The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

piosenniel · 11-18-2002, 12:25 AM

Idril frowned at the oft recalcitrant Elf, and wondered if this were just another case of resistance to the common standards of behavior come into play. She could sense no hint of stubborn defiance in her attitude this time, though, only a sort of overwhelming sadness.

She drew her chair near Pio, and looked out over the water toward the western sky. The stars had begun to come out, and the moon had risen just enough to catch the curl of the waves with a silvered glow.

‘Let us start from the beginning, Pio. Exactly what do you mean by “wrong decision”?’

Pio laughed ruefully. ‘I should have said “series of wrong decisions”. Starting with my agreeing to return to help on this mission and ending with the ridiculous predicament I find myself in at present – that I am for all intents and purposes wedded to a Man. I would laugh save for the fact that the thought of the sorrow I will cause him brings me near to tears.’

She looked down at her hands, murmuring softly. ‘I should never have allowed him to kiss me. Nor should I have kissed him back. It was ill considered on my part.’

Pio looked back toward the starry darkness, unseeing. ‘I cannot be what he needs. We are nothing alike. There will always be friction between us at some level, and my actions will cause him sorrow again and again. What sort of life will that be for him?’

‘That is an exceedingly morose line of thought.’ Idril frowned, unseen in the darkness. ‘And what exactly did you mean when you said you “cannot see your way clear of it”?’

‘I was considering making a clean break of it . . . running, if you will. Though I do not know where I might go. My friends are all leaving and the West is closed to me. I could stay here with Angara, I suppose, but endless Ages of “I told you so.” do not appeal to me. And, anyway, I am afraid I would be as redundant here as anywhere.’ She yawned, and rubbed her eyes. ‘I am tired; I should go back and get some sleep.’

Idril shook her head in the darkness and called for some food and drink to be brought. ‘Stay here for the night, Pio. We can talk more in the morning. I need to consider what you have said, before I respond to it.’

She watched as the Elf ate some fruit and bread then led her to her cabin and bade her lie down. When she was satisfied that she was sleeping, she rose from her side and stepped into the galley.

Idril grabbed a sheet of paper and a pen and wrote a quick note to Cami and Bird, detailing what Pio had told her. She ended with a plea for them to come talk some sense into their friend. As she bluntly put it:

‘There will be no party and no exchange of rings if the Elf bolts.’

She called for one of the Teleri to deliver it this night to the Star. Then she sat in her chair on the deck and considered what she might say tomorrow.

[ November 18, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

11-18-2002, 12:25 AM	#407
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Idril frowned at the oft recalcitrant Elf, and wondered if this were just another case of resistance to the common standards of behavior come into play. She could sense no hint of stubborn defiance in her attitude this time, though, only a sort of overwhelming sadness. She drew her chair near Pio, and looked out over the water toward the western sky. The stars had begun to come out, and the moon had risen just enough to catch the curl of the waves with a silvered glow. ‘Let us start from the beginning, Pio. Exactly what do you mean by “wrong decision”?’ Pio laughed ruefully. ‘I should have said “series of wrong decisions”. Starting with my agreeing to return to help on this mission and ending with the ridiculous predicament I find myself in at present – that I am for all intents and purposes wedded to a Man. I would laugh save for the fact that the thought of the sorrow I will cause him brings me near to tears.’ She looked down at her hands, murmuring softly. ‘I should never have allowed him to kiss me. Nor should I have kissed him back. It was ill considered on my part.’ Pio looked back toward the starry darkness, unseeing. ‘I cannot be what he needs. We are nothing alike. There will always be friction between us at some level, and my actions will cause him sorrow again and again. What sort of life will that be for him?’ ‘That is an exceedingly morose line of thought.’ Idril frowned, unseen in the darkness. ‘And what exactly did you mean when you said you “cannot see your way clear of it”?’ ‘I was considering making a clean break of it . . . running, if you will. Though I do not know where I might go. My friends are all leaving and the West is closed to me. I could stay here with Angara, I suppose, but endless Ages of “I told you so.” do not appeal to me. And, anyway, I am afraid I would be as redundant here as anywhere.’ She yawned, and rubbed her eyes. ‘I am tired; I should go back and get some sleep.’ Idril shook her head in the darkness and called for some food and drink to be brought. ‘Stay here for the night, Pio. We can talk more in the morning. I need to consider what you have said, before I respond to it.’ She watched as the Elf ate some fruit and bread then led her to her cabin and bade her lie down. When she was satisfied that she was sleeping, she rose from her side and stepped into the galley. Idril grabbed a sheet of paper and a pen and wrote a quick note to Cami and Bird, detailing what Pio had told her. She ended with a plea for them to come talk some sense into their friend. As she bluntly put it: ‘There will be no party and no exchange of rings if the Elf bolts.’ She called for one of the Teleri to deliver it this night to the Star. Then she sat in her chair on the deck and considered what she might say tomorrow. [ November 18, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.