Exton

Star is wiping her eyes and not quite sniffling when I go into the kitchen. Nice going, jerk. I move to stand beside her, kiss her on top of the head and spin her into a quick but intense hug.

"It's okay, Princess. I'm not mad, I just worry. How about we talk to Rowan again, see just what you should and shouldn't be doing and go from there?" I kiss her again, longer this time, and she's smiling when it breaks. "I hope you made enough breakfast. Tannr eats like every meal is his last - you know, like Guunnar." Now the smile becomes a laugh; every time it tapers off, she gets the giggles again, and only when she's out of breath does it end… and even then, there's a smile all over her face.