Exton

Several days had passed and everyone had been busy with one thing or another. There were no further murders or attempted attacks reported. Adrian had arrived with Thea and settled in the Tavern, waiting for the appropriate time to deal with his brother. There had been several meetings with Adrian, the Riders, the gars and some of the shifters. No definite plan had been made as of yet but the patrols continued throughout Exton. Tannr was also present at these meetings and took word back to Erik. Star was moving slow, her expanding belly causing her to be more careful and Erik was loath to leave her. That plus the earlier visit from the Drow made everyone at the cabin extra cautious.

Tannr had spent his days with Star and Erik, playing with Mera and helping where he could. His nights were saved for Tori, either patrolling the city, spending time with her 'kids' or spending time alone at her place.

Pandora decorated the Tavern for Solstice and Yule, the colors warm and bright. The demifae had all made new homes in the pine boughs and continued to watch for any intruders. Mya had made one trip with Tannr and secured herself a spot in a bright red poinsettia, but otherwise had preferred to stay with Star.

The cottage was filled with love and laughter. Alise and Stoney had grown to care for Laila as a daughter and the children were head over heels for their nanny, especially Tomas. When word had come that Rath may be a threat to her, he had started growling and Stoney had been hard put to make the little boy stop. He loved his 'lala' and no one was taking her if he could help it. Alise had felt two hard spots on his back and wondered if that meant Tomas would be more gargoyle, taking after his father. The thought made her smile. She had felt no such areas on Tara or Gracie and made a mental note to speak to Stoney about it. The children were excited for Yule and visits from Chloe made their happiness complete.

The Lodge was filled with happiness too, but more of the sexual type. Raina enjoyed her lovers, but missed Ky terribly since she had been staying with Star. Raina understood perfectly, an oath was binding and thats all there was to it. But the understanding didnt lessen the sadness she felt when the house seemed empty of Ky and her rambunctious behavior.

Keon moved silently between the groups of people he had grown to care about. He spent most nights at the cabin with his beloved Mera, attended meetings at the tavern with Guunnar, Ramji and Dmitri, discussed strengthening the wards with Stoney and Mortuis. Only those closest to him noticed the silences, when his mind turned inward and his thoughts turned to what he had lost. Even with all that he had to be thankful for, there was an ache that none could fill. He had spent the previous night at the boathouse, looking out over the dark water. He let his Yule wish float away on the waves, that his daughter grow strong and happy, that no evil would come to those he cared about and a few moments to see Cassie, the moon to his night.....