Welcome to Gaia! ::

A short while later, the beginning of the parade came into view. There were a few musicians then, playing a lively tune, and several small children who were several years younger than those that Miyuki and Amalirahc always hung out with. They were dancing around with each other, laughing and having a wonderful time.

Along behind them came children a little bit older, many of whom were wearing feathered headdresses - feathers discarded from the baby rocs when they first molted. Those with feathers were waving their arms like birds, and the others were chasing them around with ropes and harnesses.

Behind those children came those who were Miyuki and Amalirahc's age, the ones that they hung out with - these ones were the scholars, prancing about with scrolls and books and quills, or holding tools of the master craftsmen: the trowel of the mason, the sewing needle of the tailor, the knife of a tanner, and so on.

The three visiting children were with them, with their own 'scholarly' devices: Vergil had a book in his hand (for the first time by choice), and Amalirahc was carrying a set of leather jesses for a young roc.

They waved when they saw their parents, and looked very much as if they were having quite a lot of fun.

Next came the children who were a bit older still, and these ones were dressed as warriors: they wore fake armour that looked like that of their fathers, but that fit them well, and they had swords and bows that were carved out of wood, none of which were real, but only for practice.

Earendil looked thoughtfully down at Lin. "Is it just me or is there actual meaning behind all of this?"

"And younger to older, like the age of the country," Earendil added as the next part of the parade passed.

For a long while it was warriors, and then there was a teenage boy dressed like a king. There was a girl behind him dressed in green with a black cloak who kept whacking the 'king' over the head with a fake (and padded) sword. Behind them came a crowd of cheering 'citizens', more teenagers.

The group burst into laughter at that point. "Now I'm curious to know if that's what it was truly like when Aerin returned!" Earendil laughed.

"Very nearly," Rhea giggled.

"In reality," Aurin spoke up with a smile, "Her Majesty took her father by the throat ... but that would hardly be suitable for the mood of a festival."

Earendil wondered briefly how Aethos - wherever he was - was taking the mockery of his father.

"Ah, I think we're nearing the end," Leyenda spoke up, pointing at the parade that was still passing them by.

Once the crowd of 'citizens' had passed, Alena and Elros walked together, arm in arm. Elros was smiling warmly, but he looked forward steadfastly while Alena was looking around at the crowd and waving her greetings to them.

Earendil smiled and nodded. "Yes ... Sir Elros seems a bit out of place, but Lady Alena looks to be quite in her element."

Then again, from what he understood, Elros had always been a man who lived in the shadows (figuratively), while Alena had lived most of her life as quite possibly the most public figure in the country.

Behind the couple, led and followed by two pairs of guards, and being carried on a litter on the shoulders of four men, were Aerin and Caranthir. Both of them were dressed up the fanciest that they had ever been. Aerin was stunning in green and gold, and Caranthir looked as relaxed as ever in his pale blue.

"It really is amazing at how well they fit into their roles so quickly," Earendil chuckled softly to Lin as they passed by, both of them waving to the crowds around them.

Earendil chuckled. "Shouldn't have?" he grinned down at Lin as the last of the musicians passed, signaling the end of the parade. The crowd fell in behind the parade, joining it, still cheering loudly, and Earendil slipped one arm around Lin's shoulders and meandered slowly after them. "In light of the fact that everything that happens to anyone you know is epic, perhaps; but in general ... something like this would surprise anyone - and ought to."

"And have things settled down for you?" Earendil teased her, his eyes sparkling. "I would say that you've also had your fair share of epic adventures and strange happenings."

If not more than most.