Exton

"If ye REALLY want to ride, I will take ye."

The sound of his voice has Mya darting in front of Star as she turns. Star lets out a whoosh of breath when Keon steps from the shadows. Tannr stands by his side, a Hell Hound lying at their feet.

"You scared me." Star puts a hand to her belly as the baby kicks.

"Ach, ye are well protected, nae would hae been allowed this close if twere nae a friend." He looks up into the rafters. "An ye brought home a bit o' the old Magicks as well."

There is a soft thud to her left and Star glances over her shoulder. Pike jumps up onto the stall wall and pets the horse's mane. Wish peeks over the gate. The boy lowers his head, staring at Keon. The Dark Lord sees a flash of silver in the youth's eyes, but it is the girl who speaks up.

"She goes, we go. A princess rides with her court. We go."

She looks at Pike who whispers in the horse's ear. Flicking its ear and nodding, the mare nickers. The stall door opens and Wish steps out, the mare following, already saddled.The little Fae looks up at Keon, fists on her hips.

"We would nae let her ride alone Dark Lord, but ye are welcome to be her Knight, as is the Viking."

Keon fights a smile. The only sign is a small twist of his lips. "We are her Kin, so we thank ye for protecting our Sister."

They gaze at him, eyes blank as he feels the touch of their Magick as it shivers over his own. Wish suddenly drops to her knees as Pike drops from the stall wall.

"Dealg Drubh. We did nae ken. When hae the Dark Lords come to follow the Prophesied?" Wish hides her face with her tangles mass of hair, warily watching as Keon steps closer to kiss Star's cheek in greeting. Keon chuckles softly.

"So. Ye are Tori's Wish, and this is Pike? I hae heard stories on the street. I will have Lord Twillon tell Patra ye are protecting what ye were seeking."  He nods to the Hound, who slips away. "My Brother's Brother, will ye be riding or finding yer Brother's peace o' mind?"

Tannr smiles, but looks over the two Fae. "I think Erik would rest better knowing Star is not riding alone."

Pike leads the horse forward, stopping to look up at Tannr. He glances back at Wish, then up at Tannr again. "Tell her Man, an danger strikes, Our Lady will be Wished home."

Keon mounts and waits for Pike to lead the mare across the yard. He flashes a quick grin at Tannr before disappearing into the trees. As they start along the trail, Wolf and Lobo slink out to inspect Star's companions, then back into the underbrush, to pace the two riders. Bear saunters along the trail a little while later.

Demifae flit in the leaves overhead, adding their giggles and songs to the morning birds and the soft clop of hooves. Wish dances ahead, twirling and skipping among the fallen leaves. She halts, dropping into a crouch. A demifae flits away it is gone from sight for mere seconds, then back. Wish cocks her head, listening. Tiger steps into sight, leaning forward to touch noses. The Cat snorts and Wish collapses in a fit of giggles.

Pike grins, patting the mare's cheek. As the riders move past Tiger and Wish, the pair bolt ahead to lead the way. They move forward in an easy silence, enjoying the peace of early morning. It isn't long before Star turns the mare toward home. Hell Hounds melt from the trees, a pair pacing ahead as another pair takes rear guard.

The sun's light is just touching the clearing as the group enters the Cabin's clearing. Keon helps Star from her saddle as Pike waits to take the horse away. Star takes the lead from his hand and speaks quietly to the lad. He bows and follows her as she heads for the barn.

Wish frowns. "She should let Pike care for her horse. She is a Lady."

Keon smiles, watching as Star enters the barn. "She is that Wish, but she is also herself. Let Star be Star and she will let ye stay. Try to bully her, and find yerself banned. Ye would be best ta remember that."

Wish nods slowly. "I am Sworn to serve her, and what is Hers." She glances sideways at Keon. "Does that mean ye also?"

Keon merely smiles and whispers to his mount. The stallion slips away and Keon heads to the porch, following the sound of his daughter's laughter and the aroma of coffee and eggs.