[Child of the 7th Age]

Child and Daisy were sitting and quietly talking on the far side of the deck when they heard Bird's sharp whistles for assistance. Pio was the first to respond to tne note of panic and fear which was so clearly evident in Bird's pleas for help. Bird's dolphin body sat unwielding and unchanging, her eyes blinking up at them riddled with fear.

Pio turned around with bitterness in her face. "Bird was out far and long searching for Kali. She has found him, but I do not like what I see. I know little about these ancient secrets, but I am afraid she has given too much and stayed out in the ocean too many hours. I hope she will find her way back."

At this point, Pio turned around, and glared at Daisy. She said nothing, but the thoughts on her face were easy to read. If there had been no argument, if Daisy had treated Kali with respect, they would not be sitting here worrying about their friend.

Pio spoke to Child, "Go now and get the hobbit girl back to my cabin. Stay with her till I come back." Child weakly nodded.

Child whispered, "If Bird needs me, just have Khelek come and knock on the door."

Kali and Pio sat unmoving beside the shapechanger.