[piosenniel]

'You never came back to play!' were the first words that greeted her as she entered Holly's rooms. 'We waited and you never came back!' Little Pio's eyes were snapping with irritation as she stood and glared at both her mother and the elf.

'It's not just you.'said Holly. 'She's also angry over the fact that I've told her she wasn't invited to the dinner, and she needs to stay here.' She glanced at her young daughter in amused exasperation, having been through many a 'battle' with her before.

'Well, we can't have that, can we?' said the elf, kneeling down at Pio's level. 'Now, go wash your face and pull on a clean dress. Nothing much to do about that hair!' She ruffled the wayward curls. 'You shall be my guest and come to the party!' A smile broke over the young one's face and she ran to comply.

'I'd better help her, Pio.' said Holly, as the elf stood up and brushed her skirt down smooth. 'We'll see you there, soon.'

Pio walked down toward the atrium courtyard where the celebration had been set up. It was a warm, starry evening for this time of year. A few of the early night-blooming flowers had opened and sent their scent throught the air. The water from the fountain made a pleasant background music to the murmur of conversation.

Lady Idril was engaged in conversation with someone when she entered, and she motioned her over when she saw her.

'Father, this is one of the visitors I mentioned - Piosenniel.' He inclined his head to Pio, and searched her face with his sharp eyes.

'And Piosenniel, this is my father.' Remembering her manners, the elf bowed her head and said, 'Lord Turgon, my pleasure.'

The others of her companions had come into the atrium at that time and Pio excused herself for a moment to bring them over to meet the king.