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"Yeah," Xion nodded.

"And she will be green with envy," Aurin added. He followed Miyuki's gaze. "Excellent. Then we should start getting people ready to fly. Come."

He began to help people up onto Skyel's back, automatically seating them so that the weight would be evenly dispersed and then helping them to tie themselves in so that they wouldn't fall. Alassëa was probably the most nervous, especially as this was going to be something so completely different than anything she had ever done before, and she didn't have sight to help her know what to expect.

Earendil was slightly nervous, only because he wasn't sure if the malek Aurin had given him would take effect this quickly.

At any rate, it wasn't long before Skyel and her passengers were ready, and they took to the air.

Aurin took the group up and over the city so that they could see what had changed.

"Look," he called over his shoulder, just about shouting to be heard over the wind. He pointed to the area just beyond the wall that bordered the city. "We've had to expand again, so now we've got a settlement - Wing Haven."

As they flew over, they could see that though it was still very early, and the middle of winter, there were already people up and about. No one paid any attention to the roc and its passengers though; rocs flying overhead was nothing new to these people, and nothing to pay any real attention to.

Very soon they were past the city and heading towards the palace.

Skyel landed in the open area in front of the palace. They were expected. In front of the palace, Queen Aerin and King Caranthir were waiting for them, a small boy in Caranthir's arms. His hair was a pale orange, his eyes a deep green.

Behind the royal family stood Rhea and a little copper-haired girl who, though wearing a skirt, was bouncing excitedly from one foot to the other. Her green eyes were identical to Xion's eyes. This then was Rhiannon.

Behind Rhea and Rhiannon were several soldiers, and there were also soldiers along the walls of the palace, and at each side of the door. There were also some servants, waiting to be given direction.

Once again, Aurin helped everyone down from Skyel's back, and once they were all off, the enormous bird took flight once more.

It was Aethos who led the way forward, with Alassëa at his side, her arm tucked into his. It was hard to tell who looked more nervous at this point: Aethos, Alassëa, or Aerin.

The queen quickly masked her anxiety, however, and stepped forward to greet her brother.

"Aethos," she said warmly, arms outstretched.

Aethos smiled and knelt in front of Aerin, bowing his head respectfully. "Your Majesty," he murmured. But when Aerin touched his shoulder, he rose and hugged her tightly.

Rhea caught Lin's eye and grinned widely, though she kept her position. She had indeed matured and become very responsible. It was a momentous occasion, yes, but she would keep protocol.

"Welcome, everyone," Aerin said warmly. "I see many new faces ... you are all welcome and I hope you all feel at home here."

Suddenly she caught sight of Daeron, and a look of astonishment crossed her face. "Prince Daeron, how on Arda did they manage to pry you away from Haven?!" she exclaimed.

Daeron laughed heartily. "It's a long story, your Majesty," he grinned. "But to be honest, I believe your brother has a bigger one."

Aerin blinked and turned back to her brother. "Indeed?" she asked, her tone curious. "Do tell."

Aethos chuckled and reached for Alassëa's hand once more. "Aerin, I would like you to meet Alassëa," he grinned, his eyes sparkling. "My future wife."

Aerin's jaw dropped and she stared in utter astonishment while Alassëa attempted something between a bow and a curtsey ... and Caranthir burst out laughing, startling the little boy in his arms.

Alassëa had no idea why someone was laughing, and of course she didn't know who was laughing. She leaned closer to Aethos and murmured, "What's going on?"

Aethos chuckled and told her about the look on Aerin's face.

Andarien was a bit lost, as well. He looked up at Miyuki and whispered, "Mi, why is that funny?"

Andarien was puzzled. "But Aethos-sola has always been like this," he said slowly. "At least when I knew him!"

By this time Aerin had regained her composure, but now there was curiosity in her smile as well.

"I shall have to speak with the two of you later," she told Aethos and Alassëa softly. Then she turned to the rest of the group. "Now, for those of you whom I do not know ..."

"Allow me," Earendil spoke up, still grinning with amusement over how shocked Aerin had been. "You know Lin and Miyuki, of course, but this is our son, Andarien."

Andarien set his chest on the ground and bowed stiffly. It was a new action for him, one that he had learned he needed to do during his etiquette lessons but had never really practiced.

Earendil went on. "And Iorlas, Daeron's wife ..."

One might have thought that with the surprises of Daeron's presence and Aethos's engagement, nothing could have surprised Aerin by this time ... and yet, when Earendil introduced Iorlas as Daeron's wife, for a third time Aerin was left speechless.

Which of course just about left Caranthir in stitches, he was laughing so hard.

Unsurprisingly, Rhea's eyes were sparkling as well, though she was able to keep her laughter locked inside.

"Indeed there are," Aerin agreed without hesitation. "And we shall share them over a feast tonight. But there are still some people here whom I do not know ..."

Earendil chuckled and went on with the introductions. "Princess Wren Elessedil, of the Westland."

"I thought you looked familiar," Aerin smiled, nodding her head respectfully. "You are very welcome here, Princess Wren."

Wren returned the gesture with a bow. "Thank you," she said warmly. "I look forward to my visit."

"And last, but not least," Earendil concluded, stepping aside so that Lancaeriel would be visible, "Lancaeriel, a dear friend and companion."

Lancaeriel curtsied low, bowing her head deeply. "Your Majesty," she said reverently.

Aerin smiled and nodded. "Welcome."

Behind her, Rhea was feeling dizzy, and she put one hand to her head and closed her eyes.

With introductions out of the way, Aerin stepped to one side and swept her arm towards the castle. "Please, come in out of the cold," she invited them. "What would you like first, to go to- oh ... Lady Rhea ..."

She interrupted herself when she saw how her advisor was holding her head.

Rhea shook her head and put her hand lightly to her mouth, almost as if she felt sick. "Forgive me, your Majesty, I'll be fine once I have my staff."

At a glance from Aerin, one of the waiting servants hurried into the palace. Then she turned and looked over her guests once more, apparently searching for something; but without indicating whether or not she had found what she was looking for, she smiled again and tried her invitation once more.

"Would you like to first be shown to your rooms, or would you like something to eat?" she asked them. "I know it's quite early, and you probably weren't expecting to be picked up ... so I'm not sure if you've eaten. Or if there is something else you would prefer, please do let us know."

"Hey!" Andarien spoke up, frowning. "You know who we all are but we don't know who all of you are!"