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Earendil nodded. "Yes, the fact that no one seems to want to play the part of the First Sola ... that is quite telling, considering his position. In most cases, people would jump at the chance to even just play the part of someone of such a rank."

They reached Lin and Miyuki's room, and he edged the door open with his toe and stood back to let Lin in first.

"Some," Earendil nodded, following Lin into the room, "but not with other children. Daeron wasn't really around much, and after he got back he withdrew, I think already then he was having a lot of trouble with Father. But I did play with my toys a bit, giving them roles to play ... war games was always something my parents encouraged. In fact, they often helped out by suggesting strategies."

He set Miyuki on the bed gently, then shrugged. "Even then, it was all about education."

Earendil grinned at Lin, sitting on the edge of the bed and watching her tuck Miyuki in. "Well," he said softly, so as not to wake the sleeping kitsune, "you and I got along pretty well. Don't you think?"

His eyes were sparkling. He was teasing her, of course.

Earendil grinned. "We did. And now look at us. Several years ... or decades ... older. And still having lots of fun."

He patted the bed next to him, inviting her sit next to him. "Come on, you should rest your feet a bit," he murmured. "It's been a long day for all of us."

Earendil smiled and put one arm around Lin's shoulders and drew her close, and began to to rub her arm gently. "I'm just glad it worked out for you without you having to come back to the castle," he murmured. "I know you wouldn't want to leave Miyuki alone in the city. I just did a lot of walking and talking, nothing strange about that for me."

Earendil tilted his head slightly and kept rubbing Lin's arm. "Mm. Perhaps. But in some ways, it's more like a conversation than anything else. Aerin is eager to listen, very attentive, and you never have to repeat anything for her."

He pursed his lips thoughtfully for a moment, then looked down at Lin again. "I brought up the idea of a port for naval trade. She seemed quite interested in the idea."

Earendil nodded and continued to lightly caress Lin's arm. "It would be a great benefit to the country," he murmured. "But it would also mean that they would have to change currencies ... they would need gold and silver and bronze. Marble is worthless on the continent. I'm sure they can sell quite a few commodities to get some gold, but ... it's going to take time to start up a real economy."