READ THIS if you are part of the Barrow-Down's Birthday Party

[Mithadan]

Mithadan watched the Elf-friend ships draw near. He instructed ten of the sailors to man the rail with hooks and ropes. Squinting, he struggled to measure the distance to the Blue Wizards' "prey". Less than a mile, he judged.

Pallando and Alatar stood, watching the approaching vessels. The time had come to make their "offer". Alatar closed his eyes and gripped his staff...

Mithadan looked over to where Rose was bound to the mast. She wriggled about, apparently testing her bonds, then froze when her eyes met his. He scowled, then looked pointedly away. He then noted that her guard was looking out at the approaching ships. This would not do. He walked over and swatted the guard with an open hand. "Watch your charge," he growled. Then he stepped over to Rose and, with a kick, swept her feet out from under her. He reached down and checked the ropes which bound her. Tears running down her cheeks, she extended her hand to him. He grabbed her wrist and said, "Do not try to wriggle away now little rabbit. Your time will come soon enough."

Meanwhile, Alatar had sent an image of himself to Idril. "I take it you have authority to treat with me. We have one who maybe you would not see harmed? The Hobbit Rose Baggins?"

"Baggins?" Idril asked in confusion.

"Do not play at words with me," responded the Wizard. "Mithadan has joined us and revealed her identity."

Idril smiled. "Oh. I see," she replied. "And what must we do to ensure Miss. Baggins is not harmed?"

"This matter has been a misunderstanding," said the Wizard. "We mean no harm, but now fear attack from your armed vessels. We, in a show of good faith, will exchange the Baggins girl for her cousin, Frodo, and his companion who we shall hold to ensure your good conduct. We will, of course, release them later, once calm heads prevail."

The air seemed electrified. Many minds were looking one to the other creating a "magical" murmur and the Wizards were intent on the unfurling events. Mithadan stepped towards the rail and muttered under his breath...