Exton

When Erik and Star arrive at the tavern its already busy, a large crowd starting to form. The crowd makes Star nervous and she sticks close to Erik, a small bag of clothes in her arms. They make their way to the end of the bar and Star sees Raina and Nick at the top of the stairs talking to someone.

Tugging on Erik's shirt to get his attention Star points to the stairs and says, “I want tt... to change...”

Erik smiles, “All right, do you want me to come with you?”

Star shakes her head, “Raina is there...” and she starts to climb the stairs, not afraid since she can see Raina standing at the top.

As she moves up she can see Raina is talking to Gareth and a small woman she doesnt know. The woman looks so serious, I wonder what they are talking about. But Gareth and Nick are smiling so it must be all right. Oohh...she has pointed ears like mine. I wonder who she is...

Star slips her hand in the crook of Rainas elbow and introductions are made and greetings exchanged. Stars eyes are bright blue when she looks at Raina, turn brown when she looks at Gareth and fade to yellow with an open curiosity when she looks at Inari. Inaris eyes widen at the sight, eyes that change color?

Raina starts to tease Star about Erik and Inari watches as her eyes turn to soft pink when Erik is mentioned.

Star gives Rainas arm a slight tug, wanting her to come upstairs with her. Raina laughs, “Okay, okay, I'll come with you. Nick, grab us a table and I'll be down in a few minutes.”

Star smiles at Inari as she goes by, her eyes turning back to yellow.

Inari nods and smiles in return, unable to speak, her thoughts racing.

Gareth and Nick watch the exchange, wondering what it is Inari is thinking so intently about. Gareth finally asks her, “Is something wrong? Her eyes are strange but she is very kind. Her mate is Rainas brother....”

Inaris eyes flash, “Her brother?? He must be Viking then too?”

Gareth nods, “Well, yes. Why? Is that a problem?”

Inari lets her breath out slowly, willing her thoughts to calm and logic. But she still arrives at the same conclusions. “Gareth, do you not remember the prophecy of Ret'skir'a? The warrior that saves all the Realms that himself descends from a long line of powerful warriors...."

Gareths face goes white, “And his mother, silver haired and eyes the colors of all the jewels in faerie.... I never thought.... I have been so lost in myself, it didnt occur to me.....Do you really think its her? Do we tell her?”

Shaking her head firmly Inari says, “No, we must not, at least not yet. I will speak to Raina when she comes down. I may be mistaken....” But I doubt it, no one has eyes like that. But what can it mean for the Realms? And what is it that has been terrorizing the border villages and farms? Is it the darkness the prophecy warns us of?