[THE Ka]

Rasputina had been relieved to just hear from Zimzi and Derufin that the gifts were lovely to them, and now she felt one quest complete. Now, the couple wished to know more about their compasses. They were unique to the outer world, for none of this kind had left her forest.

She explained that, these devices were unique with the owner and would only serve them and no other. The couple was concerned about, the fact that if their children inherited them would they serve them as well, or would their power die with them?

Rasputina hesited to answer. Very few of her people needed to pass on to their children these objects, for, when they ran from their burning lands to Eryn Vorn they had brought much or if not all of their mineral valuables in case they needed to trade with others. It never came to this and so, they were left with quite alot of free time and materials. Some though, wished to keep some of their older traditions and did not request a compass for a child but, passed theirs on.

At first, she explained, their children did not know how to use the compasses. They would not respond to their calls, or spin for them. Soon, by chance, some had come apon something interesting. The devices would not respond to some ways of communication but, they could be fooled to doing so. The compasses did not only read their dials but, also their owner's thoughts. If the children thought the destination, similar to how their parents would, the compasses would work. Soon, some of the more creative devised a ryme system that could be used by the children. Now, the children's parents still lived which helped greatly with their problem. To trick the devices to be used by their offspring, the parents all thought of an individual ryme, that the compass would come to identify with its owner and no one else. Now, the parents taught their children the ryme and as if they too were the owner's of the compasses, the devices would work for them just as well.

So, she told them, If they wished their children to come to own these compasses, they would first, have to think up their own ryme. Then, they would have to use it as much as they could when they sought direction. Then, they must only tell their children only what the ryme was. Thus, passing on the compasses without having to worry about it refusing their decendants.

They had also asked if her people lived close to the sea. She told them about her home. Eryn Vorn was a heavly wooded cape that stood out into the Great Sea south of the mouths of Baranduin. She did not mention her favorite cliff face - for some reason, she wanted to protect it's secret existance. She told how her people were forced to flee here because of the deforestation done by Numenoreans from Lond Daer and either side if the Gwathlo. Her kin thought kindly these people only so much, and on this matter they only could see the desire for power that Numenor lusted after. After this, few of her kin spoke of the event and gave thanks to the Valar and Eru for letting them survive. Even though, not all hope was lost, soon her people came to know 'The Dark Forest' as well as their old home and could think of no better land.

Now, Rasputina paused as her tale was done and waited for her listener's response...