[Mithadan]

The Lonely Star lay anchored near a small island which lay to the south and west of Tol Fuin. After all had returned to the ship and fallen asleep, Mithadan had quietly piloted the vessel to its new location and had taken the skiff to shore. The island was small, with a few trees and little by way of brush and other vegetation. However, the meager greenery, barely visible in the night, held no interest for Mithadan.

It had taken nearly an hour for him to find a place where he could come ashore; the island's coast was rocky and treacherous. Once on land, Mithadan had searched for and quickly found a small hillock capped with a broad, flat stone. He sat with his back to the stone and rested for a moment. It was said that, in ages past, the stone bore runes upon it. Whether they had worn away with time or could still be read Mithadan could not tell. There was not enough light to see. But Mithadan knew what they said, whether they could still be read or not: "Turin Turambar Dagnir Glaurunga" and below that "Nienor Niniel".

The silence was disturbed by a faint rustle and Mithadan was shaken from his reverie by a voice. "Dreaming of slaying dragons, Man?" Mithadan sought for and found two glowing cat-like eyes nearby. "No, Angara. Just paying my respects to a distant relative. I had sought for Tol Morwen in the past but had never found it. I had begun to believe it was a legend."

"I would think that this journey would have taught you that some legends are true," replied Angara.

"And that many worthy acts never become legends," agreed Mithadan.

"You have grown, child of Man," said the dragon. "But not enough to learn that leaving the ship alone by night may be dangerous. Will you return now or do you intend to sail to the Grey Havens?"

Mithadan laughed quietly. "And you have not learned that it is not polite to use Osanwe to pry into other's thoughts," retorted the Man. "But I am touched by your concern. I will return now, I think." With that, Mithadan rose and made his way back to the boat.

Angara waited a moment, then reached out to touch the stone with a claw in respect. Here lies one to whom I owe thanks for setting to right great evil done by my corrupted cousins.

To her great surprise, she felt a light tickle in her mind. I heard that, dragon. You see, we are not so different you and I. Not far away, Mithadan chuckled as he pushed the boat back out to sea.