They waited for a brief while, but Mithadan had not come to meet with them. Pio listened to the information that Levanto brought and memorized each detail. He told her that he would meet with the elders again in a week and then just before the rescue. He hoped that by such time she would have a detailed plan he could relay to them. When she asked him about his success at finding the hobbrim caves, he gave her the locations he had spotted.
She saw that he was weary from his efforts, and bade him take some rest, thanking him as he turned to go for all his assistance.
He turned back to her, and drew himself from the water to rest his upper body on the edge of the skiff. 'I love you, Piosenniel. I think I will always love you.' He reached out a hand and stroked her face gently. 'I would do anything you ask of me.' Her breath caught in her throat at this simple declaration. 'And if you wish it, then I will step aside, graciously, for the one who loves you and whom you love.'
'Thank you.' she said softly, tears glittering along the line of her lashes. 'If you will, then I would have it so.'
He took her hands in his, and kissed her on the brow. 'So be it!' Then he dove beneath the waves to find some rest.
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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