�I am glad we saved your lives so you could demonstrate with what gusto you enjoy your nourishment.�
I smiled at him and then I realized what he had said. How foolish was I not to have offered my gratitude.
�Thank you. For saving us.�
Sirviriel frowned. �You should not have tried to manage my boat. It follows only my words. If you would have waited, I would have taken you to the island myself.�
�Your boat?� Priscilla had asked the question beside me through a mouth full of food.
Sirviriel nodded. �I had come over to observe you and determine who you were. I was just signaling to Celuvellon when you rashly embarked in my craft.�
�You are very lucky she did signal,� Celuvellon said. �Or you may not have breath at this very moment.�
Priscilla and I nodded, but the food was too good and the drink too sweet for us to stop eating. I had never tasted such wonderful fare. Meats, cheeses, breads, all of it was better even than Hobbit cookery! After a time, Celuvellon and Sirviriel stood to leave us.
�Finish what you like and then rest, friends,� Celuvellon said. �Lady Sirithiel will call you when she is ready to speak with you.�
They left and after we finished eating, Priscilla fell into a deep sleep without a word on the soft grassy carpet of the forest floor. I am trying to keep my eyes open, to think of what has happened this day and of what the Lady might say to me presently. I am impatient to hear, but my body is heavy with weariness. Perhaps I will close my eyes, for just a moment�