Exton

It was a beautiful day out, bright and sunny, but not too hot. Star was in her garden with Mera, showing the baby girl all the flowers and herbs.

Star couldnt stop watching Mera. She ran a finger gently over the blue gills and down a soft cheek. Mera was starting to coo and her voice was so soft Star had to listen closely. She held her close, taking in the fresh scent of water, reminding Star of her mother, Cassie. Meras hair was getting darker and out in the sun it seemed to have dark blue highlights. Star kissed the baby's cheek as Mya flitted over to them with a large red tulip.

“Show baby, show baby..”

Star laughs and taking the flower runs the petals over Meras cheek. “Tulips Mera. See the pretty tulip..”

Mera coos, her eyes bright and a little arm reaches for the flower.

Mya flits away, in search of another flower. Star sits on the ground with Mera and laying the flower down finds a large blade of grass to show her. Mya finds a fat white peony and tries to bring it to Star and Mera.

“No Mya, thats too big and has too much scent. Bring one of the pansies...”

Mya struggles with the peony and flits over to Tiger who is watching from the edge of the garden. She lands on his head and plops the peony down on Tigers nose. The ensuing sneezes send Mya tumbling and Tiger shaking his big head.

Mya stands, hands on hips and shakes a finger at Tiger. “Bad cat! Mya fall down!”

Star giggles softly at Myas antics. “Mya, bring a pansy. I want to show Mera how they look like they have little faces in the petals.”

As Mya flits around the garden in search of the perfect pansy, Star feels that someone is watching her. Her eyes scan the edge of the trees slowly. She thinks she sees something melt further into the forest but she isnt sure. Suddenly Trooper appears and lopes over to her, his tongue hanging out and almost looking like he is smiling. As Star stands she hears a warning growl from Tiger who moves in front of her and Mera.

“Tiger, its only Trooper. Its fine...”

Tiger wont move and the two creatures eye each other warily.

Star sighs and takes Tiger by the ear. Looking him in the eye she tries to tell him that Trooper wont hurt them, he is a friend. Tiger moves to Stars side, but stays there, refusing to move any further away.

“You two should get along...” Star alternates scratching their ears and stops when her thoughts turn to why Trooper is here. Her eyes fade from bright blue to a soft gray, realizing that Keon must be close by.

She sighs and gazes at Mera. “I think your Da is coming for you sweet one.. Lets go out front and see.” Star turns to leave the garden, flanked on one side by a giant hellhound and on the other by a full grown tiger. Mya lands on Stars shoulder, one hand holding a pansy, the other hanging on to Stars white blonde hair.

Keon watches silently from the shadow of the trees.