Pandora was with Chloe and Ike when Tori started talking; and she sent Chloe to get some ice cream from Monty for doing so well listening to mama's lesson. Her face went pale when she heard that the drow witch had seen the children while scrying... so she used her powers to reach beyond the land of faery.

Pandora glanced to Chloe, and to Teri playing in his highchair.... if she knew of Alise and Stoney's children she would soon know of her children too. She hesitated for a moment; she could feel Chloe probing... wondering what was going on, she carefully drew her veil closer round her thoughts.

Tomorrow she would go to Traeger and get his assistance in casting individual protection spells to surround each of the children; but would that be enough... the drow were devious in all things. Pandora was sick with dread. Ob was touching her consciousness; reassuring her... but she could feel the emotion roiling in him.

Her mind mused about putting amulets on the children; then her next thought was of them being ripped off like Tori's necklace... she thought it would be much better to have the magick woven into something different... and her thoughts went to the sea hag and the spell that bound Keon and Cassie together... the children loved her, and she loved them. Perhaps she could contact her and see what she could do to help... a magickal  bit of hair would be better for the children then a bit of jewelry. She laughed for a moment at the image of Tomas seeing a necklace...not on that warrior he'd say.

Pandora looked up at Obsidian; he was deep in thought too....

Tori looks at Weebit, then stoops before her to speak to the demifae in her hand.

"My family wants to know if you saw the images that the Priestess saw?"

Whisp nods. He blinks his large almond shaped eyes. A frown crosses his face, his black eyes growing bright with excitement. He nods again emphatically. His words are a blur, a high buzzing. Miko and Weebit grin, then start laughing.

Weebit wipes tears from her eyes with her free hand. "Well, it seems you have a fan. He did not recognize you. Last time Whisp saw you, he did not think the Priestess would have someone to sacrifice. We hear you brought a guard to his knees for touching you, making him useless for the Priestess' pleasure."

Tori raises a brow. "You saw that?"

Whisp nods, giving her a thumb's up. He chatters at her again, hands scrunching up his whispy hair, batting his big eyes. Weebit translates while Miko's wings begin to buzz angrily.

"The littlest of the children has lots of curls, pale brown like ash leaves in Autumn."

Tannr slides his arm around Tori's waist, murmuring. "Grace."

Whisp strokes a hand down his face, to mid chest. He places a hand on his chest and sighs, batting his eyes. His words become soft, as if enamoured.

"The middle child has long dark hair, like dark chocolate. Her eyes make spring lilacs pale, amethyst jewels..."

Tannr's voice is terse. "Tara."

Tori goes still in his arms, a viper waited to strike. The flames flicker in her eyes, making the green glitter.

Again Whisp scrunches at his hair. This time he pretends to strike with a sword as his wings lift him slightly from Weebit's palm. He strikes a Peter Pan pose, fists on hips as he describes another.

Weebit closes her eyes for a moment. There is sadness, and anger, in them when her whiteless eyes open. "The last is a boy. A Warrior with wings and golden curls..."

Tori grinds out the name before Tannr can speak past the tightness in his throat.

"Tomas."

Weebit nods.

At Ob's touch Tori asks, "Were there any others?"

The little man shakes his head, turning to look up at Weebit with a frown. She bits her lower lip with sharp white teeth, then sighs. "There are two other Gargoyle children." She looks up at Twillon. "Now that she knows of three, I doubt it will be long before she knows of the others."

He nods, face grim. He motions Miko away from the others and speaks softly. When they come back to the others He can tell by the expressions on their faces that Tori has informed her Kin. He tells them that Miko will send a messenger through the Veils to tell Lord Blackthorn, Ambassador Inari, and, if they think it prudent, the Queens.

Alise is angry... as angry as Stoney has ever seen her. He tries to put his arms around her and she moves away, stomping her foot. Her face is red and she looks as if she might explode. Stoney would have been moved to laughter if the situation wasnt so deadly serious and involving the children.

“WHY?? Why cant they leave us alone? My children are not some freaks for these women to put in some...some exposition latérale de cirque* ....I will not allow this... and I will not live in fear and locked in my own house...”

Stoney shiwlds Alises anger from the children who are upstairs with Laila making forts out of their bedding. Tara pauses, her hand ready to drape a blanket over the back of a chair. A flash of anger, maybe hurt, quickly gone, then she feels her papans quiet strength and comfort. Her attention is quickly taken by Tomas' impatient, “Tara...” and the moment is forgotten in their laughter and play.

While Stoney could shield his anger from the children his siblings knew exactly how he felt. He sends to Tori...

Did your guest see the scrying? Would he know the children on sight? It would help us prepare...

Anger seethes under the calm words. Everyone in the link knows he is holding back an anger even greater than the one he bore towards Jean-Marc.

He looks at his wife, eyes now huge and dark violet, anger changing to fear for her children. He can see her thoughts, the fear she felt when Tomas attacked the ghoul that got past the wards.

Chiot, what if they find a way? Like the ghoul... he got in....

He strokes a hand down her back, tugging at the long golden silk of her hair. "Then they will find out what an enraged gargoyle is truly like. No one has seen me..." He smiles, eyes cold, canines lengthening. "in colère meurtrière"**


*circus side show

**murderous anger

Twillon clasps hands with Tannr when he opens the door. Weebit peeks out from under a lock of his long sun yellow hair. Miko buzzes behind Twillon, eyes searching the forested areas beyond the clearing.

"Come in. Our guest is... well I am afraid we just can't understand."

Twillon smiles. "No problem. Weebit and Miko are hear to help."

Twillon steps in and Miko darts past the tall Sidhe warrior so Tannr can close the door. He spies the demifae sitting on the edge of the table and slowly flits across the room. He sheathes his hat pin as he hovers near the smaller male. The guest looks from person to person, scrambling to his feet and edging away as Twillon rests his hand on the table. He relaxes as Weebit walks down the black sleeve. Stepping solidly on the tabletop she nods to Twillon and he backs off.

Weebit holds out her hands, talking to the demifae in a tone beyond the comprehension of anyone but another demifae. The guest relaxes and Miko assumes a loose stance, wings slowly fanning. The little one settles back down and Weebit sits as well, arranging her patchwork wings very carefully. Whenever the guest seems to get agitated, Wee bit places a calming hand on his arm.

The expression on her small face becomes more grim by the moment. Miko's hand drifts to the protected hilt of his steel hatpin. Weebit turns to Miko and buzzes her wings, then looks to Twillon. The winged warrior nods, darts to the Dark Lord, and speaks quietly in his ear. When he returns to the table, Twillon asks Tannr if he and Weebit can use a room for her to change.

Miko sits with the demifae, talking quiet in their own tongue. Moments later the sound of a muffled moan. The door to the bathroom opens and Twillon escorts a wobbly Weebit back into the room. She settles on a chair and holds her hand out to the guest. Miko speaks to him and both flit to light on her palm. She clears her throat and Twillon hands her a glass of water before she speaks.

"This is Whisp. He is a member of Inari's... troupe. I fear the news he brings is not good."

The demifae stands at attention, bearing himself up proudly.

"He cannot change size, or he would report to 'The Dark Lord Blackthorn' personally. I told him that the Commander is back in Faery for the moment. Lord Twillon, as Lord Blackthorn's second-in-command, is who he needs to report to, as the Ambassador is also currently unavailable."

Twillon bows his head to the little creature. It taps its foot and Weebit begins. "Our friend here has had the extremely perilous assignment of espionage in Underdark. He managed to infiltrate the High Priestess' private chambers."

The demifae nods slowly. Weebit looks at Tori, then glances down at the demifae.

"Tori, Gargoyle, once hostage in Underdark, we ask that you open to your Nestkin. They will need to hear this as well, and quickly, as we do not know when the Drow plan to act."

Frowning slightly, Tori touches Stoney and Alise, then Ob and Pandora, finding Pandora preoccupied with Chloe and... Ike? All the adults open a shielded channel to Tori, listening to what Weebit has to say. At her nod, Weebit continues.

"It seems that Tori is not off her reacclimation list. Death, if reacclimation is not possible. Somehow, she has found out about the children. Whisp could not see which ones she was looking at, but she was very... gleeful over the fact that there are Gargoyle children. Plans are being made to take one."

Tori feels the responses through her link. Tears fill her eyes, and just as abruptly she goes cold, steeling herself to be the fighter she made herself into.

"Alise and Pandora are livid. Ob and Stoney are checking the Wards of their homes. Ob has contacted Silk as well. She, of course, will inform Mortuis." Tori grins, a scary sight as fangs lengthen and her skin begins to go gray. "She is making a biiig mistake. She is threatening what amounts to their family." Flames flicker in her emerald green eyes. "I hope she meets the Right Hand of Death and the Succubus in a dark alley. The bitch won't survive. Mortuis won't let her.... Well, maybe just long enough to pay for what she has done to this family, and others."

Tannr watches his lover, pride in her response, anger simmering at what Whisp has reported. He takes her hand, feeling the skin firm under his palm. "She won't get you again. I'll kill the white haired bitch myself."

Miko takes to the air, darting in front of the Viking. He hovers, hand on his pin. "You won't be alone, amigo. She will go down, just like her Fae bitch of a seester. She doesn't know what she is up against."

Ky leans back against a tree, watching all the goings on. Most of the fae creatures avoid her, realizing that she is Wyldfae even though she seems to be in high favor with the Warriors mother and trusted enough to be a member of the guard. Ky wiggles her ears at some curious youngsters flitting close by causing a peal of high pitched laughter and buzzing. She smiles when she sees Inari heading over, leaving Star and Erik to speak with Tychus.

Inari smiles in return and starts to tease Ky about scaring off the demifae when her attention is grabbed by the sound of a troop of horses approaching at a fast speed. Exchanging glances with Ky she steps closer to the entrance, hand on her sword, Ky and Raina right behind her.

They all breathe a sigh of relief to see its the Nighthawks returning for a break from the Unformed Plane. The men try to be silent when they realize where they are and that a funeral has obviously taken place. Inari smiles when she sees Torin and his eyes widen in surprise at the sight of her. He easily slips off his horse never taking his eyes off Inari.

“Ambassador...” He inclines his head. “We seem to keep meeting here...” His grin is teasing, taunting almost, daring Inari to remember the last time they were together.

Before Inari can reply the Queen approaches on her way out of the Grove and Torin goes to his knees with the rest of his men.

“Pestering my ambassador again, Captain?” Titania grins and does not give anyone leave to rise. She exchanges a look with Inari who knows the Queen well enough to realize this is her way of teasing. “Well.... since I am in a good mood...” She looks to Inari, “ ...you may bring him to the meal... as long as you change.... into a dress. You did bring one didnt you? Otherwise I am sure one of my servants can help...”

Inari bows. “I have one of my own Your Majesty.”

“Good. Then we shall see you shortly.” As Titania moves away and into the forest with several servants following, Torin and his men stand.

Inari sighs, “Now I have to change... why she insists on my wearing one of those ridiculous...”

He words and thoughts come to a complete halt when Torin reaches out and gently touches her cheek.

Torin whispers so no one else hears, “Can I be of some assistance?”

Eyes wide, trying to hide the hunger she feels Inari shakes her head. “I think I can manage.”

“Are you staying the night before heading back?” Torin asks.

Inari nods, “Yes. We will set our tents near the Queens, although I am not sure if she is staying or returning to one of her palaces yet tonight.”

Torin grins, “Looks like a good place for us to set up camp. I will see you soon... Ambassador..”

Ky starts to laugh when Torin gets on his horse and his men follow him into the forest away from the Grove. Inari playfully shoves her and Ky shoves back.

“Well at least you dont need to set your tent up...” Ky jokes, making Inari laugh. “You can change in our tent....” Ky looks to Raina... ”At least she didnt say anything about the rest of us wearing dresses....”

Raina grins, “I packed one for you Ky... just in case...”

“You did not... did you??”

After the ceremony Titania excuses herself to go see that her pavilion and tents were properly set up for the meal she had invited all the visitors to. She speaks briefly to Keon, telling him where her tents were located, deep in the forest, not far from the Grove.

Giving Star a few minutes to compose herself, Inari waits and then watches as she thanks the keepers of the Grove, expressing her pleasure with the burial site and the ceremony.

“Excuse me...” Inari starts to back off as Erik pulls Star close.

“No, its fine, you arent interrupting.” Star turns to Inari and Ruarc does too, wondering who his mother is talking to. Inari is struck by how much they look alike, but Ruarcs features are definitely masculine while Star is small and petite. Maybe its the eyes changing color almost in unison and the silver blonde hair...

“I would like you both to meet someone..”

Star watches as Inari waves over the older man she was talking to earlier. He limps just a bit and uses a walking stick but seems bright and spry for one so old.

“This is Tychus, my old teacher and now my friend. Tychus, this is Lady Star, her husband Erik Thorsson and their son Ruarc...”

“The one the legends speak of...” Tychus grins at the boy and takes a small hand in his. “A strong grip he has.. My apologies for not kneeling, it gets harder to do at my age...”

“No... please, dont even try. No one has to kneel for me... or us...” Star stammers a bit, flustered at all the attention.

“My dear, would you do an old man the honor of taking a walk with him? There are things we should speak of...”

As Tannr comes out of the stables after feeding the cats and other creatures a small bug starts buzzing by his ear. He tries to swat at it, its angry buzzing annoying and distracting.

Tori grabs his arm before he can attempt a second swat. “Wait....Thats not a bug....”

“Its not? Then what the hel...” Suddenly the smallest demifae Tannr has ever seen is hovering right in front of his face. “Oh! Sorry about that little guy...” Tannr holds his open palm out and the demifae lands, heaving a sigh of relief, before the high pitched chatter and buzzing start up again.

“Do you know what he's trying to say?” Tannr couldnt make out a word.

Tori shakes her head, “I have no idea. We are going to need an interpreter.... Lets see... Mya and Imp went with Star as did Wish and Pike. I can ask Ob if Miko is around or Weebit...”

Watching the agitated little fae buzzing in his hand gives Tannr a sudden sense of foreboding. “Something must be terribly wrong. He sure is upset or pissed off or something...”

“Well, he is definitely trying to tell us something....” Tori opens the link with Ob. Hey bro...is Miko around? We have a very agitated demifae here. Can you send him or Weebit?

Tori turns to Tannr, “Lets take him in the cabin. Miko says to give him some honey and he will be here shortly...”

Inside Tori takes the honey jar down from its spot in the kitchen and dribbles a bit on a small plate. The little fae smiles and the angry buzzing subsides as he sips the honey.

Lobo looks up from his spot near the fireplace then jumps up and hurries to the door. He barks once and looks back at Tannr.

“Company...must be someone he knows or he would be going nuts.” Tannr stops Tori as she starts to move to the door. “Let me Red. Just in case...”