((A/N: AUish post-series fluffiness. I'm not entirely satisfied with this, hence the long time between updates. Still, I figured I'd post it among other drabbles, and if I ever feel inspired, I'll edit and tack on more. ))

-

-

Aeriel stood barefoot in the klanu, arms outstretched to keep her balance, as the wide boat was far out from the shore- not so far that she couldn't see it, but far out enough that turning over would not be a pleasant experience.

Grateful as she was for the restoration of water to the world, Aeriel had no desire for another near-drowning experience.

Still, she had to admit, it was beautiful to behold the deep blue waters lapping against sandy shores. When she lingered by the docks of Isternes, the sea spray made her clothes damp instead of dusty.

But Elver was something else altogether.

As she had never been there in the times before the Witch's defeat, Aeriel was completely unprepared for the radiance of Elver. Forests bordered on rivers filled with completely new kinds of fish, pale shades of pink and yellow.

Aeriel tilted her head back, arms still spread wide, a smile on her face as she silently rejoiced in a peace never before known to her.

"Aeriel! Your skin will be as black as Erin's if you stand out there any longer!"

Her smile only widened as she let her arms fall to her sides. "Coming, husband!" she called joyfully, bending down to paddle her way back.

She had barely pulled up to the shore before Irrylath dragged her out of the klanu, greeting her with an eager kiss. By the time they broke apart, Aeriel was laughing.

"One would think I had been away half the daymonth!" she protested, pushing him away playfully.

"That long and I would have swum out to fetch you," her husband chided. "Wasn't there a time when you feared to drown in so much water?"

"I knew you were here," she said simply.