Exton

Tannr barely had time to process the introduction to Eriks wife when Gunnaar placed the jug down in front of him. Actually, drinking the mead gave him a few minutes to think...

That has to be her... the one that group of Drow are searching high and low for... Does Erik realize? He has to know... how could he not?

Raina was watching and feeling the play of emotions crossing Tannrs face. Maybe we should go outside, this has got to be overwhelming to say the least... years at the UP and now all these people...

“Tannr... walk with me? I need some air.” Raina hopes no one argues or tries to tag along.

Tannr nods, “Sure, one thing first.” He turns to Ky and takes her hand. “Sorry I was such a pain in the ass and that I thought you were full of shit. Thanks for making me come with you....”

Laughing Ky pulls him down and hugs him. “I forgive you... this time. Next time you are such a jerk I might have to beat on you... and not in a good way...”

Raina takes his hand and leads him outside. They cross the street to the park and pause in a small clearing. Tannr looks up at the stars in the sky then pulls Raina close and hugs her. “This all seems so surreal. You, Erik... what the Hel are we? Do you know?”

“Not for certain.” Raina sits on a bench. “I have some theories, but do you really want to get into all this tonight?”

“Probably not. My brain is working overtime as it is. There is something I need to know though. About Star. Do you and Erik know about her? I mean... the prophecy... she is the one isnt she? I have never known anyone else whose eyes change like that... Ret'skir'a....that was it I think. And you said she was pregnant..”

“Yes, we know. So does she, not that she cares. Those two are so in love I think they have blinders on half the time. But she does have all the 'signs' if you want to call it that. Her eyes, obviously, she communicates with animals, has some sort of precognition and healing abilities... I dont know. Inari was here a while back, seems Queen Titania is keeping tabs on her.”

“Inari was here? Really?” Tannr joins Raina on the bench and sighs deeply. “You must know that there are several groups that dont want this child born... one I know of for certain is a group of Drow... evil nasty bunch, but they have been searching all over Faerie. Even ventured to the Unformed Plane at least once that I know of, asking about a silver haired Fae whose eyes change...” Tannr lowers his head into his hands. “ By Thor... my brother is going to be a father... father to the greatest warrior ever known...”

Raina smiles, “And that makes us aunt and uncle... and our sworn duty to protect Star and the baby. Ky has sworn too, laid her sword at Stars feet... and many others here would do the same. Gunnaar calls her little sister and she and Erik are foster parents to Keons child, another long story...”

Taking a deep breath Tannr says, “I would protect her in any case. She is my sister now too.”

Again, Raina feels the wave of grief, almost despair. Why would talking about Star make him feel that way? He doesnt know her, there isnt any more to the prophecy, Inari cant even pin down any more information. Does Star remind him of someone or something?

Raina stands, “Lets go back in. I am sure you are going to be sick of being introduced to people after tonight. If you want to split just let me know. You can stay at our place, although my lifestyle might be a surprise to you, or you can go with Erik. He and Star usually go home a little earlier than the rest of us...”

She pauses and wraps her arms around her brother. “I'm glad you're here. I've missed you...”