Exton

Inari looks up and laughs softly at the sight of Keon and Laila coming downstairs, arms filled with little girls. Laila explains briefly what is wrong with Tomas as Monty pulls high chairs close to the table.

Tara wont let herself be placed in the high chair, and she clings to Laila, little arms wrapped tight around her neck. “Okay sweetie. You can sit in my lap..” Tara buries her face in Lailas curls as she takes her seat next to Ramji. She starts to relax as she feels Tomas quieting and peeks out at Chloe sitting with Guunnar.

Star comes down and turns as Erik comes just a few steps behind. “Good morning...” she says to her husband with an impish grin, “You slept late...”

Erik places a kiss on the silver blonde head, “I wonder why Princess...”

Star blushes and hands Ruarc to his father. She helps get juice, milk, cereal and toast for the children, telling Keon, “Let me. Go sit. Inari has to leave soon...”

Inari looks up “I do? How would you know...”

Both Erik and Keon both shake heads and say together, “Dont ask...”

Then she must have the gift of foreseeing too... I wonder if she tries to use it... Who do I know that can help her with that....

Her thoughts are interrupted by Erik sitting next to her with Ruarc. Inari reaches over and strokes the small soft head. Watching his eyes change colors, she smiles at him, “What a handsome child he is...”

Erik nods, 'Thank you. Have you never thought of having children of your own? You seem so comfortable around them....” Eriks words trail off, afraid he has stuck his foot in his mouth.

But Inari takes no offense at the question, he is not the only person to ever have asked it. “The life I have chosen does not lend itself to motherhood. But I enjoy the little ones when I have time. And I think I am especially going to enjoy being this ones naming sponsor. I thank you and Star for the honor.”

“The honor is ours..” Erik smiles as Star hands him his breakfast and finally sits with the omelet Monty made for her. Inari takes Ruarc while the couple eats and the conversation is light and happy around the table. Alise joins the group and the women make plans for shopping later in the day and for getting the van finally to the tavern so it can be gifted to Rowan that night. The men discuss the patrols and the ghouls, telling the women to be back at the tavern before dusk.

As Inari hands Ruarc back to his father she grimaces and her hand moves to her chest. Star sees the very tip of her scar turn bright red and glancing at Keon she sees that he noticed it too.

“It seems you were right Lady Star. I must go.” Inari pushes her chair out and leans down to kiss Ruarc on the forehead. She stands and claps Erik on the back, “Take care of your family. I will see you soon..”

She races upstairs, grabs her saddle bags and makes sure the room is locked. When she comes down Star is standing at the foot of the stairs. She wraps her arms around Inari, “Thank you, for everything..” The women embrace, and quiet words are exchanged between the two. “I'll be back...”

“I know you will.” Star smiles.

As Inari turns to go, the riders stand and Keon moves away from the table, “I'll see ya out.”

In the alley Inari whistles and her horse steps from the shadows. As Keon watches her preparations he can almost see the woman from last night fading away and the warrior taking her place.

Inari turns when she hears Keon whisper her name. She stops and takes his hand in hers and with the other pushes the vivid blue lock of hair away from his face. He starts to say thank you and she stops him, shaking her head.

“Living your life honors those that have passed, it honors Cassie. Succumbing to the sorrow does not. Trust me, I have learned this the hard way. If you allow it the sorrow will steal your soul and leave you an empty shell. You cant let that happen, you have Mera and a family now...”

Keon looks in her eyes, “You speak as if you understand..”

“I do, and we can speak of this when I return. But I must go now.”

“I would welcome the conversation with ye. Good journey....” Keon raises her hand to his lips, kissing the knuckles softly.

Inari smiles as he releases her hand and she moves towards her horse, “If there is need, Gareth knows how to get a message to me.”

She swings herself up into the saddle and takes the reins Keon hands her. “Til we meet again, Lord Keon.”

Keon inclines his head as the gate opens and with a soft jingle of a harness she gone and the alley is empty.