The voyage took exactly 9 weeks and three days. The roughest part was the first few hundred miles, but it wasn't anything Faolain and his other captains couldn't handle. They hit a few snags when the came to the Sea of Reeds but Gryffyn was able to summon a good wind that helped carry them through. Coming in sight of land was a major relief to everyone. They sailed around the land that would come to be known as Florida and headed for the other side of the gulf. There was much celebrating and great excitement when they first landed and got most of their things unloaded. The next day, the hunters went hunting - including Vassily, who had come with them and brought his family. The girls went through the dried fruits and vegetables and herbs and found everything they needed for a celebratory feast. There was much food and drink that night and a bit of a revel. The sun was just coming up when Gryffyn woke Fionna. She sat up, not quite remembering where she was and then looked around her. The night before all came back and her head hurt somewhat, but it was good to be free and somewhere else, far far away - and on terra firma! "What is it, Gryff?" She saw Faolin approaching them, carrying a largish box made of wood. "Faolain's got something he wants to give you. He wants to do it before everyone else starts coming 'round," Gryffyn answered, helping her up from their blanket. "There ye go!" he laughed and smacked her on the butt. "I don't know what ye see in this big-earred boy here," Faolain began with a grin. "Ahhhh, that's not true. I do, but I'm still just a tiny bit jealous." He winked at his brother. "You're a lucky man, brother." He turned to Fionna holding the box up. "Smell it." "I can!" Fionna said. "It smells wonderful! What is it?" Gryffyn laughed. He knew what was in it. The smells were all mixed but he could discern more than a few of them. "Ye ought to know better than anyone, lass - what's in it." Fionna leaned closer and inhaled deeply. "Ohhhhh," she breathed, her eyes lighting up with a smile. The wood of the box had absorbed all the smells inside. She fumbled a bit with the latch on the lid and opened it. Inside were dozens of little bags, boxes and vials of herbs, roots, powders, flowers and seeds for many others. "Where did all these come from?!" "The Orient, love - China, Bharat, the islands. I've been collecting them for awhile now. They're still good though. Better if they was fresh, but we can't be so choosey. I doubt a good many of these things even exist here. You should be able to cure just about anything with all these. They won't last forever, but it's a start until you figure out what's here. I hope you will accept my gift to you, lovely girl. 'Tis my pleasure to give it and I hope yours to receive it." He closed the lid with his famous smile and a wink. Gryffyn took the box and Fionna gave Faolain a hug. "You're the best brother there ever was. Thank you. Thank you. It does indeed give me great pleasure to accept your gift!" She kissed him on the cheek, which if it were possible, made the sea-wolf blush. "Ahh," he said, touching his cheek, "that was worth every moment spent!" ***** Background in VUE with my Fey Poser figures from left to right: Faolain, Gryffyn and Fionna and that's it! Very happy with this one. Lou, I'm dedicating this one to you. Thank you especially for your comments and your own lovely works. Like Faolain, I hope you will accept my gift with pleasure :) Cheers! Rayvn