Exton

Raina had been nervous and jittery all day. Gareth and Nick were doing their best to distract her when she catches a glimpse of bright red hair near the back door. She stands up slowly afraid to even hope, then suddenly she sees Ky and a huge grin spreads across her face. “Its Ky... she's back... she's home...”

Gareths forehead wrinkles as he watches her move. When she breaks through the crowd he sees the cane and knows she should be using crutches or better yet not walking at all.

Raina wraps her arms around Ky, “Gods, I missed you. And you're hurt...”

Before Ky can say anything Gareth picks her up and finds an empty chair. He looks down at her, “You shouldnt be walking...” He kisses her so hard she cant catch her breath, then she starts to laugh.

“I missed you too, Mr. Serious. The leg is fine. Just a few stitches, well, maybe a lot of stitches and a dislocated ankle...”

“What?! Dislocated? And you rode all the way back like that?” Raina is instantly concerned. “We should call Rowan...”

Nick approaches, grinning and he leans down to give Ky a kiss. “I think we will have to keep you on your back for a few days. That should help things...”

Ky smiles, “Mmmm...sounds good to me. But first...” she glances to Raina. “I have someone who wants to see you...” She points to a cloaked figure standing nearby. “We would have been here sooner but I made him shower. He smelled like a warthog.”

Raina stills and looks as Tannr pulls the hood back. He grins at her, “Hello sister.”

She swallows hard, not sure if she is going to laugh or cry. Nick watches the play of emotions cross her face, and is surprised when she brings a hand over her mouth, a gesture she rarely makes.

“Tannr? Is it really you?” Raina takes in the sight. Her brother had grown up. Gone was the clumsy youth who could barely wield a sword and was too busy chasing girls to care. He looked a lot like Erik, but was maybe even bigger, all Raina could tell with his body in the cloak was that his shoulders were broad, his chest and neck muscles strong. His hair was a bit darker than Eriks, the red more pronounced, it was long and falling in his face. But his eyes, Rainas smiles at her thoughts, His eyes are the same. Green as spring leaves and still that mischievous glint.

Suddenly she is wrapped in his arms and he is choking back tears. “I never thought I would see you again...”

After a few minutes they join Ky, Nick and Gareth and introductions are made, some explanations given. Raina cant stop staring at her 'baby' brother. “I'm sorry... I dont mean to be rude. It's just been so damn long. Do you want something to drink? They have most everything here, including real mead. I'm sure its better than the swampwater at the Unformed Plane.”

“Mead? Real mead? Gods, yes...please...” Tannr laughs as Raina signals for Patti. He looks around the room while Raina is talking to the waitress and sees a very petite blonde watching him. A tiger joins her, standing in front of her and she reaches to grab one of his ears. “Isnt that Eriks tiger?” As he is asking the question the girl leans down and whispers something to the big cat and he takes off for the front of the tavern. She pushes her hair away from her face revealing a pointed ear tip.

'Who is she? A Fae? She's absolutely gorgeous..” Tannrs words are cut short by a sharp thump to his head.

“Oowww... what was that for? Damn... you havent lost your touch..” Tannr rubs his head.

“That girl you are ogling is your brothers wife, his pregnant wife. She is gorgeous and absolutely the kindest soul you will ever meet.”

“And she married Erik?”

Raina laughs, “Yes. But you should see him when she is around. He actually smiles...”

Before Tannr can reply, Erik is standing at the other side of the table. The two men simply look at each other for a full minute, each lost in their memories. Tannr finds himself choking up again. While he had looked up to Raina when they were young, he had totally idolized his brother and wanted to be just like him. Erik could outfight, outdrink, out-womanize anybody he knew.

Tannr stands as Erik makes his way around the table. When he can reach him, Erik grabs him by the shoulders. “It is you... by Thor, I thought Raina was full of shit... Sit, tell us your story. How did you get to the Unformed Plane? And when...?”

“Erik! He just got here. Its been a long ride, let him relax. We can catch up later...” Raina would have to tell Erik later what she was feeling rolling off Tannr in waves when asked about his story. Panic, grief, guilt, something happened to make him leave... what was it, little brother?