Exton

Dinner has progressed, with much laughter and teasing. Tomas seems fascinated with Cassie's hand. His little fingers stroke gently over her soft skin. Keon leans close to the little boy.

"Aye laddie. I thinks she is a very pretty lady, too."

He kisses Cassie's fingertips, laughing as Tomas pulls her finger to his mouth and touches it. He looks up at Keon, giggling.

Guunnar lightly pokes Star in the ribs. Tara reaches a hand towards the big man. Guunnar leans close, letting her grab his mustache.

"Ist a sveet tink, you are." She tugs and he winces, laughing. "Vould tink sumtink so little vould not be so strong." He winks at Star."I look forvard to seeink your kinder. Onkel Guunnar vill kum to play mit dem often."

He disengages his mustache from her fingers and offers Tara his finger. When she grips it and tries to bring it to her mouth Guunnar laughs.

"So, Little Sister, who ist giving you to Erik? I vould be honored to stand fur dich as Viking bruder. I know Keon vould stand as Sidhe bruder."

Tara squeals , grabbing a handful of long hair. Guunnar grunts as she pulls.

"Strong vone. Ouch."

"Dealg Drubh."

The voice cuts across conversations. Heads turn.

"Dealg Dubh."

Keon stands and bows. "Mer Cronigh. I did not expect ye so soon."

She smiles, sharp teeth flashing. "Thought not. Have ye what is needed?"

He coughs into his hand. "I have nay had a chance to ask. Would ye care ta join us, Fea? Mayhaps a cup of coffee?"

The crone laughs. Shaking her head.

"Nay, just get the poison and we can finish yer charm."

Tomas looks at her wide eyed and reaches. Stoney listens to his son's mind and nods to Nick.

"Let her hold him if she wants."

The hag picks him up, stroking a finger along his chin. "Such a fine laddie ye are. Ye will be a bonnie fine sailor when ye are older."

She looks up at Keon, "Ach laddie... he warms the cockles of me heart. I'll take a cup of salt water an ye have it. The charm can wait."

Keon slides another chair to the group, bringing the water himself.