[Mithadan]

Together, Mithadan and Piosenniel slept until early evening, free for a time of cares and worries. The Man woke first and, after dressing quickly, he walked to the galley where he gathered two plates of breads and fruits. Carrying these, he returned to the cabin and gently woke Piosenniel. As they ate they discussed the layout of the caverns and the Hobbits' request to meet Nitir and Azra.

"They wish to meet you as well," added Piosenniel between bites of an apple. The sleep and food had done her well and there was no sign of the weariness which had been upon her earlier that morning.

"Me?" replied Mithadan with some surprise. "I would think that the last thing they would wish to see was another Man. That would mean two trips up the river; one to attack the Numenorean craft and a second to meet with the Elders...unless we could combine the two."

"I believe there may also need to be one more," added Pio. Mithadan nodded.

"Khelek, Veritas and Angara will likely not be happy if we assault the Numenorean ship together," he commented. "It is a great risk to the crew's two best fighters."

Pio's face darkened at this. "You would not have me stay behind?"

"No," replied the Man. "I gave you my word that I would not bar you from that undertaking."

"Then you will not come?" she asked. "You gave your word that you would. Would you have me go alone?"

Mithadan smiled slightly. "What would you do if you were I?"

"You would be concerned with the effect upon the crew and the risk to the mission," she answered heavily. "You would send Khelek or Veritas along with me."

"And Khelek would trip on a rope or some such thing. Moreover Veritas is not suited to fight in stealth -- her skills are with the bow and the sword," Mithadan pointed out. He looked sidewise at her with a slight smirk. "We do have to take Cami and Rose to the caverns and myself as well, don't we?"

"Yes," answered the Elf with a puzzled look on her face.

"And the Numenorean vessel is on the way, isn't it?" he added.

"Yes."

"And we two are best suited for such an encounter, aren't we?" he asked.

Piosenniel did not answer. She frowned at Mithadan wondering where this word game was going.

"So if we don't want to have the crew worry about us, we'll tell them when we get back," he finished with a sparkle in his eyes.

[ October 15, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]