[Birdland]

As Khelek came down the stairs to below decks, in order to search Pio's cabin, he spied the halfling Daisy, arms full of linens and towels, heading back to the sickroom of the skin-changer.

"Good evening, young Daisy. And how is your patient?" he called.

The hobbit-lass jumped and peered up the stairs, backing up against the wall to let the Elf pass by, and staring at her feet.

"G'evenin' My Lord Khelek. Miss Birdie's doing fair well. I was just going to go in to change the bed linens for her."

And did the athelas I gave you have the desired effects."

Oh, yes, Sir! I steeped it in warm water by the sickbed, as you told me, and it seemed to bring a very restful air to the room. Kali has used it in Sir Mithadan's room as well, and says he thinks it may be calming his dreams. Of course," said Daisy regretfully, "If we had a king here, it may have had more of a healing effect, or so they say."

"Perhaps", said Khelek, with a gentle smile, "but I believe that it is not the hands of a healer that can release athelas' true powers, but the heart of a healer. And anyone can find that in them." Daisy gave a worried look towards the door, and Khelek wondered why the halfling seemed so preoccupied. "Is Miss Bird awake? May I see her?"

Oh, no, M'Lord. I mean to say, she's up, but is bathing right now, and after that will probably sleep some more. But I will send her your regards."

"Very well. Please do. Oh, and Daisy," he said as she once again began to sidle towards the door. "Please remember; you and Kali should take care of your own health, as well as the well-being of others. Do not exhaust yourselves. The next stage of our voyage may not be as perilous as the first, but there is still much to be dealt with. Please take care of each other."

"Oh, we will, Sir. And thank you!" and with that she opened the door a crack and slid into the room. Khelek again wondered at her behavior, but then turned his thoughts towards the upcoming journey, and continued down to Pio's old room.

Daisy walked over to the bed and threw the linens, towels, and an old pillow down on the coverlet. "There, it was all I could find. I hope it will do."

Bird turned and walked over to the bed, thumbing through the pile. "Yes, that should be enough. You don't have to keep up the ruse long, Daisy. Just until the ship sets sail and people are commited to the voyage."

"Oh, and here. I found this in Pio's things." Daisy held out a small, functional, but still beautifully crafted dagger and sheath. Bird took it slowly in her hands and turned it in the light from the porthole window. "It's a beautiful, and so ill-suited for it's purpose. But perhaps Pio did not think so. But I may not even need such a thing." Bird laughed softly. "When it comes to shape-shifting, it seems I have come up in the world." But she took the knife anyway and tied it to her belt.

"Now as I said Daisy. You only have to buy me a little time. Offer your excuses for a day, two if you can manage. And if anyone should peek in the room, keep it dark, and arrange the bed as best you can."

"Miss Birdie, what will they do to me when they do find out?"

"Nothing Daisy. They'll understand that you were only following my wishes. Or if you like, tell them you had no idea I was gone as well, if you can pull it off. Don't worry, no one will harm you. And please, say good-bye to Kali for me. Tell him I have not forgotten the songs I promised him."

"Are you sure you'll be up to this? You've only been on your feet a few hours."

I'll be fine, Daisy. I feel right as rain. And besides," and here Birdie gave the halfling a wink. "I don't know if the Elven-Folk know this or not, but Athelas has a very invigorating effect when you chew it!"

"Chew it?" Daisy wrinkled her nose at the thought.

"And why not. What? Did you think I would put some in my pipe and smoke it?" The thought of this seemed so ridiculous to the hobbit lass that she let out a loud snort of laughter. Then she placed her hand over her mouth and warily eyed the door.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]