[piosenniel]

Pio agreed with Child's analysis.

'Despite how strongly we might want it, I don't think our time here was meant for the actual rescue of the hobbit population. It is more as if we were to bring Child and the Gondolin hobbits together at this time, and that has certainly been accomplished. It seems dangerous for us to think of action beyond that point, for it might prove perilous to all our little group. And we will be needed later, if we are to finally find Kali's family and get the hobbits back to Middle-earth.'

'Then perhaps we should leave now,' said Mithadan, 'and leave Child here among the Gondolin hobbits.'

'That would be rude, and suspicious.' said Pio. 'Not to mention that despite the friendliness of Tuor and Idril, he has set guards about the house so that no one leaves save by their will.'

'Rude?' asked Rose.

'Yes, there is to be a grand dinner this evening in celebration of our arrival. Idril, herself, has planned it and the invitations have already gone out. The king will attend, I know, though I'm not sure who the other guests will be other than the immediate family here. Idril has requested the presence of all our little group at this function.'

Rose's face lit up at the prospect of dressing up in a lovely outfit and seeing the nobility of Gondolin.