[piosenniel]

'So!' said Bird, plopping herself down on the desk, feet propped on the chair. 'What is going on? Cami orders me to keep you in the room like a prisoner, and you look as thrilled about it as a bowl of yesterday's fish stew.' She leaned back against the wall and waited for Pio to speak.

The Elf drew a deep breath. 'You're going to be an Aunt, my dear Bird. A little niece and a little nephew for you to teach all sorts of strange and interesting things to.'

'Really?!' said Bird, a puzzled look on her face. 'Who's pregnant?' Pio rolled her eyes. 'I am, O, Dense One!'

Regret and happiness warred for control of Bird's face, and happiness won. She bear hugged her friend and then stepped back to look at her fully. 'I'm glad for you. For both of you.' she said. 'I guess this really means you won't be sailing with me when this trip is over, will you?' Pio shook her head 'no'. 'Not this time , Bird.'

There was an awkward moment of silence between the two old friends. Then Bird shook her head and laughed. 'You and Mithadan! I would never have guessed that at the beginning of this venture. Mr. Rules-and Regulations and Miss Unruly-and-Unregulated!'

The sound of giggling just outside the closed door, and a chorus of 'SHHH!'s' caught their attention. Bird went quietly to to the door and yanked it open . A covey of young hobbrim came spilling in. 'Bird! Bird!' they cried. 'Come see what we've made! We want to go up on deck and fire it off!.' Bird herded them out the door. 'Well, seems like I have to be going now. Hmmm! I guess that means you'll have to guard yourself now.' She winked at the Elf and grinned. The hobbrim children pulled her out the door and pushed her toward the steps. 'Make sure you don't escape!' she yelled over her shoulder and then disappeared on to the deck.

Pio left her room and ran quickly up to the deck. she wanted to hear Levanto's report, and she was curious why he asked to speak with Mithadan, not her. She found them, heads close together, talking quietly. Mithadan sat in one of the skiffs moored to the ship, and Levanto rested his torso on the skiff's side.

'I'm coming down to you!' she shouted down to the pair. 'I wish to hear from you also, Levanto.' Pio climbed down the side ladder and then jumped for the skiff when she reached the last rung. She landed with a cat-like grace, and then sat down where she could watch both of them. 'Carry on!' she said, looking at both of them. 'I'm listening!'

[ September 29, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]