Exton

The blonde giant walks across the yard as if he has every right to be there. Pike meets him halfway, staff at ready. Wish stays low on the rooftop, eyes glowing as she gathers magic to her. No one was touching her Lord and Lady. The man spoke to Pike and then shouted, laughing, to the house.

"Little Sister! Dis vone say I can no come in. Vat? I must haff passvord?"

There was a noise below her as the door opened. Mera's gurgling laugh is drowned out by Star's happy shout "Guunnar!" She moves slowly across the yard, as Pike steps aside. The giant nearly runs to her and lifts her off her feet, spinning her like a child.

Once back on her feet, Star's hands brace on his arms as she steadies herself. Keon and Erik stand behind her, each holding a child. Mera reaches for the man and he scoops her into his arms, nuzzling her, making her giggle. Still holding the little girl, he peers at the baby, then winks at Star. Before turning his regard back to the child. His words are solemn, but Star had seen the twinkle in his eye.

"Ach. Vat ist dis? He looks like a little bit of nicht. Dis ist a Viking child? Oy! He vill need much to be dis long avaited hero."

Wish drops from the porch roof and silently moves up next to the big man. She looks at Star and holds her palm out towards the man's leg. Star shakes her head and Wish frowns but drops her hand to her side. A small smile plays around her Lady's lips and Erik is laughing. Keon nods as Wish steps back.

"Old friend, 'twould be best an ye meet Star's guards. Guunnar, meet Pike," The small man bows, staff held across his chest, "and Wish."

The petite Fae cocks her head, regarding him with old eyes. Her ears twitch as she breathes him deep. After a moment she nods once and turns away. She runs to the corner post and vaults onto the porch rail. Moments later she has swung up on the roof and stretched out, looking for all the world as if she is sunbathing. Guunnar watches with a bemused expression on his face.

Pike pulls an extra chair to the porch, and waits until all are seated before settling on the steps. He listens to the conversation, seeming to nod off in the warmth of the sun.

Keon leans back, watching Guunnar tease his daughter, an eye on the half dozing Fae on the steps. "Don' let them fool ye, mate. They are extremely skilled." A mouse scurries down the post and curls up on Pike's knee. Slim fingers idly stroke the furred rodent and it closes its eyes. "They are Wyldfae who swore their oaths to Star. Unlike K'thyri, they were nae born, but be true magick given form. Now that Star has given ye welcome, they will nae stop ye from coming near... unless they feel tis not ye that comes calling."

Guunnar bounces a gurgling Mera and grins at Star and Erik. "Und here I tought du vas taking in street kits like Tori. Sie has a regimen uff fighters living in her varehous. Mein Gott... I haff two on mein patrol. Dey are sneaky little *stykker. Gut in a fight too..."

The conversation fell to the patrols, the precautions being taken, and gossip of the latest goings-on at the Tavern. When Star tries to rise to get drinks Guunnar hands Mera back to Keon and does it for her. He comes out with glasses and a pitcher and a frown on his face.

"Little Sister.. du are missink a knife from de block."

Star laughs and points up at the roof. Pike's voice drifts lazily from the steps.

"Good steel, Master Viking. Wish thought it best to have something she could use against our own kind."

Guunnar's gaze drifts upwards as if he can see through the wood slats. He eases back in his chair with a huff. "Schmart *stykker...."


*pieces, git