Exton

Rowan is laughing as she gathers her things and gives Ky a few last minute instructions. She didnt know how they all made it work but it was obvious how much Raina and Gareth loved and cared for K'thyri. Raina had been taking good care of the incision, and Rowan was able to remove stitches, add a few steri-strips, a different type of dressing during the day and none at night. Ky was grinning from ear to ear. A new brace and the beginnings of a workout program had her absolutely giddy. Rowan was afraid of her overdoing it but Gareth promised he would make her behave.

As Rowan puts the last of her supplies in the case, Raina turns to her and asks, “Are you sure you cant stay for breakfast? Gareth is a pretty good cook...”

“I wish I could. But I have a ton of work today and I need to go see Star, in fact, she is next on my list...” Rowans face going suddenly serious.

Raina notices the slight wrinkling of the forehead, the change in Rowans tone. “Is there something wrong? Star seems so tired, its not like her...”

Rowan shakes her head, “I cant really pinpoint anything thats wrong...I just have this nagging feeling that I need to keep a closer eye on her for some reason. The tiredness is normal, the baby is getting big....”

“I know Erik is keeping a close eye on things, especially now with this new threat... and Tannr is there too, although I think he spending a lot of time with Tori...” Raina's forehead wrinkles with worries of her own.

“Dont like your baby brother seeing a gargoyle?” Rainas voice was teasing, trying to lighten the suddenly quieter mood.

“Oh... its not that at all. I like Tori, her and her family are the best... I just worry too much. Maybe I just need to see Tannr for the age he actually is and not the teenager I remember leaving so long ago. He has changed so much....” Raina sighs. “Nothing ever stays the same, does it?”

Rowan laughs. “Well, I dont imagine anyone would want their children or siblings to stay teenagers. Goddess help us, that wouldnt be so much fun.”

“You're right. It would be awful...” Raina laughs, remembering how much trouble Tannr was always in.

Rowan is still smiling as she climbs in her van and heads to the cabin....

When she gets to the cabin, Rowan sees Wish and Pike sitting on the front porch with their breakfasts. They smile at Rowan and point to the door, intent on their food.

“Why are you two sitting out here?” Rowan asks.

The door opens and Star peeks out. “They wont come in, I asked.” Star steps out and wraps her arms around Rowan.

“Hello sweetheart. How are you feeling?” Rowan returns the hug.

“Good. Keon took went with me for a ride this morning. Dont worry, we just walked the horses...”

“I'm glad to hear it...” Rowan shifts her bag from one shoulder to the other.

“Why did you bring your things? I feel fine...”

“I want to listen to the babies heart and take a few measurements... Lets go in the bedroom and leave the men to their food....”


A short time later Rowan joins the men at the table as Tannr is finishing a huge stack of pancakes. Erik offers to make her some and Rowan shakes her head.

“Just some juice would be fine.” and she thanks Erik as he hands her a glass.

Rowan takes a long drink and notices the expression on all the men's faces and she smiles. “Star is fine...” She starts to chuckle as the breaths are let go that were being held. “But there is something that concerns me....”

Eriks face goes still and Tannr looks from him to Rowan. “What concern?"

Well... just that she is so small... and the baby is getting pretty big. She might just be due a little sooner than I thought....”

“Is the baby getting too big?” Erik asks, obviously concerned.

“Not yet, but I am sure she wont agree to an ultrasound. That would tell us definitely..”

“I'll talk to her. Maybe Alise and Laila could speak to her...” Erik looks up as Star enters the kitchen.

Star sits next to Rowan and rests her head on the healers shoulders. Rowan asks if she has all she needs for the baby and Star nods, replying that Alise was making a few things, she insisted even though her hand had been hurting her with the colder weather.

As Rowan makes a mental note to stop and see Alise, she cant shake the sense of worry she has about Star and the impending birth. Stop... she's fine. She has always been a daughter to me, of course I would worry more for her...

She looks up and meets Keons gaze, He feels it too somehow... Goddess help me take care of her when the time comes....