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Earendil nodded. "I would suggest we ask Shiro, but I guess there's not much point in thinking too much about it before we get there, right?"

They had plenty of time, after all. He just hoped that nothing would happen again like had happened in the Human Southland before they managed to find something to help their children to defend themselves. A number of those who had fought with them were gone from the group. Sure, they had Lancaeriel with them now, and who knew how helpful she would be? But they didn't know, which was the point.

"I'd like that," Earendil smiled. "I've heard about it and I have to admit it sounds quite intriguing. Shiro gives a pretty good description, and Kaito likes to go on and on about the food ..."

He chuckled. "I have to say, Kaito may be predictable, but he's pretty good with descriptions."

Earendil grinned and shrugged. "That's Kaito for you," he said simply.

They checked on the children (Andarien was already asleep) before they headed back to their own room for the night. The following morning, after breakfast, they sent Miyuki and Andarien off with River and Aranxia so that the two of them could have that talk with Daeron and Iorlas that they had been promised.

"You know, it's almost scary, how nothing has changed here other than Tinuviel having a family now," Daeron remarked as the four of them walked together through the courtyard. He was looking around at the flowers and such when he spoke.

Earendil smiled faintly. "Well, you know how things go," he quipped. "Mother takes charge of the courtyard as she always has, and she has her favourites. But really, it's past time that you met Aranel and Regan and Aranxia."

"Princess Regan is already an adult, yes?" Iorlas spoke up, her voice softer than usual.

Earendil nodded. "Not that she acts it."

"That's true," Earendil agreed. "Though I think Arwen and Leyenda still have it in them to be silly. I have to say, though, I've never seen Aliya being silly ..."

"Nor have I," Daeron spoke up, "but I've heard tales. Trust me. It went far past silly."

His comment drew a small smile from Iorlas, but she said nothing.

At Iorlas's confused look, Daeron explained to her who Feng and Ryu were.

"Ah," she murmured after his explanation. "I see." She smiled, but it was a weak smile, and Earendil found his concern from the night before returning.

"Iorlas, are you all right?" he asked her. "You're quite different from how you used to be. You seem very tired ..."

"I am," she admitted softly. "Very tired, and very weak. I feel as if the slightest wind could blow me over."

Iorlas shook her head. "The only thing from that that is still affecting me is this," she said quietly, indicating the cut across her cheekbone. "I'm just ... still getting used to being elven. It's not the same as taking an elven form and still being a dragon. I have to get used to the lack of strength."

"Perhaps we should get Alassëa to examine you," Daeron suggested anxiously. "It's been a few weeks now and I'm not sure you're getting better yet ..."

"Not yet," Iorlas said firmly. "The cut is healing, and I may just need to get used to being a different creature now. She would not be able to help me with that."

Iorlas shook her head, but she smiled at Lin. "Thank you, but we're going to be in the city until winter is over, yes?"

At Daeron's nod, she continued. "That will be enough time for me to rest, I hope. In the meantime, I would like very much to see everything here, and meet everyone."

"How was it, meeting Mother last night?" Earendil asked Iorlas cautiously. He was a bit anxious, knowing how excited Luthien had been to meet Iorlas.

Iorlas smiled sheepishly, and Daeron chuckled. "Once she saw how tired Iorlas was, she was fine. For a few moments, though, I was certain she was going to smother Iorlas with all the attention she was giving her."