Gracie stands still, eyes unfocused. Pike speaks softly, explaining how to see around spells.

"Aye, Gracie. What do you see now?"

The little girl hesitates. "There is a dark spot... Like when Tomi bumped over papan's ink bottle."

"Can ye tell who is in that spot?"

She makes a face, lips twisting in concentration. "Un-unh."

He smiles and crouches beside her. "Ye ken what each of yer kin feels like. Everyone has a feel, a taste if ye will, to their individual being." The child frowns. "Ye know what everyone feels like in yer mind?" The child nods. "Okay. What are ye feeling in the dark spot? Who does it make ye think of?"

"It tingles..." Her eyes widen. Gracie looks at the Wyldfae. "You tingle. So does Ru."

Pike nods. "Yes. That is our being Fae. But concentrate, Gracie. Who is in the dark spot?"

Her pixieish features scrunch as she closes her eyes tight and wrinkles her nose. Suddenly her eyes fly wide open and she squeals in delight. "MERA! I see Mera!"

There is a burst of laughter and Mera appears as if melting into existence.

Each child reappears as Gracie names them and where they are hiding. It takes a little time, and the parents are laughing at some of the creative ways of hiding. Only Tara remains unfound.

Finally Gracie gives up, pouting a bit as she stomps her foot. "Tara isn't here. If she was, I would see her."

Pike smiles at Wish, as the Wyldfae pauses in her movements around the edge of the clearing. "Oh, she is here wee one. But findin' yer sister is nae done as ye hae' ta others. Look not ta seek energy. Seek more with yer feelings. Feel from where yer eyes want ta move away."

Gracie closes her eyes. Instead of seeking the feel of magic, she lets her senses feel the life around her. Her mind drifts, then suddenly slides past... something. Gracie looks at the spot and sees nothing. Turning her head slightly, she looks from the corner of her eyes. Panther lies in a patch of sun not even 5 feet away. It takes the little girl a moment more to see her sister curled against the big cat's side, ebony hair blending with the midnight pelt. Tara's lavender eyes seem to glow for a moment, then fade to their normal color as she returns to braiding a ring of flowers and grasses.

Gracie grits her teeth as a wash of gloating slips into her mind. Her nose wrinkles and she glares at her sister. Tara smiles at her younger sister and Gracie's temper flares. Screwing her face up tight, she sticks her tongue out. Pike clears his throat and the little girl looks at him. Her eyes widen as he raise a brow and speaks quietly. "If truly want ta be a snake, all ye need do is Wish."

Her eyes snap to Wish, standing not far away. "No... no... She was gloating." Her words fall off under Pike's steady gaze.

Ob leans close to his brother and whispers loud enough for the other adults to hear. "Jedi mind games? These are not the droids you are looking for..."

Pike smiles and calls to Ob. "Where d'ye think we got the idea, mate? Empathy can be vera persuasive."

The slam of the front door perks the Wyldfae's ears. He glances around to check whose camoflage flickers, and whose doesn't.

From the corner of his eye he sees a flash of Ru's face turned towards the school. When he steals another look, all he sees are leaves.

Mera's spell does not fail, nor does Teri's chameleon act, although the boy does scramble slightly back from the top of the rock. A fluid movement of air betrays Mera's movement to watch both Gracie and the door.

The little girl opens her eyes and sighs. When she sees Wish materialize before the oncoming adults, she squeezes her eyes shut and tries to drown out the voices.

Gracie closes her eyes. The sound of Pike's lilting voice directs her concentration. She nods when her mind is stil, when no trace of her family can be felt in her mind. The Wyldfae motions to the others and they scatter. As they find spots to stand, or hide, he taps his temple and the children still their own minds.

As Tomas flies into the upper branches of a small tree, Pike helps Teri scramble to the top of a small boulder. The little boy sprawls out, fingers and bare toes finding purchase in the natural surface of the rock. The child relaxes, breathing slowly. His skin tone and hair color alters, shifting into the varied tans of his perch.

Chloe and Mera grin at each other from opposite sides of the play area Wish and Pike had marked off. Both girls close their eyes in concentration. Chloe's fingertips begin to dance, gathering... something. Her fists close, clenching tight, and she pulls them together in front of her. Suddenly the little Witch is gone, leaving nothing but a flicker of light in her place.

Mera waves to Pike, then looks up. She raises her hands above herself and makes a tossing motion. She waves again as something drips down, erasing streaks of her image. It spreads, painting her gone. He can tell when she moves by the small water ripples in the grass around her position. Except for that, no one would see her slip away. 

Tara puts her hands on Ru's shoulders as he leans back against her. She stares at Gracie, then turns her gaze to Pike. He watches as the bush behind the pair becomes visible through their fading forms. Ru grins, and waves. Suddenly he is looking at a slightly thicker, richly leafed shrub.

The buzz of tiny wings rushes over the clearing. Mouse sits up, wrinkling his nose. Nodding upward, the approaching demifae takes direction and angles to the roof. It hesitates until Wish flicks her eyes in its direction. When allowed to approach, it's voice is little more than a whine. Wish's face becomes somber and she rubs her hands together, energy crackling as it gathers with her anger.

Pike swings up on the roof from the porch. "Trouble at the Gargoyles'." he grins. "Little ones did good... reeeaal good."

She nods, still pulsing with anger. "The Lady is angry, upset as well. Her Warrior bristles." Mouse scuttles across the shingles and nudges her bare foot. She points her toes and the creature grasps the hem of her skirt and is soon hidden in the folds. Moments later he peaks out from the tangles adorning the Wyldfae's head.

Pike strokes nimble fingers along her cheek. "You wish you could have been there."

She smiles, a slow wicked curve of her lips. "Wish...? It is past... I will not change the past." She turns her head slowly to kiss the tips of his fingers. "You are proud of the boys."

Pike nods. She cups his face, sharing the magick in her hands. As it surges through his body, Pike moans softly. They lean into each other, lips touching briefly. The power flares, an intense wave that shakes the trees, but does not blind. Creatures peak from the surrounding woods, quickly disappearing back into cover. Pikes sighs and kisses her again, more deeply. He grins and rolls his shoulders when the kiss ends.

"*Rydych yn flin, fy melys." An intensity seeps into the laughing eyes. "Gadael iddynt ddod. Rwyf innau hefyd yn awchu am eu gwaed."


*You are angry, my sweet. Let them come. I too am hungry for their blood.

The Shifter couple have undergone an amazing transformation. Each wears a spell woven into their hair, giving them the semblance of Erik and Star. Wish waits with them as Rowan helps Star make her own changes. Once the pair is escorted to the Tavern, Wish and Pike will pick up the Gargoyle brothers and spell themselves to the clearing.

The trio appears on the porch and Pike hands Erik a hooded cloak. When Erik frowns, Pike explains. "Once we leave here, there are eyes in the woods. It is better to have only one Lord Erik among us."

Wish holds out a cloak to Star. As She slips into it. Wish moves to Rowan's van and waits for the Shifter Erik to open the back doors, She tosses a thick blanket into the back and carefully climbs inside. Pike waits as everyone else settles into seats, then joins Wish. He taps the corners of the blanket, spelling it to keep it from moving about. The doors slam shut with a wave of his fingers. His hand closes around Wish's, hiding her trembling from the others. Her eyes find his, then close, breathing carefully of the steel tainted air.

Pike swallows hard, as he pulls a spelled bubble around them. Wish breathes easier as he closes off most of the metallic essence surrounding them.

Ob looks up from watching the children play when a hand touches his arm lightly. As he opens his mouth to speak, Pike shakes his head and motions into the hallway.

Wish waits by the head of the stairs, watching him, head cocked expectantly. her words are soft, but ring in Ob's head. "My Lady calls. Trouble is afoot. Yer kin thought best to leave ye enjoy some time with yer family, but now tis time to see what needs must be done,"

She turns, hair flying and is gone in an instant. Pike grins. "Showoff." He grins up at Ob. "But we'll beat her there."

He lays his hand on Ob's arm and winks. Moments later Ob finds himself on the landing behind his brother and sister-in-law. Pike is grinning at Wish as she spins to a halt on the step behind them.

Stoney chooses a very tight mental path to let Ob know what is going on. The Gargoyle takes in the absence of so many able body warriors and nods grimly. He sends Pandora a mental carress.  The timbre of his voice is tense, the r's rolling strongly, betraying his fears. Mi amorrr, mi Brrruha... It looks like we arrre a battle headquartairrrs again. Stay upstairrrrs with Kalterrro and the othairrr cheeldrren. Atleast unteel I know what forrces arre needed. Rrright now, yourr strrength and the *prroteccio'n of all the cheeldrren ees parramount. When she begins to protest about being kept in the wings, Ob laughs. I have seen full well what ^devastacio'n you can wield, Mujer. I know NOONE weell come even close to the young ones. I weell tell you morre when I know morre.

Wish makes her way to Star's side. Pike is close behind her, eyes distant as if listening to something none else can hear. The Demifae who chose to stay begin to drift down from the rafters, armed for battle.


*protection

^devastation

Pike watches Wish from the edge of his sight. The colors of her hair seem dulled, even in the bright moonlight. He edges closer to feel her energies. He sprawls beside her, sending a few prayers to the Goddess. He has never seen his lifelong love so depleted.

The knife she had taken from Star's kitchen lies within reach, separate from her body to let her drink down the moon. Pike concentrates for a moment then touches her hand. Her eyes open slowly and she turns her head to look at him. Her eyes are dark pits and he grips her hand.

"I wish..."

She gives him a half smile and raises his fingers to her lips. "So do I, *crio mhionn. Let me lie beneath the Mother's blessing just a little longer. I used more of myself to raise the ^Tire Crann. Lie with me?"

Pike slides her sheathed blade within reach of her other hand and entwines his fingers in hers. "Sleep ~Freuddwyd Gollwyd. I will keep watch until the sun chases our Mother from the sky."


*heart sworn

^Tree Folk

~Lost Dream

Pike lounges on the hood of Erik's jeep. The warmth from the engine seeps into his back as much as the sunlight warms his face. He listens closely to what is around him, hiding a smile at the feel of small feet walking up his chest.

Something sharp presses into his arm and Pike frowns. "Ye break ma skin, I break yer wings."

The stinging stops and the sensation of weight lifts away. There is a tittering laugh he recognizes as Mya, followed by her singsong "I tol' you. I tol' you!"

Slitting his eyes against the sun's light, Pike stretches lazily. Wish drops down from a tree at the end of the lot, landing lightly. She dances across the pebbles, humming to herself. Dust rises and swirls behind her, drifting back down as she leans against the jeep's fender.

"They come."

Pike slides off the hood. Gone is the indifferent pose as the warrior training shines through. Wish opens the passenger side door as Star appears, Mera in her arms, with Erik and Ruarc close behind. Mya and her companion flit overhead until the little ones are secure. Mya waves at the other Fae and darts behind Ruarc's seat. Wish bows as the adults get settled.

"Homebound? Do you wish us there, My Lady?"

At Star's nod, Wish begins to gather her magic. As the jeep pulls out of the lot, Pike takes one last look around and steps close to his lover. His hand slides into hers and they fade into the rising haze of enchantment. When the dust settles, the two Wyldfae are gone.

Pike watches the Healers work to stop Star's seizure. He is torn between staying by Erik, or giving his strength to Star. Wish catches his eye as she slips past the Healers to whisper in Star's ear. He watches as Star relaxes, slipping into an easier breathing rhythm. He would ask later what was said.

Rowan and Galen notice the change. The Human gives Wish a smile, the Fae gives the Wyldfae a slight frown. Pike narrows his eyes, watching. Bright Court Fae. He and Wish would be something such a Fae would dismiss. Except this time, because they belong to the Prophesied.

Something tugs a vibrant lock of wild hair. Wish drags her glare from Galen to look at the Ambassador. Inari's smile takes the tension from Wish's spare shoulders. The Queen's Voice she is called, and the woman uses that nickname now.

"The Queen's gratitude is yours. Our Star collects the allegiance of unexpected sources, doesn't she Galen?"

Her eyes warn the Court Physician to watch his step. Pike hides a grin. Knowing that Wish has Rowan and Inari to remind her of her duty to Star, he slips from the room, seeking Erik, his chosen Lord.

When Rowan and Erik leave, Pike slips out behind them. Wish is occupied, lost in the wish of all assembled Peoples. Not one has an ill feeling toward Star. Fulfilling this wish was an easy choice.

As Rowan leaves, the small Wyldfae leans against the wall. He sends his mind wandering, seeking the power sent by all the Fae wishing Star health. He smiles as he feels it, gathering it as one would gather the reins of several rambunctious steeds, and slips inside Star's room.

Erik sits quietly, head bent over Star's hand. Pike can feel the emotions that swirl, the deep love that entwines with his Lady's own, and nods. Approaching the bed, he lays his own hand atop Erik's and lets the power trickle into their link. His Lord's eyes blink, then frown, turning to look at Pike.

"A gift, My Lord. Tis but a small bit of the Fae's faith and hopes, gathered from all those sending energy to you and Our lady here. I will only let a small bit trickle through. like the Healer's tubes to control the blood. Wish is working on her mixing and it will soon be ready, thanks to the Ambassador."

Both men close their eyes, thoughts and magicks turned to Star.

Her eyes are lost to the magick that swirls through her. Pike watches intently, monitoring his beloved's essence. His staff lies across his knees, its quiet strength of no use in this venture.

"*Goll ... rhywbeth ar goll. Mam Dynol geni. Tad Llys geni, Wyld bendithio. Gwaed o waed, ac ystyried yn rhydd, wedi'i gymysgu â ffydd ... ble mae'r dagrau o gariad, poen galon ac angerdd ... Fi angen Llys y gwaed. Fi angen dagrau o Gariad."

The Welsh is murmured so softly Pike barely hears it. He slips from his perch and is gone. Stoney watches the Wyldfae as he drops to his knees before Erik.

"Lord, I beg forgiveness for what I ask."

The Viking turns wet eyes to the bowing figure. "What are you talking about Pike?"

Using his staff, Pike forces himself to his feet. "Your tears, Lord Erik. I need to bring my Wish your tears. They are the vessels of your love..."

Keon's hand rests on his sworn brother's shoulder. "Trust him, Erik. Three fluids are precious to the Fae... blood, tears, and sexual. Be glad he is asking for tears..."

Pike produces a tiny vial, and with his Lord's permission, presses it against Erik's cheek. One drop, two... the tears spill over the edge of Erik's lid and slide into the narrow tube. He passes his hand over the top, sealing it with a bit of his magick.

"Now my Lords... I need a Court born Fae..."


*Missing ... something's missing. Mother Human born. Father Court born, Wyld blessed. Blood of blood, freely given, mixed with faith... where are the tears of love, heart's pain and passion... I need Court blood. I need tears of love.

As soon as Wish sees Erik emerge from the front door, she vaults from Keon's arms and drops to her knees. Pike is by her side in less than a blink.

"Ye called us by name, Viking Lord. We are here. I need to see Our Lady. Time, My Lord... Waste not what little there is."

The Wyldfae reaches into her wild hair and plucks out Mouse. It sits before her a moment and then bows deep to Erik.

Keon steps close. "They need you to vouch for them before Mortuis' people will let them inside."

Erik stares around at the assembled elementals. "Good gods... in the name of the Aesir, let them pass."

The door to the Manse opens as if on its own. Silk silently glides onto the porch. The dark silks of her tunic and skirt flutter in the breeze that touches only her.

"By all means, bring them inside. We need all the help we can get."

Keon leans close to Erik. "When we are inside and you know what is needed for Star, speak their true names and say I wish. Then wish, wish with all your heart." He watches as the two Wyldfae follow Silk inside. "Ye need not say their names aloud, speak it beneath your breath. They will feel the magick of their names." He claps a hand to Erik's shoulder. "Few know the truth of them, Ye and Star are their chosen Lord and Lady. For ye... they would give their lives."

Keon speaks with a Gnome at the gate. Pike watches, eyes on the men while very aware of the Wards. He feels the compulsion to follow Erik, yet has the presence of mind to keep Wish from rushing through the protective spells and being seriously hurt. The Fae is taken by surprise when the wards suddenly open to them.

Once inside the gate, Pike and Wish stand very still while the elementals bar the way. Keon again speaks with the Gnome, then motions for the Wyldfae to follow him. They follow, keeping vigilance as the elementals surround them. Wish says nothing. Her eyes are fixed on something he cannot see. She begins to mutter.

"Hurry, Hurry... we need to be there now.. now... Hurry, hurry...."

She begins to pick up the pace, forcing the Gnome to run to keep ahead of her. Pike tries to hold her back as she picks up more speed. A wave of force blocks her way, causing her to stumble. Wish takes a deep breath, struggling to control her need to be where Star is. She turns wide, unfocused eyes on Keon.

"She calls... even now My Lady calls... help me reach her before..." Her words falter and Keon lifts her in his arms. Pike nods and Keon runs, leaving behind all but the fastest of Mortuis' servants, Pike close on his heels. At the Manse their way is once more barred, until the Gnome catches up.

"She is called, Gnimaor. She needs to see Star. Erik will vouch for these two Fae. Can word be sent to him?"

Back to back, the Wyldfae fend off a pair of goblins. Pike's staff is a blur. The magic he wields cuts with scythe-like precision. Wish's steel blade draws blood and howls, from her opponent. She pauses in dealing the death stroke as her name tickles through her soul.

"I hear, Mistress."

She thrusts hard, twisting the blade. The goblin shudders as he reaches for her. Wish pushes her magic toward the foul creature, trapping it in a column of nothingness. Pike murmurs, gesturing at the ground. Spears erupt from the ground, skewering his own foe. He watches as the tree roots slip back beneath the soil, letting the goblin crumple to the ground.

He takes Wish's hand and nods. "I hear, and we go. Now."

A breeze dances around them, lifting their hair to float around them in a halo. Wish closes her eyes as she moves her hand in a widening spiral. The trees around them fade, becoming mist. Pike leads Wish through the haze. Pike grounds his staff as Wish lets the doorway fade behind them. 

Goblins lie dead around them. A small demifae flits to them and points. Following its direction, they soon find Erik cradling an injured Star. Pike circles around the couple, watching the woods as Wish makes her way to her Mistress' side.

Wish drops from the porch roof as Erik and Star step into the night.  She watches for a moment then dances across the open yard. Pike drops from a tree to bar the path. He cocks his head, then turns to stare into the woods. Star tell him they are going for mistletoe and pine cones. His eyes widen and he looks up at Erik.

"Baby is already on the way. Why do ye want fertility magic?

Erik smiles as Star giggles. Mya flits from Star's shoulder. "It is Yule. They will make pretty decorations. Is enough reason."

Pike rolls his eyes and hefts his staff. He waits until the couple passes, Lobo on their heels and Mya back on her accustomed perch. Wish frowns as they step into the wooded confines of the path. She touches her hair and Mouse scampers onto her hand. The rodent jumps to the ground and burrows into a pile of leaves. It comes out and shakes its head, then scampers off. Pike takes to the trees, moving silently among the branches. Wish dance in their wake, bare feet a soft patter on the packed ground. Each time she pauses, Mouse joins her, then disappears into the brush.

Erik and Star stroll hand in hand, vigilant to dangers in their forest. Wish breathes deeply, taking in things that the .. Humans? would never sense. Old magics, the trees exude the magic that seeps from the Veil Between Realms. Home... she swallows, pausing just long enough to lose sight of Erik and Star. Pike drops down, kneeling to spread his hands on the packed soil. Their eyes meet, and Pike shakes his head. Mouse scampers up a tree, finding a niche to hide in. Pike taps his fingers on the ground, waiting.

Wish closes her eyes. The carefree creature is gone when they open, leaving dark pits ans sparkling lights. "*Ydych chi'n ei arogli? Rhywbeth Gartref. Perygl."

Pike nods. Moments later he launches himself into a tree, becoming part of the wooded darkness. Wish drops to her knees, pressing her hand into the soil. The magic that touches her own is malevolent. Something evil walked this way, and it wasn't Drow. Wish watches the flora, waiting. A tiny demifae parts the leaves. It holds a finger to its lips and then points. Wish stares in the direction, picking up a residual trail of Other realm magic. Without another word, she slips into the trees, following the trail.


*Do you smell it? Something from Home. Danger.