It was early morning, and a glorious day had dawned on the Great River. A brisk wind filled their sails, and the elven craft was making good headway against the current.
Bird had gone into the small cabin on the helm deck for a much needed rest, and Pio stood at the helm. Not a great deal of correction was needed to keep the craft true to course, so she spent much of her time wondering at the great flocks of seabirds that wheeled and turned in the sky above the ship. The sky was thick with them, even this far from the great ocean.
'They're lovely to watch, aren't they?' remarked Veritas coming up behind her. 'In all my times up this river, though, I've never seen so many of them. It's almost as if they herald our approach.' She walked toward the low hanging roof of the small cabin. 'Give me a hand up here, Pio, and let me see what I can see.'
The elf secured the helm, and gave the wizard a boost up. Stepping back to the wheel, she watched as Veritas scanned the river and its lands ahead, straining to catch a sight of the famous city.
It was not long before Veritas cried out, pointing toward the northwest. 'The peak of Mount Mindolluin is clearly in sight now!'
A bleary eyed and clearly unrested Bird stumbled out of the cabin. 'Hey! How can you expect a person to get any sleep with an elephant tapdancing overhead and shouting out points of interest like some rabid tour guide!?'
'Come up, Bird!' said Veritas, extending her hand to her. The city should be coming into sight soon.' Even a tired Bird could not resist this offer, and up she climbed.
Pio shouted to the rest of the crew to come and view their approach. She pulled out a map to show them where they would dock the ship once they reached Minas Tirith.
