Exton

"I am of the same feeling about prophecy. What is interpreted is rarely what comes at the end. As for Star's being the last of the House, that also I cannot truly say. That House disappeared. Not only did the People go, but so did belongings. Human and Faery are not the only Realms, and there are places in both where one can blend in, with just a little glamour."

He smiles at Star. "Personally... I have always been of the thought that a bit of magic can do wonders. Hide the tips," his hand touches his own eartips, "Change the eye color and shape, even change the hair."

He looks out over the few patrons who have come in for dinner. "Why I did not tell Twillon or Torrent? Because of the reaction you saw. Torrent believes wholeheartedly in the prophecy. Twillon... he needs proof. He saw that in your eyes, and later in the bloody marks on your arms." He closes the book.

"There is more, but I leave it up to you if you want it read. It is written in a form that is rarely used today." He is cut off by a soft huff.

Trooper has slipped from under Star's hand and is staring at a haggard looking little woman on the other side of the spellwall. The woman passes her hand over her face. Age drops from her face, her nose flattens, and scales form along her cheeks. With another pass, she reclaims her human visage.

He nods to her and she reaches out a hand. As it passes through unharmed, she comes closer to the table. She stares Trooper in the face, fists on hips. The Hound growls softly. Her eyes narrow and she leans close enough for Trooper to snap her nose off.

"That tweren't nice, Trooper. Yer uglier. I swear, all ye Hell Hounds are the get of dragons and the ugliest dogs they could find ta bed."

Trooper lowers his head and huffs once.

"Yer not sorry. Don't be givin me that. Ye just fergot I speak yer tongue."

She turns from the Hound. "Dealg Dubh, I hear ye been lookin fer me. What is so all fire important?"

Keon hides a smile.

"Mer Cronigh, welcome. May I present Lady Star and her intended Erik, Viking."

The mer tugs at her red cap. "Married to be, eh? Is it them ye be lookin for a spell? They has magic enow. Yer eyes, lassie..." a smile crosses her features. "Keon Dealg Drubh, what are ye up to?"

He laughs aloud. "Naught for them, Fea. What I need is for me. I need a charm to protect me from a powerful poison."

Her eyes narrow. "One ye plan to use? or one that may be used on ye?" Her eyes dart to the confused couple. "Keon, laddie, is this ta place ta be speakin?"

He smiles broadly. "No fear from here, Fea. These are friends, Star is family to myself and Guunnar. The spell I need is because of a great affection. I need something to protect me from the poison in her blood."

"What do you need such a charm for..." The worry in her eyes become merriment. "Ach Keon! I have such a thing, Three drops of her blood, willingly given, will activate the charm. Ye do like yer women dangerous, laddie. Are ye losin yer heart ta her?"

He shakes his head no, but the mer chuckles. "Ye gifted her already, haven't ye?"

Keon says nothing. "Nay ye mind keon, I will say naught. Tis time yer heart finds love." As he opens his mouth, she cuts him off. "I have known ye a long time, laddie. Ye are devoted to the Succubi. She may be a lover, but she nay has the greatness of yer love. I wish ye joy, me *coilea'n. I will bring the charm later."

She turns to Erik and Star. "Congratulations on yer betrothal." Her eyes catch Keon's "I will say naught here either. Yer Kith are protected, as ye have protected Mine."

Turning on her heal she is gone, striding through the taproom. She raises a hand to Monty, who bows in return. At the door, she turns, bowing to those in the booth, and slips out.

Truant slips around the plant and watches her leave. "The Sea Hag! That old witch is making you a charm? The sex better be damned good, Ke. What does she owe you? She never demanded for a price for her spell."

"Nay, she won't. Relax Tru. What she owes to me," Keon shakes his head, smiling. "As Kith, Star and Erik are safe wherever her magic flows, here and in Faery."