Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Well, I have a feeling they're sort of bending over backwards for us, as it were," Earendil suggested, "considering how they first received us. Still ... to send a captain ... that's the highest rank, other than the prince or king himself."

He was filled with wonder. Sure, he was a prince as well, but even so, it was an honour he would never have expected.

Earendil chuckled and put one hand on Lin's head. "You'll get used to it," he grinned. "They seem a very formal people here ..."

He paused, then laughed. "With the exception of Alena."

Earendil smiled and ruffled Lin's hair a bit before crossing his arms. "Believe it or not ... yes?" he replied softly. "Things are different when you're around, Lin. Everyone is different. We're all far more formal when we don't have visitors from Gaia around. Even Rhea would tell you the same."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "It's ... kind of hard to explain. I mean, I don't think there's any real explanation for it, it's just ... how it's always been. As if you or your family or Aunt Elnara's family just lightens up the atmosphere. It's a whole different world. And I'm sure the other places you visit would probably find the same thing."

Earendil chuckled softly. "It's life. It's what I grew up with, and what I've lived with my whole life. Even when you are there for visits, everyone is quite formal when you're not in the room. Training sessions continue as usual, Ninako receives subjects with petitions ... it just stays sort of in the background. I can't be certain, but I suspect it's so that you and your family won't feel so out of place when it goes on ... I mean, if this was awkward for you, imagine what it would be like to see our palace in full seriousness when you were around. It would just be ... something brand new for you."

Earendil nodded. "If it's at all possible, yes. I've been tasked with charting the entire island, and I can't shirk my duties because of something like the gnomes. But I would feel better with Haldia and Rhea with us - if you're still willing to come with me, that is. They're both able to get away easily if something happens, and Rhea not only has some of the most powerful magic I know of at her disposal, but she is also an amazing fighter."

"I haven't asked her yet," Earendil admitted sheepishly, "nor have I asked Haldia. I just hope that she agrees as well. It will do her good to be on land, though I'm not sure if she'll come. I'm sure Rhea will, though."

He snapped his fingers suddenly. "That reminds me. I was going to find Whisper and see if she would be willing to stay with Haldia. Senka's with her right now, but I think Whisper might be a little better if only because she's bigger and can help Haldia feel more secure, and she actually would know her language and be able to speak with her."

He shook his head slowly. "Poor Haldia ... she still hasn't slept, and she seems terrified to do so. In all honesty, she looks awful at the moment. But Celeb's with her, and he's trying to make her feel better ..."

How successful he was being, he couldn't be sure.

"And when Senka snuggled with her, I could tell right away that she felt better," he added. "So I'm sure she'll be fine after she's had a good night's sleep."

"Celeb did mention ..." Earendil grew thoughtful for a moment. He knew Celeb had asked him to talk to Leyenda about it, but Leyenda would have her hands full at the moment trying to make clothes for Kelirahc - and while he didn't want to make it sound as if Kelirahc was more important than Haldia, he was Leyenda's husband, and it stood to reason that she would - and should - take care of his needs first.

"Maybe I should talk to Arwen about that," he murmured softly. "She may have more time than Leyenda to make clothes for Haldia at the moment."