[Child of the 7th Age]

Child's search for Piosenniel was unsuccessful. Nowhere could the Elf be found. On Mithadan's strict orders, Child spent the afternoon with Rose and Veritas learning how to wield her newly chosen daggers. By the afternoon, her arms and legs ached. Veritas had told her she might also bring her bow when she went with the landing party. That, at least, was consolation.

Men! Child didn't know if it was the gender or the race. But sometime they could be exasperating. Still, she recognized that Mithadan carried a load of responsibility right now. If he sounded gruff or acted strangely, there must be a reason behind it.

That evening, there was little sleep. The feeling of anticipation ran too high. Mithadan and the Elves remained below deck polishing and honing their weapons. The rest sat above in the moonlight. Then, Child remembered Pio's casual reference to a scouting party with Levanto. After she shared this news, there was much speculation about its meaning.

In an attempt to pass the time, the company listened as Kali sang. To Child, his melody seemed hauntingly familiar. Yet she could no longer recall the words. It was almost as if she was already slipping through another veil of time. Only this was one of goodness and safety, so she was not afraid.

As Kali's final notes faded in the wind, Child asked if Ancalimon could share a tale with them, "But not just the dealings of Elves or Men," she begged. "Teach us something of our own people."

Ancalimon nodded in agreement. "I will tell you a story that touches on Valar and Elves and hobbits, and their caring for one another." As he began, Mithadan rejoined the group followed by Veritas and Khelek.

"Shortly after the kuduk were kidnapped and thrust into the tombs, the news of this sadness found its way to Aman. Although the great ones could not interfere, their hearts grieved. This sorrow lay especially heavy on Nienna, who brings hope to the shores of Arda, and also on Ulmo, ruler of its waters."

"Sensing the grief of the Valar and the hobbits' cries, Tuor came before his master. He pleaded to take many swanships filled with Elves, and sail to Numenor to bring freedom to the tombs. For Tuor and Idril had never forgotten the kuduk, nor the sadness that sprang from Gondolin."

"Mighty Ulmo shook his head, 'The time has not come. What you desire may not take place until a hobbit pleads her cause before a Man, and he listens with compassion. Only then will the Star sail and perhaps bring all to right. For unless Man's heart is gentle enough to hear his smaller neighbors, his dominion will fail before it scarcely begins, and the hobbits will be cast into a watery grave."

"'For now, the kuduk must remain hidden from Sauron. Ar-pharazon alone arranged their capture and knows of their importance. This he discovered by chance, when he came upon the ancient command issued by Morgoth in Beleriand.'"

"Yet Ulmo explained that one thing remained in which Tuor might aid him. For there could be no sailing over seas of time without the shining crystal which can gently part its veil. And this crystal was given first into the hands of Manwe, and then from him to Ulmo."

"Then Ulmo explained how it was now his duty to entrust it to others. And these would be beings new to Arda, hobbits who agreed to be transformed under his staff. And these sea hobbits would become part of Ulmo's own people, and swim back to a safe harbor to wait many years."

"In obedience to Ulmo, Tuor's single ship slipped quietly into Numenor, and the Elves made their way on a small vessel along the very same stream where tonight Levanto swims. And as Ulmo had directed, Tuor brought a few Stoor families to safety."

There, the hobbits consented to take up this new task. And, they stood in the presence of Ulmo who waved his great staff and transformed them into hobbrim. In Valinor, this is known as the "First Choosing."

"One group was entrusted with Manwe's crytal, and told to keep it hidden. They were to swim east towards a secret spot. Here, they would wait and watch for a ship, flying under the banner of the Lonely Star. And on that ship, a hobbit woman and an Elf, and even one of the free shapechangers, would stand beside the Man, bound in friendship and hope."

The second group remained behind in Numenor and were told not to leave that spot. For, if evil should befall their kin, they would need to swim east to rescue the crystal. And if Kali had died without going upon the Star, this would have happened."

These faithful hobbrim still wait on the southeast coast of Numenor, living in hidden sea caves. And their hearts are such that, even if disaster were to come, they would not leave their posts. For they swore faithfulness to Ulmo, and would rather die than break that trust."

As Ancalimon's tale ended, silence hung over the Star. But Kali's eyes were alight with fire and concern as he reflected on the doom of his missing kin who had proved faithful so many years. Then he went over by Bird and whispered.

Finally, the two stood up and announced to the group, "We will swim through the waters and rescue these hobbrim. For they are not fish with gills. If a great wave comes over the caves, they will surely die." And each of the hobbits--Rose, Daisy, and even Child--ran up to join them, and begged to come along in the boats to help. Ancalimon smiled and was not surprised at their response. But he told them to wait until the next day when Piosenniel returned, and they could speak with her and Mith to see how this could be done.

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]