[Child of the 7th Age]

Legolas apologized profusely to Birdland and explained that he had not realized she was unaware of Sam's dire plight.

"I thought you were coming to attack Samwise, especially after that dangerous joke you made. Of course, fair lady, you did not know of Sam's condition.

Child stepped forward and made a general anouncement. "All Elves on board, or anyone with Elvish blood, should check the notice that is now posted on the masthead. Anyone, and I mean anyone, who experiences symptoms of this nature should immediately check in with me. I am keeping a notebook of all Elves who experience intense longing for the West. You will be advised to seek treatment for your maladies."

Legolas was staring at Child with incredulity in his eyes. Then he laughed and shrugged his shoulders. He went up to Child and poked her in the ribs, an unusual gesture of familiarity from one of his kind and rank, "Lady Hobbit, fair one, let me remind you. You can't fight Mother Nature!! And before you go throwing around posters of this kind, I would advise you to check your own family tree."

Child turned, "What do you mean? Check my own family tree? "

Legolas smiled, "You are, are you not, a Fallohide?"

She replied" "Of course, I am a Fallohide of good hobbit stock, very practical and sturdy. None of this Elf nonsense."

Legolas continued: "Do not be so sure. If you shake the Fallohide tree very hard, I think you may find a small silvan Elf fall out."

"That's ridiculous," growled Child, suddenly feeling much less certain of herself.

"Perhaps," said Legolas, "You may or may not feel the pull of these things. I cannot say, but sometimes she who denies loudest has the furthest to fall."

"I would not be so certain. I have noticed, for example, that you and your dragon have an ability to communicate feelings to each other. Do you think this is coincidence?"

Child stared at her furry feet, "For your information, that is all Angara's doing. She's the one who can get into my mind! It has nothing to do with me."

Legolas laughed, "Have it your way then, but, as you get closer to the West, you may find yourself conversing with a green dragon in your head, and longing to see the sandy white shores. Anyone who meddles with magical beasts or objects should not be surprised when hidden parts of her soul awaken. Just speak with your cousin Frodo on this. He is quite the expert."

Child plugged her ears and refused to listen further. She turned around looking for Sam
who had always been the voice of reason and good sense. But Sam, the laughing Sam who had started this whole business, was nowhere to be seen.

[ June 09, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]