Wolvies

Seamus squeezed Catey's hand as they walked toward the inn. ?I din' know ye dueled, hon.? He watched her with a small smile in mild amusement after she had mentioned the possibility of her finding a match or two Outback. ?Wish I could 'ave seen ye in action there in th' rings.?

?You didn't know? I was so sure I had told you at least once how cool I thought it was to have someone as famous as Bran to offer to be my mentor. He was the Diamond at the time, too. You must have distracted me rather well for that not to have come up before.? She returned the gentle gesture as she looked around with a bright and happy smile. Walking through town hand in hand with Seamus on a warm July evening was one of her favorite things to do.

?I have an awful habit of distracting you like so.? Seamus had a wolfish grin for Catey.

?And you are very good at it.? She grinned back and then halted her steps for long enough to kiss that wolfish grin. She was still grinning when she pulled back again. ?And you're doing it again.? She winked.

Seamus gave her a one over. She had exchanged her leathers for a summer skirt and gypsy blouse. ?You know, skirts suit you well.?

?Perhaps I should buy another one?? It would take Catalina some time to get used to the idea of having more than one change of clothes. ?Or we could get you one.?

?You should buy a closet full. You could get fur lined ones for winter, too.? Seamus laughed and yet looked horrified. ?I don't think so; I didn?t wear my kilt years!?

?Fur lined skirts? I think not.? Catalina laughed with him as she tried to picture the look.

?Why not? I bet they are warm!?

?I could go for a comfortable leather one, though. Sure they're warm, with the icy winds, snow and whatnot blowing under them.? Catalina shook her head, still grinning.

?That works just as well.? Seamus grinned at her before he glanced up at the inn as they neared. ?Hmm, what do you feel like tonight??

?Besides you, you mean? I'd say surprise me, but last time I tried that you ended up bringing you two bottles of Guinness.? Her voice was teasing.

?I like Guinness, so sue me.? Seamus laughed loudly. It was a happy sound Catey attempted to provoke quite often.

?You can have all of mine.? She offered generously.

?Pfft, thanks.? Seamus leaned in to kiss her.

?You are very welcome.? Catalina chuckled softly after having returned his kiss. ?So, how about you surprise with something much less like Guinness and much more like spirits??

?A mixed drink?? He offered as they moved up the porch steps with a nod to those present.

?I could give that try.? She?d have been happy with just any kind of distilled spirit. But Seamus was offering and the evening felt special to her, so she?d try something special. She added her greetings to his to those gathered on the porch ? Mason, she thought she remembered a name to go with one of the faces there - before she stepped through the door Seamus held open.

?I don' really know any mixed drinks.? Seamus followed inside with a thoughtful frown.

?I guess I'm sticking with spirits then. It's way too late and a bit too warm for coffee, too.? Catalina chuckled softly. They could be adventurous some other evening.

?Indeed it is.? Seamus left it to Catey to fend for a seat at the bar while he moved back behind it to get her some spirits and himself a bottle of Guinness.

The bigger challenge as it turned out was deciding upon one of the many free seats at the bar. She gave a friendly nod to the few already seated and picked a stool at random. Only one of the group seated nearby returned her greeting. She didn?t have long to wait for Seamus to claim the stool beside her.

?Glad to be back, huh?? He set her drink before her before he sipped from his beer.

?Thanks, and yes.? Catalina grabbed up her glass. ?It's nice enjoying an evening stroll not having to worry about what might rise from between the cobbles.?

?A bit more dull, though, innit?? Seamus?s chuckle returned.

?Aye, very dull.? Catalina agreed, grinning. ?We've been here all of five minutes and no one tried to start a fight. We shall become quite bored.?

?Indeed.? Seamus pulled a pout. ?Which means I don' get ter see ye in action.? He winked before he took a swig of his Guinness.

?You've not seen enough of that yet??

?Coul' ne'er get enough.? Seamus winked.

?Lox would be so happy to hear you say we're coming back for another vacation on scenic Dragon's Eye.? Catalina managed not to laugh as she sipped from her glass. That the girl a couple stools over was offering the use of magical healing for the removal of some minor scars to her companion helped.

?I don' know 'bout tha'...? Seamus pulled a face.

?I'd much rather he'd not hear you complaining about how dull Rhydin can get.? Catalina tapped the tip of Seamus?s nose with a gentle finger, again laughing merrily. The lad at the bar had refused the in her opinion wasteful offer.

?Def'nitely more dull, ye know.. Nae fendin' fer our lives o' not'in'.? Seamus shrugged innocently. A few stools over the conversation had progressed to undead mages.

?Are you saying you actually miss that?? It was Catey?s turn to make a face.

?Nah, I got wolvies to worry about here.?

?You know, making your ranch work out well is the same thing, fending for one's life.? Perhaps she could yet convince Seamus that she could be help with those wolvies, Catalina pondered.

?Hmmm... perhaps.?

?Not just perhaps but definitely. And we get to worry about those wolvies together.? Perhaps it was better not to ask. She could at least give that approach a try.

?I don' know.? Seamus eyed her. Catey finished off her glass, returned it to the counter and slipped off her seat in favor of leaning against Seamus.

?I know it's difficult to just say yes. I didn't exactly jump at the idea of taking you to Dragon's Eye - at first. For all the same reasons.? Catalina had not really expected Seamus to just nod.

?Yeah, I know.? Seamus finished his Guinness and set it down before he stood up with her in his arms. He was still frowning, though, when he carried her to the door.

?I'll convince you yet.? Catalina sounded confident. Together they disappeared into the night.

Panther?s Claw Chivalry

Catalina and Seamus had been busy with the ranch and with simply enjoying peaceful life and recovering from their time spent on Dragon?s Eye. But this evening they?d take some time out to venture into town. During a previous quick stop in town Catalina had seen a poster for the Panther?s Claw Tournament at the Outback and she very much wanted to give that a try. As so often with best laid plans, Seamus was far from ready to leave when the time came. So Catalina set out on her own. Perhaps she hadn?t forgotten everything the famous lizard man had taught her and Seamus would still get to see her land a punch once he could join her.

When Catalina arrived at the Outback plenty of people were already present, seated at tables and at the bar and just standing in small groups. Even so she spotted Rena right away and went over to greet her.

?Good evening, Rena. Is it okay to sit here or is it a no-no to sit with the official??

?Help yourself, Catey. How are you?? Rena found time to return the greeting before she had to make an announcement.

?Just the tiniest bit bored. Seamus is trying his best to keep that from taking over, though. How are you doing?? Catalina pulled out a chair and sat down. People kept arriving, but so far she couldn?t spot a familiar face in the crowd other than her friend of old.

?I'm good. The candle orders are keeping me busy.? Rena replied as Catalina spotted a winged canine sip from a straw. A feline seated only a few chairs away looked to be enjoying the same kind of iced drink.

?I should get some when you have a little room for an extra order. I imagine with the temperatures falling, a few candles would add a little something to evenings spent by the fire.? Catalina mused as she watched an icy-blue skinned lady shimmering into existence.

?Just send a note about your favorite colors and scents and we can go from there.? Rena instructed before she was distracted again by a patron with an urgent question regarding the tournament about to start.

?Red or honey and something sweet, like lemon tarts or baklava.? Catalina answered when Rena looked to her again. She had not really thought about all the possibilities, but she was certain that if it involved lemons Seamus would enjoy it. A few tables over one of the high ranked brawlers grumbled loudly about not being allowed to enter the tournament.

Then it was time for Rena to announce the start of the tournament. Personal conversation would have to wait. Catalina listened to the rule reminders as she eyed the competition.

It took Catalina a moment to realize that she wasn?t asked to step into a ring during the first round. When she had she leaned back to watch the match in progress. She could do with a reminder of what hits were allowed and which not so much.

A few rounds into the match she caught a look from Rena and she promptly rose to her feet and excused herself.

?I?ll be right back.? With those words Catalina went over to the bar to fetch refreshments. For Rena she organized a cup of coffee, for herself a bottle of amber liquid and a glass. She returned in time to catch the last round of action of the first match and to enjoy a quick drink from her glass before Rena passed out ring assignments for round two.

?Horta has Tass and Thorne, Orion - Anya and Guill. Vulcan - Catey and Dris. Bajor has Natolii and Misty.? Rena turned to Catey then. ?Thank you.?

?You're welcome. I guess I see you after the duel.? Catalina smiled to Rena before she quickly drained her glass and then, setting the glass on the table, headed for the ring.

?Good luck to you all.? Rena?s voice rang out just before Catalina got a first good look at her opponent. He was a showman to judge by his stroll into the ring and the flourished bow to the audience before he turned to face Catalina.

?Good evening, Bard.? Catalina guessed.

?It's Dris, darlin'. Bard by trade, but Dris by name.? He gave her a wink before he took up what might appear to be a matador's pose, sans red cloth.

?You may call me Catey.? Catalina offered with a grin as she took a step toward him. She was a little surprised when Dris actually took to the air and flipped backward, her attack having been straight forward and lacking all finesse. But he quickly dodged her follow-up fist and she was left to admire his somersault.

?You were pretty quick there.? Catalina offered complimentary.

?Try t'stay light on m'feet, love.? Dris advised with the same generosity even as he leaped with an acrobatic flip over Catey?s next attack.

?So I see.? Catalina attempted to reset.

?Thanks, darlin'. Not so bad yerself.? Dris returned her grin with a wink as they circled with more caution.

?We should be getting points for all those well coordinated moves.? Catalina suggested with a grin.

?Aye. Bit like dancin' ain't it?? Dris wished for that matador's cape as he avoided another of Catey?s punches with a quick turn to the side. Then again, perhaps his opponent would then get the steers horns and that thought was not worth finishing.

?That is an interesting strategy you have there.? Catalina commented as Dris, slippery as a snake ducked and weaved away from her grasp. ?Normally I wouldn't mind a lady gettin' all touchy feely, but I've a notion ye're intendin' on doin' me more 'arm than good.?

?It's something to do with all the people watching.? Catalina returned his wink.

?Not a fan o' an audience I take it?? Dris chuckled deviously.

?Not generally.? She grinned

?I'll be sure t'keep that in mind.? He gave her another wink right as he brought his arm up to block her punch.

?An audience appears to be something you should out of professionalism of course desire.? Catalina started to enjoy the banter.

?Oh aye. I love a good show. Puttin' one on or watchin'. Either or.?

?I'm not sure I wanted to know all that.? If Dris meant to distract her, his plan seemed to be working.

?Just imagine it.? Dris grinned like a devil. But Catey wasn?t doing all that much imagining just now. Or maybe she just didn't appreciate the dirty thoughts he attempted to implant into her head. Either way, Dris found himself clocked right onto his back.

Since he was down there, he tried to bring her down to his level, but the lass followed her first punch with a second. A corner of her mouth lifted slightly as she felt it connect.

?Yegods, darlin'! Y'tryin' t'ugly me up so no one else'll want me?? Dris snickered.

?That wasn't the original intention, but thanks for suggesting it.? Catalina winked to the bard. Her comment made him laugh brightly and a moment later he was once again on his feet. Just in time for Catalina to help him back to the mat again.

It sort of worked, but Dris recovered quickly and then danced a pirouette right around Catey's flank so he could goose her. And, expecting to get hit real hard in retaliation for that, he ducked and covered. Peering through his fingers, he grinned when he wasn't hit, and since he was already down there... Time to sweep her off her feet!

?Be glad Des is not here, else the button would have gotten pushed.? Rena?s voice rang out.

?What button would that be, do you know??

?Sudden death.? Dris explained.

?Does that mean we have to stand up again??

?Not necessarily.? Dris grinned. They then helped each other up, sort of. Rena?s voice did not sound so pleased when she announced the result of this chivalry.

The grappling appeared to have a lot in common with dancing and Dris appeared intent on pulling her into a dance step and to finish with a dip worthy of a ball room. Catalina appeared just a little more intent on giving Dris a little something to remember her by at least for a little while. Dris did not fight that off at all! In fact, there was no better way to lose, he thought.

?Thanks, Dris. That was almost enjoyable.? Catalina winked. ?I'm looking forward to next time, if there is to be such a thing.?

Grinning gleefully, Dris flourished a bow. He rose up just in time to catch the consolation prize tossed to him by Rena.

Catalina barely had time to stop by the table for a healthy swig from the bottle still standing there before Rena assigned rings for the second round.

Documents and a Key

?Good evening.? Catalina nodded in greeting to those within proximity as she stepped up the bar of the Red Dragon Inn. The men sitting there all seemed to be the quiet type. The woman behind the bar took a swallow of coffee and to judge by the grimace she made as she swallowed the coffee was cold.

?Nah, he'd breathe on'em, burn'em up. Too good for th' ordinary, he is.? The woman replied to a comment Catalina had missed. Then she jerked her chin up to Catalina, returning the greeting.

?Are you tending this evening?? Catey smiled over and set the bakery bag on the counter and with a thought of what all stuffed the pockets of her jacket decided not to take the jacket off. It wasn?t as if it clashed painfully with the leather skirt she was wearing.

?Maybe, if you're tippin'.? The woman replied with an indifferent shrug.

?I can do that.? Catalina grinned and dug in her leathers for change. ?I'd love some spiked cider and it's probably safe to ask for a cold Guinness.? She found the coins to cover the drinks and a generous tip and set them on the counter.

It was safe but she didn?t know that yet. Already Seamus was nearing the inn, Cailean scampering around and between his legs in excitement.

?Just touchin' me that had him all worked up. Be knocked down a peg'r two here soon enough.? The woman finished her conversation with a nod before she pushed off from the back-bar and grabbed a bottle of Guinness from the 'fridge. She didn?t read the label, but she knew the type of bottle. ?Hot cider'r cold?? She wanted to know as she delivered the bottle.

?Hot please, if it's not too much trouble.? With an afterthought she added, ?Oh, and a glass of water, too, please.?

Cailean beat Seamus him up the porch stairs of the inn, jumping up on Guido and giving him licks. Seamus snickered before he whistled at the wolf that instantly jumped back down and began pacing as he waited impatiently.

?Oy, 'old yer horses ye wild thin' ye.? Seamus shook his head as he stomped up the porch steps.

Inside Catalina unbuttoned her leather jacket and reached inside. When her hand came out again she held a couple of roses. She frowned at their red heads, finding them a bit worse for wear, and tried to tease them back into shape with her fingers.

?Perhaps the water will perk them up again.? With that mumble she set them in the water glass. ?Thank you.? She smiled up to the woman behind the bar.

?Bleedin' mad, ye are.? Seamus was grinning, though, and he lowered his hand to scritch between Cailean's ears before he moved to swing the door open. With a salute for Guido he slipped inside. Cailean was only yards ahead of him and scampered off for Catey and whatever smelled so good in that bakery bag! Again, Seamus just shook his head. ?Trouble, th' whole lot o' t'em.? He had a cheeky grin and wave for Catey as he followed after Cailean at a leisurely pace. Catalina turned around and reached down to greet Cailean with a scritch behind each ear even as she smiled up to Seamus.

?Hello there, handsome and happy birthday.? Once Cailean had been properly greeted she straightened and went to greet Seamus with a hug and a thorough kiss. He'd have to wait for his scritches behind the ears until they got home.

?Mm, thank ye, love.? Seamus laughed and swooped Catey up into his arms, welcoming the kiss. He sniffed with a hopeful expression when he set her on her feet again. He had noticed bulges in her pockets, too. ?Summat smells good... Ye don' happen t' 'ave lemon bars, do ye??

?I do have lemon bars.? Catalina admitted with a wide smile and indicated the counter. ?Along with a cold Guinness waiting for you. The flowers are for you, too.?

?Oh, mus' b' me lucky day!? Seamus grinned like a kid on Christmas. Though he quirked a brow at the roses as he swiped up his beer. ?Aye, a woman after me own 'eart.? He waggled his brows at Catey and leaned in to steal another kiss. She was happy to let him steal one of those, temporarily having her chuckle muffled.

?That's a good thing as it appears you're stuck with me for the time being. Let's sit so you can enjoy the treats.? Catalina spotted Rena arriving just then and waved to her. Rena returned the greeting but kept on going toward a seat by the hearth, avoiding the bar for the time being.

?Mm, now tha', tha' I can do.? Seamus plopped down on the stool beside her and Cailean curled up at their feet, making do with merely looking around excitedly. Catalina picked a bone shaped cookie from one of those stuffed pockets of hers and snuck it to Cailean as she sat down.

?Good boy.? She whispered to the wolf before she nudged the bakery bag closer to Seamus. He promptly stuck a hand in the bag to steal a lemon bar, and stuffed his mouth with it rather elegantly.

?Fank ye, dow.? His voice was all distorted from the treat. When he spotted Rena, he waved a hand and grinned with a mouth full of yellow pastry. His greeting, too, was returned right away. Cailean, on the other hand, was thrilled with his bone and he tried to be quiet with it. But it clattered noisily onto the ground and he began to gnaw savagely on it.

?You're very welcome, darling.? Her smile turned theatrically thoughtful as she mused out loud, looking between lemon bars, Guinness, flowers and Seamus ?Birthday flowers, birthday cake, birthday kiss, birthday ale. Hmm. Seems something is still missing.? She appeared to puzzle over what was missing.

?Eh, I don' know... ? Seamus wondered with a dubious tone, blinking at Catey. What else could be missing? He was a happy man.

?Hmm, there has to be something...? She patted her pockets, barely keeping from grinning.

?Ye got tha' sneaky look 'bout ye.? Seamus squinted and narrowed his eyes. ?Wha' else ye hidin' there love?? He peeked around her curiously from his seat.

?Perhaps we should have a look.? Catalina delved into those pockets and set whatever she found in them on the counter; a small wad of papers, a small box of mulling spices, a hand full of coins, a key, another handful of those bone-shaped cookies and an apple.

?Wha' 'zactly am I lookin' at?? Seamus blinked and tilted his head.

?Hmm, the cookies are for Cailean and the coins are for drinks.? She picked up each pile of those and returned them to her pockets before she looked over the rest of the items, trying her best to appear to have difficulties in coming up with explanations for Seamus.

?The key is yours. There's a trunk with a lock matching it that by now should be somewhere on the ranch. Do we have a stable yet or just a barn?? Catalina was rather proud of her distracted professor impression.

?Mm, cookies? For ol' Cailean?? Seamus laughed and took a swig of his beer. Then he blinked. ?Th' key is mine? Why?? He raised a brow as he refreshed her memory, ?Th' barn's got a stable attached... Jus' finished it las' week.?

?Then the trunk is likely inside the stable by now.? Catalina nodded. Of course she?d not forgotten inspecting the stable or just how proud and happy he was with it. And, for that matter, how proud she was of Seamus and the fine job he?d done with it. But the stable was also rather empty of animals. ?Well, you need to get to the stuff inside the trunk, don't you?? She was definitely grinning now.

?Is this like a scavenger hunt?? Seamus asked with a blank stare.

?What's a scavenger hunt?? No one had mentioned any such a thing being part of birthday celebrations to her.

?When ye have t' go find somethin' someone hides, then tha' is jus' a clue t' another thing t' go find and ye keep doin' tha' til ye get to th' last thing, which is th' prize.? Seamus wondered how she couldn?t know such a thing.

?I didn't hide anything. I'm sure the trunk is in plain sight.? Catalina winked to Seamus as she nudged the wad of papers his way. ?These might shed some light on things. Good evening, Marek.? She greeted their friend who just then stepped up to the bar. His guitar coffin was noticeably absent this evening. The man nodded to the couple before he pushed behind the bar.

"Playing tonight?" A pretty girl asked of Marek while Seamus gave the papers before him a suspicious look. He lowered his Guinness to check them out and nodded his head at Marek in greeting.

?Hey, lon' time no see, me friend! How goes it?? The wad of papers appeared to be made up of receipts and a couple of birth certificates of sorts.

?Sorry doll face, I didn't bring the case tonight... maybe next time.? Marek winked to the pretty face before he grabbed up a tankard and filled it from the nearest tapped' keg behind the bar. He gave Seamus another nod as he took up a lean behind the bar. ?Goes all right... can't complain too much... I've been busy lately. You two been behaving??

?Behaving?? Seamus tilted his head. Upon closer inspection, the receipts are for everything from tackle and brushes to fence posts, wire, wine and even a metal feeding station. ?Wha' are these certificates fo' 'zactly??

?Those? Hmm, they must be the papers that came with the new occupants of that stable.? Catalina replied evenly, glancing to the way too dressed up for her apparent age girl stepped up to the bar with eyes narrowed and trained upon Marek. Marek in turn glanced from Catey to Seamus, also curious about those papers and stable occupants.

?Ye didn', did ye?? Seamus?s eyes widened considerably.

?Take a picture lass, it'll last longer.? Marek suggested with a raised brow to the girl that was still just looking at him.

?Did what?? Catalina opted for the fake blank look. She knew very well what she did. But that bull had looked at her just so with those big round eyes from under the longest lashes ever, she just couldn't leave him behind. The horses had been planned for, though.

?I... I can' thank ye enough.? Were those tears in Seamus?s eyes? Nah, just a trick of the light. Though, he did look incredibly grateful.

The girl, she looked to be perhaps ten, was not a very patient child. She huffed at Marek?s manners before she let words curl out in a hiss," Lotus wine."

?You have any money short stuff? Or going to use monopoly money?? Marek tilted his head over the bar at the girl as he lifted his own tankard for a drink.

?You were planning on having some animals at some point, no? It's not much of a ranch without any, you know.? Catalina?s grin turned out a bit guilty. She didn?t want to make Seamus cry. But she was immensely happy with his reaction.

?Yeah, yeah... bu' tha's a lot o' money!? Seamus agreed with an exasperated sigh before he lifted his drink for a long swig. ?I don' know wha' ter say...?

"How dare you. Of course I have money." The girl?s lips curled in a sneer. Her fingers disposed a gold upon the bar top without a care as she hissed under her breath.

?Be nice kid, or I'll have to put you over my knee.? Marek nodded over the bar at Lily, taking the gold coin but not moving much from his lean behind the bar to get a drink for her.

?Well... you remember me telling you of talking with the banks the other day and exchanging some stuff for the local currency?? The key and was of paper taken care off, that left the box of mulling spices.

"I would like to see you try... Male." Marek?s neck was looked over as if he was fitted for a piece of clothing before the girl muttered," Black." She made the word sound like something dirty. She lifted her chin proudly before she spoke again," Lotus wine. Now."

?Huh, yeah... I remember tha'...? Seamus tilted his head at her. ?Why go though all tha' trouble??

?Get it yourself, short stuff.? Marek flipped the coin in his hand and then tossed it back at her as he adjusted his lean against the back bar. ?I don't work here, shorty... learn to do things for yourself skinny britches.?

?It's easier to have local coin for payment than trying to pay them with jewelry or golden plates or any else along those lines.? Catalina explained. Besides, animals would look so much better in the barn than bits of a Golden?s treasure.

?Aye, I s'pose so...? Seamus frowned over the rim of his beer. He was grateful but he also felt guilty. Then he chuckled. Catalina leaned over and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

?You've been working so very hard, but no matter how hard you work with all that wood and nails, you can't make a horse or cow that way.? Catalina kept her words quiet.

?Very true.? Seamus grinned at her. She smiled back and then placed a kiss on the tip of his nose before she sat back again. He followed her nod to the box of mulling spices with his gaze.

?Those are for later.? Catalina explained. The apple she had pulled out was of course for the horses, when Seamus went to meet them.

?You are the most vile little vermin I have ever met. If you do not work here then why are you behind the bar?" The little girl was still staring at Marek.

?Wha' b' they for, 'zactly?? Seamus returned a questioning gaze to Catey.

?I can keep an eye on things best from this spot, squirt. Why don't you run along and go play dolls with your friends? It's a bit late for you to be out by yourself.? Marek was still remarkably patient with the girl. A smirk perked his lips with a nod down at the girl. ?Don't make me call your mother.?

?I figure by the time you said hello and got reasonably acquainted with the new stable inhabitants and got to look at everything we'll be chilled enough to enjoy a nice warm fire and mulled wine while sitting in front of it to thaw out.? Catalina didn't hide her grinning now. Even her eyes sparkled with it. The wine to be mulled was already in the kitchen.

?Ahh, ye think o' everythin' honey.? Seamus beamed.

?It's wonderful to see you this happy.? Catalina beamed right back, as excited as he was and now relieved to be able to show it. She chuckled softly. ?You've no idea how hard it was not to let on all week. And Cailean was so good; he didn't breathe a word either.? She leaned down to pet the wolf as she spoke his name.

?I'd be worried if he had!? Seamus laughed and looked down at the wolf who was still enjoying his bone, though he leaned into the scritches.

?You make it sound like he'd open his maw and words would come out.? Catalina shook her head slightly, grinning. ?I was referring to him not making any fuzz or noises when I came home smelling of cows and horses to give the surprise away.?

?Ahh, I see.? Seamus nodded and took another swig. The little girl was still trying to boss Marek around.

?Kid? bugger off now... before someone decides to enslave you and make you clean the floors of their barn.? Marek made a wave off motion with his hand.

?Ooh, enslaved labor to clean barn floors? Sign her up!? One of the other patrons cut in.

?Are you eager to get home now?? Catalina remembered her cider and picked up the glass for a drink. It was barely warm now rather than hot. But she'd been too excited earlier to enjoy it. She smiled to Seamus again after a few swallows. The mention of someone cleaning a barn had her glance over to Marek.

?Only if it's to spend some time wit' ye, doll.? Seamus waggled his brows for her from over his glass.

?You definitely will get to do that. I'm not going to miss any of your reactions to the new inhabitants.? Catalina promised and smiled wide to Seamus. Receipts, apple and anything else Seamus may not have picked up and pocketed went back into her pockets. ?Don't forget your birthday flowers.?

?Mm. Le's go.? He returned his bottle to the counter and rose. The key and the papers for the breeding stock were already stuffed in his own pockets. Grinning, he whistled at Cailean, who scrambled up. At Catey?s reminder he picked up the flowers.

?Good night.? Catalina tossed a wave to Marek and Rena each before she settled her hand into Seamus?s. Then she was ready to head out.

?Gotta love kids... that's why they made birth control.? Marek smirked and bade a fare well to Catey and Seamus.

Seamus waved to everyone, too, before the pair headed out followed by the wolf.

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