Birdie had watched as Durshag had explored the great Elven vessel from top to bottom, but now the Hobrim sat on the railing, looking rather exhausted.
"Durshag, what is wrong?" As with many people, probably because of their size, Birdie's "motherly instincts" were coming to the fore around the sea halfling. But how old was Durshag? He was of course, an adult, and very capable of taking care of himself in a hostile world. Was he older than the other hobbits? Younger? Still, he was looking rather forlorn. "Are you feeling ill, Durshag?"
"No. Not sick. Heavy. So much weight to bear up here in the land. How do hobbits and Elves bear this weight? Must be very strong."
Birdie surpressed a chuckle. It really must be tiring for a sea creature to spend much time on land. Birdie had a feeling that when Hobrim did come to shore, they didn't do much wandering.
"You don't have to stay here on the ship, you know. If you would feel more rested in the sea, go back in. When Child, Mith, Idril and the others have figured out where we can start searching, I'll come and get you."
"You swim?" questioned Durshag doubtfully. Birdie knew that her form didn't look very seaworthy to the aquatic halfling, though he was much too polite to say this out loud. And he had not seen her in any other form. "How will you find me?"
"Like this!" laughed Birdie, and standing on the rail, she turned and fell backward into the sea, changing to her dolphin form as the water rushed over her. "Seeeeeeee?" she whistled. "Come on. I'll race you!"
"Durshag laughed too, a low chuckle sounding like bubbles underwater, and leapt in after her. Then once again, Durshag managed to surprise one of his new companions.
"Skin-Changer!" Skin-Changer!" he exclaimed, smiling in delight.
Birdie reared back in astonishment, then asked. "Another story, Durshag?"
Yes, many, many stories are known. Skin-Changers, Feyloheens, Elven, Mer-Folk. Durshag loves all the tales he hears." He laughed in delight and cried out "Durshag wants to know all tales! From everyone!" Then he sped off, into his true home.
Birdie watched him go and smiled. Hears all tales, and apparently believes them all as well. And why not? Nothing he has heard or seen since meeting us has proved him to be mistaken."
Birdie and Durshag swam and explored the area around the ship for the rest of the day. Then, hearing something thumping through the water, they looked up to see Child and Pio standing by the rail, Child hitting the side of the hull with a belaying pin, and looking out over the surface.
"Birdie! Durshag! Come back! I think we have a plan. Or at least the start of one, anyway."
[ June 28, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
|