[Mithadan]

Piosenniel and Mithadan held each other close for a long while. Words seemed unnecessary; they were satisfied to be close to one another in the summer sun. But soon, after several members of the crew walked by with faint smiles on their faces (and several giggling Hobbrim as well) they recalled that their task was not yet done and reluctantly parted.

Piosenniel returned below decks to seek out Cami, but Mithadan remained above, standing by the rail with the wind blowing through his hair. He wore a smile that could not be erased no matter the gravity of the matters at hand. He awoke from his reverie at a pull upon the cuff of his breeches. Looking down, he saw a young Hobbrim looking at him with bright eyes. "Please, sir, are you and the Lady Piosenniel married?"

There was a stinging in his eyes and a lump in his throat. He felt as if he could fly higher than Angara. When he could speak, he smiled at the little one and said, "Yes, we are, little one."

To the surprise of the Hobbrim, he spun about and ran down the gangway as quickly as his sore ankle would bear him. In his cabin, he retrieved a small wooden box filled with various items which he had saved during the course of his life. He drew out an unadorned ring of gold which had belonged to his mother long ago, before she had died of a sudden illness in his childhood. He stared at it for a moment, then placed it in his pocket. You would have liked her, Mother.

Then he left his cabin.....

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]