Raina looks around the Tavern at the people gathered for the meeting Erik had called. Her thoughts drift back to the conversation she had with Alise the evening after the attempted abduction. She smiles as she recalls her friends inability to speak in English when she was mad. Raina had a hard time understanding the French and getting her calm enough to speak had taken some time.

Ob was present with Pandora as well as Ike. Keon was sitting close to Star with the Riders almost surrounding her, offering her their respect as well as protection.

As Raina watches Tori starts to smile and head for the front where Tannr had just entered, having left his job at the NiteOwl Club a little early to attend the meeting.

Jack and Eira were ensconced in 'Jacks booth' and Rowan and Marc had just entered through the back door.

Nick leans close and rubs Rainas neck as she lets her senses roam the room. Anger, disbelief, concern, worry for the children.... Her heads snaps up at the sound of K'thyri's voice greeting Inari. She grins when she sees her brother Drai join the pair, the two so similar in looks. Chiara takes Ryan upstairs with an escort of Demi-fae.


Mortuis was seated in the shadows, near the front with Silk. Raina knew he had strengthened the wards around the Tavern and the childrens room. The demi-fae seemed to be on high alert, guarding the staircase now as well as the nursery. Raina had glimpsed Wish and Pike in the hallway upstairs, both preferring to stay out of sight as much as possible but wanting to be close to Star and her children. Mera and Nadia had Pike wrapped around their little fingers and Raina grins at the thought, trying to reconcile the image of Pike who looked like a teenager but acted like a doting old grandfather with the little girls.

As Raina and Ky climb off the motorcycle, Ky pauses, listening to a long warbling sound. Raina turns to look at her, a puzzled expression on her face.

“Drai... he must have been watching in the woods. Can you ask Stoney to come out and let him in? He might have seen something...” Ky whistles back making Raina cringe at the sharpness of the sound.

Laila leads Raina into the house where the family has gathered in the living room. Before Raina can say a word Tara is violently ill. Raina quickly moves the little girls heavy mass of hair away from her face and takes note of the pale color and dark circles around the violet eyes. When the spasms stop Raina gently lifts her and carries her to a large chair. Tara curls into Raina resting her head on a tattooed shoulder. Alise brings a cool cloth and sitting on the arm of the chair wipes Taras face.

“We can talk as soon as you feel a little better....” Raina kisses a soft forehead and feels the little body start to relax.

Raina looks to Stoney. “She will be fine now, I can help her with this. Now she knows what that evil feels like she can learn to block it the second she senses it, or let it in slowly. We will practice, I dont imagine its a lot different than the mental thing you all do...”

Stoney nods slowly, relieved that Raina who would understand what his daughter was going through as no other was with them but still worried and feeling helpless.

“Can you go outside and talk to Ky? She thinks Drai wants to speak to you but cant get past the wards.”

Stoney heads outside, taking three very worried children with him. Alise can hear Panther on the porch and knows she will keep the children safe and occupied for the time being.

Alise turns to Raina, “Ma souer, what is it? I know there is something you are not saying.”

Raina closes her eyes for a moment, then smiles at her friend. “You know me too well.. its just that.. well.. I think this child is extraordinarily gifted, more so than we realize...”

Raina scans the crowd after Gunnar is hurriedly taken by Nick out of the Tavern through the kitchen. Luckily, few had witnessed the attack, the crowds attention had been on the band and paid little attention to Guunnar and Nick. When Erik returns from the manse he sees Raina, her forehead wrinkled in concentration as her eyes move slowly from one side of the dance floor to the next.

“Hey Sis... picking up anything?”

“Something... not sure, but its not threatening....” Raina pauses and looks to her brother. “You certainly dont think that assassin meant to get Gunaar do you? It was you they are after... with you gone, that bitch thinks Ru is an easy target. ...”

“The thought had occurred to me.” Erik sighs. “Try not to say anything to Star, I dont know how she would react to that idea.”

“I bet she is already thinking it, or just knows. You know how she is...” Raina glances around again, then her eyes move to the stairs. “There it is again... sadness...fear... quickly hidden... Alise! Can you read anything from the kids?”

Alise's head snaps up when Raina calls to her. She had been sitting with Star, who was waiting for Erik to take her to the manse. Rowan had called and said the wound was not as serious as first feared but Star wanted to see Guunnar for herself.

“No, ma souer... they seem to be sleeping...” Alise is quiet for a minute, concentrating. “Or...maybe not quite asleep, the little monkeys...”

Alise stands intending to go upstairs, but Raina stops her.

“Alise, let me go. I think Tara is upset and maybe I can help her. Can you give me a few minutes?”

“Of course. You know what she is feeling more than the rest of us...” Alise swallows hard, worried for her daughter and what the future holds for her with the gift she has.

“I think we are going to have to explain to the kids whats going on. They are entirely too perceptive to be kept in the dark...”

Nodding Alise looks to Star and then to her husband. “I agree. I will talk to Stoney and Star and Erik, and join you in a few minutes...”

Raina moves quickly up the stairs and taps softly on the door. She is greeted by a swarm of demifae, brandishing hatpins and needles until they see who is at the door.

Stepping silently into the dimly lit room Raina senses Tomas, wondering why she was there and sees an eye quickly shut when she glances his way.

“Going to have to be faster than that little man...” Raina stops at the foot of the big bed then crawls into the middle, knowing not one of the group was actually sleeping.

“So whats going on? How come all of you are awake so late?” Raina looks at each of the small serious faces.

Raina watches as the kids all look at one another. Tara wipes her eyes and Tomas as usual, is the one to speak up.

“We know something happened to Uncle Gunnaar...something bad..... Tara could feels it and now she is sad... and she says she is scared for Ru.. Why is that Tante Raina?”

Oh holy hel! Where is Alise? Raina looks to Tara and pulls the little girl into her lap, holding her close. What other gifts do you have little one? Something more than empath if you can feel intentions...

“Well, your Uncle Gunnaar is going to be fine. He was attacked and stabbed...” Gasps all around and Raina sees Teri and Ru, sitting up in their smaller trundles, looking at the group in the big bed wide eyed.

“Should I get them Aunt Raina?” Chloe asks.

With a nod from her aunt Chloe scoots out of the bed and helps the two youngest members of the family onto the big bed where they snuggle close to Tomas.

Gods...I hope their parents are going to be okay with this...

“Like I was saying, Gunnaar was stabbed but Mortuis and Rowan have taken care of him. The wound is not as serious as first thought and Rowan says he will be fine a few days...”

Raina watches as Tara with some sixth sense that she has, reaches for Ruarc and pulls the little boy into her lap. She knows or senses something...is it only because the kids are so close or is it something more??

When Alise walks in the childrens room she sees Raina sitting in the middle of the bed, Tara in her lap, and Ruarc in Taras lap, the other children snuggled close.

Her curiosity getting the better of her, Raina tries to lift a corner of the large box the men had pulled out of the building.

“What do you suppose it is?” Rowan asks.

“I dont know, but damned if it hasnt got me curious as hell...” Raina grabs another corner and pulls the lid off, tearing it, the cardboard giving way after being stuck on for so many years.

Rowan laughs, “Now you've done it.”

“Yeah...” Raina pulls the rest of the top away to reveal a  blue satin dress. A very old dress, judging by the ruffles and lace and bows.

Alise, smiling at first joins the women to see what has captured their attention. She stops dead in her tracks when she sees the dress. Stoney turns knowing from his wifes stillness and the way her mind started racing that something was very wrong. He heads to the women gathered around the large box.

Raina looks up and sees her friends face go completely white and her eyes large and dark as amethysts.

“Alise! Whats wrong? Are you okay?”

Alise felt like she was suffocating, she couldnt catch her breath, much the same way she felt when the slyphs had found that old portrait of her in this very dress. She hated it. Hated it more than she knew how to say although she didnt know exactly why. She vaguely remembered being forced to wear it, violently forced and several pieces of fabric had to be added to cover the bruises. Alise quickly suppresses the image, not wanting to frighten the children but Stoney and Tori had both picked up on it.

Suddenly Stoney was behind her, his arms encircling her waist. He leaned close to her face, “Shhh... we are all here. Whatever happened is long in the past, its just a dress....”

“And a damn ugly one at that..” Raina starts to pull the royal blue satin out of the box.

“Burn it. Raina ma souer, please. Just burn it. The box too...”

Rowan kneels and lifts a fistful of satin skirt. “But there are some other things in here, looks like a journal or a sketchbook, maybe some jewelry boxes...  I can gather the other things and put them in a different box for you to look at. Would that be all right?”

Some color starts to come back to Alises face and she nods. “Thank you Rowan...” She watches as Raina drags the dress to the burn pile then as she turns around to go there are several little serious faces looking up at her.

“Maman...” Tara starts.

Alise kneels, “It is fine, everything is fine ma petites. Let us gather our things and head home. We are having a sleepover, are we not?”

Tori puts a hand on her brothers shoulder. He takes a ragged breath, wanting desperately to know who abused his wife and left bruises on her neck and shoulders, no matter how long ago.

Tannr watches as Alise gathers the children that are spending the night, Laila and Chiara helping.

He says quietly but firmly to Stoney and Tori, “If that monster is long lived like the rest of us and not dead, I will gladly help you tear him from limb to limb.”

Clapping Tannr on the back, Stoney grins. “I may take you up on that.” He leans close to Tori and kisses her forehead. “Go. Get some more practice in. We will talk soon.”

Raina leans close to Nick, “Just reply to her in whatever language she is speaking, if you know it. Although I think she can just move from one to the other without any difficulty...” She turns to Gracie, “Isnt þessi réttur lítill einn?*”

Gracie nods and giggles, then asks “Er minn föðurbróðir tilkoma til sjá hvar okkar nýr skóli vilja vera?**”

“He has to work, but maybe later....Come here and give me a hug...”

“All right...” Gracie wiggles out of Ramjis arms and runs to Raina who scoops her up in a bear hug.

“Merci.....Je t'aime Gracie..”

“Je t'aime Tante Raina..” and Gracie was flying across the yard to see what her siblings were doing.

Keon shakes his head. “Tis a rare gift she has..” He turns to Laila, “Have ya been tapin' her?”

Grinning Laila replies. “Yes. And its always just like today. You cant trip her up no matter how hard you try. She can move from one language to another with skipping a beat. She even tries to talk to the kittens..and I am not so sure that they dont understand her too..”

Raina seems deep in thought when Star hands Ruarc to her. His happy squeals of “Ray Ray” make everyone laugh. Raina holds him close and steps a little away from the group. Nick follows, seeing the concern in her eyes.

“Whats up Rain?” he asks.

“I cant quite put my finger on it... But do you ever wonder about that damn prophecy? Even if you dont believe, just think for a minute... Its almost like we are all chess pieces, being lined up and put in place. Me finding my brothers, here of all places after searching the entire world....all the kids have different talents, gifts if you will, that would help the Warrior. Gracie and this language thing, Tomas and Chloe flying, Mera can swim forever...” She looks to Tara, sitting near her father, “And that one is more than an empath. She sees things the rest of us cant, I would bet my life on it... Were we all brought here for the sole purpose of helping this little guy?” Raina nuzzles a soft cheek, wishing with all her soul that she was wrong, that it was just some strange group of circumstances playing itself out, but she knew in her heart it wasnt.

Nick reaches out and pulls Raina close. “I dont know. I dont know about any of it. I do know I love you, and nothing is going to hurt you or those you love without going through me first.”


* Isnt that right, Little One?

** Is my uncle coming to see where our new school will be?

Much later at the Tavern, Tannr and Tori meet Raina and Nick for drinks. As the couples slide into a booth Tori remarks on how quiet the Tavern seems.

“We havent been gone that long...”

“Yeah, it has been quiet lately, not sure why..” Raina glances around the room. No band tonight, just the jukebox playing and several couples swaying slowly to the music.

The couples share a bottle of wine and small talk. Tannr tries to thank Raina for letting him and Tori use the house for their honeymoon.

Raina shakes her head, “No thanks are needed. We were happy to do it. I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves...”

Tori laughed softly, “That might be an understatement. Your house is amazing, and the pool....wow....”

“Yeah, Gareth did an awesome job on that...” Raina winks at Tori and the women laugh. “So tell me how my oldest brother is...and Alise.... I havent seen anyone since the wedding.”

“Erik is fine....its still so strange to see him settled down, with kids, a wife. Its almost hard to remember what an uptight ass he could be at times. Ru is growing and Mera is reading. We didnt see Keon, not sure what he's up to. Star is nursing a small fox back to health, caught in a trap I think she said."

Rania smiles, “Sounds like Star. She hasnt brought home any more children? I worry about her getting too close to the Drow, even with Pike going along with her.”

“She didnt say, but she maybe wouldnt since she knows Erik doesnt approve. Alise and Stoney...” Tannr starts to laugh. “Their place is rowdy, bordering on madness...”

Raina leans into Nick and lets her brother talk. She can see how happy both he and Tori are, without even using any of her empathic abilities. It was easy to see their joy in each other and how much they both enjoyed their nieces and nephews.

“Hey... we are meeting Gareth and Ky at our place, rented movies, not porn type movies actually...” Raina laughs. “Why dont you guys join us?”

“Before we go just let me double check a few things.” Raina turns towards the guest room.

Ky nods, “I'll help Gareth with our suitcases.”

“Nick, did you bring the wine up from the cellar?” Raina asks.

“I did. Two red, two white and two champagne. With a note on how to find the wine cellar and to help themselves.” Nick grins, knowing Raina wants everything to be perfect for her brother.

Raina made a quick inspection of the guest room. The room was decorated in rich earthy colors, satin sheets on the plush bed, a very large full length antique mirror on the wall and french doors that opened to a large balcony. She grins when she sees the rocking chair that Tannr had delivered as a gift for Tori. The design was simple but very elegant and Raina knew exactly what Tannr had in mind for the chair.

She heads downstairs with Nick, double-checks the kitchen and her notes and declares the house fit for company. The couple meet Gareth and Ky on the front landing as Nick locks the house and gives Raina the keys.

“I cant believe my little brother is getting married....” Raina sighs, then smiles. “Remember when he first came here, how him and Ky would argue?”

“How could I forget?” Ky laughs. “He was such an annoying brat. I wanted to kick his ass for him every single day on the way here from the UP.”

The group is laughing and happy on their way to check in at the NiteOwl Club before heading to Extons park and the wedding.

Alise approaches Raina who was waiting at the bar. She grins at her friend, “Please dont ask.”

Raina had seen Ike storm out before the others and nods. “Did you ever fight with your sisters?”

“I really dont remember... I know I was the youngest of my family..” Alise turns to Stoney who had been waiting with Raina.

“I dont think so. Your sisters were older and already married and on their own when you were quite young.”

Tori joins the group, ordering a drink from Monty.

“I never did this kind of thing with my siblings...” Raina looks over to Tannr, sitting on the floor with the boys, telling them a story. “they pissed me off, I beat them up. No patience for arguing.”

“I think we may be a little old for that...” Tori grins.

“Tannr!” Raina almost yells.

Tannr and four sets of eyes go wide at the sound. “What are you yelling about?”

“What would I do if I were really ticked off at you?”

Shrugging Tannr replies, “I dont know. Probably beat the crap out of me like you used to.” He shakes his head and returns to his storytelling.

“See?”

The group laughs and Ike steps out from the kitchen trying to be inconspicuous as she goes about her work. Raina notices and raises her voice just a bit.

“My brother would marry you in a gunny sack, he loves you that much. He wants the woman, not the clothes..”

Raina walks into the Tavern and heads to the bar. She orders a beer and Monty gives her a long whistle.

“That looks nice. When did you cut it?”

“Today.” Raina grins and takes a seat on a bar stool. She watches as Jack and Eira come in. Jack takes Eiras hand and then quickly lets go when Eira gasps. Raina waves the couple over.

“Whats wrong with your hands? Jack hanging on too much?” Raina teases.

Eira laughs. “No. Just a really long day at work. So Jack offered to take me out for supper and then a long hot soak in the tub should help the hands. I love your hair. That looks amazing on you....”

“Thanks. And thanks for hooking me up with that salon at the club. I just hope Nick likes it....”

Jack leans around Eira and gives Raina a once-over. Her hair was much shorter, shoulder length in the back, sides and bangs framing her face with some subtle highlights making her eyes look even greener. “Looks fantastic to me. And you could shave your head and Nick would still love you.”

Suddenly Alise pops out of a back room and gasps when she sees Raina. “Raina, your hair!” Alise approaches and runs her fingers through Rainas newly styled hair. “Its beautiful!...”

Raina grabs Alises hands and gives her a wicked grin. “You better stop that. You're giving me all kinds of ideas...”

“Really?” Alise asks and bats her eyelashes innocently causing the group to laugh.

Jack and Eira excuse themselves wanting to eat and head home. Alise says to Raina, “Come join us..Stoney is ordering our supper...”

“Thanks, but I think I will wait for Nick. Make sure the new do doesnt send him screaming into the night.”

“Oh... ppffitt... that would never happen and you know it. But come talk to us before you leave.” Alise gives Raina a quick hug and joins Stoney at the family table leaving Raina to wait for her lover.

“Hey! Have you ever been to a real speakeasy? I mean, back in the day...” Raina asks Nick the second he wakes and enters their bedroom.

Nick grins, used to Rainas bluntness and knowing she would have a reason for the question.

“Is this a dig at my age?” Nick ducks the flying pillow. “Okay. Yes, a time or two. Why?”

“Why did you go?”

 “It was prohibition. I wanted a drink.”

“Just a drink...or was it the women?”

 “You are full of the questions tonight. Whats going on in that head of yours? And dont tell me nothing, I know better.” Nick sits on the bed with Raina and kisses her forehead.

“Well... I was reading some of the paperwork that came with the files for the house. That and some stuff that Tori dug up for me on the internet. Apparently, one of the owners, a madame, would have these 'entertainments'. She was arrested a couple of times but it seems a lot of people attended her 'soirees'. I thought it would be fun to do something similar...we could have a party... kind of like the ones they used to have here...”

Nick nods absently, his first thought that Raina always threw great parties and then the words started to sink in.

“You mean...not just any party, you want hookers here or an orgy or what? God in heaven, Ky will be absolutely ecstatic when she hears this.” Nick starts to laugh. “What am I going to do with you? And just who do you think will come to this 'party'?

Raina joins in the laughter, feeling good to just be happy after the last couple of months. “It would have to be invitation only and I think I would just ask people. That way no one can get a hold of a printed one and claim they were invited. And no, no hookers and no full out orgy unless we set aside a room for that.. that actually might work. Its more of a 'anything goes' party. Lots of good drinks, good food, open minded friends...We could set up different areas with different kinds of toys and playthings. ..”

“You really have given this some thought havent you?” Nick grins. Raina never ceases to amaze him in one way or another.

Raina stands and takes Nicks hands in hers. “I have.. I wonder if Ky and Gareth have any ideas... lets go start supper. We can discuss this over some food and a bottle of wine...”


Raina laughs uproariously at the looks on Ky and Gareths faces. Both being fae they didnt see the need or desire for a party of this type. Sex was a much more open and freer topic among their races, especially so among the Wyldfae. If everyone wanted to get together and have sex no one would question it or think twice. But once Raina started to explain Gareth started to warm up to the idea.

“Maybe we can just set things up in the ballroom..” Raina starts thinking out loud. Gareth shakes his head, “If you want to keep things feeling intimate, thats way too big of a room. I think we can use the living room and dining room for your 'areas'. If we set the bar room up for drinks, and a small buffet in the kitchen, there should be plenty of room. We can even use the patio if the weather is nice enough.”

Several ideas were discussed, some Raina made a mental note about and some she discarded. By the time the kitchen was cleaned up Raina had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to do. She was excited to tell Alise about it, even though she wasnt sure what kind of reaction she would get from her friend. Raina decides to call Alise and see if she is at the Tavern...

Raina doesnt even try to hold back the tears as she watches her brother and remembers Rowans words describing Tannrs injuries and the surgery she had performed. She looks to Tori who is crying too, big silent tears.  

Ruptured spleen, blood loss, broken bones, poison.... he should be dead already.... How is ever going to pull through all this?  

And what would Tori do? Go to that stone sleep Alise has talked about? Be a stone gargoyle forever.... Tannr would come back and haunt her, haunt all of us for letting that happen....

The thought of Tannr haunting anyone brings a small grin to Rainas face and she wipes her tears. “”Okay, enough water works. He would be kicking my butt. He is home, has survived this long, the surgery...and everything....” Her voice starts to break and she swallows hard, “He has the best care in the world. Rowan is the best and who better to care for him now, than us? No one loves him more than we do...”

Tori nods her head at Rainas words and wipes her cheeks. She cant sense any of Tannrs thoughts, his mind still dark from all the drugs and trauma. She knew rationally it was best for him to be unaware and asleep right now. She just longed to see him open his eyes, longed to hear 'hey Red', and see his grin, the one that was for her alone.

Raina stands, “I can put the cot over there..” then looks to Tori. “You dont mind if I stay do you?”

“No, of course not. Why would I mind? Help me move this love seat..” Tori and Raina arrange the room, Tori choosing to be as close to Tannr as possible, Raina closer to the door, her habit to guard and wanting to give the couple a little privacy. Alise smiles at the arrangements and sends slyphs for bedding and a meal for the group.

Raina was pacing in the kitchen watching Gareth and Ky playing some strange fae version of grab ass around the pool table.

“What the hell are they doing?” she asks Nick with a smile.

“Damned if I know, but they seem to be enjoying themselves...” Nicks words trail off as Raina starts to move back and forth again.

“Whats wrong Rain? You've been antsy all day...”

“I dont know for sure. Just a weird feeling, like somethings wrong, but I cant quite...” Raina pauses as the phone starts to ring.

Raina walks over to the counter where she left it. “I bet its a wrong number, pretty late for anyone to be calling...” Her eyes widen in surprise and she smiles as she answers the phone. Nick watches as her face turns ashen and smile quickly fades. Ky and Gareth see the concern on Nicks face and approach slowly wondering whats happened.

When Raina holds the phone out from her ear the group can hear Alise, and screaming in the background. “What the hell is going on?” Nick takes a few steps closer to Raina who holds out her free hand. Nick takes it and can see that Raina is holding back tears as she tries to calm Alise and get her to speak in English.

On the other end Alise takes a deep breath, struggling not to cry. “Its Tara...she can feel something with Tannr and nothing we do calms her. Please Raina can you come over? I wouldnt ask, but even Stoney cannot seem to get through to her. He was speaking to Tori....her screams scared him half to death...we are afraid Tori will go after Tannr, and she must not....and we think Ob is injured too....” Her voice breaks and Raina can hear her sobs.

“I'll be right there...no, its fine. Nick can bring me...okay....see you in a few.”

The second Raina hangs up she starts to cry. “I have to go. Something has happened to Tannr, but Tara... well.... I am sure you could hear her. I feel so torn...I …...I dont know what I should be doing....I always block my brothers feelings...I guess I shouldnt......” She wipes her eyes and looks to Nick.

Nick wraps his arms around her and holds her close. “I'll get the bike out of the garage...You should call Erik.....”

Ky steps forward and hugs Raina. “Go to Tara. I'll go see if I can find out whats happened to Tannr...and to Ob”

“You dont have to do that...” Raina starts.

“I know I dont, but I will. You need to be with Tara, you are the only one that understands what she is going through. Gareth and I can move fast if its just the two of us.....” Ky mentally starts making notes and she turns to Gareth, “Coming fairy boy?”

In a matter of minutes Raina is ready and heading towards the bike parked in the drive. Ky and Gareth head to the stables. Gareth pauses, “You think its bad dont you?”, not fooled by her teasing tone in front of Raina and Nick.

“You heard the kid crying and screaming. Sounded like her heart was being ripped out. Its not good whatever it is...”

Early morning finds Raina sipping coffee on the front porch of the cabin with Star. Ky is pacing, not sure about this plan of Tannrs either, but not wanting to worry Raina or argue with her brother. When Drai joins the group Ky hands him a small leather pouch containing her darts.

“Dont stick yourself...” Ky teases and Drai rolls his eyes.

Raina looks up as two people pass through the gate and into the clearing. She watches as Marc greets Keon and Erik and introduces his companion.

Star steps out onto the porch carrying a squirming Ru and holding Mera by the hand. “Who is that?” She asks, looking to where Erik stands near the gate.

Drai looks up and smiles. “Oh ..thats Lily...”

“She doesnt look like a crazy person that enjoys blowing things up...” Raina muses out loud. She watches as Marc brings her towards the porch and starts to introduce her to the group. Raina senses that Lily is not fully human but cant pinpont what it is thats different about her. Exchanging a glace with Ky tells her she feels the 'otherness' too. Lily is a small woman by human standards but larger than most fae women. Her dark hair is shaggy and unkempt, her clothes torn in places, her leathers worn.

Not unexpected given she is living and working with a group of mercenaries. Where the hel did Tannr find her? Raina resolves to ask her brother when he returns. When she meets Lily she notices the notebook clutched in one hand. The page open to a drawing of the entrance to Underdark, a series of numbers in the margins of the page with arrows pointing to various points on the drawing.

Raina shakes Lily's hand and nods towards the notebook, “Plans?”

The grin Lily gives is chilling, causing the entire group to fall silent and motionless.

“Oh yes! It will be a glorious explosion..”

Rainas smile freezes in place.... Damn...maybe she is a little nuts....

Raina sits back and takes a deep breath. When Tannr returns his face is stormy and he angrily pulls a chair out and sits down hard. She can feel his emotions, anger, confusion, but worry and a deep love over-riding all of it.

“Are you sure about this? Want to continue with the planning?” Raina asks.

“Yes...positive.” Tannr takes a deep breath and the discussion begins.

As Raina listens it dawns on her that she isnt included. “Hey! Wait a minute. Why am I not doing anything? We're family, you have to let me help...”

Shaking his head, Tannr responds. “No, not this time. If this all goes wrong, and I doubt if it will, but if it does, Ardara is going to come looking for what she wants and revenge. We have already insulted her with getting Tori out of there... if I dont come back you have to get all the kids to the manse and under the sorcerers protection. You know Star will be a handful, I can see her trying to make friends with the Drow....”

“I dont know Tannr. I think she is more realistic now, after helping you rescue Tori...” Raina thinks Tannr is making excuses, not wanting to place his family in jeopardy for something he feels the need to accomplish. If he wants to do this on his own for Tori I need to shut up and back out gracefully....just agree with his plan...let him run off and get killed....stop thinking like that...he isnt the clumsy boy you remember from childhood... 

Raina takes a deep ragged breath. “Okay.... so Keon, Gunnaar and Erik will wait at the cabin, opening the gate there and waiting for your return and making sure you arent followed. And if you dont come back, I am suppose to round up kids...all of them? Ru, Mera, Chloe, Teri... Alises kids...”

 Stoney takes a seat and grins. “Alise will get our brood to the manse. Ike or I will bring Obs children to you..”

“Okay...” Raina says but her thoughts take a different turn. If you dont come back, once the kids are safe at the manse, Ky and I are going hunting, no matter what anyone says... 

“Then you, Ob, Drai and only three of your men are going into Underdark? Thats not very many...” Raina is worried, thinking it would be better to include a few more.

“In and out quick. Too many will slow us down.”

Raina nods, worrying again about the three Tannr had chosen. She remembers what Tannr had told them earlier of his men. The first one he had picked was Addley, who Tannr said was slightly psychotic and loved his knives to the point of distraction....and he had lots of knives...

How does one get to be slightly psychotic? 

Andy, who was a handsome, charming, personable con artist who could sell ice to an Eskimo.....then slit his throat so he can sell it again. Quiet and stealthy, he could get close enough to cut throats before anyone realized what was happening.

And Hugh. Strong silent type... doesn't smile much... doesnt say much... utterly lethal on a battlefield, clumsy as fuck anywhere else... kind of a berserker type... you arm him, then get the fuck out of his way.

The men had laughed at this description and Tannr had continued. “They call him Hugh Bearskin... çause when they found him, he was wearing a bearskin... and not much else. He told the men he ate the bear... somehow, they didn't doubt him...”

Raina shakes her head, clearing it of her thoughts and looks at Drai. “What are you bringing for weapons?”

His smile was chilling, “Ky's darts.”

Tannr continues, telling how the six would get in after the guards were killed and replaced with his own men, the rest of the company hiding in the forest. Dark cloaks would allow them to sneak in and locate the initiates building, where they would steal robes and get into the temple. If it meant killing all the initiates, so be it.

“Once we are out and clear of the entrance, the rest of the men will take care of any that follow and Lily will take care of the entrance... that will buy us enough time to get away. By the time the Drow are able to follow, there wont be so much as a trail left. Should keep them from proving we had anything to do with it, definitely keeps Inari out of it and whatever treaties she needs to uphold....”

Rainas forehead wrinkles as she looks at Tannr. “Lily? Who the hel is Lily? The camp whore?”

Tannr grins. “Oh no. Lily is a tiny little woman, pretty in a way, a little crazy. She likes to blow things up. The bigger the explosion, the better...”

Raina returns the grin, “I think I like that part...”

After a few songs most of the instruments disappear back into the pack. Ike keeps a guitar and Keon the pipes and the music is quieter, calming the children as Star brings the ingredients for smores. Raina sits near the fire, leaning back between Nicks legs. She keeps a close eye on the kids and Alise. She knows Alise is worried about her youngest and the 'gift' for languages she seems to have. She sees Gracie glance over at her and Raina motions her over.

*“Njóta þinn skemmtun lítill einn?”

**“Já Föðursystir Raina. Þess mjög góður. Gera þú vilja sumir?” Gracie replies, holding up a half eaten smore with sticky fingers.

***“Neitun , en þakka þú.” Raina watches as Gracie nods and moves back to her siblings. Her and Nick exchange a look. “Crazy. How can she learn a language so fast? And difficult ones. Her accent is perfect...”

Raina pauses, lost in thought as Ramji approaches with Laila. “And why did you start singing in Croatian? Does she know that too?” Raina wanted some answers, knowing that Alise was going to have the same questions. And if she knew anything about how Alise felt about her children, someone had better have some kind of an answer for her.


*Enjoying your treat little one?

**Yes Aunt Raina. Its very good. Do you want some?

***No, but thank you.

When Raina kisses Alise at the table, Stoney sends to her... Take her upstairs Chaton...its fine...

Are you sure Chiot? I dont want anything to come between us...not even Raina...

*Aaucun il est très bien.... I can see your heart and you see inside mine...this wont change a thing...**Je jure à vous …. nothing will ever come between us again....

Alise nods and taking Rainas hand leads her upstairs to the room her Stoney use when staying at the tavern.

Alise enters the room in front of Raina and goes to the window, pulling open the drapes and letting the moonlight shine in. She turns slowly to face Raina, her eyes dark with passion but hesitant in her movements.

Raina smiles and takes her hand. “Are you sure about this?” She touches Alises face, pushing her hair back over her shoulder, moving slowly, letting her hands linger. “Tell me any time you want me to stop or get uncomfortable with anything we are doing, okay? I wont mind. If you want me to stop and have Stoney take over, thats fine. I can go and we can forget this ever happened. You just have to let me know.”

Alise nods, barely breathing, still unsure just how this will work, but she trusts Raina and knows she wont try to take Stoney away from her or come between them in any way. Raina was probably the only woman she would feel that secure with. She follows Rainas lead and reaches up to her face, looking into her green eyes

Raina moves to a large overstuffed chair and pulls Alise down in her lap. Her hand slides over a soft cheek and slips to Alises neck. “You're so beautiful, so desirable...”

Raina kisses Alises neck, softly, slowly, holding her own desire in tight rein, not wanting to scare Alise, her tongue trails lower, teasing just below the collarbone and Alises breath quickens.

Undoing the tiny buttons on Alises shirt, Raina touches the skin underneath as she goes. “You feel so soft..” Raina slips the shirt off Alises shoulders, her hands caressing her back. She makes fast work of unhooking the fancy lace bra, then slowly slides each strap down watching Alises reaction. She smiles at the gooseflesh and the want making her eyes darken. Alise gasps when Raina pulls her bra off and her breasts are free of the fabric. The nipples tighten and harden as Raina cups them gently. Softly pinching and tugging bring a moan and a few words in French.

Raina leans forward, taking a firm nipple in her mouth and gently starts sucking. She hears Alise moan louder and feels her hands digging hard into her shoulders. “Tell Stoney to come in here. Let him watch. You are beautiful half naked like this, and so fucking hot, it will drive him crazy watching you.”

“I think you are beautiful.” Alise runs her hands up and down Rainas arms. “I think he wants to watch. Is that all right? You wont mind?”

“Mind? No, I dont mind at all. He can sit on the bed and watch close up if he wants. As long as it turns him on and turns you on, thats all I care about.”

Alise laughs, “Stop your teasing”, but Stoney enters the room almost silently and sits at the very end of the bed.

“So you did tell him... thats almost creepy the way you guys do that.”

Raina pulls Alise to her, and starts to kiss her. Slowly at first, letting the passion build and letting Alise get used to a womans lips on her own. Raina is surprised when after only a moments hesitation Alise returns the kiss with equal passion. Alises breasts are small, but firm and full and Raina is driving her crazy, squeezing and touching them.

Alise sighs, “Can I make you feel like that?”

Raina smiles, “Oh yes, if you want to. Lets move to the bed, so we have more room.”

They both stand and Raina pulls off her tank top then slips off her tight pants. Alise drops the shirt and slowly unzips her skirt, teasing Raina and Stoney. Leaving her g-string on she takes Rainas hand and leads her to the bed where she sits on the edge.

Raina kneels in front of her, spreading Alises legs and pulling her close. Running her hands up and down her back, she notices the the scars. While you could barely see them Raina could feel the ridges and she mentally curses Jean Marc for the thousandth time, hoping he was rotting in the depths of Hel. She pulls back, taking Alises face in her hands, “Still okay with this?” and Alise nods, “Yes” and reaches for Rainas breasts. She moans quietly, face buried in Alises neck, her nipples instantly hard at the soft, tentative touch.

Raina slips her hands down Alises back, stroking her ass before she pulls off the g-string. She pushes Alise back and still kneeling on the floor slowly spreads her legs even further, her hands stroking the insides of her thighs. Alise rests on her elbows watching Raina and over Rainas shoulder, Stoney, half hidden in the shadows. Watches until Rainas tongue comes in contact with the tender skin of her clit, then her head rolls back as she moans and her legs start to tremble.

Forcing herself to take things slow Raina licks gently then sucks the hard nub until Alise starts thrusting her hips against Rainas face. Raina returns to kissing the insides of her thighs and lets a finger move over the hard swollen clit, slippery from the juices dripping from Alise. Letting her finger slip lower she pushes into the hot tight channel and Alise bucks and moans, her body begging for release. Raina slowly fucks her with a finger, then two, stroking slowly, then a bit faster, letting the waves of passion build. She stops when she senses Alise is close and stands. “Move up a little....” and Alise moves her body further up on the bed, making room for Raina. Still between Alises legs, Raina smiles wickedly and whispers, “Now your husband will have something to see...”

Stoney is still at the foot of the bed, struggling with his own rising desire. The sight of his wife spread naked before another woman is something he had never expected to actually see. Alises body was soft and golden, like the world at the very edge of sunrise, while Rainas was a warriors body, scarred, tattooed and strong yet lush and sensuous. He swallowed hard when Raina knelt and bent between Alises legs, her ass in the air giving him a clear shot of her ass and pussy, smooth shaved and dripping wet. Her hand had slipped between Alises legs again, her fingers shoving and stroking inside his wife. Raina had purposely positioned herself so that Stoney could see everything, his wife and her completely open and exposed to his gaze. He had to move in his seat, but there was no comfortable way to sit in his condition, his hard throbbing dick ready to burst just from watching the scene played out in front of him.

Alise could no longer watch Stoney. She leaned back and gave herself up to the sensations Raina was causing in her body. She couldnt help but thrust back against Rainas hand, it was as if her body had a will of its own. She reached down and ran her hands over Rainas breasts, marveling at the feel of the nipples in her hands. She tweaked them like Raina had done to her and was rewarded with a moan. She tried to sit up, but Raina pushed her gently back down. Her fingers started to work faster moving over that spot inside that gave so much pleasure. Alise was moaning, then without moving her hand or slowing down Raina lowered her face between the spread legs and took Alises clit in her mouth, teasing at first with her tongue, then sucking then blowing until Alise was begging, in a mix of French and English, to cum. “Please Raina... please...” and her legs splayed as far as they possibly could.

Moving her fingers and mouth together, matching each stroke to her sucking, Raina has Alise on the verge of exploding. When Stoney sends to her, Chaton..I can see how close you are, so wet.... how wet Raina is, she is dripping with what she is doing to you....Let go chaton...let go and cum for me...I want to see you explode....its all she can take and Alise submits totally to the feelings overtaking her and she cums violently, her orgasm rocking her and leaving her trembling. Another flood hits her before Raina stops. Leaving both women breathless.

Raina smiles and laughs softly, a husky sound that Stoney has never heard from her before. “How was that?”

Alise brings herself up on an elbow and grabs Raina, kissing her fiercely, tasting herself on Rainas lips and tongue.

Breaking the kiss she smiles, “So good, I dont know what to say...”


*No, it is fine

**I swear to you

After a short bike ride around the lake Raina decides that its too cold and heads to the tavern. She wasnt sure what else to do. She didnt feel like just picking up some random guy, even though casual sex was all she was into until she met Nick.

Entering the tavern she paused, letting her eyes get accustomed to the dim light. Stoney and Ob were messing around on the stage, supposedly tuning instruments but it looked like more of a jam session.

Good! If Tori is here somewhere, than so is Tannr. Someone to talk to...

Her eyes take in the customers, looking for her brother. Glancing over the people sitting at the bar she smiles. Alise is there, hair hanging loose, looking so much like she did the first time Raina saw her and asked Nick, “Who's Goldilocks?”

As she heads to where Alise is sitting at the bar she senses a sudden shift in the atmosphere, a sudden wave of something.... emotion?... passion?... What the hell? Cant be Star, its close... Tannr?

Alises eyes go wide and she drops her glass of wine. Mon Dieu! Stoney, was that you? Or Barbare... playing tricks on me?

Raina runs a comb through her raven tresses then pulls the mass away from her face and makes a ponytail. Ky is in the shower trying to talk to her but Raina cant understand a word she is saying with the water running.

Suddenly a dripping wet face pops out of a partially open shower door. “You cant hear me, can you?”

Raina laughs and shakes her head, “No, all I get is mumbles.”

“Hang on a sec...”

Raina hears the water shut off and Ky steps out, grabbing a towel to dry with.

“Oh! Are you going somewhere? I was just asking you what we should do tonight...”

Moving to a small bench in the dressing area, Raina sits and starts to pull on her boots. “Well, I was thinking of taking the bike out for a spin. Wont have many more chances before it gets too cold.”

“Its already too cold...” Ky plops next to Raina, her expression thoughtful.

“Whats up? Something you wanted to do?” Raina asks.

Ky looks down, almost shy, which makes Raina laugh. “What? There isnt anything on the planet that can possibly embarrass you..”

Taking a deep breath, Ky smiles and says, “Not really. Its just that... well.... whats it like to be with two guys that you love... and that love you back?”

Raina pauses, not sure how to answer the question at first. Then she stands and says, “Okay. Maybe you should just find out for yourself. I can go hang at the tavern tonight and stay there.”

Ky gasps, “No... I didnt mean for you to leave... and not come back... thats not...”

Raina stands and pulls Ky into her arms. “Dont be silly. I'll come back later... or in the morning... and we can talk then...” She gives Ky a shove, “Get yourself dolled up... and I expect to hear all the gory details tomorrow...”

“Okay..if you're really sure about this...”

“I am” Raina leans over and kisses Ky, then swats her ass as she breaks away.

Raina starts to doze after talking to her brother. She has questions but her mind or her mouth wont cooperate with actually giving voice to her thoughts. When she opens her eyes, Alise is sittng on the bed whispering something in French. Raina tries to vocus on the vision in front of her.

“It's an angel..”

Laughing Alise says, “No, its me and I doubt if anyone would say I am an angel.”

Reaching out and running her fingers through the long unbound tresses Raina whispers, “Alise... you were here earlier... with Nick....”

Alise nods, “I was.”

Tannr bursts through the door with K'thyri, relief plain on his face. He leans over the bed and kisses Raina on the head. “Hi sis... Hows the head?”

“Hurts.... Tori?”

“Resting... in stone. She has some pain, and is pretty weak...”

“Go... go back to her.. I cant stay awake... drugs....” Rainas voice starts to fade and she cant keep her eyes open.

Tannr nods, kisses her again. Ky decides to stay with Raina and the group gets ready to head to their rooms. Alise takes Rainas hands in hers, “Ma souer, we will talk later... I love you..”

Raina tries to smile, her reactions slow and her words starting to slur. “I love you too...”

Alise smiles as she stands, and Raina is fast asleep before the group even leaves the room....

Raina opens her eyes slowly, taking in the winter landscape. Where am I? Back home? But I was in Fairie... the Drow....

As she sits up she can hear a girls giggle and she gazes through the forest of trees and snow. Everything seems strangely lit from within, almost as if the trees are glowing, the branches heavy with ice. Turning her head she sees Tara approach. Skipping in the snow, her blue cloak billowing behind her. She smiles and laughs as she sits next to Raina.

“Hello sister. We cant visit for too long this time.” Tara throws her arms around Rainas neck and Raina pulls her close, wondering why she has been given this gift but not daring to ask.

“Here... I found this for you...” Tara places a doll in Rainas arms.

“My Ellie... where did you... nevermind.... I should know better than to ask, right?” Raina grins at the old doll. It was the only doll she had ever had. One of her fathers wives many unsuccessful attempts to curb the tomboy in her. She had kept the doll in her bunk and sometimes let Tara play with it.

“I just wanted to see you and give her to you. I hope you dont mind...”

“Of course not. I love you Tara... I wish...” Raina stumbles over the words. They had been through all this before and there was no changing things. Tara had said everything happened as it should... but that didnt mean Raina wouldnt always wish for a different outcome.

“I know...I love you too. Thats a nasty bump on your head...” Tara runs a finger lightly over the side of Rainas head. “Its going to hurt when you wake up.”

Wolves start to howl in the distance and Raina automatically reaches for her sword, which isnt there. “Damn it...”

“Dont worry. They cant hurt us. I have to go anyway.”

“Already...?”

Tara nods, “Yes...but we'll see each other again. Tell Tannr and Erik I love them. Tell Tannr that his love will be fine. And remind Star to give her back the snake necklace. I think she has forgotten that she has it.”

Raina stands with Tara and brushes the snow off. “It isnt even cold... how strange... I will tell them, I promise..”

“Can you hear the little ones? They are sending you their energy and good thoughts, willing you to come back. I shouldnt keep you, they have been frightened to see you so still.”

She nods as she embraces her sister and in a flash Tara is gone and Raina is left in the woods, snow swirling around her and the howling of the wolves in her ears.