Exton

Inari watched silently from the trees. Torin was at her side leading the beautiful filly Titania wanted to give to Star. Star was working in the garden, Mera in a baby seat next to her, Mya fluttering around, bringing leaves and pieces of grass to show the baby. Erik was painting the stables to match the cabin and every so often would look to where Star and Mera were sitting, a smile on his face as he watched her.

Watching the scene before her, Inari's mind starts to wander, the memories of the past weeks vivid and bring a slight blush to her cheeks. She and Torin had spent much of that time alone in the clearing. For a time there had been no intrusions into the isolated world they had made for themselves. There were no Nighthawks, no court, no Unformed Plane, no responsibilities. Just two people falling in love and trying to get the most of what little time they had together before the real world caught up with them.

It was Titania who broke the spell and sent for Inari. She and Torin had been wading in the pool, naked and splashing each other like children until the scar on Inaris chest start to pull and throb painfully. The sudden gasp had taken Torin by surprise. The sight of the deep scar never bothered him, he was after all a warrior and had many of his own, but to see it red and tight, causing Inari some discomfort was a different story.

Inari had tears in her eyes, “I have to go when she calls...”

Torin nodded, understanding her loyalty and sense of duty completely.

It turned out the the filly Inari had asked about giving to Star was weaned and ready and the queen, always seeking information thought it was a good time for Inari to check on Star. She was curious as was the rest of the realm about how the prophecy would play out. Titania would want to know as soon as Star was pregnant.

As Inari watched from the woods she wondered how she was going to ask Star if she was expecting. It would be rude to just come right out and ask.

She glanced at Torin, “Whose child do you suppose that is? It doesnt look like a human baby...”

Torin shrugged, “You said she works with a healer. Could be anyone's...”

At the sound of voices Tiger left his shady spot under the lilac bushes and went to Star. Star looks up from her work and sees the two riders in the trees. Not knowing who they were at first she calls to Erik, wary of strangers.

As the riders approach Star sighs with relief. Recognizing Inari she smiles and waves. She picks Mera up, holding her close and Mya flits over and lands on Tiger's back.

Erik reaches Star as the riders dismount and greetings are exchanged. Star holds her hand out to the filly, and holds Mera close, taking the babies hand and running over the velvet soft nose that was sniffing at Star.

“Look Mera, a horse....”

Inari, Torin and Erik all exchange grins. Star looks up, “What? Why are you all smiling like that?”

Erik laughs, “Well, who wants to tell her?”

“Tell me what? Is something wrong?”

“The horse is for you. Queen Titania asked me to bring her to you.” Inari smiles at the look of disbelief on Stars face.

“Fff..for me? But why?”

Inari hesitates, “The queen likes her horses to be a certain way, when they arent...” Inari shrugs. “I suggested that you might like this one...”

Tears well up in Stars eyes, “Like her? I love her.” Star runs a hand down the horses neck and whispers something in her ear that the others cant hear. The horse turns its head and gently nuzzles against Star.

Star looks at Torin and holds her hand out for the lead. “I want to show her the stables and get her a carrot.”

Torin glances at Inari who nods her head. He hands Star the lead and says, “Be careful, she is a little skittish and stubborn...”

Star takes the lead, “No she isnt, she just doesnt like you...” Torins eyes go big and Star continues, “Or your horse.”

Torin smiles, “How do you know ...”

Erik raises a hand, “Please, dont even ask...”