[piosenniel]

Tulë sketched a diagram of the Star and the four skiffs, linked together in a line, on the deck with a piece of charcoal. 'I had considered the idea of the rope, Mithadan. But to my thinking it would provide a tenuous, physical link, at best. I had the horrifying image of 200 ships linked linearly to the Star with a rope, and as the Star shifted there being nothing but the empty rope left trailing in the water.'

He smudged out the rope lines drawn between the ships, and drew an oval within which the Star and the four boats lay. 'Perhaps I can be clearer in how I mean to link us. I know I can draw all of our minds together as one, if you will allow it. But besides this link there can be a communication, if you will, with the elements comprising the boats and ship and the water and air which define their spatial boundaries. I am fairly certain I can do this - to bring all if it together as one whole unit. What I need to know is how long I must do it in order to successfully shift us.'

He stood and rubbed the drawings out with the toe of his boot. 'Of course, once the swan-ships with their elven captains are with us, they will be able to more easily assist in the effort. Unfortunately, there will not be time for trying out theories once they have come.'

'And Child, I thank you for your suggestions that we move into shallower waters. It shows the loving concern you have for your companions. And we can certainly do as you suggest if it proves the group consensus. But I would like to try this out soon and then move on to other parts of the plan for Númenor which must also be organised. Is there any way I can allay your fears? Would it help if I put the weakest swimmer nearer the boat and the stronger swimmer out by me?'

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]