[Mithadan]

Mithadan sat by the tiller as the skiff proceeded Northeast, aided by a steady westerly wind. He watched the sail with care as the craft cut through the light chop. "Duck!" he cried as the sail swung from left to right across the beam of the small vessel. Ancalimon evaded the swinging boom nimbly and scuttled back to sit closer to the Man.

"I understand that you have agreed to allow Piosenniel to ride in the first ship when you begin your assault on the caverns," said Ancalimon. "Perhaps I am unfamiliar with the ways of Men but it strikes me that not many in your position would show such flexibility in dealing with such a request from a pregnant wife."

Mithadan looked at his passenger, pondering his words for a moment and wondering what manner of being he had taken up with. "I have not yet measured Piosenniel's stubborness against her respect for me and do not wish to," he laughed. "Even were I to say 'nay', if she wished to be at the forefront I've little doubt that she would somehow do so. At any rate, I trust her skills and I...believe she will be safe."

Ancalimon's eyebrows arched at these words. "You 'believe' that she will be safe," he repeated with a nod. "I do not doubt that. Yet this will be a dangerous endeavor. We should all take care, each of us."

"I think we all understand the risks," replied Mithadan as he looked towards the town of Nindamos which was approaching rapidly. "And what is at stake, as well, else we would not do this thing. This is no pleasure cruise. If we fail the consequences may be dire. Cami and Rose were imprisoned by the forces of Morgoth. Daisy risks herself in the tombs even as we speak. Levanto meets with the Hobbits whenever we ask, with little regard to his safety." He looked at Ancalimon gravely. "Could anyone do less?"

"Yes," answered Ancalimon. "Many would do less, or nothing at all." He nodded to Mithadan, then looked over his shoulder. "We approach the docks. We must provision quickly and leave as soon as we can and without notice."

Mithadan nodded. He reached into his pouch and withdrew a handful of coins, which he passed to Ancalimon. Then he withdrew a few more from his pocket and placed them in the grey beard's hands. "Take this also," he said. Ancalimon looked at what Mithadan had given him, then placed them in his own pouch. Then he stood and made his way to the bow and picked up the skiff's lines.

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]