Exton

Walking the horses out of the city takes almost all of Keon's patience. Ramji watches the tree line as it gets closer and closer. Keon pulls to a halt directly before the entrance of the Shadow Paths.

"Hail and Well Met Fea, What bring you so far from the Inland Sea?"

The Sea Hag steps from the shadows. "When the time comes, Dealg Drubh, call on the Sea. We will come."

With those words, she fades to mist and is gone.

Ramji watches, shuddering at the scent of brine. "That is one scary old woman Ke."

Keon nods. "Scary, yes. Woman... she was once a Goddess. Now... you are right, Ramji, she is scary."

Setting heels to flanks, Keon urges his mount forward, It leaps into a run, followed closely by Ramji. The crossing looms ahead, shimmering in the sunlight. Galloping through, Keon reins in his mount, taking moments to adjust to the darkness. How many nights have come and gone while he stayed at Court?

Ramji catches up and Keon nods. Cantering through the woods, they find the back trails to the Tavern. Both praying Morgan hasn't struck again while they are gone.

Catching a deeper shadow, Keon grins at Ramji. Both step their mounts into it and emerge in the tavern's backlot. A soft growl meets their arrival, quickly turning to a huffing hiss of recognition. Keon huffs back and the Hell Hound steps out of his way.

The horses step back into shadow as the two Riders open the back door. Sharp points prick their throats and the two men halt. A demifae hovers before them, then bows away, the sharp points disappear and the men grin, heading into the tavern. Keon wends his way through the crowd, stopping silently behind Cassie. Tara squeals and Cassie looks up.

"Hello mela... Miss me?"

Her smile, the light in her eyes, tell him that she has missed him as much as he has her.

She breathes, swallowing past a catch in her voice. "Goddess... You startled me. Hell yes, I missed you!"

Keon leans on the back of her seat. A finger strokes along her earlobe. "You are missing a pair."

Cassie tells him of her gifting them to Tara.

"So generous, my sea maiden... We will have to make sure all your holes are properly filled."