[piosenniel]

'I envy you, Child.' said the elf, smiling gently at her friend. 'You've really made up your mind already, haven't you? You have come to understand how you fit in best, and now you are seeking the where and the when of it.'

Child opened her mouth to protest, but Pio laughed, and continued, 'You know that it is possible to do what you want to do. In fact I find it odd that you would hesitate.' She looked at the hobbit keenly. 'What would hold you back from doing so, I wonder?'

'Not fear, I think. You have seen too much darkness and shadow and come through them to fear making choices. An old sense of guilt, perhaps, that you are somehow unworthy to do this? No, by the light in your eyes when you speak of that which you long to do, I think that tether was loosed long ago.'

Pio leaned forward over the railing, looking far out to sea. 'Were I in your position, Child, I would take the opportunity to be of use in a place where I was needed.' She sighed.

'Tomorrow we will be in Númenor. Ancalimon will join us there to see to the final disposition of the hobbits. I think that you should speak with him and lay your questions before him.'

She turned to look closely at her friend, 'Whatever you decide, I will support you.'

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]