Exton

The Tavern was loud and boisterous. The families had gathered to say good bye to Stoney's kin. Auele leans over to talk quietly to Grace. The women are smiling, but Grace is showing a definite exhaustion. Tori watches her closely, even though Stoney's true brother keeps trying to charm her into returning to France with them. Torrent catches her eye and nods.

Keon clears his throat and the Clan Chief bows over Tori's hand.

"Ah mon doux Tori, ne vous s'il vous plaît venez voir mon Paris? Je peux vous montrer les sites de la l'homme ne sera jamais apprécier."

Stoney translates it quickly, slipping the words into her mind on a private channel.

Ah my sweet Tori, won't you please come see my Paris? I can show you sights the humans will never appreciate.

She gently pulls her hand from his and shakes her head. "I have duties here. I appreciate the offer, Julian, I really do..."

"Then come to Paris with me."

Her gaze goes to Grace. "No. I have... duties."

"The old human, she is yours?"

"Mine to protect."

She watches as Torrent murmurs something and Grace nods. Dimitri approaches Auele and the Gargoyle Grandmother touches hands with grace. She rises regally and speaks to Dimitri. The Rider bows and heads toward the back hallway, followed by Brigitt and Ramji. Keon speaks once more with Julian, then follows his troop.

Julian tries once more. "When your... duties... are done, know I would welcome you to our aerie." He kisses the top of her hand. "You will think on it, oui?"

"Fine. I'll think on it."

He beams at her and follows his sister, mother, and grandmother. As he reaches the hall entrance, he bows once more, blowing her a kiss. Soon he is down the hall, out of sight.

Guunnar grunts. "Du vill not seriously take his offer? He ist not da man fur dich. He ist too..."

Stoney's hand lands on the Viking's shoulder. "Guunnar. My brother is more than he seems. He hides his strength well. Centuries of practice in Father's presence. But, Tori can take care of herself."

Tori ignores them, occupied with watching Grace refusing Torrent's suggestion about leaving.

"Grace, I am ready to go. I need the peace of the loft, if you don't mind." Torrent throws her a grateful look when Grace agrees. Soon the three of them are heading down the block to Grace's apartment.

Guunnar watches them go, toying with the food on his plate.