose and together they'd go ask Mithadan or Piosenniel and see if anything could be arranged. Cami went below deck to hunt for Rose.

Before finding Rose, she came upon a group of hobbrim standing with Andril and crying. The wise woman came up to her and said, "We have spoken among ourselves. We will leave our children to wait on the Star, but the adults and the older youth want to be allowed to go with the landing party and fight." The request did not surprise Cami. She promised that they would go together to find out what could be done.

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

mark12_30

10-11-2002, 04:57 PM

The next morning, Gamba was getting ready to go up to the Locks when Asta checked in. "How's your back?"

"Not bad."

"Shall I wash it for you?" She gestured towards the water bucket.

"Esta," he whispered.

She looked up at him closely, drew nearer, and replied, "What?"

"Phura and I saw the stars last night."

"The stars?"

"We swam out. Esta, it was so beautiful. I wish you could see them."

"I can swim, " she whispered. She drew still nearer, and he suddenly wondered if she was being coy.

"Swim?" He stammered. "Would-- would you swim out with me?"

She nodded, smiling , eyes shining. "Yes."

"You-- Esta, you would?"

She took his hand, and guided him to the bench at Phura's study table, and they sat down. She did not let go of his hand. "Yes, Gamba. I would. I would go with you."

His head spun. She was two years older than he was; he was just sixteen, she was eighteen. He stared at her in disbelief, and looked down at their clasped hands.

"All those years of chasing you around that circle, and wondering which one of us you would choose," he whispered. She giggled. "But-- me? You chose me?"

She nodded, smiling. "You." Her eyes sparkled and she waited.

"But... but the others are taller, stronger... "

"And you're the youngest in the group." She smiled wider, "And the spunkiest. The worst rascal. And tenacious? You never quit."

His face fell. "Esta, I almost did, these past couple of days. I was ready to."

She shifted closer to him, reached up, and gently touched his face. "But did you?"

"Thanks to my brother, no."

"All right then. That's the Gamba I know." And she drew still closer to him, waiting, and it occurred to him to give her a kiss.

He thought, am I really that much of a rascal? Perhaps I am. And I do think she wants one.

He leaned over, and kissed her, and the sudden pleasure took him by surprise. He gasped, much too loudly.

They heard footsteps, and the guard looked in, ducking to see into the low-ceilinged study. They both cringed, looking very guilty and feeling not a little frightened.

The guard's eyes softened, and a slow smile, which he tried to hide, spread across his features, and he shook his head. "Quibbling about poetry at this hour?" he chuckled loud enough for the other guards to hear. "It's time you two got to work. Why don't you set aside your literary interests long enough to have a productive day?"

"Yes, sir, " Gamba stuttered, and the guard, having now mostly hidden his smile, turned casually away.

Gamba clung to Esta's hands for a few moments more, and then got up. He was late. He stole one more quick kiss, snatched up a folded cloth holding crusts and raisins, and ran out into the main cave, and sprinted towards the Locks. It was several hours before he remembered his welts again.

Several people in the kitchen wondered why Esta was humming that day.

piosenniel

10-11-2002, 07:26 PM

Night passed uneventfully on the Star. Pio had kept watch the greater part of it. Sleep would not come. Her thoughts raced over details that must be gotten into place.

'Only eight days until the Teleri come.' she sighed to herself. 'So little time! So little time.'

Khelek had come on deck, bringing with him a cup of tea for her. She thanked him, and asked him to stay and talk with her a while. She told him of her plans to go to the caves. He didn't seem surprised, only shook his head at her, and smiled as if he had expected her to say this. 'You should have called me to stand watch, Pio. You look tired. You could have used the rest.'

'There are too many details to think of now, Khelek. Even in dreams the endless lists of things to be done march by!' She looked at him closely, and smiled. 'There is a thing I need done. Started today, in fact. Will you do this for me, since you are so well rested?' He grinned, and said he supposed he would.

'I am going to speak with Cami and Rose, and with the Hobbrim woman, Andril. This morning, actually, before I leave.' She punched him lightly on the shoulder, though hard enough to make him wince. 'The Star has few fighting men of your caliber, Sir Elf!'

She grinned back at him. ' I want you to take all the able bodied hobbrim under your tutelage. You will need to go down to the ship's armory and bring up the weapons we have stored there. Mithadan has been so kind as to have sorted them for us, but I need someone to begin to teach whoever can bear a weapon, how to hold the weapon of choice, how to defend one's self, and how to attack. I know it will be only a rudimentary education in arms, but it will greatly enhance our chances of being successful in the rescue. I think you can mostly focus them on getting the hobbits to the ships safely. Have Mithadan help you if he will. Make sure he shows the hobbrim how the hobbits might use the floating devices and how the hobbrim might help ferry the hobbits and whatever else is needed to and from the ships.' He nodded at her, and said he would find Cami and speak to her about this.

Pio laughed. 'You're in luck! Here they come now. Let's get you and them started this morning if we can.' She hailed the trio and walked toward them with Khelek.

'How tired she looks!' thought Cami. 'And how thin.' She frowned as she looked at her friend, and started to speak. But the Elf cut her off, saying that she hadn't much time, and would she please speak with Khelek about something very important to the mission. Khelek stepped forward and began to talk about the need for the hobbrim to be involved in the actual mission, and that such involvement meant arming themselves. He gathered the trio together and asked them to come down to the armory to help pick out what might be usable for the hobbrim.

Cami looked over her shoulder at the retreating Elf, a look of concern on her face. Then she was hurried downstairs by the insistent urges of Rose.

Pio went to the stern and looked down at the waters below. They looked cold, and uninviting. Barefoot, and dressed only in light, short breeches and a sleeveless, undershirt, she shivered at the thought of another long swim.

'Are you cold,Pio? Can I get your cloak for you?' came the soft voice in the shadows behind her. She turned and heard a sniffle and a long sigh.

'Kali?' she said, crouching down. 'Have you been crying?' She held out her arms to him and he came to her, burying his face against her neck. She could feel the warm tears on her skin, and held him tightly until they stopped.

'Oh, Pio! I have been here all night. Mithadan told me about Daisy yesterday, and I am so worried about her, and so sad. I feel so helpless here on the ship.'

She held him at arms length, searching his face. 'You feel just the way that I do, Kali. We both love her.' The hobbrim nodded his assent, not taking his eyes from Pio. 'Perhaps we can help each other, then. Do you think that you can follow my lead and do as I ask you to do?' 'I can.' he said.

'Then here is what I would like you to do. I had thought to swim to the caves today, seeking information. But if you will help me, I think we can take the skiff at least near to the mouth of the river. There are some oyster beds not too far from it and the coast overhangs here and there, affording some places in which to hide. Once to the oyster beds, then we must tie off the skiff and you must remain hidden while I go upriver. I will be there late into the night, and you must not worry. I will return to you. Then you must help bring the skiff back to the Star.' She looked at him closely again. 'It would be a great help to me if you would do this for me.'

'I can do this for you!' said the hobbrim, throwing his arms around her. He noted the grave look on her face, as he anwered her. 'I will stay by the skiff and hide, as you wish, Pio. I will wait for you.' She smiled at him. 'I thank you then.' she said to him. 'Now if you will be so kind as to get my cloak as you offered, we will be off.'

Kali was soon back, and they climbed down to one of the small skiffs. Pio placed her cloak lightly about her shoulders and bent to the oars. Kali swam before her, the towline pulled taut. They made good time, at a leisurely pace, and by early evening had come to a place along the coast where they would be hidden.

She shook off her cloak and folded it neatly, stowing it beneath the seat. Kali tied the skiff securely to a rock, and watched her as she checked that her knives were secure, then lowered herself into the water.

'Wait for me!' she said, again to him. He nodded and slipped into the shadows, barely visible. He watched her as she swam against the setting sun to the Siril.

[ October 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

10-12-2002, 12:02 AM

Mithadan stood on the foredeck watching Khelek drill the Hobbrim and Rose on the use of weapons. Cami had declined to participate, saying that she would carry a weapon if need be but would not use it save as a last resort. No amount of reasoning or cajoling could change her mind. He would have Piosenniel speak with the Hobbit when she returned.

Piosenniel...he thought back to their conversation the night before. He had forced himself not to make the instant emotional reaction of denying her wish to scout the caverns. He had wandered away to think and allow the internal debate to resolve itself. She was right, of course. The caverns needed to be seen by one familiar with their strategies. He could not do this. Not this time. The Hobbits would not trust a man. But the legendary Piosenniel...

And, for the first time he bemoaned his weakness. How he had failed to follow his decision to not reveal his love of the Elf to her. How that night on deck her closeness had consumed him, stripping him of his resolve until he revealed himself to her without hope that his love would be returned. If he had not done so...but no. That would not have altered his feelings or concern this day, save only to make them more private. And to him she was altogether precious, even more so because she had returned his love. But they had other concerns and responsibilities. And he owed a duty to Cami, Kali and himself to see this thing through to its end.

So he returned to their cabin and stood before her and ignored the cries from his soul to deny her this task. "Go," he had said. "And take care for yourself. When you return, we shall discuss our assault on the patrol ship."

He sighed. He had not slept the previous night and would not do so again until she returned. Duty. He swept out his blade and leaped down into the midst of the Hobbrim...

mark12_30

10-12-2002, 05:35 AM

ooc: ((...is it midmorning now? --Helen))

Gamba ran past the three tomb labyrinth entrances towards the Locks, stopped two turns prior to the guard's alcove and stashed the wrapped bread and raisins in a low little alcove just before a fork in the tunnel. The other path led to several abandoned iron mine tunnels, and more importantly, to the Smithy. There was a guard station at the fork.

The guard was asleep.

He ran up to the Locks, and handed out breakfast as quickly as he dared. Then he casually took a candle, and wandered off towards his usual nook to wait for lunchtime. But then he slipped around again, and returned to the Smithy, shielding his candle and slipping past the still-dozing guard.

Down a long, winding tunnel, he heard the bubbling of the underground stream directed there for quenching and tempering. It was quite noisy. There was the forge; indeed, no wood. He sighed. The Smithy looked particularly useless with the firepits cold and dead. Discouraged, he wandered into the old mines. He poked, wandered, and eplored. Here the digging had been abandoned when the veins had ended. No tools here.

He wandered back to the Smithy and wandered around near the anvils. He fished around, poking the candle into every shadow. And then he saw a rusty brown pile shoved out of the way. He knelt down, reaching way in, and inspected them, and his heart sank.

Tuka had described to Gamba what Meridoc had been working on, just before the fleet had sailed and the end had been called to weapon making. They weren't daggers, or knives, or swords; they were helmet visors and cheekpeices. The cheekpeices came to a point at the chin. Meridoc had dropped one on his foot. Apparently, his unfinished work had been shoved aside, and here it was, forgotten.

Gamba sighed, thinking of Meridoc, and picked them up. They were sized for a man, of course; the cheekpeices were about six or seven inches long. The visors were crescent-shaped.

A sudden noise made him jump, and withdraw, and shield his candle. When he peered back around, he sighed softly with relief. It was Phura.

They counted the peices. There were enough for a dozen helmets; thirty six peices of steel. "Better than we dreamed, " Phura said.

"Do we take them out?"

Phura considered that. "No. We sharpen them here, by the noisy stream, where the filings won't be noticed, and where they won't be discovered between now and then. But we're going to put them where we can find them, and maybe even sharpen them, in the dark, if we have to. "

They did, carefully. "Sharp ones will go under here, dull ones under here. Can you find them?" They extinguished their candles, and tried it, wondering how they would deal with the edges in the dark.

"How about edges always face to the left?"

"Good idea. Which side will we sharpen?"

They debated, discussing slitting throats and wrist angles, and settled on the inner curve. They lined them all up, inner curves to the left.

Slipping out of the Smithy was far easier, candle extinguished, than slipping in had been. Gamba still had a half hour before he had to serve lunch. He tucked the cloth full of raisins and bread into his waistband under his ragged shirt, and lay down as if he had been resting, and waited for the guard to call.

[ October 12, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

piosenniel

10-12-2002, 02:54 PM

Khelek and Mithadan ran the weapons drills until the hobbrim collapsed in tired heaps on the deck, crying, 'Mercy!' Kehelek put his hand on Mithadan's shoulder, as the Man sought to bring them to their feet for one last round.

'They are tired, Mithadan! They cannot take in any more. Leave them to rest now.'

'There will be no rest, once the foe is engaged.' said Mithadan, in a low voice. He wiped his arm across his forehead,and looked toward the north.

Khelek sighed as he guessed what the Man was thinking. 'She will be alright. She is Piosenniel. She will do what she needs to do and then return to you . . . to us.' He gestured toward the stairs. 'Come! Let us find something to eat and drink. And then I would have you show me how you mean to use the air bladders.'

Andril was just coming up the stairs as the two men headed down. She stopped them for a moment. 'Have either of you seen Kali? I cannot find him anywhere.' When she saw that neither of them knew the hobbrim's whereabouts she continued on up to the deck, calling over her shoulder to them as she went. 'If you do see him, please send him to me.'

[ October 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Birdland

10-12-2002, 06:02 PM

Birdie sat on a ledge in the main cave, watching the comings and goings of the halfings and wondering what effect the information she had given to Levanto had had at the "Lonely Star". Her insect form was starting to chafe at her, and she pondered if she would ever have a chance to switch to some other form, either bird or dolphin. Then she decided she would hop down and check the garbage pit, as she was feeling a little peckish.

Suddenly, her antennae started to twitch. It was as if a tiny electric current was traveling down them into her head. She rubbed them irritably with her foreleg, but the itching just increased. She shook her head. And then it came to her. She didn't know how she knew. But she knew.

"Neek-breek! Neek-breek! Neek-breek!" The irritating sound resounded through the cavern. Several of the hobbits looked around trying to locate the source of the noise. One picked up a chunk of wood, threatening to put an end to the noise "before it drove them all to distraction".

But Loremaster stood up and found the offender himself. He mimed the action of stomping on the insect, while Birdie jumped from the ledge onto his shoulder.

"Take me to the river's edge Loremaster. Piosennial is coming!" Loremaster looked at his shoulder in astonishment, then turned to hurry to the riverback. "Wait," whispered Birdie into his ear. Can you bring some blankets down to the shore. She will be cold." He nodded his head and snatched up two frayed blankets, wrapping them around his shoulder as he walked.

When he reached the riverside, Birdie asked him to lower her to the water. Making sure that no others were around to see, she jumped into the water, morphing into a black and silver dolphin as she sank. Turning to Loremaster, she said "Can you wait for us here? I'm going to find her and bring her in. Have something hot to drink for her, and a fire going. And have hope! The end to your misery is coming soon!"

And with that, Bird turned and swam swiftly out to sea, searching for Pio.

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 03:33 AM

She had made it to the black bannered ship. A cursory glance told her it was the same one she had boarded earlier - her strip of red material was still tied to it. She marked that the ship did not seemed to have changed its position at all.

Pio stopped for a moment and drew into the shadows of the tree roots along the opposite bank. She breathed deeply and rested, floating amid the tangles. The rest was not to a long one. The cold began to creep in as her level of activity decreased. She took another deep breath and pushed on.

Another few miles up river, and Pio could feel the fatigue start to burn in her muscles. She thought to rest a while again, and was heading toward the shallows, when something nudged her in the ribs from below. The Elf whirled in the water, following the form that had touched her, as it broke the surface and turned toward her, and dived beneath the water again. Knife in hand, she awaited its approach, senses alert.

The moon glinted off her raised blade. The attacker halted its approach. A familiar head broke the water and grinned at her, approaching slowly. 'By the One!' hissed Pio at Bird. 'I was ready to gut you had you come any nearer!' She grinned back at her old friend and secured her knife. 'How did you know I was coming?' 'I just knew.' said Bird, looking uncomfortable. 'Pio looked at her friend closely and nodded. 'I see!' she said.

'You see nothing!' The dolphin slapped the water with her tail in irritation. 'Do you want a ride or not?!' she said, changing the topic.

Pio sighed in deep appreciation and held fast to the dolphin's dorsal fin. They flew through the water, soon reaching the banks of the river within the caverns. 'There is someone waiting on the bank there.' whispered the Elf. Her hand went to her knife and she sought the darkness along the edge of the bank.

Bird drew herself up onto the bank and changed back to neeker-breeker form. Pio watched as the figure bent to carry her to his shoulder. He cocked his head as if listening to Bird, then walked nearer the Elf. 'Piosenniel!' he called. 'Come! I have brought blankets for you and something warm to drink.'

She came warily to the river's edge and looked the figure over. It was a hobbit, and he did indeed carry blankets and a mug in his hands. She stowed her knife and climbed from the river. Bowing slightly toward him she accepted the blankets and drew them tight around her, then took the mug and sipped at the warm liquid appreciatively.

'How is it that you know me?' she asked. 'And I do not know you?' The hobbit smiled. 'I am Loremaster. I know of you, but never thought to meet you. It was Bird who told me you were coming.' Pio was silent for a moment, then looked at Bird, her eyebrows raised. 'Indeed?! Well met then, Loremaster.'

She stretched out her hand and bade Bird come to her, placing her on her own shoulder. 'I have come to see the outlay of the prison.' she said to Loremaster. 'I cannot stay long. So, if you will, I would like to go with Bird now and scout the area.'

'As you wish, Piosenniel.' replied the hobbit. 'But when you are done I would ask that Bird bring you to a meeting we are having concerning our plans for the intended rescue.'

Pio thought for a moment. 'I will come. It should not take me long to fix a map of this place in my head. Then Bird will bring me back to you. Again, I cannot stay long. Someone waits for me to bring me back to the Star.'

They left Loremaster and began Pio's tour of the prison. She walked the perimeter, silently in the shadows, noting all the entrances and all the guards. When they had come almost full circle she walked through the compound where the Guard Headquarters were. She estimated the number of sleeping men within the huts, then went silently to the armory. Her nimble fingers and her knife blade soon had a side door open and she passed within, taking stock of all the weapons there. Back at the river, they passed quickly up the tunnel to the interior. Pio noted the layout of the main cave and the position of the old tombs and new tombs areas. Her main objective, the Locks, was the last place they came to. There was a guard at the entrance, and for a brief moment the Elf considered killing him, that she might enter the Locks and take out Daisy. Bird hissed at her in a small tinny voice, and shouted 'No!' in her ear. Pio steped away from the entrance, and at Bird's bidding, they went back to find the meeting Loremaster had asked her to attend.

He had waited for her near the door to it. 'I thought I should be here to bring you in. They have no idea that you are coming. Allow me to go first, and I will introduce you.'

She nodded her assent, and followed after him.

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 03:36 AM

CHILD OF THE 7TH AGE POST

************************************************** *****
The light from a single torch flickered along the walls. Eleven hobbits sat in a circle on the floor, surrounded by golden urns and jeweled sarcophagi. They were waiting for Loremaster, and then they would begin.

Phura was about to speak when the soft echo of footsteps sounded a warning. Faces and eyes went tense. They were only expecting Loremaster, but this seemed like more than one person. Gamba grabbed the torch intending to extinguish it. Tuka had brought along a crowbar and lifted it up like a weapon.

Before any could go further, Loremaster appeared at the door, "No! It's alright. A friend has joined us."

At that moment, a tall figure strode forward. She wore a simple outfit, still wet from the river, and about her shoulders were draped two old blankets, her hair short and curly, and secured at her belt were several knives. She was altogether a singularly unprepossessing figure. Though, her sea grey eyes shone with an elven light as she surveyed them, or so it seemed to the hobbits in the room.

Gamba stood up with a mixed expression of wonder and disbelief. Without asking, he knew. Before Loremaster could say anything, Gamba whispered "Piosenniel?"

The Elf turned and regarded the young hobbit closely. 'Yes?!'

"But how can this be?" Gamba blurted out the question in everyone's mind. "You're supposed to be . . ."

She smiled, and stopped him with a shake of her head. 'But I am not, as you can see.' She reached out and touched him lightly on the face. 'Real enough, is it not?!'

Loremaster stepped forth and asked Gamba to take his seat. He then asked Pio to give them a brief outline of the rescue plan. She stepped forward and began.

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 04:05 AM

The Elf sat on the ground, and motioned for the hobbits to draw in closer. She asked what they wished to know, and there were many whipered reponses among themselves. None it seemed wished to ask the first question.

Loremaster spoke up, then. 'Tell us who will come with you, Piosenniel.'

Pio nodded at him. She listed the companions by name and race. As Nitir and Azra were mentioned, she saw one of the young hobbits smile.

The last she named was Mithadan, the Man, and there was a sharp intake of breath at this and a brief, troubled silence.

Then Loremaster asked her to speak of the rescue, itself. She told them that in seven days twenty Elven ships would arrive from the West. The rescue would begin the following day near midnight. 'There is a chance that we may come a day early for you. It depends upon circumstance, and our ability to coordinate with the newly arrived ships. You must be ready to come to us either night. Post someone to watch for us. We will send word just before we arrive.' She paused to consider her next words. 'I have just now seen your compound and the surrounding area. I will speak with Mithadan and we will get word to you of where we need you to be.' She swept her gaze around the circle. 'We are few in number. And from what I have seen, there are many guards now. We cannot hold them off while you come to us. You must be ready to fight your way to the ships, and we will do what we can to make your passage safe.'

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:17 AM

Co7A POST

When the Elf finished her report, everyone sat in silence thinking about the rescue. Then Kuda, a hobbit known for his skepticism and sharp tongue, asked, "This is all very well. But even if we battle our way out, where do you plan to take us? You won't make it far with a fleet of Elven ships. I'm willing to lay down my own life, but only if I believe safety lies at the end."

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:17 AM

'Who is this, who speaks now?' she whispered to Bird, perched on her shoulder, near her ear. 'It is Kuda! Never believes anything anyone says! Good luck with this one.'

'Kuda! Well met, my friend. You ask a crucial question.' The hobbit looked at her smugly, then a doubt began to creep into him as to how she might know his name. She smiled softly at him. 'I wonder though if you will believe the how of it?' Pio told the hobbits, in detail, how she meant to move the ships and the 'when' to which she intended to move them. A sceptical look came into Kuda's face again and he made as if to speak. She cut him off, saying, 'I have done such before. What I have told you, will be.'

Gamba stood then, never taking his eyes from the Elf, and spoke to the assembly. 'This is Piosenniel. Returned beyond hope from the West to aid us. We owe her some measure of trust and our gratitude.' He turned toward Kuda. 'Put your doubt aside, and let us aid her, as she aids us.

Pio smiled at this defense, and winked at the young hobbit, who sat back down, a flush creeping onto his cheeks. 'Who is this one?' she asked Bird.' 'Gamba.' She smiled at him again.

'Gamba, I thank you for your words! But there are some doubts that must come out and be dealt with openly.' She looked around the circle again. 'You must all have cleared your doubts by the time of the rescue. There will be no time for them then.'

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:18 AM

Co7A POST

After Pio's words died away, Opal Baggins timidly raised her hand, "Please do not think we're ungrateful." The hobbit's voice was small and unsteady. "We have many reasons to fear Man. Yet you tell us a Man will be helping to plan and lead the rescue. How can we trust him?"

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:19 AM

'How can you trust him?'

She looked aside, as if lost in thought and memories. Her words were filled with a certain tenderness when next she spoke. She told them of Mithadan, and how this task consumed him. He was there in Gondolin, she told them, and his heart was broken that he could not save them then. That he grieved for their suffering under Morgoth, she told them, and when opportunity came that he might aid them now in Númenor, he had thrown himself into the task completely and would see it done this time.

A light surrounded her as she told the hobbits of this Man. 'How can you trust him?' she repeated. 'As you trust me, I would hope. He is a good and brave Man. My boon companion.' She paused for a moment, smiling to herself. 'Trust him as I trust him, with my life. He will not fail you. We will not fail you.'

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:20 AM

Co7A POST

"Opal." the Loremaster sighed. "Do not forget that when our people first came west, we walked hand in hand with the House of Beor. Our legends abound with tales of Andreth and Beren. Be careful. Do not judge the behavior of all men on the basis of a few." Opal nodded, but still looked hesitant.

Loremaster waited a few more moments to be certain all the questions had ended. Then he turned to Piosenniel. "Will you help me with this?" He pointed to a large gilt sarcophagus that stood on a stone pedestal near the wall.

Tuka handed Piosenniel the crowbar. She slowly pried the lid open so that Phura and Gamba could push it aside. Inside there appeared a royal face and form as fresh as the morning light. The figure was male and arrayed with a number of weapons of fine Elven design. Most were too large and heavy for hobbits. In the king's left hand, however, a small dagger sat. Gamba reached out and slid his finger along the edge of the blade. It was as sharp as the day it was crafted. He yearned to take the blade and strap it at his side.

Loremaster explained to the Elf. "There are at least ten or twelve coffins which hold such weapons. Ancalimon told my teacher of this secret passage the first day the hobbits came to these tombs. It was the last time that we saw him." An edge of sadness crept into his voice.

"We need to continue with our planning. Phura, can you give us a report of the weapons?"

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:22 AM

M12_30 POST

Phura cleared his throat, arms folded across his chest. "Tuka. Existing tools and weapons."

Tuka nodded. "Existing weapons. Well, there are three picks and three shovels from the graveyards. Then there are twelve picks and fourteen shovels in the new mines, none in the old mines. In the old Smithy there are seven hammers, four hobbit-sized and three men-sized; and ten sets of tongs, and five very long pokers that are too long for a hobbit to wield well, I think. And four shorter, hobbit-sized pokers."

Phura nodded. "I'm not counting the weapons that are too big for hobbits, although you are of course welcome to them," he nodded at Piosenniel, "So that's seventeen shovels, fifteen picks, four hammers, four pokers and ten tongs. We've lost most of our smiths, so the hammers may go unused, but for the rest, those weapons will be wielded by the people who are used to using them on a daily basis and are used to their weight and balance already. Then they'll just have to learn what to aim for. Your help with that would be greatly appreciated," he nodded at Piosenniel. "We're not used to thinking in lethal terms.

"In addition to that, we're sharpening thirty-six sets of cheekpieces and visors to serve as single-edged daggers. Since many of our stoutest hobbits will be wielding pickaxes or hammers or shovels, the more slender and agile hobbits will be wielding the daggers, about half of them women. These daggers are intended for the main assault, which will be slightly unconventional. Gamba?"

Gamba stepped forward and put his hands behind his back. "We've settled on a tackle-and-slit method," he began. "We're planning five to seven hobbits per man. We're trying to decide whether we extinguish the lights only, and then tackle them, or whether we hit the men with some rocks first, and then extinguish the lights, and tackle them. But the all the lights in the main cave have to go out together and a few dim ones be left in the annexes, or it's no good. With dim light, we've found that hobbits can still aim and throw. Training for the rock throwing is easy. Training for the tackling is harder to manage; we're trying out some climbing exercises but we don't have men volunteering to be climbed, so it's a little difficult. We've experimented vaulting off each other's backs and catching something above us one-handed, dagger in the other hand. But we can only do that where there are no guards, and that means in the old mines."

Phura nodded. "We don't have enough full-grown hobbits to complete thirty-six teams. Teams with smaller teenage children will have seven hobbits total; teams with larger-sized hobbits will total five."
There was a stunned silence, and all eyes went to Phura.

"If we don't pull this off, they'll die anyway," Phura said evenly, and continued, "I'm including any willing volunteers that are taller than my breastbone, which is two and a half feet tall. Parents are free to refuse permission."

Gamba snorted, and everyone realized that most of the young volunteers were probably orphans.

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:23 AM

Pio wondered at the planning that had gone into this. 'That you have done so much already brings me great hope!' she said. 'I have not time now to show you how to use your weapons. I can only say that if you can disable the guards that will be enough. Your idea of teamwork is excellent, considering your size against theirs. Try not to face their weapons. They are too strong and too experienced. Come from behind if you can and slash behind their knees or cut their heel cords. A hard blow to their groin will slow them down enough for you to deal with them. A sharp cut to the belly with something bladed and they will die. Once down, crush the side of their skull if there is time. You need only buy yourself enough time to get yourselves and those unable to fight to the ships. Just stay out of reach of the weapons. We need not kill them all. Time will take care of that.'

'What of the Locks?' she asked Phura. 'My friend is in there, and I would know how she might be gotten out safely.'

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:24 AM

M12_30 POST

"The Locks," Phura nodded at Gamba again.

Gamba picked up a sharp edged stick he had brought and proceeded to draw a map in the dirt.

"We're here, in the old tombs. Here at the fork is the guard we just came past. The tunnel goes uphill, and the guards are stationed here, and the Locks are here. To the left, the tunnel goes out to the Locks exit and is heavily guarded to the outside. To the right, it goes up to the new mines and the newer tombs, and that's a busy place. There are new tombs under construction all the time; if there's a ruckus, we'll have company from that direction unless we can block the tunnel. There are a few weaknesses in the tunnels there but then you risk the inmates in these cells: here. Gammer Pansy, for one. The inmates have to come out first before we can bring any part of the tunnels down.

"Then it's a long way back down the hill, past the front entrance to the prison caves here, and the graveyard entrance, either of which could bring in troops that would cut us off from the river, which is down this way.

"And speaking of the river, the older and youngest hobbits can't swim."
Phura nodded.

"So the plan is, those carrying weapons that will come out of the new mines will deal with the Locks guards, prevent ingress from the Locks Exit and from the new tombs, and releasing captives from the Locks. Those carrying weapons from the Smithy will focus on keeping the passageway clear down to the Front Entrance to the prison caves. Those carrying shovels and picks from the Graveyards will guard the Graveyard entrance and deal with whatever happens there. And everyone else should make their way down to the river, with daggers leading."

Phura paused, and said, "The part that worries me the most, is the swimming. We have enough swimmers to help those who can't. But we will be completely vulnerable to attack while we do."

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:25 AM

Pio crouched by the map, and looked at it closely. 'We can help you with the problem of both extra weaponry and with getting the non-swimmers out.' She described the air bladders to the group and how Mithadan had thought of them, saying that they would move weapons in on them, and that a number of hobbits might use each one to be floated to the ships.

She was vague on the next assurance, telling them that there would be armed and expert swimmers in the water who would deal with moving the air bladders safely to the ship. She had not mentioned the hobbrim when she talked of the crew on the Star, and she did not talk of them now.

They took her at her word and did not question her further.

Gamba then responded. 'I have another idea. I'm working in the Locks, but the plan would go better if we had someone on the inside helping us.'

He stopped and looked at Piosenniel. 'Daisy was sentenced to five days. It wouldn't take much to get her another five days.'

Pio's eyes darkened at this suggestion. She was loath to say 'yes'. 'I will agree to that if there is another who can be there with her. I would not have her there alone. Can you assure me of this?'

'There is Anee.' said Gamba. 'She would stay.' 'So be it.' said Pio, wearily.

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:38 AM

Co7A POST

After they had resolved that issue, the Elf leaned back in deep concentration, speaking softly to Bird. Gamba wondered if she might be communicating with someone, as Elves do. Then she continued, "There is one other matter. The final night, when the two prisoners are taken to Gorthaur's temple, our plan is to ambush and rescue them. This will probably happen just before the ships arrive."

Gamba's jaw dropped open in astonishment. How could this Elf speak of stealing Gorthaur's prey as if it was an easy task?

Pio saw hesitation on several faces, but plunged ahead. "Do not worry about this matter," she added. "Our own people will make the plans and carry them out, although they may ask one or two of you for help."

Loremaster nodded in approval, although even he found it hard to imagine doing such a thing. "One other thing," he told the Elf. "We've selected men and women to organize and arm the hobbits in each section of the prison. Those who are very old or young, or who are ill, will march on the inside of the line and be protected as well as we can manage. We've tried to pair each of the weaker ones with someone who is strong and able."

"Do you have any more questions?" Loremaster asked. "If not, we'll meet at least once more. I'll let you know when."

One-by-one, each hobbit slipped out into the night until only the Elf and Loremaster were left. At that point, Bird hopped off Pio's shoulder and, for the first time in a very long while, changed into a woman. Then the three sat down for a final discussion. Loremaster had something to say, but was uncertain how to put it into words.

Pio looked over at him. "What is it?" she asked.

Loremaster put his head into his hands. "I hardly know how to make this request. All our lives, our people have been afraid. Afraid to raise their voices, afraid to strike out. Now we're asking them to change. It will not be easy. But there are some things that might help."

"The news of a Man in the expedition will spread quickly once the hobbits are told. Many will be afraid. Is it possible to bring this Mithadan to see us before the rescue, so our own people could be convinced of his decency and strength?"

"And there is another thing. For generations on end, our wise women and loremasters have foretold that Azra and Nitir would return when we needed them most. This is that time. Could they come into the tombs the day before the rescue? Were they to speak and be heard, some might be less afraid"

Loremaster added. "Perhaps it would be wise if we met in this place one more time on the night before the rescue. At that point, we could meet the Man, and Nitir and Azra could come to be with us."

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

piosenniel

10-13-2002, 10:39 AM

The Elf's face was grave as she considered the request. 'So be it.' she said simply, holding Loremaster's gaze with her own.

'They will come. The Man with Nitir and Azra. I also will return. Look for Levanto to bring word of it. 'Until then, hold fast to your hope.'

She stood, then, and asked that Bird take her back to the river. The night had grown late, her friend would be worrying about her return. She bade him fare well, and hurried out into the night with Bird on her shoulder.

'So, who's waitng? Not Mithadan, surely.' 'No.' replied Pio, 'It's Kali. He is waiting near the mouth of the river with a skiff. I must hurry back to him, before he forgets his resolve and comes looking for me.'

'Let me help you.' said Bird. 'You can cover the distance more quickly if you'll swim with me.' She entered the water, changing into dolphin form. Pio held tight to her dorsal fin and they sped down the river. Bird took her to where Kali still waited and saw her safely into the skiff. 'Thank you!' said Pio, wrapping her cloak about her. 'I'm so tired, I don't know that I could have made it back so easily.'

Kali took the towline and headed the skiff back toward the Star. Bird swam with him, helping to move the craft along, until they had cleared the bay. Pio was asleep,lying curled in the bottom of the skiff, and Bird did not wake her as she left. 'Get her back safely.' she told the hobbrim. He nodded his assent and swam on.

It was late morning when they reached the Star. Kali woke Pio, and they both climbed aboard, going their separate ways to rest.

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-13-2002, 09:03 PM

That morning, when Gamba arrived at the Locks to begin his day, Daisy and Anee were waiting for him. Neither of them looked as if they'd gotten much sleep. "What happened?" Daisy begged, pressing her face against the bars of the cell.

Gamba was bending down to fill the water mugs. He glanced behind his back to see what the guards were doing. One was playing cards, and the other had gone off to find some breakfast. As good a time as any, he thought.

Gamba stared intently at the water mugs, and, in a barely audible tone, began telling the girls about the meeting. Daisy's eyes grew wide as she heard how Piosenniel had come to join them. The look on her face clearly said she regretted not being there. When Gamba finally came to the part about needing Daisy and Anee to stay put in the Locks, the girls looked at each other but said nothing.

Gamba saw the second guard come in, and pulled back to run and get his broom to sweep out the guardroom. He couldn't risk discussion at this point.

The girls sat down on the straw-covered floor, their heads almost touching as they whispered to each other. Both had questions about the rescue and what the hobbits planned to do, but they didn't dare talk to Gamba. They finally agreed between themselves what they intended to do.

Later that morning, they contrived an excuse to see the attendent again. Lilly had been sick, or so the girls said, and Gamba was ordered into the cell for clean-up. When Daisy told him their ideas, he shook his head in dismay. "That's awfully risky. Can't you think of something else?"

"No, it's perfect. It does two things, not just one. We get extra time, and the guards think they can trust you." Gamba scowled. That's just what he didn't like about it. The rest of the prisoners had no idea what was going on and would probably think he'd betrayed the girls.

Daisy reassured him she'd be sure to set things right, once they told the prisoners about the rescue. "I suppose," he responded. The uncertainty showed in his voice.

"Tomorrow morning then," Daisy whispered.

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

mark12_30

10-13-2002, 09:23 PM

ooc: ...respond as neccessasry to Daisy & Anee; and... /ooc

That day, Phura began at breakfast to assign rotating teams of hobbits to enter the mines and sharpen cheekpeices and visors. He rotated the members every night, to include experience and avoid having the same group of people missing.

He also, in a low, rhythmic voice, chanted a grim new song that no-one had ever heard before; no one, that is, except those that had been at the meeting, and heard Piosenniel give her instructions on lethal blows. Phura chanted the instructions three times to each group he sat with. Most hobbits paled, hearing it, and some shuddered and turned their heads; but they learned it, one and all, chanting it in the dark, in the mines, as they sharpened cheekpeices and visors, or played dagger-leapfrog under Gamba's tutelage.

The older hobbits commented how strange it was to hear Phura's sweet voice singing such dire things. The younger adults adapted perhaps too quickly, and by the end of the day, Phura had to warn them to maintain a cheerful attitude, and not a grim one. It made sense, and they started cracking jokes again.

To his horror, after lunch, he found a very young hobbit cheerfully chanting the lethal-blow song; luckily, it was in the midst of a hubbub and he did not think any guards had heard. But then he had to circulate through the ranks again, stating the obvious, forbidding that the new song be sung near any children. By then he realised he had to create a command structure, and by late that evening, one was in place. Things progressed more smoothly for him after that.

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

mark12_30

10-14-2002, 05:12 AM

During dinner, Gamba made an announcement, and after dinner, the hobbits gathered in the main cave.

Esta stood with two new candles. One she carefully stuck on the rock wall; the other was in a candleholder which she held.

"The Game, " announced Gamba, "is called Candlestones. The goal is to put out the flame without disturbing the candle. Knocking over the candle puts you in last place. The competition will be held in heats; top five advance to an increase in distance. The rest compete again to determine final standing; the last twenty and top twenty compete yet again.

"And that's because the last ten competitors get kitchen duty-- five to wash, five to cook." Everyone laughed, and there was scattered applause. The kitchen workers looked hopeful, thinking that they might get a chance to move out of the kitchen for a day at least.

Gamba continued. "The top ten competitors win nothing but the glory of having done well. "

General applause.

"But the grand prize... " said Gamba, and paused for dramatic effect, looking at Esta, holding the candle. He sparkled with mischief, lightly juggling the stone in his hand.

The guards had gathered closer, amused and intrigued by all of this. They were listening. All eyes had been on Gamba, and everyone could see who Gamba was looking at, and so now all eyes were on Esta. Esta looked at him, puzzled; he had not mentioned this. He smiled impishly at her, and her stomach sank. He wouldn't. He wouldn't dare.

"The grand prize, " Gamba repeated, with a flourish, "is a kiss from Elder Tura's lovely daughter, Esta."

The place erupted in a general roar of approval and applause, with numerous catcalls and hoots of laughter. Esta blushed furiously, but there was no way to back out of it without making a fool of Gamba-- and that she would not do. Without looking at the guards she turned towards the crowd, drew herself up to her full height, smiled, and with an exaggerated flourish that echoed Gamba's, curtseyed like her grandmother had taught her to. The applause crescendoed, and she enjoyed it for several moments, and then nodded, and stepped back.

Her blush was lovely, Gamba thought, wondering if she was going to kill him outright.

"Round One is at thirty feet, " Gamba announced, and walked over to Esta, to get out and set up more candles. She smiled at him, and said through clenched teeth, "And what if you don't win?"

"I won't lose, " replied Gamba coolly.

"Rascal, " smiled Esta, and laughed in spite of herself.

Azraph stepped forward. "I have a question, " she said, and a hush fell.

"Yes?" Gamba replied.

"What if the champion is a girl?" she said, putting one hand on her hip, and with the other hefting an egg-sized rock.

"Well then, " Gamba replied, thinking he should have been prepared for that question, "in that case, you get to claim your kiss from anybody you want."

The laughter and applause was still louder this time. Gamba smiled, thinking he knew who Azraph would choose. He wondered if she would, indeed, beat him.

*****************

Gamba did not, in fact, lose that night, or the next, or the next. Flushed with victory, each night's kiss lasted a little longer.

His main competition was from Corby, a smith with a very strong arm; from Mika and Kima, the twins; -- and from Azraph. She was indeed formidable. But there were numerous other hobbits who posed a very real threat, and Esta had plenty of time to practice looking cool under pressure.

Meanwhile, the accuracy of the stonethrowing increased steadily. The guards took to betting. Everyone's goal became to de-throne Gamba, and some of the guards adopted other throwers and tried to train them on the side. Not that the men had anything to offer the hobbits in terms of marksmanship, but the hobbits let them think that they did, for the additional training time.

Nor were the guards surprised to see hobbits practicing in all the corridors. Bored guards began setting up mini-competitions to pass the afternoon. Stockpiles of egg-sized rocks soon became a commonplace item all over the tunnels.

Gamba found a smooth rock that he particularly liked, and took to carrying it everywhere, and calling it his lucky rock. He let nobody handle it, and always used it in the final round.

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

Mithadan

10-14-2002, 09:55 AM

The Lonely Star was searched from bow to stern for Kali. When he could not be found, the Hobbrim and Mithadan took to the water, fanning out and searching even to the Mouths of the River Siril, but to no avail. Returning to the Star, Mithadan climbed to the crow's nest and woke Angara from a deep sleep. But she too disavowed any knowledge of the missing Kali. The Man descended to the deck wearily, nearly falling from the rigging once from lack of sleep and exhaustion.

For the remainder of that day and the long night which followed, Mithadan paced the decks with fearful thoughts running through his mind. If Kali had disobeyed and chosen to attempt a rescue of Daisy, the ship's mission was is great jeopardy. If caught, he might be questioned, even tortured. Or he and Daisy might have been slain in some foolyhardy attempt at heroism. Even Piosenniel might be at risk, for if the strange Hobbrim were discovered, the whole of the caverns would be searched by Numenorean guards. He resolved that if Kali were not found by morning, he would himself go to the caverns to continue the search.

Dawn found him on deck shirtless, dressed in light breeches with an array of knives thrust into his belt. Cami stood next to him arguing with the Man. "Levanto should be back today. Let him go to the caverns," she said. "He knows the ways of the river better than any of us and has the trust of the Hobbits, whereas you are not known to them."

"We cannot wait," replied the Man as he looked to the North. His face was lined with concern and lack of sleep, his eyes dull with fatigue. "If he has been captured, any delay may be fatal to our quest."

"If he has been captured, what can you alone do?" shouted the Hobbit. "We need information, not reckless action!"

Khelek and Veritas came up to stand on either side of the Man. "Cami is right," said Khelek. "We will learn where Kali and Pio are soon enough. Then, if need be, we can effect a rescue."

"Would you prevent me from going, Elf?" said Mithadan with a dangerous gleam in his eyes.

"Yes!" replied Khelek. "I would. You act out of fear and emotion, not reason. You have often complained that Piosenniel has acted alone without consulting with others. Now you have our counsel, do not disregard it."

"The Elf would not stand alone," came a voice from above. Angara settled to the deck before Mithadan. "As usual, you place us all at risk, Man!"

Mithadan met the dragon's eyes with a grim look on his face and Cami feared he might even leap at the wyrm. Angara did not look away, but in his eyes saw not the threat of an assault but anguish mixed with a desparate resolve. He feared for those he loved and could conceive of no other course in his weary mind but action. And deep within the wyrm, the Man's emotions and concern struck a chord. She sighed, a smokey hiss. "Mithadan," she said, "Think not that we feel no fear for Kali and Pio. We will act together if we must. Do not push yourself so far. You are needed, alive and well, whatever may become of the Hobbrim."

Mithadan spun away and rested his forehead against the mast. Then he turned and, placing his back against the wood, slid slowly down to sit on the deck. "I will wait," he said quietly. "We will wait together," added Cami as she sat next to him.

An hour later, the skiff reached the Lonely Star and Khelek and Veritas tied the small vessel off and helped its occupants to the deck. "Expect words from the Man," whispered Veritas to Piosenniel. "We believed that Kali had gone to rescue Daisy and feared the worst."

"He was with me," said the Elf. "We know that now," replied Khelek darkly.

Piosenniel sighed. She had again acted upon impulse and, again, matters had gone awry. "Where is he?" asked Pio quietly. Veritas motioned to the main mast. Piosenniel walked aft along the deck, then stopped and nearly laughed. Mithadan sat with his back to the mast with his eyes closed in sleep. Angara laid beside him with her head on his lap. Next to them was Cami, who stood as the Elf approached.

The Hobbit's eyes flashed with anger. She looked over the gaunt and weary Elf with concern. "Go to the galley and get something to eat," she hissed. "Then go to your cabin and sleep at least 8 hours. The two of you will kill yourselves if you do not work together and allow others to help." The Hobbit looked back at the Man. "As tired as you may be from your exertions, he has also not slept in two nights and has worked hard. I forbid either of you from leaving the ship for a full day. And unless there is some emergency, I do not wish to hear from 'reports' now!"

Almost, the Elf argued with Cami, but seeing the look on her face and feeling her own weariness, Piosenniel merely nodded. Then she looked at Mithadan. "We'll bring him to your cabin," said Khelek. "We'll carry him if need be. Such a pair you are..."

[ October 14, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

piosenniel

10-14-2002, 11:28 AM

She had eaten lightly, then gone to wash the salty traces of the sea from her. Pulling a soft robe about her, she walked slowly down the hall to her cabin. She was tired, beyond sleep. Her mind restless with half-formed thoughts and surfacing questions.

They had brought the Man to her cabin. He lay sleeping now on the bed. She loosed the belt from his breeches and laid it, and the knives secured there, aside. His skin was cool where her fingers touched it, and she drew a light blanket over him. He turned toward her, still deep in sleep, and for a moment his careworn face smoothed out, as if in some pleasant dreaming he now wandered.

'How precious is he to me.' she thought to herself, half in simple declaration, half in question.

She pulled the chair near, and sat in it, her legs propped on the bed. She watched him as he slept, but sleep would not come for her. Only questions and doubts, some edged with fear.

************************************************** **

It was well into late afternoon, the sun shone wanly through the shaded porthole. Pio sat dozing in the chair. Her mind, still restless, never sank beneath the surface of troubled dreaming. A sound and a light touch brought her up from sleep, to see Mithadan now awake, and looking at her.

He had propped himself up on one arm, and his other hand rested lightly on her ankle. His thumb gently caressed her skin, and a certain smokiness darkened the grey of his eyes. She smiled at him, and though the feelings he now roused in her were pleasant, she put them from her, and would not succumb to them.

Instead, she sat on the bed next to him, and kissed him gently on the brow. He sat up, facing her, and she took his hands in hers and kissed each palm, then placed her hands in his.

'You are beyond precious to me, Belovéd. I cannot . . . would not lose you.' He frowned, and sought to reassure her. She put a finger to his lips and stopped his words.

'I am sorry.' she said softly, the simple declaration breaching a wall between them that was as much, if not more, her building than his. 'Sorry that I have acted the way I have. That I have continued to place myself and my concerns beyond the concerns of both you and the other companions. I . . . we cannot go on this way.' She sighed. 'This is what I meant, when I said I would not lose you.'

Tears edged her lashes. 'We must come to some understanding between us, Mithadan, of who we are now, what we might be, if there is to be any hope for us.'

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

Mithadan

10-14-2002, 05:15 PM

Piosenniel's words held both pain and fear and Mithadan felt chill when he heard them. He longed to reach out to her, to drown her fear in a pool of his emotions. But he recalled suddenly the events on the deck earlier that day and the reason for his concern. "Kali?" he asked. "Where is Kali?"

Her proud chin drooped a bit more. "He is fine. He was with me," she answered, her voice trailing off into a whisper.

His eyes closed and he shook his head at the memory of his argument with Cami, Khelek and Veritas. He pulled his hands from hers and rubbed his temples. "Oh, Pio..." he began, then shook his head again unable to continue for a moment. A cold anger awoke within him which he restrained with a clenched jaw. He stood and turned away, stretching the aches from his back, then turned back to the Elf.

She looked up at him. "I'm sorry," she repeated.

He sat on the chair opposite her and looked into her eyes. "I am also," he began. "Sorry to have shouted at Cami and threatened Khelek. Sorry that matters reached the point where they nearly had to restrain me from swimming up the river to look for him. And what reception would I have received at the caverns had I managed to reach them? I suspect that neither the Hobbits nor the guards would have liked me much."

He shook his head again and waited but no words came in response. "If I had met you at any other time, my love for you would have been unconditional, and perhaps it will be so when we are done. But now you place me at war with myself. On the one hand, there is my concern and devotion to you. But on the other is my concern for the rescue of the Hobbits and the safety of my crew...and I do consider them mine, for when trouble arises they look to me for reason and steadiness and leadership. I live now in fear that someday I will be forced to choose between my concerns and by so choosing I will win the one but lose the other."

He knelt before her, and now tears started at his eyes as well. Taking her face gently in his hands, he again looked into her eyes. "Pio, I cannot lose either. I will not!" he said fiercely. "The crew needs the both of us -- as do the Hobbits. Your courage and skills and mine! But I need you...desperately, like I have never needed anyone before. Can we not satisfy both needs? Can we not both lead and love together?"

He rose again to his feet and looked away from the Elf. More gently now, he said, "I do not require abject obedience. I do not wish to have a servant. I said once before that you are altogether admirable...you are! I love your bravery and independence as much as your beauty and your kindness."

Facing the Elf once more, he continued, "I said that 'I would have Piosenniel'. I want no other. Can Piosenniel and Mithadan face the world together? Is this possible?"

mark12_30

10-14-2002, 08:07 PM

****************

Phura was elsewhere, Loremaster was busy, and the children were asleep. The guard had changed, and standing just outside the Study, Gamba recognised the guard that had covered for his gasp the morning before. He glanced in, saw that everything was in order, smiled at Gamba, and withdrew.

Gamba drew Esta deeper within the study, and kissed her once, and a second time, and a third. But then he heard the guard cough, and on an impulse he released her and went to the desk.

Sure enough, Phura came in. Gamba smiled. Phura was the least of his worries, but he was surprised and pleased that the guard cared enough to warn him of somebody's approach. He and Esta shared a knowing smile. Literary interests, indeed.

He glanced at the desk, and saw to his surprise that his own diary was open. He started, and considered the page. "Phura? You were reading my diary again?"

"You had asked a question, that I think nobody ever really answered for you, " Phura said. "About Niphredil's Lullaby."

"I remember," Gamba said, glancing at Esta. "I wanted to know why, if Niphredil was a grown woman, why Lindo wrote a lullaby for her. And I thought it was a love song instead." He frowned, pondering.

"You remember, he also wrote a lament for her, " Phura prompted, waiting expectantly.

"Don't act like Loremaster, " Gamba snapped. Phura looked away, embarassed. And then Gamba sighed. "I wish I still got to study."

"I thought you didn't like all those sappy songs we were learning, " Phura replied, with a wink at Esta, who smiled.

"Of course I don't, " Gamba said, turning away from the desk and shutting the journal. "I miss the songs about the elves, and Gondolin. And wars, and battles."

Phura shot him a warning glance, and Gamba dropped the subject.

*************

The five children lay sleeping, some snoring, and Gamba twitched and muttered, dreaming. Loremaster was deep in slumber. But Phura lay awake.

Twelve years, he thought, 'til I come of age. I am a boy still. And yet, I no longer feel like a boy. And Loremaster and the Elders don't treat me like a boy anymore.

He thought back seven years to a wedding he had seen, with Gamba. There had been other weddings before and since, but that one always stuck in their minds, and he and Gamba mentioned it or discussed it once in a while.

What haunted them was the kiss. They had both been struck by it at the time, and neither had ever forgotten it. It seemed like the ideal, perfect kiss. Right arm around her shoulders, left arm around her waist; and the kiss lasted for about eight counts. Phura smiled.

Every time Gamba The Rascal collected his champion's kiss from Esta, Phura thought of Azraph, and wondered when and if their day would come. The approaching events of the next week could very well sweep Phura and Azraph apart forever. And even if they did not, he couldn't propose to Azraph for another twelve years.

Phura sighed, and rolled over, but it was no good. He got up, and slipped out to the tunnel by the mines, passed the guard in the dark, joined Tuka and Corby and numerous other hobbits, and sharpened visors for a while.

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

Birdland

10-14-2002, 11:21 PM

A small insect sat on a ledge of rock, deep in a mountain, surrounded by a maze of tunnels and tombs, and watched a boy and a girl exchange a kiss.

They were lost in a world beyond walls and cages, and they never heard the sound of an insect weeping.

piosenniel

10-15-2002, 04:13 AM

'You ask if you and I can face the world together. And I would say “yes” to you, save for the fact that I do not know if this is possible.'

'That is my dilemma - to be caught between my natural inclinations, the easy callousness of my familiar self and a love which seems at times to beg me to relinquish self altogether.'

She looked away from him, watching the sun sink lower in the sky. 'I have not found a middle way through this. Though, sometimes I feel my foot step rightly on the path, most times the way is hidden and I cannot make it out.'

She looked back at him. ‘I see your anger and frustration, Mithadan. And it tears me in two to be the cause of it. My actions drive a wedge between us and between myself and the other companions. You wonder if you will be forced to choose between me and the task set for us. The companions wonder if they will have to choose between you and me.’

'You say I have set you at war with yourself over this. I see that. I see the pain I cause you, and the pain I cause my other friends. It grieves me to have this happen.’ She paused, looking down at the backs of her outspread hands. 'There are times I see this and wish that I could remove myself altogether as a cause of pain for you.'

Her eyes sought his. ‘But I cannot do that. It is as I feared when you first called me back. My affection for the companions binds me to them, as my growing love for you, binds me to you.’

She sighed deeply, her next words softly spoken. ‘But the fact of this love is not enough, is it?’

There was no response to her question, and she expected none.

‘It is my actions that betray my love for you. They have been selfish, untempered by any concern for you or your sense of duty. They are divisive, causing us to lose focus, and become fragmented in our approaches to problems. We cannot hope to face the demands our quest will soon put upon us, and bring it to any successful completion in this manner. Nor can we think to face a life together if we are at such odds with each other.’

She stood, and drew near to him, placing her hands in his. ‘I would not have it so, Mithadan.’

She regarded him closely, recalling his words to her that she need not submit or lose herself to him – that he cherished her for herself. She took a step closer.

‘You said of the crew that when trouble arises they look to you for reason and steadiness and leadership. Will you offer that to me also when I come to you?’

His grey eyes held hers as he nodded his assent. Then in a clear voice he asked her also, ‘And may I look to you when trouble arises? Will you give me your reason, steadiness, your leadership . . . and your love?’

She moved within the circle of his arms and drew up against him, her head coming to rest against his shoulder.

‘I will.’ she said, simply.

He stepped back, and held her face in his hands as if to memorize this moment. Her eyes took him in fully as he bent down to her.

Then she opened herself to possibility, and surrendered to their kiss . . .

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-15-2002, 05:29 AM

Sometimes, in a place of death and shadow, a light rises and endures. So it seemed that night, both in the tombs and on the ship. Many sensed the possibility of change. And two of these, Mithadan and Gamba, left behind their sorrow for a while.

The hobbrim and Elves stood on the deck of the Star, looking up to the sky. They could trace the goodness of a hundred glittering lights. Andril spoke in a sure, quiet voice, “It is a good night. Perhaps the last before we face the darkness that falls on Elenna. Let us enjoy its loveliness.” Rose and Kali both laughed with a certainty of hope that had not been there before.

Those from the ship and the caves stood together in an invisible ring of friendship. The Elves looked towards the West with longing, the hobbrim dreamed of a secret home, and hobbits wondered what it might be like to live without fear. Yet, for those who loved most deeply, they thought only of each other.

Still, for some, this night was hard. Bird and Phura waited for the sun to push fears aside. Cami stood by the railing, staring at the east. It was so far away. She slipped below, careful to avoid the cabin where the Man and Elf rested. As she pushed her door ajar, Ancalimon sat at the table, concern evident in his face.

“You can go.” Cami waved him off. “I want time alone. I need to think about my people.”

“Is that all?” he countered sharply.

“What else could there be? There is sorrow in the tombs beyond anything I’ve known. I would be foolish to think of anything else.”

“Camelia Goodchilde, I do not believe you. Lie to me if you must, but speak truth to yourself.” He sounded irritated and turned to leave.

She halted, then forced out two words. “Please, stay.” Her voice sounded hollow even to herself. “It has been three months, three months to the day since I left, but to everyone else, that was thousands of years ago. And I am supposed to look and act as if I’ve put everything behind me.”

“No one remembers him as a person, only as a figure of lore. But, to me, he’s real. It’s not enough that death steals away one you love. Even memories fade, day-by-day. Perhaps I should have been an Elf. At least I could keep things from changing.”

The answer came back without hesitation. “You are not an Elf. And, if you try to do that, you will slowly die. Use your head. Maura would never have loved an Elf, not as he felt for you.”

“Then when will this hurting stop?” she demanded.

“Stop? It won’t stop. But you will learn to live with it.”

Her tears began to fall. “How can that be? Everyone on the Star calls me sensible. One-by-one, they line up with problems. I reassure Kali about Daisy, I throw myself onto Mithadan to keep him from acting foolishly. I make sure Pio eats and sleeps for the twins. When Rose threatens to run off to the tombs, I remind her to think.”

“What they don’t see is that I am in pieces myself. I thought I could put them together by now, but it hasn’t happened.”

“No, and, to be truthful,” he responded gently, “I doubt it ever will. I know this is hard to understand, but you have a gift. Not all gifts bring joy. Some bring sadness or obligation. You have the gift of ‘brokenness.’ “

“That doesn’t sound like something people would line up for.” Cami retorted with some backbone.

Ancalimon laughed. “No, but it does mean you can look at others and see hurting, and help them see it too. Some people just give up. You won’t. And if you see someone like this, you will prod and cajole them from behind.”

“There’s meaning in that, Cami Goodchilde. You just have to be stubborn enough to plod forward and find it. I can’t make Maura come back, but you can find something that will keep you going until you find your way through.”

“But what of all these tears?” she insisted. “I feel like a fountain sometimes.”

“Then, be a fountain. For a fountain gives beauty. Believe me, Little Andreth, I am a messenger from the House of Nienna. I have seen more tears than you can imagine. Tears are no shame. Some lead to despair, but others free the fea to soar. Just be careful.”

She ran over and hugged him, and laid her head a moment on his shoulder. “Someday, I may find my way to Arda in the Third Age. If so, I will keep an eye on you and Rose.”

She thanked him and said goodnight.

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

Mithadan

10-15-2002, 12:59 PM

Together, Mithadan and Piosenniel slept until early evening, free for a time of cares and worries. The Man woke first and, after dressing quickly, he walked to the galley where he gathered two plates of breads and fruits. Carrying these, he returned to the cabin and gently woke Piosenniel. As they ate they discussed the layout of the caverns and the Hobbits' request to meet Nitir and Azra.

"They wish to meet you as well," added Piosenniel between bites of an apple. The sleep and food had done her well and there was no sign of the weariness which had been upon her earlier that morning.

"Me?" replied Mithadan with some surprise. "I would think that the last thing they would wish to see was another Man. That would mean two trips up the river; one to attack the Numenorean craft and a second to meet with the Elders...unless we could combine the two."

"I believe there may also need to be one more," added Pio. Mithadan nodded.

"Khelek, Veritas and Angara will likely not be happy if we assault the Numenorean ship together," he commented. "It is a great risk to the crew's two best fighters."

Pio's face darkened at this. "You would not have me stay behind?"

"No," replied the Man. "I gave you my word that I would not bar you from that undertaking."

"Then you will not come?" she asked. "You gave your word that you would. Would you have me go alone?"

Mithadan smiled slightly. "What would you do if you were I?"

"You would be concerned with the effect upon the crew and the risk to the mission," she answered heavily. "You would send Khelek or Veritas along with me."

"And Khelek would trip on a rope or some such thing. Moreover Veritas is not suited to fight in stealth -- her skills are with the bow and the sword," Mithadan pointed out. He looked sidewise at her with a slight smirk. "We do have to take Cami and Rose to the caverns and myself as well, don't we?"

"Yes," answered the Elf with a puzzled look on her face.

"And the Numenorean vessel is on the way, isn't it?" he added.

"Yes."

"And we two are best suited for such an encounter, aren't we?" he asked.

Piosenniel did not answer. She frowned at Mithadan wondering where this word game was going.

"So if we don't want to have the crew worry about us, we'll tell them when we get back," he finished with a sparkle in his eyes.

[ October 15, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-15-2002, 02:12 PM

It was late afternoon in the Locks, and they still hadn't managed to carry out their schemes. Gamba doubted the plan and his own part in it, but had reluctantly agreed.

The girls' idea was to have Gamba push open the cell door to come inside to do his normal cleaning. But, this time, Anee and Daisy would try to escape. Gamba was to race in their direction, and collar them both. Daisy said he'd win the trust of the guards, while she and Anee would definitely have their sentences extended, probably for a lot longer than 5 days.

Finally, just before Gamba was supposed to leave, a good moment presented itself. What happened was a bit different than they'd planned. The first part went perfectly. Gamba managed to get his hands on Anee and haul her back into the communal cell. She promptly earned her additional five days. But Daisy was another matter.

There was no way the boy could know Daisy had trained long hours under Piosenniel in a variety of weapons. So when she grabbed the broom to wield as an impromptu sword, he had no idea what he was facing. In her excitement, Daisy began fighting half in earnest, trying to make the scene look real. Within two moments, she'd knocked Gamba out cold on the floor, and the Men of Numenor were surging after her to push her back into the compound.

She fought as if possessed by a whirlwind, but it was hopeless against two fully-armed guards. She finally ended up tossed into an empty isolation cell, with an additional one-year sentence. Gamba was rudely revived with a pail of water over his head, and ordered to clean out a very large storage closet filled with an assortment of trash hat had not been emptied in several years. He was not allowed to go home or eat dinner until his chore was done.

For almost three hours, Gamba toted and tugged the trash out of that storage area. His thoughts about Daisy were less than charitable. He had a large bump on his forehead, and his head was beginning to ache.

Finally, he'd come to the end of the mess. He took his broom to sweep out the last of the cobwebs. Suddenly he heard a jingle from the floor below. He stopped and stared. A single look told him what it was. There was absolutely no difference between this old mislaid set and the one that was used every morning to unlock the compound and the individual cells. His heart pounded in his chest. With one sure hand, he swept the contents into his broad belt, hoping that no one would notice the strange bulge. Then he mumbled a good night and went racing back towards Phura to see what he thought of his new treasure.

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

piosenniel

10-15-2002, 05:28 PM

Pio laughed out loud at his suggestion. 'You are a wicked man, Mithadan!' she cried, lobbing the apple core at his head. He dodged it, and it splattered against the door to their room with a loud thunk.

'And why would you say that, Pio?' A catlike smile played about his lips, as he moved to her left and returned the volley. A single, flying fig whizzed past her ear and pasted itself on the bulkhead behind her.

She stood on the bed, using a pillow as a shield and fired several crusts of bread at his chest, hoping to hit that broader, though still quickly moving, target.

The pillow muffled her reply. 'Think about it! Who will the crew blame for dragging you off on some rash and dangerous mission. And being sneaky about it to boot!' Her "shield" took two soft hits as the returned bready missiles hit it. She peeked round it and grinned. 'Not steadfast, clear thinking, Captain By-the-Book Mithadan!'

He had approached closer, as she hoped he would. 'You must admit you've earned the title, Elf.' he laughed.

Just one step closer, she thought, fixing him with an innocent look. He moved in closer, an appraising look in his eye.

'Sneaky Pio, it is then!' she cried and swung the pillow hard at him, hitting him squarely on the chest. The seams of the pillow strained at the impact and burst apart. Feathers flew wildly about the room.

Pio laughed hysterically as he leapt at her and bore her down beneath him. 'Get off me, you great oaf!' she yelled, at the now laughing Man.

At that moment, the door burst open, and a concerned Cami entered,breathlessly. 'Pio! Are you alright! I heard yelling and sounds like fighting!'

'You should ask, rather, if I'm alright, Cami.' said Mithadan, standing up to greet her, brushing feathers all the while from his hair and clothes. 'I was the first to be attacked. I only sought to defend myself.' Pio giggled at his protests and he threw the other pillow at her.

Cami stood, now, with her hands on her hips, surveying the shambles of the room. A lone feather threatened to land on her face, and she blew it away. A smile crept into the corners of her mouth, and then she too was laughing with them. A few moments later, she wiped the tears of mirth from her eyes, and shook her head. 'The Star needs more of this.' she said, quietly. 'We have all missed it! Thank you, both of you!'

Pio got up from the bed and gave her friend a great hug. She looked up at Mithadan, who had come to stand near her, a questioning look in her eyes. He nodded his assent and pulled a chair near the bed for Cami to sit on. The Elf and Man seated themselves on the edge of the bed.

'I know you tried to talk to me earlier, Cami, about your going to be with the hobbits on Númenor. And I'm sorry I did not take your concerns seriously, and did not hear you out. You know that I went to see the outlay of the prison, and while I was there I had a chance to meet with a number of hobbits who will be leading the efforts on their side when we come to rescue them. One of them was Loremaster. He reminded me that in their history it is said that when the days are dark and hope grows dim that Nitir and Azra will come back to them, and hope will be renewed.'

She took her friend's hands in hers. 'He wants you to come, Cami. And I vowed that I would bring you.'

Cami looked at Pio in wonder and delight. 'How will you do this?' she asked.

In general terms, so as not to alarm her, Mithadan told her briefly that they would secure a ship which Pio had already scouted, and sail under cover of night to a place near the prison. From there, they would walk in, along a poorly guarded side path, and make their way to where Bird and Loremaster would meet them. Levanto would be sent ahead to give them warning of their arrival. Once there Cami and Rose, along with Mithadan and Pio, would meet with the hobbits' planning group. Then they must leave and go back to the Star.

Pio looked at her friend closely as she took in what Mithadan had told her. She saw a certain look of resolve slide across her features. The Elf laughed a little, then sighed, and hugged her friend once again.

'You will not be coming back with us, will you?'

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-16-2002, 12:03 AM

Cami smiled calmly at her friend and acknowledged the question. "No, my place is inside the prison. Not on the outside. Every one of us has something to contribute, and what I do best must be done there. The same is true for Rose."

"And what is that?" Piosenniel asked.

"Just to be there, to set an example. Some of the hobbits are truly frightened. They've spent their whole lives learning how to obey, to keep silent and not fight back. Now suddenly we've asked them to change. That wouldn't be easy for anyone."

"They've also heard about Nitir and Azra for years on end, and how we won our way to the highlands of Beleriand. Perhaps it would help if they understood Rose and I weren't six-foot warriors, but that we were willing to fight as best we could. Hobbits have to believe they can stand up and defend their families. Such lessons come easier from us than from yourself or Pio. And at least Rose has some training with the sword."

Mithadan shook his head, "But, Cami, you're not prepared to carry a weapon. How do you expect to survive?"

"You misunderstood me. What I said was that you'd be foolish to place a sword in my hands because I don't have the training or skill. I think few hobbits will have such weapons. I'm certainly willing to carry my bow, although I suspect most of the fighting will be in close quarters. I'll tuck a dagger or two into my belt, and if you can get me something light like a mining pick or a fishing lance, I'll have no hesitation to use it as best I can.

"Remember I was in the battle of Gondolin. And, when I had to, I killed an Orc. Yes, I'll be afraid, but I won't be so afraid that I can't fight. I'll admit, I'd rather battle an Orc than a man for all kinds of reasons, but this time we have no choice."

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

Birdland

10-16-2002, 12:34 PM

"Oh, very nice. You managed to get yourself seperated from the Anee and the other folk in the Locks with your little "battle". And Phura has a lump on his head the size of a goose egg! What were you thinking?" Birdie sat on Daisy's shoulder hissing naggingly in her ear for the past five minutes.

"Oh, leave it alone!" whispered Daisy. "I don't know what got into me. I thought the confines of the "Star" was bad, but this is ten times worse. Even though I knew it was a staged break, guess it just "felt" real, if you see what I mean. At least you have had the run of the place these last days."

"Hmmmph! 'Run', is right. I have to run these legs off to keep up with all you Halflings. Half the time I have to catch rides on whoever is going in the right direction, and take the risk I'll be found and swatted. And now I have to jump on the guards in order to get to you! That last one stank, y'know"

"So change to a beetle, or some other flying thing. I know! I know!" she interrupted as Bird was about to launch into another lecture, " 'The form chooses me, I do not choose the form.' And quit chewing on my blanket! It's cold enough in here without you poking holes in things."

"Sorry", Birdie mumbled, "Nervous habit." She dropped the raveled thread and sighed. "Well, at least Phura found those keys. Bit of luck, that. And Pio and the others will be on their way soon. It will be nice to see Cami and Rose again. I can't wait to see the looks when Mith appears!"

"I won't see them. Oh Bird, I hate it so much in this cell!" Daisy's lip trembled. "Birdie...can you stay? Just for a little while, until I go to sleep?"

"Of course, dear. Lie down, and I'll sing you to sleep." Bird set up a surprising quiet, soothing "neek-breek-neek-breek" sound with her back legs. Finally, with a sigh, Daisy's eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a ship on gently rocking waves.

Mithadan

10-16-2002, 12:50 PM

Mithadan frowned. "So you would have us concerned about rescuing three members of the Star's crew rather than just one?"

"That presumes we need rescuing," replied Cami. "Rose and I can take care of ourselves. We did so in Gondolin and Taur-nu-Fuin and we can do so now."

"I seem to recall that the two of you were captured by Orcs in Gondolin," retorted Mithadan mildly. Cami opened her mouth to protest, but Mithadan waved her words away. "I know, your capture was intended. Yet I cannot say that I like this turn of events." He sat heavily upon the bed and was immediately surrounded by a cloud of feathers.

"Remember! Everyone must do what they are 'best suited for' in this task, Mithadan," said Piosenniel with a slight smile. "Cami is no warrior, but she is very good at playing the part of the prisoner and organizing uprisings. We would not ask her to assault a vessel in stealth or use a garotte, but she has proven herself for the role she requests."

Mithadan pondered these arguments for a moment. "Very well. What is good for the captain is good for his crew," he said with a glance at the Elf. "But on one condition only do I grant you this, Cami. Once the assault begins, you must meet up with us immediately. As Pio says, you are no warrior...at least not with arms."

Cami thanked the man and gave him a quick hug, then took her leave to find Rose. Mithadan was sitting on the bunk, lost in thought when a pillow struck him on the back of his head...

piosenniel

10-16-2002, 03:10 PM

'Now that I have your attention, Mithadan - what thoughts trouble you?' Pio threw the pillow to the head of the bed, and sat down beside him. He looked at her and smiled, but said nothing. 'I'll leave your thoughts to you to mull over, then.' she said. 'But, if you wish, I would be glad for you to share them with me.'

She stood up and pulled on her boots. 'I'm going up to the helm to relieve whoever is on watch. Come with me! I know I could use some fresh air and a look at the waters and the stars.' She threw her cloak about her shoulders. Then took his hand and drew him toward the door.

Pio shut the door firmly as they exited. A few stray feathers drifted into the hallway. She grinned at Mithadan and shook her head. 'Let's sleep in your room, tonight. We can herd feathers tomorrow!' she proposed, as they walked down the gangway, heading to the stairs.

They had almost reached the stairs, when Pio saw Cami sitting at a table in the galley. She urged him to go on up without her, telling him that she wished to speak with the hobbit for a few moments.

Cami sat looking into her cup of tea lost in thought. Pio sat across from her, and drew her attention. She added her own requests that Cami keep herself and Rose safe, and that they hurry quickly to the first ship so that Pio might see that they were safe and let Mithadan know.

The hobbit looked at her questioningly. Pio shrugged. 'I promised I would stay on the ship. That was our compromise for my going. I intend to keep that promise.'

Cami looked at her closely. 'Something has changed between you two.' stated the all too perceptive hobbit. 'There is a calmer, more settled air between you now. An easier, and yet stronger bond. You begin to pull together as you handle the tasks that come before you.' She took the Pio's hand in her own, 'It's good to see this. It will make our parting from each other easier.' She patted the Elf's belly, and they both smiled.

Pio looked at her friend, and tears threatened at the corners of her eyes. She sighed and blinked them back. 'I'm missing you already.' she said, and looked away.

When she had regained control of herself, she talked to the hobbit about all she had seen and heard in the caverns. Cami asked her many questions, wanting to keep each detail straight in her mind.

'I do have one last area I need to talk with you about.' said Pio. She told Cami how the hobbits had asked how they would get those who could not swim well through the water to the ships. And she told her how she had assured them in vague terms how that part of the plan was already taken care of by those on the Star.

'What they do not know is that it will be hobbrim who will guard and escort them as they travel through the water on the air bladders. I need you to prepare them for this. We cannot have them frightened of those who mean to help them!'

Cami agreed and said that she would share this with the Elders first, to see how best to approach it to the general population. The hobbit stood and said she must go talk to Rose, now, and said she would see Pio tomorrow.

********************************************

Veritas had gone below, and Mithadan now stood watch. Pio joined him, and leaned on the rail, looking far over the waves to the isle. 'Andor, the Land of Gift.' she murmured. 'What once was fair, now falls into Shadow.' She thought of the King' ships as they neared Tol Eressëa.

Evening had moved into night, and now above, the stars hung bright in the sky. A soft breeze blew from the west. The Elf and Man spoke softly about Gorthaur's ship upriver, and how they might best approach it.

'Levanto must come with us, so that the Elders will be alerted of our coming. I suppose we will take Cami and Rose up river in a skiff. They will have to wait just south of the ship until we have taken care of the crew on board it. Then we can anchor it near the caverns and walk in as we said. What do you plan to do with it once we go back to the Star? Scuttle it?'

Pio listened as he outlined his plans, nodding her assent. She looked back over the water to Númenor, and drummed her fingers on the railing.

'I do have one question that has weighed on my mind of late. I wondered if you might shed some light on it.'

'What is it, Pio?' he said, turning toward her.

'We are so few, against so many. What hope do you see that we can accomplish that which is set before us?'

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-17-2002, 07:17 AM

Cami sat in her cabin studying the daybook which lay in front of her. Already the cover showed the impression of many fingers which had lovingly touched it, night-after-night. Cami usually left the journal lying open on her table for anyone to come and have a look. She'd encouraged her friends to add their own thoughts into the narrative. Now these scattered notes were like a trail of memory that bore witness to all they had seen.

Cami took up her pen and added several comments about the events of the day. If only she could be sure that the final words would reflect as much hope as the ones she wrote tonight. But she'd learned that certainties were few. For even as one story ended, another began. And it was rare for people to recognize in their own lives where that point of transition was.

Perhaps her own ending had come this evening when she'd spoken with Piosenniel. They'd talked at length about the hobbits in the tombs and how Rose and Cami would journey there, just as they'd gone to Beleriand. But, this time, there was a difference. Even if they managed to return to the Star, she no longer thought of it as her home, but only a stopping point on the way to someplace new.

Still, Cami thought, the writing felt familiar and comforting. So many months, so many tales! For one instant, she considered keeping the journal tucked under her belt and bringing it with her to the Third Age. It would be a pleasure to relive the trek to Tol-Fuin or the startling moment when they'd first encountered Kali. She weighed these thoughts in her mind and gazed at the volume which she held in her hand. Then she regretfully set it down. It did not belong with her. It was the heritage of the hobbrim, and she, sad to say, was no hobbrim. That, too, she'd learned from the Star. Like Firiel, her heart and feet were too deeply held by the soil to consider a life bound to the Sea. Part of her wished that was different, but she could not change who she was.

A tiny knock came on her door. That must be Rose, Cami thought. She'd agreed to come to her room and talk. Cami had almost forgotten with all the excitement of the day.

Bursting through the door, the young girl came spinning towards Cami with outstretched arms. She reached over to grasp Cami's wrists and the two hobbits spun round and round, collapsing in a pile of laughter on the bed.

"We're going. We're really going. Nitir and Azra are back in operation." Rose smiled from ear to ear. Anyone who'd seen the women might have thought they'd been discussing a fancy dress party, rather than what was actually planned. Oblivious to the possibility of failure, they chattered on about what might take place and who they hoped to see.

At the last moment, Rose leaned over and pulled Cami near her. "Are you afraid?" she whispered.

"A little," the older woman replied. "But I'm not going to let Mithadan know, or he might order us back to the ship." They both looked at each other and laughed.

"This has been a long time coming."

"Forever," Cami agreed.

Then they discussed what weapons they'd take and the clothing they would wear.

Rose had still not confided to Cami what she'd decided to do at the end of the voyage, if they ever managed to get that far. Surely, Rose would tell her when she was ready. There was no use asking until then. But a part of Cami intently wished Rose's choice would match her own. Having a close friend along would make things much easier.

The two women nodded their good nights to each other. Cami went out to do two more things. First, she approached Andril with the journal tucked under her arm.

"You keep this. I plan to return and put the final entries in, but if something happens...." Her voice trailed off. "Promise me you'll finish it."

Andril nodded solemnly. "You will tell them about us? she asked.

"I promise." Cami said. "They will know they have cousins who care about them, and who will come to help with the rescue."

"And the choosing? Will you tell them about that" Andril queried.

"Not yet," she replied. "I'll leave that decision to Ancalimon and wiser heads than my own."

Andril laughed and hugged Cami. Then the two women parted. Cami walked down to the armory, where Kali was waiting for her.

"This is what you need," he said. And he flipped over a lancet which was just the right weight and length for hobbit hands. "I think you'll find this easier to handle than the sword. It requires less skill and strength."

For several hours, she and Kali parried back and forth. They practiced throwing and thrusting at a variety of stationery and moving targets.

Cami balanced the lance in the palm of her hand. She actually liked the feel of it. With time, she might become proficient in its use. Time, unfortunately, was in short supply, but she at least felt more comfortable than she'd ever been with any sword.

Kali helped select a lance for Cami to take to the tombs. She planned to hide it along with her bow and Rose's sword in one of the old sarcophagi. They'd promised Mithadan to return quickly to the ship on the night of the rescue. But who knew what obstacles lay between them and their intended destination?

Then she went back to her room and lay down on her bed. As far as she was concerned, the only thing left was to sit and wait, perhaps with a little weapons practice thrown in for luck. Surely it must soon be time for them to leave.

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

Mithadan

10-17-2002, 09:23 PM

Mithadan looked down for a moment pondering Pio's question. Then he looked up and his face was wan. "Truly, I do not know," he answered. "But I believe...I must believe that we would not have been sent here if there were no chance of success. Don't you?"

Piosenniel looked up at the stars burning brightly above. "I think so," she replied. "And yet I worry. For you, for my friends and for myself. And I wonder if I will live past that fateful day."

Mithadan laughed. "Now you are getting maudlin. This is not the Pio that I know. Of course you will live! Even if you ride on the first ship!"

Pio's eyes narrowed a bit. "Mithadan, you speak with too much certainty, as if you have seen the future. How could you know this?"

The Man fell silent, and he looked away from the Elf. "Mithadan?" she repeated. He turned back and faced her. "He came to me. Perhaps I summoned Him somehow, with my worry and concern. He came, the Lord of the Waters."

"When was this?" asked Piosenniel.

"A few days ago, after you asked to be on the first Ship. In my sleep He came and said the Teleri come and they are skilled with bows but are not warriors. But he said also that Tuor and Idril come and they bring some few of the Noldor who are willing to yet oppose the darkness with arms. Not many but some."

Mithadan looked out towards the West as if seeking to pierce the night and see some sign of the Elven ships. He continued. "I told him I was concerned. I feared bringing so many ships up the Siril and that I feared for you who had become precious to me. And He said: 'Thy entry unto the river and thy travel there shall be under my protection for my power runs through all the rivers of the world. But once thou enter the tombs and caves, thou wilst have gone beyond the reach of my mantle and all the skills and the resolve of thee and thine friends will be tested. But thy efforts will be for naught if the Elf Piosenniel takes not her proper place at the forefront, and if she does so she will be safe and thine efforts may yet succeed.'" Then Mithadan fell silent and looked away.

"Then we may succeed!" cried Piosenniel gladly. But Mithadan remained silent and did not met his wife's eyes. "Mithadan? Did he say more?"

The Man closed his eyes and shook his head, but his face misgave him. "What else did he say?" insisted the Elf.

Mithadan looked up, and a cloud seemed to cover his features. In a deep voice he continued. "He said 'But know this also, Child of Man! I fear for thee, for thy fate is obscured and a mist covers thy steps into the caverns. Take care. I would bid thee not to go with thy comrades and yet I know that this is not thy will. Take care lest the trail of thy footsteps enters the tombs and exits not!'"

Piosenniel staggered as if from a blow. "You will not go!" she cried. "You will stay behind! You must heed his warning!"

Mithadan looked into her eyes and without words, she knew his answer. "You cannot!" she cried, and tears fell from her eyes. "You cannot!" And her voice fell to a whisper. "No!"

He took her into his arms and kissed away her tears. "I must go," he said quietly. "You know this. I am needed...and I will take care."

Piosenniel rubbed her eyes, then looked at Mithadan defiantly. "Then I will go also! Into the caverns. To protect you!"

"Not to protect me," he replied. "To rescue those who need our aid. Yes, you will go also, but not to protect me. I will protect myself; only I can do so. You will go for the sake of Cami and Rose and Daisy and their kin. Swear this to me! That when you enter the caverns you will always look forward to where you are going and not to the side towards me. I will not have you hurt out of hesitation or fear for me. You must be Piosenniel the fearless as you once were and not be shackled by concern for Mithadan."

piosenniel

10-18-2002, 01:38 AM

Pio stepped back from his embrace.

'This, then, is your counsel to me? That I should not be shackled by concern for you?' Her voice was ragged with emotion and a hollow laugh escaped her. 'Then better would it have been had you left Tulë in my place. He would have fought fearlessly at your side and with concern only for the successful completion of this task. And had you fallen, he would have sung your praises as a momentary hero, when all was done, and then sailed West.'

Tears threatened at the corners of her eyes, and she fought them back. 'That is "fearless" for you, Mithadan, and "unshackled concern".'

She turned from him and gripped the railing hard. The cold moon and silent stars offered no consolation as they shone on her face. She sought for some small measure of composure to return. 'I am bound to you, by my freely given choice,' she whispered, 'in the circles of this world and for whatever lies beyond. That is a quick, hard lesson, now. I had not thought to think of losing you so soon.'

He turned her toward him, and placed his fingers beneath her downturned chin, raising her face to meet his gaze. She thought that he might kiss her, and she turned her face from his.

‘Kisses cannot take away this painful knowledge.’ she said in an even tone, ‘Nor can my tears.’ She breathed deeply, and turned her face back to his. A certain resolve flickered behind her eyes, and then was hidden from his gaze.

‘I cannot be the fearless Piosenniel you have asked for, Mithadan. She died in Gondolin, and is no more.’ Her voice was steady and her gaze, now calm, held his. ‘I can be Piosenniel, tempered by fear, who fights by your side. And that will have to be enough for now.’

‘So be it.’ said Mithadan, in a low voice, pulling her into his embrace.

Ancalimon had come to stand watch, and as he passed them, standing there, he raised his arm and pointed toward the west. The obscuring clouds that gathered along the horizon had parted, and now, the evening star shone out, a tiny jewel, just above the lip of the dark sea.

‘Hail Eärendil!’ he called, in a clear voice.

Mithadan’s eyes sought the star in the darkness and smiled, his grey eyes reflecting its form and light. Pio’s eyes caught the twin images shining brightly in his and murmured softly, ‘. . . the looked for that comes unawares, the longed for that comes beyond hope.’

‘Come.’ she said, taking his hand. ‘Ancalimon will wake us should the need arise. Let us go to our rest. We will be safe in each others arms for at least this night, and I will take what measure of comfort from that as I may.’

[ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-18-2002, 05:37 AM

Daisy awoke that morning with a severe headache. She felt bitterly sad and alone. One look about the cell told her that Bird was nowhere to be seen. The walls were dark and dingy, and not a shred of light illuminated the tiny hole. Daisy couldn't tell morning from night except for some voices she heard coming from outside.

To make matters worse, the cell was so small she could barely stand up without banging her head against the rock overhang. The only creature who could be comfortable in such a place, she reflected, was a pint-sized neekerbreeker.

When she and Anee had been in with the other hobbits, Daisy had complained about the noise and crowding. Now, she would give anything to be back there again. She wondered how Anee was doing. Surely, the girl would watch out for Lily and her brother, and see that they had enough to eat.

The day crawled by very slowly. Daisy remembered that the attendents weren't even allowed to come into the cells which housed only a single prisoner. They could only kneel by the grate and push food through to the other side. Daisy wondered how the elderly Pansy managed to make it from one day to the next.

She fell back asleep on the hard dirt floor. When she awoke, it was mid-morning. Her back and legs were cramped from the tightness of the quarters. Breakfast had been sitting for some time inside the grate. It was a good-sized chunk of bread, about the size of a small loaf. She couldn't help but laugh. Maybe Gamba was feeling guilty for mishandling his part in their battle.

When she picked up the loaf, it seemed curiously heavy. A minute later and she realized that this was not an accident. Carefully, Daisy took the loaf and broke it in half. On the inside, where the bread was scooped out, was a full set of Locks keys. For one moment, she suspected this was a trick by the guards. She waited for the sound of betrayal, listened for footsteps, and wondered what to do. Minutes passed, and then hours. It now seemed more likely that this was no trick. No one came to her cell to search or investigate. Somehow Gamba had located these keys and passed them on to her. She found a small spot where the ground was softer and piled dirt and hay over her treasure.

Later that day, when Daisy's dinner arrived, she wasn't surprised to see another loaf of bread. This time, there was a small dagger inside. Again, she hid and buried her treasure.

This pattern continued for a number of days. No one spoke to her during that time. Gamba must have been afraid to draw any attention to her by even the slightesst whisper. But, even without an explanation, she knew she was meant to hold onto these things until the night of the rescue.

Other than that, the days passed slowly. Most of her time was spent listening to noises and conversations outside her cell. She tried to exercise her body as best she could in such a small space, but it was not easy. Sometimes, she slept for endless hours, and dreamed of Kali and the Seas. Her best times were those, plus the infrequent moments when Bird actually paid a visit and told her what was going on outside. Mostly, she counted the minutes and days until the rescue would take place. Surely, it could not be too much longer.

mark12_30

10-18-2002, 08:43 AM

The children often slept through Candlestones, but woke when Gamba and Phura came in, and snuggled up to the boys as they retired for the evening. Gamba sang for Maura, and often Asta, Roka, and Kesha joined in.

The children had returned to their dreams, and Gamba and Phura lay awake, restless. Gamba wondered what Daisy thought about the keys and the dagger. Phura reviewed plans.

Gamba stirred. "I wonder when we'll actually get to meet Azra and Nitir."

Phura shrugged. "You met Piosenniel."

"Yes."

"Well?"

"It wasn't like I thought it would be." Gamba smiled, thinking of all the years of playing the Levanto game with Esta. "And besides, I have my own now," he said softly.

Phura stifled an amused snort; sixteen years old and talking as if he was already come of age and married. He tried not to laugh.

Gamba persisted. "What are Nitir and Azra like? What do the commentaries say?"

Phura stretched. "Nitir was middle-aged, motherly, wise, gentle. Resilient, persistant. Organised. Thorough."

"And Azra?"

"Eighteen years old and reckless."

"Eighteen!"

"Ssshhh. Yes, eighteen. Lively, pretty, adventurous, sassy."

"Younger than you."

"Yes. And very capable. She spied on the orcs, and she wielded a blade at Tol Fuin."

Gamba went up on one elbow. "Really."

"Go to sleep."

"Loremaster..."

"Hey..." Phura shoved him.

"Go to sleep yourself!"

The children stirred, and the boys glared at each other, and lay back down.

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

Child of the 7th Age

10-19-2002, 10:16 AM

The morn of 15 Cermie dawned grey upon the Star. The magic of the lights which had captured them only a day ago seemed to be hidden from view. Even the star of Earendil which had offered hope last night had slid beneath the horizon to voyage towards some unknown place. In the hearts of those upon the ship, reality was beginning to harden.

Cami awoke that morning with a heavy longing in her heart. Most of the doing and acting and planning lay behind them. They were left with only waiting, and the waiting seemed unbearable to her. Cami wished it was time to set out on the skiff towards the Anduin. She wished she could grow wings and fly into the tombs. She wished she could see Bird and Daisy again. But such wishing without doing was only foolishness.

Cami rearranged her weapons and the few belongings she would take. She polished the lance that Kali had selected for her. Still the sun crept across the sky ever so slowly, advancing in its course only an inch or two. She stirred restlessly from her cabin and went into the galley. A few hobbrim were there preparing a meal. Even they acted strangely subdued. Cami could see Piosenniel sitting by herself. She thought of going and speaking with her, but something in the Elf's manner said she wanted to be alone. The Man was nowhere to be seen.

Cami's eyes met briefly with those of the Elf, then they both turned away. The hobbit slipped out from the galley, climbing above under overcast skies. She saw Ancalimon leaning against the rail and looking out at the sea. His outward expression gave no inkling of his thoughts.

Perhaps, he too wanted to be alone, Cami thought. But something inside impelled her to his side. For some time, neither of them spoke. Then, Cami was the first to whisper her fears.

"I think I'm afraid," she said, staring stonily out to the waves. "And I think others are afraid too," she shuddered slightly. "Only no one is saying anything."

"What are you afraid of?" he asked.

Cami stopped and thought a moment. For a moment, she wasn't sure of her answer to that question. When she responded, it was with a small, hesitating voice.

"I'm not certain. Only I know one thing. I'm not afraid of dying. I'm not looking to die. In fact, a voice inside says I'm supposed to live on, even though that can be just as hard sometimes. But if something happens and I need to give my life, I accept that as my doom. And I'm not going to dwell on it ahead of time." She stood silent for a while, her eyes still uncertain.

"Then what is it?" Ancalimon probed.

Cami heard Ancalimon's voice cutting into her thoughts. She finally responded, "I think there are two things. I can feel the frustration and uncertainty all about me. I see people struggling with things half hidden in their hearts."

"The Elf?" he asked simply.

"She's not the only one. But, yes, Piosenniel seems to be upset. And Mithadan as well."

Ancalimon shook his head, "Some things are beyond you, little one."

"I know." She looked up at the peddler with sadness. "But it doesn't make it any easier seeing your friends this way. I would talk with her, but I'm not sure it would help. Maybe if Bird were here. They're very old friends." Her voice trailed off.

"Leave her be for now, Cami. She knows you're here. This is much she needs to work through on her own. If she needs you, she will come to talk about that something."

Whatever that something was, Ancalimon was not about to share it, even if he knew.

"Is that all?" he prodded again.

Cami shook her head. "That's not the worst. What if we fail? My people will perish from Arda. Nothing will be the same again, ever. Maybe we'll just fade from the earth. Only we aren't like Elves, because there's no Elvenhome for us to go to. And the job we're supposed to do, those notes in the music, where will all that go?"

He looked at her and smiled. "You are worrying too much, Camelia Goodchilde. You are only a very small hobbit. Neither you or I are master of these things. Worry about your own part. Worry about your friends. Your words and actions can make a difference. But you are not the author of the whole story. And there are things in this world you can not even imagine."

"Then on these wider things, I am left with only estel," she looked curiously into his face.

"I fear so," he said. "It has ever been that way. Only know that the most important things in Arda are those that you can neither see nor touch."

"And if one way does not work, if the Star fails in its task.....?" The question came tumbling out half-unfinished.

"Then we must hope and believe that another way will be found. In any other direction lies despair, and despair does not sit well on hobbit heads. Or any others for that matter." At this point, he seemed lost in thought.

Cami looked up and smiled, "Now I did not say I was in despair, only that I feared."

Ancalimon nodded, "I believe you. Only be careful that one does not lead to another. But you are a stubborn one, and that, I think, will protect you."

"And," he looked around at her, "I do not think you have forgotten the promises spoken on Tol-Fuin that night."

She shook her head in fierce denial, and said only a single word. "Never!"

"Then remember those things, and what I've said, to try and make this waiting a easier. If it's any consolation, I too dislike this sitting and waiting and wondering. I will be glad when the waiting is over, and we can begin to do."

Then Cami nodded and went off to find Rose.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

10-19-2002, 07:33 PM

Pio had seen Cami look her way, and on any other day she would have been glad of the hobbit's company and true-spoken words. But not today.

She was tired, her emotions too near the surface. They had discussed his decison no further that night. He was honor bound to make the choice he had. She understood that, and cherished him for it. She would not use herself, her needs and wants, to turn him from his rightful path. That way was folly and the end of any hope that they might go on together.

Instead, she had lain awake all night, and watched him as he slept, willing her memory to take in each detail - the warmth and strength of his arms, the gentleness of his hands, the taste of his lips, his laugh, his sea-grey eyes . . .

Now the new day had dawned, and she left him to his dreams. She had gone quietly to her room and taken out her sword and her boiled leather vambraces. Beneath her loose tunic she put on her mithril shirt. A pair of tights and her knee high boots completed her attire. Under her arm she carried her helm.

At Andril's door, she had knocked lightly, and spoken with her for a few moments. Andril had promised to gather all the hobbrim together who were going to be bearing weapons in the rescue. They would arm themselves and meet the Elf on deck in an hour. Pio wanted them to drill with her. She would play the part of the guard and they would see how best they might defend against her, to move the hobbits safely from the banks of the river to the water and the safety of the ships.

While she waited, she passed the time drinking a cup of tea, and thought about the two other conversations she wanted to have today. Angara first, she thought, then Ancalimon. Some last pieces of the plan to put in place before the Teleri arrived.

Her tea done, she went up to the deck to wait for the hobbrim. She buckled on her vambraces, and drew her blade. Her mind was restless and she calmed it with her breathing. In a patch of pale morning sun, she went through some warm-up moves, and then the patterns her first teacher had shown her.

Advance, retreat, then side to side, and turn to repeat the moves in endless combinations. Her feet moved lightly and surely, without thought, the blade attacking and then defending against an unseen foe. Her face was grim, her passes lethal as they sliced through the air.

As if from far away, the sounds of voices came to her. She paused, and dropping the point of her blade to the ground, focused on the source. The hobbrim had come up to the deck, and now stood watching her. Their faces were grim as they grasped their spears and staves, reflecting the grimness of hers as she danced with her blade. None came forward to engage her.

She relaxed her stance, and leaned on her blade in a casual manner She smiled, and her laugh broke the tension, a light, silvery sound that eased their fears.

'Come!' she urged them. 'Break up into groups of three and four as defenders. Let two or three others, then, be the ones they are rescuing. I will be the guard who seeks to prevent your success. Then let us see how best you can defend against me and get your charges to the ship.'

She laid her sword to one side, and picked up a slender wooden pole in its place. 'It is a game, of sorts,' she told them, 'But one you must do your best to win.' She picked up the helm from where she had placed it on the deck and secured it on her head.

Pio slashed the pole through the air, getting the feel of it with a few practice strokes. 'Don't worry about the rightness or wrongness of technique. Avoid my blade as best you can, and take me out with any opportunity that arises, in any way you can.'

They were hesitant at first, but she was a patient and insistent teacher. Soon they were well into it, and proved themselves quite capable of the task laid to them. They had a keen sense of how best to work together as a team, overwhelming her attack often with their quick and stealthy movements.

At first, they had feared to touch her with their weapons, but she tapped them hard when she engaged them, and soon they answered back in kind. She smiled, though the blows stung, and cheered them on.

Two hours later, she called a halt to the practice. they were beginning to weary and get sloppy in their approaches to her. 'Let's meet again tomorrow morning.' she told them. 'Practice together this afternoon, if you wish, some of you taking the position of the guards. But, use the dull practice poles only! I would not have you injured before we engage the real foe.'

The late morning's breeze cooled her as she removed her helm and arm guards. 'I should have found some greaves to put on!' she chided herself, as she bent and rubbed the places where blows had met her legs. She was grateful she had put on the mithril shirt. Though, despite its protection, some dull bruisings appeared over her ribs, and she could feel where someone's club had met the small of her back.

Angara called down to her from her perch on the mast. 'Arrogant Elf! Serves you right for thinking yourself capable of taking them all on.'

Pio motioned for her to come down. 'I need to speak with you, Angara. Be sweet, if you will, and come down to me.'

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

10-19-2002, 11:12 PM

'Sweet, indeed!' humphed the dragon as she came to settle at Pio's feet. The Elf motioned her to follow, and they went to sit at the stern. Pio let her legs hang over the edge, resting her arms on the lower railing.

'Well,' said Angara, 'is this to be another talk about the rescue of the Hobbits and who is to keep whom safe now? I thought we had all agreed that you would be on, stay on, the first ship and that I would keep any harm from coming to you.' She looked closely at the Elf, who stared far out to sea, as if lost in thought.

The dragon sighed loudly, drawing Pio's attention back to her. What she saw reflected in her face did not bode well for the plan. 'You are not getting off that ship, Elf. I forbid it!' Her tail twitched dangerously. 'I will pin you to its deck if need be, until you have completed the time shift.'

Pio laid her forehead against the cool wood of the railing, saying softly, 'Better you should pin Mithadan to the deck, Dragon. He is the one who will be in danger.'

Angara considered this suggestion with some relish, and laughed. She was about to reply how much she would enjoy this, when she saw the tears streak down the Elf's face. Her eyes narrowed, and the words froze in her mouth.

'What's this?' she said, instead. 'What has he done now to make you sad?'

Pio regained her composure and told Angara of the prophecy of Ulmo. That she would be assured of safety and success as she lead the rescue in the first ship, but that the outcome for Mithadan was unclear to Ulmo, and in fact, might prove fatal to him.

'And what would you have me do now?' asked the Dragon. 'He will not allow me to follow him about like a faithful guard dog!'

'You need not follow him, nor do you need to concern yourself with my safety any longer. I will be by his side when we enter the caverns. There is something that I need for you to do for me should I not be able to do it.'

Angara shook her head, not liking the direction this talk was taking. 'What do you mean, "not be able to do it"? What riddles are you talking in now?'

Pio looked directly at Angara. 'When the rescue is complete, when all the Hobbits are aboard, the time shift must happen immediately. You know that. We cannot hold off the full force of the prison guards for an extended period of time. We are too few, and they are too many and too well armed. I need you to promise me that you will make the link to transfer the the ships, should I not be there. Do not wait for me. Do not jeopardize what we have planned so long to do.'

She turned her face back to the sea. 'I know you can do this, Angara. The Hobbrim, the Hobbits, and all the companions will look to you for this help. The babies and children, Angara, I would ask that you not fail them when their need is greatest.'

'Do not throw the babies and children at me, Piosenniel! You mean to follow him to his death, don't you?! No! I will not do this!'

'Angara, I will prevent his death if I may. I cannot say that I will be successful. You must do this for me, my old friend. Give me some measure of peace on that day that what we do has not all been in vain.'

The dragon's eyes were a bright, burnished gold as she looked deeply at the Elf before her. The depth of Pio's resolve shook her, and a small, strangled cry of grief escaped her. She bowed her head, and spoke softly.

'I will do this for you, Elf, though it breaks my heart in the doing.'

They sat for a while, in silence. Then Angara spoke to her, and her voice was filled with bitterness. 'I should have killed him when first I saw him look at you. I knew it would only come to grief should he win your heart.'

'And how did you know this?' asked Pio, letting the dragon bring forth all her feelings without judgement.

'There is a story, that Cami learned in Beleriand. It was dear to her heart, and she told it to me once. I did not think much on it then, only that she seemed to get some small comfort from the telling of it.' Angara's voice broke, and she looked away from Pio. 'Now I think it all too telling of what will happen to you.'

Pio waited for her to go on. 'It is the story of Finrod, the Elf, and his conversation with a mortal woman, Andreth. Finrod's brother had loved her deeply, but chose not to form a permanent relationship with her. Andreth pressed Finrod for the reasons why, and he told them to her. The last was a grim one, and I recalled it when first you told me of your love for the Man. It is a fateful warning, and the words of it, even now, bring a chill to my heart.'

'Speak it to me, Angara. I also would understand this Doom which now lies on me.'

'This is how Cami spoke it to me:'

'For one year, one day, of the flame I would have given all: youth, kin, and hope itself: adaneth I am,' said Andreth.

'That he knew,' said Finrod; 'and he withdrew and did not grasp what lay to his hand: elda he is. For such barriers are paid for in anguish that cannot be guessed, until it comes, and in ignorance rather than in courage the Eldar judge that they are made.

'Nay, adaneth, if any marriage can be between our kindred and thine, then shall it be for some high purpose of Doom. Brief it will be and hard at the end. Yea, the least cruel fate that could befall would be that death should soon end it.'

'If you deem it so, then have I chosen in ignorance, Angara. But chosen, I have. Allow me the courage to see it through to the end.'

Angara was silent at this. But Pio spoke further.

'The rescue of the Hobbits in the caverns and their safe delivery to the Anduin comes first with me, Angara. This is why I ask this favor of you. Not because I have resolved to die should Mithadan be slain.'

She looked hard at her old friend. 'I do love him, that is a certainty. So much so, that were I to think you a real threat to him, I would not hesitate to slay you.'

The dragon stepped back from her, regarding her warily.

'But he is not my whole life, and never will be.' She rubbed the back of her neck, and went on. 'Should he live, I will rejoice in that moment. And should he die, then will I grieve a long while, and go on. At my center, I remain the Piosenniel that has always been, stepping up to meet each situation as it presents itself, for good or ill.'

'And that is enough,' said the dragon, softly, 'at least for me.'

************************************************** ******************

The dragon had gone back to her vigil on the mast. Pio sought out Ancalimon. He was to be her second backup. She found him, late in the evening, standing at the bow, looking north. 'It is quiet.' he remarked, turning to face her. 'Another night should pass without trouble for us.'

'Let us hope so.' She sat on a chair near the railing and propped her feet up on it. 'I need a favor of you, Ancalimon.'

'And what is that, Pio? The same as you asked of Angara?'

'Good, then you have spoken with her, and you know what I need already.' She looked up at him, and went on. 'I would like you to be in the first ship with me. And if Angara for some reason cannot make the link, then I need you to do so. You are capable of it, I know. I will place Idril on the Star to complete the link strongly with you. There should be no problem between the two of you in shifting all the ships. Will you do this?'

'So the completion of the task comes first then.' he stated. 'In the large sense, yes.' she replied. He nodded his head. 'Then, I will do it.'

She got up to go below. His voice came quietly to her. 'She did not tell you all the story.' he motioned upward to where Angara perched. 'She did not speak to you of what Finrod said concerning estel, hope.'

'Ah, yes, 'hope'. I find that a hollow word at the moment, Ancalimon. And one which brings only more sorrow with it. To hope is to hang on to a joy which may or may not come, and never has a 'hope' of any permanence. It is a cold comfort at best. Better for me to remain in the present and deal with present matters as they come up. This I can do.'

She bade him good night then, and went down to her room. Moonlight poured in through her
porthole, and feathers rose up like small sprites as she threw herself on the bed. A laugh of delight at this small beauty escaped her. She knelt on her bed at the porthole and watched the starlight ride the waves.

'What a foolish Elf, you are Pio!' she chided herself, thinking back on her conversations with Angara and Ancalima. 'You have made the claim of selfless bravery, and now you must live up to it.'

Pio lay down and pulled the pillow to her. She thought long and hard about the days to come, and a certain resolve came to her. And then sleep came, and all her concerns gave way to fleeting dreams.

________________________________________

Finrod and Andreth quote from: JRR Tolkien,
'Morgoth's Ring', "Athrabeth Finrod An Andreth", p. 324., Houghton Mifflin Co., 1993.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

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

Rose Cotton

10-20-2002, 06:19 PM

The night before she and Cami were to go to the caves Rose found herself wandering the deck of the ship stareing at the sky. The stars seemed especially bright that night, as if they were trying to reach out to the Lonely Star and give it and it's crew hope. Then Rose knew, that their "star" really wasn't lonely at all. They had all the powers of good behind them. At least, this is what the hobbit thought as she walked about the deck.

As she walked Rose found she was not the only one awake. Cami stood at the railing looking out towards the caves. Rose joined her and without turning to look at her Cami said in a whisper, "Do you think your ready?"

"Yes. I've been ready since we first set foot on this ship," replied Rose. "It's been such a long time since then. And an even longer time since I last saw the Shire. My home. Nomatter what the elves, men or dwarves may build, nor does it matter how wonderfull the sea may be, for me, it will never surpass the simple beauty of the Shire. I miss it. And I want to go back to it."

Beside her, Rose knew Cami was holding back a sob. She turned to Cami with a warm smile and a tear in her eye. "But...If I've learned one thing on this adventure, It's that the people you love are far more important then land or objects. Cami, to me you've been a mother, a sister, a teacher and a dear friend. I've come this far with you and I'm not about to leave you now. If I ever get back to the Shire, it will either be with you or not at all. I'm going to the Third Age."

With this they both embraced.

[ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-20-2002, 07:33 PM

Then Cami stepped back and smiled. “I am proud of you, Cousin Rose. I confess that, when you first came to me, I thought things would never work out. We were just too different! I, with my nose in a book half the day, and you, running about and climbing trees, sticking your nose in this venture or that. Believe me; I’d never seen a hobbit lass take such a shining to swordplay. More than once, I thought we’d drive each other to some crazy end.”

“Since then, you’ve taught me a lesson or two. You’ve taught me spunkiness and loyalty and how to have fun. And there’s few who can match you in never giving up. No one could ask for a better pupil or friend. And how you managed to find out my plans in Beleriand, I’ll never know. But I couldn’t have made it through without you there. ”

“Rose, you are the daughter I never had, but always wished for. You have a very special place in my heart. I would be honored to travel together and work towards building a home, whether in the Shire or some other green land.”

Then Cami told Rose how she must take care in the tombs and during the rescue, since they both hoped to come through alive. She must fight with as much fierceness and resolve as she dared, but not do anything too reckless. Rose laughed with the assurance of the young, and promised to heed Cami’s warning.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

mark12_30

10-20-2002, 07:42 PM

ooc: just in case

piosenniel

10-20-2002, 09:20 PM

Three days had passed in quiet routine on the Star. The Hobbrim had drilled with Pio until they felt confident concerning their role in the rescue.

It was now 19 Cermië, and the new day was just dawning. In two days the Teleri would arrive, and the rescue would begin the following night. A controlled sort of tension infused the spirit of the ship and crew as the day drew near.

Mithadan had explained to the crew that he and Pio would be taking Rose and Cami to the caverns that evening. The two Hobbits would stay with the Hobbits there until the ships came for them. Pio and he would return directly to the Star after a brief meeting with the Hobbits to answer questions and review the rescue plan.

There was some hesitation from Veritas, Khelek, and Angara that both of them would be gone from the ship at the same time. But Mithadan reassured them that they would be in no danger, and would return safely to the ship.

Ancalimon only shook his head, saying nothing.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

10-21-2002, 08:39 AM

The skiff was loaded. In it had been placed several air bladders and an assortment of such knives and weapons as could be spared for the Hobbits in aid of their uprising. Mithadan's mail shirt was packed in greased cloth; he would not wear it into the water. At his waist were sheathed two long knives and two blades for throwing. In addition, he carried two tightly woven lines, each a bit more than foot in length, with wooden pegs secured at each end of the cords. He was attired all in black and wore a dark grey cloak with a deep hood.

He stood by the skiff for a moment, looking to where Cami and Rose were speaking with several Hobbrim, including the wise woman. Piosenniel was engaged in conversation with Khelek and Veritas over some matter. Since their converation of three days before, to him it seemed that she wore her sadness and concern like a badge and her face seemed veiled by shadow, though maybe no other could see this. His jaw tightened and his hands closed upon the rail until it creaked under the pressure. Then he spun and, with rapid steps, went below.

He knocked on a cabin door and, upon hearing a voice within, entered. Ancalimon sat at a writing table examining a crudely drawn map of the caverns and tombs. Mithadan stood before him and spoke. "I wish your counsel, Ancalimon," he said.

Ancalimon looked up at the Man, noting the furrows on his brow. "If you wish to discuss my being prepared to effect the transfer, if you and Piosenniel cannot do so, she has spoken to me of this already. And Angara as well."

Confusion flooded over Mithadan. "She has spoken to you of this? She fears she will not return? She will be safe!"

"Even Ulmo cannot see all ends, Mithadan," he responded. "Aye. Do not be surprised. I know of his words to you and I have looked and seen the mists which he spoke of concerning your fate. And if you perish, what will she do? I know not."

Mithadan leaned heavily upon the table, and spoke raggedly. "I have brought such grief to her. Perhaps it is true: Man and Elf are not meant to wed. Would that I had never kissed her! Would that I had died in Gondolin in her stead!"

"Nay!" insisted Ancalimon. "Say not such things! For the love between you two is a wondrous thing, unforeseen and yet of great merit and beauty like the blooming of a flower amidst a frost. Do not repent of a deed done with good heart. And know this!"

He stood and took the Man's shoulders. "We of the West cannot always know the ways of Men, for you bear a great gift from Iluvatar. You forge your own paths amidst the chances of the world and the results of your actions cannot always be perceived. I am uncertain what the coming days will bring for you or Piosenniel but remember, we play a great game untying the knots and wrinkles that time has wrought in the fabric of Arda. But it is a dangerous game with uncertain ends. I know not the meaning of this but my heart forebodes that not only by the blade may your course through the world be finished. Consider your choices well, and with thought not only for now but also for your past and future for I would not have this task be the end of you."

[ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

piosenniel

10-21-2002, 09:31 AM

‘I still do not like that you will be gone from the ship, Pio. One of you should stay here. We are too close to the end of this to have something go wrong now.’ Khelek’s voice was raised in frustration as he voiced his argument once again. Veritas , too, raised her objections saying that there were a number of last details that needed to be put in place before the Elven ships arrived.

‘They will simply have to wait, Veritas.’ Pio told her patiently. ‘We will be back tomorrow, late afternoon. The details will still be waiting for us then.’ She put her hand on Khelek’s shoulder. ‘We must go to the caverns, all of us - Cami and Rose to give hope to the Hobbits there, Mithadan to speak with the Elders as they requested, I to guide them. Nothing will go wrong, Khelek. Look for us tomorrow, late afternoon.’ She looked to where Mithadan stood by the skiff. ‘I must go now. Should anything arise which you feel you cannot handle, consult with Ancalimon. He also has full knowledge of our plans.’

Pio strode toward the group of Hobbrim, and, nodding at Andril, motioned for Cami and Rose to now come with her. She could feel the level of excitement running through Rose’s body as she put her arm around her shoulders and walked along with her. Rose’s eyes were flashing with the thought of an adventure finally begun. Cami though, it seemed, had banked her excitement and wore a more thoughtful look upon her face.

They boarded the skiff, now bobbing gently on the waves. Levanto leaned on the side, looking at all they had brought. ‘It will be a long trip to the caverns.’ He said, eyeing the four of them and all the equipment. ‘We should push off soon.’ He reached up and put his hand on Pio’s upper arm. ‘I hope this will be enough muscle to row all the way up the river and back again should there be no wind!’ he laughed. ‘And what’s this?’ He had found the packet of greased cloth that Mithadan had stowed away, and poked at the mail shirt within.

Pio removed the packet from his prying fingers and placed it beneath her seat. Her shirt rode up a little as she bent over. Sunlight flashed off something bright and silvery for just a moment. ‘And this . . .?’ Levanto asked, raising the hem of her tunic to find the mithril shirt beneath. She shook her head ‘no’ at him, and removed his hand gently. A small smile creased her face, as she secured the tunic with her belt.

‘Contingencies, my dear Levanto! Contingencies.’

The Mer-man gave her a doubtful look, then took the lead, swimming strongly before them, as Mithadan cast off.

Pio soon got into the rhythm of the moving vessel. It had a lulling effect on her, as she relaxed into it. She checked her weapons one last time. Two long knives, and four for throwing were secured in her belt. Two additional knives were strapped each to a forearm. She smoothed out a wrinkle in her dark grey tunic, and rolled her black leggings above her knees, letting the sun warm her bare legs and feet. Her grey Elven cloak folded small and tucked behind her head as a pillow, she put all thoughts of Gorthaur's ship from her mind and watched the flocks of seabirds that wheeled and turned in the ocean breezes.

When the time came she would be ready.

[ October 23, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Birdland

10-21-2002, 12:33 PM

Birdie sat on a ledge of the cell, rubbing her legs together to break the heavy silence. She had tried to start a half-hearted riddle game, but Daisy's interest (or concentration) had waned, and there had been no answer from the Hobbit to the last question.

Bird knew that the time spent in isolation was wearing on Daisy. After the initial lift of her spirits when she had found the keys in her food, she had sank again into a bored lethargy. Bird did what she could to relieve the long hours, but she could not reveal herself by lifting her voice in song. Any games were out as well, since they had no cards or dice, even if Birdie could have carried them.

Bird sighed; the silence was becoming oppressive. Then her antennae began to itch. She shook her head in annoyance, then - remembering the last occasion - tilted it to one side and concentrated as hard as she could.

"I don't know, Birdie. How does the wizard get down?" Daisy asked in a tired voice. The Neekerbreeker shushed her, and the hobbit looked up in irritation, then curiosity, as she noticed the alertness of the insect.

"They are coming...today...they are on their way!" Birdie finally explained. But instead of a feeling of hope, the skin-changer felt only a heavy sadness and worry.

She hopped down onto Daisy's shoulder, whispering "The waiting will soon end, Daisy. And maybe there will be some way for Cami or Rose to come to you, if we're careful. Have heart." And with that, Bird leapt towards the crack under the door, waiting to catch a ride back to the Common Rooms and Loremaster.

But as she rode the hem of the passing guard, she could not shake off the overwhelming sadness she carried within her. "Pio...Pio!" she thought as hard as she could, bending her antennae in the direction she believed the Lonely Star to be. "What has happened? Why are you so sad?"

piosenniel

10-22-2002, 01:51 AM

They had made good time up the river. Entering it in the late afternoon, they had covered nearly half the way to the caverns. The moon shone full and bright now in the dark night sky, an occasional, opportune cloud scudding across its surface.

'We should pull in here.' called Pio softly back to Mithadan. 'We are a little less than a mile from it.' They maneuvered the skiff in along the bank, beneath the cover of the overhanging trees. Levanto tied it off to a downed tree's trunk, partially submerged in the water.

'Are we at the caverns already?' whispered Rose, who had fallen asleep against Cami, and now just awakened with the ceasing of the skiff's motion. 'No.' came the low voice of the Elf. 'This is the place where Mithadan and I are getting out for a brief while, as we told you earlier. We have some business to conduct, and will return shortly. You need not concern yourself about it. Only stay in the skiff and keep yourselves very quiet while we are gone. Levanto will stay with you. He will keep watch.'

Pio went quietly back to where Mithadan was seated. 'Are you ready?' she asked. They would need to check for the red cloth she had marked the ship with, before they attempted to board it. If it were still there, then they would know it was the same ship she had scouted earlier.

She stripped off her tunic and tucked the unsleeved shirt covering the one of mithril beneath the waistband of her leggings. Her belt wrapped about her waist twice, holding her sheathed blades. She removed the two knives from her forearms, and laid them on Cami's lap.

The Elf offered the small pot of thick grease mixed with fine ground coal to the Man for his use. She took a generous quantity for herself, and darkened all her exposed skin. Her two knives secured once again to her forearms, she slipped into the river and waited.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Child of the 7th Age

10-22-2002, 02:27 AM

Cami gazed intently into the darkness, and saw the shadowy image of Piosenniel partially submerged in the river. Mithadan was just finishing his preparations and had begun to lower himself toward the waters. Cami leaned over the railing to whisper a farewell to them both.

"Good luck. Do what must be done, but take care how you do it. Keep yourself as safe as you can."

Piosenniel said nothing, but raised her hand briefly in acknowledgment, disappearing quickly under the dark waters. Mithadan soon followed. The two looked like water beasts swimming through the weeds. It was difficult to distinguish their shadowy forms from the hazy vegetation of the river.

Rose whispered ugently, "But where are they going?"

Cami shook her head and placed her finger on her lips, "Sh.... It's not the time to raise this." The older woman was aware of the presence of Sauron's vessel along the banks of the Siril, and had surmised that their mission might be connected with that.

There was only a small ray of moonlight shining down from the sky. Shadows and night-time clouds otherwise obscured the stars. This morning, Cami had regretted the sullen grey blanket over the Star. Now, it seemed more like a protective cover that afforded the Man and Elf some measure of protection.

With the departure of Mithadan and Piosenniel, the two hobbits sat quietly for a time. They could hear the soft whirring of an insect, and a few frogs croaking out a meager song. Other than that, blackness and silence reigned over all. Cami glanced this way and that, trying to make certain that no strange boats would eek out their hiding place and surprse them. Her fingers clenched tightly around her bow. But all lay quiet, and no intruders could be seen.

"When will they be back?" Rose finally broke the spell with a question.

"I'm not sure. I don't think it will be long. We're supposed to meet with the hobbits tonight."

But the moments crept forward, one-by-one, until they began to pile up, with no reappearance of the Elf or Man. Rose had nodded off to sleep once more, snuggled tightly against Cami's skirts. The older woman worried something unknown had occurred. She strained her ears for some hint of warning or reassurance, but neither could be heard.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Mithadan

10-22-2002, 07:52 AM

Piosenniel and Mithadan made their way slowly up the river, stopping at times to listen for any sound of alarm from the ship which they approached. But all remained quiet. The Numenorean vessel was dark but for the light of the moon. There was no sign of activity.

Suddenly, Mithadan was seized from behind. He twisted and dived, drawing a knife as he turned to face this new threat. A hand grasped the wrist of his right arm immobilizing the blade and pulling him to the surface. He heard a voice in the shadows hiss, "What are you two doing now?" Mithadan relaxed at the familiarity of the voice; it was Levanto.

"Shhh," hissed the Elf. "Take care. I see movement on deck." The Man turned but he could see nothing on the vessel. Levanto floated quietly beside him. "Stay in the water," whispered Mithadan. "We'll call if we need assistance."

The two approached the vessel. It was moored to the dock with two lines and its gangway was drawn up to its deck so none could board from shore. Piosenniel swam slowly around the ship, then returned and reported that the red cloth remained in place. She then swam to the bow while Mithadan remained at the stern.

He waited in the shadows of the dock until he heard the call of a nightingale. Then he reached up and seized the line hanging over his head. Slowly, he lifted himself from the water and took hold of a davit on the deck. Pausing a moment to listen, he began to climb on board. Squirming between the rails, he stopped and laid still on the deck. He could just make out a shadowy form sitting on a barrel near the mast. The sound of soft snoring reached him.

With a soft ring, he drew his blade and crept closer, noting the hatch leading below just forward of the mast. He lifted himself to a crouch and froze as a second figure appeared behind the sailor. Moonlight reflected off a blade which flashed suddenly forward, then to the side. The sailor slumped forward. Mithadan leapt up quietly and grabbed the body as it fell and assisted the Elf in moving it to the side near a pile of rope.

The two turned and moved to the ladder which led below. At a sign from Piosenniel, he led the way down the ladder...

piosenniel

10-22-2002, 08:04 AM

They had come silently down the stairs, and now stood on the gangway. The Elf placed a restraining hand on Mithadan’s arm and pointed straight ahead, indicating the direction of the cabins. A small oil lamp cast its feeble light from the galley behind them. Their shadows wavered softly for a moment in its dim glow, then vanished, as she pulled him quickly into the darkness beyond its perimeter.

Left, two – doors one and four. Right, two – doors three and four.

She took the right, leaving him the left.

The first proved easy enough. No light shone from under the door. She opened it a crack, listening intently for any sounds. Only the quiet, regular breathing of someone deep in sleep came to her, punctuated by an occasional soft snore. She slipped inside the room and stood near the head of his bunk, watching him for a few moments.

He lay on his back, his arms flung over his head. A convenient position for a quick kill. She drew the stilettos from her arms, and crouching over him, plunged both, with the full force of her weight behind them, through his neck on either side, just below the angles of his jaw. His eyes opened in a wild stare and a small ‘O’ of surprise escaped him. A tremor ran through him. Then all was quiet and still as his lifeblood gushed from him. She wiped the slickness from her hands and knives on his coverlet, resheathed them, then slipped silently back to the hall.

The second room proved more difficult. She could hear him moving about as she put her hand to the handle. A sudden light flared from under the door. She pulled two throwing knives from her belt and flung open the door. He stood, sword in hand, transfixed for a brief second by the apparition that entered, but recovered quickly. His blade came up and he moved toward her with a feral look on his face.

‘An Elf!’ he hissed. ‘And mine for the killing!’

He lunged toward her, and she threw the knives at him, sinking both deep into his upper chest. It was enough to make him hesitate for a second from the pain, but then anger got the upper hand. He steadied himself and came at her, his blade swinging at her wildly. The tip caught her on the upper left arm, slashing her near the shoulder. She stepped back from him with a sharp intake of breath, and he lunged at her again, his blade swinging in a downward arc at her.

She drew out her two longer knives, and crossing them high before her, caught the down thrust of his blade between them. Deflecting it, but barely, she ducked beneath his blade and stepped up close to him. She could see the color of his eyes. Then the spark in them flickered and went out as she drove her knife upwards and to the left beneath his breastbone. He slumped to the floor, and she left him there.

Looking to find Mithadan, and offer her assistance as needed, she went back to the hall, listening intently for any sound of him.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Mithadan

10-22-2002, 01:26 PM

Mithadan crept to the first door, keeping his knife raised as he went. The door was ajar and a flickering light could be seen within. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door an inch more. It swung without a creak, and the widened crack revealed a sailor sitting at a desk facing away from the door. Opening the portal a bit more, Mithadan slipped inside and shifted his grip on his knife. Two quick steps brought him directly behind the Man and with a single fluid movement, Mithadan covered the sailors mouth with one hand and cut his throat with the blade. The doomed sailor surged up against Mithadan's grip, then slowly settled back into the chair. Mithadan wiped his blade on the sailor's shirt and returned to the door.

He saw Piosenniel pause at the second door, then quickly enter. A muffled excalmation issued from that cabin followed by footsteps and a clash of steel. Mithadan drew his second long knife and, without hesitation, rushed forward and opened the second door on the left. The cabin was dark, but the moon's light through the porthole was eclipsed by a shadow as someone rose from his bed and fumbled for a weapon. Mithadan charged the sailor knocking him back on the bed and sank a blade into his chest. His left hand found the mariner's face and the second blade plunged into his victim's throat. The Man thrashed about for a moment, a horrible gurgle issuing from his mouth, then fell back with a final bubbling wheeze.

Breathing heavily, and not least from distaste for attacking a defenseless opponent, Mithadan pulled his knives free and returned to the door. He leapt into the hall ready to strike again, only to find Piosenniel before him.

"Mine are dead," she said simply. "Mine also," rasped the Man as he turned and looked forward along the dark hall. "Search the cargo area," she said. "I'll...prepare the bodies."

Taking a lantern from the cabin of Pio's second victim, he went forward, passing a small but vacant galley, and climbed down into the cramped cargo deck, which proved to be full of ballast, a few barrels and nothing else. He returned to the crews' quarters and found that Pio had quickly bound two of the bodies with rope and was tying a third. Mithadan entered each of the cabins in turn, taking a few weapons and, as an afterthought, a uniform which appeared to be nearly his size. Then he returned to Pio's side.

She had taken a cloth and was applying pressure to her injured shoulder. "Let me see," he said with concern. She lifted the bloody cloth to reveal a shallow and clean slash about three inches in length. "Sit," he said. He ran back to the galley and, finding several clean cloths, he dipped one in a barrel of fresh water and returned. He quickly cleaned the wound, ignoring her protestations, then bound it tightly.

"What shall we do with...these?" he asked, indicating the four still bleeding bodies lying on the deck. "We'll carry them above," she replied. "Levanto will help us conceal them."

"Whenever you are ready," said Mithadan. "Not yet," replied Piosenniel. She returned to the second cabin on the right. It was a bit larger than the others and the desk there held a small stack of papers. These she rifled through quickly. Then she froze, with one in her hand. She read it aloud, "Due to a shortage of guards and funds, the prisoners held in the tombs below Meneltarma will be slain on the morning of 23 Cermie. Proceed to the Main Entrance of the prison by 6:00 am that morning and assist the guards there as may be needed. Gorthaur."

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

piosenniel

10-22-2002, 02:08 PM

'23Cermië! Good! That will be the day after our rescue, so no great additions to the guard staff will probably happen between now and then.' Pio rubbed her chin as she re-read the order, and her brow furrowed. She had been thinking only of the hobbits, and now a new thought struck her.

Mithadan had come to stand by her, and he listened as she read aloud. His face reflected a growing concern as he took in the meaning of this directive.

'You know what this means.' the Elf said, handing it to him to re-read himself. 'This has little to do with the hobbits and much to do with the Men who are imprisoned there.' She closed her eyes for a moment, recalling the layout of the caverns that Bird had shown her. In the northeast section were the Locks, and she remembered Bird mentioning that in addition to the lock-ups for the Hobbits, there were also Men in the same section, but separate lock-up areas. 'A remnant of the Faithful, I think. The ones who crossed Gorthaur or did not leave the Island soon enough.' She saw a fleeting look of pain cross his face at this.

She reached out her arm, and put her hand on his shoulder. 'When we get to the caverns tonight, it will be you who are mostly busy with the Elders and the planning group. I had intended to make a brief foray to the Locks to speak with Daisy, if I could. I had not thought earlier to be concerned about the Men's area near there.' She caught his gaze with her own. 'Would you like me to see how it is situated? It would make it easier for whatever plans you now are considering.'

He said nothing then, and she pressed him no further. She turned her attention to the remaining bodies and dragged them up to the main deck, lowering them down to Levanto one by one. 'When you are done.' she whispered to the Mer-man, 'please head directly upriver to inform them we are coming.'

She climbed the mast, and brought down the black banner, stowing it in a chest on the deck below. She went below, then, and found a pair of clean breeches for herself and a somewhat clean undershirt and stowed them also in the chest. Mithadan had, by this time, come up on deck.

'I'm going now to bring the skiff up to us. You may want to clean yourself as you can, and find something a little less . . . gruesome to wear to the Hobbits' meeting. I'll clean and change when I return.' She slipped over the side, and entered the water quietly.

Strong strokes brought her quickly to the skiff. 'Cami!' she hissed at the Hobbit, drawing her attention to where she now grasped the side of the skiff. 'We have secured a ship and will now head upriver in it. Wake Rose.' She washed the blood from her face and arms, but nothing could disguise the stains on her shirt.

A brief look of distaste mingled with horror flickered on the Hobbits' faces, as she pulled herself into the skiff. 'It was necessary.' she said, simply.

She untied the craft and pushed off from the bank with a long oar. She bent her back into the rowing, as did they, and soon they approached the ship.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]