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"Yes, well ... that's what happens when bias builds on bias, and it increases for thousands of years," Celeb replied simply. "Think of it this way. Nauros accepts everything because they're grateful there's something else out there. They've yet to be treated poorly by others. Amon Darthir was dangerous at first because they'd had only trouble with those different from them. Caras Galadhon had harmony between the races almost from the beginning. Here ..."

He trailed off and looked down at the ground below them again. "Here, the humans showed up during a time of trouble, and the trouble never stopped. It's the only thing I can think of. And of course when we have situations like when the ranch stopped them from stealing our children ... we're willing to move on, but they're not, and things only get worse from there. It's an unending cycle, here in the Four Lands."

"Well ..." Celeb looked back at the space in the trees where the others were still working on setting up their camp. "Maybe you could look at it this way. You've taken a step already, inviting Emile to be your guide. Inviting him to go sailing with you. Sometimes a step is all that's needed to get something going."

He looked at Lin seriously.

Celeb looked amused. "Oh?" he asked, wondering what that comment meant.

Of course, he hadn't yet had a chance to talk to Emile - he'd spent the day on the wagon with Haldia, Lin and the children, and Emile had been riding at the front with Earendil and Daeron.

Celeb chuckled. "A traveler at heart. Well, that's good to know, it means we can trust him a bit more easily that way. On the other hand, it's also good for at least one of us to be a bit wary, just in case. I know you won't like it when I put it this way, but Haldia and Kelirahc are too trusting of the humans here. Yes, I know you don't like it when we act so ... biased, but on the other hand it's necessary here, as you found out this morning. It might be ideal to be as trusting as they are, but in the Four Lands, it will get you killed. Until the day when this continent is as peaceful as the others, it's simply not safe to trust."

He smiled again. "But it's a nice thought. Something to look forward to in the future, perhaps, and maybe even work towards."

"Oh, no," Celeb agreed, "of course not. He probably is quite trustworthy, and for my part at least I'll trust him until he proves otherwise. Daeron is probably the only one here who might have difficulty with that, but with the experiences he's had ... you really can't blame him. Still, he's also the type of person who will try to hide it as best he can."

He grinned. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."

They had circled the area where the others were setting up camp, and now they headed back. They touched down, and right away Amalirahc hopped down, then turned around to help River and Miyuki down as well. Celeb was the first adult down, and he helped Haldia down, then held his hands up to Lin.

Amalirahc giggled and helped River down as well. River was feeling much better now, back to her usual self once more.

"I'm hungry!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright again. The fresh air had given her an appetite, and she hoped dinner was ready. "Come on, Miyuki! Amalirahc! Let's go see if dinner's ready for us!"

She took each of them by the hand and tugged them towards the campfire.

Arthael was crouching by the fire and cooking up some rabbits that appeared freshly caught while Halmir, Daeron and Elros were keeping lookout. Alena was nowhere in sight - she was inside one of the tents, feeding Shiloh. Leilani and Aric were playing with Remiel, Shiro and Kaito were sitting on the back of a wagon, and Emile was chatting with Luk and Aethos. Leyenda and Kelirahc were helping Arthael with the food, though Leyenda was clearly having an easier time of it than Kelirahc was.

Earendil was working on setting up their tent. Andarien was nearby, wrapped up in blankets and fast asleep.

"Smells good," Amalirahc grinned as they neared the fire.