[piosenniel]

Supper was over. Rose and Pio had eaten large helpings, several times over. And the elf was just thinking she had room for one last slice of pie.

Her thoughts on this matter, however, were cut short by Child, who stood up at her place at the table and wrapped on it with her knife handle. All eyes turned to her.

'Now you know we were studying about Beleriand a little today.' she began. She heard a low groan come from down the way and fixed an icy eye on Bird. 'To continue - I think we've had our fill of food for the time being,' she stared at Pio who had just reached for the pie pan, 'and Pio has promised us that we will see the real thing this evening. So, let's leave the dishes and food for now, and go up on deck, shall we?'

The entire crew went upstairs and lined up along the starboard railing. Even Levanto had been hauled up by net for the time being. Rose, Daisy, and Kali stood together, looking out at the wide water and wondered what they would see.

Veritas placed the crystal in the slot they had figured for the First Age and gave it a little twist to secure it. 'Okay,' she said, 'Hold on! Once I close the top and lock it, the desired transition should take place.'

It was so quiet on board they heard the cover snap shut and the snick! of the key as it turned in the lock.

The sea in front of them shimmered and seemed to blink for a second.

Before them, about twenty-five miles from the ship, a great expanse of forested coastline appeared where once there had been only open sea.