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"They've been out in the cold and wet for weeks, without proper blankets or clothing," Haradhel murmured. "Whil it's true they can't get sick as humans do, they do need to warm up ... I would think we should start by giving them all a hot bath and warm clothes ... then a hot dinner, maybe some hot cider first for those who must wait for a bath. Which task would you like, the hot cider or the baths?"

She could hear the soft sound of Rhea's wings brushing against the walls of the stairs, and she knew that the child was nearly back from her task.

Haradhel nodded.

"Fire's lit, pitcher is full, you'll have to put that water into the kettle, and there are cinnamon sticks in the cupboard nearest the cellar door for those who want it," she told her. "I'll get baths started, then."

She put her hand on the shoulder of one of the children and spoke to him softy, and he nodded and headed off with her.

Rhea ran into the room just as Haradhel left with the boy, her arms loaded up with towels, her wings still out and folded behind her back.

"I'm back, Kara!" she said brightly. "Now what?"

Rhea grinned and nodded, and without a trace of shyness she turned to the children and announced, "Okay everyone! Clean, warm towels for everybody!"

And she began to hand them out, happy to be able to help the children in at least some small way.

Rhea was having the time of her life with the other children, and though her excitement had calmed enough for her to put her wings away, the children had wanted her to keep them out so that they could look at them - just as they were peering at Miyu's and Toshiro's and attempting to look at Kara's.

Haradhel was back in the kitchen, preparing an enormous hot meal for the children (and everyone else, but with the children especially in mind).



Timaeus had calmed somewhat by this time, but he was still quite distraught, and though he knew he should eat, he wanted nothing more than to sleep ... though he also knew that his sleep would be plagued with dreams of the child that had died, as it had been for the past several weeks. He was grateful now for Lin's presence, though he was ashamed of the tears that he had shed in her presence.

His head was still resting on his arms, but instead of crying now all he had was the occasional sniffle. His eyes were red and puffy, and though he knew his parents had returned (having heard the door) he hadn't heard anything else from them. He was glad they were leaving him alone. The last thing he needed was another talk about how things didn't always go as planned.

But now he didn't know what to say to Lin. He wanted to say something ... but he couldn't think of what to say ...

Rhea was pleased as punch to be with children her own age, and she was talking with as many of them as she could, telling them anything they wanted to know, all about herself, her wings, her friends, and other magicks that she had command over. At their insistence she even showed them her flying horse, which caused quite a stir among them all, even drawing them away from Miyu and Toshiro a bit.

Rhea smiled at Miyu knowingly. She had seen how uncomfortable her friend was, and though she had indeed wanted to show off her magic, she had also done it to help make her friend feel more at ease.

But just when she was starting to learn a bit more about the children themselves, her father returned. Tall, dark, and with his cowl up, he startled some of the children, until Rhea assured them all that everything was fine.

Adonai chuckled at Rhea and moved to stand next to Kara. "It seems they're all having a wonderful time," he smiled warmly at her. "How are you holding up?"


Timaeus stared down at his hands for a moment, then rubbed his eyes with the back of one wrist. He wasn't really hungry, but he knew that he should probably eat something, if only for the sake of the meals he had missed on the trip. Without a word, he nodded, rising slowly, awkwardly to his feet.

"Thanks," he whispered hoarsely, his voice all but gone.

Adonai smiled softly and nodded. "There are times when different is good," he murmured. "I'll make sure that Rhea is here to play with them after you're gone ... they won't be taken back to their homes until spring now, though I think Haradhel was talking about sending a letter to their city once Fireball returns again, just so that their parents know that they're safe."

He paused and leaned a little closer so that the children couldn't overhear what he was about to say.

"Celeborn and Elros have headed over to see Ada, they're going to make a coffin for the girl that died," he murmured, "and then once that's finished and we have a gravesite, we're going to hold a funeral for her ... I don't know if you want to be around for that ... it might be only a few days, but I know you're anxious to go home ..."


Timaeus set his jaw and swallowed, trying to clear his expression. He brushed his hair away from his face, then reached for Lin's hand and nodded once more. Yes ... he would have to let his parents know that he was all right. They were worried about him ... had been since the incident ...

Adonai's eyes softened, and he reached out and put one hand gently on Kara's shoulder.

"I think it will be good for all of the children as well," he murmured. "To see that not all humans are bad. If things continue as they are ... I fear war with the humans is only a matter of decades away. Donovan's presence would indeed be good ... and perhaps provide some closure for ... everyone."



Timaeus brushed off the back of his pants and shook his hair out of his face again, then wiped once more at his eyes and headed towards the door.

Halmir was sitting in the living room, warming up by the fire, and Arthael was in the kitchen area, preparing a quick meal for all of them. Both of them appeared to be busy, but it was clear from their complete lack of reaction when Timaeus and Lin entered the room that they had heard every bit of what had gone on in there.

Adonai nodded in understanding. "I saw Timaeus when I was returning here," he murmured. "He was rushing towards the barracks ... he did not look well. Celeborn explained to me what happened ... I don't see how it could have been prevented ... but I can understand why he blames himself, though no one else blames him."

He sighed. "It was a risk that everyone know they were taking ... going on these hunts ... and it was bound to happen sooner or later. I do hate to be blunt, but ... that's just the way of it."


Halmir was unnaturally serious, and he nodded soberly at Lin.

"Hello, Lin," he said quietly, deliberately not saying anything to his son, though he gave him a worried glance.

Timaeus didn't notice. His hands were jammed deep into his pockets, and his eyes were focused on the floor.