Exton

Tork rests his head on the back of the chair. He noses the saddle and rumbles at Weebit. The demifae shakes her head and goes back to looking through the fabrics. Holding up a pearl grey strip of silk, Weebit drapes it around her body, tossing the loose end over her shoulder like a sari. She winces as the end brushes her wings.

Twillon puts a single stitch in the back, holding the fabric from sliding. He smiles at her when she turns around.

"You are beautiful, Honey Girl. if you are ready, we will go talk to Keon."

Her almond eyes widen, fear shining in their depths. He offers his hand and she steps into his palm. Once on his shoulder, she slips under the fall of his hair and wraps a few strands around her waist. Tork settles onto the window sill, sulking.

Twillon heads for the stairs. As he takes the first step, movement outside the French doors captures his attention. There is no mistaking the contrast of colors. Midnight and water. Twillon smiles at the thought. He opens the door slowly. Catching a few words, Twillon stops. Cradle? Soon?

"Keon?"

Their heads turn as one. Both wear bemused smiles. Cassie's hand is pressed to her abdomen, Keon stroking her back.

"Am I interrupting?"

They laugh, inviting him out. Twillon settles on a chair, Weebit peeking at Cassie through his hair. She whispers in his ear. "Baby?"

Choosing his words carefully, Twillon tells them of the Healers' offer, and the need to act quickly. He has to coax Weebit out of his hair. She tries to hide her wings, letting them droop, even though Twillon knows just how painful that is for her. Weebits eyes,dart between Keon and Cassie, then to Cassie's belly.

Weebit interrupts them suddenly. "You are carrying the Dealg Drubh's baby?

She clamps her hands over her mouth, eyes darting to Keon, then Twillon. She drops to her knees. "I am sorry. It is not my business."

Weebit edges backwards, moving back against Twillon. She hides her face. Cassie looks at Twillon in confusion. He cups his hands around her small form, letting her hide.

Keon leans forward, whispering. The words are so soft, Cassie can barely hear.

"Abused, both mental and physical."

"Yes Little One. Cassie bears our child." Keon smiles at Weebit. "Am I really such a terror that you hide from me?"

She peeks over Twillon's fingers. Cassie smiles at the little woman. "Why are you so scared of Keon."

Weebit's mouth drops open. "He is Dealg Drubh. I have seen what he can do. Twillon took me out of the experiment room, but I saw." Her eyes widen as she looks at Cassie. "The wizard will never torture another again."

Weebit looks up at Keon. "He is Dealg Drubh... The Black Thorn... The Dark Dealer of Death." Her eyes slide to Cassie. "You don't understand, do you?"

Cassie shakes her head. "He is scary, Weebit, but he is still Keon. Just as Twillon is still Twillon." Weebit shakes her head. Cassie leans into Keon and whispers, "Just WHAT did you do?" Keon just smiles.

"Take the time you need Twill. See if the Bright Court can help Weebit." Twill nods and Weebit just stares. Keon smiles at her. "Maybe you will see I am not such a Hell Hound, Little One."

Twillon snorts, and Weebit stares openly as he lifts her, cupping his hands protectively. "We leave today. My gratitude, my friend."

As he opens the doors, Twillon looks back and winks. "Congrats you two. See you when we get back."