Exton

Allie, goddess, she looks just like you...a twin...

The resemblance was more than striking, it was uncanny. Alise turned and for a minute thought she was looking at a younger version of herself.

Tara was a bit taller and her hair darker. He blue eyes sparkled with happiness, so like Alises but for the hue. Her clothing was in old Norse style, but still she could easily be taken for Alise.

Erik couldnt believe his eyes. He had never been as close to Tara as he had been to Raina but still had grieved over her death and the effect it had on his family. His eyes went to Raina and then he exchanged a glance with Nick. Both men knew this was Raina's Achilles heel, the one thing in her life that had completely devastated her was not being able to save this younger sister. And here she was, by some magic, in the flesh.

Suddenly, Tara gives Alise a kiss on the cheek, “You are much prettier than I am...” and turns towards her brother and sister. Every move she makes is graceful, she moves like a dancer, Erik thinks, and full of joy, as if her whole body expressed her emotions.

“Stop staring at me, Brother and introduce me to your wife.”

Erik stammers, “Oh, I apologize, I....”

Her laugh contagious, Tara reaches for Erik and hugs him. “Its all right. I know you must be surprised.”

Her gaze turns to Raina, and letting go of Erik she wraps her arms around her sister. “And you, you I miss the most of anything...”

Raina starts to cry, even though she knows Tara has forgiven her, she misses her too and there is a small hole in her heart that can never quite heal. They just stand for a few minutes, holding each other and whispering until Raina can control herself.

Grace watches, smiling, and telling the children they need to love each and care for one another as much as these two have.

Tara smiles and laughs as she is introduced to Star. “I always knew you would find the prettiest girl, and the nicest. Your mother would love her.”

Alise picks her Tara up and brings her to Raina and her sister. “This is your namesake. Raina is part of our family too and we wanted to honor you, for your help when I was... well... when I needed it, and because Raina loves you so much.”

Tara holds her arms out for the little one and she hesitates only a few seconds. Tara looks back and forth as if she cant believe either how much her maman and Tante Raina's sister look alike. Tara scents Raina's sister and sends images of a cold ocean, snow and pine trees. Soon the little girl is smiling at Tara's whispers and when she says “Can I come visit you sometimes? I can tell you stories of the North and of Tante Raina when she was a little girl.” Tara claps her hands and starts to laugh.

Raina rolls her eyes, “Goddess help us...”

Cassie has barely paid attention to any of the others, her eyes are all for Mera and Keon. “She is so beautiful, Keon. Just wait until she is older. She is going to keep you and Erik busy chasing the boys away..”

Her fingers stroke a soft cheek and Mera coos, reaching a little hand upwards that Cassie captures with her lips.

Keon pulls her even closer, imprinting on his mind every touch, every glance. The feel of her skin, her hair, her scent, her love. The love in her eyes as she looks at her daughter and himself. All to be replayed in his mind many, many times after this magical time.