[Mithadan]

The door to their room at the Inn creaked slightly as Piosenniel slipped in just before dawn. She tiptoed toward the bed only to be greeted by his voice. "Did you speak with him?" Mithadan asked.

"Yes," she responded leadenly. He searched her face and read no hope there. Then he looked out the window, catching a glimpse of fair Earendil, before continuing. "He declined," he concluded with a quiet sigh.

"I did not ask," she responded. "He suggested that what I wished was not in his power to grant." Mithadan nodded, then stood. "Get some rest," he said. "Soon enough the sweetlings will be awake and making demands of you." He indicated the two swaddled forms resting in a basket beside the bed. She nodded wearily and settled atop the sheets. Mithadan waited a moment, then slipped out the door himself.

The route he took was nearly the same that Piosenniel had traversed just minutes before. The sun was rising above the green hills when he skirted the edge of the Pool and followed the river. He was still there, examining the brightening sky with ageless eyes. Mithadan.

Mithadan bowed. "My Lord," he answered. He stood silently for a moment contemplating the all too human looking figure before him. I cannot do what you wish. "I believe," responded Mithadan with care. "That you cannot. I do not doubt your words my Lord."

Lorien looked patiently at the Man. Then why have you come? "To remind you, my Lord," he answered. The Vala squinted at the Man in puzzlement. He continued. "To remind you what it felt like when you first assumed the frail form you now occupy. Do you recall the feeling when you drank at the party that night at the Inn? Pleasant enough at first, but then it felt as if you had no control over your steps. No doubt, you wondered what ailment had assailed you and perhaps even worried that your form might perish. I'm sure you recall that feeling; of lacking control. Then Piosenniel turned you away from the Inn, leaving you alone. Do you recall being alone?"

Lorien sat silently looking at Mithadan. A slight frown swept across his face. "My Lord," said Mithadan. "I only wished to remind you what it feels like to be mortal. Cami is mortal. So is Maura." Mithadan bowed again and turned away...