[Child of the 7th Age]

Idril smiled as she glanced over her long list. Detail afer detail slowly fell into place. The check marks were growing in number, as the Elf graciously and efficiently maneuvered all the parties towards their appointed tasks.

This would not only be a celebration for Mithadan and Piosenniel. It would be a day of festivity for those rescued from Numenor, a time to rejoice in their freedom and say thanks to those who'd made this possible.

Idril was talking with Ancalimon and a number of others who'd asked to help with the planning. Cami and Rose, along with Andril and Loremaster, were perched on chairs in a small circle. Phura and his brother sat cross legged on the floor at Idril's feet.

Ancalimon said he'd be happy to give a few words of welcome before the party started. Both Loremaster and Andril wanted a moment to thank the Elves and the crew of the Star for rescuing their people. Phura suggested contacting Bird to see if a singer was needed to help with the music. He'd already put the children to work on tambourines, using the flexible wood of young saplings to make a hoop, with fine leather stretched in between.

"But where did you get the metal discs to tie onto the edge and make a noise?" Rose questioned.

Phura grinned back, "That was the fun part. We had soft copper knives left over from the rescue. It was no trouble to melt them down and mold them into small discs. And it felt great to use knives like that."

Idril made some notes on her list and looked up, "Anyone else? Have we forgotten something?"

Cami thought a moment, and then spoke, "Yes, I'd like a minute or two myself. I've got some folk I need to thank."

Phura and Gamba looked puzzled at Cami's choice of words. "Why would you need to thank anyone? You're one of the rescuers." Gamba seemed genuinely curious.

Cami smiled mysteriously and looked over to Ancalimon, wondering how much she should reveal. "You know from the tale of Nitir and Azra that Numenor was not the first stop for the Star. There were other events, much further back, where a great debt of thanks is owed."

"Andril, you know I'm leaving Idril's day book to you. It records everything that happened on our journey. That book needs to be kept safe on Meneltarma. But there's one thing I can say even now."

"Long ago, I came across a reference to sea-hobbits. More than anything, I wanted to go out and search for them. But I couldn't find anyone to help. Without Piosenniel, and Mith, and Bird, this whole voyage would never have taken place."

"So I'd like a minute to say thanks, and present the journal to Andril. There are still blank pages. Maybe you can use it to record the lore of your people, long after I've sailed away."

A flash of pain showed briefly on several faces in the room, as folk reflected on the separations which were soon to take place. Then Idril smiled sadly and said, "So Cami, you have used my little gift well. It will find a home here so that what the Star has done will never be forgotten. That much I can promise."

[ November 22, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]