Exton

Alise had come down and was enjoying breakfast on the patio with the women. They were laughing at the sight of Tara and Tomas crawling across the lawn determined to get to Mortuis who was speaking with a gnome about the gardens. Chloe was sitting in the grass clapping and cooing.

Stoney, you should see them... Tara just took off right behind her brother.... Alise feels the warm caress and smile from her husband.

Chloe is sitting in the grass, keeping a close eye on her cousins, clapping at their thoughts to play with Mortuis.

“Hey! Are we in time for breakfast? Raina thinks she is starving to death.” Ky pushes Raina out the patio doors in a wheelchair.

“Mon Dieu, a wheelchair? Is your leg worse?” Alise is instantly concerned.

“No, its much better. This is Rowan's idea...” Raina sighs, “I told her I could walk, but she wants me to wait until after I eat and I didnt want to stay in bed, so... here I am. And before you ask, she wants me hooked up to this contraption”, and she points to the IV pole attached to the wheelchair, “for a full 24 hours. So I cant go home until late tonight.”

K'thyri pulls up a chair and sits next to Grace. She watches as her pencil moves quickly over the paper, bringing Tink and the flowers to life.

Pandora laughs as Ky notices Grace looking at her ears and she wiggles them for her. She asks Star, “How has Mera been for you?”

“Perfect...like an angel..”

“You wont be saying that when she takes off after those two.” Alise gestures towards her children, busily trying to climb Mortuis.

“Or three...” says Pandora laughing watching Chloe.

“Oh... she will be with Keon before that happens.” Star looks down at Mera sleeping in her arms.

Pandora and Alise exchange glances, both women wishing they could rip theirs tongues out.

Alise says, “I am sure Keon will let you see her whenever you want. She seems so attached to you already.”

“I hh...hope so..” Star smiles sadly, her heart already lost to little Mera.

Panther catches sight of Tomas and races to the lawn to play. All three babies start squealing and laughing, Tomas trying to catch Panther as she races around them in circles.

Raina smiles and in between bites of berries says, “Someone really should go rescue Mortuis....”

The women all look to the chaos on the lawn and laugh, no one making a move to help the sorcerer.