Welcome to Gaia! ::

Leilani crawled into one of the tents that was being set up and came out again a moment later without Remiel. Then she sat near the fire and, while waiting for everyone else to join them, she dug through her bag until she found what she was looking for: a wooden flute. She began to play a soft melody.

Kaito hummed along softly, leaning with his back against a tree, his tail flicking back and forth slowly, contentedly.

"Lin," Shiro murmured, eying Miyuki, "you might want to put her in a tent before she gets too deep into sleep."

By the time Lin had gotten Miyuki into the tent, everyone else had finished what they were doing and were sitting around the fire - except for Daeron, who had taken it upon himself to take the first watch.

Earendil sat next to Lin as Luk began handing out plates of food. "Miyuki asleep already?" he asked her as he made himself comfortable on the ground.

Earendil chuckled. "Even River's run out of energy," he grinned, nodding to where River was fast asleep, leaning against Arthael's shoulder, her mouth slightly open. "I didn't think that was possible."

But it was fact: travel was wearying. Even Earendil was tired; sitting in a saddle all day and guiding a horse required constant energy.

"That is very true," Earendil smiled. "I'm sure they will sleep well tonight.

Luk brought them each a plate of food, and Earendil began to eat. "It's definitely different than sailing," he murmured. "Always needing to have your weapons handy, keep an eye on what's around you ... so much energy required to get anywhere ..."

Having to stop at night, making only as much progress as your slowest traveler ...

Around the fire there was lighthearted conversation, and Alene sang along with a few of the songs that Leilani played on her flute, but Earendil simply sat with one arm around Lin. It was growing colder, but with so many of them, and with the fire in the midst of them, it was quite warm.

At last, Leilani put her flute away, and everyone retired to their tents. Earendil allowed Lin to take him to the tent where Miyuki was already asleep, and they passed an uneventful night getting a good night of sleep.

When morning came, River was already sitting beside the dying fire, her eyes bright as she waited for everyone else to wake up.

Unfortunately for Miyuki, the thumping of her tail was what woke Earendil from his sleep. He blinked slowly and sat up, momentarily disoriented at the sight of the canvas above his head; but then he realized where he was and relaxed. He stretched a bit and looked down at his little family, smiling warmly at them.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked Miyuki quietly, willing to let Lin sleep for a bit longer.

Earendil chuckled. "Well, do you think you're going to ride today?" he asked her with a grin. "Or go in the wagon with River?"

He stretched and held his hands out to her, inviting her to come sit in his lap.

Earendil chuckled. "I'm sure River will be happy with that," he grinned. "Speaking of which, we should see if anyone's up. Breakfast time, after all! And you didn't have dinner last night. It's your chance to have a good hot meal before we start off again."

He poked her lightly in the back. "Up you go!"