[piosenniel]

A knock at the door interrupted the discussion of Mithadan's list of concerns.

'Come!' said Pio. It was Child. She had come to say that her inventory of foodstuffs and medical supplies was complete and stowed securely for the shift to Númenor. The elf listened to her request that a few more sea-cows be brought in tow, and gently told her that she would prefer to be able to bring all that was needed directly secured on the ship itself. 'Was there any possible way, the additional sea-cows could be put in the hold with the others?' she wondered. Child said that she and Kali would work on seeing what could be done.

Pio also advised her that once they were in the Second Age, she would be contacting Ancalimon, who would then come to them. If there were any questions that Child had concerning the hobbits, this would be a good time to resolve them with him.

Mithadan had risen when Child entered, and he took his leave of them after a small exchange of greeting. 'I will research the answer to that question, and see what I can find. We will have some time after we shift to pin it down more precisely. Are we resolved to go this evening still?'

'Yes, I think so.' she returned. 'Right after supper, if possible. The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place nicely and I think we can move forward with this mission.'

He had just exited, when her voice called him back. 'I forgot to ask you something.' she said, coming to stand in the doorway. 'I seem to have lost my sword in Beleriand, and I have no other. Do you have one I might use?'

He said he would see about it, and she turned back to Child. 'Let's go abovedeck and see how the others are doing. I need some fresh air and a place to stretch my legs. How about you?'