[piosenniel]

Pio sighed and looked about her. 'We seem to be in stasis', she thought. 'As if time and energy had slowed down into a thickening syrup and we just can't get started!'

She walked over to Gimli and prodded him gently with the side of her broadsword. 'Do you think you could put down that mug, Master Dwarf, long enough to give us a hand with this quest? We could use another fighting man on this expedition, I think. And one with a Dwarven sense of practicality.' She left him staring bleary at her and considering the offer.

Going next to KoF, she tapped him also with her blade to get his attention. (It is a strange sight to see a kettle in a corner, sobbing!) 'Come now, Master Kettle, could you see your way to accompanying us on our quest? We could use your clear thinking on the problems sure to befall us on our quest. I do have a practical suggestion, though, should you choose to become our companion - can you morph into a more self propelled being, one more capable of defending itself, at least just for the duration of this journey? And I promise, being somewhat of a newbie here myself, that by whatever power I do have that I will keep certain ghastly companions from harassing you (as best I can!)' She turned from a now thoughtful appearing kettle and returned to where Child and Bird were standing.

Putting the first two fingers of her right hand to her mouth, Pio gave out a loud whistle. 'Listen up folks, the quest is on! Everyone gather round (excepting you of course, Mr. Frodo, you stay comfortable under that tree and tune in by palantir, and Samwise you watch, too; make sure he doesn't get too tired.) Who's good at maps? Let's get them out and orient ourseves. Repack the lembas; Kettle bring what you need for sustenance. Let's borrow a bit more rope from Samwise. Child, fill us in on what you know about Fangorn and how we might best approach it. Veritas, have you figured out the ins and outs of the laptop? Birdie, lend us your analysis of how we might best approach this campaign (and keep pinching those cheeks -entwives had rosy cheeks!). Gimli, best get your axe sharpened!'

There was a hubbub of activity and noise as the companions sorted out their various jobs.

Pio walked quietly, as elves are wont to do, toward the buffet table where the dragon had just finished the last of the mushroom pies.

'Best not to prod a dragon, Elf. We get a bit testy when provoked!' said the little golden one, just swallowing a mouthful of grapes.

'Then come with me, my good Wyrm!', said Pio bowing low. 'We are about to set off, & need your expert advice on our course of action.'

Flying to Pio's shoulder, the dragon settled in, thinking.

'Nothing like a few compliments to reel in a dragon.' thought Pio, reaching up to remove a stray claw from a particularly sensitive area, and resettling it on her leather jerkin.

'I heard that, Elf!' returned the dragon, picking a few bits of grapeseeds from her teeth.

Pio hastened quickly back to the staging area, bearing a now catnapping passenger tucked against her neck. She focused her attention on the activities happening about her, lending a hand and observation as needed. She kept her thoughts on things well-guarded, and very much to herself.

[ June 02, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]