Exton

The evening after Valentines Day was a quiet one at the tavern. No band was scheduled to play and the supper crowd was smaller than usual.

Alise, Stoney and the children had joined Ramji and Laila for supper. Ob and Tannr were working on some maintenance issues Pandora wanted taken care of before the party for Ruarcs naming, anticipating a big crowd that night.

When Laila started some music on the jukebox, Alise couldnt help but admire the way she moved to the music. “She is so graceful, the way she moves. I wish I could dance like that..”

Ramji was silent, his thoughts going back to the previous night, Laila moving her hips as she straddled him, naked except for the red jewels he had given her.

Alise and Stoney exchange a glance, realizing where his thoughts might be when suddenly Tomas sits up and yells 'Lala!”

Alise jumps, “Tomas! Mon Dieu! You scared me out of my skin. What is the matter?”

“Lala! Dance!” Tomas holds his arms out to his nanny.

Laila picks him up and moves to the dance floor, hips swaying and Tomas grinning from ear to ear.

Raina comes in the front door and moves to sit by Alise, smiling at the sight of Tomas and Laila. Leaning towards Ramji she teases, “Looks like you have some competition there, Ramji.”

He smiles and nods, his eyes never leaving the slight swaying form. Now that Laila was making her own money, she spent a bit on clothes. Her red and turquoise skirts moved invitingly around her hips. Ramji reaches for the silver hoop in his ear that Laila had gifted him the day before and smiles.

Taking Rainas hand Aise asks, “Have you eaten? Order something, Monty is cooking tonight, the food was wonderful..”

Raina shakes her head, “Maybe later. I'm waiting for Nick. He should have been back from patrol by now...”

Ob and Tannr join the group and Tannr notices the look of worry on his sisters face. “Everything okay?”

“I dont know. I'm getting worried. His group isnt usually out this long.” Raina keeps glancing towards the door, wishing Nick would get back. She cant quite shake the feeling that something isnt right, but she cant put a finger on it.

“Want me to go check?” Tannr offers.

“I dont know. Something isnt right, I can feel it, but Nick would tell me he can take care of himself and I am worrying for nothing. Lets give it a little more time...” Raina glances again at the front door.

Tannr nods and takes note of the time. Nick was always punctual and he didnt intend to wait much longer.