Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Well, that's a relief," Luk laughed sheepishly. "I'm not one to complain, but with all those people, I felt a bit claustrophobic."

Earendil smiled. "Yes, it will be quite different on our voyage back to the Four Lands."

It wasn't long to to the castle from there, and very soon they were at the castle door. The guards there gave Luk only a passing glance as they headed inside.

Earendil chuckled. "They know us by now. We have a habit of picking up passengers whenever we go somewhere."

Luk raised one eyebrow at Lin. "You usually go out looking for unbelievable things to happen to you?"

"Not really," Earendil chuckled. "I think she meant that we usually go out in search of adventure. When your people came upon us, we were leaving adventure behind, returning to a calm and predictable life. Or so we thought."

Earendil stared ahead and blinked. "Speaking of unexpected," he murmured. "Isn't that Rhea's parents?"

Further up the hall, heading away from the group that had just arrived, two black-haired figures were walking: a tall, black-robed figure, and a much shorter figure with long hair and a defined limp.

"My guess?" Earendil looked down at Lin. "While we were gone?"

Suddenly from behind them came the pitter patter of little feet, and from very close to the ground a little voice spoke up: "S'cuse me."

Vergil slipped between Earendil and Lin and ran after Adonai and Shael.

Celeb stared. He had never seen a surprise stage second before. "Who is that?"

Haldia giggled. "I think Rhea has some visitors," she grinned.

Earendil chuckled. "Hello, Cindy," he smiled. "How long have you been here? I assume someone went on a roc to get you?"

He was willing to bet it had been Aurin, since no one else would know where to go.

"Homesick," Luk murmured softly to himself. He looked at Cindy. "So you are from the same place that Rhea is?"

Earendil smiled and put one hand on Luk's shoulder.

"Cindy," he murmured, "this is Luk. Arthael is his half-sister."

Luk chuckled softly. "Well, to be fair, even she doesn't know she has a half brother," he smiled. "And thank you, it is good to meet you, too."

"I don't mean to interrupt," Earendil interrupted, "but do you know where Aerin is, Cindy? We need to introduce Luk and get her official permission for him to stay in the castle with the rest of us."

"I'm glad to hear it," Earendil smiled. He turned to Lin. "Coming with?"

In a way, he felt as if Luk was sort of his guest, though he wasn't sure why. Maybe it was that protective streak that ran through him, just as it once had run through Elrohir.