Welcome to Gaia! ::

Ruque didn't see Alyse outside the barracks, but he simply walked along with Donovan cheerfully. The sun was just beginning to lower in the sky, and his stomach was growling, but he wasn't one to be grumpy or complainy no matter what.

"Guess she's inside," he grinned up at Donovan.

Ruque didn't mind the dark, but he didn't want to get lost or left behind.

"Can I hold onto your coat?" he asked, looking up at the man anxiously. "Maybe ... have a hand in your pocket or something? Just so I don't get lost?"

Sure he would be able to hear Donovan, but he didn't have the best sense of direction.

It was Halmir who answered the door, and the grizzled fighter was for once perfectly serious. His eyes showed sheer exhaustion, and it was apparent that it was only through the power of will that he was even still on his feet.

"Donovan," he nodded wearily. "How can I be of service? I hope the children are all doing well."

Ruque looked up at Halmir curiously. He had never seen anyone so scarred and disfigured ...

Without even pausing to think, Halmir raised one hand and pointed at the door directly across the hall.

"Check with Timaeus," he murmured. "She's almost guaranteed to be there."

And with a polite nod, he closed the door again, leaving Donovan and Ruque in blackness once more.

Ruque looked up at Donovan (as well as he could, since he really couldn't see anything at all). "I think he was sleeping, too," he said solemnly.

There was a bit of a wait before the door opened this time, and it was Alyse herself who appeared, framed by the sunlight that was streaming in through the window on the far wall.

"Donovan," she smiled. "And Ruque. I supposed it's time for us to go back home?"

Timaeus appeared behind her, looking a little tired but awake enough to have at least a bit of energy.

Alyse smiled and nodded. "All right." She turned back to Timaeus and gave him a quick hug. "I'll see you tomorrow," she promised as she stepped out the door.

"Tomorrow," Timaeus agreed, and with a final wave he closed his door quietly.

The darkness lasted only a moment, as Alyse began to use the wishsong to light the corridor. With her help it was not long at all before they made it outside and into the fading sunlight.

Ruque grinned up at Donovan, releasing his coat and walking with his hands behind his back again.

"Lots," he agreed. "Mama will be real proud of me, I think. Because I did what she taught me to do. She's a good teacher."

Alyse smiled at Ruque. She found him quite endearing - and very cute. "And I'm sure you're a very good student," she winked at him. Then she turned to Donovan. "I hear the trip went well," she commented. "How did Lin handle it?"