Exton

Bypassing the wards, I rap at the front door. Raina opens it, showing surprise when she sees me standing there.

"Mortuis?"

"None other." I bow. "There is little that occurs on this estate, Milady Raina, that escapes my notice. So momentous an occasion as the birth of Alise and Bloodstone's children could hardly go unremarked - and so I am here."

She waves me inside. It takes but a moment to discern the feel of new life in the cottage, but I ask Raina to determine if Alise is fit to receive visitors. She disappears for a moment, then reappears. "She's still very tired, but she'd love to see you and introduce you to the children. Rowan's in there, too, and she'll let you know if you need to leave quickly."

"My thanks, Lady Raina. Alise has chosen her friends well."

Entering the room, I see Alise in bed, propped up in a makeshift "nest" formed of many pillows. I make a mental note to send some more over when I return to the Manse. She holds a sleeping child in each arm; one with dark hair and deep almost-purple eyes, the other a blonde with almost-black eyes. I sketch a bow toward the small group as I approach.

"Milady Alise." My voice is barely above a whisper, so as not to wake the little ones. "I am here to extend my felicitations and to meet the new arrivals." I bend over the blond first. "A boy, I see. His name?"

"Tomas."

"And his sister is...?"

"Tara."

I nod absently. "You are aware, Milady, that being who and what I am, it is not in my nature to be able to extend efficacious blessings, but if I might...?" She nods, and I place a gloved hand just above each child's forehead.

"Tara and Tomas, from henceforward you are under my protection, until such time as you are of age to untertake your own protection. Your foes will be mine also, and if ever you are in need, your parents have only to ask on your behalf, and I will grant anything within my power to give."

I nod to Alise. "I will leave you now, that you may rest."

"Without at least saying hello, sir?" The voice is Bloodstone's, and it comes from a darkened corner of the room. I chide myself for carelessness, but extend my hand. He takes it wordlessly.

"You are fortunate, young man, in such a wife, and such children. Guard them well, or you will have to deal with me." My tone is only half-jesting.

"You may be sure I will, sir."