Dawn had just brushed her rosy blush across the tree tops as Miko flits into the barn. He pauses listening to the soft murmur of voices before loudly buzzing his way up to Tannr's apartment.

He settles on the rope to an old "herd bell" just off the ladder. Using his wings to swing his weight back and forth, he rocks the clapper from side to side until the bell tolls slowly, one reverberating clang at a time. Tannr steps out of the doorway and smiles at Miko.

"Welcome back."

Saluting, Miko zips inside as Tannr holds the door open and settles on the back of a chair. His arches his back, stretching aching muscles. After a few moments he breathes deeply.

"They come home. Packed up and moved out this morning, amigo Lord Blackthorn and Ambassador Inari received the report, as did Lord Erik and Lady Star. " He pauses a moment. "With this news, I will not be surprised if they arrive before the sun slides past noon. That is unless their parade slows them down. I expect most will not cross to this Realm." His eyes light up. "Such a following they gathered..."

Tori slides into a chair, legs draping over a padded arm. "What do you mean, Miko?"

"^Dias! So many followed, so many camped there as well. All to be close and pay tribute to a Drow raised to Hero by the Lady Star. A sight to see. A *milagroso sight to see.... 'muy espléndido."


^God!

*miraculous

'very splendid

The Tavern is busy. Busier than usual. Miko traces his hand along the runes Pandora had set into the window frame. It pulses with energy. he nods to himself and moves to the next symbol, checking for any weaknesses. Her protection spells have become self-perpetuating, drawing on the energy that flows into the Wards on a nightly basis.

So many creatures tonight. Local demifae hide shyly in the foliage draping from the rafters. Some of his people move among them offering honey and sugar water. He spies the shoemaker and the florist, They are sitting with several human merchants. The florist nods in his direction, then looks overhead to the three floriads who sit on a beam. Miko smiles. If there is no room, Others make do.

Keon drifts through the room, his daughter in his arm. His cloak swirls as he moves, seeming to place a protective mantle around them both. Months have passed since Cassandra's death, and the little girl looks vibrant and happy. She clutches a rag doll as she stares at all the people. When Keon stops to talk to Twillon and Torrent, Mera shows Weebit her doll. She reaches for Weebit. Keon hands her over and Mera cuddles with the straw-haired woman.

Guunnar enters the Tavern, along with several other Riders. Dark hoods slide back, revealing several regulars and a few unknowns. Dmitri moves from the group, seeking out Ramji.

There is a loud commotion at the door and a large group of college kids enter. Jeb starts checking ID's until Ron works his way to the front. The two talk and Jeb steps aside, letting everyone inside.Several of the group are distinctly human, but the rest are definitely an assortment of Others. Miko counts fifteen as they pass where he checks more magic.

Shaking his head, Miko turns back to his rounds, wondering how many more they can fit in the place.

The scents of mums and bittersweet reach the balcony and Miko breathes deep. He darts to the railing then buzzes down to the backlot. The deliveries from the nursery have arrived! The young shifter deliveryman waves and begins to unload the back of the truck.

The demifae circles a pot of mums, seeking anything that would be harmful to the family. Tonio arrives, landing on the leaf of a cornstalk. He paces slowly, watching as the plants are set out for inspection. Miko hovers, staring at his brother.

"*Así? Vas a ayudar o simplemente observar?"

Tonio taps his chin thoughtfully. "^Observar."

Miko darts toward his brother, knocking him off the leaf. They dart around the potted plants, causing the cornstalks to shiver. Tonio dips under a nodding aster only to come face to face with his brother. Miko says absolutely nothing, merely points and frowns. Tonio hangs his head and slowly drifts around the plants, seeking out anything malignant.

Twenty minutes later, the demifae alight on the deliveryman's shoulder. They look over the invoice, noting the missing pumpkins. The shifter assures them they will be there later in the afternoon. Tonio zips to the small door that Traeger had fashioned for the wee ones' use. Moments later Monty is opening the back door.

Once the plants are moved to the main room, the rest of Miko's brothers begin to arrive. He sends two back to guard the nursery doors, while the others aid Pandora in taking down Summer to bring in Fall.


*So? You going to help or just watch?

^Watch

Miko and Tonio zip to attention as two of their brothers dart over the balcony railing. Their conversation is rapid and high pitched. Moments later, Miko is standing on a leaf, bowing to Pandora.

"Lady Pandora, *Hermosa Bruha, Wife of Josephito, two Sidhe of the Courts wish to meet with you and your husband. They claim the The Stone Dragon who slew the cursed Morgan Abjurred's Witch asked they bring something here to the Twisted Tit Tavern."

He glances over his shoulder at his brothers and steps closer to Pandora. "Por favor Senora... do not meet them until the sleeping dragon is awake. My brothers sense no ill will. That is not a fear. But if he has asked for something to be brought here... I think he means a gifting."

Pandora agrees, smiling at the winged man's dedication to their protection. Miko sets one of the two brothers to guard duty with Tonio and follows his other brother to meet with the Sidhe on behalf of his family's employers.


* Beautiful Witch

A high pitched buzzing heralds Miko's arrival, the nanny close on his trail. He lights on the tabletop staring up at everyone.

"Goddess! What is wrong with all of you! Maestra Grace, she is just starting a new journey! She will not be alone like most spirits. Herne is taking her personally. She will not..  You do know she will be able to come visit? No?"

He takes to the air.

"I am coming with you. There will be others along the way. Maestra Grace has many friends among the Wee People and we all want to wish her safe journey."

Flitting before Tara, Miko tells the little girl.

"You just wait and see... She will be like your mamacita was. Only special people will be able to see her. Like you and all of us here. She is your Abuele." He dips before her eyes. "The world changes, chica. Sometimes faster than we want, si?"

He lands on Ob's shoulder as the nanny comes forward.

"Is it alright if I come along? Grace is not like most of the humans in town. She saw us as what we are, and it never scared her."

Ob and Pandora talk to the other waitresses, letting them know what was going on and that the family would be back as soon as they can. Miko darts out the door as it opens, emitting a call audible only to those not human. Pinpoints of light gather from alleys and half streets, trees and planters.

Mr. Schuhmacher waits on the corner, along with the florist and a few other locals. The lights begin to converge, revealing demifae and assorted other creatures. Among the Human and Other Realm Fea are local shifters and halflings. A small demon hands Pandora a basket when the family gets close.

He grins at her, jagged teeth almost hidden by his thin lips. His voice is soft, high pitched. "I own the bakery two blocks up. These are Grace's favorite cookies. Gingersnaps. Tell her from Ignacio? Grazi."

Ob smiles. The demon's black crop of hair and pale scaling would need little glamour to make him the pleasant little Italian baker the neighborhood knew. It steps back, making way for the florist. Her pale hair is loose, held back by a hairband of leaves, flowers, and vines. There is the distinct smell of wildflowers. She smiles sadly.

"Let me know, whatever you need.. I will supply..."

Tears fill her large eyes and Ike moves forward, sliding an arm around her shoulders. She talks quietly to her for a few minutes and the Leimoniad smiles more, nodding. Moments later the woman is slipping back into her shop, followed by a few demifae and floriads.

Miko flits to Ike's shoulder, watching. She tells the little man, "I told her about Grace's plans for her plot. She has flowers to grow. Something special she says, and little ones need to be schooled in their care."

More of the locals begin to drift away, some chatting, others lost in thought. A small goblin with a clipboard heads up the street gibbering away to himself. Moments later Mortuis' hearse pulls to the curb and Silk slips from the passenger side. She says nothing as Mortuis joins her. Raising her hands, she gestures elegantly and the lights down the street blink out.

There is the sound of pounding hooves on dirt. then on the macadam. Closer and closer the sound thunders until a dark form bursts through to the dim-lit crossroad. The stallion rears, red eyes flashing. As the hooves crash to the ground, Keon leaps from the saddle.

"I am not too late then."

The Tavern is quiet without all the Demifae who had inhabited the taproom for so long. Miko dips up a little more honey, savoring it thoughtfully. Tonio looks up from his own portion.

"What?"

"I miss the others. It is too quiet."

Tonio grins. "Miko, you know this place. Is why we stay. Magic things come here. Magic things happen. Soon enough excitement will start. Is why we eat in shifts." He eats a little more. "Chloe is happy girl."

Miko grins. "Good peoples, these Realmers."

"Si. Oh Miko... Here comes Rachal. I catch you later? I catch Rachal now..."

Tonio buzzes up, darting around Rachal. As she flits past him, Tonio changes direction and captures her in an embrace. He kisses her deeply. Her wings slow, stopping, and he lowers her to a table top, still kissing her. As his feet touch the wood, he lowers her gently then darts away. Miko grins. It has been a crazy three weeks, so quiet, and now Tonio has taken it into his head to pursue Rachal.

Miko lounges under the purple-black blossoms. The faint scent is stronger up close, nearly intoxicating to one of his race. Ob still hasn't woken from his stone sleep, but Stoney had advised to let him be. The demifae shakes his head. Enough is enough. He gathers a double handful of pollen and zips to the gargoyle. One blow and the pollen coats his stone visage.

Moments later Ob shifts, sneezing. It is more than a few minutes before he regains control of his breath. Miko hovers, staying just out of reach.

"Yo Amigo! Wakey Wakey!"

Ob makes a grab for the demifae as he darts away laughing. Ob grumbles, reaching out for his family. Pandora's thoughts are humming, images of rearranging her gardens to add the new plants into the mix. Chloe squeals at the touch of his mind. He can hear his daughter clear across the yard.

Ob meets Grace halfway across the lawn, taking his babbling child from her arms. She is giving him images of Grace and Star sketching, of Silk dancing with her, Mera sleeping, Tomas throwing up on Mortuis, and more.

Ob wipes Silk's blade, then slowly sheathes it.

"I need to do something." He touches Allah's Light. "I need..." His gaze wanders, watching as fighters walk past.

Keon touches his arm. "Come Obsidian. I think there is some healing that needs your touch. I will escort you back when you are done, take a few ways that will cut a little of the time difference."

Miko hovers, staring at Ob's lost look. "What is wrong amigo?"

Herne answers, his voice is distant, fading as if the Hunt Lord has not completely left. "He feels the sword's pull. It is telling him that it has work to do."

Miko's wings stutter, causing him to dip in the air. Keon sees Miko's indecision.

"Miko, go back with the others. Let Pandora know Ob will return soon, and why. I promise to bring him back to her. I promise, we will both be back."

The demifae flits to Raina as Ob leaves. "He should work here. The others can wait."

Raina shakes her head. "There are others hurt much worse in the infirmary. I'll live. Let's go the hell home."

Pain. Goddess it hurts. Voices echo in his head. So many voices. Miko blocks them out and begins to take stock. Sword arm is broken, hands... pain shoots through them at the mere thought. Breathing needs to be shallow...

Something is rubbed under his nose. The strong smell of crushed herbs makes his head pound. A groan escapes his lips. Someone wraps his hands as he tries to tug them away. Anger builds, burning. He doesn't even have the strength to pull away? He hears his name and cracks open his eyes.

"Miko, *despierte al hermano."

Almond shaped eyes close against the flashing colors.

"No."

The single word brings laughter. There is a tingle as his brother leans over him.

"^Despiértelo, maldiga."

Miko keeps his eyes closed, his words soft with the pain. "I said no. Fuck you, NO."

"'Usted es un asno. Just for that..."

There is a spark, a jolt that races through his body. Miko arcs against the pain, moaning at just how GOOD it feels. His body shudders, then collapses. A sighs escapes his lips, followed by "Merde, that's good shit."

His eyes open slowly. "Where is that fucking shadow? Who has my hatpin?"

Miko slowly pushes himself upwards. His wings flex, scattering sparks, and he winces. He stands shakily, cradling his arm.

"Miko reporting, Truant..." he wobbles, wings sweeping the towel as they fan. "Fucking ow... what the hell am I...  Message sent to Herne by Hound. Spyder and Chyro trailing the shadow... Who's got my hatpin?" 

He balances carefully, swaying with each wingbeat. "I want the creep who hit me..."

His feet slide, wings beating frantically. Suddenly he is sitting, holding his arm. There is a stunned look on his face.

"That hurt, madre y dios! That fucking HURT."


*wake up my brother.

^wake up, damn it.

'You are an ass.

Morgan's shadow slips from the Tavern porch. Two demifae stationed on the porch dart into shadows, following. Miko flits around the corner, seeking the HellHound in the alley. He whispers in the Hound's ear and the creature is gone, stepping through the shadow ways to Herne.

An eerie feeling creeps over him and he moves slowly, listening between wing beats for any disturbance. Miko feels at his side, forgoing his silver splinter sword for the steel hatpin he had gotten from Pandora. A bit of silk wrapped around the bead and up the steel, just enough for him to grip the thing without burning his hand.

Whatever is stalking him is using the shadows for concealment. Miko watches, looking for any signs. There is a sudden movement, and Miko darts aside. he isn't quite fast enough. The impact slaps him into the wall, but it also jabs the steel deep into the assailant's hand. There is a yelp and a curse in Elvish.

Footsteps sound in the alley, responding to the scuffle. Miko holds firm to the pin, as it jerks in his grip. A smile crosses his face, followed by a grimace of pain.

Got you sucker...

Then there is nothing, not even the sound of someone calling his name as a shifter picks him up from the alley debris.

Monty turns at the loud buzz of wings. With what the demifae had accomplished in the early hours, he was very grateful for their actions. A few were still upset that they held onto the poisoned and spelled supplies until they could be looked over by the spellcrafters.

Miko lands on the bar, tugging at his tunic. He turns his back to Monty and watches as other demifae dart into the small shadows, seeking anything out of the ordinary.

Small bursts of light are seen as deeper corners are explored. Thankfully nothing more than the mundane was found. Miko watches as rubber gloved Mortals sorted through the spelled items under Demifae supervision. Some bottles and cans were taken to a table where a ring of his brethren were chanting. When the item was despelled it was dipped in a vat of salted water. then set on another table. Other items and foodstuffs were being dropped in a garbage bag and salted. A Brownie came around the far end of the bar carrying a filled bag. He stopped a moment when Miko hailed him.

"Aye Guardian, what can I be doin for ye?"

"The bag, eet ees going where?"

"Takin' it outside, is I. There is a spot in the back lot twas spelled so naught leeks down. 'Twill be fired under a containment spell. Best way to destroy such poisons, burn it, We have samples saved for the Sorcerer they called. His woman is here. She's the one castin' the spells out back."

Miko nods. He remembers Ob's cousin. Lord Blackthorn holds her in high regard. He nods, more to himself than anything, and the brownie takes his load out to the bags already there.

Flitting through the bustle, Miko takes up a post on the stairs railing. He knew Pandora would be coming down. What good Queen would not come see to Her people? Oh, he knew well she was not a Queen. But this was her place, her people. She would need to assure their safety.

Miko darts down the stairs, knowing that only a few people are around at this time of day. He had to get to Monty and Patti. He startles both of them with a piercing scream. Demifae shoot out of their hiding places brandishing weapons.

He zooms through his fellow kind to hover before Monty. "Baby coming... Need midwife! Need Bruha's Papa!"

Patti reaches for the phone as Monty races for the door. In moments the two Fae are bursting into Traeger's shop. Startled customers look up as Monty grabs Traeger's arm.

"Pandora is in labor. Patti is calling Rowan. Do you have someone to watch the shop, or..."

Traeger smiles at Monty. "First babies take a while. Tell Pandy that I will be there soon as I can."

Miko salutes, gripping a handful of hair and tugs, urging Monty back to the Tavern. Keon is just edging open the door, careful of the packages in his hands, as the two Fae emerge. Miko darts away, angling up to Pandora's private balcony. Monty updates Keon as he holds the door for the Sidhe.