[piosenniel]

(21 Cermië day)

Pio posted Khelek and Veritas to alternate the watch for the arrival of the Teleri. The Elven ships would make a southern approach to the Star, avoiding any contact with Númenorean ships sailing the western waters. She had asked that the Númenorean vessel they had commandeered not be anchored far south of their present position, as it would make the Telerin captains wary of approach. She dared not use osanwë to contact them.

Coral and Shell were sent to bring the Hobbrim to the deck. They drilled one last time before the rescue tomorrow evening, then stowed their weapons and the air bladders in a place on the deck that would be easily accessible to them. They gathered round her for final instructions.

All the Hobbrim would be on the first ship with her, she instructed them. They would enter the water immediately upon arrival. She pinned up a large map detailing the final position of the Elven ships, where the Hobbrim needed to deploy themselves to be most effective, and the point where the Hobbits would enter the water from the caverns. The faces of the Hobbrim were serious as they took in this information and the grim reality which would soon be upon them. A few minor questions on detail were asked and discussed to the satisfaction of the questioner. She told them that once the caverns were cleared and all hobbits were on board they must quickly get back on the ships, too, as she would shift them immediately following this.

One young Hobbrim asked how they would know the caverns had been cleared, their job done. 'You will look for Mithadan or me to enter the water. I will be the last one out. Then all that is left will be the dragons to do the final cleansing. When they have come back to the ship, I will shift us immediately. There must be no one off ship at this time.'

They dispersed after this discussion, the Hobbrim to lunch, and the Elf to find Levanto.

It was cool in the water, the motion of the waves enjoyable. She found him a short way from the Star, floating, and seemingly asleep. She paused for a moment, watching his form rock slowly up and down.

'I know you are there, Pio.' he said, opening one eye to look at her. He flipped over and dove beneath the water, resurfacing quickly beside her. They spoke at length of what he would do during the course of the rescue. She repeated her instructions that he must be on board when she arrived back at the first ship.

'I will wait for you in the water.' he told her. 'I wish to make sure you stay safe. We will swim back together.'

'As you wish.' she told him. 'Though I see no reason to worry for my safety.' She looked toward the south. 'There is something you can do for me now, if you will. I have set a watch for the Teleri. Would you swim out a little ways southward, to see if you might see them; then bring me news of their arrival?'

'As you wish, Pio.' He smiled at her and dove beneath the waters, heading south.

(21 Cermië late evening - the Teleri arrive)

It was just after sunset when Veritas came running to find Pio. Levanto had returned, saying that the Telerin ships were only a short distance now from the Star. Pio came quickly to the deck. She could just make out small dark forms heading north toward the ship's position.

Mithadan joined her at the rail. Word had spread of the elven ships' nearing arrival and all the crew had now come up to watch for them.

They were swift on the water. Graceful white craft that flew over the waves like great birds. There were twenty of them, as had been promised. Leading them was Tuor's ship, and Idril stood at the bow.

The Elven captains brought their vessels as near to the Star as possible and dropped anchor. A small skiff set sail from each ship, bringing it's captain to the Star. When all had come aboard, including Tuor and Idril, Mithadan and Pio greeted them warmly, then led them to a place cleared on the deck for them, that they might speak briefly of the plans for the rescue tomorrow night.

Each Elven captain had brought two additional crew members with him. Master bowmen - one to stay on the ship for defense and one to assist in the actual rescue process. Tuor had brought ten Noldor warriors with him, and spoke with Mithadan about where they might be best deployed.

Pio went round to each of the elven captains and introduced herself. She outlined her plans for the time shift to them, underscoring her need to be able to link with all of them easily. There was some scepticism among them concerning her ability to accomplish this, But Idril assured them of her capability. Pio told them all that she would visit them early in the morning, and form a brief link with each of them, so that they might get an impression of her when she reached to them. When she was done, she bade them goodnight, and left them to speak further with Mithadan.

She was tired, and went below to go to Mithadan's cabin. She had just gone in, and pulled off her boots, when there came a soft knock at the door. 'Come.' she called.

It was Idril who entered. She regarded Pio with great tenderness, and then came near to embrace her. She asked no questions, saying only, 'Your Mother would be so happy, Piosenniel, as am I.'

Pio smiled, and returned the embrace. For a long while they sat on the bed together, talking and laughing as if no grim thing would intrude tomorrow upon this happiness. Then Tuor called to Idril, that they should go back to their ship. Pio called out that she would see them both tomorrow, then lay down to sleep, and did not awaken when Mithadan, at last, came to his rest.

Mithadan's Post:

He did not sleep long; he could not. He awoke before the dawn and climbed quietly out of his bed. Smiling briefly at the still sleeping figure of Piosenniel, he dressed and took up his sword and a sharpening stone and slipped out the door.

Mithadan walked up the gangway to the main deck and stood for a moment, looking at the stars. Then he seated himself upon a barrel and began working on his blade. Yet even as he sharpened, his thoughts wandered to the north and the caverns beneath Meneltarma.

Snick, snick, snick. They entered the caverns and proceeded up the perimeter tunnels to the Locks. They freed the Hobbits and then passed through the door in the guards' alcove and freed the Men. Ushering the prisoners along, they proceeded back down the Locks Tunnel. Suddenly, from behind them came shouts. The escape of the Men had been discovered and guards had rushed through the alcove door and came behind them in the tunnel. Roused by the shouts, guards from the main cave assailed them from the mouth of the tunnel... He shook his head. They must bar the alcove door. Perhaps a desk and other furniture pushed into place and set afire with burning pitch...

Snick, snick, snick. They exit the Locks tunnel, sending the prisoners forward with escorts toward the River Tunnel. To the southeast, shouts were heard. The Guards' Quarters tunnel had been overrun and the 4 Elves who had guarded it had been slain. Their exit had now been cut off... He shuddered. The Guards' Quarters Tunnel was broader than the Western exits. Three Elves with spears should be posted there, accompanied by two Elves with swords or axes to the side, and bowmen behind...

Snick, snick, snick. The Main Tunnel had degenerated into a melee. Retreating at last from the Locks Tunnel, they attempted to slip to the side into the shadows as they moved toward the Western exits. A group of guards cuts them off. Pio is assailed by two swordsmen. He moved to help her and struck one down. She slew the second and continued on. He turned to guard the rear only to see a sword slice towards his face... He stopped sharpening his blade, and dropped his head to his hands. They could not plan for all ends. They could only do their best and trust to the assistance of fate and luck...

[ October 28, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]