Exton

The Crossing shimmers as Guunnar and Keon ride through. The stallions have gone no more than three feet when ears lie flat and teeth bare. There is a huff from the brush, and Wolf slips onto the path from beneath the heavy underbrush. After a moment he turns and trots down the path leading to the cottage.

Wolf yips as they emerge from the trees. Tiger lifts his head and looks over his shoulder. His gaze returns to Star and Mera when he is assured it is just more of the family. Lobo races across the clearing, darting under the horses hooves.Guunnar's mount rears, dropping down just as Lobo clears his hind legs. The thudding is close enough to brush the very last hairs of the shaggy tail. The young wolf yelps and darts behind the lazing Cat, peeking back at the Riders. Tiger stretches. His head rolls back, jaws opening in a long lazy grin. Lobo edges slowly over the Tiger's hind feet, eyes on the Riders. The Cat's tail flicks, knocking the pup off his feet. Lobo glares at Tiger and the big cat pointedly ignores him.

Dismounting, the pair head for the porch as the horses step back into the trees and disappear from sight. Lobo races past Wolf toward the trees. Wolf lunges, catching the pup by the scruff of the neck. He trots around the back of the cabin. There is a loud yelp and Lobo darts under the porch to hide. He peeks out as the men mount the steps, ducking back under the stairs as Wolf stretches out in the sunlight.

A shadow drifts across the yard. The large bird that lands on the railing is as black as the shadow it cast. Guunnar turns and calls to the man just jogging into the yard.

"Gut morgen Tannr! Vas a gut run?"

The newcomer slows to a walk and joins them on the porch just as Star opens the door. Guunnar picks her up, spinning in a circle. She swats him, laughing. Keon presses his fingertips into his temple.

"Oye Guunnar, a little quieter, twould be nice."

Guunnar whispers to to Star, much louder than necessary.

"Keon and mead do not blend vell."