The finds from Kali, Daisy, and Rose's expedition provided much fodder for conversation during dinner. There was an undercurrent of excitement as each voiced their interpretation of the ships, most hoping for a connection between what they'd found and their own ship's upcoming trip into the past.
Ever the voice of reason, Mithadan reminded them that their own banner had once flown on an elven ship in a previous age. He wondered if the ship referred to by the drawings might be that of Eärendil, himself.
Others agreed with that possibility, but the hope that it referred to their tiny ship ran like a live current beneath the arguments.
Pio sat back, and hoped this course of conversation would overshadow the request that she answer questions on her own history. Seeing Bird, Child, Kali, Khelek, and Mithadan engaged in close conversation, she stood and made to leave the galley area.
She had almost made it out the door and to the steps, when a voice called to her.
'Pio! Wait! You said you'ld answer questions for us, and we do have some.'
She turned back, to see Bird and Child looking at her expectantly. Rose and Daisy glanced at each other and shrugged their shoulders, not knowing what was going on.
Pio came and sat down in her chair. 'Ask then, and I will answer as best I can.'
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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