[Mithadan]

Mithadan's eyes flickered open, but did not come into focus. They sparkled brightly and seemed almost to glow in the dim light of the cabin. He murmured under his breath, then frowned but nodded as if engaging in an unseen conversation. Abruptly, his eyes snapped shut again, only to open a moment later, focused and clear. He blinked, then looked up at Piosenniel.

"Beloved?" he began, with a yawn. "Is it morning so soon?"

"Nay," replied the Elf. "It is late in the evening. I am sorry to wake you. Were you dreaming?"

Mithadan looked at her for a moment, then sat up in the bunk and reached for her hands. "Yes, I was. No matter. Is there some problem?"

"We must speak," she said. "We must resolve the question of whether I shall be on the first ship. Of all the Elves aboard the Star, I am the most skilled at Osanwe and know the most of our plans and the caverns beneath the tombs. If I am not at the forefront of our efforts, there may be great delays in rescuing the Halflings and preparing the Elven fleet to depart. Angara has pledged to protect me at all times. I will be as safe there as anywhere."

Mithadan looked troubled and seemed to look within himself for answers. He answered softly, almost as if speaking to himself, "I would keep you from the risk of assault, both you and our children to be. I would not risk you..."

She smiled and laid her hands upon his cheeks. "There will be no risk. I will keep myself safe and Angara will aid me in this. You've seen her lately. She would not put a child in harm's way."

"WHAT KNOW YOU OF THE RISKS!" he shouted. Then his chin tilted downward. "Many will be at risk," he continued in subdued tones. "Our task is to rescue those who would otherwise perish and with them perhaps take away hope for Middle Earth. Many will be at risk. I cannot concern myself about one alone."

He looked up and his grey eyes met hers, but now his eyes were dull and troubled, while hers shone with the light of the West. He took a deep breath. "So be it! You may come along and be on the first ship."

She smiled broadly and wrapped him in a tight embrace, then kissed him hard on the lips. "Thank you! You shall see, I will take care of myself and those within me as well!" They kissed again...
-----------------

Sleep would not come to him. His dream played itself out over and again in his mind. ...In response to his question, the Lord of the Seas looked grave, but answered, "Thy entry unto the river and thy travel there shall be under my protection for my power runs through all the rivers of the world. But once thou enter the tombs and caves, thou wilst have gone beyond the reach of my mantle and all the skills and the resolve of thee and thine friends will be tested. But thy efforts will be for naught if the Elf Piosenniel takes not her proper place at the forefront, and if she does so she will be safe and thine efforts may yet succeed. But even so..." The remainder of Ulmo's words echoed in his mind. He shut his eyes tight, then opened them and rose quietly, put on his clothes and climbed to the deck. He looked up at the stars, but they offered him no solace...