[Child of the 7th Age]

"....How is it that I know her?" Aiwendil repeated Rôg's initial query and glanced sidewise at his young friend, wondering just how much he dared reveal. "I have known Pio a very long time. I met her shortly after I landed in this part of the world."

The old man sounded tired and hesitated for a moment, but finally continued with his story. "A distant kinsman of mine had dealings with Pio and her husband. He was using the Star to transport some folk up the river who hoped to settle along the banks of the Anduin and in the western part of the forest formerly known as Greenwood. I offered to help guide her friends northward. In recent years, I've seen her several times. She has always dealt fairly with me and, although she can be hot headed at times, I've found her to have good judgment and a kind heart. Indeed, the woman can be a whirlwind at times when it comes to getting things done. As to her personal affairs, I know little." An image of Mithadan and their three little ones, especially the impetuous Cami, slipped through his mind.

"The Skinchanger from the north? Her name is Bird. I know less of her than I do of Pio. But I will say she can be incredibly persistent when it comes to safeguarding her friends, and that she and Pio were companions on the road for some years."

Aiwendil hesitated before continuing, "There was a time, long ago, when I thought Bird might help me accomplish an important task. A task that had been laid down for me from one in authority far across the Seas. But, alas, I did not see her for many years. And, by then, all chance of accomplishing anything seemed to have vanished. It has indeed been a while since I have even thought of her." An uneasy feeling stirred in the recesses of the old man's mind, which he hastily pushed down.

"But, come! Enough idle talk. Shall we try to arrange that passage with the shipmaster whom Pio recommended?"

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 12:08 PM December 22, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]