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At Lin's reassurances, Iorlas relaxed - but only slightly.

"It's ... more than just that," she said quietly, hesitating as she spoke. "But I think ... it's best left for a ... personal talk."

Earendil smiled, but it was an uneasy smile. Clearly something was not quite right. But he didn't want to say anything here, not when Iorlas had just said that she wanted to keep it private.

"Perhaps later we can go for a walk," he suggested.

"Not if Mother has anything to do with it," Daeron chuckled. "She'll whisk us away for sure."

Iorlas smiled faintly. "I think ... perhaps tomorrow would be better," she suggested. "Tonight would, I think, perhaps end up being too late ..."

"And you need to rest," Daeron added, squeezing Iorlas's hand gently.

Before she could reply, there was a strangled gasp from the doorway and an excited "You're here!"

"There's Mother," Earendil chuckled, moving out of the way so that Luthien could hug her older son.

Luthien of course made a big fuss over Daeron, making sure he was in good health and that nothing untoward had happened to him, and then she turned her attention to Iorlas. By this time, most of the rest of the family and guests had arrived at the dining hall, and the food was being brought in.

As expected, Luthien kept her focus on Iorlas and Daeron throughout the meal, and before the meal was over, Iorlas looked utterly exhausted. As soon as the meal was over, Daeron excused himself and Iorlas and took her to her room. Since she was to have a room near Daeron's, in the family wing, Lancaeriel was left on her own (more or less).

"Would you like us to escort you to your room?" Earendil offered to Lancaeriel with a warm smile.

Lancaeriel returned the smile. "If it is no trouble," she replied softly.

"Can Mi take me to our room then?" Andarien asked sleepily, looking up at his parents.

And so Andarien went off with Miyuki, and Earendil and Lin waited a moment for Lancaeriel to gather her things together so that they could take her to the guest wing.

"So how did things go?" Earendil asked as they escorted her through the halls.

Lancaeriel smiled wanly. "I think it went well," she replied. "I mean, nothing is ever perfect. But Iorlas's idea was successful, which is the important part."

"And how are you?" Earendil asked the pale woman. "That can't have been an easy feat for you, either, I would imagine."

Lancaeriel tilted her head slightly. "Well, I have to say, it has been a very long time since I've dared such magic. I was wary at first, but it worked. Now it simply remains to see what it does to me."

They reached the tower and began their ascent, heading towards the floor with the guest chambers.

Lancaeriel shrugged her shoulders. "They range," she replied simply. Then she smiled softly and expanded on her answer. "It could be anything from ... physical, to mental, to magical. The most common result is that for a while, my magic is depleted and I can't perform any more magic. Sometimes I become physically ill. Sometimes it affects-"

"-memory," Sir Valdemar's voice cut in from the doorway they were passing.

Earendil turned to see his former tutor entering the tower they were climbing and smiled at him. He was about to speak when he noticed the look on Sir Valdemar's face. It wasn't the curious look of one who was wondering who the newcomer was, but rather the stunned look of one who was looking at a ghost. After only a few seconds, however, it changed to a look of sheer incredulity, and he shook his head, chuckling softly to himself.

"I shall never understand," he said bemusedly, "how you always manage to find the most extraordinary people."

As Earendil gave Lin a bewildered look, the scholar bowed to Lancaeriel. "Long time no see," he greeted her.

Lancaeriel's eyes grew bright as she recognized Sir Valdemar, and when he straightened, she kissed him on both cheeks. "It has indeed been long," she replied softly.

Sir Valdemar held Lancaeriel at arms' length and examined her, top to bottom. "Now, correct me if I'm wrong," he began, "but didn't you die?"

"Twice," Lancaeriel laughed softly. "And yet here I am, with - as far as I know - all memories of past lives."

"Then I would imagine that you're searching for your husband?"

The pale woman nodded. "I have been invited to travel. My husband is not in the Four Lands, so what better opportunity would I be given to find him?"

Sir Valdemar chuckled softly. "Indeed." He turned to Lin and Earendil and grinned. "You two really do have an odd knack for finding the most amazing people. Honestly. Head Druidess of her time? And as powerful as she ever was, that I would be willing to wager."