Welcome to Gaia! ::

Adwin grinned and nodded, taking the bird from Ryu's hands.

"I'll do that," he promised. "And maybe she can even bring you dinner by that time."

He was very much looking forward to working with her and training her in the hunt.

"But first," Aliya interrupted, rising from her chair again, "breakfast, and then I think Feng and Ryu and Naida had better get back to the ranch. Kara and Donovan are already worried enough about them."

"And don't wait so long to come back this time," Aliya smiled, leading her friends towards the kitchen. "Seven years was far too long for you to be gone."

Adwin took the bird carefully from Ryu's hands. "I'm going to take her outside for a bit of training, I'll see you guys later," he grinned - and then he was gone.

Aliya made a big breakfast for everyone to share, and once it was over, she put Alyse in charge of the house and the chores (since Adonijah it seemed was too tired even to take care of the animals that day), and then she and Amdir set out with Feng, Ryu and Naida towards the ranch once more, taking them back to their family.

Aliya wondered as they reached the ranch if Amdir was going to go off and continue the training of the horses, but she was happy when he didn't even glance in the direction of the stables, but headed with her and the others directly towards the house.


Elros had been preparing to go out for his shift when he heard the knock at his door, and he smiled to himself softly. Lin. Who else would it be? He opened the door and smiled warmly down at the girl.

"Good morning, Lin," he said softly, opening the door wider, inviting her in. "What brings you here so early? I thought you would be staying at the house until Feng and Ryu returned."

Aliya smiled and waved back at Miyu. She didn't know the girl very well, since she rarely came to the ranch anymore, and the child was rarely in the valley, but she was fond of her just the same.

Amdir for the most part was amused by the army of snowmen. He had seen them often enough during his winters here, but when he had been growing up he had never seen anything like them.

"Are your parents here?" he called out with a warm smile. "Feng and Naida are back, they'll want to know they're all right."



Elros nodded and moved to sit on his bed once again, his expression turning serious.

"What is it that you would like to ask?" he asked quietly, though he had a feeling he knew what it might be.

"Well, she won't be the only one," Amdir chuckled, nudging Aliya teasingly. "But we'd best get inside then."

Aliya rolled her eyes and headed towards the door, holding it open for Feng and the others. She hadn't slept a wink, but it took more than just one night of sleeplessness to get her down. Of course ... she would be sleeping for more than just the night sometime in the near future.

"Come on," she murmured to Feng and Ryu. "Your parents will be worried."



Elros smiled and folded his hands in his lap.

"So what you mean is," he murmured quietly, "you're wondering if I'm going to be accepting the position in the Eastland, working for King Estel and Queen Lothiriel."

He looked at Lin intently. "In all honesty, I cannot say ... I think it would be wise of me, not only for my sake but also for theirs ... but I do not yet know for certain. Of course ... if I am not here when you next come ... you are always welcome to come and visit me."

He smiled warmly. "You know that his Lordship and her Ladyship would always welcome you."

Aliya couldn't help but giggle a bit. "I'm glad I don't have that problem," she murmured. "Though I probably will tomorrow."

Her eyes were sparkling softly as she looked over at Donovan. "They came back this morning, we've fed them so they're all ready to go."


Elros smiled at Lin, and for the first time there was a bit of a sad expression in his eyes.

"I'm going to remember that promise," he said softly. "And you know how I feel about lies."

He smiled then, trying to tease her a bit, bringing up a memory of the first time they had met.