[Mithadan]

Birdland woke Mithadan from his nap by pecking on his forehead. He sat up waving his arms about as the sleep fell from his eyes. "What is it Bird?"

"Rose," she replied. "She is gone!"

Mithadan jumped up and pulled on his clothing. "She picked a poor night to wander off," he growled.

"No!" responded Bird. "She did not wander off. She is gone! She has packed her things and is gone!"

Mithadan blanched at this news. He ran to the window and looked to the north, but saw nothing, although he noted the stars were obscured by thick clouds. The attack had not begun yet, but there was little time left. "Summon Pio immediately!" he cried to Bird, even as he pulled on his leather vest and mail. By the time Bird returned with the Elf, he was fully armed.

"Where has she gone?" cried Pio. "We have little time to waste. I had planned to wait for the assault to encircle the city before making our escape through the Secret Way. The attack will begin soon!"

Mithadan glanced out the window at the northern horizon. "The attack has begun now," he answered grimly. The tops of the northern peaks were dyed red with the glow of many fires. "To find Rose we will have to find Child, I would think. The girl must have decided to join her friend and throw in with the Hobbits of Gondolin. We must hurry."

Pio and Mithadan raced for the doors. The streets were a confusion of shouting and rushing figures. Tuor ran from the house bearing his axe and clad in mail. "Morgoth is upon us!" he cried. "We must prepare for siege! You may join my company if you wish." Then he ran on into the night. Mithadan did not follow. He instead turned to the north and moved into the throngs in the streets. Pio hesitated a moment, looking back at Idril's house and the running figure of Tuor. Then she followed Mithadan. Bird flew swiftly above them towards the Hobbit burrows.