[piosenniel]

The hobbit woman came forward at her daughter's request, and curtsied slightly to the elf. 'I'm Holly Stur,' she said, 'and this, as you must already have guessed, is my daughter, Piosenniel - or Pio, as we more often call her.' She smiled at the elf.

It was all the older Pio could do to refrain from reaching out to wrap in her in a big embrace. She reached out her hand to Holly and took the hobbit's hand warmly within her own. 'You have a lovely child!' she said, 'She bears a good name for having a mother named Holly! I thought never to meet another with that name - mine, too, is Piosenniel. Or Pio, as my friends call me, also!' She winked at the girl. 'Listen, little Pio,' she continued, 'why don't you and Eärendil play here for a while and I will come join you. I'd like to speak with your ama for a little while.' She saw the girl's face begin to break into a frown at this request. 'I'll come right back! I promise!' she said, 'And we'll sail our ships and look for treasure!'

Somewhat mollified, the two children launched their own ships into the pool, and chattered on about what lands they might sail to.

The two women stood and watched them for a few moments, then left the courtyard.

Holly invited Pio to the small terrace near her rooms. 'We can sit here, and talk, if you wish.' she said, inviting the elf to be seated. The terrace faced the Fountains of the South, and in the background stood the distant Tower of Turgon. A gracious hostess, Holly brought out a small plate of sweetmeats and a bottle of chilled wine. She poured each of them a glass and sat down next to Pio, the small table of refreshments between them.

'It's a beautiful view, isn't it?' she said, gesturing with her glass toward the northeast.

'Yes,' said Pio looking at the profile of the hobbit, 'indeed.', then turning away, her words stuck in her throat.

'Lady Idril has spoken with me, Pio.' came the quiet voice of the hobbit, now looking full on at the elf. 'She did not want me frightened when I met you. I can scarce believe what she told me. Though on looking at you, I can see what my little one might grow into. A strong, lovely woman, but with some lingering sadness.' She reached across the small space between them and took Pio's hand, bringing it to her own cheek. 'Show me the necklace, Pio, and tell me of your life.'

Pio unclasped the necklace and placed it in her mother's hand. Coming to sit at her feet, she rested herself against her mother's legs as she did when a child.

'Oh, ama, now I am no longer sad.'

The two spoke long and quietly, until the trees near the edge of the terrace threw long shadows to the east. Then placing the necklace around Pio's neck once more, Holly stood and embraced her daughter. 'We should check on the little one.' she said. 'She will be wondering why you haven't returned. And Lady Idril wanted to see us also, soon. So, let us find them both. Though I think it wise not to tell little Pio who you are; she would not understand. And I would have her days with me as happy and carefree as I can keep them.'

Having made this agreement between them, the two walked side by side back to the atrium, to find the children had gone on to other games. Telling little Pio to come wake her early tomorrow to play at ships, they left the two youngsters and went to find Lady Idril.