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"Of course," Elarinya nodded. She stepped away from the table with the fimlas bowl and led the group over to the other table. It had the more basic plants and herbs, the ones that were found commonly in the Westland, and that were safe for general use. She gave their names, explained what they were used for, and different ways they could be prepared.

Amalirahc, true to form, ended up bored rather quickly, and went upstairs to visit his aunt and uncle and cousin. He came down now and again to see how things were going, but he never stayed long.

Eventually, it grew dark outside, and Elarinya lit some candles so that they could still see.

"Your families are probably looking for you," she noted, seeing how dark it was outside. "You might want to get back to the inn."

"True," Shiro commented, though he himself was loath to leave. "Are you sure that it's fine that we take up so much of your time?"

Elarinya laughed. "But of course! As I said, I have no set schedule. I mostly just supply the healer, and that's not a very demanding job. And I enjoy the company, truly I do. It's rare that I have people to really talk to."

Elarinya smiled. "I would be more happy if you returned tomorrow," she said sincerely. She started to head towards the door to show them all out. "Make certain that you have everything, now," she smiled, "it would be most unfortunate if you left something behind. I'm afraid I can be a bit scatterbrained at times, and I would hate to lose your notes and such."

Shiro chuckled. "Safely here," he grinned, patting his tablet carefully. "Thank you."

River hadn't brought anything with her to the apothecary's house, something that she had deeply regretted, but Shiro had promised her that he would help her remember everything from his tablet later on, when she did have paper. that had appeased her, and she had simply focused on listening after that.

"I don't have anything to forget," she giggled, though it was a tired giggle. It had been a long day, after all. "Thank you for teaching us!"

"Yes, thanks!" Amalirahc chimed in, his own hands empty (voluntarily). "Have a good night, Elarinya! We'll see you tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow," the woman smiled back, seeing them out the door.

The other children wanted to go straight to bed as well, and though Shiro would have loved to stay up and re-read his notes again, he couldn't: the battery on his tablet was finally giving out, and he would have to save his second battery for the next day, when the first one would have to recharge in the daylight.

The days passed quickly. The town was explored, the children learned from Elarinya, Celeb and Haldia were visited again numerous times. Iorlas spent much time with the group, so much time that she became a part of the group. From time to time, she still said odd things, but for the most part people just put it down as it being part of her. Alassëa began teaching Miyuki the staff, and from time to time was challenged by the townspeople, and ended up making quite a profit from it, thanks to Aethos. Halmir introduced his wife, brother in law, and granddaughter to some of his old friends, and even Emile was welcomed (if a bit coolly) by the people.

But the time came when it was time for the group to move on, three weeks after arriving in the town. They hadn't planned on staying so long, but the time had been quite enjoyable. Really, the only reason they felt they needed to go was so that they would be able to visit the Northland while it was still summertime, before it became too cold for comfortable travel.

Goodbyes were given, Shiro promised to see what kind of recipes he could find elsewhere for Elarinya, and there was a bit of a surprise when the group was packing up the wagons again.

Iorlas had come to see everyone, and Earendil had thought that she had come to see them off. But apparently that wasn't quite the case.

"Where do you plan on heading from here?" she asked, her head tilted curiously.

"Ebonscarp is our next stop," Daeron replied, "and from there, Chansond'eau. Then we hope to continue to the Northland, and around to the Eastland and Southland before returning to the Borderlands."

Iorlas nodded thoughtfully. "I know this is asking a lot of you," she said hesitantly, "but ... might I accompany you? I've always wanted to see more of our land, but I've never felt it safe to go alone."

Earendil smiled. "I have no problem with that," he started to agree, but Iorlas held up one hand to stop him.

"There is ... one thing that you should understand before you agree," she said hesitantly. "And that is ... if I do accompany you ... it may not just be me."

Instantly, the others were intrigued. "What do you mean?" Daeron asked slowly.

Again, Iorlas hesitated. "I ... have a sister, a twin sister. If I go with you, she may ... tag along. But she may only show up from time to time, I really don't know."

"Not while I've been with you," Iorlas answered honestly. "Though, beyond that, I can't say. Though I'm sure that if you had, you would remember. She's ... somewhat unforgettable."

"You make her sound very mysterious," Earendil chuckled. "But I should think that it wouldn't make a difference. You are quite welcome to travel with us, Iorlas. You are a friend, and we would never deny you."

The others added their agreement, and Iorlas smiled widely.

"Thank you," she said softly. "All of you."

She climbed up onto the wagon and sat down next to Miyuki. She had only a small bag with her, and she tucked it away with the rest of the things in the wagon.

Iorlas smiled at Miyuki. "I don't know," she replied. "She may not even come - though I doubt that will be the case. If we leave, and if she wants to join us, she will find us. Don't worry."

"So we should just start off?" Daeron asked, just to be certain.

Iorlas nodded. "Please. I don't wish to hold you back."

And so they started off, following the path towards the next town.