Exton

Once the dark haired Fae was securely seated, Keon steps back and opens his arms wide. A black mist enfolds his form, condensing, compacting, until a red-eyed HellHound stood in his place. With a nod to Inari, the Hound nods and slips among the wild brush.

Inari flicks the reigns and her mount steps forward. Before they have gone more than a dozen paces, the path is blocked by a cadre of winged warriors. A flying tuft of grasses and scales hovers before the group. It takes a moment for Inari to recognize the fern dragon and its armored rider. Weebit raises a spear and hails the ambassador.

"My Lady Inari! We will escort you to the clearing." At a piercing whistle, the warriors disappear among the trees bordering the path. Weebit waits for Inari to come even with Tork. In a surprisingly graceful move, the fern dragon turns and keeps pace with the horse. Weebit bows from her saddle.

"It has been too long, Ambassador." Weebit flicks her wings with no sign of her usual pain. "I needs must express my gratitude for your aid in finding a healer. You will let me know if there is something with which I may be able to aid you?"

It is as close to "thank you" as any of the elder Fae get. Weebit notes the shock in the dark haired Fae's eyes. "My pardon, you must be..." She glances at Inari.

"Chiara, is it?" At Inari's nod, Weebit turns back to the woman. "We have heard that there is hope the *bheag amháin, as Keon and Twillon call him, is yours. I do hope so." There is a hitch in her voice. "No child should be taken from their Mother."

She shakes her wealth of straw-colored hair. A whistle from behind brings a smile to her tiny features. "Lord Blackthorn is just a few bends back. Shall we let him catch up, or wait for him?"

There is the distant thunder of hooves and Chiara looks to Weebit and Inari in confusion. "I thought I had been with Lord Blackthorn." She swallows hard. "He became a HellHound..."

Inari grins and Weebit laughs. The sound is a merry ringing of chimes. "I have no doubt he did. But our dear Lord Blackthorn is a man of many surprises." She cocks her head, listening. "He comes... and he is not alone."

Inari inclines her head. "We shall wait, Lady Weebit."

The demifae pouts, but then grins. "Ah, but it would have been a merry chase. You know these men and their need to prove themselves..."

Inari grins, hiding it as the five mounted riders canter into places around them. Keon bows from the saddle as Tork lands on Twillon's shoulder. He laughs as Weebit whispers something into his ear.

The blonde Fae calls back to the black cloaked riders. "Well lads, it seems the Ladies are allowing us our dignity, and decided to await for our escort." There is general laughter and the group moves forward.

As Inari and Keon's mounts step into the clearing, the other riders fade back into the woods. Tork lifts from Twillon's shoulder and soars to a low hung branch, emulating nothing more than a path of moss on the tree. Weebit releases her safety harness and flits to a cluster of leaves With a wave to the trio, she stretches out among the leaves and is effectively hidden from sight.

There is a clack of wood on wood and the lively sound of cheering and children's laughter. Pike's voice calls "Again!" and the sound resumes, along with the joyous sound.

Keon speaks softly, but is heard clearly. "Ah, It sounds as if Pike is conducting a lesson." He blinks, listening to the voices. "I hear..." He pauses. "All four of the girls. Ah, there is Alise. So... Tomas is one of the combatants." He cocks his head, ear tip turning. His words cut off as he looks toward the porch. The women follow his gaze as the front door opens and Wish flips off the porch roof to land on the wooden railing.


wee one