[Child of the 7th Age]

Kali slowly put his hand out to Child's shoulder and tapped her hesitantly. When that did not have the desired effect, he gripped her a bit harder and shook. In a moment or two, he heard a groggy response.

Child opened her eyes and sat up slowly looking about the cabin. She put a hand up to her bandage and moaned. Her entire body ached acutely. Then she put her hand up to her throat feeling for the chain with its single stone. Once she was certain it was there, she visibly relaxed.

Then she looked over and saw Kali. She smiled at him. "Where are we?" she asked.

"On the Star," the hobbrim explained.

"No, I didn't mean that. I know we're on the ship, but what age are we in?" she responded.

Kali looked over to her and laughed. Child didn't seem that different than before she'd gone to Beleriand. "We've returned to the Fourth Age for a little bit" Kali explained. "Doctor's orders are rest and rehabilitation for everyone on board, but especially for you and Bird and Rose."

"They're alright. I mean, Bird and Rose?," she queried.

"They're fine. Both of them are up and about the ship, I think. You're the last one left in bed."

"In that case," retorted Child, "I'd better get up too." She went to pull herself out of the covers, but the entire room began spinning and diving. She sighed and lay down again. "Well, it looks as if I'm stuck here for a little while."

"Is there something I can get you?" Kali asked.

"Yes, Kali. You can tell me how you're doing, and also what's happened here. I thought I just saw someone go by in the corridor I didn't even recognize." Child shook her head. She'd gone away for a little while, and it looked as if everything had changed!

Kali began explaining about the Elf Tule and how Veritas was doing Piosenniel's old job. Child felt vaguely uncomfortable. Perhaps, she had been away too long. Nothing seemed quite right or comfortable with her friend Pio missing.

"Kali, maybe you can round up some visitors for me. There must be someone on the ship who'd like to talk with an old friend."

"And I'm wondering if you'd do another favor for me." Then Child explained about Piosenniel's letter. She asked him to look for it, and the other things Gandalf had mentioned, especially the bronze mirror."

Kali promised to do this, and then went down to the galley to find Child something to eat.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]