Pio stepped back from the embrace, holding Rie at arms' length. She smiled gently at her, and drew the young woman to her side, her arm about her shoulders. She pointed once again to the star on the horizon.
'I played with him when I was a child in Beleriand, in Ondolindë. He was my dear companion.' Pio leaned on the window's sill, her voice low. 'There was a fountain in the courtyard of the house there. Tuor made little ships for us, swan ships, and we used to sail them in the waters of the fountain pool. And sometimes, Idril would play with us - great battles we had! Always Light would prevail against Shadow.'
The Elf sighed. 'Those were sweeter, happier times. Now long gone.' She turned toward Rie, who gazed still at the evening star, and watched as the night stars' light played softly over the young woman's features.
'It's late.' she said, 'And I have a few things to finish before I take some rest. You should rest now, too.' She placed the still warm drink into Rie's hands. 'Drink this up, and dream sweet dreams. This new day beckons us already.'
Pio moved through the door, closing it behind her gently . . .
__________________
Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
|