[Child of the 7th Age]

It was not possible to ignore the troubled scene spinning itself out on the deck of the Star. Rose and Daisy stood near with eyes full of wonder, only partially comprehending what had occurred. Child gently touched Rose's shoulder. She asked her to pull back, to hold onto her questions until the tangled threads of fate could fall into a design.

Child herself had never understood Elves, even her friend Piosenniel. Yet, for the first time, she sensed the differences between them were not as great as she'd thought them to be.

At the moment a mortal drew breath, the knowledge came from deep within that someday the change would come. No kuduk or human, however wise or great, could escape the hidden destiny that lay somewhere beyond. Even her own kin, who were so good at forgetting their past, could not deny this fate.

Yet Child had imagined Elves to be different. Their lives were bound in memory. They glimpsed at least a bit of what lay ahead. And, within their golden fingers, they seemed to possess some magic which could hold back time and change.

But she had been wrong. For this was not the case. Even Pio, with all her seeming brashness, had spent hours on the Star gazing at the heavens, reluctantly turning towards the West.

And finally, for her friend, the great change had come. Child could never comprehend what had happened in the halls of Mandos or within Valinor itself. She knew their friendship would be forever changed, perhaps even gone. But, as small as she was, she had learned that such things must be accepted. There was no other way.

As Child gazed over at Piosenniel, she perceived a being both familiar and different than the one she had known before. And in a strange instant of recognition, she saw the Elf's body changing. No carnate being stood before her. Instead, a small cocoon with a creature of spirit struggled to emerge. A beautiful butterfly hovered, her wings still damp and her path of flight uncertain.

Child's thoughts spilled out and sped across the wooden boards to where the Elf sat. She had no words for the feelings in her heart. But the image of a butterfly, with its quivering wings, slipped under the consciousness of her friend. Then Child clumsily whispered what little solace she could bring.

We love you. Whatever you decide, whatever is right, we will accept. We can see the difference in your face. You have changed, and there is no pretending that things remain the same. For what lies before us is a miracle. Spread your wings. Do not fear. For, whatever your choice, our crew will go forward with this thing, and do what has to be done. And whoever you are, strange Elf, we love you very much.

Child turned and slowly walked away. She did not return to her cabin, but immediately went to the galley and began sorting through the gifts of the Mer-folk which her people would need.

[ September 06, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]