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Birdland · 06-18-2002, 08:31 PM

Birdie watched in awe as six dragons weaved and darted around the mast of their ships, like swifts 'round a chimney. It was a beautiful site, and filled her heart with a hope that had been missing since the ships had set out for their rendezvous with the Blue Wizards.

But this wouldn't do! The dragons were the only ace in the hole they had so far. Perhaps the only creatures that the Blue Wizards were not aware of on this journey.

Birdie ran over and grabbed Child by the arm. She seemed as entranced by the dragons' display as Birdie had been. "Child!", shouted Birdie "The wizards can't see the dragons! Not yet. We are supposed to be conducting a hostage exchange. If they see the wyrms, the battle will start before we are ready. Can you command them?"

"I can never command them," sighed Child. "but I can ask." And she waved her hand to Golden Angara. "Please, Angara. I beg you to ask your kin to conceal themselves until the time is right. I fear the Blue Wizards will immediately attack if they see you escorting the ships, and stealth may be the only weapon we have against them."

Angara winked at the halfling scholar, and said "Of course, my Child! For as much as we enjoy displaying our beauty and power, we are even better at concealing it!" Angara let out a screeching cry to his kin, and they immediately settled on the decks of the Elven ships.

Then Birdie and Child watched as a marvelous thing happened. The colors of the dragons' hides shifted and blurred, and within a minute, each dragon had managed to mimic exactly whatever shade of wood, or rope, or sail that lay behind them.

Birdie looked around and saw nothing but six pairs of eyes, gold and and emerald and ruby, shining back at her. Then the dragons slowly closed their eyes, and no matter how closely you looked, nothing could be seen but the sides and decks of the ships. All six dragons had disappeared in plain sight.

"Now that's some skin-changing!" Birdie thought in admiration. But things were happening fast and furious now. Above the horizon rose the mast and hull of the Blue Wizard's ships. The time was fast approaching.

"Child", said Birdie quietly, "Are the Ringbearers ready?"

"Yes, they are. Frightened to death, apparently, but I believe they will carry out their part again. After all", said Child, looking at Birdie, "If they refuse, the outcome would still be slavery and death. There is no escape at sea. None at all." murmured Child thoughtfully.

Birdie stood quietly. She had forgotten the fate that would befall the Elves, half-elves, and Elf-Hobbit Combos if the Blue Wizards should win. Slavery and transformation into Orcs, the most loathsome form of life on Middle Earth. Birdie's quick, sudden death in a battle would be a blessing compared to the "Life" granted Pio, Edril, Child and the others.

Birdie looked back at the vessel that now loomed on the horizon. It was made of black ebony wood from the Southern Forests never seen by those of the north. The sails were blue, with the symbol of Two Black Wizard Staffs Crossed. Twined around the staffs were two red hooded serpents, with glowing blue eyes. Birdie had never seen Blue as an evil color, until now.

She watched as a mysterious, sub-marine vessel, shaped like a black conch shell, was raised dripping from the sea and lowered onto the deck on the black and blue ship. The small, shadowy forms of men could be seen going about their duties, but no faces were identifiable.

Birdie realized with a start that the Blue Wizard ship was a gigantic vessel, dwarving all the Elven ships coming towards it. It was still farther away then she had originally supposed. When they reached this ship, it would tower over them like a mountain.

"Child", said Birdie, "I think it is time. And Child", she turned towards the halfing and bent down to be eye level with her. You may not see me for awhile. But I will be there. Do you understand? I WILL be there!"

"Yes", said Child, "I know. Do what you must do, Birdland."

"Shoot, shrugged Birdie, "It's the only thing I CAN do!" She smiled at Child, then walked back towards the stern, trying not to trip over disguised dragons as she went.

[ June 18, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

06-18-2002, 08:31 PM	#352
Birdland Ghastly Neekerbreeker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the banks of the mighty Scioto Posts: 1,751	Birdie watched in awe as six dragons weaved and darted around the mast of their ships, like swifts 'round a chimney. It was a beautiful site, and filled her heart with a hope that had been missing since the ships had set out for their rendezvous with the Blue Wizards. But this wouldn't do! The dragons were the only ace in the hole they had so far. Perhaps the only creatures that the Blue Wizards were not aware of on this journey. Birdie ran over and grabbed Child by the arm. She seemed as entranced by the dragons' display as Birdie had been. "Child!", shouted Birdie "The wizards can't see the dragons! Not yet. We are supposed to be conducting a hostage exchange. If they see the wyrms, the battle will start before we are ready. Can you command them?" "I can never command them," sighed Child. "but I can ask." And she waved her hand to Golden Angara. "Please, Angara. I beg you to ask your kin to conceal themselves until the time is right. I fear the Blue Wizards will immediately attack if they see you escorting the ships, and stealth may be the only weapon we have against them." Angara winked at the halfling scholar, and said "Of course, my Child! For as much as we enjoy displaying our beauty and power, we are even better at concealing it!" Angara let out a screeching cry to his kin, and they immediately settled on the decks of the Elven ships. Then Birdie and Child watched as a marvelous thing happened. The colors of the dragons' hides shifted and blurred, and within a minute, each dragon had managed to mimic exactly whatever shade of wood, or rope, or sail that lay behind them. Birdie looked around and saw nothing but six pairs of eyes, gold and and emerald and ruby, shining back at her. Then the dragons slowly closed their eyes, and no matter how closely you looked, nothing could be seen but the sides and decks of the ships. All six dragons had disappeared in plain sight. "Now that's some skin-changing!" Birdie thought in admiration. But things were happening fast and furious now. Above the horizon rose the mast and hull of the Blue Wizard's ships. The time was fast approaching. "Child", said Birdie quietly, "Are the Ringbearers ready?" "Yes, they are. Frightened to death, apparently, but I believe they will carry out their part again. After all", said Child, looking at Birdie, "If they refuse, the outcome would still be slavery and death. There is no escape at sea. None at all." murmured Child thoughtfully. Birdie stood quietly. She had forgotten the fate that would befall the Elves, half-elves, and Elf-Hobbit Combos if the Blue Wizards should win. Slavery and transformation into Orcs, the most loathsome form of life on Middle Earth. Birdie's quick, sudden death in a battle would be a blessing compared to the "Life" granted Pio, Edril, Child and the others. Birdie looked back at the vessel that now loomed on the horizon. It was made of black ebony wood from the Southern Forests never seen by those of the north. The sails were blue, with the symbol of Two Black Wizard Staffs Crossed. Twined around the staffs were two red hooded serpents, with glowing blue eyes. Birdie had never seen Blue as an evil color, until now. She watched as a mysterious, sub-marine vessel, shaped like a black conch shell, was raised dripping from the sea and lowered onto the deck on the black and blue ship. The small, shadowy forms of men could be seen going about their duties, but no faces were identifiable. Birdie realized with a start that the Blue Wizard ship was a gigantic vessel, dwarving all the Elven ships coming towards it. It was still farther away then she had originally supposed. When they reached this ship, it would tower over them like a mountain. "Child", said Birdie, "I think it is time. And Child", she turned towards the halfing and bent down to be eye level with her. You may not see me for awhile. But I will be there. Do you understand? I WILL be there!" "Yes", said Child, "I know. Do what you must do, Birdland." "Shoot, shrugged Birdie, "It's the only thing I CAN do!" She smiled at Child, then walked back towards the stern, trying not to trip over disguised dragons as she went. [ June 18, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]