Exton

Tara watches her brother intently. Her gaze doesn't leave him and the creature holding him. The hag looks up and Tara hides her face in Star's shoulder. Stoney shakes his head at Alise, bewildered at her actions.

"Vas ist los, little vone?"

Tara's hand twists, pulling on Guunnar's hair. Tomas cries out, reaching for his sister. The hag smiles. She hands Tomas back to Nick, nodding serenely. Once her brother is safe in Nick's arms, Tara quiets.

Chloe's eyes follow everything. She curls closer to Pandora, seeking her father's mind.

Guunnar nods to himself as the babies settle. "Fea Cronigh, Grendel's dame."

The hag smiles "Ye remember me Viking."

Her eyes go to Star and she grows quiet. She looks at Gareth, then back to Keon.

"No price for yer spell, Keon Dealg Drubh. Knights of The Courts of Dark and Light sit at the same table. Viking Warriors, Witches, Humans, and Creatures of Other sit with a Daughter of the House of Sainmhi'niu'. To witness this gathering is enow."

She rises from her chair. "I take my leave, satisfied in what I see here. For one who watches the Tides of Destiny flow, there comes the time when those Tides touch the watcher. Swim well, Children of Destiny. We will aid you as we can."

She hands a ceramic disc to Keon.

"Three drops of the poison, given willingly, is all that is needed to work the charm. Once invoked, the wearer is impervious to the poison."

Before she leaves, the small Mer stops by Star and Tara.

"I never thought to eyes like yer's again. A strong People gave ye life. A strong Man gives ye love." She smiles at Star, "Here are yer Kin, girl. Trust in them, for they trust in ye. Trust yer heart and inner sight."

Her voice softens and she talks to Tara. "I am not the one to fear, Little Guardian. I see One Lost, is Truly Found."

She bows and moves to the door. One last look at the table and she bows, slipping into the night.

Guunnar watches solemnly.

"Grendel's Mother... Blessed Odin, I tink she actually she likes us."