[piosenniel]

There was a loud, knocking on Mithadan's door. 'Wake up! Wake up!' cried the insistent voices in tandem.

''Enter!' came the groggy, irritated voice of the man.

Kali and Daisy burst through his door, nearly tumbling over one another in their haste to get to his side.

'What is it?' he asked, looking at the pair and then at the porthole through which the stars could still be seen in the pre-dawn sky. 'Why are you up so early? Have we docked in Eldalondë without my knowing it?'

'No, we're still at anchor just outside the bay.' said Daisy breathlessly. 'Something is on the way to us!'

'Something . . .?' said Mithadan, coming fully awake now. 'Let me get dressed and come on deck with you.' He scooted the two just outside his cabin and quickly pulled on some clothes. He was just lacing the front of his shirt when he raised his voice and called out to Kali. 'Where have you put my sword?'

'Oh Mithadan, you won't need your sword! It is something beautiful that is coming.'

'Something beautiful?' he asked, pulling on his boots and heading up the stairs.

'Yes!', said Daisy in delight. 'A little, gleaming white ship from the bay! Now hurry, it's almost here!'

Everyone had gathered on the deck to see the small swan-ship speed across the water. A single pilot guided it, clothed against the early morning chill in a hooded grey cloak, secured well against the brisk breeze.

The pilot maneuvered his craft very near the Lonely Star and hailed the ship, asking permission to come aboard.

Mithadan conferred briefly with the others, and prompted by the assurances of Ancalimon, gave permission.

A boarding plank was placed between the two ships, from rail to rail, and the pilot strode across it swiftly.

He bowed first to Ancalimon as he stepped onto the deck. Then throwing back his hood, he bowed in the direction of the crew.

'Allow me to introduce a friend of mine who will be of aid to you when I cannot be here.' He stepped to the side of the elf. 'This is Tulë.' And then indicating the companions, 'And these are the companions I have spoken about with you.'

'Well met at last!' said the elf, an infectious smile lighting up his face as he went to greet each one of them.

'You're so young!' blurted out Daisy as the elf took her hand in his and bowed to her.

He laughed delightedly at her remark. 'We elves do not age as quickly as others, but I have plenty of years under my belt, dear hobbit.'

Introductions done, the group moved downstairs to break their fast and make plans for the day. Ancalimon and the elf went below with them.

As the elf stepped to the stairs, he looked toward the mast where Angara perched, watching. He smiled, acknowledging her presence.

Dragon! he sent, inclining his head slightly toward her.

Elf! she returned, her eyes glowing gold.