The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

[piosenniel]

Levanto and Pio went over some last minute details. Levanto would make contact with Daisy and Bird every two or three days to bring back what information Daisy might find. The Elf saw this as a limited action on Daisy and Bird's part. Once the reports had been evaluated, and it was felt that nothing further would be gained by them being there, then Levanto was to have Bird and Daisy come back to the Star. Pio emphasized this several times to the Mer-man.

He put his hand on her arm. 'I'm worried, too, Pio. It is a dangerous place they'll find themselves in. It frusrates me that once out of the water, they will be out of my protection.'

The Elf sighed deeply and looked toward the north with worried eyes. 'Do the best you can, Levanto, that's all I ask; that's all you can do.' A cold tremor ran through her, though the night was warm.

Bird entered the water in her dolphin form, and Pio helped Daisy to seat herself on Bird's back. She looked at both of them, and thought to tell them not to go - that this was a foolish idea; they would find another way. A look from Bird stopped those words.

'Fare well.' was what she said, instead. 'And please, come back to me.'

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Birdland]

"Daisy, hold tight to my dorsal fin. No! Not my fluke! The dorsal! That tall fin sticking out of the middle of my back. There, that's right. Now lay close to my body, and try not to get in the way of my tail."

Birdie wondered if the small hobbit would even survive the journey to the caves. The water was cold, and the dead weight of Daisy in the water would slow Bird's movement. To carry her in dragon form, or tow her in a skiff would have been easier on all of them, but infinitely more dangerous. The small form of a dolphin might pass unnoticed by any spies on shore or on ship. This was the only way they could get close to the caves of the prison.

Bird struggled on the surface, doggedly towing Daisy, when suddenly Levanto came up on the other side of the hobbit, bracing her body with his, and wrapping his arm around her to support her and take some of her weight off of Birdie. He synchronized his swimming with Bird's, and suddenly Daisy felt herself supported above the water and warmed by the presence of the dolphin's and Merman's bodies. She was wet, but she was warm, and her head was above water. Their speed increased.

"Hold on, Daisy", said Levanto, "It's won't be that long, and the Elders will give you warm food and drink, and dry clothes, as soon as we get there. In the meantime, chew on this." Levanto handed Daisy something that looked like some type of root. "It will warm you, and give you energy."

Daisy took the small piece of "root", and chewed slowly on it. It's effect was immediate, and very similar to miruvor. Daisy looked up at the stars above her, marveling anew at the wash of light that could only truly be appreciated at sea. She felt that she could have swum the distance to the caves on her own. But instead she clung to Bird's fluke more tightly, and gave herself over to the sea and her friends.

Levanto gave small pieces to himself and Bird as well, and their speed increased even more. And so the three continued their journey with renewed heart and hope.

The crew and passengers of the Lonely Star watched the three until the sea and the night swallowed them. Then they returned to their own tasks, and the long wait for the final rescue.

[ October 05, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[mark12_30]

Coral, having climbed up the bow and leaned over to watch Levanto, Daisy, and Bird depart, sighed heavily. She wondered what kind of danger the three went into. She especially liked the raven-haired lady, that was the friend of the wyrm, and wished that the raven-haired lady didn't have to go.

After she lost sight of them, she turned and watched Kali, who was leaning over and watching too. Kali looked ready to jump in after them, and Coral half expected him to. But he didn't. He stood and watched long after they were out of sight.

[mark12_30]

Two elders had slipped down into the entrance to the tunnel that led to the water, and Gamba desperately wanted to follow. But he had to go and dig, and Phura could hardly sneak down with all the children in tow. He stretched painfully, having hurriedly eaten his breakfast, and nudged the sleeping Phura. "The kids are all yours, " he said. "I've got to go."

Phura rolled over and sighed. "Is it morning already?"

Gamba leaned closer, whispering. "Did Loremaster tell you?"

"Yes. A girl. Not Azra, not Nitir. And not Piosenniel, either. A girl."

"With Levanto. Why did he say we couldn't be there?"

"I don't know. And no questions. No questions!" Phura was awake now, and sat up. "You'd better go."

"Tell me anything you find out."

"Don't worry."

Gamba stepped over Asta and Roka, and headed for the graveyards, melting into the twilight. All around him, other hobbits were doing the same. Phura sat up, and studied the children. There were five now. Two more boys had joined them-- little Ban, four years old, and tiny little Maura, who could barely speak.

Phura didn't get nearly as much studying done anymore as he used to.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami sat up in the galley with a pot of hot tea. She couldn't tear from her mind the receding image of Daisy as she sped towards the prison upon Bird's back. Daisy had looked even smaller and younger than when Cami had seen her before.

Except for Rose and herself, the others on the ship had never been in such a prison. You never knew from one moment to the next which guard would lash out in anger, or what unreasonable command would fall on your head. Cami kept remembering the day they'd demanded she choose one child to die. She couldn't bring herself to do that, so there'd been two small bodies lying in the sand. And, as hard as she tried, she could never totally put that image out of her mind.

Rose came over to the galley and sat near Cami, pouring herself a cup of tea. The young hobbit whispered, "I did alright, and you were afraid for me. She'll do alright too."

Cami looked up with haunted eyes, "But you followed me by choice. Perhaps it was a foolish choice, but it was your own. I'm the one who suggested sending Daisy. I'm the one responsible for her being there. Back home, we would never have someone so young face a danger like this."

Rose shook her head, and answered with a quiet wisdom older than her years. "But this isn't home. And Daisy had a choice. She could have said 'yes' or 'no'. You know how Mithadan is. If Daisy had even blinked once, the whole plan would have been scrapped. But she didn't. She wanted to go and do this. You did the best you could, and that's what Daisy's doing too."

Then Rose made Cami finish her tea and directed her back to the cabin with strict orders to get some sleep.

[ October 05, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Rose Cotton]

After sending Cami to get some rest Rose made the familar climb up to the crow's nest. From there she strained her eyes vainly to see where Daisy and Birdie had gone. She dearly wished she could streach her mind across the distance as her friends did so that she could know what was happening. If only Rose felt as confident as she had sounded to Cami. It wasn't that she didn't belive Daisy could do this but there was a constant worry that nagged at her all the same.

[piosenniel]

'She should be there by now.' thought Pio. She looked toward the North and wished that she were there with her. Bird would protect her, she knew that. Though the nagging feeling of unease she felt was not allayed by this assurance to herself.

It was hot out on deck, the sun blazed brightly overhead. She had stripped down to a lightweight, no-sleeved shirt and a pair of short breeches, and bound a rolled up cloth about her head to keep the sweat from her eyes. Her arms and legs glistened with it as she practiced with her blade and knives. She was alone now. The others had earlier begged off any further sessions with her when her blade had left them sore and bruised as she put them through their paces. Even Khelek, whose skill was improving, had cried it quits when she knocked his legs from beneath him with a sweep of her leg, and placed the flat of her blade against his throat. 'Unfair!' he had shouted at her, flat on his back. 'It will be no fair contest when we enter the caverns!' she had answered him, extending her hand and pulling him to his feet. 'No game played by fair rules. You must seize the advantage as it comes to you, by any means.'

Tchunk! Tchunk! Tchunk! Her knives hit the mast squarely as she moved around it, moving further and further back at each revolution. Right hand, then left hand, then both hands - drawing the knives quickly from her baldric and sending them deep into the wood.

She had stopped, run out of knives to throw, for the moment, and was pulling them from the wood, when a voice spoke from behind.

'I think the mast is well and truly dead, Elf. Don't you?' Pio laughed and turned round to see Angara. 'It will be dead when I say it is dead, Wyrm!' she answered, stepping a far distance away from it, and readying herself for another round. Angara scurried beyond the perimeter of the throws and waited for her to finish.

'Come sit in the shade with me for a while.' offered the dragon as the last knife found its mark. Pio pulled her blades from the mast and sat down next to Angara, wiping her face with her shirt, and sighing loudly.

'You do realize you scared the rest of the crew with your sword play this morning? A little rough with them weren't you?. Most of them are afraid to come on deck right now, knowing that you're up here.' The dragon looked closely at Pio. There was no answer from the Elf whose eyes stared north, only another long sigh.

'Have you talked with Mithadan, as I asked you to?' said Pio, changing the subject. The dragon assured her she had. 'And have you bent your stiff neck and offered him some remainder of your old friendship?' It was the dragon's turn to be silent now. 'I thought not.' the Elf murmured. She held Angara's gaze, saying, 'I would have it so, old friend. Before we enter into battle against a new foe. Will you do that for me? I would have you both at my side, and not at odds.' Angara laid her head against the Elf's belly, and sighed.'So be it!' she said softly.

'Then you are sworn?' said Pio. 'Yes, Piosenniel, I am sworn.'

She watched as Pio resumed her practice. A dangerous and determined light shone in the Elf's eyes. 'She has plans!' Angara thought to herself. 'Perhaps I had better apprise my "new friend" that she bears close watching.'

[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Birdland]

They had made it, but it had been a close thing, despite the help of Levanto and the Mer-Folks herblore. By the time they had reached the rivershore leading to the cave Daisy was struggling against unconsciousness, and her cold hands had to be pried gently from the dorsal fin of the dolphin.

Loremaster and the other Elders carried the limp Halfling to the sand, as Levanto lifted his body from the water and looked on in worry. The dolphin, too, beached itself, and immediately changed to a wet, bedraggled, black haired woman, with a streak of white running through the limp hair on her forehead.

"Is she alright. Oh, I knew this would be too hard on her. Levanto, do you have any more of that root?" She looked up at the old hobbits gathered around Daisy, who were staring at her in open-mouthed astonishishment. "Oh, I'm Birdie. I'm from the Lonely Star also. Levanto, didn't you mention me at ALL to these people?"

The Loremaster stifled a smile, and bowed low to the soggy, small woman. "There is no need for introductions, my Lady. We are all aware of who you are, and are delighted to meet you at last. However, I fear that your presence here might be harder to keep secret, especially if the younger Halflings know of it."

"But I promised I would stay with Daisy", Bird said as she took the wet clothes off the hobbit and wrapped her in the dry blankets offered by the Elders. "I mean, I know you will all help her, but I did promise. I can't leave."

"There should be no need for you to leave. I believe you have your own methods for keeping yourself secret, my Lady?"

Oh, of course!" said Birdie with a grin. "I must be tired, myself." And with that, she started to morph and shrink. The other Elders gasped and murmured amongst themselves. It was one thing to teach the old tales and recite the old names of characters from the past. Quite another to see the tales become truth before their eyes.

But Loremaster just bent down and gently cupped the tiny black-and-silver neekerbreeker in the palm of his hand. Birdie waved her thread-thin antennae towards the old one, and asked "Will this work?"

"It will do splendidly, My Lady. We have no shortage of insects in the cave. One more should never be noticed."

Bird smiled, though she doubted that the Loremaster could see it, and rubbed her legs together to give a small "neek-breek" of pleasure. "You know you don't have to call me "my Lady", I'm not a Lady - I mean, not that kind of Lady. You may call me Birdie, if you like"

"Thank you, 'Birdie'. I would be honored. Levanto," he turned and bowed to the Mer-Man, "Once again we are in your debt. Please be assured we will take care of your companions, as much as we can, and do whatever is necessary to aid them. What you do for us all will never be forgotten."

Levanto just smiled sadly at the Loremaster. "Yes, Loremaster. This is a tale that should be remembered."

The Elders carried Daisy back into the cave, Bird resting on the edge of the blanket. Levanto returned to sea to rest as well.

[piosenniel]

It was just past first light, and she felt someone shaking her on the shoulder, gently at first, then more insistent.'Wake up! Wake up, Daisy!' came the voice through her sleepy haze.

The thin blanket was pulled from her, and the chill air of the cave made her draw her legs up tight against her. Her eyes opened blearily on a bleak scene and she closed them tight again, one hand feeling desperately for the blanket to draw it up over her head. Such a nice dream she was having! Flying through the water with Bird and Levanto!

Again the blanket was snatched away, and this time she was rolled unceremoniously from her bed to land on the cold floor. 'Bird?' she cried. 'What are you doing? I'm so tired and so cold.'

'We're all tired and cold here.' came a voice she didn't recognize. 'And Bird's not here. I am.'

Daisy sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. A girl, about her age, with large brown eyes was leaning in close to her. She smiled at Daisy and stood now in front of her, offering her a hand up.

'I'm Anemone - Anee, for short. The Elders have asked me to show you around.' She pulled Daisy to her feet. 'But we must hurry! The Captain at the Guard House likes us to be there early. I told him I had found a replacement for the girl who left, and we shouldn't be late. He gets angry when things don't run on his schedule!' She pulled Daisy down the corridor at a rapid pace.

'What about breakfast?' asked Daisy, tucking in her blouse as she went. 'No time for that now.' said Anee, 'And besides, it was hours ago. You'll just have to wait now til lunch.'

They reached the gates to the compound and were escorted across to the Guard House. Daisy pushed her unruly hair into some semblance of order and stood beside Anee as the door to the House was opened. They were admitted by a lean, dour looking man who led them silently down the hall.

Daisy held Anee's hand as they hurried after him. She leaned in close to her and asked. 'About that other girl - the one who left. What happened to her? Where did she go?'

Anee's face clouded, and she turned it away for a moment. 'Not now, Daisy!' she said, turning back, her face blank of all emotion. 'Not now. I will tell you later.'

The man who led them brought them to a door, and opening it, ushered them in without a word. A tall, imposing man stood there, hands behind his back, a cat-like smile playing about his lips as he saw the two enter. 'So, this is to be my new runner?!' He looked at Daisy appraisingly, much as one might a piece of livestock.'Come closer, girl! And let me have a look at you.' He had her turn slowly in place before him. 'Looks healthy enough.' he murmured to himself. 'I hope she lasts longer than the other one.' He glanced toward Anee. 'Show her around will you, then send her back to me. I have a number of messages and orders that need to go out.' He turned his back on both of them, in dismissal.

Anee pulled Daisy from the office and took her down the hall. There was much to be shown and explained, and such a short time to do it.

[ October 05, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[mark12_30]

Tuka came in from the mines with a large canvas sack to fetch lunch for himself and nine others. As he filled the tattered sack with four loaves of bread and ten wrinkled apples, Phura approached him with his five kids tagging along.

"New girl, " Tuka muttered, with a glance in Daisy and Anee's direction.

Phura tightened his lips in acknowledgement, and fetched two loaves and six apples for his little brood. "You hear anything?"

Tuka shook his head once. "She's cute enough. Where's she from?"

"She's new. Of course she's cute."

"Looks like they're sitting down, " Tuka muttered, and shouldered his now-full bag. "I'm off. Learn what you can."

Not easy, Phura thought, since Loremaster has forbidden me to ask her any questions; but he headed towards Anee and the new girl anyway, five children tagging dutifully along. Phura pretended not to notice the dagger-like glares Loremaster was sending his way.

Phura softly warned the children not to make any noise or draw attention to the new girl. They said nothing, but sat around her in a circle, and just stared.

Daisy smild uneasily, and Anee tried not to laugh.

Phura sat down on the ground next to Anee, and started handing out bread and apples to his five little charges. "Hi, " he said, nodding at Anee, then Daisy. They nodded back.

But Phura had no idea what to say or do next. He had never met anybody new before except Levanto, and for once, Phura had been too excited about that meeting to really remember what the elders had said to Levanto in greeting. Every other hobbit in these caves had been born there, and grown up knowing everybody else. Phura sat and racked his brain, reviewing songs, and lore, and notes and commentaries. None of that information helped him to introduce himself to a new girl that had come from far away.

The silence grew really painful while Daisy and Anee and the five children munched their lunches, and finally in desperation Phura said, "If you want someone to sing for you, I will. Just ask."

Anee giggled, and Daisy smiled, surprised but pleased. "Thank you," she said, very quietly. "Maybe I will."

Phura looked away, and saw something that suddenly drained all the color from his face. Azraph had just emerged from the lunch line, and with lips pressed together in anger, was sending him an icy stare, lunch sack forgotten in her hand.

"Excuse me." He stood hastily and went to calm her jealousy. The five children trooped after him.

Anee stifled another smile. From within Daisy's collar, a tiny chuckle was heard, and a small insect voice chirped, "Watch your step, Daisy. Not a hobbit boy comes through here without noticing you." And then the Neekerbreeker's soft chuckle continued for several moments more.

Daisy sighed, and bit into her wrinkly apple.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[piosenniel]

Early evening had come. It had been a long workout for the Elf. Her muscles were tired, but her mind still worked at a fevered pace. One or two things from a short list of items needed to be put in place before the Teleri arrived. She had figured out the how of them and now only waited for the opportunity for action to appear.

As she drank a dipperful of tepid water from the barrel, she saw Cami leaned against the railing, looking toward the Isle. 'Ah!' she thought. 'Perhaps I can enlist her help.' She approached the hobbit and leaned on the rail next to her. A cool breeze ruffled Pio's sweaty curls.

'You miss her, too, don't you?' she observed staring north also. She rubbed her neck with her hand. 'I wish it had been me that had gone. I know that would be impossible, but still I would not have her there in so much danger.'

Cami looked at her, sensing another line of thought behind the Elf's musings.

'I understand that you are organizing a small party to secure some needed supplies for the ship.' Pio continued on. She pointed at the barrel she had just drunk from. 'That is nearly the last of the fresh water that we have. I was wondering who you had enlisted to obtain these staples that we need? And how long you think they might be gone from the Star?'

'Evasive Elf!' thought Cami to herself. 'What does she really have in mind - not bread and water, surely?'

[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami knew from experience there was no use trying to bludgeon information out of the elusive Piosenniel. Her best guise would be to initiate a conversation, and then see if any helpful information came spilling or, more likely, trickling out. That might or might not be successful, but it was the best strategy she could manage.

"Actually, Pio, the Star needs a number of things. We're almost out of flour and drinking water and fruit. When we planned our provisions, we thought the hobbits would be staying only a few days. We didn't count on thirty hobbrim being on board several weeks before the rescue. I wouldn't mind going myself to pick up those things in the skiff, but Mithadan keeps reminding me I mustn't be seen. Plus, there's another problem."

"Yes," said Pio, "And what might that be?" She looked positively cheerful at the mention of a problem.

"Ancalimon was speaking to me about the kind of supplies the hobbits would need for the Anduin. Apparently, the Elven ships are carrying a number of these items like small weapons, fishing nets, farming tools, even seed. Anything and everything the three clans would require to settle in. But he's still concerned about some things in short supply, especially herbs and healing potions. He and Mithadan spoke about it this evening."

"When I heard they were planning on taking the skiff out in the morning, I also asked them to pick up the foodstuffs that the Star needed. I think it will take them a good day and a half to do all that. And Mith insisted they must be careful not to purchase too much from any one vendor, lest the men of Numenor become suspicious."

At this point, the Elf was positively beaming.

"Pio, exactly what did you have in mind?"

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Pio startled the hobbit with an engulfing hug. 'That will be perfect!' she said delightedly. 'It will give me just enough time for what I need to do! You are a blesséd breeze from the West on a hot day!'

The look of surprise and suspicion on the hobbit's face brought her to her senses. Her face composed itself into a mask of utter innocence. 'I feel hemmed in of late, Cami.' she said. 'Restless! And too much the object of other people's scrutiny. I wish simply to have a space of private time for myself, with no one to whom I must be accountable.' She smiled and licked her lips like a cat tasting cream. 'I think that I shall go fishing while they are gone.' She leaned on the rail and looked north once again. 'Yes! Fishing. That is what I will be doing.'

'Come! let's go down to eat now!' She took Cami's hand in hers. 'I'm hungry!'

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

Mithadan was sitting at one of the galley tables, deep in conversation with Ancalimon. They had drawn up a list of needed supplies and were discussing how much of each they might safely buy from a single seller. Cami excused herself to speak with Rose. Pio approached the two men, and sat down quietly with her plate of food.

At a lull in their talk, she pointed at the list, saying 'I understand you two are going out tomorrow morning to replenish supplies for the Star? Will you be back by evening?' Ancalimon indicated it would take them longer than that. They would most probably not return until the following afternoon. She turned her attention to Mithadan. 'I just wanted to let you know while you are gone I intend to visit some oyster beds that Levanto pointed out to me. I'll bring back some as a welcome change to the perpetual fish. And freshwater eel, too, I think! Yes, I have a sudden taste for it, also. Don't worry if I return after you do, please.' She scooted her chair back from the table and got up. 'I'm going up now to relieve Khelek, and stand watch.' she said to Mithadan. 'I will see you later.'

[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Rose Cotton]

save

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ah, Elves, who could fathom their ways? Fishing, fishing........ How very strange? Cami could think of a number of things that might bring her great joy, but fishing was not on that list. Indeed, she'd eaten enough fish in the last six months to last her till the end of time. Cami wondered where Pio was really going, and what she intended to do.

And what would Mithadan say if he returned to the ship, and Piosenniel had not come back? She was relieved to hear that the Elf had mentioned her trip to her husband, and had casually indicated she might be gone a bit longer. But what if a bit longer turned into a lot longer? Somehow, the Man might not be so relaxed.

In any case, Mith had been overly protective as far as Pio was concerned. Who could fault anyone for going off for a bit on her own, whether it was for fishing or some other adventure? Surely Pio knew enough not to put herself or the Star in danger. The Elf had taken care of herself for several thousand years, and only once had she gotten into serious trouble. Cami wanted Pio to eat and sleep properly, but how she used her time awake was her own business.

But men were like that, even the very best of them, especially if they tended to be moody and solemn as Mithadan surely was. Cami knew she worried more than many hobbits who were totally carefree in their approach to life, but she was certainly not as bad as the Man! She'd spend her time fretting about Daisy and Bird who had gone into a truly dangerous situation, and let Pio fend for herself in the trials of everyday life.

[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Lunch had come and gone, such as it was. Anee had gone on to her own duties, saying she would meet Daisy later and they would walk back together. Daisy found herself dreaming of a hot bowl of fish stew from the Star as she entered the captain's office. 'Tarcil.' she said to herself. 'His name is Captain Tarcil. I must remember that!'

He was busy, his back turned to her, as she entered. She stood there quietly, not wanting to disturb him.

'Well, come here, girl!' he spoke to her gruffly, when he had noted her. 'Did Anee show you where you will be needed to go for me?' She nodded her head mutely, not looking him in the eye. 'Speak up, girl! Daisy? Is it?! I cannot read your mind!'

'Yes, sir! Captain Tarcil! I know where I'm to go.' She took the sheaf of papers he handed to her. They were carefully folded, but none were sealed, and on the top fold of each was written the place and person to whom it was directed.

He looked at her appraisingly. 'You can read, can't you Daisy? Otherwise, I'm afraid we'll have to replace you, too.' A feral look passed briefly on his face. She assured him she could. And he tested her by having her read the names and places on the messages he had given her. Satisfied, he sent her on her way, saying that she was to pick up any messages or replies for him as she went and then bring them back directly to him before going back to the caves.

He turned his back on her, returning to his work, and told her to close the door as she left. She was just about to step out the door, and pull it shut, when she heard Bird's tiny voice near her ear. 'Daisy! Let me jump to the door jamb. I'm going to look around his desk when I get the chance and see what I can discover. Pick me up when you come back this evening with his return messages.'

Daisy felt the small leap of the neeker-breeker as she jumped. She saw her climb up to the top of the door, and hide herself on the lintel. 'Good luck!' she mouthed at her, then went out, shutting the door securely behind her.

[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[mark12_30]

Gamba was back well before dinnertime, having finished his gravedigging several hours early. The same number of graves were required each day, and the stronger he grew the faster he dug them, and was free to go. He wondered why they let him go, but they did. The guards seemed as depressed about their work as he did about his.

Phura looked up from his studies, and gave a low whistle. Gamba's eyes sparkled in anticipation, and quite soon he was tackled by Kesha, and immediately buried under five ferocious ticklers. Phura watched as Kesha, Roca, Asta, Ban, and even little Maura tickled Gamba til his tears flowed and his sides ached.

Finally he begged for mercy, and they stopped, and pillowed themseves against him and began to tell him about the games they had played that day.

"There's a new girl here today, " Kesha announced softly. "We ate lunch with her."

"Really? Where is she from?"

Kesha shrugged.

"No answers, " Phura muttered. "I couldn't manage to ask any questions at all. And she didn't volunteer anything, and neither did Anee."

"Well, I hope she's from Nitir and Azra's ship. And I hope they come soon; sooner than two weeks," Gamba said, laboriously sitting up out from under a tangle of children. "What is it now? Eleven more days? That's twenty-two more hobbit graves. Can't they hurry?"

"I wish they could hurry, too. Perhaps we'll find out at dinner, " Phura said quietly.

Gamba said, "Maura, what did you have for lunch?"

"Bread and apples, " lisped the tiny child.

Gamba picked little Maura up, and held him close. Roka and Asta leaned against Gamba, and Ban squirmed into his lap. Kesha put one hand on Gamba's shoulder, and Gamba began softly to sing The Snowbattle of Ladros.

Phura put his pen down, and softly joined in.

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Birdland]

Birdie sat high on the door lintel, gazing down on Captain Tarcil as he worked at his table. His room, in a way, reminded the Changling of Child's on the Lonely Star, every surface covered with stacks of reports, maps, and letters. But Captain Tarcil's tastes were far more spartan. And there were no books. Not a one.

Suddenly the door jamb shook as a prison guard entered the room and saluted his superior. Bird gazed down on the "Black Numenorean", still surprised that all the Men in the prison looked "normal". This young soldier could even be described as handsome. Bird knew better than anyone that Evil does not always show a foul face, but still had to wonder what had led these Men - who could have been mixed in with any of the Dunedain or the population of Minas Tirith - to instead chose to follow their Dark Master.

"Captain Tarcil, Sir. I have the names for tomorrow's selection". He handed a scroll to the captain, who took it with a put-upon sigh and unrolled the parchment.

Selection, thought Birdie. What is a 'Selection'?

"Meridoc the smith?" The captain glanced up at the soldier.

"Yes, sir. He has cut his foot, and the wound has become infected. He is having trouble standing at the forge, now."

"I wasn't aware that anything could pierce the hoof of a halfing." The captain murmured to himself. "What's this? Holly the cook? Surely not!"

"Sorry, sir. But her child is weaned now. And we have so few of the older females left."

"Pity. She makes an excellent stew. 'Primrose', 'Lobelia'...Why do these hobbits insist on continuing to name their females after flowers, when they never see flowers...very well. I'll go over this and give you my final selection in the morning. Dismissed."

The young soldier turned and left the room. Bird sat on the lintel, suddenly feeling very, very cold. "I have to see the names on that list!"

[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami had at one point threatened to sleep in so she didn't have to watch the skiff push off. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she felt slightly uncomfortable. Despite this, she ran up on deck with the first light of day, and watched the two men unwind the pulley to set the boat into the water. They adjusted the ropes and let the sails billow out as the easterly breezes began to push the small vessel away from the Star.

Cami leaned down over the rail and yelled out a few final instructions to Ancalimon on the provisions that needed to be replenished for the Star. He nodded in acknowledgment and waved farewell. Mithadan stood up and holding onto the mast, leaned over towards Cami and yelled above the noise of the waves, "I'm counting on you to keep an eye on her Cami, when she gets back from her fishing venture. In fact, why not offer to take the other skiff and help her gather those oysters and eels?"

Cami nodded weakly in response. "I'll try," she whispered. But, in the depths of her stomach, she knew there was little chance of that. As the skiff with Mithadan and Ancalimon receded from sight, Cami was left with the uncomfortable feeling that the companions on the Star had now split up into four distinct parties. And something, somewhere, was bound to go wrong.

[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

As soon as Mithadan had left their cabin, Pio threw back the covers and got up. She buckled a belt around her waist and stuck several knives of varying lengths in it. Around one wrist she bound a small piece of red cloth. Her grey cloak pulled tight around her, she strode silently to the deck.

She could see Cami waving the two men off, and she heard Mithadan's voice rise up above the sea noise. Cami said something in response, and the Elf saw her nod weakly. Noting the hobbit's attention continued to stay focused on the departing skiff, Pio ran to the stern, where she had put the net bag to put her catch in, and looped it through her belt. With a last look at both the skiff and at Cami, she stepped from her cloak and dropped swiftly and silently to the waters below.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami and the younger hobbrim were sitting on the floor with the quilt spread out between them. She had suggested they come to her cabin to do the work in secret, hoping to discourage prying eyes. The young ones were skilled with their fingers, and the squares were rapidly coming along. There was much good natured chatter and nonsense. Cami had just finished her journal entry for the day, and was kneeling on the floor to inspect everyone's work.

Just at that moment, Rose poked her head through the threshold, "Psst., Cami, come here. Levanto's back. He's outside off the stern. You asked me to tell you when he showed up."

"Oh, Rose, thanks. That's a relief. I really need to see him about something." Cami squeezed her hand, excused herself, and quickly made for the upper deck.

Once arriving, she lay flat on the wooden planks and stuck her head underneath the rail over the edge of the ship. The hobbit slid her body as far forward as she dared without tumbling off into the waves. Extending her index finger in the direction of Levanto, she indicated to the mer-man that she wanted him to come near so they could speak without anyone overhearing.

"Levanto, I have a big problem that you could help with." Cami proceeded to tell him about Pio's departure for the oyster and eel banks, and the Man's own instructions to her. In Cami's imagination, the eels had grown by several feet and had developed sharp pointed teeth. She hoped she was wrong. Levanto made no comment on the eels but shook his head in disapproval on hearing that the Elf had dived off the ship by herself. Levanto assured Cami he knew these banks, and should have no problem tracking Pio in that direction.

"Please," Cami whispered, "I know she wants privacy. Don't bother her unless there's a reason to do so. But it surely won't hurt to have someone around in case trouble shows up."

Levanto turned about and winked his left eye. "It's our secret. Someone has to keep an eye on that Elf! She'd better appreciate her friends."

Cami doubted whether Pio would appreciate what they were doing now, but she herself was relieved to see Levanto swimming off in the direction of the eel banks.

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Birdland]

The wait seemed long, but it was only an hour before the captain rose from his desk, stretched, and arming himself with a dagger, finally left his office. He shut the door firmly behind him, and Bird heard the snick of the key in the lock.

Now was her chance. flinging herself down from the lintel, she landed on the seat of a chair, marveling again that the fall had not broke every bone in her body, and thankful that this body had no bones. She oriented herself in the landscape of towering furniture and vast space, then gathered her back legs under her and leapt for the desk.

She landed on her side, slid down a curled parchment, and righted herself, trying to peer over the towering stacks and crumpled boulders of parchment. (Which - BTW - smelled delicious! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] ) Where was the list? It had been easy to see when she sat on the lintel, but now she was lost in canyons and cliffs of tan. This would never do. She glanced furively towards the door, wondering how much time she would have, then morphed into woman's shape.

Here it was! There were twelve names on the list, male and female, with a short notation next to each one listing some type of flaw. Some were injured, some "insubordinate", But most just said "aged". Bird wondered just how long a Halfling had to stay in this Void before one was considered "aged".

Next to these names, Captain Tarcil had written dates. The date next to the name Meridoc was tomorrow, as well as a Hobbit named Lobelia. Bird noticed that the name of Holly had been lined out. "He must really like that stew." she thought.

She committed the names and dates to memory, and set the scroll carefully back in place. Then she saw the letter, with the broken seal of a Black Hand.

She opened the letter with trembling hands. It was dated "8 Cermië", and Bird immediately saw the word "dragon". She started to read...

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[piosenniel]

Pio swam for the large bay east of Nindamos, along the northwestern edge of Hyarrostar. It was there that Levanto had shown her a number of thriving oyster beds. The sun blazed in the clear sky. She squinted up at it, noting it's position in the sky. Just past midday, she thought.

It had been a long swim, done at a leisurely pace. She placed one of her knives between her teeth to keep her hands free and loosed the net bag from her belt. Diving down she pried the oysters from their bed with her blade and secured them in the bag. She spent a longtime at this harvesting, coming up for air and diving back down many times. She picked only the larger, choice oysters and filled her bag half way full. 'No need to be greedy!' she thought to herself. She rested beneath a rocky overhang, and being hungry, pried a number of the oysters open, drinking the salty liquid they rested in and then letting each oyster slide down her throat. 'Delicious!' she sighed, contentedly.
As she ate, she scanned the waters of the greater bay, southwards, sweeping her gaze from east to west and back again. She saw only one black bannered ship cross her line of vision as she watched. 'Good! Perhaps he has given up his pursuit of the dragon and will soon call this ship in, too!'

The waters were shallower, and warmed by the sun, where she rested. She stayed there until night fell, and then moved toward the mouths of the Siril.

[Mithadan]

Mithadan sat by the tiller as the skiff proceeded Northeast, aided by a steady westerly wind. He watched the sail with care as the craft cut through the light chop. "Duck!" he cried as the sail swung from left to right across the beam of the small vessel. Ancalimon evaded the swinging boom nimbly and scuttled back to sit closer to the Man.

"I understand that you have agreed to allow Piosenniel to ride in the first ship when you begin your assault on the caverns," said Ancalimon. "Perhaps I am unfamiliar with the ways of Men but it strikes me that not many in your position would show such flexibility in dealing with such a request from a pregnant wife."

Mithadan looked at his passenger, pondering his words for a moment and wondering what manner of being he had taken up with. "I have not yet measured Piosenniel's stubborness against her respect for me and do not wish to," he laughed. "Even were I to say 'nay', if she wished to be at the forefront I've little doubt that she would somehow do so. At any rate, I trust her skills and I...believe she will be safe."

Ancalimon's eyebrows arched at these words. "You 'believe' that she will be safe," he repeated with a nod. "I do not doubt that. Yet this will be a dangerous endeavor. We should all take care, each of us."

"I think we all understand the risks," replied Mithadan as he looked towards the town of Nindamos which was approaching rapidly. "And what is at stake, as well, else we would not do this thing. This is no pleasure cruise. If we fail the consequences may be dire. Cami and Rose were imprisoned by the forces of Morgoth. Daisy risks herself in the tombs even as we speak. Levanto meets with the Hobbits whenever we ask, with little regard to his safety." He looked at Ancalimon gravely. "Could anyone do less?"

"Yes," answered Ancalimon. "Many would do less, or nothing at all." He nodded to Mithadan, then looked over his shoulder. "We approach the docks. We must provision quickly and leave as soon as we can and without notice."

Mithadan nodded. He reached into his pouch and withdrew a handful of coins, which he passed to Ancalimon. Then he withdrew a few more from his pocket and placed them in the grey beard's hands. "Take this also," he said. Ancalimon looked at what Mithadan had given him, then placed them in his own pouch. Then he stood and made his way to the bow and picked up the skiff's lines.

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[Mithadan]

Nindamos was a good sized town situated just east of the mouths of the river Siril. As was the case with many of the cities and towns of Numenor, Nindamos was sustained primarily by the sea. Along its seawalls were extensive docks, piers and facilities for servicing ships and their crews. A lively fishmarket was located where the town's main road ran down to the docks.

Ancalimon and Mithadan moored their skiff at a quiet dock away from the busy markets. A few copper coins secured the mooring place for the day. The two then walked to the main road, and began looking in the windows of various shops for the supplies needed by the Lonely Star. High in priority were potable water, grains and flour, meats, oils, fruits and eggs.

A butcher's shop was located quickly. They rapidly selected a number of cuts of beef, both fresh and cured and arranged for their delivery to the skiff the following morning. Mithadan paid for the supplies with several silver pennies.

As they turned to leave the shop, the owner stopped them. He squinted at the coins and read the letters stamped upon them. "Gondor?" he asked. "Where is Gondor?" Ancalimon responded first. "Gondor is a small city on the coast of Middle Earth far to the South. In happier times my family traded there."

The butcher eyed the coins suspiciously, biting one and scratching at another with a sharp knife. Then, satisfied they were silver, he smiled and nodded to Mithadan and bade them good day.

As they left the shop, Ancalimon whispered to Mithadan, "We must take care. None will know what Gondor is but nonetheless, we should avoid raising suspicions. I have coinage of Numenor which I will share with you. Do not mix it with your other money."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Daisy had always prided herself on being one of the swiftest hobbits in the Shire. She could outrun any of her young companions on the Star. But, today, things were different

The girl trudged along the dusty path in silence. Packages were strapped onto her body. Her fingers clutched at a pile of letters that threatened to spill out into the dirt. She could not lose a single one.

Daisy had been ordered to cover the route as quickly as she could, dropping off her messages and picking up any responses sent back to headquarters. Captain Tarkil had sternly warn her not to dawdle on the road. Earlier in the day, she'd managed to keep up. Now, her ribs and side ached too much.

One time, a guard had stunned her with a backhanded slap. That was in response to some bad news her delivery had brought. The other incident might have been avoided if she'd just listened to Rose. Her friend had told her never to look a guard full in the face. She was to stand with her eyes rivetted on the ground, face impassive and head slightly bent. But she hadn't listened closely to this advice. That mistake had cost her a crushing jolt to her ribs by the guard's thick-toed boot. Now, every time she breathed, a stab of pain tugged at her side.

Daisy had dutifully checked every message entrusted to her but with little reward. They were routine lists of supplies and denials of leave for the guards. Not much of interest here!

How Daisy wished that Piosenniel would be waiting for her at the end of the day, to listen to her complaints and soothe her pain. But the Elf was far away. She brightened a bit at the thought of Bird. At least they could talk.

Even chatting with Anee would be a relief. That morning, she hadn't thought much about the girl. Now, she seemed like the only bright spot in a disappointing day. She hoped she'd get a chance to speak with her . But what if Anee asked too many questions which Daisy couldn't answer? The hobbit wasn't sure what she should do.

Daisy finally rounded the corner to headquarters. Anee was waiting on the steps, and helped her drop off the messages and packets in their right place. Daisy glanced around anxiously but didn't see or hear Bird anywhere.

"You were too slow," the hobbit scolded. I had to cover for you. I told Tarcil's man you'd already returned and left your things."

Anee was about to tell Daisy she'd need to be faster tomorrow when she caught the mingled look of pain and discouragement on the girl's face. She stopped and squeezed her hand, "The first day is always the worst. The guards want to make sure you know they have the upper hand. Not that any of us need reminding." At this point, she actually stopped and laughed. "They'll leave you alone tomorrow. You're lucky. The Elders have said you can visit the healer. Then we'll find something to eat."

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[mark12_30]

ooc: next 3 posts: anybody that wants to add or interpose, let me know & i'll adjust(Dinnertime) /end ooc

"Are you from Azra and Nitir's ship?" Gamba whispered softly as he sat down by Daisy.

Her eyes grew wide, and she looked at Anee, and then she looked down, thinking hard about what to say.

"It's obvious you didn't grow up in the caves. Your skin is brown not white," Gamba muttered. "Hi, Anee."

Anee glared at Gamba while Daisy went pale beneath her brown seafaring tan.

"Don't worry, " Gamba murmured, blandly inspecting his bland bowl of bland beans. "I'm not going to give you away. I just wish they'd hurry up and get here. Eleven days. Can't they speed things up?"

Daisy glanced furtively at him, relieved but badly shaken, and wondering whether Captain Tarkil had noticed her tan. "The fleet just isn't here yet. That's all. They're on their way. It's not our fault."

Gamba sniffed the beans, trying to work up an appetite and failing. "Didn't say it was," he muttered, glancing around, wondering who would be missing in the morning, even while telling himself not to think about it.

Bird peeked out from Daisy's collar. She was hungry, and wondered if Gamba was sufficiently distracted not to notice if she jumped into that bowl and shared some of those bland beans. But she hesitated. If he did notice, he'd flatten her. She wisely decided to wait.

Ignoring Loremaster's steely gaze, Gamba persisted. "Is Piosenniel on board your ship?"

Daisy stifled a gasp. "I... I don't think I should say."

"She must be, then. Well, that's hopeful. Eru, let those ships hurry," Gamba muttered, taking a mouthful and grimacing at the bowl.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[mark12_30]

Other hobbits, mostly teenage males, gathering courage from Gamba's brashness, began drifting in the direction of the pretty newcomer, and sitting down and joining them. They were followed, however, by jealous hobbit lasses who had had their hearts set on each lad in question, and came to be sure that the attractive, tanned interloper settled on somebody else's teenage hobbit. The result was a rapidly growing crowd.

Loremaster suddenly spoke to the elders, and strode forward. Phura thought that he would quietly break up the crowd and rebuke them in private; while Gamba braced himself for rebuke and punishment for asking forbidden questions. But the Elders followed and joined the crowd, and aside from one brief glare each for Phura and Gamba, Loremaster's bearing was mild and sweet as he spoke loudly and clearly. "Thank you all for answering my summons and coming to this memorial ceremony, " he began. "We join this evening to formally grieve for the loved ones we have lost. Please, gather close. " Surprised older hobbits emerged from side caves and everyone assembled in the main cave.

Phura blinked, his heart suddenly melting. No such ceremony had been planned or announced, no such summons made. Loremaster was improvising, protecting the new girl and covering for their communal stupidity.

Loremaster spoke for a while about grief and hope, quoting old poems about Nienna and Ancalimon, and giving words of solace and encouragement. Those still in the dinner line hurried through, and soon all were assembled.

Loremaster spoke a few more suitable words, and then began singing Lily's Lullaby. Hundreds of emotional voices softly and sadly joined in. Loremaster followed with Pongo's Lullaby, and finished with Nitir's Lullaby. The strains faded, and silence, mingled with tears, fell softly.

[mark12_30]

Phura's head snapped up, and all heads turned, following his gaze. Marching could now be heard from the far tunnel, and five heavily armed soldiers strode purposefully into the main cave, blades drawn. Everyone held their breath and nobody moved a muscle.

Phura's heart was in his mouth. Gamba berated himself silently. "You blew it. You gave her away after all, you fool, and now she'll die, and who knows how many more will die with her, and you've ruined everything."

But the five soldiers ignored the hobbits and marched straight to one of the guards. The young guard's face went white, and for a moment his hand went to his sword hilt, but there were other guards present too, and he froze, and then surrendered, and Phura was surprised to see relief mixed with peace spread across his face.

They took his sword and dagger, and tied his hands, and marched him back the way that they came. But as he passed the hobbits, he paused, and his mild grey eyes met Gamba's. Gamba's eyes widened and his heart sank like a stone.

The guard spoke with a slight tremor in his voice. "Well, Gamba, the grave you dug today will be mine tomorrow. I trust you dug well, little one. You always do." And then the soldiers pushed him forward, and they marched out.

The other guards left in the main hall all stared resolutely forward, but more than one of them was tight-lipped with fear. Nobody dared to move, even after the six men were gone. But Phura tensed as his brother's composure slowly, slowly crumbled, and his eyes slowly grew wild and desperate. For the first time, Gamba knew in advance who would fill one of his graves. The young guard's words and his strangely peaceful eyes would haunt Gamba for a long, long time.

Tears formed in his eyes and he began to shake; row on row of filled hobbit graves hovered like a spectre in his mind, and now he also saw the man-sized graves beyond, and knew that they too were filled with pain. His pent-up grief, finally released, verged on panic, and now Phura hurried to his side, and clutched him to his chest. Gamba stifled his sobbing against his brother's ragged shirt. Their five children gathered gently around, expressing concern with their soft voices and little hands. Gamba gasped and shook, and Phura whispered to him and held him tighter still. Tuka, Esta and Azraph slowly came over and sat with them.

None of the adults dared to weep out loud, but between pity for Gamba, and protracted grief and mourning for so many lost hobbits and the plight of so many orphaned children, there weren't many dry eyes. Daisy glanced down at her collar, and met the Neekerbreeker's eyes, and shed some tears of her own.

Loremaster, keeping half an eye on the remaining guards, said a few more comforting and encouraging words, and then slowly walked away, dropping a firm hand on Phura's shoulder as he passed. The meeting slowly broke up. But snatches of lullaby were heard off and on for the rest of the night all through the caves.

Esta and Azraph went to find their families, but Tuka stayed, and Phura, Kesha, and Tuka took turns singing over Gamba. Wave after wave of released grief battered Gamba until, too exhausted to grieve any further, he gathered little Maura, cradled him close, and finally surrendered to sleep.

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

As the haunting cries of Gamba died away, Anee pulled softly on her hand, "Come, we must get some sleep, or we'll never survive tomorrow." She led her to a side cavern which was separate from the others, and laid down two thin blankets on the hard ground.

Inside her collar, Daisy heard the faintest of echoing whispers in response. "She's right you know. Go to sleep."

Anee yawned and looked groggily over to Daisy, "What did you say?"

Daisy froze in place. "er, Nothing. At least nothing important. I just said I was really sleepy." She glared down at the collar of her tattered dress, and made a nasty face. Then Bird stared back and buzzed off on her own.

As silence descended on the caves, Daisy curiously peeked around. The darkness about them was absolute and profound. Daisy had never seen anything like it. She coud not get to sleep and whispered over to her friend, "Why was Gamba crying tonight?"

Anee looked strangely at the girl, but then remembered Daisy had no idea who Gamba was or even what he'd been doing for the last four weeks. "He's one of the Tuk brothers, and he's been digging graves. After a while, that gets hard. And the guard is one of the few decent ones left."

"Who are the 'Tuk' brothers?" she queried.

This time Anee giggled. "You're funny. You must have been born on one of the stars up in the heavens, if you don't know that!"

Daisy's frustration boiled over. "I've never been here before," she retorted. "How do you expect me to know such things?"

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," came a small, earnest response. "They're descendents of Maura Tuk and the singer Lindo. They will be loremasters someday."

Recognition flooded over Daisy as she remembered Cami's stories to her. "Ah," she smiled in understanding. Some things never change! "They're Fallohides, the "Tooks".

"Yes," said Anee, "That's what I told you."

Daisy had to bite her tongue to stop from blurting out the fact that she had been a servant in the employ of the Took heir, and had lived in Tuckborough for several months.

She lay awake for a long while after that. Perhaps, Bird would come back and speak with her. They'd managed to meet at dinner, but hadn't been alone for a single moment. Daisy didn't even know if Bird had found out anything important that day. Or maybe Anee would talk to her a bit more. She rolled over on the stony ground waiting to hear if anyone would break the bleakness of the night.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Birdland]

As Loremaster walked away down the tunnel, he suddenly heard a small voice next to his ear. "Loremaster, so they take Men as well?"

He stopped abruptly, looking cautiously around, but the others had gone, and the tunnel was empty. He did not think anyone could hear the small passenger on his shoulder anyway. "Yes. Two each. Every day."

He walked on. The voice came again. "Today, in the captain's room. I found a list. Of Halfling names. Loremaster, do you want to know the names?"

The old Hobbit stopped again. Slowly his head dropped, and he stood silently in the middle of the corridor. His shoulders quietly shook.

"Loremaster...? Loremaster...?"

[piosenniel]

Night had finally come. The moon hid behind a bank of clouds and stars threw their dim light on the waves. Pio swam quickly and quietly to where the river entered the bay. The smell was different here. Not the clean, briny tang of the sea, something more earthy, fecund, and at times overwhelmingly rank.

It was shallower, and the slow current of the river pushed against her as she entered it. She kept to the middle of the stream, swimming with strong strokes beneath the surface when she thought she might be seen by the occasional passing craft or someone moving along the river's banks. Darkness and night were her allies. Most had gone home and were sleeping now in their beds. Ships and boats were moored, awaiting the light of day to be about their business.

Her objective was halfway up the river, as she recalled from the report of Levanto. It was the location of the main dock for the export of goods in that area, and he had told her a small, black-bannered ship was moored there. She made her way there now and waited silently in the shadows along the bank near the ship.

No sounds came from the vessel. No lights shone from it. She swam silently round the perimeter, seeking a way onto the ship, but could find none. It would have to be an entry from the dock itself. Pio pulled herself up onto it, lying low in the shadows and inched toward the gangplank. She waited for a long period of time, straining to hear the sound of voices or of feet moving about on the deck. When the clouds had blotted out the moon for a brief moment, she ran quickly up the boarding plank, knives in hand, and landed silently on the deck. A man stood watch at the stern, looking down river. He leaned on the railing, in a casual manner, unaware that Pio was now on the ship. Watching him she crept slowly about the deck and took note of what was stored there. Then quickly went below deck to see how many manned this vessel. She counted four sleeping below, and one at watch. Arms were minimal - personal swords and knives, a long bow for each man with a good supply of arrows, a number of axes, and stout cudgels. She poked into every corner of the ship, noting everything. On the bow were several cages with sleek pigeons in them, their heads tucked beneath their wings, asleep.

Satisfied that she had seen all she could, Pio eased herself over the side of the ship farthest from the man at watch, and dropped to the water below. She found an eye hook where a skiff might tie itself to the ship, and tied the narrow strip of red cloth around it, marking the ship as the one she had been on, for future reference.

The moon had moved almost to the edge of the horizon when she finished with the vessel. She drifted downriver, letting the current carry her along. When the river slowed and widened, she rested along the embankment in the shelter of the rocks and brush.

First light found her beneath the water, poking about in holes and ledges along the river banks for eels. Three nice, fat, long ones lost their freedom to her quick hands, and she stuffed them securely in her sack.

The current and her strong strokes carried her beyond the river and out into the Sea. She swam steadily south at a slow pace. Barring any mishap, she would be back on the Star by midday.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[mark12_30]

Loremaster turned haunted eyes to look down at the little passenger on his shoulder.

Still shaking, he said, "No."

The Neekerbreeker looked up at him. "But--"

"No. It would be Daisy's own death sentence. Who else would see the list but her? And if we knew, what could we do? Hide them? They would know we had seen the list. They would only take two others, or worse, more than two to punish us."

He took several deep breaths, trying to compose himself. "I am not a warrior, little one, that I could storm the enemy's ranks and rescue the pair, or prevent them from taking any more. If I were, I should have tried before now."

He sighed again. "I wish we had such warriors among us, but if we did, we wuld not be in this plight now. And yet, I am a loremaster, and not a tactician. Am I being foolish? Or cowardly?"

He wrestled with himself. "If you did tell me the names, is there something I could do with the information that... that... Perhaps I should discuss the existance of the list with the Elders. " His voice trailed off. He could see nothing good that would come of it. "Can you think of any good thing that could possibly be done?" he whispered.

Neekerbreeker racked her brains, and decided not to give up on the idea just yet. "Not yet. But if I can think of something, I'll let you know."

"Good night, then. And if you think of something, wake me. You'll be with Daisy?"

"Yes. Good night."

He paused and bent down near a rocky outcrop, and she hopped off.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

That night, no one came to Daisy to relieve the sadness in her heart. Now, it was morning again. Or at least Anee told her so. The hobbit couldn't really tell because everything still lay hidden in darkness. It was only as people got up that torches were lit, and a little light filtered through the side caverns.

Still no Bird. What was that neekerbreeker up to? She wished she knew. Or perhaps she didn't. Maybe Bird's night had been even worse than hers.

She went with Anee. They stood together in a long breakfast line. The big cave had small slits in the roof, so tiny rays of light showed through, playing here and there against the wet green walls.

This time, there was only a small bit of porridge, a few spoons dumped onto the bottom of a worn plate. Daisy's stomach gnawed with hunger. Its emptiness weighed on her like a barren pit.

Ahead in the line, a man and his wife stood together, hand-in-hand. He was past middle age, still hearty and strong, even with the cares of prison on his head. But then Daisy saw something wrong. The man's foot was bound up with bandages. She couldn't see underneath the ragged cloth. But he carefully put no weight on it, and there was an odor beyond that of the usual unwashed bodies.

When the guard came up to him and jerked away his plate, the hobbit showed no surprise. He leaned over to the grey haired woman and kissed her on the head. "You will do as I say," he whispered.

She nodded, and then their hands slipped apart.

Anee pulled Daisy back for a minute as if she was afraid it might be catching. Then they watched as the limping hobbit struggled to match the pace of the guards.

Daisy looked around. No Gamba. She was glad he wasn't here. He wouldn't have liked it.

And then, for just an instant, Daisy envied Gamba's tears. For she herself had none to spare. She couldn't have squeezed out even one. The ache in her side, the hunger, even the selection--this had quickly become normal to her. She suddenly felt very, very old.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

Having ordered supplies for the Star, including a small boat to tow behind the skiff to carry barrels of water, Mithadan and Ancalimon found a small inn near the waterfront and took a room there. After a light dinner and some debate between the two, they elected to enter the inn's common room to listen to the town's gossip.

The company assembled there was a combination of sailors and locals. A small fire burned in a stone-encased pit in the center of the room. Ordering two ales, Mithadan and his companion settled in to listen to the conversations around them. At first, most spoke about business or weather, but, after a few minutes, a man entered wearing some form of uniform.

A grizzled sailor at the bar turned and called out to the newcomer. "Hoy! Duinir! Seen any dragons today?" Many in the crowd laughed and hooted at the comment, but Duinir scowled. "Joke if you will," he replied. "But the word from Armenelos is that such a beast was indeed sighted and a reward will be paid to any who help locate the wyrm."

The sailor chuckled. "Ain't seen no wyrm," he cried. "But I seen some flying fish and a few birds. Any reward for that?" The company laughed and one stood and shuffled about the room with arms extended and flapping. Duinir's frown changed to a smile as he sat and received a mug.

"What word from the West?" called another. "What of the King's fleet?" Duinir turned to look at the speaker and responded, "If tales be right, the fleet won't even reach the West until a fortnight passes. Then we'll see if any may resist the power of Numenor!"

Some in the room fell quiet at these words, but others cheered and one rose holding his pint and cried, "To the King! Who seeks life everlasting for his subjects!" And the cry was taken up by others, "To the King!" The sailor rose unsteadily, and shouted, "Aye! Life and more. Once we put down the West I want me a wife, a fine Elf wench. I hear they're beautiful..." "But can they cook?" cried another.

Mithadan and Ancalimon drained their mugs and stood, ready to leave. The sailor, seeing them rise, cried out, "Hey! What's the matter? The lordling don't like Elf women?" He staggered over to stand unsteadily before Mithadan who forced a smile onto his face and spoke companionably, "I like them well, indeed. They are fair beyond compare...or so I'm told. But its been a long day and we're weary."

"Awww. The lordling's weary," replied the sailor. "Won't stay for another drink and tell some tales. Come, tell us what makes you so weary!"

Ancalimon stepped forward and reached into his pouch to pull forth a large gold coin which he held up in the light. It flashed as he turned it in his hand. Then he cried, "To the King! Drinks for the house!" He threw the coin over to the bar where it landed with a clink on its edge and spun for a moment noisily until it fell flat. Every head in the room had turned to watch the coin arc through the air, but when they turned back, Ancalimon and Mithadan were gone...

In the hallway, Ancalimon smiled as they jogged to their room and commented, "I didn't say which King..."

[mark12_30]

Having summarily excused himself from studying, much to Loremaster's astonishment, and taken the five children with him, Phura sat by the water's edge, as Gamba so often did, tossing in stones as he sang in a melancholy voice. The children brought him stones when he ran out. He wondered how many stones there were at the bottom of the river, and how many hobbits had sat and sang there through the years of imprisonment.

Now that the years of imprisonment were finally drawing to a close, he felt torn in half. He knew that something awaited him beyond the cave, far away out to sea; a restless longing that called to him, pulled at him, gave him a heartache that nothing could ease.

And he knew that his brother did not share it.

He was afraid, too, that Azraph would not share it; that the two people that he would most rather not part from, would be torn from him, and that he would go on alone, without Gamba, without Azraph.

He had spoken with Loremaster about it again and again, hoping that the old man would find wisdom enough to heal the heartache that tore at him. But the old man gently shook his head, and replied softly that one should not argue with destiny. Nor could either of them bear to discuss it with Gamba; the idea seemed to give Loremaster as much sadness as it did Phura, and Phura didn't know why.

So Phura was left with hunger and fear, side by side; oddly, he was afraid of the hunger when he felt it, but missed the hunger when he thrust it aside.

Suddenly he stood, and jumped in the water.

There were lots and lots of rocks and pebbles on the stony bottom, and he gathered handfuls of them, and brought them to the shore. Not knowing why, he began making a pile of them. The pile grew, and the children started playing with the pebbles. Kesha waved at the pile. "What's it for?"

"I don't know, " Phura said. And Kesha jumped in too. "Hey!" Phura said, reaching for him, but Kesha, after some preliminary spluttering, took to the water easily and naturally.

Soon the other four wanted to come in too. Phura gave them each a quick bath, and put them back up; little Maura stayed in the longest, in Phura's arms, before he went back up on the wall. But Kesha stayed in with Phura, and the pile of stones grew and grew.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Birdland]

As Daisy and Anee were walking down the tunnel, they suddenly heard a quiet "neekbreek" coming from near the wall.

"Wait, Anee. I...think something bit my foot." Daisy knelt down to "inspect" her foot, as Birdie hopped on her shoulder.

"Where were you!" Daisy hissed.

"I'm sorry! I had to speak with Loremaster, and then it was such a long way back to the sleeping quarters. I can't keep up with you Hobbit giants, y'know."

"Well, don't leave me alone like that again. It's scary here."

"C'mon, Daisy, we have to hurry!" insisted Anee.

"Coming..."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Daisy and Anee parted at the entrance to the guardroom. Her friend went off to make beds and straighten sleeping quarters. She promised to return before the hobbit left on her deliveries. When Daisy pushed open the door to the central room, she saw no one there.

The girl hoped she might make better time today. Her ribs had been tightly bandaged and were feeling a little better. She'd decided to expose only her left side towards the guards in case one of them chose to land more blows. Perhaps this time she'd be luckier.

She wandered over to the table in the center. It was one that Captain Tarcil had admonished her not to come near. The remains of his breakfast still sat on a plate. A good share of meat and bread lay untouched. The food looked tasty. Cautiously, the hobbit extended her hand towards the platter, but then halted in mid-air.

"Noooo!" came the loud injunction of the neekerbreeker. "Do you want to end up in the Locks? That's where they put hobbits who need correction for things like this!"

Daisy shook her head no. She wasn't certain what the Locks was, but it did not sound appealing. Bird had evidently made the rounds of the camp and discovered all its hidden nooks.

"Anyways," Bird implored. "We have more important things to do. Look for a letter that has the seal of the black hand. That's the one from the Deceiver."

There were indeed piles of orders and memorandum on that table. Daisy rummaged through the mess looking for the infamous black hand. There didn't seem to be anything like that. Then she looked underneath the leftover breakfast platter. Hidden beneath it was an official-looking letter.

"Read it, read it aloud," Bird commanded. "I tried yesterday but was interrupted."

Daisy was about to ask why Bird couldn't read it herself when she realized the letters on the parchment probably looked ten feet high to her friend. The hobbit pulled out the missive and began to read:

To the commanders of all garrisons and prisons within the kingdom of Anadune:

It has recently come to our attention that a winged wyrm was sighted off the coast of our isle. This has been verified by several trustworthy observers.

A number of vessels and field troops have been commanded to locate and capture this wyrm. Until such time as this beast is apprehended, all prisons and garrisons are to consider themselves on strict military alert. The highest security precautions are to be observed. All commanders are instructed to double the number of guards on duty to ward off any unexpected attack. The officers are to make personal arrangements for the provisioning of such guards, including the reimbursement of same.

Issued by the command of Gorthaur the Cruel
under the seal of the black hand, 8 Cermie

Daisy gasped as she flung the message onto the table. At the same instant, before she could step back from that place where she had no business being, the door of the room jarred open. Without thinking and moved by some hidden instinct of self preservation, Daisy stuck her hand into the middle of the breakfast platter and stuffed a large sausage into her mouth.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[mark12_30]

tbd

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Rose Cotton]

As Anee was deep in thought as she went about her work. She felt sorry for Daisy. It was probably hard to take in this horrible life that Anee had grew up with. She had consitered comforting Daisy a bit more. But the girl seemed too strange and Anee felt she didn't want to be caught up in anything perilous. She felt that making friends would only cause trouble and more grief. It was too dangerous.