[piosenniel]

‘So, you are a traveler, as am I,’ said Pio, watching Nuinyulma rock her daughter. ‘Did you not visit Lord Celeborn in Rivendell? I believe that is where he dwells now, though I have heard he will soon travel the same road as did Galadriel; going West to look never more on his fair land.’ She laid her son in his cradle, his eyes heavy with sleep.

‘And Eryn Lasgalen – the Elven people of Thranduil’s realm have reclaimed it you know. And once more the leaves shine brightly there.’ Pio poured a mug of cool cider for herself and offered one to Nuinyulma.

‘Your story is a brief one – with much left out, I would say. And painful in those parts if I read the sadness behind your eyes aright. But that is your business, not mine to set right.’ She took a drink of the sweet juice, savoring it as it ran down her throat.

‘My story!’ She laughed in delight, the sound of tiny silvered bells skittering into the room. ‘Such a long one! We should be sitting here until the Inn falls down about our ears, and all has passed into distant memory.’ Her clear grey eyes met the young Elf’s. ‘Suffice it to say I had my childhood, such as it was, in Gondolin. And it was pleasant enough in that beautiful place; until it was betrayed into the hands of Morgoth. And by an Elf, no less!’

‘I was lucky to escape with Idril’s family, and after I was fostered by the Fallinelli, the Teleri who lived along the Falas between Brithombar and Barad Nimras. Still we were not safe from Morgoth’s dark hand. And later when he came against us we sailed south to Balar.’ Pio shook her head a little, then smiled, remembering that the Dark One was now overthrown and lay, well guarded behind the Door of Night . . . at least for the time being.

'Now, here I am in the Fourth Age, that of Man . . . and to be honest, I look forward to enjoying it, as long as the years left to me will allow.’ She reached down and stroked her baby’s cheek..

‘There is peace of a sort. The world has come to some resolve and seems set on a fresh course. I will enjoy it as will my children, until time comes for me.’

Pio laughed again, and refilled her mug from the ewer on the little table next to her. ‘And you, what pleasures are you looking forward to? Are you going on this quest I have heard rumors of?’ Nuinyulma was quiet, sipping her drink. Pio leaned down to freshen it.

‘You will come to the party, at least, will you not?’