Exton

Raina was grinning ear to ear when she went in to see Star and Erik. She let Laila and Alise go first. Partly because Laila couldnt sit still she was so happy and partly so that Star didnt feel ambushed with people wanting to see her.

Star was sitting up in the bed and looked even smaller if that was possible. She was still pale, and had dark circles under her eyes but was smiling and looked happy. Mera was sitting between her and Erik, watching her new brother. Mya was trying to straighten her things. Alise had seen to having Myas and Stars clothing and coats cleaned and it looked as if a sylph had just brought them to the room.

Erik looked up first, “Raina! Come in...”

“Have you seen the baby yet?” Star asks.

Going to the opposite side of the bed from her brother, Raina sits on the bed and stretches out next to Star, making her giggle softly.

“You mean little Mr. No Name? Yes, we were introduced briefly. But then Erik got all possessive and wouldnt let anyone hold him until you got to. He looks happy with you, and Mera seems to like him..”

“Erik and I were talking about his name.” Star glances at Erik and then down at the baby in her arms.

“You have? Come up with anything?” Raina asks.

Smiling Erik says, “You wont believe this...”

“I wont? Try me...” Raina reaches down and pets Lobo who had found her way to the manse in all the confusion.

“When I was...well... not here you could say, I visited with your sister Tara... and Eriks mother. ..”

Rainas eyes go wide, but she doesnt say anything, letting Star continue.

“Tara said to remind you that events unfold from the tapestry as they should, you dont need to worry so much. Eriks mother gave me a hug and said that she was very proud of her son, and of his choice in me.” Star struggled to keep her voice even, tears threatening. “She asked if we would name the baby after her father, Eriks grandfather, and she said there would be a gift at the cottage for the baby when we got home. Then they told me to go to sleep, everything would be fine and when I woke up, the first thing I saw was Erik...” Panther sticks her head over the edge of the bed, purring in Stars face. “And Panther too...” Star laughs.

“So, what is the babys name?” Tannr asks as he steps into the room. He isnt sure if he believes this or not. Star could just have been dreaming, but the name would tell him for certain if this was truly a visit from the other side.

Star looks at Erik, then her gaze takes in Raina and Tannr before settling on the baby. “His name is Ruarc Conel Erik Thorsson.”

Tannr and Raina exchange grins and he says, “You have been blessed with a visit from those that have passed...”

Star nods and is about to say something when she sees Wish and Pike standing just outside the door. Raina follows her gaze and smiles. “We can go for a bit and let them visit. Then you should rest, okay?”

Raina kisses her cheek and grabs Tannr by the arm, “Chess brother? I bet I can beat you at that too..”

“You cant beat me at anything...” Tannr answers and the banter continues as they leave the room and head down the hall.

Keon enters first as Wish and Pike follow. He scoops up Mera, “Ya best let your mama sleep. She'd be tired after all this..” and Mera smiles, happy to be with Star or her Da.

Wish slowly approaches Star and holds out a goblet. Keon watches closely and tells Star, “She made a drink for you lass, tis natural, from things in the woods..”

Wish nods, "Drink, My Lady. We would hae ye healthy, an yer wee ones need ye."

Star accepts the goblet and smells first. “Mmm... it smells good.” Star drinks the potion and hands the glass back to Wish. “Thank you Wish. Here...” and Star moves over a bit in the bed, “Come sit and hold Ruarc.”

With a big grin Wish sits on the edge of the bed. Star pulls her arm, encouraging her to sit closer and then hands her the baby.

Wish is all smiles and Star watches as she snuggles deeper into the pillows, close to sleep.