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With a word from Earendil, Haldia nudged Rhiel, and with a jump, they were off. Aurin and Skyel followed immediately, and the two rocs soared through the air, heading towards the island.

For the duration of the morning, they stayed around the elven side of the island. Rhiel didn't quite hover, but she was able to fly in place long enough for Earendil to do his work while Aurin circled around them, keeping watch.

But come noon time, they headed back to the ship for some lunch.

"Rather satisfactory," Earendil grinned, hopping down after Lin. "At this rate, I may be able to finish before winter is even over. We'll have all kinds of time to just relax and enjoy the city and the country, even with helping Shiro."

He was looking forward to it.

"Hey Earendil!" Celeb called brightly to his cousin. "This afternoon can we go out to where the gnomes live? I want to see the mountains!"

Haldia looked a little uneasy at the thought, and Earendil shook his head. "Not yet. We're going to start with this area and work our way over, or else I can't make the map accurate."

Haldia un-summoned Rhiel, and suddenly Skyel was the only roc on the deck. The others were slowly being unbuckled and hopping off, and it looked as though even Aurin was planning on staying for lunch.

Arwen had lunch ready and waiting for all of them in the galley. It was a warm fish lunch, a full meal with just about the last of their fresh fruits.

"Captain Striate," she smiled as he followed Rhea into the galley. "You're staying with us for lunch?"

Aurin smiled and bowed low. "If it is no trouble, Princess," he replied. "I believe that Earendil-sola is eager to return to his work, and it would save him time."

"No trouble at all," Arwen assured him, handing him a steaming plate. "Eat up."

Arwen giggled at Lin and Senka. "Yes, Senka has behaved quite well," she smiled, handing Lin a plate of food. "Did you all have a good morning? Productive?"

She tosses Senka an extra piece of fish, then finished handing out everyone else's meals.

Arwen was impressed. "That's amazing. I know it's a smaller island than Nauros was, but still, that's quite fast."

Earendil accepted a plate. "It's quite a bit easier when I can see so much from the air," he explained. "Haldia is good at keeping her roc steady, so I don't even have to ask her to land in order to make notes or draw things out."

Arwen smiled and turned to Haldia. "A shame she's intent on returning to her island when we return home."

Earendil winked at Lin. "Unless we can convince her to come back and see our land first," he grinned. "What do you think, shall we attempt it?"

Though he was sure Celeb would also try the same, it would still be interesting to try. Just to see what she would say, and see if she would actually be willing to stay.

Lunch was a quick one, and then afterwards everyone took a small rest. After all, even on the smoothest ride, flying immediately after eating was far from comfortable. Once they were ready though, Aurin, Rhea, Haldia, Earendil and Lin all climbed back on their respective rocs.

Kelirahc and Leyenda had had the experience they wanted, and had no more desire to go back up, and Celeb had just plain been bored, and so they all stayed back - which made Earendil happy, though he wouldn't admit it.

"Off we go again," he grinned at Lin as they settled onto Rhiel's back. "Ready?"