Exton

Star returns Keons gaze. “Mera is fine. I left her with Erik...”

“I wasna worried Lady Star. I know you care for her as your own.”

Tannr tries to force back his laughter, he has a pretty good idea of where Star has been so early in the morning. He had overheard a small disagreement about her riding her horse. Erik thought she should stop now that the baby was due in a couple of months. Star, of course, was having none of it.

Star looks to Tannr, “You arent going to tell on me are you?”

Tannr shakes his head, “No. But Erik is only concerned and worried that you might fall or that the horse will spook for some reason and throw you.”

“But she wont..”

“How do you know for sure?” Tannr watches her eyes, fascinated with the way they change colors.

“Because she told me she wouldnt... I'll start breakfast...”

Star moves between the two men and stops dead in her tracks. Erik is standing in the doorway holding Mera.

Keons smile fades as he sees the expression on Eriks face, “I need ta get the horses first...”

Star quickly and silently slips past him and disappears into the cabin. Erik catches the unmistakable scent of the horses on her and realizes she has indeed been riding.

Tannr recognizes the look on Eriks face and is afraid he is going to start yelling. He reaches out and grabs Eriks shoulder in a firm grip. “Think Brother... and breathe... yelling at her wont help anything...”

Erik glares at Tannr until the words sink in. He sighs heavily and sits on the front steps, Mera snuggled in his arms. “She seems to like the chilly air, must be the nymph part of her....” He looks to Tannr, “And just where have you been all night?”

Tannr grins, “A gentleman doesnt kiss and tell, didnt you always try to tell me that?”

“You have grown up. Will wonders never cease...?” Erik is smiling again.

“Maybe I just met someone worth being a gentleman for.... Anyway... maybe we should go help Star. Hopefully she isnt hiding from you...” Tannr grins at Erik and stands.

Keon makes his way to the cabin, leaving the horses at the edge of the clearing. He takes Mera and lifts her high, “Theres my sweet lassie. Enjoyin' the chill air just as yer Ma did...”

As Erik reaches for the door Tannr claps him on the back, “About the riding... its not my business, but she wants a healthy baby as much as you do...”

Erik watches as Tannr enters the cabin and looks back to Keon. “I think I am being schooled by my little brother...”

“Oh aye... but ya know, he is right. Star would never do anything she thought would bring harm to the babe. Maybe you should both talk to Rowan, see what she thinks...”

Erik is nodding his head as he enters the cabin and sees Star, in the kitchen wiping her eyes.