[piosenniel]

Her hand shook as she took the letter with the familiar handwriting on it. ‘Please let it be good news from the South.’ she murmured. Pio tucked the letter in her belt, and placed the packet in her breeches pocket.

She asked Elanor to freshen a room for their new guest, asking if she might have the girl take his bags up to the room. ‘He looks fit enough to carry his own bags.’ thought Elanor to herself, but smiled and curtsied, saying nothing.

Pouring one last drink for Hithmir, and wishing him a good stay in the Shire, Pio returned to her seat by the fire. Cami came near, wanting to know, in her ever curious Hobbit way, what Pio had received. ‘Let me read it first.’ said the Elf, and then I will share it with you.’

She shooed the Hobbit off with a smile and a wave of her hand, then took the packet and letter, laying them side by side on the table. Which one to open first, she wondered, running her fingers lightly over each. She chose the packet, and opened it with the small knife from her boot top. Ten gold coins poured out, in to a glittering heap on the table top. ‘Ah! He must have sold the knife.’ She fingered the face of one of the coins, picking out the gull winged helmet that graced the upturned side. ‘A pity he could not have kept it, to pass down to his son. A good businessman, he is, though. And I am sure that if I thought about it clearly I would understand the need for profit which drives the world of Men.’

A few moments lost in thought, and then she opened the letter, running the sharp blade of the knife carefully along the letter’s edge. A single, white piece of parchment, crisply folded, fell to the table as she shook the envelope. Opening it, she read:

~~~~~~~~~~~

Beloved:

I hope this letter finds you well. You are always in my thoughts.

The refit of The Lonely Star proceeds apace, though it may be perhaps three months before it is finished. The barnacles alone took two weeks to remove.

I have sold Elros' dagger to King Elessar. Together with the proceeds of sale from the three ships some time ago (you recall I think) and less the expense of repairs to the Star, I have secured some 600 gold pieces for the partnership. This should keep Bird going for I time, I think.

I am advancing you some of the profits for your ease. But tell me, when will you return to the warmth of Gondor? Surely you do not intend to give birth to the twins so far from me? Of course, if you wish I will join you in the frozen north. You can, of course contact me without writing.

I await your reply and look forward to seeing you soon, for I miss you sorely.

With all my love,

Mithadan

~~~~~~~~~~

A few tears edged her lashes, as she folded the letter and replaced it in the envelope.

Elanor had come to tell her the guest and his bags had gone up stairs. ‘Some sad news, Ms. Pio?’ she asked concerned. Pio turned her face to the girl, smiling, and wiped away the threatened tears.

‘No, not sad at all, Elanor.' Pio's hand rested protectively over the soft swell of her belly. 'I am just missing someone . . . very much, at this moment . . .’

[ January 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]