[Child of the 7th Age]

Slowly, the ship pulled out of dock and began its journey south back towards the Bay. They all stood in the stern of the ship watching the towers and levels of Minas Tirith recede into the distance.

Kali was exceptionally quiet, gazing at the wonderful turrets and towers. In his heart he knew that he would never return to that place. He wasn't sad. Where he was going was where he was supposed to be. In fact, the thought of reuniting with his cousins brought him great joy. But still, even in moments of hope, there can be slivers of sorrow and silence, and this was such a time.

Child and Rose stood on the rail, arms linked about each other's waist. They talked about meeting Aragorn and Faramir, and how the men were just as they had imagined them to be. Child was still disappointed that she had not seen Merry or Pippin. But she was certain that there would be another day for that, one way or the other. For her, there would be more journeys to the Shire and to Minas Tirith in the Third or Fourth Age. She was quite certain and content.

Mithadan paced back and forth on deck, calling out commands to Piosenniel and Veritas to shift the sails and man the helm. Bird had chosen to remain in the water until they reached the Bay, her dolphin body gleaming as she lept up into the bright sunlight. And the Elf had come up on deck dressed in a simple tunic and light footwear.

The trip was underway, and all appeared well.