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Ruran's heart lifted as he heard his father's voice, and he called back eagerly, "Dad?"

But then he heard the other one ... the stupid mer ... why did he have to be there, too? For a moment he hesitated. He didn't want to see the mer again ...

He frowned. But he was so hungry!

"DAD!" he hollered louder, rubbing his arms and looking around anxiously. "DAD!"

Celebor ran swiftly through the trees towards his son's voice. "I'm here!" he called back. "Right here!"

He burst through the trees and spotted his son, and without a second thought he rushed over to him and held him tight.

Celebor hugged Ruran tightly, and he was surprised and happy when his son hugged him right back.

"I'm so glad you're safe," he murmured. "Thank the Valar ..."

Ruran sneezed, knocking his forehead on Celebor's shoulder. "I wanna go back, Dad," he whimpered. "I'm cold, and I'm tired, and I'm hungry ..."

Celebor nodded and picked Ruran up, holding him in his arms like the little boy that he was. "We'll go home now," he murmured, rubbing his back gently, trying to comfort his son. "We're going home."

Aliya was trying her best to cheer Feng up, but it didn't help that Adonijah was just sulking around the house and acting very guilty for some reason. As usual, however, he was silent, and no one had any idea what was going on with him.

"Look at it this way," Aliya smiled at her friend. "There haven't been any slavers in this area since Adanedhel was kidnapped, and that was decades ago. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"And Celebor has been training his whole life," Aliya reminded Feng. "He won't have any trouble catching up with him. Really. They'll all be fine."

She reached over and patted the back of Feng's hand gently, smiling warmly at her.

By late morning, things had calmed down somewhat, and Aliya was spending time out by the river with Feng and Naida. What was curious about the arrangement was the fact that Adonijah had also chosen - of his own accord - to join them. He was just sitting on the river bank, splashing water at Naida every time she came close enough, and though he seemed to be enjoying himself, there was also a serious and worried air about him.

Aliya thought it was curious, but she chalked it up to him being worried about Ruran, just as Feng was.

Adonijah tried to laugh - really he did, she was being cute - but all he could manage was a smile.

"Be careful not to hurt yourself," he said in his soft voice.

Aliya shrugged one shoulder. She really had no idea what was going on with her youngest son.

"I don't know," she murmured back to her friend. "I mean ... I guess he's worried about Ruran, but ... its ... almost as if he's feeling guilty, as well."

Aliya looked thoughtful. "Then perhaps Adonijah might have had something to do with that," she murmured softly. "I've never seen him fight anyone, not even his siblings ... but he was trained, as they were, and I know he is capable. But ... I can't see what he might do to cause Ruran to attack him ... Adonijah hates fighting ..."

Adonijah smiled at Naida, trying his best to make it a warm smile, though it still looked forced. "That was very good," he nodded quietly. "But I think you're supposed to stay up a bit longer."

He was tempted to suggest she just try for big splashes, but he knew that she would, and he would end up more wet than he already was.

Adonijah smiled faintly. "Try starting out by doing it underwater," he suggested. "It makes it easier, and then as you grow stronger you can practice out of the water as well."

After all, fish had skeletons, too.

Aliya chuckled softly. "It's true," she admitted. "I remember when Celebor was just a child ... so sweet and innocent ... and most of his children are just like him." She shook her head slowly. "I wish Ruran were, as well."