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Aerin nodded. "Usually, young Wing Riders are teamed up with young rocs so that they can help with their training and bond better. A roc who receives a new rider after theirs has died - whether in battle or an accident or whatever - never bonds as well."

"At any rate, we're leaving the day after tomorrow for the Eastland?" Caranthir asked. "We'll be sure to be ready."

"I hope so," Aerin nodded.

"At any rate, we do have that letter for him from Alena," Earendil smiled. "So he'll at least have something about the situation from Alena herself, and she would know know the best about it."

He glanced down at Lin. "I can't help but be curious about it," he murmured to her, shifting Miyuki in his arms. "I know that the letter to him was at least four or five times longer than the letter she wrote for Sir Valdemar."

Earendil was doubtful that they were just good friends. Alena had looked like she was going to cry when she found out Elros was still alive. Yes, she had been happy to hear about Sir Valdemar, but even that hadn't been the same response as when she had heard about Elros.

Still, he wasn't going to argue. For all he knew, he was reading more into it because of his own emotions.

"Anyways, we should probably go and get ready ourselves," he murmured to Lin. "And tell Haradhel and Elrohir that we're planning on leaving. We're going to need to get some food from Haradhel, after all."

Earendil nodded.

"So, day after tomorrow, in the ranch yard, I guess," he said to Aerin and Caranthir. "See you then."

"Yes," Caranthir agreed on their behalf. "See you then."

And Earendil returned to the hallway, holding the door open for Lin.

Preparations from that point didn't take long, and the following afternoon it turned out that Earendil and Lin really didn't have a whole lot to worry about. Bags were packed, provisions prepared, everything was ready.

Or so it seemed.

While Earendil and Lin were playing with Miyuki outside on the deck, Haldia flew in on Rhiel and landed in the yard. The roc vanished the moment Haldia was off its back, and the night elf ran towards Earendil and Lin, her expression anxious.

"Earendil, Lin!" she called out as she ran up to them, "I need your help!"

Earendil watched Haldia anxiously. He hadn't seen her quite like this before ...

Haldia stopped just in front of them, panting for breath. "I need ... someone to translate for me," she gasped. "Shael and Adonai are in agreement - Rhea and Aurin cannot travel together unmarried. But Aurin will not allow them to be married the usual way, he insists that they must be married by a member of his royal family ..."

"Aerin," Earendil murmured softly in realization.

Haldia nodded. "But she doesn't speak my language, and I still can't speak either of hers," she added, though of course they all knew that fact.

"I will come with you," Haldia said quickly as Earendil also clambered to his feet. "Then if she has any questions, I can answer them right away."

Not to mention, they would need Haldia to take them to the valley anyways.

Once again, Aerin was in her quarters, though this time she was alone. She didn't seem at all surprised by the request: in fact, she seemed a little bit grim, if anything.

"I will come," she said. "Lead the way."

And immediately they turned and left the barracks again.

Once outside, Haldia summoned her roc again. "Will you be coming with?" she asked Lin and Earendil as Aerin climbed up.