Exton

Inari pauses on the hilltop and looks down at the forces gathered to protect the realm. The sun is setting and campfires are twinkling in the dusk and stretch towards the horizon. She sees men hustling from place to place and the smell of food cooking sets her stomach to growling. She sees Titanias flag and Oberons fluttering in the breeze. No doubt there are Unseelie here too. Mab wouldnt want anything from the Unformed Plane taking any of her lands, although she wouldnt publicly send forces. Some of the Unseelie just liked a good fight and a few had mixed loyalties. Inari didnt care, as long as she didnt have to deal with Mab or Oberon except on official business for the Queen. Whoever wanted to join in the fight was fine with her. All were welcome if they were willing to pick up a sword.

As her horse joined Torins in descending the hill her thoughts turned to Keon and the others coming from the tavern. She wondered if they were near. All had reasons to want Morgans death, Keons lover gone and his child left motherless, Gareths lover killed and used against him for how long. Nick almost lost to poison and Star would have been too had the Bloodbane in the fruit not been discovered in time.

Inari thinks back to the night Cassie was murdered. Her heart aches for Keon and his child. How could anyone attack a woman who had just given birth? Inaris resolve hardened, determined no one else would suffer on Morgans account. Morgan needed to die, hopefully painfully, and Inari vowed not to stop until this was accomplished.

Torins words jolt her out of her reverie, “Lets go. The men are hungry and we need to set up camp.”

Inari nods and turns her horse, heading down the hill.

Torin heads for the Commander of the Post to find out if his men are needed in any specific area and where to set up camp. Thinking Inari is right behind him he turns to say something and sees that she is several yards behind. The men are touching her horse, her leg or her sword when she goes by as if for luck. She takes the hand of any that reaches for hers and gives words of encouragement to those who need it.

Torn stops and watches. Suddenly K'thyri is in front of him. She is dirty and bleeding, her red curls sticking out straight around her head. She looks for all the world like a hedg hog that has been dragged through the mud but she is laughing, her turquoise eyes bright, enjoying the fighting.

“Well, its about time you guys showed up and joined the party.”

Torin starts a bit, “You are filthy. What the fuck have you been doing? Hiding in the pig sty?”

“No, not hiding. But killing pigs... of a sort... Does that mean you arent going to help me shower?” and Ky laughs at the look on Torins face.

“But I bet you would help her if she needed a good scrubbing...” K'thyri glances at Inari and notices the very slight red color that suddenly graces Torins cheeks. So I was right. And they are both too damn bloc headed to notice how much the other is wanting...

K'thyri watches Inari and sighs. “If they only knew how hard that was for her. Talking to everyone like that..”

Torin looks at her, “Then why does she allow it?”

Giving him a look one would give an annoying child, Ky responds, “To make them better fighters, why else?”