Exton

When Pandora finds us, Ob is wielding a fiddle as if he had played one all his life. Keon and Stoney also have borrowed instruments and are playing lively tunes varying from country dances of the U.S. to the peasant dances of the old countries. Even Herne seems to be enjoying the music.

Chloe reaches for me, and I take her in my arms. She pats my arm, playing with my scales. She is thrilled that she looks like Tante Silk and Papa'. Chloe is finally what she wants to be, daddy's little dragon. She points, wanting to dance. I take Pandora by the hand and pull her out with us, showing her some of the old steps while Chloe squeals in delight with each spin. The Goddesses join us, Star's mother taking her daughter's hand to pull her and Mera among us.

We hear pipes joining and the tune takes a Celtic spin. Tori steps out of the crowd, stone grey and scaly, wings half furled. Moments later the high sweet tone of an Irish whistle plays a counterpoint melody. Ike joins her kin, winking at Keon. High stepping music swirls, pulling us into motion. More and more musicians join the group, coming in from all over the block. Magic rises on the sound, proving the musical cohesion is helped by something more than raw talent.

The song ends with a rousing shout and suddenly Guunnar's voice breaks the noise.

"May the Gots bless Graclyn McClellan Harrison, because she ist a blessing to all ov us!"

The cheer that follows would have woken the dead, I smile at Grace, if they weren't already dancing among us.