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"Well, she's mentioned it," Earendil said thoughtfully. "I think really the only reason she's even waiting is because she wants to see snow - I mean, she wants to see a lot of it. She saw some in Amon Darthir, but she wants to see it piled up, and play in it."

He looked up at the sky. "Still, I think she'll be going once winter if over, if not earlier. I think it just depends on how she takes to the cold. She wasn't fond of it on Amon Darthir, and this is going to get a lot colder, so I'm told."

He turned to Lin and smiled slightly. "It's going to be different, with everyone leaving."

"To be honest, I'm not sure what I'm going to be doing," Earendil shrugged, looking back at Lin. "I mean ... you and I had talked about traveling the Four Lands before heading out sailing again, but I guess with Miyuki, that might be up in the air."

He looked at the little girl fondly. He would never begrudge her for her, but it did mean that plans would have to change.

"So ... I guess it depends on what you'll be doing," he concluded. "If you go home, I guess I really won't have much choice but to do the same."

Not that he had any idea what he would do there. And it would be a lonely trip.

Earendil smiled. "I thought as much. Then at least you'll know where to find me the next time you visit."

He chuckled and looked ahead again. "Still, that's a while away. We should just enjoy ourselves while we're here, and while we're all still together."

When they finally arrived at the valley, it seemed that the group that was heading to Amon Darthir was already on their way. Skyel was in the middle of the yard, and Aurin was tying supplies onto her back. Aerin and Caranthir were helping him, handing things up to him, and Elros was watching from close by. Rhea was saying goodbye to her parents and Cindy, and Whisper was standing next to all of them, waiting patiently.

Earendil looked down at Lin. "We may have to wait a while," he murmured.

Elros heard Lin approaching, and he turned and smiled at her.

"Ah," he murmured softly. "I had been hoping that you would come." He put one hand on her shoulder. "I did not want to wake you this morning. But I'm afraid we must be going."

"I'm glad as well," Elros smiled, squeezing her shoulder gently. "We have had many years together, Lin, and I hope with all my heart that we may meet again, and under pleasant circumstances."

He paused a moment, then knelt down so that he was at eye level with her. "Lin," he said softly, seriously, "will you make me a promise?"

Elros smiled, then chuckled softly, remembering how easily she had always made promises in the past, and how hard she had worked to keep those promises. He hoped she would do the same with this one.

"I cannot see your future," he smiled at her, "and none can make it but yourself. But if you should be so lucky as to find someone whom you love, and who loves you back ... never let them go."

There was a bit of sadness in his eyes as he spoke, and it was clear that he was thinking of his own situation.

"Sir Elros," Caranthir called softly from behind them. "We are ready."

Elros smiled at Lin again and gave her shoulder one last squeeze. "Until we meet again, Lin Winters," he said warmly; and he turned and headed over to the roc.

Mostly everyone else had already mounted, but Rhea was waiting to give Lin a final goodbye as well. As soon as Elros was out of the way, she just about pounced on her, hugging her so tightly it seemed as if she just might be trying to squeeze her to death.

"You be careful, you hear?" she murmured into Lin's ear. "You have a little one to take care of. No more heroics like we did on our first visit to Amon Darthir. And as soon as it's safe we'll send word and then you have to come and visit us! All right?"