Exton

Star looks serious when she tells Keon that Raina would be fine. “Rowan is here and started treatment for her. She is sleeping now...”

“And how has Mera been? She hasna been a problem?”

Star smiles, “Oh no. She's been fine, perfect. She's so sweet....” Star opens the door and leads Keon to the cradle.

Keon takes in the surroundings in a glance. Star had moved the cradle right by her bed. There was a small table on the other side of the cradle. A few baby things, a nightlight shaped like a crescent moon sat on top of a lacy doily. But it was the small painting that caught his eye. He stills, face going blank as he picks up the small portrait. Star must have painted it, no other he knew of had such talent. It was Cassie, sitting on the dock in the moonlight holding Mera close to her. Star had captured that look of wonder and love on Cassies face perfectly, it was as if she had been there to see it.

Star sees the pain in Keons eyes as he stares at the painting. “I'm ss...sorry. I could only imagine how much Cassie loved her, how could she not? Mera is so precious. I didnt want Mera to forget her... so I painted that. I am sorry if I over-stepped... I didnt mean....”

Her words are stopped by Keon placing a hand on her shoulder and shaking his head. "Ye did better than ye think. 'Tis perfection."

Star gently scoops Mera up, lifting her out of the cradle. The little one stretches in Stars arms and snuggles close to her not wanting to wake up.

“Mera, sweetie. Your da is here. He wants to see you...” Stars eyes fill with tears as she hands Mera to Keon.

“I can get her things together for you. I made her formula too...” Star tries to busy herself, not wanting Keon to see her tears. She knew it was going to be hard when Keon came to get Mera but she didnt expect to feel like her heart was breaking.

Erik steps in the door and greets Keon with a hand to the shoulder. He nods to the little one in Keons arms, “She's a sweetheart, Keon.”

Star looks up at Eriks voice and quickly looks away, but not before Erik sees the tears gathering in the soft gray eyes. He takes a step forward and pulls her into his arms and kisses the top of her head. “Pað vilja vera ágætur. þess ekki eins og þú vani sjá hana aftur.”*

Star nods, pulls away and starts to fold Meras blankets.


* It will be all right. its not like you wont see her again.