Heads snap up the moments young thoughts disappear from their parents' minds. Stoney, Ob, and Pandora are barely on the move when the door crashes open and Alise skids to a stop in the empty clearing. She looks around wildly, sending out her thoughts to the children, meeting.... nothing.

Grace stands with Pike, her eyes screwed tight shut. A hand touches her arm and Alise spins to find Star beside her looking around carefully. Wish is suddenly in front of them. Twisted fingers ball into tight, painful fists.

"Where are they! *Les enfants! Où!"

Wish stares at her a moment, blinking large almond shaped eyes. "They are right here." Alise stares at her in disbelief. "Tis true. They are right here." 

The Wyldfae grins, infuriating Alise. ~"Non! Je ne les vois pas! Je ne pense pas! Qu'avez-vous fait avec nos bébés!"

Wish reaches out to touch Alise but Star shakes her head. The petite fae takes one step backwards and Alise follows. She advances on the Wyldfae. "Where are they! Tell me Wish or I will"

"Ye will what, mortal?"

Just the tone of her voice, the shimmer of power in her words, makes Alise falter. The smaller woman looks up at enraged mother. "Ye claim ye want yer childrin safe, able to defend themselves. Well we are teachin them to do jus' that. If ye ken nae what I am speakin of, sit yerself down, OUT O' THE WAY, an' watch. M'Soul an meself are nae childrin as ye seem t' fergit. We have been a'trainin warriors far longer than ye have been alive... both times combined!" She bows to Star. "With yer pardon Lady, we will return to the game o' Hide and Seek."

With that the young seeming fae turns and stomps to a spot in the clearing, raising her voice. "Stay hidden Wee Ones. Tis Gracie's turn t' be it."

Stoney's hand rests on his wife's shoulder. Alise stares at the Wyldfae as if she had never seen her before. She allows them to lead her to a bench set against the school's wall. 

Star smiles gently. She asks hesitantly, as they sit. "Hide and Seek? This is a game?"

Alise covers her mouth with a hand. "Oh! I am sorry... Oh ^mon ami, it is so much fun... someone covers their eyes and the others hide. Then the person covering their eyes has to find the others..." She looks around the bare clearing. There are very few places to hide.

Stoney kisses the top of his wife'd hair. "Do you remember Chaton... the time we played among the tombstones at Notre' Dame? It was not easy finding a stone creature among all the dressed stone." He whispers very quietly in his wife's ear. "Look at the top of the boulder. Is that one of the kids?" 

Star grins. Her multi-hued irises dance with color. "It must be a game. Pike and Wish would lay down their lives for the children. Please Alise... I don't feel any danger, let's just watch..."


* The children! Where!

~No! I do not see them! I do not feel them! What have you done with our babies!

^my friend

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 door opens and Star steps into the hall, Ruarc sleeping peacefully in her arms. Erik pulls the door shut behind them and the trio turns to head downstairs. Pike and Wish step into their path, barring the way. Holding his arms out, Pike waits until the baby is nestled in his arms. Wish lightly touches the couples' arms and mutters a few words. The Doppelganger spell dissolves, leaving behind a petite blonde werewolf and her large brawny mate. The baby changes as well. What remains in Pike's arms is a golem, a construct of wood and magick, which had been spelled to mimic Ruarc.

"Yer volunteering is greatly appreciated. 'Twas a diversion necessary t' smuggle the Lady Star beyond the Darkling's borders. May we call upon thee again, an the need arises?"

The large were grins. "Just tell us where and when, little Wyldthing."

Pike laughs. "We ha' arranged for a steak dinner. Monty needs only know yer preference in preparations." He shakes their hands and a demifae zips forward to take their choice to the kitchen. As the couple descends to the bar, Wish pulls a bubble around herself and Pike.

"Home or our Lady and Lord?"

Pike grins, mischief lighting the oft solemn eyes. "I believe The Lady is safely guarded at the manse. Our Lord is among people who will ensure his safety as well as we can." He takes Wish's hand and raises it to his lips. Brushing a kiss gently across her knuckles, Pike's breath warms more then the flesh of her hand. "I vote for home and some privacy for ourselves."

Her eyes smoulder, burning into his. "Then home it is..."

Pike steps into her, sliding his arms around her waist. His hands explore her back, tugging one sleeve to bare her shoulder, as they disappear from sight.

The minute they arrive at the gates, the Wards go down. Pike is impressed. Either the guardians are very alert, or the Lord of the Manse had a way of letting them know friendlies were incoming. They step through the Wards, and as soon as they are well inside, Wish is whisking them to the foyer of the Manse itself.

A sylph appears and motions for them to follow. It drifts up a staircase and down the hall, pausing outside a door. Wish touches Tannr's arm, making him stop before he throws the door wide.

"She needs to rest and stay flesh, If ye rush in, she may go defensive and try to turn stone."

Tannr stares at the Piskie a moment. Pike slowly opens the door, then moves aside to let the Viking enter when Rowan nods. The healer's eyes widen at the sight of all the blood, but says nothing. Ike is talking to Tori, her words soft, but insistent. Her eyes meet Tannr's and she tells Tori softly, "Look who's here."

Tori turns a tear-streaked face to Tannr. She holds out her hand and he leans over her, touching her face gently, wiping away the tears.

"Hey Red..."

Cupping her face, he kisses her, gently at the start but soon deepening until Rowan clears her throat. Tannr glances at her sheepishly, then kisses Tori's cheek. "We made it baby... You don't have to cry anymore... We made it... and you can sleep if you need to... I'm not going anywhere."

Ike closes her eyes, releasing her hold on the compulsion. "One of the Drow took her necklace. Right before they took her to the altar."

Tannr caresses Tori's cheek, kissing it gently. His words are soft, murmured against her ear. "It's only jewelry Rós Himinn. I can always get Traeger to make another. Rest, sweetheart. It can be replaced. You can't."

The battle seems overwhelming, but the rescuers are holding their own. After dropping off Inari, Wish followed Star's energy. Finding her safe behind the Manse's defenses, Wish returns to the battle.

She has barely begun to dance when Pike appears at her side. His face is grim, eyes deadly blank. His usual impish merriment gone beneath a side of him only a few would remember. She smiles, and if any stood near, they would step just a little further away. Wish begins to gather her magicks, as Pike wills his armor into place.

They cut their way to Erik's side. The Viking seems surprised to see them there. A Drow blade stabs for Keon's chest. The Dark Fae turns from one opponent to turn back the blade. As he does, Wish flicks her hand, evening the odds. Keon turns back to an opponent now nothing more than ash.

Pike tips back his helm, bowing to Erik. His voice is thickly accented, the words nearly beyond comprehension. "We are yers, My Lord Erik. Let us clean this bit of Faerie of this rabble."

His pike jabs out, thrusting deeply through the chest of an oncoming Drow. With a vicious twist, he pulls free as Wish throws another ball of magick. He pulls Wish's blade and slashes, opening a deep wound on another Drow, laughing as the man falls back in horror at the burning of the steel.

As Star gallops away HellHounds slide from the trees, pacing her racing steed as Irish Wolfhounds did the Hunters of Old. Wish nods in satisfaction as their spine chilling howls call to the Riders hidden further ahead. She turns to Inari and bows. She kneels beside Ghaunt, touching the pale grey hair.

"*Codladh i síocháin, Ghaunt cara. Do rith, Tá mbeidh fearg mo Pike beloved is beag eile a rinneadh i céadta bliain."

Her eyes meet Inari's, then turn to the battle behind her. Sparks begin to dance among the tangled chaos of her hair, turning the brilliant strands to flashing neon. A breeze rises, whipping her wild mane into a writhing mass. Inari follows Wish's gaze to a Drow dragging himself along the ground. The man lies still when someone steps near him, feigning death. As soon as the fighters step away, he drags himself just a little closer to Ghaunt and the two women with him.

A snarl escapes Wish's lips. Gone is the dainty teen for which she is so often mistaken. Power builds, raising the hair on everyone's arms and necks. The Drow still standing edge back, out of sword's reach, warily watching both the fighters they face and the glowing figure behind them. She points and a swirl of sparks engulf the crawling Drow. He screams, arms flailing as if warding off a swarm of insects. The sparks intensify as the petite wyldfae laughs.

"You cannot have him Darklings. Ghaunt has given his life for a noble cause. You and yours shall not defile that."

Her voice is cold, bringing the terror of that unseen thing which haunts one over the frozen wastes of nightmares. She smiles, yet the sweet smile fills the Drow with dread. A twist of her hand and the ensorcelled man bursts into flames. His screams last forever, even though he is reduced to ash in mere moments.

She turns her back on the warriors and kneels again to touch Ghaunt. Her other hand is offered to Inari. Without a pause, Inari grasps the delicate hand and a bubble encloses the trio.

"As my Mistress wishes."

They blink from sight.


*Sleep in peace, friend Ghaunt. Your passing will anger my beloved Pike as little else has done in centuries..

There is the scrape of a chair and suddenly Wish is standing on it. She leans close to Ghaunt and stares at the Drow, not quite looking at him. She turns her head to look at Star, then back at Ghaunt. She nods slowly and leans close to the Drow again.

"Ye are starting to shine, Darkling. Better think ill-willed thoughts or the Priestess will notice."

She hops down and glides to Star's side. "What ye plan to do, where ye plan to go... I can nae help ye there. Pike and I both would be noted for what we are."

She gazes at the assembled Taverners. Pike meets her gaze and a slow smile spreads across his face. "A mated pair is best I think. Ones who are nae afraid to show affection. Daywalkers... They will need be daywalkers..."

Pike picks up when Wish's voice drifts off. "If Lady Star goes with Ghaunt, someone needs must pretend for the unseen watchers. Wish will glamour the pair. Unless close, nae will know it be not Lady and Lord. The bairns twill be easy to duplicate. Golems can be magicked in their places."

He bows to Erik and Star. "By yer leave, Lord Erik, Lady Star. We need Doppelgangers to at least pass by windows to befuddle any who would watch."

Wish stares at Erik, then Star, eyes intense, nearly glowing. "And when ye step to this side, hae ye need of us, merely WISH and we are there." She grins, a slow malicious baring of teeth. "Weapons and magick at yer command."

Pike stands at Star's back and off to one side. His eyes watch everything, while seemingly watching nothing. Wish is missing from sight, but then she was among the branches of the tree before Star ever called Ghaunt's name. This is the first she will actually see the Drow. Star says Ghaunt's heart does not belong to the Drow. That is enough for Pike. It isn't for Wish.

Pike glimpses a bit of vibrant purple among the leaves. There is no movement to betray her location. He can feel the slow drift of her spell as it creeps outward, seeking anyone who might have followed Ghaunt. When it comes to Star, Wish is unwilling to accept even Star's word for his safe passage. When she is satisfied that none have followed, or secreted a spell on his person, Wish drops to the ground beside the Drow. Ghaunt stills instantly. Pike files it away as proof the man is accustomed to a sudden appearance often accompanied by being struck.

Wish's gaze is vacant, almost as if she is blind to what is around her. She turns that unnerving stare on the Drow as she steps back, taking a place to one side, and one step back, of Erik. Her hand rests lightly on the hilt of her Human Realm blade. A small smile curls her lips.

Mouse scampers from the woods and squeaks for her attention. Eyes still focused through the Drow, Wish lowers her hand, offering her open palm to the creature. A rapid series of squeaks brings a nod from Wish and Mouse scampers up her arm. It disappears into the wild mass of her hair. Moments later bright eyes and a twitching nose peeks out of the tangled mass of Wish's multihued hair.

Ruarc is sleeping peacefully. The bubble enclosing his cradle shimmers softly in the dim moonlight. Mya dozes among the petals of the flowers Star had brought in earlier. Wish sits on the floor in a corner, hidden by the darker shadows.  A Hound lays at her side, grizzled head resting on her knee. She runs sharp nails over the scaly skin, skritching lightly.

The night outside is peaceful. Wish runs her thoughts among the spells she cast for the clearing's protection. She feels a disturbance, but it is a recognized energy.

So who has gotten back first...?

As soon as Erik and Star had soared out of sight, Wish returned to speaking with the usual inhabitants of the woods surrounding the cottage. What was told is pieced together, bit by bit. None had sensed the ghoul. Its malice was masked by the feel of cold iron. Wish nods slowly, thoughts whirling.

Voices intrude on her ponderings and she turns to see Tannr and Tori saying goodnight to the household. Alise and Stoney stand on their porch talking to the couple. Wish motions to a pixie and it zips away. It flits around them until attracting attention. Soon the foursome is following the pixie back to where the Wyldfae stands, staring at the jeep.

Wish turns old eyes upon the group. "It came masked by the harsh metal scent of cold iron. Where was your... transport... before here?"

Alise's eyes widen, filling with horror. "Mon dieu! I opened the wards for the mechanic. The jeep was returned just tonight."

Wish watches her reaction. Her small hand touches Alise's arm. "You cannot scent them if they hide under another scent. Even the Fae of this Realm did not know it was here until your son alerted them. That creature was well hidden. Trixie it was, as I said afore."

She turns her eyes to Stoney. "My magic has no power over iron and steel. 'Twould be well thought to make sure no surprises are left within, above, below, or betwixt the spaces of your vehicle."

That said, Sroney and Tori nod to each other. Without a word, they grasp the jeep and LIFT. Tannr bends down to look beneath it. He moves under to touch puncture holes in the floor, proof that something had attached itself for a ride. They lower it carefully and the three begin to scrutinize the jeep's interior and engine compartment. Wish stands at ready, keeping between the car and Alise. When the seats have been locked back in place, and Tori announces no spells detected. Wish lowers her hands.

"Trixie bastard, but one no more to stalk this world. No ill will left in this place, so if I beg leave to return to my Lady."

Wish curtsies to Alise. Stoney catches her thoughts, before words escape. Do not thank her Chaton. I gathered from a discussion with Keon that she is very old Fae. Blinking, Alise nods her head to Wish. She thinks carefully on her words before replying. "You have done our family a great service. We will remember."

The Wyldfae grins and holds her hands out to her sides. A bubble of magic forms around her, remnants of the power she gathered on the path to the cottage. The small Fae turns to Tannr and Tori, her brogue thick as she has relaxed. "An ye be goin' to ta cabin, I offer a quicker pace."

Tannr grins and pulls Tori forward. He takes Wish' hand as Tori takes the other. Wish grins and winks to Alise and Stoney. The bubble fades from view, reappearing on the cabin's lawn. Pike pushes himself off the railing and meets them as the bubble dissolves.

"'Bout time ye returned. 'Twas thinking I was, that ye would be needin me to bring ye back."

Wish flips him off and grabs his hand as she dances past. Pike gives a brief bow to Tannr and Tori and trips lightly after his partner. Moments later they are gone from sight.

Star speaks without looking, sounding all the world like Keon in his Court mode. She touches Tomas' wings, noting their positions.

"Wish, we have need of Tori. Stoney needs to be focused on the intruder."

Wish bows low and dances to a spot between the Gargoyles. She eyes the grip Tori has on the creatures shoulders. Her sharp talons pierce the muscles. Wish smiles sweetly, the power flowing through her adding a touch of insanity to her innocence.

"Let me relieve ye of that burden Mistress Viper. Yer Kin has need of ye. Give me but a moment to prepare?"

Skipping to an elm growing at the edge of the yard, Wish speaks softly to it. A branch drops, twirling as it descends. She holds out her hand and it lands gently on her palms. She bows, thanking the tree for its assistance. She bounds across the yard, spinning to a stop beneath the hovering gargoyle.

Shoving the raw end of the wood into the ground, Wish softly sings. The words are ethereal, yet a touch of malice dances within the enchanting tune. The branch grows, spreading upwards, widening its branch into a trunk. A face appears in the ridges of the bark. Eyes open and fix on the ghoul in Tori's grasp.

Tori gasps, "*Crann Tire..."

The creature nods slowly, creaking as it moves. Twisted limbs reach out, twiglike fingers wrap around the ghoul's arms as Tori lets go and drops her captive into the waiting "hands". The Crann Tire pulls, making the ghoul's arms taut. The creature screams. The Tree Man blinks, bark crinkling into a grin. It lowers the ghoul  within Stoney's reach and crackles out the words, "You have questions for this one?"

Tori turns on the wing and sweeps across the yard to where Tannr is carefully holding her nephew.


*Tree Folk

Magic pulses, turning heads as the tingle that washes over them intensifies. Wish stands less than a yard away, looking at the foursome. The irridescence around her flexes as if she is surrounded by a soap bubble as it floats on the air. Tori breathes deep, letting the power flow through her very being. Her head turns to the woods, Tori's gaze following. A pair of Hell Hound eyes gleam in the shadows.

Dmitri's companion Hound, Scheherazade. Gingerly she steps between the corpses, sniffing at the handle of the axe and the wounds inflicted by Tiger. She looks at the people, then turns and trots back to the shadows. With a flick of her ratlike tail, the Hell Hound steps into the trees and is gone.

"What the Hel was that all about?" Tannr's voice seems to startle everyone.

Tori's head falls back and she slaps a hand across her eyes. "Damn, Fuck, Son of a Royal Bitch."  raising her head she notices everyone just staring at her, Star's mouth open in shock. "One of my Kin picked up images... she was sent to see if we needed reinforcements."

Wish stares at Star, her eyes shining with power. "What say ye, My Lady? Does danger still bode for the cottagers?" What little color that Star was recovering drains away. She turns to bolt, and Wish stops her. "Nay Mistress. Let us get ye there faster."

Tori looks at the men and Star. "I can carry one easily. Two, if one is Star."

Wish grins. The smile is joyous, and extremely scary when combined with the violence held bound in the little Wyldfae's eyes. "One, an' yer time be quicker if that one be Lady Star. I will bring My Lord an' his brother upon My Lady's Wishing."

Star looks off through the trees, at Erik, and lastly at Tori and Tannr. Her eyes swirl, reflecting her worry, anger, fear, and determination. She nods to Wish. "I will let Tori f..f..fly me there. Wish, p..pu..please hurry... it is my wish for us all to get there now."

A small scream escapes her lips as Tori scoops Star up into her arms and launches them upwards with great sweeps of her demonic wings. As the women clear the trees, Wish reaches out to the men.

"Take my hands. We go."

Both Warriors step gingerly into the bubble, half expecting it to pop around them. She looks to the axe embedded in the Drow skull. It dissolves and reforms on the ground within the bubble. Wish looks up at Tannr as he stares at it.

"One would think ye nae fought wi' Fae on the Unformed Plane." She shakes her head, the vibrant dreds sparking with her contained power. "Ach lad... 'tis the same as it was, just within reach. Shoulder yer blade an' we be gone."

Tannr lifts it to his shoulder, noting the blood still on the steel. His hand absently takes offered hand as Erik clasps the other. There is a ping as the magic bubble seems to pop, the occupants disappearing. Wish's laughter, and last words, echo off the trees of the clearing.

"What? Ye expected it cleaned and polished upon return? Ach lad, I'm not yer bleedin' Mary Poppins..."

She dances.

Lithe body swaying, her personal glamour glows an iridescent lavender as it flares from her very flesh. The pulse of her steps trips merrily through his body, awakening his hunger for her passion.

Sitting on the roof, Pike peers out over the clearing surrounding the cabin and barn, watching the wards dance in time to his lover's casting. He spares a glance for his guard-duty companion.

The Glider turns his handsome face, watching from the peak of the barn. Colors cascade over it's cloaked form, like an oil slick made of magic. He turns a grin on Pike and spreads his arms wide, letting the energy fill his wing membranes, nearly lifting him from the shingles. Only the talons on his feet keep the nightmare anchored.

The wards flare and there is a scream in the woods. Pike smiles grimly. A set of malevolent eyes is gone, snuffed out by Wish' desire to protect her Lady's home. Whatever, whoever, had harm of the family as a goal was now awaiting discovery of those who patrolled the surrounding woods.

An eerie howl drifts through the night. The Hell Hounds warn of an arrival. Moments later, Keon's dark form trots into the clearing. Wish dances past him as the Dark Lord dismounts and waits for her to finish the casting. She glides to a stop, eyes closed, hair plastered to her form. Her voice carries, a mere crackle on an electric stillness.

"How now Lord o' Hounds. Do the Master and Mistress return this night?"

"Nay, Wish. They return on the morrow. The bairn sleeps, well and deeply. I come to offer to take yer place here, so ye and yers can guard their return."

Pike vaults from the roof, landing lightly. He taps his staff on the ground once, shaking a bundle from its tip. Wish gathers it up, dressing quickly.  Her hand slips into Pike's and she bows to Keon. "We owe ye, Dealg Drubh." They salute the Glider as Wish gathers her residual powers. They fade from view, stepping away to emerge from the gloom into the Tavern's parking lot, where they first met Erik and Star.

Pike whistles, a bird's song known only in the forests of the Fae realm. A sentry of Miko's clan flits from the eaves. He brandishes his hatpin, but recognizing the pair, he bows midflight, sheathing the pin with a flourish. Moments later the Wyldfae are finding finger and toe holds as they climb to a spot where they can keep watch.

The blonde giant walks across the yard as if he has every right to be there. Pike meets him halfway, staff at ready. Wish stays low on the rooftop, eyes glowing as she gathers magic to her. No one was touching her Lord and Lady. The man spoke to Pike and then shouted, laughing, to the house.

"Little Sister! Dis vone say I can no come in. Vat? I must haff passvord?"

There was a noise below her as the door opened. Mera's gurgling laugh is drowned out by Star's happy shout "Guunnar!" She moves slowly across the yard, as Pike steps aside. The giant nearly runs to her and lifts her off her feet, spinning her like a child.

Once back on her feet, Star's hands brace on his arms as she steadies herself. Keon and Erik stand behind her, each holding a child. Mera reaches for the man and he scoops her into his arms, nuzzling her, making her giggle. Still holding the little girl, he peers at the baby, then winks at Star. Before turning his regard back to the child. His words are solemn, but Star had seen the twinkle in his eye.

"Ach. Vat ist dis? He looks like a little bit of nicht. Dis ist a Viking child? Oy! He vill need much to be dis long avaited hero."

Wish drops from the porch roof and silently moves up next to the big man. She looks at Star and holds her palm out towards the man's leg. Star shakes her head and Wish frowns but drops her hand to her side. A small smile plays around her Lady's lips and Erik is laughing. Keon nods as Wish steps back.

"Old friend, 'twould be best an ye meet Star's guards. Guunnar, meet Pike," The small man bows, staff held across his chest, "and Wish."

The petite Fae cocks her head, regarding him with old eyes. Her ears twitch as she breathes him deep. After a moment she nods once and turns away. She runs to the corner post and vaults onto the porch rail. Moments later she has swung up on the roof and stretched out, looking for all the world as if she is sunbathing. Guunnar watches with a bemused expression on his face.

Pike pulls an extra chair to the porch, and waits until all are seated before settling on the steps. He listens to the conversation, seeming to nod off in the warmth of the sun.

Keon leans back, watching Guunnar tease his daughter, an eye on the half dozing Fae on the steps. "Don' let them fool ye, mate. They are extremely skilled." A mouse scurries down the post and curls up on Pike's knee. Slim fingers idly stroke the furred rodent and it closes its eyes. "They are Wyldfae who swore their oaths to Star. Unlike K'thyri, they were nae born, but be true magick given form. Now that Star has given ye welcome, they will nae stop ye from coming near... unless they feel tis not ye that comes calling."

Guunnar bounces a gurgling Mera and grins at Star and Erik. "Und here I tought du vas taking in street kits like Tori. Sie has a regimen uff fighters living in her varehous. Mein Gott... I haff two on mein patrol. Dey are sneaky little *stykker. Gut in a fight too..."

The conversation fell to the patrols, the precautions being taken, and gossip of the latest goings-on at the Tavern. When Star tries to rise to get drinks Guunnar hands Mera back to Keon and does it for her. He comes out with glasses and a pitcher and a frown on his face.

"Little Sister.. du are missink a knife from de block."

Star laughs and points up at the roof. Pike's voice drifts lazily from the steps.

"Good steel, Master Viking. Wish thought it best to have something she could use against our own kind."

Guunnar's gaze drifts upwards as if he can see through the wood slats. He eases back in his chair with a huff. "Schmart *stykker...."


*pieces, git

From the doorway, Pike and Wish watch silently. They drift to the other side of the hall, sliding down the wall to squat within sight of the room. The Warrior Spirit sighs deeply. Wish glances at him, gaze returning to the room's doorway.

"No more... did you foresee that, *mo ghrá? You told her the next would not be so bad."

Wish crosses her arms on her knees, resting her chin. "I see children. Only one born painfully of her flesh. The others... their bearing will be of love, not pain. Not all will be babes..." Her eyes are distant, lost. A sudden grin crosses her face.

"Not all will be... Human or Fae."

The tap on Star's window is barely heard, but Pike is there before anyone else. Wish stands behind him, hands raised to throw a spell. Rowan blinks, suddenly unsure that she had seen them outside the room mere moments ago. The tap comes again and Wish begins to laugh. She and Pike move back, letting the group of demifae at the glass peek inside. Each holds a flower. They place them on the windowsill, wave, then dart away.

Wish laughs aloud in the stunned silence.

"One born in pain... the others will be borne through love."

She turns merry eyes to Star. "My Lady, your love shines bright. The Wee Ones already know." She dances to Star's bedside and takes her hand. "They will not be the only ones." At the look on her face, Wish laughs again. "Be happy, Lady! You will bear many with the power of your love. It has already begun. Your Love has brought together the Fae of both Realms."


*my love

She is very aware of the tall dark figure that silently stops behind her. Mouse peeks from her hair, then settles in to watch. Keon addresses their reflections in the glass.

"I thought I would find ye here. Tis a bonny sight, all the lights. The magicks glow so brightly, even here. Pike is sitting with Star e'en now, directing the powers to help her sleep wi'out pain. What thoughts roam in the mind o' the Lost Dream?"

Wish leans closer to the window, placing her fingertips carefully against the glass. "Where are they Dealg Drubh? Where are those who sought my Lady's life and to end the Prophesy?" Her eyes shine, the glow casting halos in her reflection. Her voice softens, becomes singsong lyrical. "If nae for the lack of true Courtier's, twould be out there, I would. Hunting the Drow, the Goblins. Who else would steal the Hope of the Realm? Show them to me, and I will find the way to wipe them from the worlds."

A hand reaches out, laying gently on her shoulder. Her gaze lifts to the Dark Lord's eyes. It takes a moment before she realizes Keon still holds Mera in his arms. The little ones eyes are open, watching solemnly.

"Do you know the truth of me? The truth of Pike? We are wyld magick given form, given life. We are like Siôn Corn, Santa Claus. We live because people believe in us, and because people believe, we are. Pike is the belief of Soldiers, Warriors. The Guardian Spirit." A small smile twists her lips. "Pike is the living truth that a Warrior is both strength and compassion."

The glow fades from her eyes. The anger that burns there is banked, but not gone.

"I am as you called me... the Lost Dream, the Wish that is just beyond reach. I know the truest wishes of those who call on me. Call just the right way, and I will find a way to make it come true." A sadness fills her eyes. "Too many forget that there are two edges to that blade. Many want for themselves, but another pays in the end. Then there are those like Lady Star... her health comes from the weakening of Inari, K'thyri, and Laila. But as they gave freely, and wished for something not for themselves, they will recover with no ill effects."

Her gaze goes back out the window. The lights vary, both dim as if coming from elsewhere, and shining as if right outside. She opens herself to the flow of magick, welcoming the pure energy of the well wishers. She tastes something and pauses. Her gaze flies back to Keon and she breathes deep. He echoes her motion, tasting the energy as well. Mera reaches out, trying to touch the thread they are tasting. A slow smile spreads over their faces.

"It seems, Wish, that not all Drow wish our Star ill."

"True Dealg Drubh, nor do all Goblins..."

Mera gurgles and Wish turns to smile at the infant. Mera reaches out again and Wish follows where the little one points. Demifae dance on the lawn, a merry sight after so much fear and pain.

A bit of gauze covers a goblet. Small bits of leaf, bark, and berry lie dark on the fabric as the liquid slowly drips through. Gaze intent on what she is doing, Wish hears the door open and Pike speaking softly with someone. She inhales, scenting the visitor.

As the last of the fluid drips into the goblet, Mouse scurries up on the table. It twitches its nose. The black beadlike eyes close for a moment, then Mouse is gone. When it comes back, Wish has dropped the small parcel of bits in a small dish. Mouse lays a crumb on the tabletop looking up at Wish expectantly.

"*Mae'n ddrwg gennyf, Llygoden. Dim bwydydd solet eto. Cyn bo hir er ..."

Mouse collects its offering and scurries away. When it comes back, Wish leans over far enough for Mouse to climb into the tangled mass of multicolored dreadlocks. Wish rises, lifting the goblet to swirl the liquid. With a knowing smile, she offers the goblet to Keon.

"Nae assassin's poison, Dealg Drubh. Tis a Healer's draught. One the Court Physician would not have thought to make. Watch."

She swirls the goblet, watching the colors swirl, change. Keon passes a hand over the goblet. He smiles, feeling the boost it gives his own personal Magick.

"Nae spell ta it, Wyld One. Tis all natural?"

Wish nods. "There is a bit of the Wyld in Lady Star. Tis why I needed a donor Wyld, a donor Court, a donor Human. The blood spell was all well and good. Now the Healers tend to her body, but this..." The petite Fae smiles, tears of joy collecting in the corners of her oddly old, almond shaped eyes, "This will let her own magick heal her, aid it in fact."

Keon nods slowly. "Come, Wish. We can but offer it. An she refuses, ye will nae trick her to it."

Wish's eyes widen, pure innocence in the expression. Then she laughs, curtsying.

"Tis a promise made, Dealg Drubh. Tis a promise I make. Tis best drunk freely. Twould do no good forced."


*I am sorry, Mouse. No solid foods yet. Soon though...

When all the tubes are finally removed from the donors, Wish gathers all the bags into a small pile. She stares at the blood, watching the magic swirl within the bags. Her hands stretch over the bags and she sways, her petite body moving in a slow cadence. She begins to sing. The words slip into something other than Welsh, something older, something non-human.

A glow of many colors begins dancing, spiraling like autumn leaves in a whirlwind, over the blood. As the magic builds, Inari leans close to Rowan.

"Hurry... bring Tannr and Raina, Dealg Drubh, the Human women who are her chosen sisters. We need them before the magicks combine completely. Tell the others to wish the blood to work, to wish with all their heart."

Rowan is hardly gone when Tannr and Raina step through the door. Keon is close behind. As soon as the Dark Lord catches sight of the magick, his eyes light with a merry glow. The reflected lights are nearly dizzying. He offers his hand to Inari, helping her from the chair. She slips her hand in Tannr's as Raina helps her lover to his feet. They join the growing circle as Alise and Laila enter, following Rowan. Inari and Keon open their hands to the woman. The circle closes as Rowan takes the last empty hands. Wish stands in the center, directing the spell.

Inari's voice is soft, but carries to all ears. "Wish. Direct your wish for the blood to work, to be what Star needs. Say the words Wish needs, and direct the rest as thought. I will start us... I wish...."

There is a burst of color, a flare as colors merge. Keon's melodious voice carries to the others. "I wish..." Another flare brightens the room. Less but more intense colors swirl around the bags.

Alise and Laila wish at the same time. The double wish flares even brighter. The colors are blinding, rocking the circle. Gareth smiles, his hand tensing around Raina's. His words are soft, but no less compelling. The flare merges more colors. Raina grins and wishes, Tannr's voice echoing hers. Another flash and the swirl is now brilliant red, lavender, and cobalt blue.

Rowan takes a deep breath. Tears slip down her cheeks and her words are soft. "I wish..."

The flash is intense. Blood red afterimages dance in the eyes of the circle members. Wish drops to the floor. Her laughter dances through the room as the brightness fades. The blood in the bags look like nothing more than bags of blood. The wyldfae looks up at Rowan, still laughing.

"What a rush... The spell is cast, The Goddess be praised, ye all wish reeeeeal good." She accepts Keon's hand and jumps to her feet. "Tis all yers, Healer. My Lady is in yer hands and the hands of the Goddess."

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."