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"I suppose ..."

Earendil was thoughtful as they walked. Sure, one day wouldn't make all that much of a difference ... but it would have to be before everyone knew that they were finished, so that they wouldn't get more impatient than they already were.

"Then how about," he murmured, "on our way back, we ask Kelirahc if he'll take us to the volcano to explore a bit? I want to look more into those lava tubes that Leyenda mentioned way back when. We didn't have time to look at those when we were there."

"Well, Leyenda says they're absolutely amazing," Earendil shrugged, "and Kelirahc seems to like them. So I'd like to see what the fuss is about."

he looked thoughtful again. "I don't know, the way those two talk about them, there's got to be something special about them."

"Well," Earendil smiled, "we'll soon be back at the flets. We should spend one last night there, give Leyenda and Shiro and Kelirahc time to get their things and say goodbye. And Haldia, I almost forgot. Then tomorrow, or whenever we're all ready, we can head back. Kelirahc did promise to fly us."

Once around the entire island, to compare it to the map that Earendil had made, and then to the volcano for one last visit, and then back to the beach to prepare for their departure. He was sure that Storm and Starr would be happy to leave - despite their growth, and the fact that their misfortune had been made known, they still didn't like the beach very much, and Earendil was sure that Storm especially would be much happier once they returned to the ship.

"And I'll actually get to rest a bit," Earendil chuckled. "I have to admit, even though it makes me feel quite lazy, that I don't believe I've ever done so much walking in my life. Constantly on the move, sometimes day and night, for ... well, we've been here nearly two years already now."

Yes, it was definitely time for a good rest - though he knew he would be getting a good rest when they were back on the ship, where there would be nothing for him to help with but the navigation.

Earendil chuckled. "Look at it this way," he grinned. "At least we're very fit."

Once they got back on board the ship, they would have to find new ways to keep fit - since there wasn't a whole lot to do there after all. At least, not in the way of activity.

"Ah, we'll figure something out," Earendil grinned, punching Lin playfully on the shoulder. "Even if it's just sparring or something. Besides, we might be able to find land a bit sooner - Kelirahc can scout ahead or high in the sky. I'm sure he wouldn't mind, if Leyenda was with him."

And that meant less sailing time, which would make most of them happy.

Earendil laughed. "Those two would enjoy anything they can do together. I don't think anyone's questioning how the sleeping arrangements are going to be on board now. Remember back when we didn't know if they would be sharing a bunk?"

There was no question of that anymore, he was certain.

"They are," Earendil smiled warmly. "And I'm glad that Leyenda was willing to give it a try, even though Kelirahc was willing to let her go. He really thought she knew what was happening when they got married."

He chuckled softly. "I have to admit, she's braver than I am. I'm not sure I would have been able to make the same decision."