[piosenniel]

Much later that evening, after the party had wound down, all the well-wishes given, the mathoms gathered up, Daisy said a tired goodnight to Rose and to Kali. They had promised to see each other the next day and go for a swim. Rose and Kali were going to teach Daisy some tricks to stay beneath the water longer without needing to come up for air so often.

Daisy yawned widely as she went down the hall to her and Pio's room. There was a soft light on; she could see it streaming under the door. The elf was sitting cross-legged on her bed, the porthole open, starlight streaming in when she entered. She appeared engrossed in writing in a well-worn journal as the hobbit entered, but soon put it aside and greeted her.

'So, was it a Happy Birth Day for you, Daisy?'

'Oh, yes, ma'am! Very much so!'

'I noticed you seemed to be getting on quite well with Kali. Yes?'

'I had a long talk with Rose, ma'am,' said Daisy,putting her party clothes away and pulling on her nightgown, 'and I think I'm starting to put together all the things that people on this ship have been trying to teach me. It will take a while, I know, but Kali has promised to bear with me and Rose has promised to yank me back when I've stepped over the line.' She giggled. 'And besides, Kali is a lot of fun once you get to know him! We're all going swimming tomorrow! That is, if you don't mind, ma'am.'

'I don't think there will be a problem, there. Just make sure you schedule it well before we time jump.' Pio watched as the hobbit brushed out her curls. 'What about Bird?' she asked.

The brush stopped in mid stroke and Daisy sighed. 'She's a lot like me, sometimes. She's angry and suspicious of me. I hurt her friend and I hurt her,too. I wish I could make it up to her all at once, but I know I can't. It'll take time, maybe lots of it.'

She put her brush on the little table by her bed and sat down on top of the quilt. 'O! what this?' she said, finding the leather roll beneath her. She pulled it out,undid the thong, and carefully unrolled it.

'It's my birthday present for you.' said Pio.

The hobbit's eyes were wide with wonder. Before her, on the piece of leather, lay a small sword. Golden-red in color, with a black leather-wrapped grip, and a pommel crusted with pearl dust that picked up light and reflected it like a small blazing sun. Along its blade ran glyphs of sea shells and waves, twining round and round the blade from hilt to point. She picked it up, feeling its solid weight in her hand, and tried a few of the practice strokes she had learned.

'This is beautiful!' she exclaimed, perching herself on Pio's bed, and turning the sword over and over in her hands.

'This is a sword, given to me when I was very young by my sea-friends. It is named Eäranna, Sea-gift. Take care of it, and it will serve you well.'

Daisy frowned, and laid the blade down on the bed, between herself and Pio.

'You do not like it?' asked Pio.

'Oh, I love it! And I'm honored that you would think of giving it to me. But this is something special, something a mother should give her daughter. You should save it for that day, Lady Pio.' She pushed the sword toward the elf.

Pio cradled the blade in her hands and placed it gently on Daisy's lap. 'I cannot wait for that day, Daisy. And it is you to whom I choose to give it.' She turned off the light, and only the bright starlight now lit the room. 'Wrap it back up, and put it away safely now. We should sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day.'

Daisy placed the wrapped sword gently beneath her bed, and crawled in under the covers. She lay her head on the pillow and whispered, 'Thank you, Pio.'

'You're more than welcome.' came the soft reply.

Both sank gently into sleep.

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