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"I'm going to bed," Celeb muttered, pushing his chair back from the table. "Need a good night's sleep before tomorrow. Good night, all."

"Night," his family called after him as he headed towards the stairs.

Once he was gone, Leyenda giggled at Lin. "I think he still really likes Haldia," she winked. "Not that he would ever admit it."

"Why, just because he didn't get the chance to tease me that way?" Leyenda laughed. "If it really bothered him, he would tell me. I think he kind of enjoys the attention, to be entirely honest."

"I am half afraid to admit it," Kelirahc spoke up, "but I think she is right. Both that Celeb feels strongly about Haldia, and that he does not mind being teased about it."

"On the other hand," Arwen smiled, "you all have to get back to the inn yet tonight before you can sleep, and we are going to need an early start tomorrow. Perhaps you should go."

"Might be best," Earendil agreed. He looked down at Lin. "Shall we be off then?"

Earendil chuckled softly as he also stood up. "I can take her if you want," he smiled at Lin. "Really."

Though he had to admit, it was quite cute, watching Lin holding a very sleepy Miyuki.

Earendil smiled and nodded, then turned back to the others. "Thank you for dinner, it was very good," he told them warmly. "Good night. We shall see you again in the morning."

"Night," Kaito echoed, heading straight for the door.

The others echoed the farewell as the travelers made their way to the door and outside.

Luckily for the other guests at the inn, Earendil was up as early as usual, and when Miyuki went out to find him, he was already up and eating his breakfast. He was just on his way to return to his room when he saw Miyuki in the hallway, and he smiled warmly.

"Good morning, Miyuki," he called softly.

Earendil chuckled and hugged Miyuki tightly. "I was eating. We have a big day ahead of us, you know! I thought that maybe you and your mother could eat together while we men are working, then no one has to wait for anyone else. Then we can get going more quickly, how does that sound?"

He smiled warmly at her. She was always so energetic, and so eager to see him. It made him feel so good.

"You need to eat so that you'll have strength for the trip," Earendil told Miyuki. "Remember how yesterday you got bored with holding the door open? That's all there is for you right now, too. Perhaps by the time you're finished eating, there will be more interesting things for you to do. All right? So you eat with your mother, and she'll take you to me afterward."

He glanced up towards the door of the room that he and Kaito had shared the night before. "And maybe Kaito can stay with you, too. He wouldn't be much help to us, I don't think."

Kaito wasn't exactly strong. He had muscle, but it was only good for speed, not lifting.

Earendil chuckled too, and ruffled Miyuki's hair affectionately. "Then I'll work hard so that by the time you come, we'll have a lot of work done."

He kissed her on the top of her head, then let her go and passed her over to Lin. "Off you go now. Behave, all right?"