[piosenniel]

'Why is it that he is pacing the deck?' said Veritas to Pio, the sweat glistening on their foreheads and arms as they labored to hoist the sails and secure them, 'while we of the "fairer sex & the Eldar" are working like a pair of conscripts!' She looked to where Mithadan was now speaking with Khelek who had come on deck. 'And himself, there! Why is he not here doing this job. We outrank him, by Eru!'

'A little too much celebrating at the tavern last night, Veritas?!', asked Pio, laughing. 'Let's get this job done and then we must take a closer look at the crystal device. A job we can do over a chilled glass of wine!'

'If you ask me,' said Angara who perched on a barrel near the two, 'which you didn't, but I will tell you anyway - Such ever is the way of Man and men!'

The two elves let go of the rope at this comment and howled with laughter.

Mithadan looked toward this raucous sound and yelled, 'Belay that rope!'

Khelek, bemused, stood and wondered at the source of their laughter.