Exton

"Friend, Lord Herne."

Keon offers Star his hand, palm up, and draws her closer to the table when she touches her hand to his, he gives her fingers a nearly imperceptible squeeze. His dark face betrays nothing.

"May I introduce the Lady Star, wife of Erik. Without her I would be lost to all in the Morrighan's Song."

Guunnar grins and stands, opening his arms wide. "My little Sister."

Star tears her eyes away from the Lord of the Hunt, glancing at Guunnar and grinning. The big man winks at her waits. A quick glance at Keon who barely nods, has her moving around the far side of the table and hugging Guunnar. Trooper follows, settling at her feet as she sits in Gunnar's chair.

There is a touch of amusement in the Lord's voice. "Nordstrom, you had a Fae mother? or perhaps you share a father?"

Guunnar laughs, noting that Erik is much closer than before. "Her husband is a brother Viking, and she is a generous spirit to all."

Herne says nothing, seeming to withdraw for a moment. There is a hollowness to his voice as he speaks again.

"So. The Lady of Star and Moons. Great things will come from her line. Where her light touches, love can be found. Such a slight woman to inspire so many prophecies. But then, the Fae are deceptive in their fragile seeming."

Cloaked arms lean on the table and the Hunt Lord leans close to Miko. "Tell me your tale, warrior Miko. I was told you dealt a blow to an enemy as they struck you down."

Miko nods once, fighting the pain. "I had a thought and managed to secure a hatpin from the Tavern's Mistress. She wrapped a bit of silk around the shaft so I could better hold it. No one can find it in the alley. When Ob brought me back from the darker edge, I had this in my grip. Last I remember I had managed to stab my assailant as I was swatted into the wall."

Silk opens a paper towel and carefully lays a torn bit of fabric on the table.

"It stinks of the Morgan's scent."

A pair of noses edge over the table. The scent committed to memory, the Hounds sink back on their haunches. Trooper lays his head in Star's lap. Her small hand strokes his grisly head, Red eyes roll, looking up at her and she smiles down, scratching his ears. Trooper huffs and Herne laughs.

"She has made a lapdog out of a fearsome beast. A beautiful woman has tamed the heart of one of my most fierce Riders." He shakes his head. "Lady Leather, this is indeed a haven for all and a place worth the risk of life and limb. I am glad we did not lose you in that battle. How goes your new life? I can truly say you are missed among the Riders."

The words hold two meanings. The Riders watch carefully, faces neutral. Silk smiles slowly, her eyes dangerously dark.

"I am content, My Lord Herne. I am still the same Huntress, but now my body is mine to give. It is no longer a game I play for the will of others. Not even the Lord of the Hunt."

Herne nods once and the conversation turns to Morgan and how best to track her. Other Riders join them, sharing reports. She has been tracked, several times, to a crossing not far from the Tavern. It is a well used one and her scent gets lost in the trails of so many. Some locals have found the house she has taken and parole the grounds as they can. The wererat that infiltrated the house was quickly rousted by a rather cruel demifae. There are other fae in her employ and they are being watched as well. Morgan herself has disappeared for the moment.

Ramji's eyes stray often to the far booth. The vampyre is watching the crowd with hungry eyes. Keon takes a note from the Gargoyles and places himself between Cassie and the vampyre's gaze.