[piosenniel]

Hearing that Child was awake and wanting visitors now, Daisy headed toward her room. She arrived just in time to hear both Angara and Bird speak about presents from Pio. She paused just outside the door to hear the conversations in full. Interest turned to puzzlement, and then to anger as she heard them speaking about what they might get.

She passed Rose in the hallway as she ran to the galley to get a store of food. Seeing Rose enter Child's room, she thought, 'Even her?'

Tulë eyed her with interest as he watched her gather a sizable tray of food and a large flask of water.

'May I help you, Daisy?'he offered, as the pyramid of food threatened to slide off the tray. 'Perhaps if we put it on two we can carry it more easily.' He divided the foods between two trays. 'May I ask what you intend to do with this food? Is there a party I don't know about?' he said, popping a stray fig into his mouth, and picking up the two trays for her.

She looked at him, wondering how much she could trust him. He didn't know Lady Pio, and had no interest in getting any of her belongings. She made up her mind.

'Not a party, Tulë. I expect it to be more of a siege.' As she led him to her room, she explained in hushed tones what the others were planning to do.

'I see.', he said, his face serious at her explanation. 'And you feel this is not the right thing to do? Have you spoken with Child and the others?'

'No. They seemed so determined when I heard them. Especially when I heard her and the dragon speaking. Maybe Pio has family somewhere that should get her things. I don't know . . . I don't want them pawing through her belongings! It's all there is left of her!' Tears ran down her face. 'I am just going to bar their entrance until they come to their senses!'

They had reached Daisy's room that she had shared with the now gone elf. Tulë placed the trays on the table between the two beds, and watched her lock the porthole and shove the large clothes chest nearer the door.

'You'ld better leave now.' she told the elf. 'I'm going to barricade the door.' She stood waiting for him to go.

Tulë gave her an appraising look. 'You truly mean to do this for your friend. Admirable spirit, but a bit extreme. Still, it will be interesting to see how the others handle it.' He smiled and then laughed.

'Would you like an ally?' he asked, assisting her to push the chest against the door.

She looked at him in relief as she locked the door, and went to sit on her bed. The small sword Pio had given her was near at hand.

'Do you think weapons will be necessary?' he asked, seating himself on Pio's bed.

'Oh, I don't plan to use it!' said Daisy. 'But I'm hoping they'll take me more seriously if I have it at hand.'

'I would use words first, were I you.' returned Tulë. 'It has been my experience that once the weapons are drawn, negotiations become a moot point.'

Daisy thought about what he said, and shook her head in agreement. 'I'll try talking to them when they come. Perhaps that might work. Angara, though, is awfully used to getting her way about things.'

'Ah, yes, Angara. She seems an interesting creature. As do all your companions.' He leaned back against the wall, making himself comfortable. 'Come! We have a while here together it would seem before the troops besiege us. Tell me of your companions, that I might know them better.'

Daisy made herself comfortable, and taking an apple from one of the trays, chewed on it thoughtfully. 'Well, let me first tell you about Lady Pio.' she began. The hobbit ran through the list of companions, describing them one by one as she saw them. The elf listened attentively, prompting her at times for a fuller description.

Daisy had just gotten to her description and opinion of Bird when a tentative knock came at the door, and the door knob was rattled.

'Daisy?' a voice called through the wood of the door.

'Go away!' came the reply. 'You aren't coming in!'

Footsteps hurriedly retreated down the hall.

Thus began the Leaguer of Daisy.

[ August 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]