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Shiro wasn't far behind Lin, but he didn't have any bags with him. And he didn't look too happy.

"Lin?" he called, stepping into the portal room. "Ah, you're there already. I ... won't be coming with you." He sighed and jammed his hands into his pockets. "Ura flat out refuses to go anywhere this soon after getting home, and I can't go without him. Not for another big trip."

He was disappointed, but what could he do?

"Give everyone my apologies, and explain the situation for me?" he asked Lin with a pitiable look in his eyes.

Shiro grinned and waved back. "Have a good trip," he told Lin sincerely. "Bring back lots of stories for me, and let me know how little Amalirahc is doing!"

He honestly wanted Lin to have a good time, though he knew it was also going to be difficult for her, having a baby now and all.

It was Atalya herself who opened the door for Lin, and her eyes grew wide when she saw the baby in Lin's arms.

"Welcome back, Lin," she said, moving aside so that Lin could come into her study. "And who is this? A new sibling?"

Though for the life of her, she couldn't figure out why Lin would be taking a brand new sibling with her on a trip.

Atalya was shocked for a moment when Lin introduced Miyuki as her daughter, but when she added the bit about finding the child, she relaxed visibly.

"Well then, congratulations," she smiled warmly. "And since I have not seen this type of person yet, what race is she?"

She tickled Miyuki under the chin lightly, her eyes soft and warm.

Atalya giggled back at the baby. "And what is the difference?" she asked Lin curiously, glancing up at her. "She looks like a fox to me ... or, fox-person, I suppose."

And of course she had never heard of kitsunes before, so she wouldn't know what any of that meant.


Earendil had just taken a bath after a long morning of training again, and he was heading down the corridor, on his way towards the dining hall for some lunch, when he spotted Senka.

"Senka!" he beamed, kneeling and holding his hands out for her. "You're back!"

The queen allowed the infant to play with her finger, smiling bemusedly. "Somehow, I have the strangest feeling that this is going to be another one of your epic adventures, as Earendil likes to call them," she murmured. She glanced up at Lin again. "And on that note, he would be having lunch about this time, if you want to go see him."

She nodded at the guard who was standing in the corner of the room. "Sir Melwyn will take your bags to your room, if you like. Same room as always. Would you like a cradle brought up for you?"



Earendil chuckled and lifted Senka up, holding her close and stroking her happily. "I missed you too, Senka," he murmured, scritching her the way he knew she liked best. "But speaking of yours, where is Lin? Isn't she normally the one you won't let out of your sight?"

He continued on towards the dining hall, though he was curious - and more than a little confused. He had never seen Senka go somewhere without Lin willingly before. Had something happened to Lin?

Earendil blinked at Senka. "Furball?" he repeated, heading into the dining hall. "What furball? Did Lin get a new pet?"

As he sat down at the table, a servant appeared with a tray for him. She set it on the table in front of him, bowed, and left once more.

Earendil opened the tray and picked out the small bit of fish that was on it, setting it on the edge of his plate for Senka.



Atalya smiled and nodded as the guard took Lin's bags from her. "I will have it brought to your room right away."

She set one hand on Lin's shoulder and smiled warmly at her. "It is good to have you back again, Lin," she said sincerely. "Very good indeed. Now go on, Earendil will be happy to see you."