Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Thank you!" Amalirahc beamed. He turned to face his parents. "May I? Please?"

"You may," Leyenda called back, though her tone was hesitant. "But do not forget what we talked about."

"I won't!" Amalirahc promised. "Don't you worry!" He turned back to Miyuki, his eyes shining brightly. "It's going to be so much fun!"

Leyenda turned her dark eyes to Lin. "They might not like the elves they know, but they dislike those who are different even more. The last time we were here, I was treated all right, as was Celeb, but Kelirahc and Haldia ..."

She let her sentence hang. The implication was clear. Still, she wasn't going to stop her son from visiting. He'd been there before, he knew what it was like, and if he didn't mind, she wouldn't stop him.

"It is his choice," Kelirahc spoke up, his voice calm and soft. "He is old enough to begin making his own decisions. He is at the same age as I was when I made my trip into the volcano."

Leyenda nodded. "Well, I don't think it will be as bad for you as for the others," she murmured. "I shan't explain further, but you'll find out what I mean, I'm sure."

"That sounds ominous," Earendil quipped.

Kelirahc laughed. "Do not worry, she is making it seem much worse than it is. There is no physical danger, I am certain. Just be sure to watch your purse."

"Watch your backs nonetheless," Halmir told them in his growling voice.

"Yes, we're still going," Earendil chuckled, patting Miyuki on the head. "And we'll see if we can't find some new clothes for you as well, you've only got a few items since you grew after we started out on this trip. What do you say?"

"Mama, may I have some money as well?" Amalirahc asked Leyenda, skipping over to her.

Leyenda smiled. "After breakfast, darling," she told him, taking both his hands and squeezing them lightly. "Eat first, then worry about the trip."

Earendil laughed. "We'll leave it to you to choose what clothes you get," he grinned, "as long as it's not too outrageous. And if we stay here long enough, perhaps you can even get some custom clothes, if they're offered!"

He was sure she would like that.

"Breakfast is served," Arthael spoke up, sitting back from the fire.

After breakfast, Leyenda made sure Amalirahc had a purse of bronze coins (they were still following Emile's rule about not having currency any larger, as it would be more tempting to steal) before sending him off with the others. Daeron, Luk and Aethos were planning on going with them into the city.

"You're welcome to leave Andarien here with me, if you'd like," Alena offered to Lin. "If you don't want to take him to the city with you, that is."

Earendil chuckled softly. "It might be best if we keep him with us, that way we can see if we can't find a sling for him to make carrying him easier," he replied. "What do you think, Lin?"

Alena smiled. "The offer stands, for the future."

"Thank you," Earendil smiled. "We'll see you this afternoon, at some point."

He put one arm around Lin's shoulder. "Shall we be off, then?" he asked her with a grin.

"Me too!" River cried, running up to them. "But Grandmama didn't give me any gold, she says look today and then tomorrow they'll come with me and see if there's anything for me to buy."

"I'll share with you, then," Amalirahc grinned at her. "At least I'll get you something to eat, all right?"

"Thanks!" River beamed.

Earendil laughed. "Come on, then, let's get going before the day runs away on us."

There was no trouble as they passed through the gate, and very quickly they were in the city. The first several streets they passed were filled with houses, some of which had small yards with flower beds (empty, as it was too early in the year for anything to begin growing yet). The streets themselves were clean, well kept, and every corner had a sign post with the names of the streets on them.

"It's so different from Ethuil," Aethos murmured in awe as he looked around.