Days pass, plans finalize, or atleast they finalize as much as is possible within a group of strong willed warriors. One thing is certain. The Drow need to be where they need to be, without realizing they are walking into a trap of any kind.

Miko hovers over a spot that betrays the scent of recent Drow visitation. He tastes the air, pausing to analyze the taste of magic. He nods to himself. A listening spell... Nearly undetectable, well crafted. He motions to his co-conspirator and the pair settles on a well chosen leaf within the casting's range.

The demifae warrior begins to gently detangle his companion's long wavy locks, being careful around her wings. he whispers in her ear, making her laugh. She giggles and tugs at a bit of his multi-hued locks. He wraps his hand in a hank of her purple and brown curls, the pair acting as if they are thinking of nothing but courtship.

As he begins to groom her wings the little man glances surreptitiously around.

"So the children will be having an outing. It has been decided they need to learn some woodcraft. The only one not going is the baby." He kisses a wingtip. "Wilt thou also be in the woods next week Mya, *mi dulce?"

She shivers under his attention. "Of course. If Ruarc is there, so be Mya." She sighs, then giggles. "Mya and Miko sneak away?" She bats her eyes. 

Miko glances around and growls softly. "Si... we will find time to sneak away from the ^niños." He kisses her wingtip again. "Come mi amor, we must get back before they miss us."

The pair leap into the air, hand in hand, and flit back toward the warded land.


*my sweet.

^children

Arriving at the fairy tree Mya asks for Trist. After a moments chatter, Trist is found and brought to Mya. He flits in front of her and gives her a short bow.

“I can take message for Warriors mother...”

Mya delivers the message and Trists eyes go wide when he hears who it is for. Another demifae tells him that Inari is with Tychus in his tower. “Hurry. Message very important.”

Trist nods and bows again, then disappears into the forest, wings buzzing.

As Mya turns to leave she runs right into Ghaunt who had just stepped into the clearing from the cover of the trees. She gasps and is ready to yell at him for scaring her, but something in his expression makes her swallow her words. Seeing the frantic look on his face, she asks him what is wrong.

Trying to catch his breath Ghaunt tells her, “I need Star. I need to warn her. Ardara... please Mya, where is she?”

Ardara! The evil one.... Mya hesitates only a second, sensing the seriousness and urgency of the situation. “Come. Mya take you....” and she leads the way to the Tavern, the two warrior Fae following close behind.

Mya flits down the stairs into the main room of the tavern. Star had sent her to find Keon and Miko had told her that the riders were gathered downstairs having breakfast.

She flits over to the table and hovers in front of Keon, clearing her throat.

“Good mornin' Mya. Can I help ya?”

“Star sent Mya. Asking Keon to come, babies room.” Mya's eyes go round and she looks down seeing Inari seated next to Keon.

Keon is instantly worried, Star rarely asks for help with anything. He stands, “Is there a problem Mya?”

“Tomas.” and Mya heads for the stairs, purple wings buzzing.

At the mention of Tomas' name Laila's head snaps up. She excuses herself to Ramji and follows Keon up the stairs.

Following Mya in the room Keon didnt know what he expected to see, maybe more confusion. Tomas was howling his head off, causing all the children to look on wide-eyed. Tara was crying, wanting to help her brother. Alise and the nanny were getting the cold packs ready to put on his back. Tomas was laying on the bed rubbing his back against the pillows, his face red from crying and yelling.

Mera looked up when Keon entered the room, “Da!” and reached for him.

As he lifted her out of the crib Star approaches, buttoning her shirt having just finished feeding Ruarc. “Can you take Gracie with you and Mera and get them started on breakfast? I'll be down in a few minutes..”

Keon lifts Gracie in the other arm. “Of course. Puir lad, whats wrong?” He looks to Tomas who has quieted some as Alise places the cool cloths on his red back.

“Wing buds. Its like teething for him, only a much larger area..” Alise looks up and sees Laila taking Tara from the nanny. “Laila... its your day off. We promised you weekends to yourself...”

“Nonsense. You and the nanny have your hands full. I'll help get everyone fed and dressed for the day. Should I send something up for you?”

“I dont know. Let us see how this works for him, then we can decide.” Alise relaxes as Tomas quiets and she feels Stoneys support and love in her mind.

Mya watches from a spot on a sterile-looking steel counter. A sylph floats by and makes her a soft spot to rest on a pile of gauze with a folded bit of flannel on top. A large cotton ball for a pillow and Mya settles back to await the end of the operation and the birth of Stars baby. She cradles her arm and grimaces in pain, but her attention is on Star. She knows Rowan will fix the arm as soon as she can. Her thoughts turn to the goblins that attacked Star. Mya tell Miko... goblins sooo dead....

The tavern was loud and boisterous. Ramji wasnt sure what the reason was for celebrating but Guunnar was certainly making the most of it. The mead was flowing freely as well as the bawdy jokes and comments about some of the shifter girls that were flirting with him.

Star had come downstairs after settling Mera in with Alises children and Chloe with their nanny. She pulled on Lailas hand, “Come dance with me...”

The two girls and Mya had been laughing and dancing when Mya let out a small screech startling Laila into stopping. Mya had been sitting on Lailas shoulder and gotten herself tangled in the mass of curls. Laila and Star started to laugh and Mya just had to overdramatize the whole event, hanging to one side, yelling, “Save Mya, save Mya.”

Laila and Star were laughing so hard their efforts at disentangling Mya were largely ineffective. The harder they laughed, the more tangled she became.

“Hair like crazy ribbon, Mya trapped...”

Raina stands, laughing and yells, “I'll get a scissors...”

Lailas hands fly up to her hair, “Nooo... you cant cut my hair!”

Mya is laughing now too, “Yes! Cut! Free Mya, free Mya...”

Laila was completely overcome with giggles, and Ramji smiles as he watches their antics. His eyes go dark with desire when he admires the sight of Laila wearing the dress she and Thea had picked out earlier. A sleeveless top with small ruffles down the front and the skirt snug around her hips and bottom in various cascading shades of blue. She had on the jewelry he had given her and the dressing to her hand was much smaller now, since she only had a few stitches across the palm remaining. Ramjis thoughts wander to bending Laila over a table and hiking up that skirt when his daydream is interrupted by Keons approach and a hand to his back.

Mya listens to the message and heads straight to Raina, who is sitting with Nick and Gareth. She lands next to a tall glass and raps loudly on it to get Rainas attention.

“Mya has message from friend, Wyldfae with hair like..” She mimes hair that writhes like flames, trying to conjure the color of K'thyri's hair. "Is hurt, not serious. Need to rest, to heal, then will come home to you. Okay?”

Mya flits around as pictures are taken. She helps make the little ones smile for all the pictures, but Tomas is starting to fuss. Raina is taking pictures for everyone but Tomas starts to pull on the collar of his shirt. Mya looks over to Stoney, hoping he can talk to Tomas but he is pulling on the collar of his own shirt. Mya sighs and lands in front of Tomas.

Tomas smiles and tries to grab Mya as she scoots backwards just out of his reach. Raina takes a couple more pictures and hands the camera back to Stoneys sister.

Mya finds Star and flits to her shoulder. Star is watching everyone, a bit overwhelmed with the crowd, but not like she used to be. She stops at the edge of the blanket where the babies are all sitting and laying and watches them for a minute, wanting to remember this so she can paint it. Mera in her turquoise dress, Chloe in gypsy blue, Gracie in the palest of pinks and Tara in lavender. Tomas is in blue pants and white shirt which is fast becoming very annoying to the little boy.

Mya sighs, “Girl babies so pretty. Look like flowers. Boys....” she says as she crosses her arms and rolls her eyes.

Star smiles, “He is sweet too Mya. He just doesnt like his clothes.” Star goes to Tomas and picks him up. “Should we find mama and change your clothes?”

Tomas starts to frantically pull on the collar of his shirt and fuss, sending images of his favorite t-shirt but Star doesnt understand.

Raina approaches, diaper bag in hand, “Look what I have...” as she pulls out the Batman t-shirt Tomas squeals with happiness and almost squirms out of Stars arms.

Laughing at his antics, Raina changes him into the t-shirt and a pair of jeans. When she whistles for Panther Tomas watches the trees intently. When not only Panther appears, but with Tiger, Wolf and Lobo his happiness knows no bounds.

His shrieks and squeals and thoughts he sends get his parents attention. Alise smiles to see him so happy and excited. “Ma souer, I think everyone is ready to leave. We should follow you..”

Raina nods and hands Tomas to his mother. She whispers to Panther, “Koma með the annar og hitta okkur á the hús. Gera ekki láta einhver sjá þú.”*

Alise reassures Tomas the animals will be at the party, Tante Raina has promised...

Jack walks by on his way to his vehicle and rubs Tomas' back in passing. “Hey Buddy, nice shirt!”

Raina is overcome with the giggles which turn into full fledged laughs when she sees the expression on Nicks face...


*Bring the others and meet us at the house. Do not let anyone see you...

Mya watches all the action from her perch high in the rafters. She has a cozy spot in a garland of fragrant flowers with large soft leaves, perfect for sleeping. She sees Star and Erik go upstairs and thinks about settling in for the night herself. But the band is still playing and she decides to watch the door a bit longer. When the music was finished the tavern would be quieter and it would be easier to rest.

Mya watches as the crowd starts to thin. Then she sees Ron, one of the shifter crowd, come back in. He had just gone out a few minutes ago. He also seems to be carrying something cradled gently in his hand. Her curiosity piqued, Mya starts to flit down from the beams, never taking her eyes off Ron. As she gets closer she sees Ron turn towards Monty and when they speak, Monty starts to look very concerned.

Mya lands on Montys shoulder and looks down. “Oh No!! Miko! Miko hurt. Mya get Truant...”

Mya races to the back door, where Truant and some of his friends had camped out to help keep watch on the back door.

She hovers close and sticking her fingers in her mouth whistles, loud and high pitched. Truant and several other demifae startle, wondering what is wrong.

“Truant! Come quick! Miko hurt bad...” and Mya races back to Monty, Truant right behind her.

Monty takes Miko to the back room and placing a clean dish towel on the table lays Miko gently down.

Mya, Truant and several other demifae swarm in and circle Miko. Questions are asked fast and furious with Ron answering as best he can. 'No, I didnt see what happened. Yes, he was on the ground. No, I didnt see anyone. No, there was no hatpin by him that I saw. Yes, I brought him directly in and to Monty.”

Truant turns to Mya, “Go get Keon. He will know what to do.”

Mya pauses, she had seen Keon go upstairs with Cassie some time ago. Truant stomps his foot, impatient with her hesitation. “Go! Now!”

Mya quickly rises and flies out of the room and up the stairs. She goes directly to Keons door and tries knocking. Ohh... cant hear Mya.... Her eyes catch sight of the knocker. She goes to it and uses all her strength to lift it and lets it drop. She repeats the process and then flits to the door knob and jumps up and down on it, making it rattle loudly.

The door opens a crack and Mya flits up, hoping to be eye level with whoever opened the door. Her agitation is obvious and Keon opens the door a bit further. “What has ye so addled Mya?”

A short time later Mya and Tryge slip through the open window and into Erik and Stars room. Star had left the door propped open and the demifae flit through and out into the hallway. Mya sees Star and Gareth in the hall, near Nicks door. Mya brings Tryge to Gareth and the messenger bows and says he has word from Inari. “She is coming here to speak with you and will arrive by sunrise.”

Gareth nods at the demifae, “A good message, we will be glad to see her.”

Star smiles as Mya goes to her shoulder and sits there. Mya waves Tryge over and he joins her. Star touches Gareths shoulder, “I will be back. I promised them some honey and wine.” Star could hear the 'mm, mmm' coming from the demifae on her shoulder and she heads downstairs.

Star wakes suddenly from a sound sleep and looks around the room. Erik was sleeping soundly and didnt seem to be in any pain. The moon was shining brightly giving the room an almost eerie glow. Star rises and pulls on her jeans. Hunting for a shirt in the dim light, all she can find is one of Eriks t-shirts and she puts that on, laughing softly at how big it is on her.

She leans close to Erik and tells him, “I want some juice, I will be right back...”

Erik mumbles and smiles, never really waking up.

Barefoot and hair hanging loose, Star quietly leaves their room and moves towards the stairs. She pauses at the top, trying to see if anyone is still around. Not hearing a lot of noise or conversation, Star carefully descends into the tavern.

She sees Rowan visiting with Traeger and Ike, and an older woman Star has never seen before. She seems ill and Star can feel that the woman doesnt have long to live. Star and Rowan exchange a glance, Rowans expression serious and yet filled with compassion.

Star goes to the bar, “Monty, can I ppp...please have some apple juice, with ss..some ice?”

While Star waits she unconsciously moves her hair behind her ears, not liking it in her face. She hears a gasp and looks around, not sure of what she heard or who would have made the sound. She glances up at the rafters, thinking maybe one of the demifae was playing tricks on her.

Monty returns with her juice and hands her a folded piece of paper. At Stars questioning look her nods towards Keon, “He asked me to make sure you and Erik got it.”

As Star nods and turns towards Rowan, Mya flits down from the rafters and lands on Stars shoulder. Mya starts tugging on Stars hair, trying to move it from behind her ears, all the while saying “Lady looking at ears...”

“Mmm...mya...stop. I dont want my hair in my face..” Smiling, Star reaches up one hand to put the hair back and a small tug of war ensues over Stars hair. Mya finally gives up with a whistled 'Uh-oh' and stands on Stars shoulder holding a strand of her hair for balance. Star dips a finger in the juice and offers it to Mya, who takes a sip. Mya starts to chatter at Star and they both look in Rowans direction and at the older woman who is staring at them both with her mouth slightly open in surprise.

Mya has been watching from her perch in a cluster of berries. She watches everyone who enters and exits the tavern using the front door. As soon as the stranger looks up she gasps, Inari! Why is she here? No one mentioned that she might be here. Maybe the riders dont know of her... but she isnt our enemy... Mya slips behind a berry and continues her observations of the crowd....

Mya is tiny, even by fae standards and has an easy time hiding herself among the various flowers and greenery in the tavern. She watches from a garland draped over one of the rafters. She is adept at hiding in the smallest of places where no one can see her. Her purple and green wings blend in well and even if one was looking for her she would be almost impossible to see.

Mya watches the exchange between Morgan and Gareth with interest. She doesnt have to be so mean to him...whats the matter with her? A small gesture of one hand and a whispered spell puts a smile on Myas face. If there werent so many rules with this mission I would make sure she choked on her mean words....

And Mya wiggles in between some holly berries and sits back to see what happens next.....