The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

[Mithadan]

Mithadan leapt to his feet and seized Piosenniel in a tight embrace. It was some time before he could bring himself to trust his voice. "I sent Angara to look after Cami and the others. They were ill-equiped to withstand an attack, let alone slay all who might see them. The dragon and I...communicated through Osanwe. I know we should not have. Then...the Dark One turned his thought to me. He must have perceived my presence. I believe I fooled Him. I focused my thoughts on being a drowning fisherman..." He shuddered. "He was amused. He enjoyed thinking about the death of an innocent Man. Then He departed. You and the others were affected by His dark presence. I thought you would never wake!" He held her close, stroking her hair.

Piosenniel pulled away a bit and looked carefully in the Man's eyes as if examining him for some indefinable injury. Satisfied with what she perceived, she kissed his brows. Then she asked, "Why did you and Angara do this? The danger is very great."

He was silent for a moment, then said "Angara confronted me yesterday. She tripped me, then announced her disapproval of...us. She made me realise the gravity of our choices; that you must ultimately choose to pass into the West or perhaps you may choose the lot of Man and dwell for a time in Middle Earth before dying. Either choice presents great sorrow for you or I or both of us."

She looked sharply at him. He shook his head with a smile. "What is done cannot be undone. I have given my heart to you and I will not take it back. These choices are yours to make, not mine. I will have you for a day, for a season or for a lifetime, if you will have me. And let our fates go where they must. It is your decision."

"This is why you did not answer when I knocked yestereve?" she asked gently.

"That was you? No. I tried to answer but could not reach the door quickly enough."

She looked at him with questioning eyes. He sat and removed his boot to reveal his wrapped and swollen ankle. "Angara?" she asked with concern. "Yes. I fell when she tripped me."

"I will have words with that wyrm," said Piosenniel. "And as for you..."

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[piosenniel]

‘And as for you, I see my thoughts have not been clear. You have not understood.' She took his hand and kissed the tips of his fingers. Her grey eyes met his and held them, seeking the words to tell him that all this talk of choice was meaningless.

His brow furrowed at her hesitancy, afraid what she might say. She smoothed the worry from it with her fingers, and smiled gently at him. Outside, the edge of the storm beat against the ship, the rain drew a dark, thick curtain across the waves.

Inside the tiny cabin, a clear, steady light burned between the two - the Man intent on understanding; the Elf on being understood. 'My choice was made when first I beheld you loved me. My fate sealed when you claimed my heart and kissed me once again. It cannot be undone, Mithadan. Not here, not in Aman. Nor would I wish it so.'

Her face was grave, then, as she spoke to him, and an elven-light shone in her eyes. 'I have turned from the way that leads West, Mithadan. My course is joined to yours, and I am happy for it. He took her hand and laid it over his heart, covering it with his own.

Pio looked deeply into his eyes and saw the nascent hope, the dawning understanding.

'There is a certain custom among my people, Mithadan, which seals forever the bond of which I speak. Simple words, spoken clearly, in which our union is both blessed and witnessed.' She took his hands in hers. 'Will you now say them with me?'

He returned her gaze steadily. His hope now secured.'I will, Piosenniel. Gladly, and without constraint.'

She called then upon Varda Tintallë to bless their union; to kindle the undying flame of their love for all the years of their life in Arda and for the unknown times beyond.

Then prompted by her, Mithadan called upon Manwë Súlimo to bless their union; to fill them with the breath of Arda that gives hope to those who dwell within it, and dispels all darkness.

With hands and hearts now joined, in a clear voice, filled with Light, Piosenniel now asked that their bond be sealed and witnessed by Eru, the One, Father of All, Ilúvatar.

So was it done. And no further words passed between them

She reached for him, then, and drew him gently to her.

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Huge clouds filled with rain and thunder streamed overhead. The two skiffs bobbed out of control, spinning this way and that in response to the rising gales. Kali and Bird tugged hopelessly on the ropes. They could no longer swim forward, no matter how much they strained or struggled.

Kali cried out to Bird, "Do you know where we are?' His voice barely rose over the backdrop of the storm. In response, the shapechanger shook her head no, and turned once again to the traces, pulling and tugging in vain.

Cami peered out into the darkness. The light of day had totally disappeared. She did not know where they were or what she should do. Her heart pounded furiously in her chest as fear and despair took hold. The lighthearted jests of a few moments ago were gone, replaced with uncertainy and doubt. Water had begun to come in over the side of the skiffs. Rose bailed it out as quickly as she could manage.

Then, suddenly, from nowhere, Cami felt a stern tug at the ropes. In an instant, the boat began to slide forward through the waters. On and on it went. The same thing happened to Daisy's skiff. In relief and surprise, Cami called out to her friends, "How did you manage that?"

Bird quickly responded, "We didn't. It's not us. Something's happened we don't understand."

At that moment, a head popped up by the side of the vessel. Cami looked into the eyes of another hobbrim, a face that looked strangely like Kali, and yet somehow different."

The face gazed up at her and smiled, "You are Nitir and Azra. We have found your golden wyrm on our shores and have come to rescue you, as we feared you'd fallen from her back into the seas. I see now you have a boat, but you still may need our help. I am Batta. There are four of us now on each of the ropes. "

Cami spluttered out the words from her rain soaked face, "Yes, I'm Nitir, and this is Azra." Rose nodded in respect to the hobbrim. "Thank you, thank you. We did not know where we were and had lost control of the boats."

They were interrupted by Kali suddenly popping up and squealing, "Cousin? Cousin?? COUSIN!!!!"

In joyful desperation Kali launched himself at the newcomer, throwing his arms around Batta's neck. Batta replied, "Hello! Hello," as Kali repeated, "Cousin! Cousin!" and clung to him. In another moment, another head popped up out of the water, and Kali released Batta and siezed the second Hobbrim, crying, "Cousin!" gleefully.

Then Kali momentarily ducked underwater, popped back up, and delirously shouted, "Eight! Eight cousins! Eight cousins!" and dove back under.

"What's happening?" shouted Daisy, straining to see below the grey and tossing surface. "I don't know, I can't see," Cami shouted in reply. Cami was afraid that they would lose control of the boats again if a general reunion was about to happen. But her fears were unfounded.

Below, Bird in Dolphin form had a better view. One at a time, a hobbrim would release the rope, embrace Kali, and Bird would hear their soft, high-pitched greeting; then that hobbrim would return to the rope, and another would embrace Kali.

If I was in human form, thought Bird, this would be a real tear-jerker, it would. But now that I'm in Dolphin form-- well, shucks, I may as well celebrate. She circled, faster and faster, around the wonderful group of eight-- no!-- nine happy hobbrims, and then building up speed she dove, and turned upward, and letting out a high-pitched sqeal she shot into the air, twirling and squealing with sheer delight. As she reached the top of her trajectory her squeal suddenly paused as she thought, Uh-oh! I hope I miss the skiffs.

Miss them she did, coming down between them, but she splashed into the middle of the hobbrim party, thrashing.

The skiffs rocked as Bird thrashed in the tangled ropes, and a few hobbrim lost their grip. "Bird! " Cami wailed, already soaked from the rain and now even wetter. Rose and Daisy, much less aware of the danger, laughed and laughed.

As the laughing hobbrim untangled themselves and Bird from the two ropes, Kali cried gleefully, "Cousins! Meet my good friend, Birdee! Birdee, these are all my cousins! Eight cousins!" When she was free, the hobbrims reached out and greeted her with gentle caresses, and Bird's whistles of delight could be heard even in the bobbing skiffs.


One more gleeful laugh, and then they returned their attention to the ropes, four hobbrims on one rope, and five on the other, escorted by their newfound Dolphin friend. But the one with five hobbrims didn't go that much faster at first, because Kali, although he tried to pull hard and keep up, was now shedding underwater tears of joy and relief. His wait was over. Whatever happened next, he had a tribe to belong to.

Batta popped back up and said to Cami, "Just hold on and we'll get you to the coast, to the warmth and dryness of our caves."

Despite her own tears of joy for Kali and exasperation about her second drenching, Cami threw back her head and laughed. The rescuers had become the rescued. And what was Angara doing on the shoreline, she wondered? But, right now, was no time to question. She felt in her heart enormous gratitude and relief that they were making their way to the safety of the shore.

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

Ancalimon watched as the storm swept over the coast. This day had gone awry. But matters could be worse. Gorthaur had overheard the Man, but had not discovered his task and dismissed him from thought believing him to be insignificant. Nor had he perceived Ancalimon's presence or the existence of the Lonely Star, else his attention would be focused on the ship.

But the dragon... Gorthaur had sensed Angara briefly before the wyrm plunged into the seas. Just a whiff, but enough to draw his attention to the shoreline to the North. The storm would provide some valuable time and cover, but it would not last long. Then Angara, Cami, Bird and the others would be in danger.

He was uncertain of what course to take. Khelek and Veritas had recovered quickly. He sensed warm thoughts from Piosenniel's cabin below. But Mithadan was injured --curse the foolishness of that dragon! And the storm prevented the Star from approaching the shore, even as it hid Angara and the others.

He sighed. Fate had decreed that the Hobbits would be hidden. But should he trust fate against the wiles of Sauron?

[Rose Cotton]

As they left the Lonely Star Rose felt strange for a moment. Like there was a darkness all about her. But the feeling was very brief and Rose decided not to worry about it.

Things looked grim as the waves became rougher and the rain came down harder. It was a relief when the hobbrim showed. They took the boats to a shore where Rose, Cami, Daisy, Bird, and Kali were invited into the caves. Once inside Cami rushed over to where Angara laid.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Helen's and Cami's post

Cami sat towards the bow of the skiff, watching the shore grow, until it was almost full-size. Then she called to Daisy, and they pulled up the centerboards, lifted the rudders and shifted to the stern so that the skiffs could be beached.

As the hobbrim emerged, still pulling the ropes, a happy chatter commenced. Batta called softly, and on shore, about fifteen more hobbrim emerged from the rocks and sand-dunes. Another call from Batta, and some older children surged forward to care for the boats while the adults and small children came forward to greet the newcomers. Bird, now in little-lady form, gravitated towards the older children, helping them stow the boat, and thinking to herself, this moment belonged to the hobbits and hobbrim. Somehow she wanted to stay in the background.

Standing on the wet sand as the waves still lapped their toes, Batta introduced Azra and Nitir and Daisy to all of the hobbrim on the beach, while behind them they heard Kali's happy greeting over and over. "Hello, Cousin, " he said, and warmly spoke each new name aloud as he clasped hands with the women and the men, and knelt down to look into the eyes of the small children. They welcomed him warmly and happily. Azra smiled, wondering how Kali would remember everybody's name, until she remembered that hobbrim do have good memory. He would remember.

Kali was immersed in his new family, and Daisy wondered if perhaps she should wander over and introduce herself to some of the older children who, with Bird's help, were now stowing the boats. But as she cast another glance at Kali, their eyes met, and he held out his hand.

She came forward, taking his hand as she had so often done on The Lonely Star. "Cousins, " he said, with something in his voice that Daisy couldn't quite place, "This is Daisy. She is my good friend."

She studied him even as he introduced her, by name, to each and every one of his newfound cousins. He did not forget one name. And she wondered at the occasional hint of sadness in his voice. She squeezed his hand tighter, wanting nothing to ruin this time for him, and as she did so, he studied her, and squeezed back.

Two more hobbrim emerged from the mouth of a cave just as Cami walked onto the beach. A young girl came up to her in greeting, "I am Coral. I found your wyrm injured on the shore. We will take you to her now."

The older woman extended a hand in friendship, "And I am Andril, wise woman of my people. I have waited my whole life to meet you and your little sister Azra. I am honored to welcome you among us."
Cami did not even know what to say. The two women embraced and then slipped apart. Andril took her by the hand and led her into the largest cavern.

Once inside, Cami looked in amazement at the silent figure of Angara still asleep. Several hobbbrim were near the wyrm's side, tending to her wounds. Angara lay just at the entrance to the cave, her nose poking out into the sands.

Cami looked at Andril and shook her head, "I don't know why she's here, or what happened. When I left the Star, she was safely sitting at the top of our mast."

Andril explained, "It took a long time, but we managed to get her inside the cave. We pushed and pulled a tiny bit at a time. Then she finally woke up and managed to limp the rest of the way."

A secret smile played itself on Cami's mouth, at the thought of a group of hobbrim pushing and pulling on the giant wyrm as she lay dead in sleep.

Cami sat down intending to stay and guard the wyrm. Andril pulled her away and shook her head. "You should come inside where it's warm. They will tell us if she awakes."

Cami ran her hand over the dragon's shoulder, and then accompanied Andril inside the large cavern hoping for warmth and dryness. There was indeed a small fire, and she and Rose gratefully melted beside it. Not far away, she could hear the soft voice of Kali as he told his story, of how he had been alone, and how his friends from the Lonely Star had rescued him from his loneliness and become his friends, and promised to help him find his family. "They have labored long and hard, and today their work is done, " he said, his voice shaking with emotion. "Today I am with my cousins."

Even as she blinked back her tears, Cami thought, Oh Kali, it is over, and yet it has only just begun. There is yet more to do. And we will all be lucky to make it out of this alive.

Suddenly thinking of Pio and her frequent mysterious references to the West, she added, And may The One watch over us and protect us all.

But she said none of this, and turned to warm her hands by the fire, and let Kali rest in his newfound joy. She noticed that Daisy was still with him. Rose noticed too, and they shared a thoughtful smile.

_____________________________________________

Helen's post


Andril set several young hobbrim to the task of making Nitir and Azra comfortable. Then she smiled. "I am a Loremaster, and that is my strength; but I am not a cook. I would do you no service if I prepared your food or drink."

Nitir began to politely debate her, but one of the children raced by carrying some seabird eggs, and said, "Mistress Nitir, it is true. She really can burn water."

Nitir, Azra, and Andril shared a good laugh. "The children are quite skilled, and will take good care of your physical needs. And what of your other needs? How can I help you with them?"

Nitir smiled through sudden tears. "You already have, Andril. To hear our old names on your lips means that a dear friend kept a promise."

Andril smiled, and Azra took Nitir's hand and squeezed. "You remember Maura with fondness, I see," Andril replied. "This gladdens my heart."

One of the children brought a cup of some warm brew to Nitir and Azra and Andril, and Andril tasted it carefully. "It's a bit strong today, " she warned them. "Seaweed tea. We are used to it, but you may find it unpleasant."

Nitir sniffed hers, her thoughts elsewhere, and said nothing. Azra took a sip, and grimaced, but took another, and another. She was cold, and the warmth of the bitter drink was welcome.

Andril sipped at hers, and watched Nitir. "Tell me, " she said. "What was he like? All we have are songs."

---------------------------------------------

Sharon's post:

Nitir did not know how to respond. Cautiously, she glanced about. Every eye was filled with trust, evey head craning forward. Within Nitir's heart, a tiny splinter of light gleamed. All her doubts and questions, the sadness of things forgotten, dissolved before its quiet truth. For, whatever she spoke in this circle, whatever tale she told of Maura or the camps, would remain firm till the end of time.

Her people, the hobbits who loved the soil, were soon to lose their memories of the past. Only traces of lore would be left, hidden in their bones. But her cousins in this circle, sheltered within Ulmo's kingdom, would cling to every word and poem. For them, lore was a lifeline of memory. It would console them when their kin were stripped away, as they waited for a distant and unknown task in the shadow of Eru's Mount.

Nitir measured every word before answering. "I can't really tell you what he was like. My own feelings make it hard for me to see him as others might. But I can say this. I loved his gentleness, his caring, his learning, even his laughing ways."

"But there was more than that. I cherished him because of the path he was on. He saw and felt things I could only guess at. And, for some strange reason, he wanted to share that path with me."

Nitir halted, uncertain what more she should say. Then the wise-woman gently asked, "Have you found peace leaving him behind, and a way through to that path he was on?"

She shook her head, "I do not have his gift, but he will never leave me. When someone you love is torn away, there's a part that stays inside you. I try to do the best I can, and think of how he would do things. Yes, sometimes there is pain." An image of Mithadan and Piosenniel entwined on the deck of the Star came unbidden to her mind. "And sometimes, I wonder why this one finds fulfillment, and another must wait. But, mostly, I am grateful for having had his gentle presence."

Andril grasped her fingers and whispered, "For what you have done, for what you do tomorrow, my people thank you." Nitir shook her head, and looked up with a soft smile.

[ October 04, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ October 04, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[GreatWarg]

Khelek sat inside the galley with Veritas, rubbing his forehead. There was only one power in Middle-earth that could do that. Miruvor can only do so much in healing the power of the Dark Lord. Veritas fidgeted with a few pieces of smoked fish. The sky grew dark, and a tumult of waves was already beginning to lash at the Star.

'May Lady Uinen restrain the Wrath of the Valar long enough for us,' Khelek sighed, peering outside to the unwelcoming storm.

'What do you think of Sauron?' Veritas asked suddenly. 'He may still have a great force under his power.'

'If he does, then curse him a thousand times,' Khelek answered regrettably. 'Vain is our hope in rescuing the hobbits if we must fight an army hundreds of times stronger than the scant few we are.'

'You must still have a headache if your mind is still in dark thoughts,' Veritas said notably. 'A fool is one who calls any hope vain. We still have Cami and Kali, Rose, Daisy, Mithadan and Pio, Levanto. And Angara. Angara can survive nearly anything. It takes much more to kill a dragon. Remember the Fall of Gondolin? How we despaired after we learned Pio had died? Mithadan still found hope within his despair. Numenor will be gone, and Gondolin is no more, but the Lonely Star is still here. And so are all of the crew who have accepted fate.'

'For now,' Khelek said softly. 'But sometimes it seems better to die honourably than continue fighting. The worse Doom is to those who still live.'

[piosenniel]

Wind howled about the ship as the storm moved slowly on. In the room, the air had grown chill. Pio shivered and drew her grey cloak about her. She stood watching the now sleeping form of the man as he lay on her bed, beneath the thin sheet. He stirred in his dreamings, and she pulled her thick quilt up about him. ‘Let him rest for now.’ she thought to herself. ‘He has need of it.’

Moving quietly, she pulled on her breeches and boots and threw on a warm shirt to ward off the cold. She put her cloak about her once again, and drew the hood up as proof against the rain. Softly she withdrew from the room, and made no sound as she hurried down the hall and up the stairs to the deck.

Ancalimon stood there, watching the course of the storm, and she drew near to speak with him.

‘The storm grows less and moves on.’ she said. Narrowing her eyes, she bent her gaze toward the coastline, still obscured by the rain. She could make out nothing for good or ill that moved along the shore. ‘Do you have a sense of them?’ she asked, thinking about her small friends upon the sea in their fragile vessels. ‘Or of Angara?’

He shook his head ‘no’. ‘You feel it though, do you not, Piosenniel? That growing shadow that casts itself over the land and sea now. Gorthaur sits uneasy in his chambers. He searches for the source of His discomfort.

The elf pulled her cloak more tightly about her, as if to hide from that terrible, dread shadow. She shut her mind tightly against it. Her thoughts, now closely guarded, strayed to the West and the seas which led from it. She ached to call to them in warning, but she dared not.

Ancalimon put his hand upon her shoulder.
‘I, too, pray He has no sense of them. It would be dire, indeed, should we have to face him.’

They stood then, in silence, for a long while. Two grey clad figures gazing northward.

[ September 22, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[mark12_30]

The smell of eggs blended with strange seaweedy and briny smells, but mingled with that, Cami and Rose happily recognized the scent of Searooms. The homey mushroom smell worked its wonders on the hobbit psyche, and both the land-hobbits felt themselves relaxing right down to their toes. Cami sighed, and stepped out to the doorway to let the wind and moist air refresh her. The rain still fell.

Beside her, the still, hot form of Angara sent up little wisps of steam with every raindrop that hit her, and Cami laughed.

"Dinner, " called the Hobbrim lasses, and Cami and Rose let the scent of Searooms pull them into the inner rooms, where the meal was now ready.


***********************

Phura and Gamba sat on the stony lip overlooking the river, both daydreaming. The children sat between them lined up, trying to swing their heels, and wondering what Gamba and Phura were thinking.

"Your dream, " Phura said. "The one about the waters rushing in after Levanto came and spoke to the children. Do you know what it reminds me of?"

"Well, it reminds me of Tol Fuin, " Gamba replied.

Phura nodded. "Yes. I was thinking the same thing."

Gamba shifted uneasily. "Do worlds drown whenever Nitir and Azra show up?"

Phura shook his head. "They're important, but they're just hobbits, like us."

"How do you know?"

"Silly. If they were more powerful, the songs wouldn't be about them singing lullabyes."

"Oh."

Gamba pondered while Phura dreamed.

"There's a storm out to sea, " Phura murmured. "Can you feel it?"

"Well, it's muggy, and I can hear the wind."

"It's more. Doesn't it pull and pull at your soul?"

Gamba looked at his big brother, puzzled. "Should it?"

Phura suddenly seemed on the verge of tears, which he bit back. "I just wondered if you could feel it, that's all."

"All I can really feel, " said Gamba, "is I'm afraid they'll come for one of us next. I hate going to bed. I hate wondering who is going to disappear."

"I know." Phura came back to his little family, for a while, for his brother's sake, and tried to be there for him. But shortly after that his soul took flight again, down the river to the sea and into the heart of the storm.

Gamba studied his brother, and saw no fear; only longing. Wild, sad, hopelessly hopeful longing, seemingly growing more intensely painful with each breath he drew.

Gamba watched his brother for a while, and tried to understand what lure or promise a storm might hold for him, and why it was important, and what it meant. But all he could see in his own heart were freshly filled graves.

He shook himself, and in order to try and forget the graves, began reviewing a poem. It wasn't a Ladros poem. It was from Tol Fuin.

[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ October 04, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Birdland]

Bird was hungry, but she couldn't tear herself away from the back of the cave. And someone probably should stay with Angara, though Bird wasn't sure if she would know if a wyrm took a "turn for the worse". She could only hope that Hobbrims were not so much like Hobbits that there would be no leftovers.

The Changling ran her fingers across the rough, warm walls of the cave, being careful not to touch the images. They were all there, in bold strokes and vibrant colors; the man figure with a fish tail. Elves dancing, and one striking figure with raised sword. A man robed and staffed, with a pony companion. She smiled to see the small coal and white bird hovering around them. And of course dragons, in gold, and silver and black.

All the figures were interwove with the Halflings, telling their take on the story of Gondolin. But there were many other stories on the wall as well, that Bird was not familiar with. For the lives of the Hobbits, and these Hobbrims, had gone on, long after the strange creatures of the First Age had left them.

Andril had said they had only the songs. But how could she forget about these? Bird hoped she could meet the one who had drawn these. If he or she were still alive.

[mark12_30]

Coral, having nibbled her way through the cooking and hence now not hungry, wandered back to the outer cave. "Hello, " she said to the thoughtful, raven-haired lady who was inspecting the paintings. "Aren't you hungry? The children gathered plenty of seafood, and there is no lack. Why are you still out here?"

"I'm watching my friend, " Bird replied, gesturing at the sleeping Angara.

"Oooh, " Coral replied. "You know her? What is she like?"

[Birdland]

What was she like? Bird looked down at the tiny Coral, and wrinkled her brow in thought. Then she smiled.

"Coral, my lass, have you ever known anyone who could irritate you to no end, never gives you a straight answer to a simple question, always thinks that they know better than you, and yet you know that they will be one of the truest friends you will ever have?"

Coral gave an equally thoughtful look, then smiled as she thought of her cousin, Ganote. "Why yes. I think I have."

"Well", said Bird, giving a nod to the sleeping dragon, "she's just like that."

[ September 22, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Mithadan]

Mithadan woke refreshed after a long, undisturbed sleep. He swung his feet to the floor, stood and nearly collided with a chair that stood next to the bunk. A brief wave of disorientation passed over him until he recalled the events of the previous day and realized what cabin he was in. He readied himself hastily for the new day and walked out into the corridor, limping slightly.

On deck, he saw Veritas at the helm, unperturbed by the light rain which continued to fall. However, the wind had changed and the sky appeared to be lighter. Next to Veritas were Ancalimon and Piosenniel. He ascended the short flight of stairs to the helm and greeted the others.

"Any news of Cami and the others?" he asked.

"No," replied Ancalimon. "Though I am not yet concerned. The storm was strong enough to prevent them from returning, but it is passing now. Perhaps we shall learn more this day.

"However, I perceive that Gorthaur's attention has been drawn to this area. He will, no doubt, send men to search for Angara, who he would consider to be a valuable ally. We must keep watch for ships from the North."

Mithadan closed his eyes and shook his head. "So my folly has wrought ill consequences and brought danger to us all. I am a fool."

"Perhaps," said Ancalimon with a slight smile. "But Angara was the bigger fool, sticking her snout where it did not belong. Do not torment yourself about this. For now, our presence remains a secret and, with luck, it will remain so."

Mithadan turned to Piosenniel, who stood by Ancalimon. Her cloak was soaked and her hair a mass of tangles. He ran a hand over her shoulders and said, "You should have roused me. There is much to do."

"It seemed you needed rest," she responded. Then with an impish smile she added, "I never knew that Men snored so!"

Mithadan laughed. "Go below and change into some dry clothes," he suggested. "I will take up the watch for now."

When she had gone, Ancalimon turned to him and said, "The two of you have made your choice. You are bonded together." It was not a question.

Mithadan smiled at the grey-beard. "Yes, we have made our choices. We are joined, whatever fate may bring."

Ancalimon smiled, and it was like a beacon in the darkness of the storm. "Then there is at least some cause for celebration when the others return."

"But no time," replied Mithadan. "The time for celebration shall be when our task is done and not before."

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[Mithadan]

Zimrakhor was summoned to speak with his Master. He hurried through the halls of the palace with his red robes flapping as he ran. He composed himself a moment before the door then knocked, and was admitted by the guards. He bowed deeply before Gorthaur.

"Zimrakhor, my loyal friend," said Gorthaur. "A ship must be sent to Hyarnustar with all haste. I have perceived that there may be a dragon lurking there."

"A dragon?" cried Zimrakhor with alarm. "That is news indeed! But there is a storm over the Southern coasts..."

"Surely in this great Kingdom of mariners, there can be found a crew brave enough to sail through a little storm, is there not? The reward would be great."

"Yes!" said the Numenorean, eager to please the King's Advisor. "I shall find a crew and man a vessel with many archers to slay the beast!"

"Fool!" hissed Gorthaur. "Dragons were servants of the mighty Melkor, of old. I do not want it slain, even if a few bowmen could do so. It may prove a mighty ally! I wish it found and its location given to me alone. I would make the King a mighty gift of such a beast."

"Yes, my Lord!" replied Zimrakhor as he backed out the door...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Morning had come to the isle of Elenna. Outside, the storm continued unabated. A number of hobbrim had bedded down inside the large cave on reed mats, and were now waking up. A single hobbrim still stood guard outside under a cliff overhang. His task was to wait and watch, and to alarm the others at the earliest sign of intrusion or danger.

Bird had woken up some time before, but sat listening to the winds' roar and the pounding of the waves. Suddenly, a loud, bellowing noise echoed through the whole chamber. The shapechanger grabbed hold of Cami, who still slept, and jerked her into awareness. The women scrambled to their feet and raced to the front of the cavern where Angara had been lying.

The healer Azril, who'd been tending the wyrm, pointed towards the beach. "I'm sorry! I couldn't stop her. She awoke, and began to cry and bellow. Then she wrenched free and insisted on going outside."

Bird had already made her way to Angara's side. The golden wyrm reared up on wobbly hind legs with wings flapping vainly back and forth. Although the dragon's wounds were not grievous, she clearly lacked the strength to lift her massive body from the ground. And from her mouth came a single name, spoken in derision, that of "Mithadan."

Cami and Bird looked on bewildered. Then Angara turned to the woman and insisted, "I must return to the Star immediately to speak with Piosenniel and Mith. The Man's blunder has placed us in great danger." Once again, the wyrm arose, bating against the fury of the winds and rain.

Cami cried out above the storm, "Angara, stop it! You're too weak. Wait until this storm dies down, and we'll all make our way back through the waters. You'll shift to your smaller form, and rest in one of the boats."

The dragon's eyes narrowed. Reluctantly, she agreed, "Unfortunately, under the circumstances, hiding me under your skirt may be our safest course."

This answer greatly puzzled Cami, since Angara had never been known for modesty or restraint. But, no matter how much the two women pleaded for further explanation, the dragon refused to say anything more.

[ September 23, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Pio hurried down to her room. She was chilled and wet, where the wind had pushed the rain beneath her cape. She towelled off her hair, now an unruly mass of curls, and searched for some thicker leggings and a pair of sweaters. Even her socks were wet, where the water had run down the tops! 'So much for the vaunted Love keeping me warm!' she said, laughing. She shook the dampness out of her cape, drawing it around her, and hurried to the galley.

Four cups of steaming tea in her hands, the elf returned to the deck. Ancalimon and Mithadan were engaged in some close discussion, and had turned away from their watch for a few moments to speak with Veritas on some point. She handed each a cup, and they returned to their discussion, heads bent low over a map.

Pio went to the bow railing, and cradled her cup in her hands, savoring the warmth of it and the scent of the tea. She took a sip and scanned the Isle in the distance, slowly sweeping from east to west. Her eye caught something small heading out from the bay waters near the southern coastline of Hyarnustar. She narrowed her eyes, and shaded them from the light.

'Mithadan! Ancalimon! Come quickly!' She pointed toward the enlarging spot in the distance. 'It is a ship, bearing a plain black banner without device. And it appears to be heading in our direction!'

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

As Bird and Cami returned to the warmth of the cave, they found the hobbrim guard in discussion with Andril. The two had put their heads close and talked in hushed, earnest tones.

Yet, apparently, whatever they said had leaked out to Rose. For the girl brandished her sword and strapped it about her waist. Several of the hobbrim came over to take a closer look. They'd apparently not seen such a weapon before.

Andril walked towards the women shaking her head and pondering. "Storms in seasons where there should be no storms; sailing ships on a coast that's been deserted for years! I do not understand it."

Then she went on to explain, "Lights have been sighted in the distant sea, as if two ships were coming together. We do not know the meaning of this, but we fear no honest fisherman would ply his trade in such a gale. And these lights suggest something far larger than a fishing boat. Do you know anything of this?"

Bird looked at Cami and sighed. They excused themselves from Andril and, without hesitation or discussion, turned to Angara. They shared the wise woman's words and waited for a reply. But the only response the beast gave was to dig a hole and bury her head in the sand.

Cami cried out to the wyrm with fierce determination, "You will tell us what is going on, at least enough that my people may defend themselves against this unknown danger. Or, I swear, I will run you through with Rose's blade, and, although I may die, you will suffer! What has happened, Angara? Who pilots these ships, and to what purpose?"

Slowly, the dragon's head lifted from beneath the sand. Cami thought she looked more green than golden. "I am not sure," came the answer, "But these ships may belong to Gorthaur, and perhaps they are searching for me."

"Gorthaur?" A chill touched Cami's heart. "And for you?" she asked incredulously. "But why?"

"Do not ask further," she pleaded. "It is not my fault. It is the Man's stupid blunder, as I told you before. Only bring together all the weapons that you have and think how you may defend yourself. I, alas, can not help you. And," here she looked at Bird, "I would strongly caution against including any dragon in the assault, as it appears to be prime hunting season on the winged beasts."

At this point, Angara tried to send forth a blast of fire, but only succeeded in emitting a very small spark. She receded into the corner of the cave, and began digging an even larger hole to conceal herself.

Cami sat down in great chagrin. The Star had hoped to bring rescue to Kali's cousins. Now it appeared as if they had brought only danger and disaster.

The wise woman directed the hobbrim to bring all their arms within the cave. This included daggers, and bows, and hunting spears. "It is possible," Andril continued, "that their business may be in deep waters, and they will never turn to the shores. But if they wish to explore the coast, they will likely send a landing party on a good-sized skiff, and it would be no small threat to us," she explained.

Kali stepped up and asked, "My own people used to swim down to the bottom of the seas or sometimes even in shallows near the beach and find the precious pools of black liquid which burn even in the rain. We would dip our arrows in it, and then light them with flame."

Andril looked over, "Well done, Kali. Yes, there's a source of that here. Coral will take you and the young ones down to gather some in barrels."

From out of nowhere, the hobbrim were dragging several large rafts which could float in the water. Yet these were so concealed under seaweed and driftwood that they faded into their surroundings.

Andril continued, "If a landing party heads to shore, we'll wait until they reach the shallows. Then, hopefully after dark, we'll swim under water, using the rafts as cover for our heads and also to hide our other weapons and the black fire liquid. When we're close enough, the hobbrim will send flaming arrows onto the ship."

"Bird, you're the only one who can pass as a woman of Numenor. Can you take one of the small skiffs, and bring the burning torches? Perhaps, you should even act as a friendly local, waving in glee to the approaching vessel. We'll need the flames to light the arrows and to destroy the boat itself. Your other skiff that lies under the driftwood we'll scuttle this afternoon to throw off any others who might come along the shoreline."

"Once we harry and disturb them, we must board and destroy all, even the boat itself. For, if anyone learns of hobbits or hobbrim on the shores of Numenor, we will all find ourselves imprisoned in the tombs."

At that instant, the guard returned. "A fair-sized skiff now heads for the coastline, and she bears the banner of the black flag. She still sails some way off, but it is only a matter of time."

Cami turned and shuddered, The black flag, the symbol of the tyrant Gorthaur, now approaching the hobbrim refuge!

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

Piosenniel kept watch as Mithadan went below decks to gather arms and inform Khelek and Veritas of this new menace. Ancalimon watched quietly for a moment, then he too went below decks.

Mithadan found him in the galley with an assortment of tubes, vials, rods and cords spread before him on a table. Mithadan watched for a moment as Ancalimon began mixing what appeared to be sands of different colors into small cloth bags, which he tied together and inserted into the tubes, sometimes supported by the rods.

"What are you doing?" asked the Man.

"Preparing some surprises for our Numenorean friends," responded Ancalimon, and he would say no more.

[GreatWarg]

Khelek balanced himself in the rigging of the Star, straining to get a better view of the ship. It apparently had not seen them yet. The only things saving them was the mighty waves of Ulmo, and the growing fog. The ropes shook underneath the Elf for a moment and he fought again to regain balance, cursing himself for his folly of climbing up in such a storm.

The searching ship was staying within sight of land, evidently looking for Angara. So Gorthaur thought he might find himself a new ally. Yet the ship was drawing near to where the hobbrim dwelled in their hidden caves. Another wave smote the side of the Star and caused it to rock made Khelek quickly climb back down to the deck. 'Escaping goblins to be caught by Wargs,' Khelek mumbled as another wave drenched him in water.

[Child of the 7th Age]

As evening dipped over Numenor's coastline, everyone sat honing and polishing their weapons. The skiff, which to the hobbits and hobbrim looked gigantic, had laid down anchor in shallow water. The landing party presumably intended to disembark the next morning to search the caves and cliffs for any sign of dragons.

Cami sat carefully selecting and balancing her arrows, covering the head with the black pitch which the hobbrim had gathered. Andril came over to sit by her. Even she was arming herself, carrying a fine bow and quiver. "You know," observed the wise woman, "you would always be welcome to stay with us, both you and Azra."

"But how could I do that?" Cami laughed, wondering why Andril would raise such a point "I do not have your way with water."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. Just think on it when the time comes. The stories all say you were in love with lore, and the sea-hobbits are the keepers of that lore. You might find much dear to you in the life that we lead."

Cami did not reply with words, but her eyes met those of the wise woman. Neither of them spoke, but both knew what the other was really saying.

"I promise to think on it," she stated. For truly, she had never even considered this as a possibility.

[Birdland]

Birdie, cloaked and hooded, rode one of the skiffs out onto the waves, slowly approaching the landing craft of the Men of Gorthaur. Cami and Rose were hidden under a skin laying in the bow.

Under any other circumstances, there would be no way that Bird could have controlled the light skiff in the choppy, chaotic waves of the shallows. She noticed that even the strong men in the landing boat were having a hard time making progress. But her own skiff was being supported and guided from below by tens of Hobbrim, who had their long, strong fingers clinging to ropes attached to the hull. To anyone observing the boat's progress, it would look as if it were guided by the magic of Ancalimon.

"No one is going to believe I'm a Numenorean. I'm too short!" muttered Birdie to her hidden passengers.

"Just think tall!...and regal" Cami whispered back. "You're the only one who can pull it off, Birdie. They're certainly not going to believe that I'm one!"

"Get ready. We're close." Bird whispered. She threw back her hood and stood up in the stern of the skiff, raising her arms to wave at the landing boat before her.

The Men in the boat looked up in amazement as they saw a small boat bearing down on them, containing a lone woman whose hair and cloak whipped in the wind of the storm. Her and the boat seemed to glide across the waves guided by some unknown force. A high, thin voice called to them from across the waves.

"Help me! Help me! I am lost!"

The skiff bore down upon the Men, who back-stroked to keep their own boat in place. One man, obviously the leader, stood up in the boat, his hand on his sword, and called back to the fast approaching woman. "Lady, where do you come from, and what is it you seek?"

The small skiff touched the side of the landing boat, as the woman stooped and picked up two clay pots. Raising them high, she cried. "I come from your nightmares, and I seek the Halls of Mandos!"

And with that, Bird broke the two pots against the side of the Men's boat. Oil and hot coals mingled, and the boat of the landing party was quickly consumed in flames. At the same time, an army of small, scaled figures rose from the waters, dipping thin arrows into the surrounding waters. The arrowheads blazed up, and were sent whizzing into the air around the crafts.

The last thing the Men on the landing craft saw was the small figure of the woman growing and changing into a a massive, black and silver dragon, and the last thing they heard was the dragon screaming "Cami! Rose! Bail out now! The boat's on fire!"

Bird rose into the air on Dragon wings, and turned her attention to the second black-flagged vessel waiting off-shore.

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

As the flaming boat began to tip and plunge into the depths of the waters, Cami remembered Angara's stern warning to Bird, not to take on dragon form. But heedless of all admonitions, the shapechanger glided through the skies aiming for the mother ship. Cami rubbed her eyes in disbelief. If Gorthaur had been looking for one dragon before, perhaps he would now be seeking two. But at least, no eyes had focused on hobbits or hobbrim with this rare spectacle in the heavens.

Cami had been shooting arrows, but now flung herself out of the small boat into the churning waters trying to reach the distant shore. All about her the sea burned hot with patches of blazing oil floating atop the waves. The stench and heat were overwhelming. She fought to stay afloat, but felt her lungs give way as heavy smoke filled the air. Cami remembered looking up and crying out for help, and then thinking no help would come. But, at the last instant, the black and spun dragon spun about in its path, veering away from the black flagged ship, and swooping down into the waters. Then she changed to dolphin form. The last thing the hobbit remembered before passing out, was a familiar body coming underneath her to stop her descent into the depths of the sea.

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Birdland]

Dolphin and Hobbit beached themselves on the sand; Birdie quickly morphing into human form as she scrambled on the shore towards the limp form of Cami.

The sky and sea behind them was lit with red, flickering light as the Changling hovered over Cami. Bird looked over her shoulder at the larger vessel, where the black shadows of Men stood on deck, pointing and crying at the conflagulation that had appeared on the water where their shipmates had been. Some of the crew were even jumping into the water in panic, where they were quickly dispatched by the waiting Hobbrim. The sails of the black-flagged ship were furled and tacked, as they tried frantically to pull away from the burning waters and the mysterious attackers.

"Cami! Cami! Speak to me!" Birdie futilely patted the Hobbit's hand, and laid her ear on her chest to detect a heartbeat. "What do I do? What do I do?" Bird started pumping on the Halfling's chest, intoning "Out with the bad air...in with the good...out with the bad air...in with the good...".

"Oh, Cami! Wake up!" Bird looked in panic over her shoulder. "Cami! I don't know where Rose is! Cami? Cami! Wake up!"

At that moment, the little hobbitress groaned, rolled over, and began to cough up seawater.

[piosenniel]

Pio watched the larger ship come round and head back toward the coast line. She cried out to Mithadan and Ancalimon as they stepped from the stairway, onto the deck.

'They have turned!' She shaded her eyes and looked hard at the far shoreline. 'There is something burning on the coast there that draws them.' A great fear rose in her as she watched the distant scene play out. Where were the hobbits and Bird? Where was Angara?

'We are too far out! Bring us closer in!' she shouted to Veritas. The Star now moved more swiftly over the waves, though still it trailed far behind the other ship. She strained to see what was happening on the beach, but could not make it out.

'We cannot have come all this way to lose them now. That would be too cruel. We must find them, Mithadan, and quickly!'

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Rose Cotton]

Rose dove into the water and struggled despratly to get away from the flame and oil. The salty waves stung her eyes and tasted bitter in her mouth. They tossed her about and she couldn't find any air. Then Rose felt strong little hands grasp her and pull her up. The hobbrim helped Rose onto the shore where Cami and Bird lay. "What do we do now?" cried Rose. "The larger ship is coming."

[Child of the 7th Age]

The hobbrim had gathered on the beach, bringing Rose with them. She looked to be in better shape than Cami who still sat on the edge of the shoreline, holding her sides as she gasped and heaved up water.

Angara had managed to find her way out from the back of the cavern and raced over to the group. Thr dragon was evidently feeling a bit stronger as she directed several small blasts of flame dangerously close to Bird's head. "What have you done?" she growled. "You can change from dragon form into another, but I am stuck in this body. And now the great ship has turned, and is bearing down on us to find this mysterious silver and black wyrm who dived into the waters. You are as stupid as the Man!" Angara looked as if she wanted to roast Bird over an open fire.

All eyes on shore now turned towards the great vessel which flew under the black banner. It sailed towards the coastline at an alarming rate in an easterly direction. The storm had abated, but the winds were still blowing fiercely, pushing everything before it first this way and then that. No clear pattern was evident in these whirling gusts. Behind the ship with its black device, came the Star intent on rescue also sailing to the east, but still far behind.

Cami tried to clear her mind. Out of the fog in her head, she struggled towards an answer. It was quite clear that their own vessel would not catch up with that belonging to Angthaur and his crew. There was only one thing to be done.

"West," she croaked, "We must get in the water and swim and row due west, and the Star must also tack in that direction. Bird, can you take any form except that of dragon and swiftly go towards our ship and bring them to where we'll be in the water?"

Within an instant, a silver dolphin had slipped into the waters and headed on a straight line underwater towards the Star. Still unable to fly, Angara plunged into the waters swimming along with Cami and Rose and Daisy and all of the hobbrim.. Cami hoped that the great black ship would continue its easterly course towards the burning vessel, and ignore the straggling group of survivors swimming to the west.

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

Mithadan watched grimly as the Numenorean schooner approached the shore and the conflagration which had engulfed its skiff. The Star was well behind and struggled to close on the larger vessel despite contrary winds. Piosenniel stood next to him, squinting through the smoke and mist at the shore. The diminished crew of the Star were all armed and prepared to take on the larger crew of the Numenorean vessel.

Despite the chaos, Ancalimon laughed. He stood by the bow, holding a large tube in his hands. "Clever Hobbits," he cried. "They feed the fears of the sailors with sudden fire! You seek dragons? Very well! Chase this one!"

Ancalimon propped the tube up on the rail, and taking up a tinder box, appeared to set fire to the end. With a whoosh, something leapt from the end of the tube and shot out toward the schooner. In a cloud of smoke and flame, it grew and lifted high above the Numenoreans' mast where it unfolded and took shape.

To the amazement of the Star's crew, a golden glowing dragon appeared before the schooner where it hovered for a moment, spouting flame and smoke. The screams of the Numenorean sailors could be heard above the din. Then the glowing dragon turned and sped off to the West toward and over the tip of Hyarnustar. The schooner floundered for a moment as its crew adjusted its sails and turned to follow the apparition.

Several of the Numenoreans began waving frantically at the Lonely Star. "Ware! Ware! A dragon!" they shouted. Mithadan turned the wheel bringing the Star about to an easterly course and waved to the Numenoreans as if in thanks. In a matter of minutes, the schooner began to shrink with distance as it moved toward the West in pursuit of Ancalimon's dragon.

[piosenniel]

Pio watched the golden 'dragon' as it flew west, the black bannered ship in swift if futile pursuit. She turned her attention quickly back to the shoreline and sought a sign of her friends. Nothing! Only the reeking black smoke of the burning skiff, curling into the sky, like some funeral pyre.

The Star continued on its course toward that part of the coastline where the destroyed craft lay. Grim thoughts filled her mind as their ship closed the distance.

Then a cry came from Khelek, standing at the bow. 'A dolphin! There is a dolphin which makes for us!'

Pio ran to his side, and a small measure of hope came to her when she saw the form of her old friend, Bird. She hailed her with a wave, and the dolphin now turned and swam in a northwesterly direction.

'It's Bird!' she shouted, running up the steps to the helm. 'Keep her in sight, Veritas. She's come to take us to our companions.' The Star now bore along the same path as the dolphin.

They slowed the ship as it drew nearer in. Pio shaded her eyes and could see the dolphin swimming a large circle around a small boat and some struggling swimmers, too near in the shore for the Star to safely reach them.

'Bring her in as close as you can, Veritas.' She moved quickly to where the Star's skiffs were. 'Come, Mithadan! We must make for them before they drown. Khelek, Ancalimon, help us ready the boats!

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Birdland]

The Dolphin sprang from the sea and morphed into woman form in mid-air, landing on the deck and immediately striding towards Pio, Mith and Ancalimon. "Ulmo take you all to the Halls of Mandos! And you can take that great, gilded Wyrm with you!"

"Woman, hold your tongue, and mind who you curse." Mithadan glowered at the angry skinchanger.

"I WILL NOT!" Birdie stood on tiptoe and glared eye-to-eye at the Man. "Be a dragon. Don't be a dragon. Birdie, change to this. Birdie change to that. I've tried to do everything I've been told to on this journey, and all I ever hear are complaints!"

"I never wanted that form, you know. It's freakishly hard to control. And dangerous. But I did it for you!" She shot her finger, one at a time, at Pio, Mith, Khelek, Veritas and Ancalimon. "You Elves, and Half-Elves, and Quarter Elves, and Whatever in Arda you all are. You said you wanted dragons, I gave you a dragon. And as thanks that great, brassy beast YELLS at me. And shoots FIRE at me. ME!"

"And as if that wasn't enough, The next thing I'm seeing is ANOTHER Dragon! You want a Dragon? I'LL give you a Dragon." And before the aghast crew there stood on the deck a gigantic half woman/half dragon form, with streaming black and white hair flagging in the wind over massive silver wings. It crossed it's black scaled arms across its chest, and tapped its taloned foot on the deck. "There. Happy?"

A small voice came calling from off the water. "Could we settle this later. We've no boat, and we're floating in the water, here."

Birdie strode over to the rail and shouted down into the water at the mass of Hobbrim surrounding Cami and Rose. "Oh, really? Well you should of thought of that before you decided to use burning pitch on a wooden skiff!"

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Mithadan]

Mithadan nearly laughed after recovering from the sight of Bird. "Bird, I would hug you if not for the fear of being scorched," he cried. "But where in all this wrack and wreckage is Angara?"

"Angara? ANGARA?" she shouted. "You should be the last person to ask of her! I would not come near that wyrm if I were you, unless you'd enjoy getting sliced into ribbons and eaten for an appetizer!"

Nonetheless, Bird shifted back into her human form, at which time, to her great consternation, Mithadan made good on his offer. "Not now, Mithadan," she mumbled. "The missus is watching."

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio's Post

Pio hugged Bird, and whispered in her ear. 'I have never known you to be cautious with regards to a man who was spoken for, old friend!' She drew back from her friend, and regarded her with a grave and considering look. Bird blanched and fidgeted.

The elf let her twist in the wind for a brief moment, then broke into a big smile. 'It's a joke, you scurvy skin-changer!' Drawing close again, she clapped her on the back and laughed. 'Besides, dragon or no, you are no match for my sword and knives should you offend me!'

Bird's eyes widened at the threat, and she drew back.

'Got you again! That dragon form must have made you slow-witted.' Pio laughed again. 'Now come! Let's haul the rest of the crew from the water. I see you've brought guests - we shall have to get them on board and all sorted out.

---------------------------------------------
Sharon's post

Still swimming in the waters, Cami wildly raised her hand, "I have Angara. She's on my shoulders. The wyrm told me she couldn't swim, and would drown unless I helped her out."

Mithadan peered over the side of the ship. The hobbit's curls barely remained visible above water, but Angara had shifted to her smallest form and rode neatly on top of Cami's shoulders. The dragon seemed quite comfortable, her hind legs dangling on either side of the woman's neck, her upper body and arms comfortably dry. In her most imperious voice, she commanded Cami to swim this way or that to assure her the most cozy seat and the very best view.

With this heavy burden upon her back, the hobbit again seemed ready to sink into the depths of Ulmo's kingdom. But, this time, it was Mithadan who was her rescuer. He leaned far over the railing and, with a long pole generally used for helping secure the boat to the dock, jabbed Angara in the ribs to force her to topple off.

"By all that is sacred in the waters and the earth, this is a sight to behold. A great dragon so weak that she sits like a queen on the back of a hobbit! What new excuses have you come up with to condone this ruse?" He shook his head and laughed.

But the golden wyrm was not to be outmatched even with words. Her eyes whirled and gleamed, "Look in your own mirror Man! If it were not for your carelessness, I would be flying on wings of ease, instead of cowering under this woman's skirts and sitting on her shoulders. But your stupidity has drawn me into this fix."

Mithadan's glowered, his eyes as dangerous as those of the wyrm. "We will discuss these matters later, my scaly friend. I do not recall this affair as simply as you have stated it."

"But now," he said turning towards the rest of the party, "we wish to welcome our hobbrim friends to the Star, and say how very, very pleased we are to see you."

From below, came many excited exclamations and responses. Bird and Veritas unwound the winch and let down a large basket for the hobbits and hobbrim to climb inside and be raised up onto the deck of the ship. This was repeated several times untill all had come safely aboard.

When noses were counted, the wise woman was pleased to discover that all thirty hobbrim had come safely to the ship. Even the women with young ones, whom Ancalimon had feared wouldn't make it without a boat, had somehow managed to bring themselves and their children safely through the ordeal.

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Rose Cotton]

Rose, exuasted from swimming so much colaped on the deck. A wave of laughter escaped her. She had enjoyed the adventure. "So!" she called out over her mirth, "Who was the third dragon we saw today?"
"That was Ancalimon's doing." said Pio. "I'm not quite sure what he did but it worked."

[Birdland]

Bird watched in delight as the Hobbrim overran the Lonely Star, exploring their new, temporary "home" as if they had discovered a brave, new world.

This is what all the trouble and strife had been for. To preserve a long-forgotten branch of the Free People. Of course, they would be "forgotten" again, perhaps even by Birdie, if what Pio and Child said was true. But she felt like she would always remember the emotions she felt this day - even if she didn't remember the reason for it.

Then she spied Angara. Bird's eyes narrowed as she glared at the insufferable Wyrm. "I could be a better Dragon than you with one hand tied behind my back!" she thought to herself.

The Dragon's golden head turned towards the skin-changer, and her eyes whirled with amusement and challenge. Bird got no message in her mind, but eyes said it all.

"We'll see, Changling."

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[piosenniel]

It was late evening and thirty hobbrim had been fed and found places they could bed down in later. Now they had gathered with the Star's crew on deck to sit and talk and tell each other their stories. Pio made her excuses and withdrew from the group, saying she would relieve Veritas of the watch, and send her down to them.

She walked slowly to the bow, where Veritas stood watching the waters to the north. Pio could hear her humming an old song, softly, as she swept her head in an arc from west to east and then slowly returned to center. 'I've always loved that song!' said Pio. She sang the first verse of it in a clear voice, joined by Veritas for the remaining. Their voices wove together an image of such light and loveliness that it flowed over the Star like a gentle stream and washed away the shadow and the darkness, if only for a moment.

'Perhaps we should not have done that, Veritas. It might not be wise to raise Elven voices in this dark time.' Veritas agreed reluctantly, loathing the thought of having to hide what was beautiful. Pio sent her to the circle of hobbrim and crew, while she assumed her place. The waters before her were empty of any threat, and she turned her thoughts to other matters, for the moment.

She sensed, rather than heard the dragon land lightly behind her. 'I see you have regained your strength , somewhat, Angara. Do you come now to apologize?' She faced the approaching dragon.

'And what have I to apologize for?' returned the Wyrm. 'It was that Man who drew the attention of Gorthaur, not I.'

'You forget, I "heard" all you said. And it was you who drew the dark mind to us.' Pio shuddered at the remembrance of his foul touch. 'You and your insufferable pride that endangered us.'

She advanced upon the dragon. 'The hour grows near, Angara, when friends will rely on one another to keep each other safe and whole. I had thought I would be able to do this with you at my side. And now I do not know that I can trust you.'

The dragon looked down and would not meet the Elf's eyes.

'I miss you, my old friend.' spoke Pio, kneeling down close to Angara's head. 'I need you now by my side.' The dragon looked up and saw hope mirrored in Pio's eyes.

She wondered at it, as the Elf touched her forehead to hers and opened her mind briefly. Angara's mind reeled at the contact, as the images of such grace and light reached out to her. She staggered back, breaking the contact, and sought to steady her breathing.

She saw Pio smiling gently at her. 'You have not told . . .?' asked Angara. The elf shook her head 'no'.

'I cannot. I must see this last thing done. Will you help me?'

The dragon sighed, and she came forward, to place her head in the Elf's lap.

'So be it, Piosenniel. As I can, I will.'

'I can ask no more, my friend.'

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami had anticipated that the advent of families and children on the Star would bring about many changes. In this, she was not disappointed.

The hobbrim settled as a group on one of the lower decks. Blankets and mats were scattered about as well as the few belongings that they'd managed to salvage by tucking them into packs and belts. No one was actually placed in charge, but somehow things ran quite smoothly. There was much laughter and good-natured jostling as, family-by-family, they laid out their possessions and staked out an enclave on the deck. Young children made up nearly half the group.

Cami wasn't surprised that Kali had removed his belongings from his cabin, and opted to join the hobrim. Daisy hadn't made that commitment yet, but seemed to be spending every waking moment with her new friends. As Piosenniel's roomate, the hobbit had felt some reservation about seeing Mithadan occupy more and more of the Elf's time. But, in those moments when Daisy was actually part of the hobbrim party, all her sadness seemed to disappear. Two of the girls had even adopted her as an honorary sister.

Rose and Cami and Bird circulated throughout the floor to make sure everyone was settling in. The two hobbits kept busy racing back and forth from the storerooms to the galley to the lower deck, distributing food and needed supplies. Bird chose the sea cows as her special project. She made many trips with the children to visit them and brought back pails of milk which were needed for hungry mouths.

Although normally well behaved, the youngsters bubbled over with energy and excitement. They explored every cranny of the ship and shyly introduced themselves to all on board. The Elves merited their special attention, since the little ones had never before seen such tall and beautiful beings.

Khelek found himself doing daily chores surrounded by a bevy of small admirers. They were more than happy to assist him, but generally managed to get in his way, overturning buckets and mops in their enthusiasm. Pio found two of the youngsters hanging off the helm, and chased away a few more out of her cabin where they had gone to explore the maps.

Ancalimon, who seemed well known to the hobbrim, also came in for a share of this attention. The peddler revelled in the children's presence, and did his best to keep them occupied by telling tales and even joining in their games.

But most surprising of all to Cami was the role that Angara played. For, out of all the company on the Star, it was Angara whom the children singled out as their favorite. Although initially frightened by the wyrm's size and appearance, they had crept closer and closer to admire her gleaming golden scales and magnificent wings. The dragon had eyed them curiously at first, but then with increasing interest.

Cami expressed reluctance to let the youngsters near the wyrm in view of the latter's foul mood over the past few days. The dragon seemed a bit more settled since speaking with Pio that morning, but the hobbit still doubted her change of heart.

The wise woman had pleaded Angara's case, pointing out how lonely and sad the great beast must have been to act in such a pitiable manner. Andril begged she be allowed to speak with the dragon privately, and Cami finally agreed. Whatever the wise woman said or did in that meeting, it seemed to have a magical effect on the wyrm's behavior.

The children surounded her, warming her with small hands, soft embraces, and gentle laughter. Angara responded as if this was the most natural development in the world. Cami couldn't help comparing the dragon's behavior to that of a mother duck who tolerates her children's antics with good humor and carefuly shields them from harm.

Seeing how the little ones had managed to get into too much mischief, Andril and Cami decided to try and organize a least a small piece of their day. Each child was assigned to help in the galley or in the cleaning brigade on the main deck, as well as taking lessons with either Mistress Andril, Mistress Cami, or Ancalimon.

Angara was given the supervision of the children's chores, an aspect of the ship in which she'd never shown the slightest interest. This time, her response was different. She watched over the hobbrim like a vigilant mother, praising their efforts and gently correcting their mistakes. The wyrm showed every sign of being fiercely protective of her charges, yet still deferred to Andril or their parents as the need arose. Never before, had Cami seen the dragon try so hard to behave. And if the hobbit had not witessed it with her own eyes, she would not even have believed it possible.

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

The Captain was met at the docks by an escort from the palace. They mounted horses and rode hard for hours until they reached Armenelos. There, the Captain found himself waiting in the antechamber of the quarters of Gorthaur, formerly the prisoner and currently the King's Advisor. He sat uncomfortably, fidgeting as he waited for his audience. After several minutes, a guard, clad in red, opened the door and ushered him in to stand before Gorthaur.

"I understand that you sighted the dragon, is that correct?" began Gorthaur, pleasantly enough.

"Yes, my lord," replied the Captain. "Not far from the mouths of the Siril. I sent a landing party to shore. They were assailed and their craft set afire. Then the beast approached our ship, only to turn away. Moments later it appeared again and flew over our bow, then turned west and passed over the tip of Hyarnustar. We followed and attempted to locate it to no avail and returned to port immediately."

"Very good," said Gorthaur. "It flew to the Western parts of the island." He turned to his servant and instructed that two more ships be sent out to search the western shores. Then he turned back to the Captain. "What did it look like?"

"Well," answered the Man. "It first appeared to be dark of color, lighter beneath, though that may have been some trick of the light -- shadows from the storm. When it overflew our vessel and proceeded west, it seemed to be golden in color. It was very large."

Gorthaur squinted, considering the Captain's words. Golden. That might be Smaug perhaps -- but he would not be mistaken as dark in color. Yet I recall no other flying worm which survived the downfall of the Thangorodrim that was dark above, light below. Unless the beasts have spawned others while they cower in hiding.

"Very well, Captain. You and your crew shall be rewarded. But return to sea and join the search. If the beast is found, I myself will come. And if it cannot be found in the west, expand your search towards Hyarrostar. Perhaps it will return there."

[piosenniel]

Daisy had come seeking Pio and found her talking with Angara. She waited patiently until the dragon had left, and then approached the Elf shyly.

Pio looked at her questioningly. She held her hand out to the hobbit. 'Come, Daisy!' she said gently. 'What troubles you?' The hobbit stood tongue-tied and silent. 'Just blurt it out.' prompted Pio. 'We can sort through it after you've done that.'

'Well, it's about Mithadan . . . and you,' she said in a low voice, 'I suppose you'll be having your own cabin, now, and . . .' Her words trailed off, and she studied her feet as if she found them the most fascinating of subjects.

'And?!' prompted Pio, once again. And then it hit her. She raised Daisy's chin with her fingers and shook her head. 'Of course, . . . and then you'll be lonely!' She grinned and hugged her tightly. 'I'm not giving you up for him! Push that idea right out of your head!' She thought for a moment. 'In fact, I'm sure he would like a whole bed to stretch out in by himself tonight. He'll need all the rest he can get to ride herd on thirty hobbrim and the crew. What say I come to your room tonight and sleep in my old bed? We'll talk, and perhaps I'll tell you more stories to put you to sleep!'

Daisy hugged Pio hard and laid her head against her. 'Oh, would you?!'

'Yes,' returned Pio, 'but first I need you to deliver a message to him. Tell him that I have gone to speak with Levanto. There is something I need to ask him to do.'

She withdrew into the shadows, and left all but her small-clothes folded neatly on the barrel near her. From her boot top she withdrew a small knife and held it in her hand. 'I will be back soon, Daisy. And then will come to your room. If you are sleeping I will wake you. Now go quickly, and tell Mithadan so that he will not worry.' She put the knife between her teeth, and went over the side quietly.

Daisy watched her as she entered the water and then swam strongly to the north. She went down to the deck below and searched for him, but could not find him. She meant to find him in his cabin, but she was distracted, thinking of what story she would like to hear from Pio. She went to her own cabin, and lay down on her bed meaning to tell Mithadan when she heard him going to his cabin. But she was tired. And sleep was so inviting. 'I'll just close my eyes for a moment.' she said to herself, settling her head on her pillow.

The bright sun through the porthole in her room woke her. That and the sound of Mithadan's voice, booming loudly in irritation down the hall.

'Now where has she gone off to?!' she heard him yell. The hobbit sat up quickly and looked toward Pio's bed. She hadn't come!

Daisy ran to her door, and poked her head out just as the man was passing.

'Mithadan?!'

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Mithadan]

Mithadan halted his march down the hall and turned to face the Hobbit, who now wished that she had not tried to catch the Man. "Yes, Daisy?" he said in irritation.

"I'm sorry," said Daisy. "But Pio asked me to give you a message last night but I couldn't find you and I went to my cabin to wait for her because she was going to tell me a story and stay with me but I fell asleep and..." She halted her speech breathlessly for a moment.

"And?" prompted Mithadan.

"She said that she needed to speak with Levanto about something and swam to shore. That's what I was supposed to tell you," she replied. "But she said she would come back and sleep with me last night and she never returned!" The Hobbit looked on the verge of tears.

"Come now, Daisy," said Mithadan. "Its alright. Now I know where she is and I'm sure that she's fine with Levanto. They had a lot to speak about I'm sure."

Daisy seemed relieved that Mithadan was not angry and smiled. The Man smiled back, then turned away to walk up to the deck. But as he turned, his face shifted from a smile to a mask of concern.

[piosenniel]

The Star had moved just beyond the waters of the bay after the rescue of the hobbrim and hobbits. Pio swam a great distance, toward the middle of the bay, to a point about ten miles off shore. She paused to get her bearings and then kicked her way deeply beneath the waves.

She remembered a certain place that Levanto had described to her, and she thought now to look for him there. Her eyes picked out the rocky formation, and she made for it. She entered into the grotto, and found him sleeping there, a long strand of seaweed wrapped about his torso to secure him in place as the gentle currents washed over him.

She unwrapped the tether, and kissed him softly on his cheek. When he awoke, she took his hand and brought him to the surface. He grinned at her. 'You've come to your senses! You've left him!!'

Pio laughed and shook her head 'no'. 'I've come to ask a favor of you.' She told him what had happened concerning the finding of the hobbrim, the rescue of Angara, the search ships, and the scrutiny of Gorthaur.'

'I have spent much time below these past days. I did not know of these happenings.' He paused for a moment, thinking. 'But now it comes to me why the waters seemed troubled, as if a shadow had passed through them.' He looked at her. 'What is it you wish of me, Pio?'

'I need to have information of the number of ships bearing the plain, black banner of Gorthaur that now patrol along this coastline.' She swept her pointing hand from west to east. 'Or if you have noted any such ships now patroling the River Siril.'

'The whole coastline? and the river? That will be a daunting task, even for me.' he said, thinking out loud. 'Perhaps I can enlist the aid of some of the creatures I have met here. Yes, I think I can do it in that way.' He leaned toward her, his brow slightly furrowed. 'You're being very cautious, this time, aren't you?'

'I cannot afford this time to be careless or caught by surprise.' she said, her face grave.

'And why is that? I never knew Piosenniel to be so bound by caution.'

'There is much relying on this caution.' she answered him. But he pressed her for her reasons, and she relented, drawing him near.

Her explanation was short, and given in a serious tone. He drew back from her, regarding her with a measure of surprise.

'And you have not . . . tol . . .?' he asked, holding her gaze with his own. She shook her head 'no'.

'Only Angara knows. And she will keep the secret. Will you?'

'But, why?'he pressed her, again.

'Because I must be there, in that first boat, for the transfer to work. I cannot be left behind.'

He made the promise, though reluctantly, and told her he would see her tomorrow to give her his findings.

'Thank you, my friend.' she said, then bid him goodbye and swam swiftly back toward the ship, hoping against hope that no one had missed her.
____________________________________________

Mithadan sat in a chair next to the barrel on which she had laid her clothes. The quiet time spent looking north over the waters had not improved his temperament. He held her bundle of clothes on his lap, and waited for her return.

She climbed quietly over the railing and made for the barrel. Her eyes grew wide when she saw him sitting there. She approached him, and stood before him, dripping.

'Are you looking for these?' he asked,rising to his feet, his face unsmiling.

She rubbed her arms to drive away the chill. 'My cloak, at least, if you please.' she answered him. Water dripped from her hair to her bare shoulders, and she shivered. 'Please, Mithadan, I am cold.'

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami stood on deck watching the scene where Piosenniel clambered aboard, wet and shivering. She looked curiously at the Elf, and then she looked again. She shook her head and rubbed her eyes looking at Piosenniel one last time. No, there didn't seem to be much doubt. Cami might have been absent from the Shire for the past twelve years, but she had lived there long enough before that to be quite sure about such things.

Mithadan had been sitting on the barrel as if transfixed, a mingled look of worry and frustration on his face. He was not responding to Pio's request. Cami swept forward and with a single gesture of one hand pushed the warm cloak towards her friend. With the other, she urged upon her a cup of hot, steaming tea, and told Pio to sit and rest. The Elf looked quite tired from her extended swim in the cold waters of the sea.

But inside her mind, she wondered, This is not right. There is too much risk here, and the risk bears on more than one. I must try to talk some sense into her!

Cami left Mithadan and Pio in privacy, but resolved to talk to the Elf later that day.

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]